COME TO ME

The journey of the soul.

By

Barbara J. Strauser

                                                PROLOGUE            

Long ago in the Land of Beginning there lived a beautiful princess who was betrothed to a handsome prince.  Their land was a verdant garden and all needs were provided by the King.  They loved to walk the flower-strewn meadows and the lush valleys where the air was cool and fresh.  The King often walked with them and explained the way the kingdom of their intended reign should work.  They ate the fruit of the land, which was of matchless quality as well as plenteous in supply.  From time to time Princess Lilly and Prince Jerome swam in streams of crystal waters.  At night they slept upon grassy hills; the stars were a sparkling canopy overhead.  Their lives were replete with joy and their love was pure.

One day there came upon the scene a figure from a foreign land.  He was resplendent in his appearance and seemed to have the secret of untold wealth.  He visited with the y22ung couple and enticed the woman with his words.  He convinced Lilly to leave the Land of Beginning and go away with him to a place he would show her.  She loved the prince and wanted him to go along, but when Jerome heard the story, he was wounded in his heart and remained in the Land of his birth.  By chicanery the lovely maiden was lured away.

Many eons passed and in the land of Woebegone Lilly lived with the figure foreign to the land of her birth.  The one who had seized her held her fast and became her paramour.  The princess, whose name now was Leilah, became a slave/queen in the foreign land for she was deceived concerning her heritage.  The barbaric captor had persuaded her that he held everything needed for position, wealth and happiness.  Within her had grown a craving for all that her captor claimed was his to give.

The evil barbarian was a hard taskmaster and forced Leilah to struggle to survive in his land.  It was up to her to take up the slack left by her absent intended mate, and the tasks delegated to her were demeaning - the rewards not without high cost. 

Although she felt the prince had failed her in the time of their betrothal (when he escaped the barbarous creature by returning to the King, leaving her to her own decision) in her secret heart Leilah continued to long for her lost love.  She had been unfaithful to their intent to marry, but still she wandered in the darkness of her captivity, silently hoping to be rescued from Woebegone.  She dreamed of the prince's return to take her to the land of her beginning where they would have a family and be content forevermore.

Throughout the years of preparation the prince grew strong in wisdom and wealth.  He saw his love in the arms of her captor and conceived a plan to renew his relationship with the maiden of his youth.  He knew he could win her back!

One day, at the urging of the prince, the King sent a messenger to the princess.  These are the words he spoke:  "The King has sent me to say to you, 'Why are you downcast, Leilah?  You are in the land of your own choosing.  But because Jerome has told me of your hardships, I will send a helper for you.  He will stay with you as long as you wish, and when you are strong enough the prince himself will return you to the place of your youth, which is now called the Kingdom of Fulfillment.'"

Leilah was apprehensive for she knew the ways of the barbarian and suspected this to be a means of trickery to test her allegiance to him.  However, one day there appeared at her door one that was a stranger to her.  He resembled the inhabitants of Woebegone but his demeanor gave her cause to trust him.  She asked for identification, and when she saw the seal of the King she invited him in. 

Their visit was fraught with fear for the woman's anxiety was high that she would be caught talking with someone not of her master's choosing.  She knew that the penalty for his displeasure would be costly.  Still, she was intrigued and thought it to be worth the chance to hear him out.

The stranger told her that the prince's love for her had remained constant and that the King would welcome her home again.  But there was a requirement that she must first meet.  She would have to renounce her master (Scathe, the barbarian) and all that he had given her, but in the meantime the stranger was sent to help her.  The princess answered that she would have to think about it, and asked him to return the next day.

After the helper (whose name was Paraclete) had departed she went back to tending her unruly children and prepared their evening meal - frustrated because she knew what she served never satisfied them, for they were like their father.  The woman pondered the words of Paraclete.

Now although Leilah had remained in the household of Scathe and bore him many children, they had never married.  She stayed with him for he had bound her.  She had no other means of support and no place to go.  She had never tried to escape - their offspring were completely out of hand and she knew that without their father their demands would soon deplete her supply.  And besides, he did give her pretty trinkets from time to time.  No, she could not leave him.

When Paraclete showed himself again at the entrance of her abode, she told him she had decided to allow him to stay around, for her load was heavy and she welcomed the thought of help.  "However", she said, making it clear, "I cannot leave Scathe."

Leilah and Paraclete took up the routine of daily meetings, and while Paraclete was around her work was easier.  Even though he was not actually doing the chores, he told her of ways to make the load seem lighter.  He helped her with the children and encouraged her not to always give them what they wanted.  He never criticized her ways, but suggested changes that would lessen her fears and give her courage to look in new directions.  As the days went by she began to toy with the idea of sufficiency within herself to find a way to be free.  However, she continued to make her bed in Woebegone, in the home of her keeper.    She feared that without Scathe she wouldn't have shelter or food for her children - and Leilah still liked the trinkets that he showed to her.

One day while shopping in the store which Scathe's company supplied, Leilah met a man named Moribund.  He fascinated her for he seemed to know the prince.  He talked of Jerome and addressed the problems of Woebegone with assuring words that the King had a way to solve her dilemma.  She was excited to learn he was a preacher but somewhat bewildered that he did not know Paraclete.  Never the less, they arranged to meet the next shopping day, for Scathe was never around when Leilah went for the supplies that he had already picked for her.

When Moribund and Leilah met at the market place, he suggested that they go somewhere for lunch.  Surely Scathe would not miss her if she were gone a little longer.  They found a little out-of-the-way place where they could talk freely.  Moribund had a tongue of silver!  His words and promises sounded much like what Paraclete had told to her.  She believed that perhaps the answer to her dreams could be found with him.  After all, she had not seen anything of Prince Jerome for so long.

Moribund and Leilah continued to meet and they fell in love.  She had little time to see Paraclete, nor even think of him.  Soon the two made plans to marry.  Leilah moved out of Scathe's house because she had grown stronger in herself and felt sure that Moribund would provide for her and her children.  (She did clandestinely, from time to time, sleep with Scathe.  He treated her with the trinkets that still had her eye.)

With pomp and circumstance the happy pair were married.  Moribund promised to receive her children as his own and to train them up in the way they should go.  Leilah began her new life with high expectation but sad to say, time passed and the thrill became dulled.  Leilah grew disenchanted with Moribund.  He was a poor provider.  It was up to her to make him work.  She found that since they were married Moribund would do nothing unless she motivated him.   He began many projects under her suggestions but never saw complete success in anything.   His congregation was floundering.  He could not even direct her children in the way he had promised and they ran uncontrolled.  Their food was poor and often rancid for it was not frequently replenished.  They had a roof over their heads but it was not what she had expected.  Besides that, now when he talked about the prince or the King they sounded more like Scathe than the kind ones that she remembered.  And she was disappointed that he would not allow her to speak of Paraclete.

Moribund could no longer please her in any way.  Even the gifts he brought her were always somehow tarnished.  She still craved the glittering trinkets from Scathe.  Because of this, her romps with the barbarian had never ended.  One time during a surreptitious meeting with her old cohort, he told her that everything Moribund had given her had really come from him. Scathe said that even the words he spoke about Prince Jerome and the King had been tempered by his influence.  He admitted that although they had in the beginning come from a messenger of her King, his cronies later taught the messages, twisting each word so that they spoke not the kindness of the King but the emotions of mankind.  After this revelation Leilah was so angry that she vowed never again to visit Scathe.

Because she now knew that Moribund had not been truthful with her, Leilah no longer wanted to depend on him for her needs.  She went out to look for a job in the work place of Woebegone.  Strangely enough, while interviewing for employment as a social worker (her personal experiences were her credentials), she saw Paraclete.  She called out to him and he came and stood beside her.  They began to renew their friendship, and as they talked she remembered the things he had told her long ago.  She asked if the promise of the King still stood.  He replied that it did.  The tainted princess invited him to come to her home the next day, hoping that Moribund would listen to him and that somehow their marriage could be retrieved.

When Paraclete arrived at their house on Shambles Street Moribund had gone out to buy supplies for their household.  (Of course his wife knew that all that he would bring home would be through trading with Scathe.)  When Moribund returned he was furious that Leilah had brought her friend into their home.  He grew weak and pale in his anger and told Paraclete to leave - forthwith!!  So Leilah continued on in her visits with her steadfast friend alone.

The woman gave up any conscious attempt to contact Scathe because she really wanted nothing more to do with him.  At times when she remembered the trinkets he had held out to her she was tempted to see him once again, but she refrained.  Strength had been gained in her inner person by her frequent meetings with Paraclete.  They were now together nearly constantly.  She felt sorry that her husband would not hear him out.  Since the day he met Paraclete and banned him from his sight he was growing strangely weaker, at times truly seeming near death.

The relationship between the long intended bride of Prince Jerome and her mighty friend grew so strong that even when they were not conversing and she did not see him present, his words seemed to hang in the air.  He had continued to encourage her in the hope of a reunion with the beloved of her youth and of the kingdom they would reign over together.  Love, peace and joy with Jerome sounded like all she would ever need.  Her longing for him was strong although she knew that the prince could not marry her as long as Moribund lived.  She further knew that Moribund's life would be sustained only as long as she listened to his words.  Not only that, but she also realized that in listening she was strengthening Scathe's power over him, for the tenor of the words was his.

Leilah had to make a decision.  She consulted with the only friend she had, and vowed to abide by the wisdom of his words.  Paraclete told the troubled woman that it was Moribund's destiny to die, for he had always been bound to death.  He also said that by refusing to listen to him she would find reunion with her intended mate.  In his death there would be new life for Moribund, and that not bound to death.  He would be healed and given true life at the time of the maturity of the “son of renewal” who would be born of her union with Jerome.

Leilah decided to sever all ties and make her final denouncement of Scathe by no longer listening to Moribund.  She knew that was the only way either of them would ever know Fulfillment.  She remained faithful to her decision and constant in her communion with Paraclete.   And Moribund died.

When the news reached Jerome he was prepared.  With only his sword in hand, the handsome prince mounted his steed and rode into the Land of Woebegone.  With his sword raised high, he lifted the beautiful princess up onto his mount to take her to the Land of Fulfillment to become his bride.

The sly character, Scathe, was aware of the plan and not easily defeated. In stealth he laid snares along the way of the narrow path they would travel.

INTRODUCTION

Types, shadows, patterns and paths: our map and revelation of the plan of God for mankind.  Let us be diligent in finding the perfect will and purpose of God and dedicated in our determination to follow His directions. 

All that transpires in the physical realm has its counterpart in the unseen realm.  The things that are decreed to occur in the congruent church must first take place in every member of the body of Christ, "The Church of the Firstborn".  Every individual of the body of many members will come into agreement with God's plan before we see Christ appearing in His flesh to resurrect the living and the dead.

CRISIS

There is an immutable law in the center of the universe and when it is fulfilled all other laws will become obsolete.  Few know its requirements for not many are aware that this law exists.  The inalterable law is neither part of the Ten Commandments nor the whole law of the prophets.  Christ Jesus did not utter it in His command to love.  Still, all law was written to accomplish its unwritten, immutable standard. This great law is that of RETURN.

A character crisis exists in the land and neither moral laws or self-control will resolve this critical stage of human existence.  Humanity has reached the brink of self-destruction, and to retrieve the human race from this edge people must have the vision of their prodigious potentiality.

Within every person lie the essential attributes for recovery of the human potential.  These are waiting to be intensified to turn what is dead to life; what is base to holiness and what is against God and useless to righteousness for the praise of His Glory.  The standard for the existence of future generations hinges upon the focus of this generation and their full allegiance to the Great Law.

SITUATION

When mankind was banished from the womb of his creation it was the feminine aspect of the species housed in human form that became the director of the race of man.  The life force of the human spirit had departed, so the masculine aspect of humankind was bound to death.  Both genders of the human form are represented in the Adam and Eve of the fourth chapter of Genesis.  However, it was the souls of men and women under the direction of the sense realm who began the trek through the world in their endeavor to return to the Paradise that was lost to them.  Spiritual death has detoured the crown of God's creation from the completion of his journey. 

This truth was typified in the primary couple's first offspring - the twins.  Abel, the one obedient to God died, while Cain, the rebellious one survived.  The course of humanity was following the set pattern. Their third child, Seth, was an expression of the plan to come.   He was born in the image of the man of the beginning, spirit and soul. [The Bible states that in the beginning Adam was created male and female, which we understand to signify spirit and soul. See Genesis 5:1-3.]   After the pattern created before time began had been set forth by example in human flesh, the course of mankind followed its stated design.  The seed of Seth produced his son named Enosh, meaning mortal.

DETAILS

Before we move on to examine the tremendous change that took place when mankind was deprived of the God given spirit, we need to understand the make-up of the one created in the image of God.  The universe and all that it encompasses came out of God, but for this endeavor we will center upon the most intelligent creature of earth: Humankind.

The swirling mass of turmoil, which became the substance of creation, came out of Elohim.   He spoke the form of everything created and proceded to bring it forth.  All things came from the same "dust", even the intangible soul of mankind.  Because man was created in the image and likeness of God, within his soul is God's image but only the inspiration of His Spirit will bring man to His likeness.   After God created the soul and formed the human in His image He inspired this form with His Life and called the creature Adam, who was both male and female (the spirit inspired with the Breath of Life, and the soul).  God did this incredible thing to enable man to present Godly attributes through the human form.

When God separated the soul away from the Spirit (Eve came out of Adam), the Bible says that He closed the wound of Adam with flesh. He did not leave a little of the Spirit in Eve, rather, He left a little of the flesh in Adam.  [Flesh refers to the area of base influence, which is within the soul of humanity.]  The flesh remaining in the human area of the spirit allowed all flesh to go the way of the carnal nature and disobey God. 

The flesh area must die.  God gave the ritual of circumcision to the Hebrew Nation as a sign of its removal.  The custom of cutting away of the foreskin of a male child has transferred down from that rite and remains a practice to this day

The carnal nature is the "serpent", which surfaced in the soul and tempted humankind by the lust of the eye the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.  This serpent has been called the devil or Satan but in actuality it is the perverted form of God's attributes within the heart of every human being.  The soul must be intensified by the Sevenfold Spirit of God to eliminate the reverse of Godliness, and this can come only through the rebirth of the Spirit of Christ within the human breast.  When the souls of men, women, boys and girls are endued with the life of the Spirit and submit to that influence, all creation will come into the perfect will and purpose of God for humanity: to know God and glorify Him forever.  Therein lies the quest of humankind.

STATUS QUO

When the residents of the garden disobeyed the Father by partaking of knowledge apart from Him they committed the act that thrust them into a mortal state.  The God-given Spirit departed and man and woman immediately lost the glory of God that had covered them.  It was then that God supplied them with flesh as a covering and blood to sustain the flesh.  This presented the sense realm - sensual appetites and pleasures.  The soul continued on but was now dependent upon the life of the human form.  Because the only knowledge available to them was carnal and their desires base, they could no longer be privileged to the supply of the heavenly realm.  But as Adam and Eve were about to embark on a life outside of that supply, God instructed them concerning both the seen and the unseen aspects of the way ahead.  This revelation is referred to as the curse of man, and it is actually God informing them of the circumstances that resulted from their disobedience.  The tangible evidence of the banishment from the Paradise of God is well known for we have all experienced it.  We will examine the unseen elements. 

Because you have done this:

TO THE SERPENT (satanic nature):

"Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals!  You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.  And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel"  (Genesis:3:14, 15)

The carnal influence is the lowest form of life.  It must draw its existence from the souls (dust) of mankind.  Although this entity dogs humankind's walk throughout the world, its end is to be trampled under foot.  The war between the Fruit of the Spirit and the demons of unregenerate souls is real.

TO THE WOMAN  (soul):

"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children.  Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."(Genesis 3:16)

The soul is to obey the spirit.  The souls of humanity long for the higher form of Spiritual life, even though that longing is not always recognized.  It will produce new life (Fruit of the Spirit) when it is conjoined with the recreated spirit. 

TO THE MAN (area of the human spirit):

"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."  (Genesis 3:17-19)

The human spirit lost its life when the Spirit of Christ withdrew in the garden.  Without the God-given spirit the human spirit is death-bound and coexists with the soul.  The spirit of man is meant to have supremacy over the soul and be director to that area.  It cannot rightly do this however until Christ is recreated there.  The spirit was named the tiller of the ground (meaning the soul) to bring forth all that is indigenous to its make-up.  The dust (soul) can produce no good thing until the union with the recreated spirit occurs and causes the soul to bring forth spiritual fruit.

HUMAN PLIGHT

The struggle to survive became severe as mankind began to move under the pronouncement spoken by God, recorded in Genesis 3:22,  “And the LORD God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil.  He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever.’”  Created man now stood under the burden resulting from disobedience.

Within the soul is the nucleus for new life but without the seed of the recreated spirit it cannot reproduce.  Therefore, spiritual children could not increase in number to fill the earth unto the appearing of the image of the Second Adam (who was then yet to come).  Instead of the earth being subdued by the Power of the Word it became a shambles because the prince-of-the-power-of-the-air [satanic will of carnality] not only ruled the hearts of mankind but also polluted the earth and the fullness thereof.  The fallen nature has used unmerited strength as a deceitful ploy to keep humanity under its control. 

Early on within the atmosphere of the earth there began to form the offspring of the one who rules in the air that surrounds mankind.  The spiritual energy generated by the wickedness in the hearts of fallen men and women became great enough to move from heart to heart, from tribe to tribe and nation to nation.  Instead of children of the Spirit of God coming forth there were the unseen children of darkness (demonic influences).  The mind, will and appetites of the soulish area in humanity listened to the sense realm, which is influenced by the hissing voice that had caused mankind's downfall. 

Although God has continued to move on behalf of humankind, fallen man seldom hears His voice.  When He found the one to whom He could speak the law, the symbol of the way to rescue the human race began to be formed in earth.  The law had no life but its purpose was to hold the place for the entrance of the Messiah who would fulfill that law and make a new covenant with God's people.

UNDER THE LAW 

With the law entered not only guilt and fear but also maneuvering to keep the letter of the law but not the spirit of it.  A drawn-out people struggled to leave evil behind and to be good.  They wanted to agree with the God of Abraham but except for a few, they actually attached to imaginations, doubts, fears, rules and rhetoric.  Even though the God they worshipped was Life, because their spirits were moribund their religion was bound to death.    

We are viewing the unseen realm of the soul: the soul without an able mate, for her intended mate remained in the garden of their beginnings.  The weary soul has coexisted with the lifeless entity along side her (the emasculated spirit).  The codes and rules of this relationship were prescribed by God to hold man's allegiance to His plan but in the physical realm they are tarnished by the carnal influence.  The sense realm is the image that has appeared in place of the spirit.   Everything that the sensory impulses of desire bring to the soul are linked to death.  Religion is of that realm.  The soul, trained only in the principles of the fallen world, cannot raise the spirit.  Christ enters recreating the Spirit - the realm of life.

God gained the attention of a set-apart remnant through His mighty acts but greater intervention was sorely needed.

THE WANDERING SOUL

The satanic influence has dominated the world because dominion was transferred from the hands of the spiritual man into the hands of the carnal nature.  It has been fair game for this devil to plague mankind in all that he does to influence, provoke and to live off of human flesh.  When the edict of God was pronounced in the garden it reached much farther than the physical condition of man and woman. 

Because it was decreed that the spirit [husband] would rule over the soul [woman], she continues to look for her leader.  The moribund flesh cannot cause the dust [soul; feminine aspect of humanity, not gender] to produce because it has no life-giving seed to plant there.  Furthermore, the soul feeds the serpent [satanic influence], sustaining the life form that is at the same time the curse, thus, preventing spiritual life.  This scenario is played out in every unregenerate man and woman.  Until the Christ Spirit is recreated in the human breast it is left to the feminine aspect of each person to make the life-style decisions for the individual.  Unredeemed souls are influenced by the sense realm, which is trained by the carnal world.

A person is prepared for living in his human form within the nucleus of his soul.  He is born with certain traits, equipped with the five senses and endowed with the favor of gifts and/or talents.  He will choose between two directors; one will propel him toward eternal life, the other, separation from God.  The choice is individual.

The world has become quite familiar with the ramifications of choices separate from God.  Men and women, boys and girls have remained needy because they have denied the strength of a HUSBAND.

“...remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.  For your Maker is your husband - the LORD Almighty is his name - the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth”  (Isaiah 54:4, 5)

The human race suffers from moral inaptitude.  There is no inherent ability in mankind to be good.  No one possesses the "genes of goodness" to pass on to his offspring.  Obedience to laws and rules can only be exampled in parents and taught to their children.  They may learn to conform to rules and be trained in obedience, but virtue cannot be taught.  Only submission through Christ to God's righteousness will bring an aptitude for goodness.

The race of man without Christ is lacking proper direction for their souls.  The quality of life that God has deigned to give to man escapes the concept held by the finite mind of the world.  The soul was not created to be a leader but to be the prolific reproducer of the offspring of the Seed of Christ.  This feminine aspect of mankind does not have the innate ability to rule so she has, by necessity, looked to another source for direction.  Because the designated mate of the soul lost his life early she has depended upon the senses that rose up in his absence.   The senses are the faculties of sensation that are a means of providing physical gratification and pleasure.  Hence, the soul became a "pleasure seeker" for the flesh.

God designed the sensory impulses of man for the purpose of protection and an influence for good in man's earth-walk.   But the devil that stole the dominion of all creation from humankind is also the one who warps the mind, will and emotions of the race of man.  When this area is tempted by the sensual cravings of the human body it is easily understood why one who has not a credible leader falls prey to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life.

COME TO ME

God saw the plight of the human race and was amazed to see there was no intercessor.  So He sent His own Right Arm to intervene.  He clothed the Living Word in human flesh and sent Salvation into the world.  The God of Salvation is life for the spirit, strength for the body and peace for the soul.  With the words, "Come to me", Jesus Christ invites us out of the turmoil of the world into a new dimension of living.

It is incumbent upon the human race to die to the world (carnally trained senses), deny self (governance by the soul) and live life to the full - Jesus Christ in you, the hope of glory!

***

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Matthew 11:28)

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Let us now observe Leilah and Jerome as they make their way toward Fulfillment.
CHAPTER ONE

THE JOURNEY

 It was late afternoon when the happy pair left Woebegone.   The way was wide and paved for several miles but when they came to a fork in the road Jerome trained Osmund, his steed, onto the way of a tree lined, unpaved roadway.  Although evening was fast approaching Leilah had no fear as they turned onto the narrower way.  She trusted the prince and his mighty horse was sure-footed to take them on their way.

They rode for a time, and before darkness fell Jerome found a clearing off to the side of the road where they could spend the night.  Jerome removed the bundle of supplies from Osmund's back and handed Leilah her traveling case.  After he settled his horse for the night he set to the task of making a fire of some broken pieces of an idol that Leilah gave to him from her bag.  The flame lasted through the night as they slept, snugly wrapped in the blankets that the prince had provided.

When Leilah opened her eyes the next morning the sun was just rising over the distant hills.  She saw that Jerome had woken earlier and prepared a repast of fruit and bread.  While they ate Jerome thrust his sword into the ground between them.  He told her there was not a stronger implement of protection, and as long as it remained in his possession nothing could harm them.  By way of demonstration he picked up the sword and swung it over his head.  As the blade cut through the air Leilah saw flashes of light like flames in its wake.  She was impressed and secretly desired to handle the sword herself.

Day after day they traveled in the direction that Jerome had chosen.  In the evenings they stopped and prepared a place to spend the night.  Jerome always fixed a tasty meal over the fire he built from things Leilah gave to him from her traveling case.  While they sat near the fire Jerome would tell his bride-to-be about the place where he was taking her.  She had many questions about the King and the prince's answers filled her heart with peace.  Bit by bit Leilah told Jerome of her experiences in Woebegone.  She was relieved that he did not press her but let her reveal only what she wanted to at the time.       

Early on Leilah began to notice oddly familiar looking figures lurking behind shrubs and trees.  Once she recognized a boy hiding in the shadows that her children ran with back in Woebegone.  Seeing him frightened her for she knew him to be a formidable character.  She did not mention the shadowy forms to Jerome because they reminded her of Scathe.  She surely didn't want thoughts of him to spoil their journey - but she was worried.

When they stopped one particular evening Jerome saw that her demeanor was shrouded in fear.  He said nothing but after they finished their evening meal, he handed her a beautifully wrapped package.  He told her it was a gift that he had been saving until just the right time.  When she opened it she found a lovely crystal pendant that contained a tiny mustard seed.  As he fastened it around her neck she felt worry and fear fall away from her.  Her countenance showed her delight.  Later, because she now had faith, she told Jerome about the shadowy figures.  He reminded her of his sword, and they both laughed.  She removed a large article from her bag and threw it into the fire.  The blaze rose high and the fire burned throughout the night.  That article was the root of fear.

The roadway narrowed as the two progressed on their way.  At times they walked single file while the trusted horse trotted ahead of them.  There were many traps awaiting their footsteps - some so well concealed that several times Leilah's foot was caught in them.  She could only be freed when Jerome applied his sword to the trap.  Every time she was ensnared Leilah was so ashamed of her carelessness that she would have just dragged the thing along if Jerome hadn't noticed.  After he freed her she still felt guilty.  Those were the times when she saw Scathe himself crouching in the wooded land.

One morning as they were closing their campsite, Leilah noticed among the embers of their fire something glittering, which she easily identified as like the things she had received from Scathe.   Impulsively she reached her hand into the dying fire to retrieve the trinkets that resembled the ones she had so enjoyed.  With a cry of pain she withdrew her hand and saw that it was badly burned.  Jerome quickly came to her rescue, caressed her hand in his, and the searing pain was gone.  After calming her he said gently, but with a tone of authority, that she must never take anything out of the fire that he had put there.  He warned her that perhaps the next time her garments would ignite and she would be severely injured.  The repentant princess never forgot that experience.

As they again started on their way Leilah was disgruntled.  She was thinking about the troublesome snares and the fact that she knew Scathe to be hanging around.  The disquieting episode of the fire added to her chagrin.  Jerome noticed her silence and sensed something was troubling her.  He began to sing songs of triumph and also words from the Scroll of Truth that they had learned from the King in their childhood.  Soon her mood began to change and she joined in singing with him.  Their voices blended as one in a joyful sound!  The time passed quickly that day.  They stopped early in the evening to have more time to talk freely and to sing praises of their King who was so steadfast and good.  They raised their voices in thanks for the blessing of having each other.

During their time of sharing thoughts and dreams, Leilah felt free to tell Jerome of the incidents when she had seen Scathe moving around them.  She confessed her anger toward him and said she thought she would never forgive Scathe for his deceit and the pain it had brought her.  Without condemnation Jerome reminded her of the many things the King had forgiven her, and that neither had he held anything to her account.  He further stated that as long as she nourished feelings of bitterness she would have no lasting joy or peace.  Leilah pondered his words in her heart.  That night she vowed to release the feelings she had harbored and to forget all that was behind her.  She removed a relic resembling an old root from her receptacle and placed it in the fire.

The next morning Jerome said they should walk because the road would begin a sharp incline.  They loaded their things on Osmund's back and allowed him to move ahead while they followed.  The princess, even though she was used to hard work became breathless and very tired as they climbed the hill.  She wanted to join Jerome in singing but could not.  There were many poor people standing along the way, and she thought they should stop to help them.  However, each time a needy person appeared the prince would raise his sword, and as it flashed the naked were clothed, the hungry fed, the maimed and ill were healed and homeless found shelter.  She was amazed and thought perhaps her eyes were deceiving her because of her fatigue.

When they finally reached a clearing Leilah wanted to stop for it had been a most trying day.  After they rested a while she asked the prince about all of the troubled people they had seen.  Jerome told her that they were people who had begun the journey but stopped because the way was difficult.  They didn't have an escort and were trying to reach Fulfillment with their own strength.  He knew some were lost, and others, when they became entangled in the traps along the way, forgot all of the resolve they had possessed when they began their journey.   Jerome added that if they would ask, even at this part of the trip Paraclete would see that the proper one who was anointed to lead, and whom the King alone could send, would come to them.

***

"Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all in Thee I find; Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind.  Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness; False and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace".  (Jesus, Lover of My Soul, third verse; Charles Wesley, 1740)

***

Jerome wanted to reach the plateau before nightfall so they soon moved on.  When they were nearly to the level ground, Leilah heard a faint sound of people singing.  She could not make out the words but she could tell they were expressing joyful praise.  A few steps farther on Leilah beheld the most beautiful sight she had seen since she left the Land of Beginning long ago. 

Before her she saw a beautiful garden.  It was bathed in soft light and the air around her was pure and clear.  She detected a fragrance that reminded her of her childhood.  In the distance she could see a large gathering of people who were singing and swaying to the music they made.  Some were raising their hands and speaking in a language that Leilah had never heard.  Jerome and Leilah were entering into the Garden of Gifts.

*** 

CHAPTER TWO

THE VERDICT

“Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But whomever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what has been done has been done through God.”  (John 3:19-21)

The Holy Spirit hovers until Jesus is received as Savior.   He is The Way of return to the Father.  Jesus Christ is Recreator of the right spirit within the human breast, and is indeed that Spirit.  He is the One who prepares the place of rest, and the souls of men are the dwelling place that He prepares.  He is the director who will guide every step we take, if we will so allow.  The soul's donning of the garment of righteousness is the intent of the recreated spirit.   Without the soul's yielding to the new life that has come there will be no upward movement.  Faith is the pathway.

It was faith that allowed Leilah to toss fear into their campfire.

CHARACTER BEARS WITNESS TO THE SOUL, SEEN ONLY BY GOD, BUT REVEALED IN THE LIGHT.

A person who has not the Word of Life moves along, doing what he has been doing.  He may give mental assent to religion, do good works and be seen by the world as a "good" person.  A civilized society demands certain decorum but a renegade will behave in any manner that pleases his psyche.  The only disturbance within the unregenerate is the several factions of carnality vying for supremacy.

The entrance of the Word brings light to one's life.  There is an emotional upheaval within because the senses become aware of a new director.  The battle for control of the human soul begins.  One who has received the light of the Spirit needs the Word of Truth who is trustworthy to free him from the snares and to steer him clear of the destructive fires.

The carnally trained soul does not easily succumb to the New Authority who arrives with the recreated spirit - far from it.  The truth of the matter is that the recreated spirit requires righteousness, and the soul will try to comply without "giving in".  This area uses many pretenses in the attempt to raise itself up.  Along the way temptations are skillfully presented by the old nature, actually programmed in by behavioral patterns that are set in the world. 

The temptations that trouble the newly won to Christ appear in many forms.  Among them are memories, unforgiveness and longings.  Allowing memories to linger may present temptations that are nearly impossible for the incomplete person to withstand.  Unforgiveness establishes a root of bitterness that will poison the area of the soul and prevent the Seed of Life from flourishing.  Longings can open a door to actions that may take one back into the world. 

Faith in God is the portion given upon the entrance of the Word.  Only maturity of the soul will develop this Seed of Faith to become a fact, which cannot be penetrated by the world.  "...Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22) The Christ of the recreated spirit removes guilt from one's soul.   Self-condemnation and grief for past trespasses are reconciled to obedience as truth is established.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death”.  (Romans 8:1, 2)

***

TRUSTING

There is an area within every person which strains toward survival.  We may call that entity "self" or "ego".  Whatever the name, it is the quality that makes each one of us an individual, and it is of the soul.  The personality must yield its domain to the Love that comes in the recreated spirit.  Until one submits he is incomplete - a "carnal Christian". 

Much more is required in belonging to Christ than the rituals of confession, baptism and works.  Rules, regulations, dogmas and doctrines are all part of the world's attempt to extol an aura of virtue.  These are not virtues - they are bondage.  Church attendance, study, benevolent acts and participation in denominational activities are recognized by the world as "good works" but they are not God working. The Christ of God brings freedom from the attempts to emulate Jesus and presents the gift of inheritance that enables the soul to join Him in God's plan for His family. 

 “I tell you the truth; anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”  (John 14:12)

There is a profound difference between the good works of religious social reform and ”God Works”.  Good works are in-part works because they are indigenous to the world.  Although God has long worked through sincere, yielded vessels to repair the damage done in human flesh, there is a higher realm to which He is calling His remnant.  This is the realm of transformation where righteousness overcomes evil, and the torments known in the world can no longer attach.  Therefore, they cease to exist.  Good works minister to the flesh of mankind and enable him to continue in the fallen world.  (Remember the old adage: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions".)  "God works" are put forward by the Christ and minister to the heart of man, done apart from the physical realm although the manifestation may be in the tangible area. 

Faith is trusting, and trusting is believing.  To believe is to adhere to, trust in and rely on God. One who thoroughly learns this lesson is sanctified and faith becomes fact for him.  Trusting God will be his nature.  Within the sanctified soul of regenerate man God works to bring forth the new creature, [eternal man] who will give evidence of Spiritual Fruit.  Spiritual Fruit will take form when the soul has become pure by submission to the truth brought by the new spirit within.

YIELDING

The Spirit of Life that God gave to man in the beginning has always belonged to God.  When disobedience occurred the Life that God had inspired into human beings remained with God.  Life was gone from man's spirit, and along with the soul it was dismissed from God's presence.  Jesus Christ has sent the immediacy of God’s Spirit into the world, and we know this persona of God as the Holy Spirit.  The Bible says that the Spirit and the Word are one.  By the hearing of the Word one is convinced of his need for God and may receive Jesus as Savior.  The Spirit of Christ is then present to give life into the mortal body - it is not eternal life for flesh and blood but life for the human spirit.  The recreated spirit will in turn, if we will allow it, draw the soul into this life.  This is yielding.  It is probably the aspect of salvation that is the most misunderstood.

Time after time we see well-meaning people trying to be like Jesus; trying to obey the interpretation of the Bible extolled by their church denomination.  This is not the way.  The only way obedience can be accomplished is by submitting in our mind, will and emotions to the perfect will and purpose of God.  It is the Holy Spirit who will express God's love to us by the Word.  It is the Word that convicts us of our need to listen and believe.  This is Christ's wooing His bride.  He comes in this way to raise up the one who has been betrothed to the Spirit since the beginning of mankind.  He will take the human soul for His bride but first she must be taught and trained until her will is His, her thoughts are His thoughts and the God of the universe inspires her emotions.  The person who is longing for Christ will be seen with Him at His appearing.

***
CHAPTER THREE

ENTERING IN

Leilah and Jerome continued walking toward the assembled group.  They could now plainly see the men and women who were intently giving themselves over to the atmosphere of holiness that surrounded them.   Jerome seemed to recognize the assemblage but Leilah knew not a one, nor were their actions familiar to her.  

Leilah was awe-struck as they drew near to the gathered worshipers.  Jerome stood quietly by and watched her.  He knew that the unabashed flow of love was unequaled in anything she could have witnessed before.   When the tempo of the singing picked up a bit Leilah began clapping her hands with the rest.  She was completely oblivious of anyone who might have been watching her, so caught up was she in the spirit of the music and the delight of the moment.  Then as suddenly as it had begun the hand clapping ceased and the worshipers begin to hum a tune that was apparently familiar to all.  Then, here and there she heard a softly murmured "hallelujah", and people began to turn to one another to speak quietly but with a tone of authority.  She could not hear what any one of them was saying but she could see the reactions - those many times being tears running down over a countenance of gratitude.  She could hear, or rather, see a softly spoken, "Praise you Lord".

After this time of sharing the crowd began to disperse. This is when the newly arrived pair was first noticed.  Several couples came over to them and began friendly overtures of welcome and invitations to join in with them the next evening.  Even though the actions she had witnessed were strange to her, Leilah was eager to promise to meet with them - much to Jerome's satisfaction.

Leilah and Jerome were directed as to where they might find lodging, and also a place for Osmund to be fed and tethered.   However Jerome rejected the latter for Osmund had never been restricted, and Jerome was the only one from whom he would take fodder.  Osmund simply spent the night near the place where the prince slept.

When morning came the delight of the previous evening remained with Leilah.  She was excited about the prospect of walking around their new surroundings and meeting more of the folks she had observed before.  She and her beloved companion entered the dining area of the little inn where they had stayed. She was pleased to see that the woman who waited on them was evidently of the same ilk as the singers of the night before.  She was friendly and an aura of joy radiated from her.  The food they were served was very much the same as Jerome had prepared each morning - bread and fruit, but this time a little strained honey was provided for the bread.   When they had finished eating and visiting a bit with the proprietor, they left to begin their adventure.

The first sight that caught Leilah's eye was a tent that had been raised in the center of the community.  Long tables filled its massive interior.  There were men and women bustling around obviously preparing food to feed many people.  One young man waved to them and they walked over to talk with him.  He said that every day at noon people gathered to eat together and be strengthened in their inner persons.  Now Leilah had no comprehension of what he was speaking about but she was interested to know more about those who were partakers of this arrangement.  They made plans to return at the proper time and dine with them.

A little further on she saw streaming into an open area many people who seemed to be ill or impaired in some way.  There, standing in their midst was some sort of leader.  He was waving his arms and making declarations as people either shouted "amen" or promptly fell to the ground seeming to be unconscious or asleep.  When the people who had come for help turned to leave Leilah saw that many who had been crippled now walked upright, ones who had been ill glowed with health - but still others remained unchanged.  She really didn't know what to think of the whole scene.  She had certainly detected an air of excitement about the participants - and a little odor that reminded her of Woebegone.  Strange.  She would need to ask Jerome about this later.

As they moved on following the trail that was marked out they became aware of a feeling of overwhelming compassion.  Leilah was nearly overcome by the sensation that engulfed her.  She began to weep and leaned on Jerome.  His love strengthened her and she was able to regain her composure.  She looked around and surrounding them she saw forlorn looking people who were reaching out - to whom or what she knew not.  She moaned when she realized that her own lack caused Jerome to move ahead of her as he ministered to individuals.  She watched in amazement as he went from person to person pouring oil from a vial over every head and then thrusting his sword deep into each heart.  She was astonished that not a one fell dead but sprang up invigorated with a new energy of life and formed a retinue of praise for the King of the Universe.

 Leilah was so moved that for a while she could not speak.  She had not realized the full extent of the properties of Jerome's sword but now knew that the freedom it brought to the needful people was something that she, too, must have.  She turned to Jerome with new respect and inward assurance and said,  "Pierce also my heart with your sword and pour oil over my head that I may know the renewal of life that I have witnessed among those who were reaching out."    Jerome did as she asked and then placed three seeds in her hand.  He said they were seeds from the fruit they had eaten on their journey but in time they would produce greater fruit.  He said she should accept them as the seeds of love, joy and peace.  She was at that instant aware of a depth of love that was new to her.

***

"Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep me pure within.  Thou of life the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee; Spring Thou up within my heart, Rise to all eternity".  (Jesus, Lover of My Soul, fourth verse; Charles Wesley, 1740)

***

By now it was nearly time for their promised return to the tent they had visited earlier in the day.  So much had happened already that Leilah wondered what else might be in store.  She needed time to fathom the meaning of the events and to know the ethereal quality of the one to whom she was betrothed.

When they reached the tent they found that all of the residents of the community were there.  She was surprised at the children for they behaved with decorum befitting those much older.  Jerome and Leilah were promptly invited to sit wherever they chose and join them for their meal and sharing their joys.  Leilah heard many reports of wondrous events that before would have seemed incredulous to her.  However, after her own experiences that morning she accepted everything said with peace and joy.

Everyone remained so long at the tables that they barely had time enough to freshen up for the evening's occasion.  After the momentous experiences, Leilah felt as though they had been in the Garden of Gifts much longer than one day.  She was soon to learn that in this place time was of little consequence. 

She was ready when Jerome came to her door.  She greeted him with a smile and said that she was anticipating the evening ahead to be a pleasant repeat of the previous one.  Leilah was, however, to be greatly surprised.

When they reached the spot where before they had witnessed a subdued attitude of holiness, they saw something much different.  To one side of the area was a group with musical instruments - a keyboard player, one with a guitar and another held a trumpet.  Two made up the percussion - one with a tambourine the other seated at drums.  Near the little band were some singers.  People were dancing about, not together but singly, as they "felt moved".  All in all it was a joyful sight.  There was laughter and singing and exuberant praise for the same King whose name had been glorified in worship the night before.  Jerome joined in the festive occasion, but Leilah held back.  She was a little intimidated by the "amen’s" and strange words that some stood and uttered during an intermission of the music.

Leilah enjoyed the evening in a guarded way.  She was not sorry when the crowd began to leave.  Soon she and Jerome were on their way back to the inn.  She was glad that no one accompanied them for she had a lot of questions for Jerome!

The days passed in a manner similar to the first.  The activities varied somewhat but the gracious attitude of the people remained the same.   One day following a sunrise prayer service, Jerome and Leilah packed a picnic lunch and started off by themselves for an afternoon of hiking and enjoying the beautiful hillside just below the Garden of Gifts.  They had gone only a little distance across a meadow when they came upon a group of women who had gathered under the shade of some trees.  One woman stood and introduced herself as Elizabeth. She said they had come to that place for a time of "praying in one accord".  Jerome smiled when he heard this and asked if they might join them.  The women were happy to welcome them and wondered if they had ever experienced this kind of endeavor before.  Jerome answered that he had many times.  Leilah said that she had not.  She was bewildered by the conversation but her curiosity was peaked so she sat down with the rest. Elizabeth said that Leilah should just feel at ease and allow her spirit to lead her.  She agreed that she would, although she really did not understand exactly what that meant.  Jerome was sitting by her side and knowing that she could trust his judgment gave her courage.

Then they began.  Every woman and Jerome was praying in a different language, very quietly.  Soon one woman began to sing, and one by one the others joined in.  As they did, their languages became the same.  Their voices were in harmony and sounded sometimes like a choir and other times more like an organ. For a time one voice rose above the others singing an aria of praise while the rest were as an under girding accompaniment.  It was a beautiful sound to hear, and Leilah was enthralled.  The voices ended their singing in one accord, silence followed.  In just a little while one began to speak again with another answering, still speaking in languages strange to Leilah.  The words they spoke were interspersed from time to time with laughter.  A third woman joined in and they continued on for some time.  Then to Leilah's stunned surprise, Jerome began to speak in her understanding.  He was telling of the King's love for those gathered together and of the things that were in store for his people everywhere.  It was a most uplifting message and all were delighted to hear it.  Jerome and Leilah thanked Elizabeth for allowing them to join their group and then departed.

As they walked on Leilah was thinking of the beautiful sounds, and after a while told Jerome that she, too, desired to speak in the heavenly language.  He looked at her and said, "Why, you can, Leilah.  Let's just stop here and I will tell you how."  They were near a brook so they stopped and sat down beside it.  Jerome said, "Just put your head against my chest and as I speak let the words come through your mouth.  You will find it to be a wondrous experience."  Leilah did as he told her, and he began to utter words with a lyrical sound - poetic and at the same time musical.  His baritone voice gave richness to the sound that to her was beautiful.  Then she also began to speak, although she still did not understand the words.  They continued on this way for a while until Jerome's words were in their understanding.  The words he spoke told her that the King was most pleased with Leilah and she would find her understanding in the ways of his kingdom increasing in the days to come.  Leilah was overcome with joy.  To think that the King, whom she had always loved, could send a message to her in such a way!   She didn't want the experience to end, and suggested that they remain there for their picnic lunch.  They talked while they ate and Leilah realized that she was greatly blessed to have such a one love her so dearly.  She knew that she could commit her life to him and be the wife who would bring him honor, bear his children and be forever faithful.

While she slept that night, Leilah's dreams were of Jerome.  She dreamed of his presence and of the many things he had told her.  She was aware of significance in their intended union that she could not quite grasp. 

It was nearly daybreak when she awoke abruptly.  She turned her head toward the little room joining hers, and through the doorway she could see a mirror on the wall.   As she looked she was aware of great power within the small room, and the mirror took on a white light.  Appearing in the mirror was the head of a regal looking lion, and across him in a diagonal manner was a sign that was imprinted with strange writing, which she couldn't decipher.  In a moment the lion was gone and a golden light illumined the mirror.  She was bound with awe as she saw the room begin to fill with a mist of rosy light.  In the center of the rosy hue was a white form.   Before her very eyes the form took on the shape of a woman - a bride!!  She was dressed in a gown of white linen with a veil falling to below her waist.  The gown was without a seam, although it was fitted and flounced at the knee and sleeves.  The graceful skirt was voluminous at the hem that just brushed the top of her feet.  The bride stood before the mirror, turning this way and that, looking to see that everything was in proper order.  Then she lifted her skirt slightly, and let it drop again as if to remove any wrinkle or fold.  Then she shook out her sleeves, straightened her veil, turned once again before the mirror and departed.  The illumination left the mirror and the rose colored light faded to darkness.

Leilah left her bed and went to the window, and looking out she saw that the sun was just peeking over the horizon.  The miraculous sight that just moments before had filled her vision had shaken her but she knew that the sign that appeared with the lion indicated that the whole of it was indeed a sign.  Although she knew she wouldn't sleep she returned to bed, and with pondering thoughts went over the exceptional event she alone had beheld.  Leilah looked forward to the hour when she could share with Jerome.

Leilah was dressed and waiting when Jerome arrived.  She was eager to tell of her experience but she waited until after breakfast to share her astounding story because Jerome had raised the subject of their departure from the Garden of Gifts.  Leilah had been happy during the time spent in the lovely place, and would have liked to stay a little longer.  However Jerome told her that the time had come to move on to accomplish the rest of their journey. 

After they had finished eating Leilah related her vision to Jerome.  He rejoiced with her and remarked that the King of Creation had drawn back the curtain of the unseen realm to allow her to see what others could not.  He told her that it was significant that a bride preparing for her nuptial ceremony had been shown to her.  He quoted a bit of Scripture that later on would help to open her understanding:

..."To present her to himself as a radiant church [bride], without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."   (Ephesians 5:27)

That very day they began to prepare to leave.  Jerome said that this time they would carry no supplies with them, and that Osmund would accompany them at this time for the way was very narrow and steep.  He had already made arrangements with one whom he could trust to take care of the equine needs of his faithful steed.

Just before they parted for the night, Jerome asked Leilah to bring her valise to him.  He said that everything that she had brought from Woebegone must now be burned.  She had already discarded the remaining things in her consciousness, so the burning of them was a welcomed way of being rid of them forever.

The trinkets in her bag made quite a bon-fire.  Because everything was dry it burned quickly.  When the flames had died out, she said, "This is a fitting way to depart from this place.  I feel as though a great weight has been removed and the final chapter of my former life ended."  Jerome smiled and nodded.

***
CHAPTER FOUR

LISTEN!  Jesus said, "Come to me".  Come to me for peace with God.  Come to me for strength.  Come to me for rest.  Come to me and I will meet your needs according to my riches in glory. 

Jesus Christ is Life for those who allow Him to enter.  Christ is the Life and Jesus is the name that is above every name that is named.  Jesus means, "Jehovah is Salvation" and is the name that was given to the one who bore the power of God into the world.  The Name of Jesus is the authority that causes every demon's knee to bow and even the vilest tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  That overcoming power is present for raising up the saints so they might be with Him where He is.

Religious laws, rituals and rules were to hold the place and/or point the way to Christ.  Since He has come, we must not hold to the old order but move on the new.  The gifts of the Spirit are tools to sustain the body of Christ as it is being built up fully in the image of the Second Adam, Jesus.  We ought not cling to the spiritual walk but move on to the fullness of Christ.  Christ did not appear among us to bring "in-part" life to the world.  He came to impart Life in abundance.

Do you know that what we set our sights upon we become?  Do you know that man without a vision will perish?  Where have you focused your sight?  What is your vision for life?  Our eyes must be lifted up so that we may see God as He truly is.  John said that humankind is like little children and what they should become has escaped their understanding.  But when we see God as He truly is we shall be like Him, and then He will appear.   When He becomes our life He will appear among us in holy myriads of Himself in the glory that is His.

It is knowledge of truth that leads to godliness.  God would have all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.  We must hear about God before we want to learn about Him.  We must learn about Him to want to know Him as He is.  We must know Him as He is so that we can become like Him.  Only obedience in the light of one's knowledge of truth purifies the one who knows and obeys.

Religion has allowed lies to be spread about God.  It has, in fact, many times been the spreader of lies.  The Spirit of Truth will lead us into all truth concerning the things of God - including His vengeance and wrath.

It needs to be understood that the day of vengeance is to establish possession of those who have been restored, refreshed and regenerated through the process of reclamation.  God's wrath is the outworking of His justice and it is against sin.  Truth brings revelation of the Word and gives us understanding.  The Spirit of Truth uncovers lies, thus presenting the way of their removal.  Obedience to truth is the righteousness that purifies the saint and brings death to sin.  The righteousness of the saints is judgment for the world for the standard of Christ's measure is met in them.  When this justice is in place the people of the world will learn righteousness.  In this way God's vengeance will establish possession of all that Jesus Christ has freed.  God's grace is sufficient until the time of glorification of all that has been redeemed - when heaven and earth are established together.  God's hand is not lifted to strike us down but to raise us up!

The Holy Spirit is given for the sanctification of the saint and His presence is the beginning of the walk by the Spirit.  When one is set aside for this special work God's power is present to deliver him from bondage to sin - to separate the essential man from evil desires and actions.  The Teacher comes to instruct by means of revelation of the Word of God. He comes in the mode of the unseen realm, but His presence cannot be denied.  The power of the Holy Spirit is described as "dunamis" in Greek for His is the abundant ability of mighty strength for miracle working power to be set forth in wonderful work.

The immediacy of God brings gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.  As God's Spirit is fused with the human spirit, life is restored there and His presence is wisdom for the saint.  As Spirit speaks to spirit, a new language will come forth for edification and training of the soul.  When rightly used speaking in tongues brings understanding and presents enlightenment to all who will hear the truth that has come.

Because of the gifts of enlightenment apostles, teachers, preachers and evangelists are prepared for works of service to raise up a people for God's name.  The equipping of the saints is to minister in such a way as to cause eternal man to stand while the man of the flesh dies.

The presence of the power of God often brings an onslaught of Spiritual gifts that adds a vibrancy of excitement to life.  The charismatic gifts minister to mortal man, and the flesh will try to steal them.   The operation of Spiritual gifts is supposed to move in faith by love.  When one wields the power without the fruit of love it is offensive to God, for the flesh has entered in.  The promise of charismatic benefits has been bought and sold by greedy and over zealous evangelists to the defilement of the Precious Name in the eyes of the world.

The power of these gifts belongs to God.  Man must not be ostentatious in the exercising of it.  Word of knowledge, prophecy and healing are given to keep the church while living in earthly tents.  They are to protect and comfort and guide the physical man up to the time that the inner man has reached unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God. 

God wants mortal man to survive in order to house his eternal soul until each one's earthly mission is completed.  He is eager for every person to benefit from properly presented gifts of the Spirit.  Individuals who are anointed to operate in super-natural ways must ever be aware of the intended purpose of their gift and be fully submitted to the Giver.  The universal purpose is for each of the many members of Christ's body to “become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”.

The physical rewards and the thrill of the awesome power of super-natural gifts probably accounts for the development of the Charismatic Movement.  It is not the Lord's intention for any to tarry long in this place but to accept these first results of the presence of the Holy Spirit as the promise of what waits ahead.  The guarantee lies in the quality of the supply - such as the rod of the Lord for chastisement, revelation of the word, health for the body, directives for the soul and implementation of the new creation in Christ.

UPWARD BOUND

We must become like Christ Jesus in His death.  That is to be dead in the flesh nature and alive in the spirit.  We are called upon to share in the crucifixion of the afflictions of sin that Jesus bore to the cross until the death that He died is complete in us and our own flesh nature is dead.  This can come only as we set our eyes on the prize of the high calling for humankind.  Let us reach toward the nature for which we were created.

Paul said to forget what is past.   Consider those things to be rubbish in light of the truth that has come.  The rituals and requirements of the law have been fulfilled in Jesus.  Renounce the rules and dogmas of the denominations; they are for the man of the flesh.  It is maturity unto the unity of one new man in Christ that we are straining toward.

The Lord has said that He cannot complete His design in a bruised and wounded body - in a fragmented church.  He cannot do it in parts.  We MUST leave the "in-part" walk by the Spirit behind to gain perfection.

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CHAPTER FIVE

FAREWELL

Leilah and Jerome spent the greater part of the afternoon saying good-bye to the many friends they had made since entering the Garden of Gifts.  Leilah especially wanted to bid farewell to Elizabeth because she felt it was through her friendliness that she had gained a spiritual awakening.

Early the next morning the travelers were once more on their way.  Just as they were departing, Jerome stopped Leilah and placed three more seeds in her hand.  He said, "These are the seeds for the fruits of patience, kindness and goodness.  They will be of help to you on this phase of our journey.  Keep them safe."  She dropped the seeds in her pocket along with the others, and at that moment knew patience was hers, for the peace she already had was joined by an abiding sense of calm.

As they moved on Jerome began to explain some of the things that occurred during their stay in the Garden of Gifts.  He told Leilah that the place they were leaving was a vast area and that many who entered there remained all of their lives.  He said they had reconciled themselves to the idea that it is as far as they can go, and that man's best hope is to battle the evil forms as they arrive.  Never do they realize that an opportunity exists to live the life of an overcomer.  He explained such was the reason she had noticed the faint odor of the flesh of Woebegone in the place where the people had gathered for healing.  He said many people from the outlying districts go in and out for help in times of trouble.  Leilah asked, "How can I learn to overcome all earthly problems and be free of the memories that sometimes haunt me?"  Jerome answered, "We are on our way now to the first endeavor toward that achievement.  The King we love has dispensed his supernatural power to you in your natural state to enable you to gain all that you hope for.  I will help you to have that vision of hope."

In that area of their travels, when evening came darkness fell like a curtain.  Because of this they stopped early to prepare for the coming night.  Since they had brought no supplies Jerome relied on his sword to bring all that they needed.  With it in hand he began to cut the lush foliage that grew along the way to make their beds.  Their cloaks thrown over all that he gathered made a comfortable place to rest upon.

Leilah did not immediately fall to sleep that night but lying there beneath the starry sky she recalled the times long ago in the Land of Beginning when she and Jerome had slept under the same canopy of stars.  So much had happened to her since those innocent days.  If only she had never listened to that old adversary, Scathe, she would have beautiful memories now, rather than the regrets that tormented her.  She remembered with loathing the times she had submitted to Scathe's carnal touch.  She thought of the children she had borne, and a tear slid from her eye.  Her children, now grown, were scattered and bringing heartache and trouble to any who took up with them.  Then she thought of Moribund - that poor, weak man.  Why she had ever trusted him was beyond her understanding.

Leilah finally dropped off to sleep, and when she did she dreamed of Paraclete, her dear old friend.  In her dream he spoke to her and told her that he had come to help her to remove the thorns of regret.  He said that grace had been extended to her and all that had gone on before was forgiven.  She must now set her sight upon the integrity of the one whom she would wed, for he alone would lead her in the way she now must go.  Looking back would make it impossible for her to move forward and that would add to the pain of her sorrow.  He said that a burden of regrets would prevent her from entering the gates of the Kingdom of Fulfillment.

When Leilah awoke the next morning, although she was refreshed the words of her dream were still upon her.  She look around, and not seeing Jerome she decided to explore a little.  She walked to the road they had traveled the day before, and was surprised to see that they had been walking in a downward mode to arrive at the place where they had spent the night.  She saw that just ahead there was a fork in the road.  One way led to a deeper valley, the other went upward.  The upward path appeared to be very steep and much narrower than any that had led to their present surroundings. When she returned to their camp-sight Jerome was there and had laid out their breakfast of fresh berries, goat’s milk and a strange looking wafer that tasted something like bread.

After they had eaten Leilah began telling Jerome of her dream and how Paraclete had appeared to her.  Jerome said that they were in the Valley of Decision, in the Place of Memories.  Farther down on the lower road was the Pit of Regrets.  He said that unless she released now the thoughts that were plaguing her, she would indeed find herself in the lower pit, and it was a place where he could not go.  He said Paraclete had come to her in mercy so that she would not have to go that way - and go it alone.  Jerome explained it had been necessary for them to come this way so she could make her final choice before they traveled further on.  Although the path ahead on the upper way was difficult, he promised to always be with her and help her every step of the way.  She had begun to weep at the thought of being separated again from this wonderful person.  She turned, smiling through her tears and said, "I will go with you to the higher ground so that your home will again be my home and your people my people."

It was at this point that Leilah fully understood the seriousness of her commitment.  She knew now that her life had a purpose and leaving Woebegone was far more than just an escape from a kind of slavery.  She realized that her betrothal to Jerome presented a responsibility to become the likeness of the one she cherished.  There would never again be any desire or regret in her concerning what lay behind.  From that time forward all of her energy would focus upon achieving the Kingdom of Fulfillment.

The sun was already high overhead when they once more set upon their way.  The hour was of no consequence however, for what mattered was the exactness of their steps not the time in which they were accomplished.  Leilah soon discovered many loose stones over which she might stumble or fall if she did not hold fast to Jerome for they walked where no foot before them had trod.  By the day's end she realized they had just about made it back to the same level as the place of their departure the day before. 

That evening after their meal, Jerome removed a book from his pocket and began to read to Leilah.  The book was "Canticles", long known and revered by him.  Leilah was enthralled by the beauty of the prose and deeply touched by the account of a love so deeply shared.  After Jerome had finished reading she remarked how moved she was.  Jerome answered, "This is our story, Leilah.  This was written long ago for the annals of time concerning the love that was meant to be perfect in us as we become one in each other.  Remember the maiden's song, ‘My beloved is mine and I am his.’  This is our song also."

Leilah went to sleep with those words on her lips, "My beloved is mine, and I am his"!  As she slept, she dreamed the dream of the Shulammite woman.  She envisioned herself in a strange place searching for the one she loved but could not find.  Her heart ached with passion as she asked each one who approached her if they knew her lover, if they had seen the one whom she loved and could not find.  Then, wonder of wonders, he was there in her dream.  As she held him she vowed to never let him go.  She was walking away with him to a safe place when she awoke.  She thought how very like her true experience the dream had been.  As she drifted back to sleep she was at peace for she knew that Jerome truly was hers forever and ever, and never would she let him go.

On the third morning Jerome woke Leilah, and with cup