Dear Friends and Loved Ones,

            May the love of God enfold you from without as His loving presence fills more and more of you from within.

      A number of you have been asking for an update on my “light and momentary troubles.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18) I know they are working because I am focusing on what is unseen. Anyway, here is the report:

            The hip replacement surgery on Valentine’s Day went very well. I recovered nicely and am walking and exercising regularly and no longer use a walker or cane. I have even started riding a bicycle again to the gym, doctors’ offices, and other near by places. I only missed two of the Saturday fellowship gatherings in Vista and three of my classes at Brother Bennos. The Mexico trip with Rick Hohn is now slated for the end of May.

            A week ago I went for my annual eye exam (only a year late) and the examiner said I needed stronger glasses. However, when the doctor came in, he said to hold the prescription as cataracts are growing in my eyes, and if they replace the lenses, I won’t need glasses. I meet with the eye surgeon next Monday, right after seeing the urologist for prostate issues.

            Last Friday I also met with a heart surgeon for a consultation. The cardiologist said I need a defibrillator because the heart is dangerously weak. I also need a pacemaker as my pulse is often in the 30 and 40’s. They say the pacemaker should give me lots more energy. The surgeon is starting the paper work while I decide whether or not to go ahead.

            Blah, blah, blah, blah – yuck! Sorry. You’d think it’s all about me, and its not. It’s about Christ in me and in that light, I am working on a booklet/book about the New Covenant which I believe we have all disregarded. I’m pretty sure this will offend lots of my brothers and sisters. But I am also sure that it will please our Father.

            Also the relationship with God is churning up some thoughts. We Greek thinkers like to relate to ideas, concepts, and things about people. We easily create an image of who we think someone is, and then relate to that mental image. This image may or may not be an accurate expression of who that person really is.

            I am, we are, tri-part beings. We are body, soul, and spirit. When I greet a brother with a holy kiss and we converse with each other and pray or just talk about the Lord, I have related to him with all three parts of my self. It gets weird when we try to divide ourselves into the three parts regarding relationships. Was the holy kiss from my spirit, or my soul or my body? Or was it from me period?

            God (One) is also tri-une. He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each Person is distinct, yet He is One. I think it is impossible to relate to Him separately. If you relate to Jesus, Father is also there with His Spirit. When the Spirit comes, He comes with Father and Jesus. We develop mental, cognitive ideas about God and relate to this thing we create, or believe in. That God of our own making is most likely a long way removed from Yahweh and His Son Yahshua. To know Him, we need to spend time together, getting acquainted and finding out what pleases Him and what irritates Him.

            Many of us have the concept that God is above getting irritated. Oh really? Do you know Him personally (as a person) and has He told you that He cannot be irritated? Or have you imposed on Yahweh your gentile concepts of what we think God should be. We are ignorant and acting arrogantly when we do this. Our Abba Father, the true God, is a real Father.

            If you have slipped into the state of worshipping a doctrine or system about God, then it is time to meet God again. Get introduced to the loving God – talk with Him – walk with Him - read about Him –understand His grace and mercy – learn what grieves Him and what pleases Him. The better you know Him, the more you love Him. It just happens.

            May the overwhelming love of God and the faith He has planted in us, keep us sound and secure as the birth pangs of His Kingdom continue to get stronger and stronger. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

Love in Christ,

Frank

PS. On Sunday May 15 I will be sharing at a sort of mini-house church conference. It will focus on outreach to the disadvantaged in San Diego. All are welcome. Please call for more information. I will also send out a notice of this to those in the greater San Diego area in a few days.