Publisher's Synopsis
In one sentence, this book consists of daily snapshots, glimpses, and the Holy Spirit's breath on this writer, to experience Christ, practically, simply, and to KNOW HIM in His majesty, Humility, Preeminence, Passion, and Love. It's learning daily the meaning of "Longing for Him Ever Day". And, that's my heart's desire for the reader as well. This book has seen the light at the midnight hour on most occasions, and the thoughts tucked in were a delight at first, but like the writer of old, when I swallowed them they were bitter in my gut, and gripped me more as the days went by and would not let go. I knew, in my humble view ... that something was missing, seriously missing, in evangelical churches as a whole, and I couldn't pinpoint what it was yet. I despaired trying to find the words or assemble enough thoughts to capture its substance, but like an elusive dream, a blurred image; it kept fading repeatedly staying out of focus often. I asked myself why Jesus did not teach doctrine in His days. Why did he not prove to the so-called enemies why His teachings were better, more "together", more profound, more lasting? Why did He not start a new school with headquarters and branches and satellite simulcasts? Why did He not publish anything? Why did He not have an army with weapons to fight? Why, Why And the only answers I could come up with were the fact that Jesus did not have any doctrines. In fact He was, and still is, the embodiment of all doctrine. The doctrines were hid in Him. And to know the doctrines in the heart, people needed to come to Him and know Him and become one with Him, and know His love, and experience the power of His Spirit that flowed from Him to them. And only then, as it happened often, people were willing to leave everything and follow Him. In fact, His unequivocal assertion was that in order to qualify as a follower of His, one had to leave everything behind. Only then, He becomes heir "everything", their sufficiency; and then life happens! This document was started with no thought of publishing or making it public. It was a joy to sit during the morning quiet time and write some thoughts which seem at times fairly unrelated to one another. However, the thoughts reflected a personal journey, a discovery of the kaleidoscopic discovery of the risen Lord and Savior. This exercise turned into a soul-searching exercise and, through various life experiences, became an examination of heart and soul in light of the Spirit of the Living God. This author's premise is that doctrines are wonderful and easy to identify, and ascertain their veracity through the objective study of God's Word, but without the indwelling Holy Spirit and daily obedience, discipline, and application, such life is purely pharisaic and counter-productive in personal, family, church, and social life. It grieves the Spirit and produces no fruit. The fact remains that unless the grain goes into the ground and dies; it will remain alone and will bear no fruit. Rightness of doctrine is no guarantee of righteousness that's Christ born and Spirit-implemented. Beginning in faith requires faith for the rest of the journey. Only the Holy Spirit can sustain such a lifestyle, filled with the variegated beauty of Christ's character. Then I can worship in His Spirit (and my spirit) and truth. And then I can enjoy Him forever.
