"The Spirit Itself beareth witness with

our spirit, that we are the children of God"

(Romans 8:16).

"For we walk by faith, not by sight"

(II Corinthians 5:7).

Have I beheld this Jesus? The question strikes my heart with leaping

intuition. Is not a man mere dust? And is not the core of his existence

that of spirit? Within his heart he holds passions, dreams, and hopes.

Of which bestow continual drives of pursuit, of initiative to live, to

achieve and to discover. The most dynamic mystery of mysteries rests within

one's heart, of what potential purpose he could possibly be and become.

And this great mystery unraveled in the depths of my heart, revealing to

roe the intense reality of the Creator. And the gift given, faith by grace,

the grace of God. And though I may not see Him, face to face as natural

man, the thought alone is foolish. For God is Spirit and must be worshipped

by or related to in spirit and in truth. And my spirit bears witness with

His Spirit that I am His. Have I met Him? indeed I have, for upon dis-

ciplined awareness, I know Him to be. And though the damned one's deception

may taunt to pervert truth into a lie, I will arise in spirit above flesh,

I will drown out his lies beneath the waters of truth in me. Therefore

I find sound security in the very present presence of God's Holy Spirit.

For it is in spirit that He walks with roe, and in spirit that He talks

with me, and the impression I have of Him postulates devotion and consecra-

tion. And there is a sweet consolation which abounds from the harmonious

partnership He has voiced. So yes, I have beheld Jesus, because He beholds

me daily, by our spiritual companionship. And may blindness take these

eyes of clay, I will yet behold Him, for it is of my spiritual heart that

is fixed solely on His radiance. The light of Christ Jesus, my Master,

my Savior, my Friend and Shepherd, and as one of His sheep dearly beloved,

I know His voice, and guide me He will, never to forsake.

Reflections: 3

J.B.Q. IV

01/8/2001