News and NeedsMy Notebook
Computer, that I use all the time, crashed on this trip and is not
repairable. This is a serious need. I currently have no funds
to purchase another one but I do have a very big God and I am
expectantly waiting to see what He will do. I need one
that I can add a small home recording studio to at a later
date. The reason for that is the Lord is dealing with me to
begin to record CD’s to give and to sell. I will record teachings,
stories, and scripture. Like this teaching series on the Soul would
be available on tape. I ask you to please keep this in prayer
and in that prayer ask for wisdom on my part. Thank
you.
THE SOULI am starting a new series that I
believe will help many people. It is a teaching series on the Soul.
The Holy Spirit has led me to many wonderful truths that I want to
share with you. To start this series I am going to tell a story.
Please don’t by pass the story or think it is just cute. It is
essential to understand the truths that will follow in the rest of
the series and we will refer back to it many times. The Lord told me
this story between Florence and Rome and now I tell it to you as the
first part of this series on the Soul. The story is
called:
I GIVE YOU MY NAMEOnce upon a time, because most good stories start
that way, there was a cute, sweet, soft, cuddly bunny rabbit named
Tom. His fur was a soft brown with a tuft of white fur on his chest
just below his chin and a round white ball of fur for his
tail.
Tom loved to eat the crisp, fresh green
clover early in the morning when it was still wet with dew, mmmmm.
He could eat that all day long if his mom would let him but his mom
said he had to eat his other greens as well. In the winter when the
ground was cold and hard he had to eat yucky old roots. Tom didn’t
like the bitter roots but sometimes it was all there was to eat. It
was a good life for the most part but every time he put his mouth on
a juicy bite of clover his mom would yell, “Run – danger!”
“Aw Mom,” Tom would complain, “Do I have
to?”
“Yes.” His mom always said, “We are rabbits and we
survive by learning to run at the slightest sound. It keeps us
alive.”
“But it’s just a dumb ole turtle.” Tom would
say.
“Never the less,” His mother would say, “It’s part
of your training as a rabbit to sense danger and if there is even a
slight chance of danger, to run.”
Tom didn’t like that. Why did God have to make him
be a rabbit anyway? So many animals eat rabbits, animals that have
big teeth and claws, animals that are big. Tom wanted to be big and
have big teeth so he would never have to run away again. His mom
always said. “Eat your greens so you’ll grow strong to run fast.”
So Tom asked her, “What do you have to eat to grow
big teeth? I want to know so I won’t ever have to be afraid again. I
will eat it no matter how yucky it is.”
His mom didn’t know. She had never heard of a
rabbit with big teeth that didn’t have to run away but maybe there
is such a thing. She told him, “Ask Mr. Owl because he is very wise
and kind. He flies far and wide, maybe he knows about it. But do be
careful.”
“Yes Mother,” Tom said rushing out of their
burrow. It was a nice cozy burrow dug into the ground in a safe spot
where the water couldn’t get in and other animals wouldn’t notice
it. It was hidden in the tall grass at the edge of the forest.
Mr. Owl was perched in the big oak tree asleep. He
sleeps in the daytime and is awake at night. Tom was too excited to
wait until nighttime so he woke Mr. Owl up. Tom asked him what he
could eat to grow big and have big teeth so he would never have to
be afraid again. He didn’t want to just be big because the deer are
big but they run away all the time too. He wanted to be like the
wolf with big teeth, so he would never have to run away
again.
Mr. Owl thought about it. He was very
knowledgeable. “I’ve never heard of anything a rabbit can eat to
make him big and give him big teeth and I’ve never seen such a
rabbit, but perhaps it is possible. Let me fly around a few days and
see what I discover, and then I’ll let you know what I find. Though
I must admit I rather like you as you are.”
“Yeah cute and little,” Tom complained, “No
thanks. But I just know you’ll find an answer for me. Thanks Mr.
Owl.” And with that Tom hopped off. Would Mr. Owl find an answer?
Surely Tom wasn’t the first bunny that was tired of running and
being afraid all the time. “Yes, I’m sure he’ll find the answer,”
Tom thought, “and then I will change.” Tom could hardly
wait.
True to his word Mr. Owl did some searching but
his answers were very mysterious. “To change you must go on a
journey.” Owl said, “It is a very narrow trail that is sometimes
hard to see. When you can’t see the trail at all, stop and examine
your heart to see if there is anything wrong in it. Then repent of
any sin and ask the Lord to restore you. Then you will find the
trail again.”
“But where am I going?” Tom asked.
“I can’t tell you.” Owl said with a mysterious air
about him, “but there is someone where you are going named Jesus.
He’s the one who’ll help you change. He’ll go with you on the
journey, though you won’t see Him and when you are in trouble or in
danger just call on Him and He’ll help you. But…” Owl hesitated, “In
order for Him to be able to change you, you must give Him your
heart.”
Tom gulped hard. What kind of deal is this? Was He
going to cut out his heart? “But I need my heart.” Tom said
fearfully. “If he cuts it out I will die.”
“No he won’t cut it out,” Owl said seriously, “but
he wants what’s inside of it. All of your love and desires, your
will and Tom, even your home.”
“Oh,” Tom was relieved there wasn’t going to be
any cutting, but still it sounded hard. “How far is this place
anyway?” Tom asked, “If I leave early can I be back before dark, I
don’t like to be out after dark.”
“No,” said Owl, “It’s a very long journey and you
need to prepare yourself for it. Perhaps you’ll never come home as
you know home now.” Owl said rubbing his chin.
“Never come home?” Tom was sure that couldn’t be
true. I mean how big can the world be, a couple of more meadows and
another forests at the most. But it could take a couple of days for
sure because rabbits aren’t long distance runners. “But if I don’t
know where it is, how will I know when I get there?” Tom asked.
“You’ll know.” Owl said wisely, “Jesus will meet
you there. He’s the King.”
“And then He’ll change me?” Tom asked squinting
his little rabbit eyes up at Owl.
“Yes,” Said Owl, “If it pleases him to do so, for
only He can change you.”
“Then this is what I want.” Tom said determined
and left to prepare for the journey. Owl would meet him early in the
morning and then he would show him the entrance to the mysterious
trail. His mother was very nervous about the whole thing, what if
Tom didn’t run away when he needed to without her there to warn him.
But Tom had made up his mind, so she helped him pack. “I packed some
fresh clover, I know you like it.” She fussed with his bag. “It
won’t stay fresh long. But just in case there’s no food where you go
I packed some bitter roots as well. They may not taste good but if
you’re hungry they will be a blessing.”
“Aw Mom,” Tom complained.
“Don’t Aw Mom me young man,” His mom said sternly,
“They last long and one day you may be glad you have them. You keep
your nose dry and remember to…” She paused sniffling.
“I know Mom,” Tom said with a sigh, “Run at the
first sign of danger, but not for long. I’m going to change and then
I’ll come back and show all of you how to change too.”
Owl showed Tom the trail; it really was hard to
see, even close to the ground like Tom was. He said he would fly
overhead from time to time to make sure that Tom was okay and with
that he turned and flew away. Tom was alone to start his new
adventure. “Wait I’m not alone,” Tom thought, “Jesus is in my heart
now. I’d better get use to that and the best way to do that is to
talk to him and I’ll listen really hard and learn to hear His
voice.” At first he had trouble listening because he listened in his
head and not in his heart but with some practice he learned to
listen in his heart. Then the Lord would speak to him. He taught him
many things.
The first day he saw some strange animals. He saw
a deer but it ran when he came. It looked at him in a strange way
and then it ran off. Then he saw a jackrabbit. They’re much bigger
than bunny rabbits. They’re very awkward looking, with long ears
that stick straight up like Bugs Bunny. Tom tried to talk to him but
he just looked at Tom like he was crazy and ran away. “Soon I will
be big and fearless,” Tom thought, “Then I will never run away like
that again.”
But for now Tom was very scared. He was used to
sleeping in his cozy hole all surrounded by his brothers and
sisters, nice and warm. But here all he could find was a thick bush
and some leaves to hide in. He was cold and lonely. He wanted to
turn around and run home but he knew he had to stick with it and he
was sure that one day it would be well worth it. How many days could
it take anyway, surely just 2or 3 at the most, after all how big
could the world be? So he snuggled in as best he could and went to
sleep but every little sound woke him with a start. This was going
to be a long night.
In the morning he found a lovely patch of clover
on the hillside but it had a reddish tint to it and was bitter and
not sweet at all like his clover at home. Suddenly he heard a large
crashing sound. “I’m not going to run. I’m not going to run.” Tom
repeated to himself out loud over and over but he wanted to. “I have
to practice fighting this instinct to run if I’m ever going to be
ready to change.” But when he turned around there was a big
ferocious grizzly bear staring down at him.
Tom was frozen with fear. He couldn’t move. “Duh look a cute little bunny rabbit.” The bear said slowly. Then he smiled, which frightened poor Tom even more because it showed his enormous teeth. “Wathca doing little bunny?” The bear said and stuck his nose down where Tom was to sniff him; bears like to do. That was more than Tom could take. He was sure that the bear had put his head down to eat him, so poor Tom fainted. When he woke up the bear was holding him cradled in one arm. “Poor little bunny rabbit. Are you sick?” Tom tried not to faint again but he felt queasy.
“No, I fainted because I was so ssssscared.” Tom said
stuttering.
The bear scowled and looked around to see what had
frightened Tom but he didn’t see anything. “What scared you little
buddy?” He asked still looking around.
“You did.” Tom said shaking like a
leaf.
“Me?” the bear was shocked.
“Yes you,” Tom said, “You’re so big and scary
looking, I thought you were going to eat me.” The bear frowned. “Are
you going to eat me?” Tom asked shaking so hard his teeth
rattled.
“Naw,” The bear said still frowning, “I don’t eat
bunny rabbits. I eat berries and I love honey. Do you have any
honey?” The bear said sniffing Tom’s pouch.
“No, I just have some wilted clover and some
bitter roots.” Tom said holding the pouch for the bear to see. Maybe
then the bear would let Tom go.
“Bitter roots, Yuck, Who would want that?” The
bear made a face and turned up his nose at the thought of it. Which
looked rather comical to Tom. The sight of it helped Tom calm down
some though.
“They don’t taste good but if you’re really hungry
it’s nice to have something.” Tom replied quietly. “My name is Tom,
what’s yours?”
“Simon,” the Bear said sheepishly.
“A bear named Simon?” Tom said, “That’s a funny
name for a bear isn’t it?”
“Yeah most Grizzly Bears name their cubs Teddy or
Griz but Mom had 3 cubs, so one brother is named Teddy and one is
named Griz, so Mom didn’t know what to do so she just named me
Simon.”
“Oh I see,” Tom said, but it didn’t really make
sense, “Where are you going?”
“Aw you wouldn’t understand.” Simon said as though
he wished someone really did understand.
“I just might,” Tom said. He was starting to like
this big dumb bear.
“I’m on a journey.” Simon said. Tom’s ears perked
up at that.
“A journey?” Tom repeated, “You haven’t have been
talking to Mr. Owl by any chance have you?”
“You know Mr. Owl,” Simon was getting excited.
Maybe someone would understand. “He’s a nice guy. He sent me on a
journey to change.”
Tom looked up at the bear. He was huge; he had to
be close to 12 feet tall, with big teeth and big claws. No one was
ever going to make this big guy run away. “What could you possibly
want to change?” Tom asked.
Simon sighed, “Everybody’s scared of me. I don’t
like that. I’m a nice guy. I feel terrible when everyone runs away
when I come.”
“Oh, you mean like I acted?” Tom said. “Sorry
about that.”
“That’s okay little buddy. I’m use to it.” Simon
said, “I do have a temper but I’m working on it and when I get to
the end of this trail Jesus will change me. Then I will be friendly
and nice. I want to be good at being a friend. I never had a
friend.”
Simon studied Tom to see if he was going to make
fun of a big bear that wanted to be nice and friendly, but Tom just
nodded as though he really understood. “I’m going to be changed
too.” Tom admitted. “If we’re going on the same trail maybe we
should go together and keep each other company. Then we won’t be so
lonely and you can practice being a friend on me.”
Simon was so excited about having a real friend he
almost dropped Tom, who quickly suggested he set him down. “It will
be quicker if I carry you.” Simon said.
“Oh I can hop really fast,” Tom answered, “I’ve
had lots of practice. How far can it be anyway?”
“Yeah,” Simon agreed, “The world can’t be all that
big.”
So with that they went on chatting and talking
about this wonderful place where the King would change them. Day
after day they traveled, surely it couldn’t be much further. At
night when they went to sleep Simon insisted on holding Tom in his
arms so nothing could get him. Tom was afraid Simon would roll over
and crush him but Simon promised he wouldn’t and he never did,
though he did snore loudly but Tom got used to it. After all it was
warm and snuggly safe.
One morning they awoke to the sound of a wolf
growling at them. “Isn’t this sweet,” the wolf growled,
“A bear and his cuddly bunny.”
Bear sensing danger held Tom closer and stood on
his hind feet to his full height. It was impressive to say the
least. Tom was impressed. Simon was more than a little intimidating
but the wolf wasn’t intimidated at all. Tom couldn’t help but envy
that a little. “Duh good morning,” Bear said really trying hard to
be nice. “My name’s Simon and this is my friend Tom. What’s your
name?”
“You can just call me Wolf.” The wolf growled.
“Carrying your lunch with you I see.”
Tom could feel Simon tensing. “He’s my friend.”
Simon snapped back.
“It’s nice to have friends,” the wolf said, “For
lunch.”
Simon stood straighter and roared so loud the tree
shook. Tom had never noticed how long Simon’s claws were; each one
was like a knife. But you could see them fully extended now as he
pawed the air in warning. “I think you’d better just be going on
your way Mr. Wolf.” Simon growled. “I protect Tom and he’s not going
to be anybody’s lunch.”
“Who said I was just talking about the bunny,” the
Wolf snapped equally as fierce. The wolf began to circle them and as
he circled Simon turned never taking his eyes off him. Simon was
getting very angry. “Watch out Simon,” Tom whispered, “Remember you
want to be a nice guy.”
“I tried being a nice guy,” Simon growled, “Now I
want to knock this guy’s head off.” But he did calm down a little.
“I always did want to try bear meat,” The wolf
snarled. You could see he was provoking Simon on purpose. Then Simon
would be angry and not think clearly in a fight.
“Yeah as if a wolf could take on a Grizzly.” Simon
snarled showing long teeth.
“I can take you.” The wolf snapped back. Tom was
amazed at his courage and confidence.
“Yeah, you and what army?” Simon said ready for a
fight. “Me and this army.” Simon said throwing his head
back and howling in signal to the others. It seemed that his pack
just appeared out of the shadows. There were 5 or 6 of them and they
began to circle Simon and Tom as well. “Meet ‘my’ friends.” Wolf
said mockingly, “Friends meet our lunch.” The wolves seemed to like
that joke.
Simon was strong but he couldn’t fight an entire
pack of wolves. Tom knew it and the wolves knew it but Simon didn’t
seem to know it. He just roared louder. He was ready for a fight.
“Wait!” Tom yelled. “Remember your journey.” Simon looked at Tom.
His face was so fierce it curdled Tom’s blood but Tom just kept on.
“We have a purpose.” Simon eased up a bit. “Put me down.” Tom said,
though he was shaking like a leaf.
“No!” Simon said, “They’ll eat you.”
“Put me down!” Tom said again and this time it was
a forceful command.
Simon thought perhaps Tom wanted a chance to run
away. He couldn’t blame him for that, but he had hoped as friends
that they would stand together. So Simon set Tom down. One of the
pack headed straight for him but Wolf snapped and made him get back
in position. But Tom didn’t run away, slowly, carefully he hopped
right up to Wolf until he could look up and look Wolf straight in
the eyes. Wolf was shocked and extremely curious.
“You have us surrounded.” Tom said
calmly
“Yeah,” Wolf replied
“No way for us to escape is there?” Tom
asked.
“No!” Wolf said with a snarling
smile.
“So since there is no way for us to escape and you
know for sure we’re your lunch, can we have a minute to talk before
you eat us?” Tom looked into the wolf’s eyes and he didn’t look
away. There was no fear. It was a steady gaze.
Finally Wolf looked away. He was shaken by Tom’s
fearlessness. “Why?” he asked Tom, “What difference does it make
now?”
“We’re on a journey to see the King because we
want to change…” Tom said
“Did you say change?” Wolf interrupted.
“Yes,” Tom continued but he noticed Wolf’s
reaction. “I want to be fearless and Simon wants to be a nice guy
and not angry anymore. Only the King can change us. It looks like
we’re not going to make it now. So I’d just like to talk to my
friend a minute if that’s okay with you.”
“Hey boss,” The pack was beginning to get
restless, “why are you talking with our lunch?” They complained
hungrily.
Wolf snapped and snarled in response. “I’m still
in charge here and don’t you forget it. The kids got spunk. We can
give him a minute. Then…” Wolf looked at Simon, “Dinner is served.”
The pack howled in agreement.
“Thank you.” Tom said looking Wolf in the eye
again before he turned to hop back to Simon.
“I thought you were going to run away buddy.”
Simon said.
“I wouldn’t leave my friend.” Tom said smiling and
wiggling his nose to calm Simon down. “Pick me up
please.”
Simon picked Tom up. “Do you remember what Mr. Owl
said,” Tom was trying to make Simon look at him and not the circling
wolves. “When you’re in danger call on Jesus and He’ll help you. I’d
say we’re in danger wouldn’t you big guy?”
“Yes,” Simon agreed nodding his head
“Then let’s pray now and ask Jesus to rescue us.”
Tom said, “I don’t know how He’s going to do it but he’ll know what
to do and I trust him.” So they prayed a simple prayer then turned
back to the wolves. “Okay,” Tom said letting Wolf know he was ready.
“And thank you.”
The pack started closing in but Wolf just stood
still for a few minutes and looked puzzled. Simon prepared for the
fight but Tom was steady looking Wolf in the eyes. Finally Wolf
looked away as though he were defeated. “Stop!” Wolf growled just in
time to stop the attack. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy and he
had to be strong.
“What now boss?” one wolf growled back. “I’m
hungry.” “We can take the big guy boss.” Another said, and the rest
agreed.
Wolf sighed and turned as though to leave, “Let
them go.”
“What?” the pack was confused and angry. “No!” one
snapped. Faster than Tom could even think Wolf was in his face
growling. “You think you can take me on?” But this wolf had tried
before and failed; he had the scars to prove he couldn’t take the
boss on, so he backed down.
“I say we shouldn’t try it.” Wolf snapped, “I say
we try something easier. There are plenty of easier targets. Anyone
got a problem with that.” He said snarling and getting in their
faces making them back down one at a time.
“No Boss!” They said angrily.
“Good! Go on ahead and I’ll be there later.” Wolf
snapped
“You’re not trying to keep all of that meat for
yourself are you boss? Because that would be breaking wolf pack
code.” One wolf snarled.
“Are you questioning me?” Wolf growled
fiercely.
“No boss.” He relented. But it was only Wolf’s
fierce strength that held them back and he knew it.
“Then go. I’ll be there in a minute.” He snapped.
He turned as though the conversation was over but he never took his
eyes off of them. One by one the melted back into the shadows but
you can believe they were still there watching.
Then Wolf turned to face Tom. Simon moved into a
protective position but Tom waved him back down. Wolf understood
that as big as Simon was somehow Tom was the head of the pack.
“Yes?” Tom said quickly.
For once Wolf seemed hesitant and unsure. “You
said you’re on a journey, a journey to change. Is that right?”
Wolf’s nature made it seem like he was snapping at Tom but Tom
understood that he couldn’t help that.
“So you’ve been talking to Mr. Owl too.” Tom said
knowingly.
“Yeah maybe.” Wolf said nervously looking
around.
“And you want to change.” Tom said incredulous.
“Yeah.” Wolf said sighing. “Do you think there’s
hope, I mean, even for a guy like me?”
Simon was shocked but not Tom, somehow in his
heart he knew. “What could you want to change?” Tom asked, “You’re
big and strong, you have strong teeth; you’re fearless. You never
have to run away.”
“Yeah?” Wolf snarled, “Well it’s not so great
knowing that for me to survive I have to ‘eat’ nice guys like you. I
want to stop eating other creatures and living by
intimidation.”
Tom hadn’t thought of that, a wolf with a
conscience. “Okay, you can go with us,” Tom said as though it were a
simple fact. “We’ll help you. You’re going to need a lot of help. We
all do.”
Simon gave Tom one of those looks that said, I
can’t believe you just said that, are you sure? And Tom just winked
at him and smiled in return, so Simon knew somehow it had to be
okay. But Wolf wasn’t so sure. “You don’t know how deep these
cravings and instincts are. You may trust me but I’m not sure I
trust me.” He said looking at Tom like what do you say to
that?
“I’m willing to take that chance.” Tom said his
gaze steady in return. “We who journey need to stick
together.”
Wolf turned, “I have some unfinished business. You
go ahead I’ll catch up.”
Tom hesitated at the thought of leaving someone
new to the trail alone right away like that but he felt a peace in
his heart so he agreed. They saw wolf with his pack at the top of
the hill. What ever it was Wolf said, the pack didn’t like it. Tom
found out later that Wolf had been honest about the journey and
wanting to change but the pack made fun of him and was angry. The
only way to leave a wolf pack is to die but no one was brave enough
to enforce that with Wolf. Wolf would have loved for his pack to
come with him but they had no desire to change. When the new leader
threatened Wolf there was a fight. Wolf had to prove he was still
the toughest or they’d kill him. He had to let them know he’d be
looking out for his little group. If he didn’t the wolves would
stalk them. There were some yelps of pain from the new leader as
Wolf made his position perfectly clear. They wouldn’t bother his new
pack on their journey now.
Wolf caught up with Tom and Simon on the trail and
fell in behind. He assumed the position to watch and guard, he was
good at it. He understood he was no longer the leader; Tom was,
though the real leader of the pack was the King, Jesus. “So you’re
hungry?” Tom asked
“Are you making a joke?” Wolf snarled
“No.” Tom said seriously. Wolf had a lot to learn
about the journey and how to behave. “But if you have a problem we
have a problem, so let’s all work together to solve
it.”
Wolf glanced at Tom sideways. This should be
interesting, a bunny rabbit trying to feed a Wolf. But Tom had been
listening to the Lord in his heart and the Lord had a plan. As they
neared the top of the hill Tom spotted a farm. He led them to a milk
cow, which immediately bolted and ran in terror. Simon and Wolf
sighed giving each other a knowing look. Tom said, “Better let me go
first guys. I’ll wave when it’s time to come.” Wolf shrugged and lay
in a waiting position and Simon sat under a tree.
They could see poor Tom trying not to be stepped
on while he got the cow’s attention. Wolf chuckled but he admired
Tom and appreciated him. One thing Wolf knew was how to be loyal and
faithful. Tom had a forever friend in Wolf. They could see Tom
gesturing and pointing at them and then he waved for them to come.
But he motioned for them to come slowly. “Milk is full of protein.”
Tom explained, “Your body needs more protein.”
“I feel like a cub drinking milk.” Wolf complained
but it did help his hunger. Then Tom asked the hens for their
unfertilized eggs. These eggs had no chicks inside of them, so they
could be eaten without killing any living thing and they would
provide the protein Wolf needed. Such animals would never usually
cooperate but God gave them special favor. Wolf was really impressed
and he was full. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
“To have strength against the cravings,” Tom said,
“we have to keep you fed.” The Lord provided something all along the
way. Mr. Owl would fly overhead from time to time or stop and chat
and offer his advice. It was a comfort to realize they were not so
far away that Mr. Owl couldn’t fly by. Sometimes if the trail seemed
to disappear Tom would remind them each to examine their hearts and
see if one of them needed to repent of something. If one of them
made a mistake it affected them all, so they learned that they
needed to repent together.
What an unlikely team, a wolf, a grizzly bear, and
a bunny rabbit. The journey was much longer than any of them knew
and the world was bigger than they had imagined. There was always
something new to deal with along the way. In the winter bear wanted
to hibernate but Tom knew if he slept in the middle of the journey
he would never make it to the finish. They found very creative ways
to keep him awake. Some of them were very funny, like when wolf
broke an icicle and put it in Simon’s open mouth while he snored.
Eventually Simon worked his way through winter but only because of
the work of the team.
Since Wolf was used to being awake at night he
used that time to pray, as a result he was often the first to be
aware of trouble, which was very helpful. They learned each other’s
strengths and they learned each other’s weaknesses. They learned to
work together to help each other with their weaknesses and to draw
from each other’s strengths. They became an inseparable team. Tom
always seemed to get instructions from the Lord. His heart became
fine tuned to listen. If the Lord said it, Tom simply believed it
and was ready to do it regardless of how things seemed.
Simon was great for his strength and size. He was
very simple and straightforward in his ways. Once when milk and eggs
were in short supply, Wolf’s hunger triggered his instincts so much
that he just couldn’t control himself. It was big lovable Simon who
held him all night so that he wouldn’t do something he would regret
and when a giant like Simon holds you with both his feet and arms
wrapped around you, you’re not going anywhere.
At first Tom and Simon thought Wolf was wrong in
the way he protected them, growling or even threatening but they
found out even this was a strength that God could use. We are not to
play Mr. Nice Guy with the enemy, like poisonous snakes and spiders.
We have to be firm and sometimes even fierce and let the enemy know
we mean business. Of course Wolf was a natural at being a God
Warrior and a Protector.
Finally after a very long time and many hardships
they arrived. It was beautiful and glowing with a soft colorful
light like the inside of a rainbow. King Jesus was there to meet
them. He was also shiny and bright with glory. Tom ran up first but
the others just stared in awe. “We’ve come such a long way to see
you, Your Majesty.” Tom started.
The King smiled warmly and said simply, “And?”
Tom started to present his need first; he had
waited so long and gone through so much but that wasn’t the right
thing to do. He should help the others first, that’s part of what
they learned in being a team along the way. “Well Your Majesty Wolf
here would like to stop eating other creatures and even stop the
cravings to do so. He would like to change to be good to others.”
Tom stated pointing to Wolf, who simply nodded that this was
true.
“And how long has it been since you’ve eaten meat
Wolf?” The King asked
Wolf wasn’t expecting a question and he wasn’t
sure what one was suppose to say to a King in such instances, so Tom
answered for him, “It’s been a very long time Your
Majesty.”
“I see.” Said the King still smiling. The King
turned around to reach for something and when he turned back around
he had a very small lamb. He set it down on the ground in front of
Wolf. “This is for you Wolf, eat it.”
But Wolf was confused. He looked at the lamb,
which would normally be a great temptation but he didn’t move.
Finally the King saw a small tear in the corner of Wolf’s eye. “You
don’t ‘want’ to eat it do you Wolf?” The King said still
smiling.
“No Sir.” Wolf said amazed that was
true.
“As a matter of fact you want to protect the lamb.
Is that true Wolf?” The King asked
“Yes Sir.” Wolf replied, “Uh Sir, what
happened?”
“You changed on the journey Wolf.” The Lord said
smiling, “You are called to protect others now by watching and
praying.” Wolf was so happy. The King turned to Tom again with a
smile and said, “And?”
Tom was stunned. Why hadn’t he noticed the change
in Wolf? “Okay, Simon wants to be a nice guy Sir and not be scary.
He wants to change to be good at being a friend.” Tom
said
“Is that true Simon?” The King said turning to the
big bear.
“Duh yeah Your Majesty Sir,” Simon said nervously,
“Please.”
“Tom you know rabbits are afraid of bears, are you
afraid of Simon?” The Lord asked
“Ah Gee no Sir.” Tom laughed at the thought, “He’s
just a big lovable lug.”
“And wasn’t it Simon who carried you when the way
was too rough for you?” The King asked.
“Yes Your Majesty.” Tom said, “He did and he was
always very careful how he held me because he didn’t want to hurt
me.”
“And Simon what about this,” the Lord said drawing
a big square in the air and on it you could see the three travelers.
They reached a deep gorge and they had to get to the other side to
continue on the trail but it was too far to jump. They were stuck.
Simon flung himself across in such a way that his paws were on one
side and his feet were on the other, so his friends could cross over
on his back like a living bridge. But when he tried to pull himself
up on the other side he was too heavy and the others were too little
to help him. He thought he was going to die. Then he saw in the
picture the King pushing him up over the edge. “So that’s how I was
suddenly able to climb up.” Simon said grinning.
“There is no greater love than being willing to
lay your life down for your friends Simon. You ‘are’ a nice guy and
a great friend and as Tom said not scary to those who know you.” The
King said.
“Bbbbut how did that happen?” Simon
stuttered
“You changed on the journey.” The King said. Then
the King looked at Tom again and smiled, “And?”
“Okay so they changed but I didn’t change. I’m not
any bigger and I don’t have big teeth.” Tom said pointing to his
mouth.
“And why did you want big teeth Tom?” The King
asked “Wasn’t it so you wouldn’t be afraid and you wouldn’t run away
anymore?”
“Yes – Exactly.” Tom said
“Wolf,” the King said turning to the Wolf, “What
convinced you to begin the journey?”
“I was amazed at Tom’s fearlessness. I never knew
a rabbit could be so fearless. I knew he had something special. If a
rabbit can be fearless then maybe I could change too.” Wolf replied
looking at Tom with a smile.
“Did he ‘ever’ run away?” The King asked.
Both Simon and Wolf said no, Tom seemed to them to
be fearless.
“So you see Tom you have changed on the journey
and as you continue with Me you will continue to change. I have work
for each of you to do that will require your special talents as a
team.” The King said watching them carefully for their
reactions.
“But when do we get to go home? Tom
asked
“You can never go back.” The King said seriously,
“It’s not safe to go back once you’ve begun the journey, you just
have to keep going forward.”
Wolf looked shocked. He’d always thought he would
be able to go back and convince the pack once he had proven to them
he could change. The pack was deep in the root of all of his
motives. Not go back? That just can’t be. “But what about the pack?”
Wolf said, “I have to go back and help them.” The King turned and
looked Wolf in the eyes. He didn’t speak; He didn’t need to.
“No!” Wolf yelled, “I can’t stay with the team. I
have to help my pack.” When he said that the King turned his back to
Wolf and a darkness engulfed Wolf. Wolf began to howl in agony but
this time the others were helpless to intervene.
Finally Wolf repented and said he would gladly go
where ever the King wanted him to go, even if it meant not going
back to the pack. The Lord turned to Wolf and the light surrounded
him again. “You must never question my will Wolf, just obey. Your
questions separate you from me and then I can’t help you. Beware of
old loyalties that tie you to the past; you have no past here Wolf.
The past has already become part of today and the part that hasn’t
we don’t need anymore. The rest is only future.” The Lord looked
steady at Wolf, “I didn’t say I would never send you to deal with
your pack, but it must only be as I send you and never on your own.”
“Each of you must now make a covenant with me to
be only mine and to work for me,” The King said, “and I will agree
to take care of you. But think about it because it is an unbreakable
covenant. The only way to break this covenant is death. There is no
turning back.”
“Your old name spoke of your old life and your old
covenant.” The Lord said, “But now I will give you a new name to
replace your old name. I will give you a name that goes with your
new covenant.” He turned to Wolf, “Wolf your name means ‘Ferocious
Hunter’ but you will not hunt others anymore. You will now be called
Protector. This angel will go with you to help you be a protector
through your watching and praying. He is Protector. You won’t see
him but he will be there to stand guard with you.” Wolf looked at
the large serious looking angel that walked to his side. He was very
pleased. He understood this angel would now be part of the pack but
there would be no need to acknowledge that ever again, just let him
run with the pack and do his job.
The King turned to Simon. “Simon your name comes
from the name Simeon and it means to hear and obey. That is the
position of a servant but I no longer call you Servant, I call you
Friend.” The Lord said smiling warmly, “This angel is Friend, he
will go with you to help you along the way.” Simon nodded warmly at
the sweet looking angel, who smiled in return and then disappeared.
“Simon it is important not to concentrate on the angel but only on
me.” The King said. “This angel is there to help you but he ‘works’
for me.”
Tom started hopping around looking everywhere.
“Where is my angel?” Tom asked, “I don’t see anymore angels.”
“You don’t get one Tom.” The Lord said
seriously.
Tom was so disappointed. “I knew it. I’m too
little to have an angel aren’t I?” Tom asked almost ready to cry.
“Maybe rabbits just aren’t important enough.”
The King threw back his head and laughed long and
hard. Tom thought he would never stop. “You’re so silly Tom. You
don’t need an angel to give you a name Tom. I give you My name.
You’re very special to me. You’ve walked so close to me and learned
to listen in your heart. Now I myself will go with you always and
your name will no longer be called Tom, which means doubting or
divided, fearful, you will simply be called Mine.” With that He
picked Tom up and gave him a big Kingly hug that made Tom feel warm
and safe inside.
Then the Lord, because He was the one telling me
this story, turned to me and said, “You are not the Wolf.”
“Okay,” I said, “That is good.”
“And you are not Simon.” The Lord
said.
“Okay.” I said, pleased, “Then that means I must
be Tom.”
“And you are not Tom.” The Lord said.
“Not Tom?” I thought. “Then who am
I?”
“You are all 3 of them,” the Lord said. “You are a
team.”
Tom is the Soul
Simon is the Body
Wolf is the Spirit
“The journey was to teach all three parts of you
to work together as a team and not to devour each other or hinder
each other. To do the Lord’s work they must all work as one. But the
real leader of the team can only be me,” the Lord said, “and I do
that by the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSIONThe end of this story is the beginning of our
indepth teaching on the soul. We will dig into the meaning of
this story in the next part of the series. Please keep in touch with
me with questions or feed back. I love to hear from
you. |