The Wall-Part 2    

       So, to get to us, satan will never be able to get beyond this barrier of our 
Father's presence, but, he can get us to come over to his side by distracting our 
attention and magnifying the awareness of other things in life to the exclusion of the 
Father. By altering our Father awareness, he convinces us to let ourselves down on 
his side of the wall in a place where we are no longer protected and safe. Feeling 
alone and separated from the nearness of the Father, sin and its destructive bondage 
is a very natural and probable choice. As words of strife, negativity, despair, and 
doubt begin to occupy the mouth, going to the other side of worship's wall becomes 
more than just living under the attacks of the enemy, it is actually joining with the 
enemy in his attacks. More than just losing our freedom status, we actually take on 
the identity of the destroyer, launching our own attacks against righteousness and 
holiness. 
       Though we may take field trips back over the wall to the wonders of grace 
and mercy, overriding identity is established in the enemy's likeness when we find 
ourselves once again in the darkness of his atmosphere, participating in the activity 
he dictates. Because of an unwillingness to let go of all other life concerns for the 
comfort and peace of the Father's presence, there is a loss of confidence in the 
validity of His power, ability and heart of love. Where once we had tasted of His 
goodness and had been totally satisfied with Him, the place to where we have let 
ourselves down has such a dark and dreary appearance that we may begin to wonder 
if that bright place we once knew is even a possibility anymore.  
        More challenging in some ways than our initial persuasion to enter the realm 
of light, where the Father's glory always prevails, is the persuasion to make it our 
eternal refuge. Because of offense, confusion, misrepresentation of the Father's 
heart, and disillusionment, the journey to permanent residence at the Father's side 
may seem to be virtually impossible. Evidence of the enemy's presence and allegiance 
with him may have formed an image of self and circumstances that appears to be 
insurmountable. In the midst of this dark scenario, though, there is ever a fire of 
hope that has been placed in the heart from our initial experience of that blessed 
place of peace on the other side with Him. Though consciousness may be flooded 
with awareness of the enemy's schemes, there is another consciousness that is always 
waiting to be noticed and given focus. 
        There is an amazing power of light to become a barrier against darkness, if it 
can only be given a chance in its unveiling. Every moment in which there is merely 
an accepting gaze cast towards the Son of Righteousness is a moment in which the 
veil of darkness is no longer a hindrance from progress towards the security of His 
protection. As there is gratification in that gaze and as increased and prolonged 
glances turn into focused observation, the simple awareness of His wonderful glory 
and greatness once again dissipates any power of our adversary to keep us with him 
on his side of destruction. The strongholds and bondages that once seemed so 
insurmountable are non-existent in the flood of the Father's glory, and our 
participation in the enemy's attacks can no longer take place as we are completely 
occupied with following our Redeemer in the way of righteousness. Requiring no 
great effort or strength on our part, simply opening the window to His waiting light 
gives access to His lifting power of love, and we will be easily transported to the 
joyful refuge of His nearness once again.
       When found on the opposite side of its intended purpose, the wall God has 
constructed for our refuge and defense may appear to be more of a scarring barrier 
across the terrain of life. Its appearance will take on a completely new nature, 
though; the more it is viewed from a position at the Father's side. Allowing its 
perspective to ever include Him will keep it from ever becoming a hindrance to His 
protective presence, and any temptations to lower ourselves once again on its dark 
side will be ignored as total fulfillment is found in Him. 

Isa 60:1  "Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. GOD's 
bright glory has risen for you. 
Isa 60:2  The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, 
But GOD rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. 

2Co 4:6  It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up 
with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and 
beautiful. 

2Co 4:16  So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often 
looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, 
not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. 

2/24/05