Beloved

 I waited until I was perfect, and I got nothing done.

Prov 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  16:2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 21:2 I want to exhort you on the desire to have a pur motive before God, to want to do right by Him. I think that's wonderful, and a good desire to have, and that God is pleased by it. I remembered Hebrews 3:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. I think discernment and purity is important, because we can be right intentioned but not 100% pure, etc. But we will get to more purity, etc., not as we search/focus internally (though sometimes necessary) but more as we meditate on God's Word. Because it is the Word of God that divides soul/spirit, judges our attitudes, not our limited understanding. I remember Abimelech and Abraham and Sarah, how God kept ...

 Jesus was and is firm, meek, gentle, bold, did not compromise on truth, was Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Lamb and Lion. He demonstrated strength on the cross, when he could but chose not to call on the Father to send angels, when he did not retaliate or defend himself against false accusations. He knew when to speak, when to be silent. He was not afraid to flip tables to defend the honor of the Father or offend people, not afraid to be fierce. And he was led to the cross as a silent Lamb. In our King, the seemingly opposites hold together perfectly. He is the Lion and the Lamb.

There are times, when God can, but does not, vindicate you. He can rescue, but does not. Sometimes he does. Sometimes he rescues -- Daniel in the lion's den, the 3 friends when they refused to worship the idol. But notice, they said "God is able to rescue us.  But even if he does not ,  we will not bow down to your idol." Jesus says -- "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" (Matthew 26:53-54) Jesus had a choice. He chose to submit himself to the Scriptures, rather than call on His Father to save himself at the cost of obedience.  Hebrews 11 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouth of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and route...