Please Stay

I was studying the greek word "tereo" this morning. The word 'to keep'. Here's the definition in Strongs'.
tereo: a watch, to guard from loss or injury by keeping the eye on.

This same greek word is used in Jude v. 21 (but let me back up to vs 20)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep, yourselves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

My friend Lorie posted a piece on the garden of Eden recently. http://morechipsmorechocolatemoregod.blogspot.com/2009/06/forbidden-fruit.html
It really has had me thinking.

The garden of Eden was not a place of total safety. Actually...... it was kind of a DANGEROUS place... where the devil himself was also allowed to roam, along with free will. Knowing this, the place of safety needed to be by His side.... even in paradise. It was a choice Adam and Eve had every day, just like to NOT eat of the fruit. I wonder if Eve had turned down a holy 'let's go for a love walk' invitation a half an hour before the juices of sin started to flow.

sobering.....and yet... inviting.

Great quote from Fresh Wind Fresh Fire

I've been reading an amazing book by Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, called Fresh Wind Fresh Fire.

A minister from Austrailia or New Zealand (he couldn't remember) was visiting the tiny church when it was in its infancy and went to the front to make just one comment.

"You can tell how popular a church is by who comes on Sunday morning."
"You can tell how popular the pastor or evangelist is by who comes on Sunday night."
"You can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to the prayer meeing."