CHATTING WITH GOD

Friends, I am at a loss for words this week.

So, I am re-sharing something that I wrote over four years ago in a weekly feature called, "Saturday Stroll."  

It speaks to the trials that have entered my life as of late, and I hope that it has meaning for all who read it.  (I know that I needed to read it again...)


Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

God and I speaking...

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!



(Words and thoughts taken from Job 23, Zechariah 13, Psalm 139, and Job 42 - NASB and NLT translations)



A DIALOGUE FOR TIMES OF TESTING


I'm afraid my complaint is rebellion.  But it is still a bitter one.  Not that I'm bitter, Lord.  I'm not resentful (maybe a little) – but life is a bitter pill to swallow – difficult to accept, often unpleasant.

I try hard not to groan aloud.

But Your hand is heavy despite my groaning.

Why, Lord?

I just don't get it.  It is so hard to understand You when life is difficult – when I have turmoil – when loved ones are suffering – and circumstances are impossible.

Oh, if only I knew where to find You, where You might be.  If I knew that, I might come to Your seat!

Yes, I would go to Your court.

I would present my case before You, laying it all out.  

And I would fill my mouth with my arguments.

Then I would listen to Your reply.  I would learn the words that You would answer, and perceive and understand what You say to me.

Would You contend with me?

Would You use Your great power to argue with me?

No, surely You would pay attention to me.  Surely You would give me a fair hearing…

…wouldn't You?


So, I search for You.

I go forward, but You are not there.  I go east, You are not there.  I move backward, but I cannot perceive You.  I go west, but I cannot find You.

When You act on the left, I cannot behold You.  I do not see You in the north, for You are hidden.  When You turn on the right, I cannot see You.  I look to the south, but You are concealed.


Where are You, Lord?

Why are You silent when I need You?

Why are You hidden when I need You?

Why do I feel so alone…when I NEED You?


But I am consoled and comforted and strengthened by this one Truth.

You know the way I take.  You know where I am going.  And when You have tried me, tested me, I will come forth as gold – pure and unblemished.

For I have stayed on Your paths.  

I have held fast and followed You.  

I have not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commands of Your lips.  I have treasured the words of Your mouth more than my necessary food.


But You are unique.

And You're a little (a lot) scary, Lord.

Once You've made a decision, who can change Your mind?  What Your soul desires, whatever You want to do, that is what You do.

I know that you will do to me whatever You have planned.  You will perform that which is appointed for me.

You control my destiny.

I guess my heart struggles with Your sovereignty, Lord.

And sometimes I am just so scared, and hurt, and despairing.

Darkness is all around me – thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.

Deep gloom covers me.


But I am not silenced by the darkness.

NOR AM I.

Lord, is that You?!

I will bring you through the fire and make you pure.  I will refine you like silver and purify you like gold.  When you call on Me, I will answer. 

I will say...

"This is My child."

Will you trust Me?


Oh Lord, I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my very own eyes.

You are the LORD, my God.


I AM.




Have you had a conversation with God lately?

Bent but not broken...

...still reaching for the Son. 

"You have been my God from the moment I was born.

Do not stay so far from me,

for trouble is near,

and no one else can help me.

My enemies surround me...

Like lions they open their jaws against me,

roaring and tearing into their prey.

My life is poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart is like wax,

melting within me.

My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.

My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.

My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;

an evil gang closes in on me...

I can count all my bones.

My enemies stare at me and gloat...

O LORD, do not stay far away!

You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!

Save me..."

(Psalm 22:10-17, 19-20, NLT)

"Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

I was so foolish and ignorant –

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever."

(Psalm 73:21-26, NLT)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, LET US GROW, 




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

UPROOTING WEEDS OF BITTERNESS

It's been a tough week.

So, I hope you'll understand today's repost of something I wrote three years ago.

It's timely for me to revisit these thoughts, and to try to realign my feelings with what I know is Truth.

May God speak to us all again.



Ever been disappointed, rejected, betrayed?

I'm thinking if you've lived long enough, the answer to that question is yes.

People have a way of hurting other people.

Sometimes it's intentional, often it's not.

Mostly it doesn't matter.  

Hurt still hurts…a lot.

And though hurt often leads to sad, sometimes it leads to MAD!

If I'm honest, I find that most of the time I get angry, it's really because I've gotten hurt.

Why is that, I wonder?  

I think it has something to do with vulnerability – about how being vulnerable makes us feel small – victimized, dismissed, invalidated, diminished.  

And we are, perhaps, never more vulnerable than when we've been hurt.

That's understandable.

But woe to the angry one!

Because anger is like a weed in our hearts – a weed that can quickly grow roots of bitterness.

And bitter roots are dangerous, choking things – they are deadly.


I've been thinking about this lately.

Been going through some new hurts – new hurts that are also stirring up some old hurts.

I am dismayed at how easily I have become an emotional bookkeeper.

Yup, I'm a good little accountant – keeping tally of perceived wrongs.

Keeping careful track of all the hurts inflicted on me.  Recording the wounds, checking off the snubs and slights, adding up the words and the attitudes and the actions.

Marking them all down in red – until, before I know it...

I'm seeing RED!

Ugly admission, but true.


The enemy is quite happy about this. 

After all, he's pleased when people visit *H & R Beelzebub*.

"Bring those receipts to me.  Yes indeed.  Let's add things up here.  Sure enough, people have wronged you.  You've been shortchanged.  People OWE you…"

The fine print?  "Those shallow, selfish, evil people.  You're better than they are.  You should hate them…"

His math?  

Hurt + Anger = Bitterness.

Oh, what a battle it is when you feel *entitled* to your feelings.

Now, I'm not one to dismiss those feelings.

Feelings are real.  

But they don't need to rule.

That's the secret, and that's the challenge.

Learning how to face the feelings, feel them, and then to let them go.

But, it's the only thing to do.

Because once those roots of bitterness begin to grow, they grow deep.

They cut a wide path of destruction.  

They kill good plants, and thwart any growth of new fruit.

Like I said – deadly.

It's why God warns us so much about anger.  

He knows it's a seed planted…

"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.'  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT)

"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." (James 1:20, NLT)


So, is anger wrong?

No, Jesus Himself got angry.  

But God warns us against being angry…and sinning.

It's not the feeling that causes the problem.  

It's the underlying reasons for the anger, and the indulging of anger that leads to problems.

It is *feeling the feeling* and letting it fester.

Ruminating upon it.

Feeding the flames.

Letting it lead us to bitterness.

Forgiveness?

No room for that in a bitter and resentful heart.

And God calls us to something bigger – something behind the act of forgiveness.

He calls us to love.

And love requires poor bookkeeping:

"It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV)


God calls us to forgive the debts AND the debtors...

...the debtors AND the debts.

Sigh.

I am facing a battle inside myself lately.  

Knowing that the enemy is trying to inflame my hurts.

Trying to stimulate my anger.  

Trying to make it feel righteous. 

He's trying to water the roots…

Me?

I'm trying to face the feelings – without feeling the fireworks.

Praying to let go.

Allowing myself to feel the hurt, yes – but through the pain, learning to turn to the Binder of Wounds, the Friend of the Brokenhearted, the Champion of the Crushed.

Using my will to battle my injured heart, even though I am sorely tempted to give in to bitterness.

Remembering that Jesus bore wounds for me.  

My precious Savior – hurt, disappointed, rejected, betrayed Jesus.  

He was wounded for me.


So, I'm taking His precious blood and crossing out the debts in my *red column* of wrongs.

Giving Him the books.  

Thanking Him for getting rid of the books that keep track of MY wrongs against other people.

Asking Him to forgive me for the many ways that I hurt HIM – for all MY marks in the *red column*.

Praising the Love that made it possible for my name to be entered into the only book that counts – the Book of Life.


Are you feeling disappointed, rejected, betrayed?

Has someone hurt you?  

Are you reacting in anger?

Do you feel choked by the weedy threat of bitterness?


Oh dear friends, don't let the enemy get rooted…

Attach yourself more tightly to The Vine.




Is there any bitterness in your heart that God needs to uproot?

A bitter root
can destroy
the mightiest tree. 

"'But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.'" (Matthew 15:18, NIV)

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil…It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." 
(James 3:6, NIV)

"A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire." 
(Proverbs 16:27, ESV)

"'The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.  But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'" (Matthew 12:35-37, NASB)

"'It is written:  'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'  So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.'" (Romans 14:11-13, NIV)

"Peace has been stripped away…I cry out, 'My splendor is gone!  Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!'  The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words.  I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.  Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." 
(Lamentations 3:17-23, NLT)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things." (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, REWIND FRIDAY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE ENEMY STRIKES

Spam.

I have come to despise that word.

I've been reading lately in Blog Land about a recent (and annoying) influx of *fake comments* that are infiltrating our beloved blogs.

So far, I thought I had escaped.

But, in the last couple of weeks, I've had a few pesky (and annoying) comments "sneak past" Blogger's spam filtering system.  (I'm not going to get snide here – but honestly, spam filters should actually WORK, right???)

These comments were obvious attempts to get me to click on over to some random website - (not a *real* blog, mind you).

Oh, they were sneaky.

One complimented the great content of my blog.  (Working on the flattery angle evidently…)

One said I was having browser viewing problems.   (Working on the fear angle evidently…)

But, the other night, I was attacked.

That's my word for it.  Let me tell you why.

First of all, let me set things up a bit.

It had been a very long day.

Late in the afternoon the previous day, I had made the long trek down the hill.  Woke up to a day full of activity.  Errands in the morning, a long hair appointment, and then a fun jaunt up the freeway to go to a hockey game with my oldest son…during rush hour…to Los Angeles.  (For those of you who live in Southern California, you'll understand.  For those of you who don't, picture billions of cars moving an inch at a time for almost 1½ hours).

It was a very exciting, but very close game.

Let me tell you, I really, really love hockey.  And I really, really get into the game.

So, a very close game is emotionally draining for me!  Fortunately, our team won.  But it was a touch-and-go battle.  Phew…

Then, son and I had to stop and get something at a Walmart on the way home.  (I didn't know that Walmart stayed open until midnight in some places).  I was tired, yes, but shopping with my oldest is a treat.  He’s very funny, and we always get the giggles.

Then we had to finish our yakking when we pulled into the driveway. Suffice it to say, that I finally walked in the door at 12:30 AM.

I'm not sure what made me check my blog.

Well, actually, I totally believe it was a God thing.

"Oh," I thought to myself, "I got another comment today."

So, I went to read it.

SPAM.

But, this comment was different.  It was full of terrible words and impure thoughts and lewd suggestions.  (Working on the filth angle evidently…)

I. WAS. SHOCKED.

Stunned by what I was seeing.

Like I said, I felt attacked.

I quickly deleted the comment, and then logged in to remove all traces of this disgusting invasion.

I worried, too.

What if someone read that comment?  I know that people would quickly realize that it was something that I had no control over, and that it was an unabashed attempt to discredit the Christian content of my blog.

But still…

I was chagrined to think that anyone might have been exposed to such awful language.  (If you were, I really am so very sorry…)

After I deleted the comment, I simply looked at the computer screen and muttered:

"Hello, Mr. Satan."

(Spam, as defined in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary):

S atan
P ersecuting
A ttacking
M aligning

I had trouble sleeping for a while, and I have a feeling that I'll be watching my blog like a hawk for quite a long time.  If it keeps up, I'm going to have to enable comment moderation.  Thank goodness that we have that option!

But, I was mostly kept awake thinking about how ugly our enemy 
can be.

Prince of the power of the air (Internet) indeed.

I was reminded of the scene when Jesus confronted a demon – (I like the way The Message relates the story):

"Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people.  They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.  In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 'Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!'
  
'Be quiet!' Jesus said sternly. 'Come out of him!' Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.  All the people were amazed and said to each other, 'What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!'

And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area."  

(Luke 4:33-37, MSG)


An attack.

An attack against the words of Jesus.

And in a way, an insight into the way that followers of Jesus will also be attacked.

Persecuted.  Maligned.  Belittled.

Perhaps even "smut-splattered" by Spam comments.

The father of lies is all about conducting a *smear campaign* against the Lord.  And, because of our association with Him, the enemy is going to go after us, too.

So, what to do?

Well, what we always do.  We pray, we put on our armor – and we fight back.

I have been praying for all of us who seek to spread the Good News in Blog Land.  I have been praying for a hedge of protection to surround us.  I have asked God to guard the words He speaks through us.  I have prayed for God's courage – so that we might not be dismayed, or discouraged, or defeated.

I have prayed for the power of The Word to overcome.

And, of course, it will.

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8, NLT)


That night, as I finished talking to the Lord, as I turned over to go to sleep, I heard the words that He seems to be speaking to me lately – over and over again:

"Don't be afraid."

OK, Lord.

Fight for me.  Fight for all of us who seek to honor and glorify You in this place called Blog Land.

And I believe this is His strong response:

"I got this one.  Rest easy, dear ones.  I will not be thwarted."

Yes, Lord.

Let it be so.


"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." 
(Isaiah 55:11, NLT)

That Wily Serpent

How do you fight back against the enemy?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Pamela at A SHELTERING TREE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Jesus Speaks

Sometimes "Bible Pick 'Ems" lands me right in the middle of an unfolding scene.

Today, I found myself sandwiched right in between Jesus' arrest and His crucifixion. Our poor Lord, being beaten and taunted – shuffled around to various "authorities" to decide His fate.

Didn't they know? – (rhetorical question…)

His death was a plan put in place before the world began.

But as I looked at the two pages that I turned to in my Bible, what jumped out to me was all the little red letters.

Jesus talking.

So, I put all of them together. Here's what our Savior, on the eve of His crucifixion, had to say to His accusers:

"Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.

If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are you beating me?

Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?

My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.

You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.

You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin."

(From John 18 & 19)

Wow.

I am made speechless by the Lord's words.

First of all, as an English major, I am impressed at their cohesiveness. Because, you see, these words were not said at the same time or the same place.

Some were said in front of the high priest, some were said before Pilate (at two different times) – and there was a lot of shuttling around in between.

So, I am amazed at how the Lord's words sound like one paragraph, spoken at one time. He absolutely knew what He was saying at any given moment.

Second of all, I believe those words could be said this very day to any person alive. Those words still have the same impact, the same power, the same authority they did almost 2,000 years ago!

Why? Because they speak truth.

Third, I love that Jesus says He spoke "where the people gather." Yes, His message is meant for the people. Jesus sought out the places where the people were. He met them on their own turf – and gave them His Truth. We ought to do the same. Jesus said, "You want to know about Me? Ask those who heard Me."

Friends, that would be us – we are the ones who have heard.

Fourth, though we can't read the tone of Jesus' voice, sometimes I think I can hear it. So, when He says to Pilate, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?" – I think it's more than just a quest for information. There's some irony in there.

I think Jesus is implying that Pilate had already heard His message – perhaps He is implying that Pilate was interested.

"Are you asking your own questions, Pilate? Or have you heard about me from others and you're interested? Hmmm??"

Pilate’s retort sounds defensive to me: "Am I a Jew?"

Jesus always causes a reaction, doesn't He? And it's curious to me how often He makes people defensive and angry, testy and argumentative. Few people are apathetic about His Name.

The rest of Jesus' words hold such power.

My kingdom is not earthly – it is not of this world.

If it was, the world would want to save Me.

The reason I was born? To testify to the Truth.

And those who recognize truth – Absolute Truth – outside of their own logic and understanding?

Those are the ones who will recognize Me.

And the closing words of Jesus are words that are spoken to every ruler or authority on this earth and in the heavenly realms – you have NO POWER over Me.

So, as we approach the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus, I am captivated by what we learn about Him at the approach of His death.

He didn't come into the world as a king – but as a King.

And He was born to die…for us.

Have you ever just gone through the New Testament and read only the red letters?

Take some time and let Him speak to your heart through His words – only His words – in the Word!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"All those minds shall be truly stayed, that are stayed on God. They shall be as Mount Zion, firm as it is; a mountain supported by providence, much more as a holy mountain supported by promise. They cannot be removed from confidence in God...

Committing themselves to God, they shall be safe from their enemies. Even mountains may molder and come to nothing, and rocks be removed, but God's covenant with his people cannot be broken, nor his care of them cease.

Their troubles shall last no longer than their strength will bear them up under them. The rod of the wicked may come...only it cannot reach their souls. And though it come upon their lot, it shall not rest thereon.

The Lord will make all work together for their good...

God considers the frame of his people, and will proportion their trials to their strength by the care of his providence, as well as their strength to their trials by the power of his grace."

(From "Daily Readings by Matthew Henry" by Matthew Henry, c. 1662-1714)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"O may God put me through one furnace after another, that my soul may be transparent; that I may see God as he is. My [friends], we need to be purged; how apt are we to want to go to heaven upon a feather bed, without any cross or trial.

...the King's road to heaven is strewed with crosses and afflictions...it is very pretty talking of being Christians until we are put into one furnace after another. We are not to think it a strange thing when we are tried in the fire.

What must we do?

...God will not put you or me into the fire were it not for some thing that must be purged away from us; you see, the grand thing is to learn to glorify God in the fire."

(From "Daily Readings by George Whitefield" by George Whitefield, c. 1714-1770)

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful JOY of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - I'll Fight For You

"I'll fight for you."

In California, we have this TV commercial. It's an advertisement for a personal injury attorney. Now, if I needed someone to represent me – I'm not thinking I would go to this guy. He's a little "creepy" – just sayin'.

But I love his tagline –

"I'll fight for you."

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" landed me in Psalms 35. It's one of the imprecatory psalms. The word "imprecatory" means cursing.

These are psalms that call upon God to deal with enemies. To some ears, these psalms might sound extremely harsh.

But, let's be honest.

When we feel like we're being attacked, don't we want a little *harsh* to come to the rescue?

Psalms 35 was written by David – possibly when he was being hunted by Saul.

He is afraid, confused, frustrated.

After all, he was the anointed king – and now he's running for his life?

So where does he turn?

He appeals to God – who is always just:

"O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, 'I will give you victory.'" (Psalms 35:1-3)

Are you in a season of life when you feel like you're running from the enemy? Do you feel like you're under attack?

Are you afraid, confused, frustrated?

Do like David did – turn to God.

He'll answer…

"I'll fight for you!"

Stand behind His victory…

…and you will stand firm!

I close with the words of Charles H. Spurgeon – his commentary on the beginning of Psalm 35:

"Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me. Plead against those who plead against me; strive with my strivers; contend with my contenders…beat them at their own weapons. Every saint of God shall have this privilege: the accuser of the brethren shall be met by the Advocate of the saints.

Fight against them that fight against me. If my advisers try force as well as fraud, be a match for them; oppose thy strength to their strength. Jesus does this for all his beloved -- for them he is both intercessor and champion; whatever aid they need they shall receive from him, and in whatever manner they are assaulted they shall be effectually defended. Let us not fail to leave our case into the Lord's hand. Vain is the help of man, but ever effectual is the interposition of heaven. What is here asked for as a boon, may be regarded as a promise to all the saints; in judgment they shall have a divine advocate, in warfare a divine protection."

"When in doubt, search God out!"

HEY JUDE

Greetings from Jude!

I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.

May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.

You know, I was planning to write you about something else. But now I find that the Spirit has laid this heavy upon my heart.

I feel I must urge you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people.

I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches! They are saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.

Their condemnation was recorded long ago, for they have denied our ONLY Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I know that you already know these things. But I want to remind you.

Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful.

And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them - but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.

And don't forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God's judgment.

In the same way, these people are like this. They claim authority from their dreams. They live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But these people scoff at what they do not understand.

Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them. They deceive people for money. They will perish in their rebellion.

You need to be aware.

These people are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.

They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves.

They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving rain.

They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.

They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds.

They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

Even Enoch, who lived in the 7th generation after Adam, prophesied about these people!

They are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.

In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love.

Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.

Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment.

Hey, thanks for listening.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and who will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.

All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!

AMEN!!

Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ.

(Taken from Jude - NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Gossip

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: gossip

What do you think gossip is?

Why do you think gossip is so harmful/dangerous?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Against the Crowd

Sometime in the future?

Judge: "Does the jury have a verdict?"

Jury Foreman: "Yes, your honor."

Judge: "Proceed."

Jury Foreman: "We, the jury, in the aforementioned case, do find the defendant guilty of being a Christian. We further find him/her guilty of three counts of illegal possession of a Bible, unlawful assembly with other Christians, and the forbidden proclamation of their message in public. For the high crime of treason, in this case the willful expression of allegiance to a higher authority than the government, we do hereby pronounce the death penalty."

In many areas of the world, being a Christian puts your life at risk.

It hasn’t happened in this country…yet.

But there is a much subtler persecution going on.

It’s very apparent that our country is being flooded with anti-Christian messages. Especially in the media. It is no longer "politically correct" to be a believer. We are considered "exclusive" and "hateful" and "narrow-minded." Those are some of the kinder names.

Have you faced this persecution?

Sometimes I find myself a bit isolated from it. Not intentionally, I am mostly surrounded by other believers. At church, in my Bible Study, in my small group. The Body of Christ is alive and well even in Blog Land.

All of my close friends are Christians.

But my sons, in their 20’s, experience a different world. Many of their friends are not. And they often find themselves on the "other" side of the fence when it comes to entertainment, and money, and socializing, and values.

It’s been this way for a while –

Even when my kids were in elementary school, we had to change Easter Break to Spring Break, and the Christmas Program magically morphed into the Holiday Program. My nephew, who’s in high school, only said the Pledge of Allegiance on Mondays last year – the rest of the week they read a "patriotic" piece.

It’s the whole mention of GOD that is so offensive these days.

Today’s "Bible Pick ‘Ems" reminded me of this sinful shift that is occurring in America – this move away from its Biblical beginnings, and its Christian values.

It takes place right before the fall of Jerusalem, during the reign of King Zedekiah. Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man. He was one of the kings who "did evil in the sight of the Lord."

And disaster was looming on the horizon…

"The LORD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people…But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. They scoffed at the prophets until the LORD’S anger could no longer be restrained…" (2 Chronicles 36:15-16)

The next verse is the frightening conclusion to this willful turning away from God.

"So the LORD brought the king of Babylon against them."

Friends, I never want to be a purveyor of doom and gloom. It’s not my style. But when I read these verses, I took them as a good "wake-up call."

Persecution is real. We will be mocked, and our words will be despised. People will scoff at us...

It’s what happens when you stand up for the Lord.

And things may get worse. I pray not – I pray for a revival in this country. A changing in the hearts of its people. I pray for God to move mightily.

But in the meantime, we're going to suffer – for our message, for our values, for our Lord.

It’s OK – He has a great promise for us.

"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven." (Matthew 5:11)

Are you feeling any persecution in your life? Are you willing to stand against it?

For me to live is Christ…

(Join me at Spiritual Sundays, with Charlotte and Ginger, and Super Sunday with Peggy)

"When in doubt, search God out!"