Frankly? Sometimes I don't want to write certain blog posts. Like yesterday's, for example. Or today's, especially. I prefer the happy-happy, Pollyanna, ain't Life with God, great? posts any day.
But then God reminds me of the times when hard truths have set me free (in odd sorts of ways) and how He holds me responsible for sharing those truths with you. And how I won't be able to truly move on here in this blog until I write those posts, first.
You should see me sometimes. No, I guess you shouldn't, really, for I can get all, "Okay. Okay. Sheesh. I'll write the thing. Bleh. But I won't like writing it."
(I'm sure God appreciates that humble attitude, right? Oh dear. Just being honest here.)
Anyway, I'm gonna post only one more 'sticky, wish I didn't have to write it' post this week and then hopefully God will let me return to the happy-happy stuff.
What I
"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." ... Matthew 10:22
I've confessed here before that I'm a big-time message board/comment reader and oh my goodness. For years I've seen the hatred toward Christians in those things, but lately! Even after peaceful articles, say, about tv shows, obituaries, or anything, really, people can become all, "I hate Christians! They're ignorant, mean and need to be locked up and made to shut-up. Or even better, die."
And now with the latest Supreme Court decision? Even other Christians who approve of gay marriage are saying they hate us who don't. Longtime friendships are dissolving over this. Lines have been drawn. So like the above verse says, we are now, officially, hated by, well, everyone.
The time, folks, is now here. But yeah, Jesus warned us, after all.
The time, folks, is now here. But yeah, Jesus warned us, after all.
Yet here's the good news (with Jesus, thankfully, there's always good news somewhere):
"I am with you always, even unto the end of the world... take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.... For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood ....Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! .... But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
And oh my goodness--fear not. Where sin abounds, there grace abounds much more and I (personally) believe that extra Grace is already here--we could not walk boldly, unwaveringly without it...
... and Grace will see us through any trouble awaiting us up the road ahead. She has so far and she always will. No matter what.
But we must prepare our hearts today.
But we must prepare our hearts today.
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"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." ... Matthew 5:11
What do I believe? We should, daily, get ready. Live ready. Live prepared to face anything ahead with much grace and serenity.
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Of course, there's being persecuted for being godly, but there's also being persecuted for being, well, stupid.
To read more about the difference, go here.
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Free Kindle Books:
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Speaking of obituaries, I came across one for my high school geometry teacher. I'd always thought he was a Christian and I'm so glad that, yes, he really was. Happy sigh.
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Good Read, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I am one of those "stalkers". I appreciate the truth you write and am almost always re-affirmed in what I am doing (stay-at-home wife and nana). Thank you so much for being brave! God bless!
ReplyDelete"The one who stands firm to the end", that is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDeb, it's not always easy to be obedient to the Spirit's leading, but it is the best way to live. Your willingness to tell the truth, boldly, inspires me. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteYes. What everyone else has said. I SO appreciate your words Debra. You always speak truth with love and grace. And that makes all the difference! It breaks my heart to see the division in our country and especially in the church at large. But whenever there is a question about truth, there is only one place I can go to "decide" what I believe. And that is God's Word. Even when it goes against legislation, even when it goes against what SEEMS right. Even when it might cause a rift in friendships or even between family members, God's Word will never return void. It IS Truth with a capital T.
ReplyDeleteConnie--so glad you liked this. Thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDeleteKim--oh! I love it when my blog stalkers drop in and say hello. :) Thanks so much and thanks for reading here. For your kind words, also. Hope to hear from you again!
Terra--I think that part is beautiful, also! Thanks for reminding me.
Pam--I'm grateful for your faithful encouragement--thank-you!
Deb--isn't it a marvelous thing that we have the Bible as an anchor while our world is going all wavey-rolling? All of those things you pointed out are everywhere in our country now, so I'm thinking God's word is more valuable and necessary than ever for us to know and live by. Thanks for stopping by with those good words!
Thanks, Everyone! Blessings, Debra