Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Nobody's Gettin' Away With Anything


"Fret not yourself because of evildoers...Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?"   ---Proverbs 24:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9

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Way back in the mid-90's, four of us at church took turns monthly teaching adult Sunday School. 

We taught from the pulpit in the sanctuary (fun!) and the worldwide Christian Renewal had us all excited, inspired and glowing. Frankly, those memories still delight my 61-year-old mind (which wonders if I'd have too many senior moments were I to teach that way today. Er hem.) 


Anyway, people back then chuckled and rolled their eyes when I spoke one of my titles: Nobody's Gettin' Away With Anything. Seems that line went down like tiny squares of sandpaper. Uh-oh!

Yet now in 2021 do I still believe those words? Yes, yes I do, even after viewing comments from whining folks following days-of-reckoning-are-approaching-soon videos. You know, replies like:

"I've given up. Evil leaders keep leading. They never get caught. Nothing ever changes."

Yikes! Those who fling away their hope also watch their faith float away and without faith? Prayers tend not to get answered and Life turns downright depressing.

Here, my friends, is what I believe with all my heart:

Liars, cheaters and destroyers are not winning: they are losing their very souls.

The land of their hearts is dark. Demons require a shadowy atmosphere while they work.
No true peace of mind or rest is theirs. "For what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
"The evil man has no future: the lamp of the wicked will be put out."

(Go here for a longer list.)

If you truly know God, your average day with Him contains more peace, delight and contentment than evil-minded ones will ever experience, no matter their decades or wealth or Life positions.

And may these thoughts both comfort and challenge us to pray for all who cannot hear, see or taste what we all too often take for granted, for as our so-merciful God stated, Himself:


"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?"   --- Ezekiel 18:23





"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."   ---Romans 12:19,21



"There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens;

... a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 a time to tear down and a time to build,
 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time for war and a time for peace."   from Ecclesiastes 3


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Oh! You might not believe this, but .... (as I shared at Facebook)--

Gracious! Remember when Aldi delivered a totally wrong grocery order and they told us to keep it? Well today, Walmart groceries mysteriously arrived! I contacted customer service online and she said to keep or donate the groceries and not to worry, the folks who'd ordered them would receive a new order.
Wild, right? Only problem was that this time, the order didn't contain any chocolate or desserts. Bummer. heh. 🙂
But God is still good!


Oh, and the following week? I gazed down from our upstairs window and spied on the lawn, a five-dollar bill.

Since I was 12 or so, I've always believed God could provide for me in weird ways during hard times, so most likely? These things keep happening so I can share them with you and then it'll be settled within your own heart, as well.

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I wish you could see inside Naomi's van, for she's decorated it very retro 1970's. She's loves it more since she discovered the best way to heat it, what with it being winter, and all.  ツ
We love that it's almost like she lives next door and we've enjoyed watching lots of football games together. (Which reminds me; congratulations to the Bills for having such a wonderful season!)




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"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth."   ---from 1 Corinthians 13







"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

5 comments:

lizaellen said...

Thank you for the encouragement today! I've never visited your blog but the title enticed me and I'm very glad I could read your words.

Betsy said...

The Lord my God will never leave me nor forsake me. I know this, so even though today is a great disappointment, it's not surprising to me. God knows the hearts of the people in power...and the people who voted. He will be the judge, not me. I try to continue to show love to all people and I hope that those who don't believe the way I do, try to do the same.
Blessings,
Betsy

Pam said...

You're right Debra, no one gets away with anything. I'm so glad that God's grace is bigger than the combined sin of mankind! That truth keeps me going. So glad to hear that Naomi is close and you're able to spend time together!

Jennifer Williams said...

Really good encouraging words and advice. Thank you!

Debra said...

Lizaellen--I'm so happy to meet you! And I really appreciate your taking the time to comment. God bless you much!
Betsy--yes! God is still on the throne and personally I believe He's got some miracles up His sleeve which soon we shall see. :)
Pam--Yes! And I'm thankful God's grace is shed abroad within our hearts to get us through this time with His strength. Thanks for mentioning Naomi!
Jennifer--you are most welcome! Thanks for reading and commenting here.

Thanks so much, Everyone! Blessings, Debra