Amidst the Chaos...

Edited by Myrna Moore

Happy mid-week!

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Swept Away

I recently started a chronological Bible reading program, where you read the Bible in the historical order of events. I've never tried this kind of approach before, so I thought I'd give it a go.

This week's reading plan has focused on the book of Job. It inspired me to write the following . . . poem? . . . song? . . . I'm not entirely sure how to categorize it. Whatever it is, I hope it will encourage you to look to the One Who has all the answers.

Swept Away

 Feels like I’m swimming upstream, I can’t catch my breath

Everything I was holding onto has been swept away

Why have You ignored my cries for help?

Why have I become a burden to You?

Why don’t You take my pain away?

Why do You answer my tears with silence? 

Where did I go wrong?

Don’t You see what’s happening to me?

Remember that my life is a breath

I’m swept away in the blink of an eye

For when a few years have come and gone

I’ll go to where I can’t return

Who will praise You then?

How long will You let them torment me

And tear me to pieces with heartless words?

Can’t You see what they’re doing to me?

Seems like I’m all alone in this battle

Why aren’t You here to protect me?

I can’t keep keeping on like this

It’s too much for me to take

My song has been silenced in the darkness of despair

I will question you, and you will answer Me

Where were you when I made the earth?

Have you commanded the morning since your birth?

Do you know the secret springs of the sea?

Have you walked in the deep places of the earth?

Have you seen the gates of Hell, or touched the windows of Heaven?

Tell me, if you know all this

Where is the way to the dwelling of light?

And where is the house of darkness?

Have you seen where the snow and hail are stored?

Can you send forth rain to nourish the earth?

Answer me, if you can

Do you give the horses their strength?

Is the wild ox your servant?

Do you provide the raven its prey to feed its young ones?

Have you caught Leviathan with a hook, or tamed Behemoth with a leash?

Will you contend with Yahweh, fault-finder?

Will you give an answer, you who argue with God?

I lay my hand on my mouth – how can I answer You? 

I know that You can do all things, and no will of Yours can be thwarted

I’ve spoken about what I don’t understand, things too wonderful for me to comprehend

Now I see You, and I repent in dust and ashes

I’m awe-struck, captivated, swept away by You

Blessed be Your Name!

"Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Job 1:21b

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The Rejection of Truth

As an American patriot and Christian, I feel the need to mention some grievances that have come to my attention in the recent months.

David Barton, historian and writer (and the Founder and President of WallBuilders), recently published a book entitled The Jefferson Lies: Exposing the Myths You've Always Believed About Thomas Jefferson  through Thomas Nelson Publishers, one of the most prominent Christian publishing companies. The book was repealed after the publisher "lost confidence" in The Jefferson Lies.

This is the official statement from the WallBuilders web site in response to Thomas Nelson Publisher's repeal of the book.

"The announcement that Thomas Nelson has pulled The Jefferson Lies because it has 'lost confidence' in the work has become national news. However, while Thomas Nelson may have “lost confidence” in the work, others have not and thus the book has already been picked up by a much larger national publisher and distributor. Even at the time Nelson dropped the work, they admitted that it was still selling very well.

"As is the case with all of our published items, we go above and beyond with original source documentation so that people can be thoroughly confident when they see the truth of history for themselves. We find it regrettable that Thomas Nelson never contacted us with even one specific area of concern before curtly notifying us they had dropped the work. Had they done so, we would have been happy to provide them with the thorough and extensive historical documentation for any question or issue they raised; they never asked. The Jefferson Lies has not been pulled from publication and it will continue to sell nationally."

 In this article, Barton addresses individual critics' concerns and statements about The Jefferson Lies. (I was planning on quoting parts of this article, but found very quickly that I would need to quote the entire article for accuracy, so it's much better if you just read the article for yourself.) He speaks very well for himself, so I would strongly encourage you to read it.

Why is Barton taking so many negative hits for trying to educate others - especially Americans - about the truth of our Founding Fathers using original documents and eyewitness accounts?

I cannot make a final judgment call on why Barton's critics are being so negative, but I can point to what the Scriptures say about human nature tends to treat truth.

God is a God of truth.

...a God of truth... {Deuteronomy 32:4}

...all his works are done in truth. {Psalm 33:4}

...his truth endureth to all generations. {Psalm 100:5}

...thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. {Psalm 108:4}

....thy law is the truth. {Psalm 119:142}

...all thy commandments are truth. {Psalm 119:151}

 Fallen, depraved man has a natural tendency to reject God's truth and replace it with man's lies, even men who have accepted Christ as their Savior (see Romans 1 and 2). Many times, this is because the truth isn't "convenient." Truth doesn't fit with our preconceived notions, and that makes us uncomfortable. So we skew truth/reality to fit with what makes us comfortable.

It can be very hard to stand up for the truth. It's so very tempting to cave under pressure. We don't like being uncomfortable. We don't like standing out, being "different." It makes me sad that Thomas Nelson, one of the most well-known Christian publishers, has caved under pressure.

Now, I am not saying Barton's latest book is on the same level as God's Word as a source for truth. It just makes me sad to see a dedicated believer being criticized for trying to debunk myths and lies that our education system has led our nation to believe about Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers.

I am no historian (although I do love history...and books), but I have a hard time believing that Deists would frame an entire country's foundation on Biblical principles and standards. I have a hard time believing that Deists would implement prayer before each session of Congress and establish a position for a Congressional chaplain. I have a hard time believing that Deists would have financially supported efforts to evangelize the Native American Indian tribes. It disturbs me that Baron is taking so much flak for his desire to set the record straight about Jefferson in his latest book via original documents, eyewitness accounts, and official records (infringement of free speech aside).

Again, I'm not saying Barton - or any other man for that matter - is on par with God as a reliable source for truth. My point is, we tend to reject any truth that isn't "convenient" and/or doesn't fit with our ideas or perspective(s).

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said:

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. {John 8:32}

Truth is a God-given source of freedom. America's Founding Fathers created the entire foundation of America on God's truth revealed through His Word.

But ... you can't live by the truth if you don't know the truth. That requires digging deep, using original sources in context - in our case, the Bible (in Barton's case, original writings, eyewitness accounts and official documents).

Seek to learn and know the truth by becoming a student of God's Word. Remember: you can't live by the truth if you don't know the truth.

"The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible."

Patrick Henry

General in the American Revolution; Legislator; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Governor of Virginia

"Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia [sic] – what a Paradise would this region be!"

John Adams

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; One of the Two Signers of the Bill of Rights; Second President of the United States 

"I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament." 

Benjamin Rush

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Treasurer of the U.S. Mint

"In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity."

John Quincy Adams 

Sixth President of the United States; Secretary of State; U.S. Senator; U.S. Representative 

"The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." 

Congress, 1854

"[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible."

 Benjamin Rush

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Treasurer of the U.S. Mint

"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped. [sic]"

 Benjamin Franklin

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Signer of the U.S. Constitution; Governor of Pennsylvania

"Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle... In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants."

Congress, U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854

"[Governments] could not give the rights essential to happiness… We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth."

John Dickinson

Signer of the Constitution; Governor of Pennsylvania; Governor of Delaware; General in the American Revolution

"Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others."

Patrick Henry

General in the American Revolution; Legislator; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Governor of Virginia

"It becomes a people publicly to acknowledge the over-ruling hand of Divine Providence and their dependence upon the Supreme Being as their Creator and Merciful Preserver . . . and with becoming humility and sincere repentance to supplicate the pardon that we may obtain forgiveness through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Samuel Huntington

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; President of Congress; Governor of Connecticut 

"[P]ublic utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures. Without the Bible, in vain do we increase penal laws and draw entrenchments around our institutions." 

James McHenry

Officer in the Revolutionary War; Signer and Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Secretary of War

"By renouncing the Bible, philosophers swing from their moorings upon all moral subjects… It is the only correct map of the human heart that ever has been published."

 Benjamin Rush

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Treasurer of the U.S. Mint

"You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are." 

George Washington

Member of the Continental Congress; Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; President of the Constitutional Convention; First President of the United States

"This will be the best security for maintaining our liberties. A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins."

Benjamin Franklin

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Signer of the U.S. Constitution; Governor of Pennsylvania

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event." Thomas Jefferson

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Governor of Virginia; Secretary of State; Third President of the United States

"Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us." 

John Hanckock

First Signer of the Declaration of Independence; President of Congress; General in the Revolutionary War; Governor of Massachusetts  

I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow. 

John Jay

President of Congress; Author of the Federalist Papers; Original Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; Governor of New York

"[T]he greatest discoveries in science have been made by Christian philosophers and . . . there is the most knowledge in those countries where there is the most Christianity."

 Benjamin Rush

Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution; Treasurer of the U.S. Mint

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Does Suicide Send You to Hell?

It's a sobering question that lingers in many hearts and minds. Many have found it difficult to offer a clear, theologically sound answer.

Ravi Zacharias, founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), does an excellent job of answering this difficult question in this portion of a recorded Q&A session. His humility, transparency and love for the truth of God's Word shines through as he speaks.

As Ravi pointed out, suicide is a form of murder. Instead of taking someone else's life in your hands, you're taking your life in your hands. God makes it abundantly clear how He views any kind of murder.

 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. 

Genesis 9:6

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

I Corinthians 6:19-20

Man is made in the image of God. When man kills man - whether another man or himself - the image of God is marred. Staining the image of the holy God is not something He takes lightly, and neither should we. 

So, does suicide send you to hell?

The short answer is: No. Choosing to reject Christ is what sends a person to hell.

I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,

"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."

And he replied, "Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way."

King George VI

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Idols and the Living God

Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 

They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. 

 {Jeremiah 10:1-5}

One of the many reasons God commanded the Israelites to annihilate the pagan nations in the Promised Land of Canaan was to limit Israel's exposure to idol worship. Most (if not all) of these nations practiced some kind of idol worship. Rituals associated with this idol worship included showing respect and honor to statues - so-called "physical likenesses" of various man made deities and gods made out of wood, stone, bone, and precious metals - by exhibiting various body postures (such as bowing), burning incense, kissing or reverently touching various parts on the god's "likeness," providing offerings of fruit, animals, even humans (especially children). All of these things were done with the hope that the god would do something for them in return. Whether the god would grant your request varied from deity to deity. Some gods were thought to be temperamental and would (or would not) answer you based on how they felt on that particular day. Other gods based their answers on your moral uprightness, the quality of your sacrifice, your level of devotion to that particular deity/religion, etc. Sadly, many of these practices and beliefs are kept alive by various pagan cults and religions today. These practices, and the mindset(s) that result(s) from such practices, are just as deadly to people's spiritual lives today as they were all those years ago during the conquest of Canaan. 

As you probably know, Israel did not fully obey God's command to destroy all of the pagan nations living in Canaan, and they paid the price. A reading of the Old Testament reveals many, many times when the nation of Israel was captivated by and enslaved to idol worship due to the influence of those nations they allowed to  remain intact. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was led astray into the sin of worshiping pagan gods and deities. They became distracted and enamored by the fleshly appeal such worship has, and they left their first love - the God who led them out of bondage in Egypt, kept them alive in the Wilderness, and provided them a Promised Land to call their own - to follow after false gods made by the hands and minds of men.

Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. 

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. 

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. 

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men. 

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. 

{Jeremiah 10:7-10}

Aren't you glad we serve a God who isn't made on a workbench in a woodcarver's or metalworker's shop? You never have to worry that He might not be in a mood to hear and/or answer your prayers. He is always consistent - "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). He loves you - yes, you! - and He has made a way for you to have a personal relationship with Him through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for your sins. He has given you His precious words to read and study to help you get to know Him.

We serve the living God, my friends.

I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 

Isaiah 46:9-10

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Beneath the Cross

Beneath the cross of Jesus

I find a place to stand,

And wonder at such mercy

That calls me as I am;

For hands that should discard me

Hold wounds which tell me, "Come."

Beneath the cross of Jesus

My unworthy soul is won.

Beneath the cross of Jesus

His family is my own—

Once strangers chasing selfish dreams,

Now one through grace alone.

How could I now dishonor

The ones that You have loved?

Beneath the cross of Jesus

See the children called by God.

Beneath the cross of Jesus—

The path before the crown—

We follow in His footsteps

Where promised hope is found.

How great the joy before us

To be His perfect bride;

Beneath the cross of Jesus

We will gladly live our lives.

{Beneath the Cross by Thankyou Music}

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

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The Rainbow

"The rainbow, the symbol of the covenant with Noah, is typical of our Lord Jesus, who is the Lord's witness to the people. When may we expect to see the token of the covenant? The rainbow is only to be seen painted upon a cloud. When the sinner's conscience is dark with clouds, when he remembers his past sin, and mourneth and lamenteth before God, Jesus Christ is revealed to him as the covenant Rainbow, displaying all the glorious hues of the divine character and betokening peace. To the believer, when his trials and temptations surround him, it is sweet to behold the person of our Lord Jesus Christ - to see Him bleeding, living, rising, and pleading for us.

"God's rainbow is hung over the cloud of our sins, our sorrows, and our woes, to prophesy deliverance. Nor does a cloud alone give a rainbow, there must be the crystal drops to reflect the light of the sun. So, our sorrows must not only threaten, but they must really fall upon us. There had been no Christ for us if the vengeance of God had been merely a threatening cloud: punishment must fall in terrible drops upon the Surety. Until there is a real anguish in the sinner's conscience, there is no Christ for him; until the chastisement which he feels becomes grievous, he cannot see Jesus. But there must also be a sun; for clouds and drops of rain make not rainbows unless the sun shineth.

"Beloved, our God, who is as the sun to us, always shines, but we do not always see Him-clouds hide His face; but no matter what drops may be falling, or what clouds may be threatening, if He does but shine there will be a rainbow at once. It is said that when we see the rainbow the shower is over. Certain it is, that when Christ comes, our troubles remove; when we behold Jesus, our sins vanish, and our doubts and fears subside. When Jesus walks the waters of the sea, how profound the calm!" - C.H. Spurgeon

The bow shall be seen in the cloud.

Genesis 9:14

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Jehovah Jireh!

God has blessed me with yet another job.

Yes, a second job!

I am more excited and grateful than any words can express. When it rains blessings, it pours!

A few months ago, I had applied to teach at a private Christian school just down the road from our house. My brother, who currently attends there, informed me of their lack of any kind of a performing arts/drama program, so I decided to give it a go and see if they were interested in starting a program of that sort.

Several weeks later, Mom met with the upper school administrator to discuss my brother's upcoming academic schedule. She mentioned my application and expressed interest in discussing employment opportunities with me. We talked the next day, and I was hired(!). "I don't normally hire people without laying eyes on them, but I feel that I can make an exception for you."

The school faculty has been dwindling over the past several weeks. Some have answered the call to full-time mission work outside the U.S. Others have resigned due to various circumstances. There is a real need for additional faculty members, and God has seen fit to bless me with the opportunity to help meet that need.

The school doesn't have the resources or space for a drama/performing arts program, but I will be able to blend my performance training with my interest in teaching, my love of storytelling, and my heart for children all into one job. How exciting is that!

This week is "planning week" for the faculty and staff. We have been meeting every morning to iron out as many kinks as we can before school starts Monday morning. The closer Monday gets, the more excited I become. I can hardly wait to see what the Lord will do during this school year.

Just a few short weeks ago, I was unemployed with an ever-shrinking list of ideas of where to apply for work. Now I have two incredible jobs with tasks the Lord has gifted me in, working in a Christian environment with coworkers and bosses who are strong in the faith. I never imagined my job search would end in such a way. God certainly "is able to do exceedinly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20)!

As I mentioned before, we are working to get all the last-minute details together to prepare for the beginning of the school year next week. Please pray for us as we do so. Pray that the Lord will use us to help these children and teenagers to learn and grow, both spiritually and academically. Pray that we won't lose sight of the big picture as the school year gets underway and things become hectic.

Looking back at how the last few weeks have unfolded, I am reminded that God is Jehovah Jireh, "the Lord Who Provides." It is encouraging and comforting to see how He has manifested that Name through the circumstances He has providentally orchestrated to provide these blessed opportunities for me.

In Matthew 6 and Luke 12, Jesus illustrates the loving provision of Jehovah Jireh and tells us how we are to respond to this loving provision.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?  

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
{Matthew 6:25-32}

  

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
{Luke 12:22-30}

 Jehovah Jireh knows His children have needs, and He always provides for them. Always.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

{Philippians 4:19}

Jehovah Jireh has blessed me beyond measure by providing for me in a truly incredible way, and I praise Him for it.

. . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Malachi 3:10b

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Hold On Until the End

Do you ever have those moments where you're reading something - a passage of Scripture, a devotional book, a quote book, etc. - and God brings your attention to a particular verse or sentence that tells you exactly what you needed to hear at that particular moment?

That happened to me just a few minutes ago.

I was reading in one of my all-time favorite devotional books, Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman. I always enjoy reading each day's short devotional - they are chock-full of Biblical truth and spiritually refreshing.

Today's devotional was entitled, "Hold On Until the End." I have been a bit frazzled -- alright, more than a bit frazzled about some situations where I have felt like throwing my hands up, throwing in the towel, giving up . . . you get the idea. This devotional was exactly what I needed to hear, right at the moment when I read it (yet another reason I don't believe in coincidences).

If you'll permit me, I would like to share part of this short devotional with you in the hope that it will minister to your heart as well. (No copyright infringement is intended.)

Hold On Until the End

"It is the last step that wins; and there is no place in the pilgrim's progress where so many dangers lurk as the region that lies hard by the portals of the Celestial City. It was there that Doubting Castle stood. It was there that the enchanted ground lured the tired traveler to fatal slumber. It is when Heaven's heights are full in view that hell's gate is most persistent and full of deadly peril. 'Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' 'So run, that ye may obtain.' "

In the bitter waves of woe

Beaten and tossed about

By the sullen winds that blow

From the desolate shores of doubt,

Where the anchors that faith has cast

Are dragging in the gale,

I am quietly holding fast

To the things that cannot fail.

And fierce though the fiends may fight,

And long though the angels hide,

I know that truth and right

Have the universe on their side;

And that somewhere beyond the stars

Is a love that is better than fate.

When the night unlocks her bars

I shall see Him--and I will wait.

Washington Gladden

It's so tempting to give up when you're so close to the end of a trial, a spiritual struggle, or other difficulty that must be fought through. I constantly struggle with wanting to give up - and, all too often, actually giving up - when I can "see the light at the end of the tunnel," so to speak. I feel like I've already fought so long and so hard to rid myself of that besetting sin, to free myself from a bad habit, etc., that I just can't do it anymore, even though I'm right at the finish line. That would be like an Olympic athlete stopping and pulling himself or herself out of the race a few paces from the finish line, mere steps away from victory. I don't know about you, but that mental image is heartbreaking to me. That's exactly what happens when I focus on the stormy situation, the pain the situation is causing, etc., and I pull myself out of the spiritual race God has called me to run.

During the World War II Allied Invasion of Normandy ("D-Day"), a detachment of British forces were ordered to seize and hold a particular bridge until reinforcements arrived. They knew before they landed that they would be vastly outnumbered by the occupying German forces. When the officer of the detachment asked how long they were expected to hold the bridge, the answer was, "hold until relieved. Hold until relieved." And that's exactly what he did - his detachment took the bridge and held it until the reinforcements arrived to relieve them.

Hold on until the end. Don't quit. "It is the last step that wins."

Keep your hand on the plow! Hold on!

Langston Hughes

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Hebrews 3:14

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I Would Be True

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;

I would be pure, for there are those who care;

I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;

I would be brave, for there is much to dare;

I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless;

I would be giving, and forget the gift;

I would be humble, for I know my weakness;

I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift.

I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift.

I would be faithful through each passing moment;

I would be constantly in touch with God;

I would be strong to follow where He leads me;

I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod;

I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

                                                    - Howard A. Walter

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

Luke 6:31

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Clarifications About This Blog

There has been some confusion about the nature of this blog: why I started it, what it is, what it isn't, why I write the way I do, etc. Hopefully this post will shed some light on the confusion so you all have a better understanding of "Thoughts from a Fellow Traveler."

Why I Started This Blog

I have wanted to be a blog author for many years, but wasn't sure what kind of blog I should have (ie. what I should write about) until this past June. After much thought and prayer, I decided to create a blog where I would share what the Lord is teaching me through His Word, church services, random happenings, life events, conversations, etc. I'm not naturally inclined to share what the Lord is teaching me, even though I know I ought to be, so pairing my love of writing with my spiritual walk seemed like a good idea to help me learn to be more open about sharing lessons the Lord has taught me and/or is currently teaching me. 

What This Blog Is

This blog is, as its name implies, simply thoughts from a fellow Christian traveler making her way through the journey of life. I often share events, verses, sermons, videos, and song lyrics that have given me food for thought, have taught me something, have reminded me of truths I learned previously and/or have encouraged me when I needed spiritual encouragement. I share these things with the intent to encourage, help, and strengthen my fellow Christian travelers' walks with the Lord.

What This Blog Is Not

This blog is not meant to be an avenue for me to share every little detail about myself, my life, or my opinions. It is also not meant to show off my theological prowess or my design/writing abilities. I know I am not what I ought to be, "but by the grace of God I am what I am" (I Cor. 15:10). If I do share something personal - for example, this post recounting how God provided a job for me - it is with the intent to give glory and praise to God for how He is working in my life and to encourage others through it. I am not being paid to write these posts, nor am I being paid to share resources from ministries, organizations, artists, authors, or other writers that have been helpful in my spiritual life. 

Why I Write the Way I Do

I have always had a very direct and highly structured/organized writing style. I don't like beating around the bush or filling up white space with a bunch of fluff or flowery words that mean nothing. I feel that it's a waste of your time as the reader and a waste of my time as the writer. My style tends to be what I call "journalistic" - start off with a brief introduction to the material and/or the background behind the subject at hand, cut to the chase as soon as possible and close with a brief recap of what was said with possibly a few words of application or admonition. I usually include an invitation to the reader to share their thoughts or additional insights in an attempt to encourage discussion and feedback. My writing is not intended to be read as a lecture or a conclusive, end-all analysis of the topic I'm writing about. I didn't graduate from college with a degree in Bible or theology. I don't claim to know everything there is to know about God, His Word, or the Christian life, because I don't.

 I understand that everyone has their preferences for writing style, organization of content, amount of  the author's personal material, amount of deep theological and/or philosophical content, etc. There are many different styles of writing and methods for organizing content. I am not saying my way is the only "right" way to go about writing about spiritual things. This is how my mind tends to organize content when I write. My posts aren't perfect; they are simply the imperfect record of the experiences of a sinner saved by grace. My prayer is that God can use that imperfect record of this sinner's experiences to minister to other sinners, both those who are saved by grace and those who have not accepted that grace yet.

I hope that helps sort out some of the confusion. 

Will you please take a moment to tell me what your thoughts are about this blog in the comments below? (Please be considerate as you word your comments.) I value your input and would like to know how I can better minister to you through this avenue.

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Promises That Strengthen

This post is a conglomeration of verses and passages of Scripture the Lord has used to strengthen me recently. I hope they are an encouragement to you.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

{Psalm 121:2-8}

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 

{Proverbs 1:33}

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

{Isaiah 26:3}

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

{Isaiah 40:29-31}

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

{Isaiah 41:10}

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

{Jeremiah 29:11-13}

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

{Matthew 11:28-30}

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 

{John 10:28-29}

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

{John 14:16-18}

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

{John 14:27}

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

{Romans 8:1-2}

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

{Romans 8:28}

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

{Romans 8:35-39}

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

{I Corinthians 10:13}

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

{Philippians 4:19}

He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
{Hebrews 13:5b-6}

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

 {I Peter 1:3-5}

Now, dear reader, it's your turn - what are some of your favorite "promise passages"? Please don't be shy! :)

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Marks of the Christian Life

What does a Christian look like?

In other words: what qualities are Christians characterized by? What kind of speech does a Christian use? How do Christians treat others? How do Christians handle conflict?

Let's take a look at Colossians 3 for some answers to these questions.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. {Colossians 3:12-15}

This passage paints a clear and direct picture of the marks of the Christian life.

Let's break this down, shall we?

{ ... holy and beloved ... } This describes our position in Christ as "the elect of God." The remaining qualities in the list are a natural outpouring of this.

{ ... bowels of mercies ... } Those who owe so much to the mercy of the Father are to be merciful to those who need mercy (see Luke 6:36).

{ ... kindness ... } Christians are characterized by a kindness that extends to everyone, not just those who are kind to us.

{ ... humbleness of mind ... } A Christian practices a humble mindset and thought pattern to match a humble demeanor (see Matthew 11:29 and Philippians 2:3).

{ ... meekness ... } Christians patiently bear the anger of others and bridle their own anger towards those who have provoked them.

{ ... longsuffering ... } Continued forbearance and patience towards those who continue to provoke (see I Corinthians 13:4). Since God is longsuffering, Christians are to exercise longsuffering to others in the same fashion.

{ ... forbearing one another ... } We all have something that others need patience to bear with. In the same way, we should patiently bear with others in what is disagreeable to us. In other words, Christians are to be characterized by a mutual patience for the imperfections we all have as sinful, fallen creatures.

{ ... forgiving one another ... even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye ... } Quarrels happen, even among "the elect of God." But it is our duty to forgive each other. A Christian is characterized by a readiness and willingness to forgive, because Christ forgave us.

{ ... put on charity ... } Unconditional love ("charity") is the capstone of the Christian faith, and an overriding principle in a Christian's life.

{ ... let the peace of God rule in your hearts ... } The Christian life is marked by a peaceable disposition, a peaceable spirit that keeps the peace and makes peace. This "peace of God" is working in all of those who are His. We are called to this peace - the privilege of peace with God and the duty of peace with our brothers and sisters as a body in Christ.

{ ... be ye thankful ... } Gratitude towards God and the provisions He has made for us (spiritual, material, etc.) is an important mark of the Christian life because He deserves our gratitude. It also sets the tone for a person's attitude, their disposition toward others and their outlook on life.

Colossians 3:12-15 serves as an excellent checklist for what the Christian life looks like. Each quality is just as important as the other. They all work together to exemplify Christ.

Prayerfully meditate on this checklist and ask the Lord to show you which qualities are lacking in your life. None of us are perfect, so none of us will ever exemplify Christ perfectly. We are not called to be perfect - we are called to strive toward Christ-likeness.

What does a Christian look like?

A Christian looks like Christ.

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Pride Destroys

God wants to be the center of your life, because that's where He belongs. Someone who is prideful believes they has need of nothing but deserves everything, because they placed themselves at the center of their life. God is constantly working to de-centralize humanity, this problem of pride. Pride is the root of a great many of the roadblocks we encounter in our spiritual life as we seek to learn and grow to become more like Christ.

James 4:6 says, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." God wants your reliance and your focus to be on Him (as it should be), not on yourself.

Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon and one of the world leaders of his day. He fought and conquered many nations, including Israel. He took everything from those he conquered, except their false gods. He knew he could get more cooperation from them if he let them keep their gods. This is the same tactic Satan uses today. He may take your marriage, your children, your health, your purity, your joy, your money, your peace of mind, your job, any number of things.

The one thing he will not take is your "god." Your "god" is anything you allow, out of the pride of your heart, to take the place of God or in place of obedience to God. Satan's goal is to turn your heart away from the one true God. He leaves your "god" in your life to accomplish that goal.

Some examples of "gods" would be:

• Alcohol
• Drugs (prescription or illegal)
• Independent spirit
• Anger
• Pleasure
• Work/career
• Pornography
• Self-destructive actions and thought patterns
• Jealousy
• Money
• Fame/popularity
• Eating disoders (anorexia/bulimia)

In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar recounts the story of how his pride brought him very close to destruction.

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? {Daniel 4:30}

Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with pride that he set himself up as god. He was completely self-absorbed and self-satisfied, even after he was warned by Daniel about God's imminent judgment (see v. 27).

God mercifully stayed His judgment for an entire year, giving Nebuchadnezzar plenty of time to repent. After voicing his prideful boast in verse 30, God decided that the time for judgment had come.

While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. {Daniel 4:31-33}

 Nebuchadnezzar believed in the existence of God. He knew God can work miracles, that He had the power to reveal mysteries to Daniel, that He had the power to deliver the Hebrews from their enemies. But Nebuchadnezzar's heart was filled with pride. He wanted to be the king of his life. God had to bring him to the end of himself, causing him to live as an animal for seven years, in order for him to humble himself before God.

And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?  At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.  Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. {Daniel 4:34-37}

How have you displayed pride and/or self-absorption? How have you, like King Nebuchadnezzar, ignored God's Word and His warnings about that pride?

Take some time to get alone with God. Allow Him to show you your pride in its real light. Confess those areas of pride in your life and put God back on the throne of your life.

Pride erects a little kingdom of its own, and acts as sovereign in it.

William Hazlitt

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Hannah's Praise Song

Hannah's praise song (found in I Samuel 2:1-10) is one of my favorite passages of Scripture in the Old Testament. It's such a beautiful expression of Hannah's joy over God having answered her prayers for a son. The emotions she expresses are a step toward glorifying the Lord for His guidance in human affairs. It alternates between the themes of God's sovereignty and the reversal of human fortunes; it ends with the theme of kingship.

Hannah's praise song is a hymn to the God who reverses human fortunes by His mighty power, the Creator beyond all human understanding who protects those who are faithful to Him.

Hannah's Praise Song

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 

There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 

The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. 

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. 

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. 

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He Answers Prayer

As many of you know, I have been looking for employment for quite a while. God has seen fit to bless me with a job that far exceeded my expectations. But I'm getting ahead of myself . . .

Dad saw a "help wanted" ad in the local newspaper for a company in need of a secretary. He called the number provided in the ad and talked with the owner's wife (who serves as the current secretary) to find out more about the position. He mentioned that he had a daughter (me) who had recently graduated from college and was looking for work. When she asked where I had graduated from, she was shocked when Dad told her I had graduated from Bob Jones University. She's a BJU grad as well, and she had been praying earlier that day for the Lord to send her someone from her alma mater. She needs help with payroll, billpay, and other financial aspects of the business, so she needs someone she can trust. She told Dad she would call back after she had thought and prayed about this answer to her prayers.

She called the next day to set up an interview with me on the following day. The interview wasn't really an "interview," per se. We chatted for almost an hour about our families, our churches, our experiences at BJU, and about God's remarkable answer to both of our prayers. Praising God together for answered prayer was a beautiful thing to experience.

When I left the building, I was an official employee. I am so thankful to be blessed with a job that pays well, in a good environment, with such wonderful bosses. I never dreamed that God would provide in such an incredible way, but He did. He can, He does, and He will. Not because we deserve it, but because of who we are in His Son, Jesus Christ. He delights in giving good gifts to His children, because He is good.

A big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed for me. God answered your prayers in an incredible way.

Don't be discouraged if God hasn't answered your prayer(s) yet. He will answer you in His timing, in His infinite wisdom, in His way. And when He does, He will surprise you with an answer far better than anything you can imagine.

God has given you His promise

That He hears and answers prayer.

He will heed your supplication

If you cast on Him your care.

He will answer every prayer,

He will answer every prayer,

Go to Him in faith believing,

He will answer every prayer.

He will not withhold one blessing,

He will give you what is best.

God will answer by His Spirit,

Every one who makes request.

He will answer every prayer,

He will answer every prayer,

Go to Him in faith believing,

He will answer every prayer.

He can hear the great petition,

And the smallest, over there.

Unto God pray without ceasing,

He will answer every prayer.

He will answer every prayer,

He will answer every prayer,

Go to Him in faith believing,

He will answer every prayer.

Take to God your plans and failures,

Any time and anywhere.

No one ever goes unanswered,

For He answers every prayer.

                                 Mary Bernstecher

 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee . . . 

{Job 22:27}

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:

{Psalm 91:15a}

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 

{Isaiah 65:24}

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 

{Jeremiah 29:12}

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

{Jeremiah 33:3}

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

{Matthew 7:7-11}

 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. 

{Matthew 21:22}

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 

{John 14:13-14}

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

{John 15:7}

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 

{John 16:23}

In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
{Philippians 4:6b}

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 

{James 5:16b}

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 

{I John 5:14-15}

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