Carla had to go into work early this morning – something we are not used to.  I can remember when we used to get up at all hours, work late at night, early in the mornings with little problems.  Now we are no longer used to that and our minds and bodies don’t adjust as quickly as they did before.

Another two years and she will have her twenty in – and she is determined to be there that long.  Knowing Carla she will probably decide to shoot for 25.  She enjoys the work, for the most part, and her hours are not grievous so she can do it if she wishes but while I would just as soon have her not push herself so much, it is not my decision.

It has been a long week, seems like it is Saturday instead of Thursday.  The week is a tad bit fuller this week.

Jeremiah 20:1-2 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.

² Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:10-11  For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

¹¹ But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

2 Timothy 4:14-17 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

¹⁵ Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

¹⁷ Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  KJV from Biblegateway.com

And somehow too many Christians think we should be immune from those that rant against God; that because we are Christians we should not suffer pain or deprivation.  We should always be on the mountain top and not worry about the world’s attacks – because somehow we will not be attacked ourselves.

Now there IS a way that will work, most of the time, just not talk about Christ, don’t reveal His message and don’t challenge anyone or anything – be tolerant of everything.

But then what does that say about that kind of a ‘Christian?’

We know that our lives are not all doom and gloom.  We have many happy and joyous times with fellow believers, our families, our work, our hobbies and even as we share God’s love with others we see many positive responses and help others find Christ.

But, even when things may seem to be going well for us, we should know that satan is behind the scenes mounting an attack with his minions so that when we least expect it he can pounce upon us.

Forewarned is forearmed and we have been told many times throughout the Old and New Testaments that we are in a fight with the enemies of God and that we should be prepared.

Now we are not without means to defend ourselves – indeed we need not defend ourselves; God will do that for us, IF we are following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 41:10 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.

John 14:26-27  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

²⁷ 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.

The world has always opposed God and His righteousness, wanting to define righteousness by its own terms. 

The sin of Adam opened up the gate for satan to attack God’s Word and His right to demand obedience from man.  He will use subtle or forthright means to accomplish his goal.

God is for us.  God has chosen us as His children and adopted us into His family through the death and resurrection of Christ.  We have many promises of love, mercy and guidance when we submit our lives to the Holy Spirit and obey God’s Word – but as He didn’t withhold allowing satan to challenge Jeremiah, Job, Paul and the many others that stood for Him – including our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – neither shall he withhold it from us.

It can be hard, we don’t want to suffer, we don’t want to ‘not fit in’ we don’t want to feel the hatred, wrath and mocking of others, but they are using the world’s standards, not God’s and the two are incompatible.

The phrase ‘do not kill the messenger’ came about because that was often done – when those in power didn’t like the message - instead of pondering on it and even taking it to heart they killed the person for their impudence.

While we, in America, seldom face that kind of persecution – yet – it is happening to our brethren all over the world.  They are standing for Christ and being punished for their faithfulness.

We need to understand that being a Christian is not always a happy ‘feel good about yourself’ calling – it is a call for service, even when He leads us into areas that cause us fear or trepidation. 

There are going to be those that seem to listen and support us when in truth they do not and may even be working in the background to undermine us. 

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil:  A reference to Acts 19 where a supposed learned Christian preaches false doctrine – and in doing so condemns the teachings of Paul – and caused him personal difficulties.

While we are not immune from reprisals and persecutions and should be prepared for them, we need not go about looking around corners in fear of attack. 

Mathew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Later, Art :-)

From the ColumbiaRiverGorgeous
May Our Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU....’til we meet again