Things have been a little tense right now. One of our friends was "censored" on Facebook for expressing her opinion on the current situation in America. Many of us feel the frustration of anytime we speak up for the truth or say anything in support of our President, we are bombarded with vitriol and hatred from the far left. I actually saw on the news this morning about a young man who is a teacher/coach at a school somewhere in America, who was fired from his position for tweeting that President Trump is his president. He did clarify that the reason he was "fired" was because there was so much backlash from parents and students, complaining to the school board that they did not want their child in this teacher's class...and so they gave him the option to resign or be fired. He said he would not resign, so he was fired. That is unbelievable, but it is true, and that is what is happening in our country today, among other horrible things. I don't want this to be a political post, but I do want us to be aware of the line that is being drawn down the middle of our country, and I pray that it does not affect our friendships here in blogland. I try to keep my blog posts as non-political as possible only because I believe we all need a break from the stress and anxiety of what is going on out there in the world today. But when we see the injustices and censorship that is happening all around us, I have to speak up for the truth.
I listened to an excellent short message from Priscilla Shirer online last night, entitled "Stay, Jesus is Coming". I am sharing it here for you. When I first clicked on it I wasn't sure who was speaking, but I looked it up to be sure, and was happy to find that it was Priscilla, as she has a powerful ministry that is based on God's Word and truth. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen to this. It really spoke to me about "staying, abiding, and remaining" in Jesus Christ during these turbulent times. I think you will be blessed.
The other thing that I found encouraging last night was this post:
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—"
I did make the comment to a friend that Facebook (social media) is not the ONLY method that God has to get His message out. What did we do before social media took over our lives? Well, we probably got a LOT MORE done than we do now in our homes and families and work without the constant distraction of these messengers. At one time email was the culprit for stealing our time and energy, and then it kind of became passe' when Facebook took over. Before that it was the telephone and the television. But God has been getting His message out to humanity since time began. He spoke to us through Moses and the Prophets, and then in the New Testament through Jesus and the Gospels and the Apostles in the Epistles...God's Word is alive and living and real...and His Word is
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12
We can trust God to get His Word out through many different means, and if Facebook were to disappear from the world today, we would still have a voice, God would still raise up His warriors to fight in this battle between good and evil. But remember...no matter what happens, we already know that Jesus Christ is victorious over sin and death. I've read the end of the Book. I know how it ends. But I will still do my part to stand strong in Christ and go where He leads me and speak when He guides me. The most important thing we can do in this battle is first of all to get on our knees and PRAY. And then STAND....Stand in the knowledge that we are children of the Most High God, King of kings, and Lord of lords, and together we will win this battle. So don't give up, my friends...Stand strong in your faith and put your trust in the Lord. Amen?
Remember this song by Twila Paris? "The Warrior is a Child"
The Warrior Is A Child
Lately I've been winning
Battles left and right
But even winners can get
Wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
Battles left and right
But even winners can get
Wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
They don't know that
I go running home when I fall down
They don't know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
I go running home when I fall down
They don't know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
They don't know that I go
Running home when I fall down
They don't know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Running home when I fall down
They don't know Who picks me
Up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Source: LyricFind
💙💜💚💙
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandi. (((hugs)))
DeleteI like the Blue-footed Booby, sure to bring a smile. With all the debate about Covid-19, the thing that saddens me is that it is causing division among God's people.
ReplyDeleteIsn't he a cutie? I've never seen such a creature before. God sure had a sense of humor when He created everything and everyone on this earth! Yes, there is much division, but I believe still that God is in control, and He will accomplish His will no matter what we do. Sometimes I think we need to get out of the way and let Him do His work! But then I realize that He put us here to also do His work...so we do what we feel led to do. It is different for each of us.
DeleteVery, very wise counsel my friend. And while we stand, we must also remember that we are to love all, even our enemies. That does not mean that we let them walk all over us or that we roll over and accept every sinful thing they are pushing as normal, but it does mean that we model Jesus to the world. I understand how we are all feeling, but it has saddened me lately the prideful arrogance I see in some Christians and the angry, hateful words. Our enemies are the very ones we should be trying to show a better way to...and I don't believe they are seeing it very often in the church these days. C'mon people, we can do better. We have the greatest example the world has ever known. Anger and hate have never brought about a good response.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Stacy. We need to model Jesus to the world...that will certainly go a lot farther than constant bickering. Sometimes I think we all need to take a deep breath and step back and re-calibrate for a bit. Let God show us exactly what and where and when to speak. My theme verse, Psalms 19:14 is a good reminder. Thank you for your insights today.
DeleteThis is a great post my friend and the Priscilla Shirer video is energizing me. I remain. I stay. The armor of God illustration is the way to do that. Shirer wrote a study of the Armor of God that my women's Bible study loved.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Priscilla's message amazing? I was dancing in my seat as I listened to her. It was difficult to sit still, even though she was telling us to "Stay"! I wanted to GO! Sometimes we just need to really be preached to!! Thank you for visiting today. I would love to check out that Armor of God Bible study.
DeleteFor the record, I did leave you a message back at my blog...and I want to clarify, I was not referring to your comment. I received an email from a former pastor...never mind...it's done and over with. I am just getting so tired of all this viserol. (sp?)---please accept my apologies.
ReplyDeleteI am falling behind today in visiting, we have been busy moving furniture around and cleaning. Keeping in prayer.
No need to apologize to me. I understand your frustration and you are also standing up for our friend, and I love that about you. You are a loyal and faithful friend, and that is something that is very hard to come by in these days of so much division and strife. Please stay strong and focused on the higher goals and the bigger picture. Sometimes we get lost in the middle of the fray and forget what and WHO we are really fighting. (((hugs))) and love to you today.
DeleteI am always blessed by your posts, Pam!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri. We need each other in these difficult times...to encourage each other and to give words of wisdom as well as sometimes make each other just stop and smile and be at peace. (((hugs)))
DeleteVery good post, Pam. Your blog posts have not offended me in the least bit and you state just what we need to hear (read) in these challenging times. It is incredible that we are actually seeing things we have been told would come to pass, but maybe we didn't think it would happen in our lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we need wisdom and courage to know what to say, how to say it, and when. People can so quickly take our words and misunderstand them.
Our God is still on His throne and if we pay attention, we can experience His grace on us, even in these trying times.
Amen! Thank you, Barbara, for those words of sound wisdom. I know I used to wonder about how it would be in the "end times", and prayed that the Lord would come before then so that we would not have to endure the Tribulation. I still believe He will come before the Great Tribulation, but it appears that we are going to have to "suffer a little while" until He comes. Praying that we will all be able to stand strong and encourage one another as we wait on the Lord's return. I am glad that we have each other!
DeleteThank you for sharing the video and I love the lyrics to Twila's song. I'm thankful for blog friends to "visit" during these difficult days. Have a blessed Friday.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Mildred. Yes, we need each other during these difficult times. I am also so thankful for you and every one of our friends here. God has truly blessed us with good people to lift us up when we need it most. Praying your day is blessed as well.
DeleteThis is an awesome post, Ms. Pam. I was always told not to discuss religion or politics... but we can, as long as we are allowed, still talk about TRUTH! I feel like my Facebook group page is somewhat of a ministry and I so missed posting there those 2 weeks. I believe we are Kindred Spirits and we'll forever be sisters in Christ! Love and hugs... Deb 💜
ReplyDeleteYes,I agree with the adage about not discussing religion or politics, but I think that was "at the table"...dinner time. Especially with guests. It is becoming more and more difficult to ignore all that is happening, however. We as believers in Christ are going to have to stand together as we see "the day approaching". May God give us courage and strength to stay in His Word and lean on Him and not on our own understanding! Thank you for your precious friendship. We need you!!
DeleteI'm still in shock at the firing of that teacher for simply speaking his mind. A free society will lose that freedom if we cannot civilly have a dialogue with one another. Isn't it ironic that the "left" can say anything, do anything, with impunity, while conservative voices are silenced?
ReplyDeleteYes, let us keep praying for this country and all Americans, believing that God's love and His power will win out in the end.
Blessings, Pamela!
Amen and Amen I am staying! Thank you so much for sharing this encouragement today.
ReplyDeleteAlso thank you for the laugh. Love the bluefooted booby and yes I needed that today too. lol
Great post,Pam, your message is timely! I'm growing weary of the hatred, the bullying, the simply nasty that surrounds us. Seeing all that's going on, I'm fearful that we'll be seeing another civil war happen--it may no longer be north vs south but it will be two sides fighting with each other.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm familiar with "The Warrior is a Child" by Twila Paris. I've sung it a couple of times as a solo!
Love and blessings!
P.S. Thank you for sharing the audio clip from Priscilla. She is really good and so bold in the Lord!
Delete