It would be impossible to list every source of the words and information that make up my blog. They are a culmination of books I've read, sermons I've heard, lessons learned, from people I've met, life experiences and information gleaned from the internet,
A Pilgrim's Progress
I seek a place that can never be destroyed, one that is pure, and that fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be given, at the time appointed, to them that seek it with all their heart. Read it so, if you will, in my book.” ― John Bunyan..
Sometimes this Christian experience is compared to a race. 1Cor 9:24-25 says "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible". This is true, but it's missing something because in most races you strive to be the only winner but in the Christian race we want as many as possible to win. It's not really a computation.
At other other times the Christian life is compared to a wrestling match.. Ephesians 6:12 tells us "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." To me this seems more apt, Ephesians 6:11 tells us to get ready for a fight, to "Put on the whole armor of God," We know there is a struggle going on between good and evil and there are times when we must all take part. We are called to intercessory prayer and sometimes we feel like our days are filled with brutal, hand to hand demonic combat.... but that is still not the concept I'm exploring here.
It is the story that we find in the book of Exodus about the children of Israel leaving Egypt to wonder in the wilderness that I identify most with.
When I was a child my Grandmother gave be a copy of the book Pilgrim's Progress as a gift, and the book may have colored my thinking a bit. She must have enjoyed it in her youth and wanted to share it with me. It didn't take me long to realize that that old guy John Bunyan knew a thing or two about the Christian journey.
The hero of his story is an ordinary man who lived and ordinary life among people with no particular interest in Spiritual things..then he accepts Jesus as his Savior much to the consternation of his friends and family. He finds himself basically on his own as he undertakes his Christian journey and his search for truth. He begins his journey alone (He had a buddy who started out with him but turned back). but he meets many interesting characters along the way. He travels from City of Destruction (his home) through Slough of Despond (discouragement always hits the christian early on), to the Village of Morality (where they try to tell him he doesn't need Christ because he can be good enough by himself). From there he goes through the Wicket Gate to the Interpreter's House where he finally finds good solid instruction as to how to get to the cross where his journey truly begins. In the second part of the book his wife Christiana finds faith through his example and makes the journey herself.
The Book was first published in 1678 by a man who was much persecuted for his faith and I would recommend it to anybody.. it has been translated into more than 200 languages, and it is still in print. Though not so much any more, it has been one of the most widely read books ever written. Just as the Children of Israel faced hunger, discouragement, danger and despair, So "Christian" the hero of John Bunyan's story faced these things in this allegory on the Christian life. At times you weep with him as you identify with his struggle but He was seeking a Celestial city and in the end of the story you will rejoice with him as he finally achieves he goal..
As I look back over my life it truly does seem to me to be more of long journey than a race. If we must call it a race it is a marathon. I had a starting point when I became a Christian as a child and will arrive at the end of my journey when I die and go to be with the Lord. The events, people and experiences of my life are the landscape I passed through on my journey. Life is not easy for anyone, if it seems that way you are mistaken or don't have all the information in. We are in a war and the landscape is often pock-marked by the flying missiles of our enemy. Ephesians 6:16 "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" .
I am a veteran and have seen loved ones fall in battle, I am tired sometimes I wonder if I might have PTSD. I am 70 years old, the daughter of a deacon and a Bible teacher/women's leader..I was a Children's Pastor who married a minister's son, and gave birth to a Pastor/Music director. I am educated in the faith and have seen a lot of things. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a dark side, but that we have nothing to fear if we stay focused on our goal and on Jesus Christ.
I have traveled down a difficult road. It has been my lot. Luke 12:48 " For unto whomsoever much is given , of him shall be much required : and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" . At times the way has been so dark I have not even been able to see the next step before me. At such times you can but trust God and continue on, one step, one step, one, step. Until once again you can see your way. Somehow or other I always made it, many times looking back I don't know how. I can but say God brought me through. There have been times that I have been dimly aware of Angels, protecting me, comforting me. At times I've felt the warm breath of the Holy Spirit come upon me in the dead of night. But at other times I've looked with an aching heart into a vacant sky and cried, Where are you God? Why does he deal with us thus? I do not know..perhaps he simply wants to teach us to trust him not matter what. One step, one step, one step, like I said earlier, if we don't quit somehow he sees us through. Even death is not suppose to be a big deal, Paul says in Philippians 1:20-21" It is my expectation and hope that I won't be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ's greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better".
But there have been pleasant seasons like walking down a sweet pathway in spring. When I held my babies close and enjoyed the strength and health of youth, and the beauty of God's world. I have seen the glorious movement of the Holy Spirit in times of revival and been present at the birth of many souls into God's kingdom.
I have known love and walked with loved ones and there have been times when I've walked alone..yet there is always a goal before me..the prize I seek to win. Philippians 3:14 is my mantra "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". I caught sight of this prize when I was a child and I have pursued it doggedly ever since.. We are on a sinking ship folks and there is but one lifeboat. There is room for everyone but there is no other way. Life is a race, a wrestling match, an assignment, many things. But I perceive it primarily as a Journey with a beginning and an end...like on any journey we watch the scenery go by and put up with hindrances and delays. There are places where the road is rough and we may have flat tires and have to and wait for trains. But we trust our GPS system to guide the way and to get us home....
The little Movie that follows is a bit cheesy at best...it does not come close to the book but it does give you a bit of a taste as to what the story is like and I hope it will make you want to read the book...take a little time and watch the movie I hope you will enjoy it--God bless and be with you...Jireh's Girl
“Not that the heart can be good without knowledge, for without knowledge the heart is empty. But there are two kinds of knowledge: the first is alone in its bare speculation of things, and the second is accompanied by the grace of faith and love, which causes a man to do the will of God from the heart. -John Bunyan, The Pilgrims Progress: From This world to that which is to come
I am a veteran and have seen loved ones fall in battle, I am tired sometimes I wonder if I might have PTSD. I am 70 years old, the daughter of a deacon and a Bible teacher/women's leader..I was a Children's Pastor who married a minister's son, and gave birth to a Pastor/Music director. I am educated in the faith and have seen a lot of things. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a dark side, but that we have nothing to fear if we stay focused on our goal and on Jesus Christ.
I have traveled down a difficult road. It has been my lot. Luke 12:48 " For unto whomsoever much is given , of him shall be much required : and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" . At times the way has been so dark I have not even been able to see the next step before me. At such times you can but trust God and continue on, one step, one step, one, step. Until once again you can see your way. Somehow or other I always made it, many times looking back I don't know how. I can but say God brought me through. There have been times that I have been dimly aware of Angels, protecting me, comforting me. At times I've felt the warm breath of the Holy Spirit come upon me in the dead of night. But at other times I've looked with an aching heart into a vacant sky and cried, Where are you God? Why does he deal with us thus? I do not know..perhaps he simply wants to teach us to trust him not matter what. One step, one step, one step, like I said earlier, if we don't quit somehow he sees us through. Even death is not suppose to be a big deal, Paul says in Philippians 1:20-21" It is my expectation and hope that I won't be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ's greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better".
But there have been pleasant seasons like walking down a sweet pathway in spring. When I held my babies close and enjoyed the strength and health of youth, and the beauty of God's world. I have seen the glorious movement of the Holy Spirit in times of revival and been present at the birth of many souls into God's kingdom.
I have known love and walked with loved ones and there have been times when I've walked alone..yet there is always a goal before me..the prize I seek to win. Philippians 3:14 is my mantra "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". I caught sight of this prize when I was a child and I have pursued it doggedly ever since.. We are on a sinking ship folks and there is but one lifeboat. There is room for everyone but there is no other way. Life is a race, a wrestling match, an assignment, many things. But I perceive it primarily as a Journey with a beginning and an end...like on any journey we watch the scenery go by and put up with hindrances and delays. There are places where the road is rough and we may have flat tires and have to and wait for trains. But we trust our GPS system to guide the way and to get us home....
- Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The little Movie that follows is a bit cheesy at best...it does not come close to the book but it does give you a bit of a taste as to what the story is like and I hope it will make you want to read the book...take a little time and watch the movie I hope you will enjoy it--God bless and be with you...Jireh's Girl
“Not that the heart can be good without knowledge, for without knowledge the heart is empty. But there are two kinds of knowledge: the first is alone in its bare speculation of things, and the second is accompanied by the grace of faith and love, which causes a man to do the will of God from the heart. -John Bunyan, The Pilgrims Progress: From This world to that which is to come