Standing

 I like this snap. I took it at one of my favorite places to snap sheep and lamb. Snow was falling and all was undercover for protection. It just made me feel at rest.

I'm the one who is called to encourage and inspire others through God's Word, His Love and His Hope. So posting something as difficult as the following is very hard for me to do. But my heart was touched by the words, and reminded me of the choices I have made in my life. This is one of the hardest.

My pastor posted on Facebook words that I believe true, but difficult to live. We all at some point in our life must make difficult choices involving people we love and care about. I lost a relationship with my daughter, my only child, because of my stand with Christ. It was a very difficult thing to do, which daily brings me heartbreak, even after 30 years. Pastor Jim puts it in perspective with the following words. 

Romans 12:18 says "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

"Sometimes that is a tall order to accomplish. I believe that Christians should do everything that we possibly can to live peaceably with others. Sometimes we have to dig deep, sometimes we have to bend over backwards, sometimes we have to turn the other cheek. But, there are also times that after we have peaceably done all that we can that we have to draw lines in the sand and stand our ground. I will peaceably engage others who have differing beliefs and convictions than I do, I will even search for possible avenues of compromise on matters, but I can't compromise my beliefs and convictions. I cannot find compromise with others that believe it is ok to let a baby die, I can't compromise on traditional biblical marriage, I cannot compromise on what I believe is right. My difference with others is done respectfully, but I expect the same respect in return. I will live peaceably as best as I can, but I cannot and will not compromise on my discernment of the word of God, because what has happened in our culture is that in our compromising has and most generally turned into capitulation when it's said and done. Be respectful, say and do everything with Grace, live peaceably, but if you've done all that you can to live peaceably then retreat no more. Stand your ground when you must and if you draw a line in the Sand you better mean it!"

A Scripture verse I don't like is very plain: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, a man's enemies will be the members of his own household."

If I could change one verse in Scripture this would be it. Losing a member of your family because of your belief in God and His Word is a very heavy burden. But as weak as I am, my faith is strong. I hope in God's Word.

"Remember the word unto thy servant, on which thou hast caused me to hope." 

Charles Spurgeon

This is an old snap I enjoyed taking. The barn doesn't look like it's going to make it much longer. The cows are resting on the hay, enjoying the sunshine.  Peaceful for me.

We must stand for what we believe, if we believe it to be the truth. God is truth. I believe it. Although it may bring heartbreak and tears, standing for truth is the strong and only thing I can do. 

If you're heart breaks because of standing for Christ, be encouraged in your heart that though your heart breaks, your soul is secure in Jesus. He is the only one who redeems your soul, and He understands your pain.

And when my life is through, if what I believe is false, I have lost nothing. But if what I believe is true, many will lose everything. 

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:23-25