Holy Spirit, thank You for Your palpable presence in our worship this morning. May the message that was communicated from the hymns, the prayer, the sermon, and especially from You continue to impact and touch me and all who heard! Amen!

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I don’t remember ever not having a dog growing up. They were always mutts, but, oh the fun we had! I remember that at least one of them liked playing tug-of-war with an old rag or sock. We’d play until it was a shredded, soggy mess. I also remember them taking that old rag in their powerful jaws and viciously shaking their heads back and forth. Great memories from years gone by!

This is a happy memory, and it came to mind as I was thinking of the struggles I have had along my journey of faith. Lord Jesus, You know all too well the troubles with which I have dealt.

Many times, I have walked along, faithful and true. My shield of faith has helped me deflect countless flaming arrows. But there have been times, too, that, the fool I was, I let my guard down. My shield of faith was not in place, and I was pierced – not just by one but by multiple flaming arrows. …and there was no one to blame but myself.

So, what do dogs and flaming arrows have to do with each other?

Numerous times in my failings I have not so much felt pierced, but I have felt like that shredded, soggy mess of a rag. I’ve felt like our old adversary has taken me in his powerful jaws and has viciously shaken me…my strength and determination are nothing but tattered remnants. He laughed… He gloated…

But You, Lord? With eyes full of compassion, You tenderly reached down, gathering me in Your mighty arms. You gently touched my wounds and as I asked for forgiveness for my failings, You graciously brought healing to my brokenness.

Though I deserve Your condemnation – I have no defense otherwise – I am loved. …thank You, Lord…thank You. Help me to live out each day in grateful devotion. May I lean on You as we share the yoke. You are strong. You are mighty. In You – not in myself – do I find the victory. Amen.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. ~ Jesus (as recorded in Matthew 11:29 AMP)

(Oct 23rd, 2017, Mon, 11:30 pm)
Oct 30th, 2022, Sun, 7:07 pm