I did everything they demanded, Still there was no release. Now, they had raised the ransom. My brain was blazing with frustration. My heart was racing toward panic. Time was crucial.
I was being held hostage, and time had become my enemy.
I was being held hostage, and time had become my enemy.
I apologize for being overly dramatic, Dear Reader. I wasn't personally being held hostage (althtough it certainly felt like it). My website had been hijacked.
I don't know what was worse, my lack of control in the situation or my overwhelming ignorance of behind the scenes technology. Isn't it amazing how something small can seem to consume our lives in a minute?
Mary came by a couple of days after the "hijacking", and was just as baffled as I was. She's been chin-deep in blogging for ten plus years and has graciously mentored her dear old mom.
Even though Mary had no concrete answers for me, it was something of a comfort to know I wasn't completely off my rocker. Once I calmed down, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of a couple of things.
I don't know what was worse, my lack of control in the situation or my overwhelming ignorance of behind the scenes technology. Isn't it amazing how something small can seem to consume our lives in a minute?
Mary came by a couple of days after the "hijacking", and was just as baffled as I was. She's been chin-deep in blogging for ten plus years and has graciously mentored her dear old mom.
Even though Mary had no concrete answers for me, it was something of a comfort to know I wasn't completely off my rocker. Once I calmed down, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of a couple of things.
God never changes his mind about the people he calls. He never decides to take back the blessings he has given them.
Romans 11:29 ERV
What! Oh yeah, just because I get off track (whether from my own doing, or from circumstances beyond my control), that doesn't mean I've been "fired" by God.
Another of my favorite reminders:
Another of my favorite reminders:
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Psalm 110:4 NIV
Stay with me, Dear Reader, this isn't just about me, I promise. God's Word doesn't change. From Old Testament Psalms to New Testament Romans, He continually affirms His steadfast call on our lives.
And please don't get hung up on the term "priest" in the Psalms affirmation. Maybe the Bible Study Tools website will help clarify the term for us: All true believers are now "kings and priests unto God." As priests they have free access into the holiest of all, and offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, and the sacrifices of grateful service from day to day.
Did you get that Dear Reader? Time with the Lord, WHENEVER we choose. Praising and serving Him. Who wouldn't want to be a priest?
And please don't get hung up on the term "priest" in the Psalms affirmation. Maybe the Bible Study Tools website will help clarify the term for us: All true believers are now "kings and priests unto God." As priests they have free access into the holiest of all, and offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, and the sacrifices of grateful service from day to day.
Did you get that Dear Reader? Time with the Lord, WHENEVER we choose. Praising and serving Him. Who wouldn't want to be a priest?
But wait, there's more! The Lord God Almighty wasn't satisfied with just giving us something to do. He calls us up higher, no matter what our stage in life.
“Afterward I will pour out my Spirit on everyone:
your sons and daughters will proclaim my message;
your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions.
Joel 2:28 GNT
What's your biggest dream or wildest vision, Dear Reader, you know the one tucked into your secret place? That dream or vision that is so big and seemingly impossible that it could only be God-given?
On June 1 I wrote a note in my journal that my biggest, craziest dream is to be a best-selling children's author. Pretty audacious, isn't it? So here I am, putting myself on Front Street.
Three weeks later I stumbled on one of Joyce Meyer's mini-books, How to Be Happy & Flourish in a Season of Changeon a bookshelf. On June 25, I read and claimed, "In the midst of change, uncertainty or difficulty, don't rehearse the problem; keep saying God's promises until you touch the hem of His garment and see those promises fulfilled."
On June 1 I wrote a note in my journal that my biggest, craziest dream is to be a best-selling children's author. Pretty audacious, isn't it? So here I am, putting myself on Front Street.
Three weeks later I stumbled on one of Joyce Meyer's mini-books, How to Be Happy & Flourish in a Season of Changeon a bookshelf. On June 25, I read and claimed, "In the midst of change, uncertainty or difficulty, don't rehearse the problem; keep saying God's promises until you touch the hem of His garment and see those promises fulfilled."
Hallelujah! I prayed for the Lord's guidance in doing my part. Ten days my website was highjacked.
But God knows this feeble child of His, and this is the reassurance He gave me...
But God knows this feeble child of His, and this is the reassurance He gave me...
And this is where He led me in His Word:
You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won’t even come close! If anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, And if any should attack, nothing will come of it.
Isaiah 54: 14-15 MSG
Dear Reader, dream big! Be prepared for the evil one's attack, but don't worry: God's got it all under control. And He's got plenty of room for us all on Front Street!
RSS Feed