Hurting

Facing Somewhere Between Here and There


 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…”
(Psalm 23:4)

 

We are familiar with the signs that read, “You are Here”. All of us from time to time have found ourselves standing in uncertain places, wondering how to get from where we were to another place.

Uncertain places can be intimidating places, looming large as we enter. David, the psalmist, had great experiences with entering dark caves and weathering valleys. For years he was chased by king Saul. Those were uncertain years for David. He wrote in I Sam. 20:30 – “There is a step between me and death.” His visibility had diminished to what he could only see close around him. It was like a deep fog that surrounded him and there seemed to be no clearing to any brighter path. It was in that moment that he learned God from the shadows. In this deep darkness he sensed there was no need to be afraid — God was with him! David had great experiences with God, with a lion and a bear, and men similar to Saul.
Somewhere between here and there, the way to our destination is lined with uncertainties, doubts, and things that challenge us to fear. God is with us! He has never taken His eyes off of us — not for one moment. It takes being in a dark place to bring this truth to light. On the other hand, many of us are facing somewhere between here and where the enemy tries to tell us we will wind up being.  He often tries to project our future from where we currently stand. He mockingly tells us, “You are here, and this is where you are headed!” Job, no doubt, faced similar voices after having lost so much. His response was, “He [God] knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10). So — there is an intervening period — something that happens in the meantime! It takes place before the outcome of what has been negatively predicted. God is continually in that interim — watching and moving as we travel through the darkness.
We are somewhere between the place we have started and a destination. The forecast can be bleak, but God is familiar with each valley. While we travel, our destination is to see Jesus and to enter into a place of finality. He is the one who has gone on before us and now ever lives to make intercessions for us. Fear not little flock, it is our Father’s pleasure to give us the kingdom!

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Depressed Saints? A Recording by Pastor James Striggles from the PCAF-ICEA “Things I Have Learned” Series


woman in white clothes on a corner

 

PCAF – International Christian Ed. Aux. (ICEA).
The “Things I Have Learned” Series

Instructor Pastor James Striggles taught a session for ICEA’s “Things I Have Learned” session. The following is his recording on the topic of “Depressed Saints?”

Our times can bring with it many difficulties and often people become overwhelmed with challenges of life. People experience depression. Should saints experience depression? Listen to what pastor Striggles has to say.

Request the recording at ICEA’s e-mail:

iceaquestions@att.net

We will reply to your e-mail request promptly.
Simply click on the text in your e-mail to hear the recording.

International Christian Education Auxiliary (ICEA)

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Tis the Season for Forgiving!


Then said Jesus, Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Luke 23:34)

fingers-hand-reaching-1454797

Does the holidays have you stressed out because you don’t seem to have much to give?  Why don’t you give someone a wonderful gift this holiday season that may be valued more than money? Give forgiveness! This great gift that you have can, no doubt, bring joy to some troubled soul today. You may very well have the power to release someone of past offenses done to you or levelled at you. Release them and in turn, release yourself. You may find it to be the best gift you ever gave.

It is true that some people don’t accept gifts to well, but still give it in the spirit that Christ would (St. John 1:11). All of us have given quality gifts we thought people would like only to find it didn’t suit them, and that’s okay…but, give anyway!

There has never been a better time when Christmas and Easter come together so beautifully. We celebrate both Christ’s birth and resurrection as well as reflect on His death. His birth is a season for giving. His death is a time we reflect on Him giving himself for those who humiliated and wronged Him. They planned and schemed. They lied in wait for Him and finally, beat and put Him to death. Here is a quote from Luke 23;34, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” In His humility, Christ was a VICTIM who became the world’s greatest OVERCOMER (Phil. 2:8-9)! He gave to those who hurt Him the most. His example is the true spirit of giving this holiday season!

Why don’t you, by the Spirit of the Lord, call someone and tell them you are sorry for what happened in the past and ask for forgiveness or maybe you need to tell them you forgive them. These make great gifts this time of year!

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There Is a Manual for Life!


ALL ARE WELCOME!
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 am. E.S.T.
Sundays

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Even When I Walk Through a Very Dark Valley…


“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…”
(Psalm 23:4 – NRSA)

trees-3458478_1920-2

We are familiar with the signs that read, “You are Here”. All of us from time to time have found ourselves in a place where we have stood, wondering how to get from where we were to a better place. Some places have intimidating entrances, looming large as we enter. David, the psalmist, had great experiences with entering dark caves and weathering valleys. (Suddenly, he’s no longer just a character in the Bible, but someone we can identify with.) For years he was chased by king Saul. Those were uncertain years for David. He wrote in I Sam. 20:30 – “There is a step between me and death.” His visibility had diminished to what he could only see close around him. It was like a deep fog that surrounded him and there seemed to be no clearing to any brighter path. It was in that moment that he learned God from the shadows. In this deep darkness he sensed there was no need to be afraid — God was with him! David had great experiences with God, with a lion and a bear, and men similar to Saul.
Somewhere between here and there, the way to our destination is lined with uncertainties, doubts, and things that challenge us to fear. God is with us! He has never taken His eyes off of us — not for one moment. It takes being in a dark place to bring this truth to light. On the other hand, many of us are facing somewhere between here and where the enemy tries to tell us we will wind up being.  He often tries to project our future from where we currently stand. He mockingly tells us, “you are here and this is where you are headed!” Job, no doubt, was faced with similar voices after having lost so much. His response was, “He [God] knows the way I take; when He has tried me I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10). So — there is an intervening period — something that happens in the mean time! It takes place before the outcome of what has been negatively predicted. God is continually in that interim — watching and moving as we travel through the darkness.
We are somewhere between the place we have started and a destination. The forecast can be bleak, but God is familiar with each valley. While we travel, our destination is to see Jesus and to enter into a place of finality. He is the one who has gone on before us and now ever lives to make intercessions for us. Fear not little flock, it is our Father’s pleasure to give us the kingdom!

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