(Chapter 1) God so Loved the World that He Gave His Son

God so Loved the World that He Gave His Son: As God Does His Part, What is Our Part?

God, by His Holy Spirit, has been impressing on me to step-up my game! As I pondered what that means, He reminded me of how this blog got started in the first place. For the account of how it came about, you will need to read the post titled “The Rest of the Story” which is, interestingly enough, the only page in the “The Rest of the Story” category.

In “The Rest of the Story” blog post, I explain how God used a Scripture passage in the book of Jeremiah to get my attention. At that time I only listed verses 17 and 18. For this post I’m including verse 19. Here is that passage:

Jeremiah 1:17-19 (MSG)
¹⁷ “But you—up on your feet and get dressed for work! Stand up and say your piece. Say exactly what I tell you to say. Don’t pull your punches or I’ll pull you out of the lineup. ¹⁸ “Stand at attention while I prepare you for your work. I’m making you as impregnable as a castle, immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall. You’re a one-man defense system against this culture, against Judah’s kings and princes, against the priests and local leaders. ¹⁹ They’ll fight you, but they won’t even scratch you. I’ll back you up every inch of the way.” GOD’s Decree.

I understand that these verses were given as instruction to the Prophet Jeremiah; however, if you read the post “The Rest of the Story” you will clearly see how God used the same passage to get my attention.

What was God referring to when He emphasized to me that He wants me to step up my game? If you pay close attention to verse 19 of Jeremiah chapter 1, there is clearly an inference that there could be strong reaction or response to what He may tell me to write. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I do know that up-to-now I have been very careful not to say things in a way that would potentially ruffle any feathers… so to speak. I take it very seriously when I read, “Don’t pull your punches or I’ll pull you out of the lineup.”  Being a natural peace maker who has always tried to avoid conflict, it causes me concern about where this is leading. At the same time, I don’t want to be “pulled from the lineup.”

“They’ll fight you, but they won’t even scratch you” causes me apprehension as well. I would walk a mile in the opposite direction to avoid a fight.

I am praying for God’s help and peace as I step out in faith:

Philippians 4:6 (NLT2)
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

So… where do I stand right now on this issue? I will do what the Lord tells me to do! The prayers of my family, friends and readers will be much appreciated! If you will say a prayer for me as I venture into uncharted waters, send me an “I’m praying”, or a praying hands to let me know you’re with me!

Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT2)
¹⁹ “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. ²⁰ For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Also… let me know what you thought about “The Rest of the Story.”

Romans 15:33 (NLT2)
³³ And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.