The Rest of the Story

The Rest of the Story

Does God really speak to us directly like He did in Biblical days? I know that’s a question that a lot of people would like an answer to. Well…as my favorite news caster, Paul Harvey, use to say, “And now for the rest of the story.”

Back in September, 2021, I was building a little retaining wall at the back of our house. To keep everything level, I used treated boards bolted to five steel posts that I drove deep into the ground for stability. I then placed the concrete blocks on the boards to build the wall. It actually turned out better than I expected, especially after I do some landscaping.

Now to give you a little context pertaining to God speaking to us: Every year, my wife Shirley and I participate in a “Read through the Bible in a year plan.” We spend the first hour or so each morning reading and discussing the portion of scripture assigned for that day. September of 2021, we were reading in the Message version of the Bible and just happened to be starting the book of Jeremiah as our Old Testament reading for the day.

Before I share with you the passage of scripture from that morning, I would like you to think about 3 things:

1. Do you remember the old saying “A man’s home is his castle”? Most states in this country have some form of “Castle Defense Laws”. A person is considered safe in their own home, and they may defend it from intruders. Even the police must have a search warrant to enter. (ref. pic. #1, my castle)

2. Think about the steel posts that I drove deep into the ground to stabilize the wall. (ref. pic. #2)

3. Think about the concrete blocks that make up the wall. (ref. pic. #3)

Just imagine how I felt when I read the following passage of scripture!

Jeremiah 1:17-18 (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.“

The Message version of the Bible lays it out as plain as can be. You can look it up and read it for yourself!
There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord was speaking to me through His Word the Bible!

After I stopped shaking, I asked the Lord what He wanted me to say or do. I prayed about that for over a week with no response. Suddenly, I got a strong compulsion/sense of urgency to type the words that the Holy Spirit was giving me. I felt compelled to get this done! After I had several pages typed, I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do with them. “Start a blog popped into my mind.“

I didn’t know the first thing about doing a blog, but with some research and the Lord’s help I started one. What you have been reading each week is what came to me as I sought The Lord for what He wanted me to say! I’m still learning as I do the posts, but I’m improving each day. I will keep submitting posts as long as The Holy Spirit gives me the words to say!

“Now you know the rest of the story!”  Thank you Lord, and a little wink to Paul Harvey!