The Rest of the Story part two

The Rest of the Story part two:

This morning I was reflecting on my blog, “www.mikehartfortruth.com”, and what I should write for this week. My mind went back to the more than two years of posts that I have shared. I started perusing some of the past posts, over 150 of them at last count, and I came upon the post that explained why I do this each week. As I was reading it, I was overwhelmed by the realization that God, Himself, called me to this endeavor, and that The Holy Spirit gives me the words to say each week. Today I’m going to share a little blast from the past which means a lot to me and hopefully to you as well.

Back in September of 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.  I have done some landscaping since these pictures were taken and the wall is holding up quite well. I would like you to think about the following three 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)

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. 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.”

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord was speaking to me through His Word the Bible! It wasn’t as though I was hearing voices or anything spooky like that, but there was no doubt in my mind… “That Scripture was meant for me!”

After I stopped shaking that morning, I asked the Lord what He wanted me to say or do. I prayed about that for over a week with no response. Then suddenly, I got a strong compulsion/sense of urgency to type the words that the Holy Spirit was giving me. Believe me when I say that I’ve never been a writer, but 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 believe I’m improving each day. I will keep submitting posts as long as The Holy Spirit gives me the words to say!

I have enjoyed reliving this as I wrote it, and I’ll continue the posts as long as I receive the words from the Lord. I guess I can no longer say I’m not a writer. Wow! Look at me, “I’m a writer.” Thank You Jesus!