 
In Times of Quitting

A Book of Short Religious Essays of Encouraging Words

By Bobby A. Troutt

Copyright 2013 Bobby A. Troutt

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Disappointment and Failure

Living With the Scars of Life

Facing It as You Come to It

Living and Hanging on the Edge

Being Strong in the Moments of Weakness

The Sole of a Dove's Foot

You Either Walk With God or Run With the Devil

About as Useless as a Bent Nail

Sometimes I Feel Like Crawling Into a Hole Somewhere

and Pulling the Ground up Over Me

*****

In Times of Quitting

Disappointment and Failure

At times, I have experienced life's disappointments along with its failures. At the same time, I failed myself, disappointed others and let myself and them down.

− b. a. troutt

Life is full of disappointment and failure; we all have had our share. We have been let down in life and at the same time we have let others down. Life is full of decision making and choices. We all have the choice to choose. God already knows what road we will take. But, we don't know it until we choose it. The Lord knows what's down that road and all it beholds. A lot of the time, He allows us to go down that road because there are things down the road that He uses to help bring things in our lives to the surface. Those we have to face and overcome only through the Lord to be victorious over them. I have often wondered why some people have to go through so much whereas others hardly ever have to deal with life's problems. However, the difference may be in the individual; selfishness plays a great part. Some people are more self-centered and selfish than others. So, naturally their choices will be influenced greatly by their selfish ways while others take into consideration the feelings of others as well as their own. When selfishness and self is at the center, along with the cost and risk of others, disappointment and failure are bound to appear somewhere along the way. In some cases, our selfish choices help bring many troubles, disappointments and failures to our lives. On the other hand, some people seem to always come out "smelling like a rose." Selfishness plays a vital role in our daily lives and what the outcome will be. If we are not affected by our own selfishness, we will be affected by the selfish ways of others. Life is full of disappointments; they seem to come around no matter what we do. Sure, we may fail along the way. But, it is when we keep trying and don't give up that we win the prize.

We may never accomplish as much in life as others. We will all have a lifetime filled with disappointments and failures. All which we have lost can be gained back in Christ. That which we lose in disappointment and failure, Christ can give back to us in love, peace, joy and forgiveness. Some things are hard to let go of, walk away from or even give up. But, if we can endure it all until the end and hear the Lord say, "Enter in," life's disappointments and failures will not matter anymore.

David was a man after God's own heart. David, throughout his life, had plenty of ups and downs; he failed like everyone else. David committed adultery and his mistress even became with his child. David sent her husband to the front lines of the battle knowing he would be killed. However, in the end, David lost his child as well.

Psalm 51:1

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 51:2

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:3

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Psalm 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Psalm 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Psalm 51:7

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalm 51:8

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalm 51:9

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:11

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Psalm 51:12

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

David was a man who knew God and life's ups and downs. He knew disappointment and defeat along with victory and failure. He had witnessed life's trials firsthand. David may have suffered a lot but in the end he hung in there and God brought him through. David was human and so are we. We may stand alone and bold, today, against the giants of the land but those who hold on to God and keep trying until the end will win the victory that shall last an eternity. When we are feeling defeated, disappointed or as if we have failed, we should never give up. Instead, we should hold fast unto God, His son, His spirit and His word. We need to ride it out until the victory is won, give it to God, quit trying to do it our self and let the Lord work freely in our heart and life. We have to learn from life and our mistakes. We need to conquer and divide life's pitfalls along with the snares and traps, through Christ, the Holy Spirit and God's word. Walk in the newness of this life in Christ. Let the Lord pull down those strongholds of life. Be all that God wants us to be which are His child and a servant to Him and others. Look today with the eyes of Christ and face the defeats, failures and disappointments. Accept them as great lessons learned. Look beyond them and use them as tools for future victories.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He didn't dwell on looking around at the angry crowd who was crucifying Him. Neither did he look at himself and the horrible situation he was in. What did he do?

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jesus looked beyond it all by faith and the Godly love in His heart. He knew that He would soon be going home. He knew what the Father had in store for Him was far greater than anything He was leaving behind (eternal life). Jesus didn't look at His situation as defeat or failure but as hope, love and peace to His people, those who would come and accept Him. If we will let Jesus open our eyes to the things around us and let Him work with us and our heart, we will see things in a different light.

In this life, we all have disappointments and failures. Some are the result of our own selfish choices while others may be caused by someone else's selfish act.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Regardless of how big or small our mistake, we have someone to turn to and that is Christ our Lord; He forgives.

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Never give up. Hold fast to God and keep trying.

Not my will Lord, but your will be done.

*****

In Times of Quitting

Living With the Scars of Life

Broken, scattered, shaken, beaten, bruised, forsaken, denied and rejected, life has played its toll upon me. But, I am not alone; for in Christ my Lord I have found healing, comfort and love in Him.

− b. a. troutt

Our worlds are shattered at times from broken homes, divorces, violence, all kinds of abuse, sickness and death. It doesn't take but a few minutes for one's dreams to be shattered and for one to lose all hope. Living with the scars of life can create a miserable life at times. The pain, hurt, rejection and suffering that come with life's journey can be more than anyone can bear. But, think about Jesus; He, too, bore the scars of life – the crown of thorns, nails in His hands and feet, His pierced side and the scourge of being whipped. However, the scars Jesus wore and bore were ours because of our sins. He carried our load of pain, agony, hurt and rejection. He bore the horrible debt of our sins, death. He not only paid the debt in death but paid it in full upon His resurrection so that we could be forgiven and set free through Him by His blood and what He endured on the cross. The scars of this life may be unfair and unjust. We may not always understand and we may not want to accept or agree with everything. Regardless of it all, walking it with Jesus in His way and His time, we will make it through if we stay true to Him. Some scars of life are not too bad; we can put some of them behind us and still live a full life. Unfortunately, some scars take time to heal and it is hard for us to overcome and live with them. It is when we call out unto Christ for help with these matters that through Him and only through Him can we find the way to complete victory.

Jeremiah 18:1

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,

Jeremiah 18:2

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

Jeremiah 18:3

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Jeremiah 18:5

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 18:6

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Letting Jesus, by and through Him, His word and the spirit of God, mold and shape us helps us deal with the scars of this life so we can come forth in the end as pure gold. It takes time, patience, a lot of sacrifice and obedience from us to let the word of God dwell within us daily while the spirit of God and the Holy Ghost of God leads us into all truth. Too many times in our walk of life we try to heal the scars on our own. We are constantly letting the scars heal from the outside in which only allows them to scab over and be knocked off or hit by the battles of life; the old wounds are then reopened and brings more hurt and pain. But, when we allow Jesus to slowly heal our wounds it only leaves a small scar which in all likelihood will not be opened again. Sometimes in life we are left with scars that are ugly and disfiguring; they make our lives harder to deal with and accept. There is only one way to live with the scars of life and that is by God's help through His son. It is then we can make it through.

Job 14:7

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Job 14:8

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

Job 14:9

Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Job 14:10

But man dieth, and waseth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?

Job 14:11

As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:

Job asked the question; if a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of our appointed time, we should wait until our change comes. God, in time, heals all wounds by His way if we let Him. Letting God through His son, His word and His spirit remold us and make us more unto His image and likeness can take the ugly scars of life and turn them in to something wonderful and beautiful. Most of the time, healing doesn't come overnight or in an instant; it takes time. The more time we give it, the faster the healing will be. Remember these key words – forgiveness, love, trust, patience and longsuffering. Time heals all wounds.

*****

In Times of Quitting

Facing It as You Come to It

Although the sun may rise today, with the Lord's help, I shall face it. Although the sun may set this evening, with the Lord's help, I shall face it. Although the darkness of night may linger on by the light of the moon, with the Lord's help, I shall face it. But, tomorrow is another day; the sun may rise again and with the Lord's help, I'll face it.

− b. a. troutt

Genesis 22:1

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Genesis 22:2

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Sometimes in life we are confronted with problems and situations that are hard to face and deal with. Facing and dealing with life's realities and everything else that comes along will put us through the ultimate test as we struggle, battle and fight of our situation. Life, at times, seems so unfair and unjust. But, when we face life on a daily basis, hour by hour, in our moments of weakness we have to find the strength, through the Lord, to endure it.

God told Abraham to take his son, Isaac, and offer him up as a sacrifice unto God. I'm not saying God is going to require that much of us. However, there are things in life that will take a toll upon us if we let them. Many times we try to face things on our own; we try to work it all out by ourselves without calling upon the Lord. We don't have to face it alone. Abraham didn't face it alone. He followed God; he obeyed and did as the Lord instructed. In the end, God was there. He spared Isaac, Abraham's son. Abraham was at a point in his life where he had to make a choice, choose a way. At the same time, he was torn between two loves, his love for God and his love for his son. But, what did Abraham do? He put it all in God's hands and trusted in Him. Even if God had chosen to take Isaac as a sacrifice, God could have raised Isaac from the dead and out of the ashes of the burnt offering.

Life, sometimes, is devastating and can cause us some troubled times. But, I truly believe, it's how we deal with and handle the situations that will make all the difference in the world. Facing it as we come to it with the Lord will bring us through if we will hold true to Him.

Genesis 22:3

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Genesis 22:4

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

Abraham went well prepared to face the situation. He was willing to take his stand whatever the outcome. Facing life as it comes, step by step, will assure us a more solid stand with fewer mistakes and failures.

Genesis 22:5

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Genesis 22:6

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

Getting control of the situation at hand and walking with our eyes upon the Lord will help strengthen us to achieve the task that lies before us. Divorce, death and sickness are among the few devastating events in our life. Sometimes our whole life is changed (seems like overnight). Our world crashes down around us and we wonder which way to go. Choosing to walk with the Lord or choosing to walk it alone as we face life will determine how hard or easy we will go through it. It is our choice, our life.

Genesis 22:7

And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

Genesis 22:8

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Many times we try to rely on our quick fixes, short cuts and short term solutions instead of enduring it to the end or facing it as it comes. Sometimes the quick fixes may be alright but they may not last for long. It is when we rely on the Lord, His will and His way that we can know, trust and believe things will be alright. Isaac said, "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide a lamb." Facing it as we come to it and facing it with the Lord means everything.

Genesis 22:9

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Genesis 22:10

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

Genesis 22:11

And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

Genesis 22:12

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

Genesis 22:13

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

It doesn't matter what we are facing. No matter how big or how small and how good or how bad it may be, if we have God on our side then who will be against us. We have to take the things the world dishes out to us on our knees in earnest prayer. Be strong, be bold and be unmovable in the power of God's word, spirit and His son. Face it as it comes. Don't rush in and try to put the cart before the horse. Be patient; trust in the Lord, His will and His way. For greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

God told Abraham to take thy son Isaac and offer him up as a sacrifice. Abraham and Isaac went to the place where God told them to go. Isaac said, "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Abraham said, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb." Abraham looked and behold there was a ram caught by the horns in a thicket (God spared Isaac).

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God has already made the sufficient sacrifice for us and our sins which was Jesus Christ His son. We have to accept Him in our heart and life as our Lord and Savior. Facing it as we come to it, day by day and one step at a time God will either take away the problem or He will see us through it. All we have to do is believe and face each problem as it comes. We have to deal with the problem on its terms and allow the Lord to guide us through it. In His word, spirit and son we can find all our answers.

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

There may be times when we will not always have the answer. Fortunately for us, God will. Be still, pray, read his word and stand on His promise.

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The first thing we need to know in our heart is that God is God.

Revelation 22:13

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Remember these key words – prayer, faith, patience, obedience and love.

If God be for us then who can be against us?

*****

In Times of Quitting

Living and Hanging on the Edge

In my troubles, the Lord found me just as I was. In my distress, the Lord found me just as I was. As I was, I gave Him my all. It was then that He delivered me and set me free. Once I found peace in Him, my troubles and distress were gone.

− b. a. troutt

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Have you ever been caught off guard by life, living and hanging on the edge? It seems, at times, the things we have to face in this life are more than we can bear. It seems like we're hanging from life's edge with nothing under, to the side or above us other than the edge we're holding on to. It is then that it seems like we are holding on with all our strength and our arms are tired and achy. We are left hanging with the tips of our toes just barely touching the ground.

Psalm 121:1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalm 121:2

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

We only have two choices. We can either hang on or give up by letting go.

Psalm 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Troubles, troubles and more troubles; we all have our share of troubles that, at times, leave us hanging. It is so easy for us to get ourselves into so much trouble that we are left hanging out there with little to no hope.

Psalm 121:4

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

When we call upon Christ and Him alone He answers and moves in our lives. He will pull us back up again. He will catch us if we let go and start to fall. And, He will hang in there with us if we stay true to Him.

Psalm 121:5

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

For greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. Too many times we allow the devil to leave us hanging high and dry, hanging by life's edge.

Psalm 121:6

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

Too many times we hold on as long as we can with all our own strength and don't call upon the Lord for help until we are about to let go. God wants to help us now, before we go off the edge. He wants to help us with our problems and troubles because He loves us.

I Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

I Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Too many times we are found guilty of unnecessary suffering. Suffering we wouldn't have gone through if we had let the Lord help us from the beginning.

Psalm 121:7

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Jesus loves us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our life, whether it is good or bad. Hanging from the edge in life may find us all hanging for different reasons, ways and causes. But, regardless the reason, Jesus will be there for us if we will turn to Him. He may not always change things all at once because it may be necessary for us to hang on for a while. But, if we'll hold to Him in His time and His way, He will bring us through.

Psalm 121:8

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Life may have us hanging from the edge today. We may be hanging on for dear life, afraid we are going to give up and fall over the edge. We may have tried everything we can to get back on top. We may feel like giving up, letting go and figuring what is the use. However, we have to ask ourselves if we have tried Christ yet; Jesus Christ the son of God. Have we called upon the Lord to help us? What if we have called upon the Lord but there was no answer? If not, where's our faith? If faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move mountains, then that same grain of faith can give us the power to swing back up on top. If we are hanging from the edge because we allowed the devil to get us there, the Lord will help us if we call upon Him. If we are hanging on the edge because of others and are innocent victims, we need to call upon the Lord and He will help us. If we are hanging on the edge because we are playing games with the Lord, we still need to call upon Him and let Him help us; He still loves us. Regardless of what it may be, the Lord will help us if we will trust in Him. But, be very careful of sinning and game playing. The Lord may only go so far. We live and learn. However, it takes longer for some to understand than others. Some of us must bear more than others while some learn quickly. Some only have to hang out on the edge once or twice because they learn their lesson quickly and will never be out there on the edge again. Unfortunately, others are still hanging out there today taking the chance, risking the risk and taking the gamble. Will we ever learn? Only God knows.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

We try, too many times, to hold on to things and troubles in our lives. We try to work them out ourselves when we should put them in God's hands first and completely.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

There are times when we make our own troubles worse than they are by doing too much thinking and not enough praying.

I John 4:4

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Remember these key words – trust, faith, prayer and humility.

We walk by faith, not by sight.

*****

In Times of Quitting

Being Strong in the Moments of Weakness

I am my strongest when I reject my weakness. But, I am my weakest when I deny my strength.

− b. a. troutt

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:13

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

If we're not careful, at some time or another, we'll fall into our weaknesses. That is why it is so important to stay in God's word, walk in His spirit in fellowship with Him, stay prayed up and on guard at all times because at any time we could fall into the weaknesses of our temptations. We need to know our weaknesses and recognize how the devil, the enemy, gets to us so we can be stronger against him. If we don't know whom we are fighting and how they are getting to us then how can we win the battle? The devil is full of tricks, snares and traps. His main goal is to kill and destroy us. He may be patting us on the back one minute and we may think everything is alright. But, give him half a chance and he will send us to hell with him. The devil is not to be taken lightly or for granted. He knows us better than we know our self and he knows what he is doing. But, greater is he (Jesus Christ) and (the Holy Ghost of God) that is in me than he that is in the world. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are greater than the devil. Being strong in our moments of weakness does not come by physical exercise but by many trials, troubles and temptations during our walk of life. Time and time again, we will suffer through many things. Each time, we'll get stronger against our weaknesses. There is nothing better than dealing with them head on. Our weaknesses will grow stronger and stronger through the battles, as time goes on. God does not tempt us with evil. However, He allows it to help us become what we should be; a powerhouse for God. We become stronger when we go through the fire. We will be more pure and true when we, through the Lord, conquer the victory of our tribulations.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust. Notice, there is the weakness and problem (when he is drawn away by his own lust). To be able to overcome it, we must face it and deal with it God's way through His son, His spirit and His word. What draws us? Why does it draw us? It is our love or desire for it. When the love of God is greater in our heart, not just in our mind, we will overcome our weaknesses and become a stronger and victorious person. We will never be free, on our part, if we don't fully understand our problems. Not understanding will always leave a place for the devil to still get to us.

Adam and Eve – God told Adam to leave the tree of knowledge alone. So, the devil went to Eve and used her by deceiving her. She gave unto Adam and Adam took of it too. Adam had the choice to take it or leave it. What did he do? He became weak in the moment of his weakness. Would Adam have taken of it and then given it to Eve if the devil had gone to him first?

Samson and Delilah – Samson fell in love and let his emotions cloud his mind. After Delilah found the source of his strength, with his head in her lap, she cut off his seven locks of hair and he became weak. Samson became weak because of a moment of weakness. It cost him his strength, his eyes and his life. If Samson could have seen through the tricks and snares of Delilah would he have told her all his heart?

Peter – Peter sat outside the palace and denied the Lord three times before the cock crowed. Because he was worried and afraid, he denied the Lord; the cock crowed and he went out and wept bitterly. If Peter had been stronger in his moment of weakness, stood bold in the Lord, trusted in Him and believed with all his heart, would the cock have crowed?

Finding the weaknesses in the weakness is the way to one's recovery.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Although we may, at times along the way, fall into our weaknesses, we do have a way out. The way out is by repenting unto Christ, unto forgiveness and going on. We learn through Christ to overcome, press forward and not continue in the weakness. Some things are easy for some of us to overcome while some things will bother some of us more than others. We all have our problems. Addictions, habits and desires can disappear in the twinkle of an eye with the Lord's help if we completely give it to the Lord and don't hold any of it back. However, those of us who are too weak to let go, the Lord will gradually step us off, little by little, by slowly winging us off of it. He will strengthen us along the way and replace the problems with something else (the Lord). But, that is only if we will submit to Him. Maybe today we are falling off into our moments of weakness. We may struggle with it time and time again. Search it out; we have to soul search it to find its root. Once we find its root and its source of power, we have to let the Lord uproot it out of our heart unto a total and complete victory through Him. If something is giving us a problem, the best thing for us to do is get to the bottom of it. Go to its source, its root, and let the Lord set us free to overcome our weakness completely.

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Staying in a day-to-day relationship with the Lord, drawing closer to Him daily and resisting the devil will assure us from making a fatal fall into temptation.

James 4:7-8

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinner; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

When we do fall, which way do we look – up or down?

James 1:2-5

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

When we are overtaken by our weaknesses, we give up and quit. What we have to do is repent and continue on.

I John 1:5-10

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Remember these key words – repentance, forgiving our self and getting in control with God's help.

We are human; but, we are to strive daily to be Christ-like.

*****

In Times of Quitting

The Sole of a Dove's Foot

Noah sent forth a dove. God sent for a lamb (Jesus). God remembered Noah and every living thing. There was water all across the earth; even the mountain's highest peaks were under water. Noah, his family of eight and the animals God led into the ark were afloat upon the waters of the earth. Noah preached one hundred and twenty years about the coming of the great flood. However, the people in the days of Noah laughed and made fun of him. Before the flood there hadn't been one drop of water to fall to the earth.

How is your relationship with Lord? Is it all that it should be? Are you liken unto the people in the days of Noah who doubted and lived in unbelief? Are you one of those who have to see the first raindrop fall before you will believe? Or, do you have to see a dark cloud in the sky before you have the faith you need?

God told Noah that it was going to rain and to warn the people about the coming flood. I believe, when that first drop of rain fell and the clouds became dark, they realized that God has never lied. After the flood, God said He would send His son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of all mankind.

On a hill outside Jerusalem called Calvary, Jesus Christ died. On the third day He rose from the dead; God has never lied. At any time now, God will send Jesus back to gather His people (His church); God has never lied. Are you ready? Can you believe?

On the seventh month and the seventeenth day, the ark rested upon Mount Ararat. At the end of the 40 days, Noah opened up the window of the ark and sent forth a raven. It went forth, to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. He also sent forth a dove, from him, to see if the waters were abated from the face of the ground. But, the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot and she returned back to the ark. Noah sent forth a dove but God sent forth a lamb.

God sent His son into the world; He gave His son's life, His love, for us all to be free and live forever. Jesus found little to no rest when He was here on this earth. Yet, He was the perfect sacrifice for us and our sins that by and through Him we could be forgiven and set free from the earthly curse of the devil, hell and the grave.

Noah sent forth a dove into a flooded world destroyed by water because of sin. God sent forth Jesus the Lamb of God. By the shedding of His blood we have the remission of our sins; if we accept Him. The dove went out but found no rest and returned to the ark. Jesus the lamb came, died, rose from the dead and returned to God the father. When the dove returned back to Noah, he pulled the dove unto him and back into the ark (love). Maybe the Lord is reaching out unto you. Maybe he wants to share His love with us. Noah stayed another seven days in the ark before he sent forth the dove a second time. And in the evening, the dove returned to Noah with an olive leaf in her mouth. Are we ready for the second coming of the Lord? Will He find us ready to go? Or, will He find us unprepared? The harvest is plentiful. The fields are ripe and ready for the harvest. The second time the dove returned she brought forth ready fruit from her labor (the olive leaf); it was a sign unto Noah. Noah stayed seven more days and then sent forth the dove a third time. The dove never returned unto him. That's the way it is with Jesus. When He comes it will be over and there will be no more choices. Will you be ready? (I wonder why Noah sent forth a female dove.) I believe it was because Noah knew she would look for a place to build her new home; a place to build her nest to start a new life in a new world (speculation on my part). How is it with us today? Are we looking for the new life and new world, Heaven, God has promised for all who will come and accept Him; God has never lied. It will be a place with no more suffering, sickness, pain, tears, sorrow or torment. Keep the faith. Keep looking up; God has never lied. Noah sent forth a dove. God sent forth a lamb.

John 14:5

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled." And the two men that stood by said unto the disciples, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Now, that is something to lift any head and stir any heart to keep looking up. We all go through the valley. We all have our share of trials, temptations and troubles. But, it is far better to face it heads up and look up instead of facing it face down with little to no hope while battling with depression, unbelief and doubt. I believe, if we take a look around and get our minds and eyes off of self, most of the time, we can always find someone else in worse shape than we are.

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Facing life and all that it has to give means a world of difference in how we face it. It matters about our attitude and outlook on life. A lot of the time that is what determines the outcome. First, face it with Jesus in the Holy Spirit with God's word and look up. Second, stand on God's promise, apply His word and follow His Spirit and keep looking up. And third, praise God, Christ His son and the leadership of the Holy Spirit with all our heart. We have to realize what He did for us, what He's going to do and keep looking up.

Lamentations 3:41

Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

Our faith gets weak, our trust slips away, our patience runs out and we are so busy searching for the answer while looking down that we miss the blessing of looking up to have victory over defeat. We should keep the blood bought victory upon our heart and mind daily, and know in spirit and truth that greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. Right! Then why aren't we looking up. Today, we need to let go and let God work and manifest in our heart and life. We have to take up our cross daily and achieve that which God would have us to achieve and lift up our heart with our hands. Also, we need to hold up our head for God is almighty, all powerful and He is still on the throne.

Along life's journey, we may only see the dust from our travels. But, it is joy in our heart to know and see the Lord stirring the winds and know that we are a part of it.

− b. a. troutt

*****

In Times of Quitting

You Either Walk With God or Run With the Devil

Isaiah 14:12-16

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer? Thy has said in thy heart that I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.

Revelation 12:4 and 7-9

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

When Lucifer was cast out of heaven, his tail drew the third part of the stars (angels) with him to earth. The devil wanted to be a God. But, how could that take place in heaven? Was it possible the war in heaven was before the creation of the world? God created the heavens and the earth. He created all of the angels, even Lucifer the most beautiful of all the angels. Was it so easy for Lucifer to war against God because God created him with the elements? Did Lucifer have vanity, vain glory, pride and jealousy in his heart? Could it have been God's divine plan to allow it to happen so it would open and pave the way for God to send His son (Jesus) into the world to suffer and die for the sins of mankind. Lucifer wanted to be a God. God created the earth for His people to accept His love and to worship Him. However, at the same time, the earth also served as the devil's kingdom to choose his followers from.

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Are we still battling the war in heaven with soldiers of the war who are still fighting the daily battles? The war will continue on until the last battle; the battle of Armageddon when we'll win the victory with God through Christ His son. God knew the devil would turn against Him (God knowing all things). He knew he would be an enemy to Him and to us. Is it a small part of God's divine plan so that Jesus will deliver us from the evil enemy and his ways? Good over evil and man's choice to live or die existed before the earth began. God had worked out the only perfect plan for His people through His son Jesus Christ before the earth was ever created.

Matthew 18:11

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few are chosen.

We have the choice to serve God or the devil. We can either walk with God or run with the devil. Did the devil tell God that he was at a disadvantage since God can do all things? Did the devil tell God he didn't have a chance because the only way he could get his followers was by evil thoughts, evil ways, desperation and lies? The Lord probably told him that it was true that He can do all things. But, He would only use two things against him which was His son, Jesus, and faith to get those to follow Him. God's reward, eternal life, to His people will be through His son and Him only. The devil's and his follower's reward will be the lake of fire and eternal torment.

In the Garden of Eden, there were two trees mentioned. One was the tree of knowledge of good and evil; it sat in the midst of the garden. The second was the tree of life. The tree of knowledge of good and evil may have been a tree but it was also symbolic of good which is God and evil the devil. The Lord told Adam not to take of that tree. Adam told Eve that God told him they shall eat of any of the trees in the garden but not to take of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, the devil deceived Eve; she took of the tree and Adam took of it as well.

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Adam and Eve did eat and their eyes were opened. When their eyes opened, they realized they were naked. They immediately made aprons of fig leaves to cover their nakedness. They had become carnal minded (such as you and I today); they knew good and evil. Is it possible that before they took of the tree of knowledge of good and evil that they were walking in the spirit and in fellowship with God? They became carnal minded after they took of the tree and fell into sin. After Adam disobeyed God, his actions inputted sin into all mankind. It appears that we could be the victim of war in heaven, a casualty of the daily battles of spiritual warfare. Christ will come after His people and the devil will take his.

Revelation 20:11-12

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

We have a choice in this life and in God's divine plan through God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ. There's no way the devil will ever defeat God or Christ Jesus His son. The victory is in Jesus. It wasn't the apple on the tree that was the problem. It was the pair on the ground. The plan is very simple, get right or get left. The war is not over and won't be until God says so. It didn't end in heaven. It is eternal until life's end, when Jesus comes back. We will fall victim to our choice whether it be good or bad. Could it have been the tree of life in the garden or could it have been symbolic of Christ himself? If Adam and Eve had taken of the tree of life, they would have lived eternal. There is no way a person can live eternal except by and through Jesus Christ our Lord and the son of God.

Genesis 3:21-24

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

We are engaged in a spiritual warfare, daily, as we live in this world. We will either walk with God or run with the devil.

I John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

God has made a way for all to rise above the battles of this life, to overcome the struggles and walk in the light.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The world is our spiritual battlefield. We are at war against the spirit and flesh.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We are beaten, battered and wounded in this world. But, the end is not yet. For those of God's children shall endure through Christ. Our kingdom is not of this world, nor riches, fame, nor glory and not even our possessions. For the children of God shall reign in a new world, a new heaven and a new body. Today, we may be the dust of a forgotten world. But, we need to look at the light at the end of life's tunnel, the shed blood of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:18-21

But if ye be led of the spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Because of Adam's disobedience in the garden, we are born into the world sinners.

Galatians 5:16-17

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Although we may fall weak, depressed and seem to be shaken, it is when we lift our hearts unto God that we shall be cuddled in His hands. Our spirit shall be lifted and our tears shall be dried.

Psalm 121:1-3

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

As we live on, we should press forward even though the battles will rage on. We have to keep our heart, eyes and mind on the Lord Jesus when we struggle and fall weak. Others have walked this road before us and others shall follow behind us. But, it will be worth it all in the end to hear the words, well done.

Romans 12:1-3

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

The day may be without light; the end of the tunnel may seem dim. All else may seem so lost and hopeless and the stars may fall from the sky.

Romans 8:35-38

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.

\---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

*****

In Times of Quitting

About as Useless as a Bent Nail

There is a place for me; there is something for me to do. Although I may not accomplish a lot in this world nor fulfill my uttermost dreams, but what I do in God's eyes means everything. I am, to Him, just me.

− b. a. troutt

Sometimes when we are building something and are in the process of driving the nail, we accidentally strike the nail with a mis-lick of the hammer and bend it. We either pull the bent nail out to straighten it or we throw it away. If the nail isn't bent too badly, we can straighten it and drive it on in. But, a lot of the time the nail was bent so it doesn't matter how hard we try to drive it in, it will not go.

Life is liken unto a bent nail. Our life, at times, is like the self-guided mis-licked hammer that struck the nail and put a bend in it. Too many times, we think we are in control of our life but we are like the mis-licked hammer. We put bends (troubles) in our lives by our own selfish ways simply by leaning to our own understanding and not putting our trust in God. It's when we take charge of our lives, take control in our own hands and make a mis-lick with life's hammer that we wonder and question what is happening and what went wrong. In those times of frustration and anger, we try to blame others for our mishaps. We find all others guilty, including God; the saddest thing is we are to blame.

Life is peculiar and odd at times. It has its twists, turns, ups, downs and surprises that may leave us with plenty of questions and no answers. There are times in our life that we take complete control and leave the Lord out. That's when life's hammer strikes us and leaves us as a bent nail. We should first blame our self before we place the blame on others. Sometimes, the problems or troubles of this life is liken to the bent nail.

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Our life may not be in as bad of shape as we think. It may only take a little work to fix it. Remember, patience goes a long way.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Sometimes with a little lick here and there, the old nail will straighten and drive right on in [with little or no trouble]. Praise the Lord! Prayer makes all the difference in the world. Those few words from our heart and in the spirit of the Lord can straighten anything out, if we believe. Life hammers us with circumstances and situations that no matter what we try to do or how hard we try, we fail to see the way because we are blinded by doubt and unbelief. The harder we try to drive the bent nail, the more it seems to bend. At times, it seems like the nail is bent so bad it will not matter how much we try; it will not go in. What do we do? We have to back off, put it in God's hands and leave it alone, totally and completely, until God's time comes for us to face it again. We have to stand bold with our trust in the Lord.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

If we have done our part when God's time comes, things will be different for us. We may not always pick up and drive the badly bent nail we have laid aside. However, the new nail [under different circumstances] will drive right on in. We sometimes try too hard to make things happen. By getting away from the will of God, we get so aggravated and frustrated with the things in our life. We allow the old devil to sneak in, hinder us and leave us sitting around wondering what happened. We continuously miss the nail with the hammer [bending nail after nail] and it leaves us defeated. We should put it all in God's hands, trust in Him and let Him make the way.

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

There are times the nail will not go in. Those are times when it will depend upon what kind of wood we are trying drive the nail into. It is almost impossible to drive a nail into hard woods, much less a bent one. Softer woods do make a difference. Life, sometimes, can be hard. If we allow it, it will get the best of us. There are times we are going to have to give or take a little especially when we are being treated unfair and unjust; we'll have to bend a bit. No matter what life brings our way in this world, be steadfast and unmovable in the almighty power of the Lord, His word and His Holy Spirit. No matter how hard the wood [life] is, we can find a way in the Lord. If the wood [life] is soft the nail will ease on through, no matter how bent it may be, if we will hold true to Jesus Christ the son of God. But, we must believe. (For, greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.)

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Life in this old world will never be totally and completely fair or just. And it wasn't even in the days when Jesus Christ walked this old earth. However, there is one thing. Nails bent back in the days of Jesus just as they do today. With the Lord's help we can make it. It doesn't matter if we never drive a straight nail in; God will be with us. All we have to do is put forth the effort with our hearts and hold on to His nailed scared hands.

John 20:24-29

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

No matter how hard this old life may be or how much we may seem to go through, there is no one who has suffered, felt the agony of pain and the awesome hurt of life more than that of Jesus Christ the Son of God. That day upon Calvary Hill nearly two thousand years ago, they hung Jesus Christ upon the cross and drove nails in His hands and feet [they probably didn't mis-lick or bend a nail]. He gave His life for us that through Him we could be forgiven of our sins and live life eternally. He, an innocent man who did no wrong and sinned not once, was nailed upon a wooden cross because of us. We can always look around us and see others in worse shape than we are. But, if we were to look around and see no one, we need to look to Christ on the cross [we help put Him there], read God's word, open our heart and see with the Holy Spirit. If we ever feel as useless as a bent nail and feel like giving up or quitting all we have to do is remember God loves us, Jesus loves us and regardless of it all we are important to Him. He loves us just as we are no matter how much we allow the devil and this world to bend us out of shape.

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

We may be faced with some hard things in life, today, and we are not sure that we are going to be able to make it. We may be afraid we'll bend under the pressure. Hold true to the Lord, pray and get into His Holy word and let it work. We need to take a stand, be not moved and hold on to God's unchanging hand because somehow, some way He will bring us through.

Psalm 91:1-11

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

We can't be bent, nicked or slightly crooked by what the world and the devil brings against us. But, be ye steadfast, straight and bold on what God has already done for us and what He promised He will do. It's not the easy things that mold us in life, it's the hard things.

I Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Sometimes the devil will try to hammer us down with life's trials and troubles. If we are not careful, he will make us feel so useless and steal away all of our hope. He creates impossibilities in our lives that we will not be able to overcome because of our doubt and unbelief. He will make things look useless, try to make us give up and quit. But, it is then when we should look beyond it all unto Christ our Lord, reach up and take the victory in Jesus so that we can come out from it and press forward in our daily lives.

Psalm 121:1-8

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

There are times when we can't pull the bent nail out and wind up breaking the nail off in the wood. But, no matter how it is, we can hardly drive a bent nail. In life there are things we can't change. No matter how hard we try, we are just stuck with them. It is then that we accept them with the Lord and go on with our lives. God has blessed us with a life – a life of choices. We are to choose our way and it is up to us to make the choice. Sometimes, some choices are harder to make and bear than others. Fortunately, those choices that we allow God to help us with will make all the difference in the world. Sure, we are going to have some tough breaks; a lot of them we will not want or even accept. Some we will have to take with a grain of salt on bent knees. However, there are also the good breaks with special blessings that go a long way. Praise God! But, we still need to watch out for the nails [bent and broke off] that are sticking up and waiting for us. That is the devil with his traps, snares and pits waiting to bring us down.

I Peter 5:6-8

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

At times, bent nails are hard to drive. They take a little extra effort, work and time to get through. But, isn't it true, all good things are worth waiting for.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

There is one thing about it; the nail must be straight if it is to be driven in. Our walk with the Lord should be a straight and narrow daily walk to work more efficiently in our life. It is a way of holiness and righteous living. It is a way of repentance, humbleness and a servant spirit. It is by no means a way of curves and bends but that of a straightaway. We are to separate ourselves from the things of the world, the pride of life, the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh. We are to be holy people.

I Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are in the world. But, we are not to be of the world. We are to be a separate people. Sure [Christians] we will mis-lick a lick in life from time to time. We will bend a little here and there. Fortunately, we do not have to stay bent. We can call out unto the Lord, repent, straighten up and continue for the Lord. Those who allow the devil to take their life and bend it is what makes them want to give up and quit. They just give in to it, accept it and do nothing about it. That is where we all fail. Arise above it! We have to straighten that which needs straightening, lower that which needs lowering and pick up our cross daily for the cause and testimony of Christ our Lord. Serve Him [Christ our Lord] with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We have all probably felt about as useless as a bent nail by just lying around, bent or broken, with no dreams or hopes and all seems lost or so far away. Cheer up and lift that frown into a smile. God is not finished working with us yet. Sure, we may have lost a few battles. Unfortunately, it is an uphill struggle most of the time. We can always look back to where God has brought us from and open the eyes of our heart to where He is taking us. We can win by praising the glory of God with the melody of song in our heart and letting our Spirit be free and at liberty. For in Christ, and in no other, we will make it because God lies just beyond the tips of our fingers.

Matthew 17:20-21

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Do we believe that God can do anything and there is nothing in the world He can't do? If so, we should believe that God is bigger than the mountains we are facing and the bends in our life that seem impossible. If we believe, the Lord can take care of our needs and problems. Have we the faith to straighten the bends in our life? Can we believe? Life is a lot like a bent nail. But, no one can say we can't endure it and make it through. With the Lord's help, the complete willingness of our willpower and our determination, we too [with the Lord's help] can reach our ultimate goals and achieve our highest accomplishments in this life; if we will submit our will unto His (Lord, thy will be done). If, in this life, we have been dealt a bent nail as it may seem to us, there are only two things that we (or any of us) can do. First, we can give in, accept it, feel sorry for our self and suffer through life the best way we can [living in misery]. Secondly, we can take hold of God's hand, pick ourselves up from where we are, straighten what we can and let Lord have what we can't do. We can face the world with the Lord and with victory in Him by faith. For greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world. We have the choice. We can stay bent and be useless or we can straighten up and finish the job that the Lord would have us do. It is no wonder that those of us with the bent nail syndrome live in defeat and stay defeated. Our attitudes are in doubt. Our outlooks and visions are dull and hopeless; they speak and live negatively. Our lives are like a rainbow with no color. God is alive and in control although we may not always see it or understand. But, He is alive and Jesus Christ His son is alive and sits beside Him in the heavens above watching over us all. Believe it or not, it's not over and it's not finished. We, as born again believers in Christ, have not yet begun to live.

Life is liken sometimes to a bent nail. We don't know when life's hammer will mis-lick and strike us with a blow that will bend us out of shape. We never know how many hard licks we'll be able to take before the one that comes along and bends us double. A lot of the time in life [when those times come], it will leave us hopeless, feeling useless with low self-esteem and our willpower will fade away. It is so easy, too easy at times, to give in and give up.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

When we face this world, the devil and this life, we had better be prepared at all times for we know not what lies ahead. We may not see the battles right away all the time but they are out there waiting for us. The better prepared we are to face the battles, the better the outcome will be. Never underestimate the devil or take him for granted. He has our number and fortunately for us, God has his. Sometimes we are driven by that which life strikes us with; if we are not careful, we will be bent and weakened. The devil works on us in many ways. A lot of the time, he slowly pulls us down little by little, battle by battle and struggle by struggle. He uses our weaknesses against us to get us where he wants us and then he will drop the hammer on us – bang! Sometimes the fall is hard and sometimes it's not too bad. It all depends on how strong we are in the Lord at the time. While the devil prepares to lower the big bang on us, he is slowly tearing down our faith with doubt, wearing out our patience, tiring us out physically and choking us with negativity all around us. At the same time, God is preparing a way of escape for His people. So, we have to be ready at all times with our heart and eyes upon the Lord and His way of escape, lest we fall into the devil's trap. A lot of strong nails have bent with a lot less weight. Is it the weight of the hammer that bends the nail or is it the mis-lick of the hammer? Or, is it both?

When the devil blacks our eye, we black his. When he brings our past up to us, we need to tell him of his future. When he tries to make us feel useless and unworthy, we have to hold our head up and lift your heart and spirit and let the devil know we are a child of the King; the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Isaiah 43:1-2

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Life has its trying moments, temptations and fears. But, it is how we face them that will determine our outcome. I pray we will all face them with Jesus. Sometimes in life we are driven hard. At times, it is so fast that we can't keep up. Other times, it is a slow steady pounding. It slowly weakens us down, one lick at a time, into a bend [a breaking point]. There is no way that we will ever be able to give our full potential, put forth our best effort and accomplish our life's goals and ambitions until we straighten out the bends in our lives.

Jeremiah 18:1-6

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

I doesn't matter who we are, what we do or where we are from. We all are in need of some work in our lives. None of us are perfect. We are all marred clay in the hands of a living God. It is up to us to let go and let God mold and shape us into that he would have us be which is in His likeness through His son Jesus. It is those bends of life's troubles, trials and temptations that the Lord uses to make us a tool, an instrument or a vessel that would be pleasing to Him. We, through the Lord, can accomplish His will and purpose in our life and in the things He would have us do. We may be liken unto an old rusty bent nail lying around in an old nail box, lying on the floor, being walked around, stepped on or surrounded by sawdust. However, the carpenter's eye may see us and he may pick us up. He will also take his hammer, peck on us a bit, stand us up on end and then drive us into a pretty piece of furniture. That is the same way it is with God when He takes a sinner person and does a work in their life. If we are a born again Christian, we know what that means. We probably think we have all lived. It is not until we give our heart and life to Jesus that we find out what life is all about and begins to really live. No, it will not be trouble free or a bed of roses. Honestly, it will seem more against us now than ever before. Nothing can take the place of the joy of our spirit, the love in our heart, the peace of mind and peace with God we experience. Sure, we mess up at times; we fail and let life and the devil get us down. But, through it all, the Lord can help us keep trying. Sure, we have all wanted to quit, give up and give in. Nevertheless, when that time comes, we look back to where God has brought us from and what all He has done for us and that should straighten any nail. Certainly, the load will get hard to bear and the cross will get heavy but what do we really have to go back to? It's definite, if the Lord lets us live on, tomorrow there will be more bends and breaking points and will continue day after day. But, we can take the things we have learned, through God's word and spirit, from each of those bends behind and use those things to help bring us the victory over future bends that we have not faced. The devil can't do anything to us except that which we allow him.

Matthew 10:26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Often times, we say we can't make it and we are not strong enough to bear it. We are right. We can't do it on our own. We have to let God help us; it is the only way.

During our life, we may only see the dust from our journey. But, it is the joy in our heart to know and see the Lord stir the winds and know we are a part of it.

− b. a. troutt

Time and time again we are hit upon and struck bent. It weakens us down to our lowest point and at the same time pulls up and through the side. Why! Because we give up and give in so easily. Not only does the devil know our weaknesses but so does God. The Lord allows the devil to come against us with our problems not to punish us but so we can learn to overcome them through Him. How can we overcome something if we don't face it? If we are not confronted with it, how can we deal with it? God wants us totally and completely. The Lord does not want the devil to have any kind of stronghold on us that will take us away from Him in any way. No matter what our problems may be, we will have to deal with them in some way or another regardless of how big or small they are. Sometimes it's the little problems we don't think too much about that are usually harder to overcome and gives us the most trouble. Time and time again, we are struck with life's hammer and hit upon every side with one thing or another. Is there no rest for the weary?

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If God knew we couldn't bear our load or our cross with His help, it's doubtful He would have ever sent us out. A lot of the load we bear is not put on us by the Lord but by the choices we choose in life. However, there is one thing about it, we don't have to bear it alone, praise God. The Lord will help us and be with us. He will see us through. All we have to do is pray and ask. There are those times in life that we feel thrown aside, forgotten, abandoned, deserted and left all alone. Sometimes it seems like God is a million miles away and there is not a friend a mile around. It is frightful, in ways, if we think about it. It seems like we are going under water for the third time when we finally decide to cry out for help and it seems like no one hears our cries. Just remember, God does. We may be bent, broken, doubled up and falling to pieces when suddenly we hear the still voice of God calling us by name and telling us He will never leave or forsake us because He is thy God. That makes all the difference in the world. Our heart and spirit begins to stir and we begin to look at things in a different light; it makes them appear clearer than ever before. When the Holy Spirit speaks to us through God's spirit and His Holy word, we can be sure of one thing: If we will believe, our belief can drive away the storm clouds and lift our heart and spirit in to peace, joy and love; it can put a smile on our face. But, we must believe. Such as a nail cannot straighten itself without the help of the hammer, we cannot straighten ourselves without God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. We can do all we can in our power and strength to overcome and straighten things out. Nonetheless, it is the touch from God the Father that will make all the difference. We should do all that we can within our power to help ourselves. Yet, at the same time, we have to give it to the Lord to help us and for Him to give us what we can't, help. There are some things in our life that are so small that we think we can change with little or no effort; we wish. By holding on to the small things we find they become a bigger problem for us and cause us more trouble than the bigger things. Then, why don't we let go and let God? Why? Because we have allowed the little things to become a bend in our lives, we have given in to them and accepted them; they have become a part of us (Example: addictions and habits). It's not the nail in our life that is the problem; it's the bend we allow in the nail that has conquered us. Sure, sometimes we can't walk away. Why? It is because of weakness, desire or love, lack of willpower, lack of faith and the lack of little to no determination. As long as we allow these bends to rule over us, we will not be any better than the bent nail. We will become useless. We must first change our love of it to the complete love of God. Then we should open our eyes and come to the realization of the truth which is we have a problem. We must face it and take it to the Lord. If we are not careful, little problems sometimes lead to bigger ones. Just like the nail can't straighten itself without the hammer, we can't straighten our self without the Lord. When big problems come along, most of us seem to make it through, over time, some way or another. However, some of the big problems seem to be more than we can bear. Fortunately, with the Lord's help, we can endure to the end. It seems like, a lot of the time, it's always the little things that get next to us and are harder to shake. Could it be the choice we choose, that of the devil, which brings us into bondage? By being a partaker of sin and evil, we give over to our fleshly and selfish desires. If we are not careful, we are held captive by it.

Galatians 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

It is only by and through the Lord Jesus Christ the son of God that a person will be set free, delivered and made whole. It is by and through the sinless life, virgin birth and suffering death of Christ that God made a way for sinful man to be forgiven and endure. It doesn't matter how bad the bend is, how crooked the nail or how rusty and corroded it is, God can straighten it and clean it up, if we will let go and believe. Time after time, we try quick fixes and shortcuts to straighten out our life when all we have done is put it on the back burner and covered it up instead of facing it which allows us to bring it out again at another time. When we face our problems, troubles and trials face to face and head on, it is then we will get to the bottom of the matter and solve the problems. Are we ready to face them? Will we step out and face them? Will we talk to the Lord? There is nothing wrong with having a bend in our life, if we will work it out with the Lord and go on. There are Christians, today, with bends in their lives that have been there for years. They haven't done anything about them. Yet, they have come, through the years, to accept them and they are now a part of their life.

Can a person stand before Christ at the judgment with a bend in their life that is not pleasing unto God? Can a person love one and hate the other? Can one be found in bondage of lust, drugs, alcohol, cheating and lying? Would a person be found with prejudice, cursing, adultery and coveting as a bend in their life and be found just at the judgment? A nail can't be straightened without the hammer. Neither can a person straighten themself without God and Christ His son. It is, a lot of the time, when we are thrown to the side when we see things as they really are. Only then do we call upon the Lord for help.

When we stand in front of the mirror of God's word and see our self as we really are, it is then that we begin to see things in a different light. The truth makes a big difference in how we look at things. If we look at things through eyes of worry and depression, we will see no hope. If we look through eyes of fear, we will only see danger. If we look through the spiritual eyes of faith, we see no harm or worry for God is Almighty. Sometimes we look at things and make them worse than they really are. Sometimes we look at things and take for granted the seriousness of the problem. How we look at things will, a lot of the time, help decide what action we will take. Finding the truth of our self sometimes takes stepping off to the side of it all and taking an honest, good, long look into our own heart to see the hurt and bends that have brought us to where we are. We may be empty inside, alone, hurt and have feelings of uselessness in our life and all that is around us. We may appear, on the outside, as a jolly, happy go lucky person without a care in the world. But, the truth is [inside]; we are hopeless, have no joy or laughter and are alone. The Lord doesn't look at our outer appearance but He ponders our heart. There is not a tear, frown or even a sigh about us that God doesn't know about. The Lord knows our bends, troubles, sorrows and sighs. He knows the number of teardrops that have fallen from our eyes; He truly cares. Sure, we may not always be on the mountain top or always soaring above the silver clouds. It is when we come down to earth, realize who we are and where we are going that we learn our self and become what the Lord would have us to be which is His child. Only then will we find our place. A lot of the time when we are tossed off to the side, we begin to see things as they really are. There are a lot of things in this world that will dim our light and blow out our candle. The main thing is sin. When we allow sin to enter into our life and stay, our light becomes shaded with darkness. Sin will steal away our spiritual walk with the Lord and separate our fellowship with the Lord. Only through Christ can that fellowship be made whole [through repentance].

I John 1:5-10

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Sin has bent many strong men and women. It has driven many in the wrong way. At the same time, it has also broken some, cast them off to the side and left them lost, undone and useless.

I John 2:1

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

God has made a way for us. However, we have to choose to accept it. God's way is through the cross and through Christ His son. There have been many good people who slipped and made an honest mistake; they have become liken as a bent nail. They have given in and given up. They have let the devil tell them they aren't good for anything. The devil is a liar and the father of it.

II Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

It is not God's will that any of us should perish but that all would come to repentance. [For, God has never lied.] The question is, will we come back to the Lord and straighten out the bend in our life that stands between us, God and eternal life? Or, will we choose to live with the lies of the devil? It is our choice. It is then, with the Lord through His son, His word, and His spirit, that God takes His hammer [with His love, grace and mercy] and straightens us out so we can be used again to help fulfill the Lord's plan in our life. The fruits of the spirit are the tools of the master potter that He uses on us to mold and shape us as He sees fit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

If we will let go and let God use those tools on us and in our life, we can straighten out any bent nail we may encounter which will allow us to drive it right on in. However, we have to be willing; we have to want the change. We have to let it all go and give our all. We have to become the clay in the potter's hands.

Jeremiah 18:1-6

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

How much are we willing to give? How much will we let go? We all are liken unto nails in God's plan. But, will we accept it? Our life can be all that it can be. It can be full and wonderful or it can be about as useless as a bent nail – hopeless, lost and full of trouble. It is up to us. We must choose whom we will serve. That will tell us how our tomorrow will be. There are all kinds, shapes and sizes in God's plan and they're all used for different purposes. We have to search and find our place to be a part of God's kingdom. We all are vital in the building of God's Kingdom. It is there for us. All we have to do is do our part by being useful, productive and on fire for the Lord. We need to seek out and work in His plans for us and be the best we can be with His help. Life is too precious to waste and take for granted. We may not be famous, rich and popular or even a star. However, we are precious to God even as the teardrops fall from our eyes. We have a place with Him and He has a place for us. We have to be steadfast, unmovable, strong and ready when He shall come.

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

If we are liken unto a bent nail, we need to let go and let God straighten things out and go on with our life; be all God would have us to be [free].

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Sometimes our lives are slightly bent. We will be surprised that it will only take little to no straightening to work it out. The devil would like to make us believe it is the end of the world. But, it's not. It's the beginning with us. Eyes have not seen or hearts have yet beheld that of God's blessing to His born again believers in Him. We all will have our days. It is in those special moments within our heart that God himself has touched us which will bring us through until the end. It doesn't take a whole lot of words or a lengthy prayer but words from the heart. It does, however, take a broken spirit with a willing heart for God to move in our life and mend the bend.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

We sometimes give over to fear and our problems. We fail to reach out unto the Lord. We allow life and the devil to bend us more and more. They both bend us all out of shape and create a devastating work to be done in our life.

II Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

How many times do we allow ourselves to be controlled by fear, doubt and unbelief? How many times do we allow those things to altar our lives, decisions and the roads we choose to take? It is by faith and faith alone [no bigger than a grain of mustard seed] that makes all the difference. For greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world.

I John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because feat hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Sin sometimes will slip into the clay, mar it and leave it scarred and cracked. But, as the blacksmith heats the iron to bend it, he heats it as well to strengthen it.

I Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

It is then, in those times, in God's way and time that if we submit ourselves to the loving hammer of God to straighten the bends in our life (such as a broken vessel in the potter's hand). He turns the wheel of life around and around; with the gentle touch of the tip of His fingers and hands, He slowly molds and shapes us into His heart's delight.

Too many times we are liken unto the bent nail. We allow life to drive us in its way instead of letting the Lord lead us in His way.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Life can be hard. But, we can [through the Lord] bear it. Life can be good if we will choose the right way. Well, if we have tried all the world and the devil have offered us and we still aren't any better off then why don't we try Jesus? We should because we have tried everything else. We will probably be pleasantly surprised. We may find the right way. God is still in control. We must accept the good, go on and live with the bad. [Look at the life of Christ.] Bad things happened to Him even though He is the son of God. Are we no better to be bent in life's way than Christ? There are times when the nail is hit right on the head and it eases on in. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world with no problems, sorrows, suffering or pain? Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world of peace, joy, love and happiness? Wouldn't it be nice to never shed a tear or cry because of hurt or pain? Well, we can; there is such a place. Jesus has gone to prepare it for us. God has promised us such a place [Heaven]. All we need to do is be ready when Christ returns. Life is a lot like the nail that slips right on in. When we are set in the direction we should go [the way of the cross], we will find rest and peace in our place in life. In life we take our best shot. We take life as it comes and waits for the promise of that heavenly home. We can choose, today, to stay bent, lay around feeling sorry for our self and live in defeat. Or, we can turn to God and let Him straighten things out for us. We can choose to lie around unconcerned without a care and rust away by not helping our self, much less helping others. We have the choice. Every one of us has the same choice. No one can make it for us. We are one on one with the Lord and it's our move. There is an answer to all our questions and there is a way for us to take [an eternal way]. That way is through Jesus Christ our Lord. Maybe, today, we feel about as useless as a bent nail and our life seems to be going nowhere. I pray that we all will turn to Jesus, His word and His spirit and let Him straighten it all out for us so we can find our place in His plan [His kingdom]. We are very important to God and we should never believe any different.

Revelation 21:1-4

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

*****

In Times of Quitting

Sometimes I Feel Like Crawling into a Hole Somewhere

and Pulling the Ground up Over Me

Entangled by life's burdens and sorrows, we reach out to take hold without really knowing the outcome or what lies ahead. But, by faith we stand in the palms of a living God who is all knowing, all seeing and all merciful. Because of Him and His son, we will overcome and endure all that life sends our way. Do we give up? Do we give in? God forbid. But, we must press onward.

Love in Christ,

bobby a. troutt

Facing life and all it has to offer can sometimes be hard. At times, life is unfair, unjust and hurtful. But, we must go on and face it the best we can. Sometimes the circumstances and situations we are in and how we deal with them gives us the desire to crawl off into a hole somewhere and pull the ground up over us. We feel by doing that, we'll never have to be bothered again or have to deal with life's cheating moments. However, that is not the answer nor will it ever be that way because some time or another we will have to come out of the hole and face it. We pray, at times, for the Lord to just take it away and make it disappear. Most of the time, it is still there. It leaves it up to us not to crawl in or be used against us to destroy us. It helps us in ways we will not always see at the moment. God can always get some good out of the bad. If we will look to Him to light our path, we can see so much more that we normally fail to see on our own. We don't always have all the answers and we never will. It is in those times of looking through life's stained glass that we, through the Lord, begin to see the purpose and the truth.

I Corinthians 13:9-13

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

A lot of us probably have had moments when we felt like crawling into a hole somewhere and pulling the ground up over us. We all have probably seen those days. The burdens of life will pay its toll upon us. If we are not careful it will lead us down a road we'd wish we had never taken. Have we any life regrets? How do we deal with life's cheating moments, demanding ways and all its unfairness? There is only one way and that is by and through the help of the Lord. Christ has lived it and set an example. He made the way for those of us who freely choose to follow Him. Christ, when He lived and walked this old earth, did not give up, quit or crawl back into a hole somewhere. The only hole He was in was the tomb they buried Him in after He died for our sins. He only stayed in the hole for three days before he walked out of it in total, complete and eternal victory for us all. When Christ came out of that hole (tomb), there was no satanic power on earth or in hell to keep us down. We were free through the victory of the blood shed crucifixion, virgin birth and resurrected plan of God through Christ His son. So, when we feel like crawling into a hole somewhere, we need to shake the devil loose. We have to firmly plant our feet on God's word, take hold of His hand and face it with the Lord with our heart anchored in His will, spirit and our eyes on that heavenly goal. We have to tell that hole we don't need it anymore. Many times in life we have probably considered giving in, giving up and falling through the hole. But, it is in those times that we have to use our faith in the Lord and what He can do to pull us out. When we trust in Him and put all our cares in His hands and surrender it all completely and totally, it is then that we will look up out of the hole and begin to see the light of day. There is nothing we can do on our own. We can exhaust all other resources and ways but we'll still be found undone. But, if we quit listening to our self and listen to the still, small voice of God we'll begin to crawl out of the hole of darkness into a new light. When we begin to see things God's way, it will make all the difference in the world. Too many times we will crawl off in a hole somewhere or in a shell and let the darkness of doubt, fear and unbelief smother out the light of the way. We will give up and give in to it because we don't want to face it. We don't have to face it alone. Christ is always there for us. Why don't we reach up to Him and let Him help us? Many of us have had our moments in time such as these. Many of us have fallen weak while others of us who are stronger are able to endure and go on. Running from our problems and not wanting to face reality can lead us to a very miserable and unhappy life. Crawling off into a hole somewhere is not the answer either. Whatever we are running from will never disappear. It will always be with us until we face it and take care of it. God can take impossibles and make them possible. But, we must love, trust and believe in Him. Sometimes we'll feel running away as far as we can go. Running away may help us in a lot of ways. However, a lot of the time when we walk back, the problem is still there. When we take care of the problem, it is then that we run in joy and relief of freedom and peace of mind; it will make all the difference in the world. Too many times we try to isolate our self and try to make little islands for our self that are shut off from the rest of the world which is fine; we need our time alone. But, our time alone is different if we crawl off into a hole somewhere trying to get away from facing things.

Matthew 5:14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

None of us is an island because our life, whether we know it or not, touches so many others around us. Although, at times, we may feel weak and draw strength from others, it may very well be that some may be weaker than us and they may find strength in us. That is why it is so important for us to live one day at a time. We need to live it as if it may be our last, set an example and build a bridge for others behind us to cross. Isolating our self creates a lonely life and saddened heart, at times. God uses fellowship and relationships to help bring fulfillment to the things in our life. Christ did not choose to walk the world alive and dwell by himself; He chose twelve to go with Him and to fellowship with.

Matthew 4:18-22

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Will we pick up from where we are and follow him?

John 1:43-49

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Our attitude makes a great difference. If at all possible, we have to try daily to keep a Christ-like attitude.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

If we keep the right attitude (Christ-like) when troubles, trials, problems and life's storms come our way we'll make it through. The key factor is in our Christ-like attitude. The majority of the time, we will fail to have the right attitude. The attitude of I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me will bring victory to us and our life. But, having the attitude of I can't, I quit and I don't care will only bring defeat and pull us off into a hole. Sometimes we need an attitude adjustment. Sometimes the Lord will adjust our attitude through some of the things we have to face. Can't never did anything and if it did, it wouldn't amount to much. With the Lord we can conquer, defeat, overcome obstacles and achieve the utmost highest goal (a heavenly home). Will we be inside a hole or will we be found walking on top of our troubles and in complete control through Christ?

There have been a lot of people in this life who have spent most of their life crawling in and out of holes. They have spent the biggest part of their life with the "I can't" attitude and they isolate themself to become an island filled with a world of people with whom they can make a difference.

By counting the stars of the night sky or gathering shells by the seashore, one can find their answer, peace and joy in difficult times if they will look in the right place first and that is unto God. Together they can know the number of stars and find the seashells.

− b. a. troutt

The devil wants to keep us in a hole. He wants to keep us with the attitude of I can't because he wants to destroy us, our life and all that is around him, if he can. The deeper the devil gets us to dig in, the harder it is for us to pull our self out.

I Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

The devil is out to devour us!

John 10:9-11

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

The devil is a thief who comes to steal, rob, kill and destroy. But Christ has come so that we can be saved, that we can go in and out and find pasture. Jesus said he came that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly. Christ did not come to pull us off into a hole but to rise up out of it. We have to put our trust in Him and let Him be the shepherd of our heart and life to be free from it all and in control. Sometimes we battle with low self-esteem and are filled with so much negativity in a negligent world that when we crawl into a hole we never want to crawl out. We are so down on our self and everything around us that it is no wonder we pull the ground up over us. No matter what we think of our self or how low we may feel, believe it or not, God loves us. Christ died for us so we don't have to dwell in a hole. Instead, we can come out from it for we are a child of the King, the King of Kings and Lord or Lords. It is when we start listening to the negativity [the devil] that we allow him to pull us in. We serve a positive God that can bring us through it and overcome it, if we trust and believe. Low self-esteem is one of the devil's crippling devices to steal and rob away our joy, peace and happiness. The devil will use it in every negative way imaginable to keep us in the hole with the ground pulled up over us. Where is our will power? Where is our determination? Are they buried in the hole with us? Where is our fight? We have to rise above it, rise out of the hole, let go and let God move for greater is he that is in us than he [the devil] that is in the world. Goliath stood before Israel and dared one to come out.

I Samuel 17:20-24

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

Israel was afraid; they were negative. However, David, a young lad, stood before Goliath and brought the giant down. David was able to do it because he looked at the positive; he looked to God.

I Samuel 17:42-46

And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

He knew through God he could do all things.

I Samuel 17:48-54

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slant it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

We may be facing the Goliath in our life, the giant of our day. Will we be like Israel or be like David and fill the hole with all our fear, doubt, unbelief and negativity and then cover it once and for all with the ground under our feet? What about the three Hebrew children standing before the fiery furnace?

Daniel 3:16-17

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our god whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Did they stand in negativity? No, they stood positive even while facing death for they knew their God would bring them through, some way or somehow. Even if he didn't, they would still be found not worshipping their god and the golden image.

Daniel 3:19-25

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

If we, today, are about ready to give it up and haven't tried the Lord, will we let him help us? Have we the willpower and determination to get up by our boot straps, grab hold of the Lord's hands, take the world by the tail, kill the giants in our life and face the fiery furnace that comes our way? If we are not very careful, every time we crawl back into a hole, we will dig it deeper and deeper and make it harder and harder for us to get out the next time. When we are in a hole, it is dark and we can't see. But, when we are out of the hole and in the open light, we can see easier and things don't seem so bad. We just might find out things are not as bad as we thought. Will we, today, crawl or climb out of it, pick up our life and go on? Too many times we are bound down in the darkness of the hole. We crawl back into our shell and don't want to face life and the things we are dealing with. It is hard for some of us to deal with life on life's terms. But, it's not impossible because we have the Lord on our side. If we have Him, we have it all. Crawling back into a hole is not the answer. However, crawling into the arms of a true and living God is. Although we may not always think about it, God sees all our faults and failures. Even though He knows all our shortcomings, He still loves us.

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God doesn't accept our sins. Yet, He still loves us through His son Jesus Christ.

I John 2:1

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Fooling around with sin will put us in a hole real quick. The longer we walk around in that hole, the deeper we will go. Christ is still the one who can bring us out.

I John 1:5-10

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is not darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

We are not born in this world perfect because of the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden. We are imperfect, but through the blood of Christ we are made whole. God has made a way for us to reach that perfection through Christ His son. In this life, we will sin, fall short, make mistakes and come up short. Through Christ, we can make amends, go on with our lives and make heaven our home. We will never be perfect until that moment and time when we enter into our heavenly home. As we live day to day, we should strive forward to reach that perfection through Christ. God has not put us here to give up and crawl into a hole somewhere and stay. But, He wants us to love Him, serve Him and walk in fellowship with Him each day. We all have our own crosses to bear and burdens to face.

Galatians 6:5

For every man shall bear his own burden.

We will bear and face them with the choices we choose.

Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Often times our choices are wrong and there are the times the choices are right. Fortunately, the Lord is there for us either way.

Galatians 6:8-10

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

If we are in a hole because of a wrong choice that we made, we should pray that we'll choose to let the Lord help us and bring us through.

Some changes are for the good and some are for the bad. Some can help, whereas others can hurt. Some we don't need and others we do. Changes will come and go. How we deal with them will determine how well we come out.

− b. a. troutt

There is victory in the blood of Jesus. There is power in His cleansing blood. Most of the time in our life, we have been our own worst enemy. We have brought more problems and sorrows our way than anything else or anyone. It is then and only then that we should get self out of the way and let Christ be the center of our life so we can learn to better handle our self. Although, at times, we allow old self to interfere and create more trouble, it is then we should turn to the Lord for reassurance. Getting self out of the way, sometimes, can be a tough job. Self-denial may not come easily to us. Selfishness is probably one of the worst things we can get involved with in this life. Selfishness is probably the root of a lot of our problems and causes us a lot of trouble and anguish. Giving our self to others as Christ gave himself to the Father in the garden can make a better way for us. Giving our self to the Lord is a more rewarding way.

Matthew 26:36-44

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, they will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Not my will Lord but thy will be done. We are all selfish to a degree. However, some of us are more selfish than others. When we put Jesus first is when we will begin to see rewarding results.

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

A lot of the time, we need to go to the garden and pray instead of crawling off into a hole somewhere and pulling the ground up over us. There we will find better results. If we'd look back at a lot of things that happened in our life, we will probably find selfishness has played a major role. Self-denial would have spared us a lot of unnecessary problems. Fortunately, we learn from our mistakes. The sad part is that we make so many mistakes, but more often than not, we learn so little. Could we use some time in the garden alone with the Lord with an attitude of not my will Lord but thine will be done? We can find a clearer understanding in the garden than in some dark hole somewhere. There are times we will fall victim to the problems of others selfishness and create a lot of trouble for them and us. Most of the time, we are our own worst enemy. But, there are times others will take their toll upon us. Remember the birth of Christ when Jesus was a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. The Christ child had no self-problems. Yet, old King Herod tried to kill the Christ child so Joseph and Mary had to flee to Egypt to save Jesus. There are times in life when we will fall victim to others self-problems and it is then that we need to call upon the Lord for help, strength and guidance as we pray for them in the process.

Matthew 5:43-44

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Prayer can change things and it can make all the difference in the world. When Jesus walked this earth, He had no problem with self but He had plenty of problems with others self-problems [the Pharisees and Scribes]. They had the problems, not with Christ but with themselves. They brought their problems upon him.

John 19:1-6

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

Christ did no wrong and sinned not once but yet He suffered greatly at the hands of others [for you and me]. Sometimes it may be old self that will drive us into the hole. However, it very well may be, at times, the devil using others to drive us in also. Stand fast and steadfast in the Lord, His word, His power and press onward.

Philippians 3:13-14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I have battled with depression a lot of my life. I know the feelings of giving up, giving in and crawling off into a hole somewhere. I have had my days of wanting to jump in the bed and cover my head up, as well as crawl up under it. There have been the times I have thought of suicide so I could end it all, get out of it and take the easy way out. But, that was not the answer. Selfishly, I thought and dwelled upon myself without considering others.

Suicide is selfish. It is wrong and it's not the way we should choose to get out our situation. Crawling off into a deeper hole that is dark and black is not our answer. But, be thankful to God; He will spare us and give us a reason to live.

I still don't have all the answers but there is one thing I do know for sure and that is I have the solution, Jesus Christ my Lord. In Him I have found so much in myself, in life and in my future. In Him I have found my reason, my desire, my love and my goal. Jesus pulled me out of a dark, black hole. He opened my eyes when I opened my heart to Him. The greatest of all things I learned was that He loves me for who I really am [bobby]. I am not perfect. I am far from it.

Suicide is not the answer. It may appear to be but it is only a lie straight out of hell from the devil. It is a selfish act that not only destroys our life but the lives of others who love us as we are, even with our faults and failures.

I thought suicide was the answer until the Lord showed me different. I let hate, hurt, anger and rejection and feeling sorry for myself drive me into a dark hole to end it all and to let my family and friends cover me with the dust of the earth. But, I praise God today; through His son Jesus Christ, He had mercy on me and spared me.

John 15:12-13

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Christ knew that day when He hung on the cross nearly two thousand years ago of the hole we would be in. He loved us so that He gave His all so we could be free. We still stumble, fall and make our share of mistakes. We may, at times, slip into a hole or two every once in a while. But, we shouldn't stay too long for life is too short for us to be swallowed by it and let it pass us by. Maybe we, today, are peeping out from the top of the hole we are in and we are wondering to our self if it is safe to come out. It is if we reach up with our heart unto God, unto Christ His son, pull our self up and grab hold of our self, we can make it. God is still on the throne; if we have God for us, then who would be against us. In the animal world, some animals live and dwell in a hole; it is their home and a secure place from danger. However, there is an exception to every rule. Snakes and other enemies can crawl into a hole too. The devil is everywhere. He will find us and get us. If we stand our ground, he will flee from us. God is almighty and all-powerful. The devil has no more power over us than what we give him.

James 4:7-8

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

To get the devil off our back we have to put him in a hole, cover him up and keep on walking. If we are in the hole, there is a light at the end of the tunnel [Jesus Christ]. But, we must draw to it and come to Him just as we are which is humble, sincere and believers. Once we do that, He will make everything right. But, we have to give it to Him.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Even though we may be walking through a long, dark valley and we may not be able to see the light at the end. But, we have to stay true to the Lord, walk by faith not sight and ride the storm out. The light of Christ will come to those who believe. The Lord said he would never leave thee nor forsake thee. There come times in our Christian walk of life that we, as born again believers in Christ, get tired and worn out along life's journey. There comes a time when it seems like we can't go any further. Sometimes it looks like all odds are against us. The raging storms hit us from all sides and the struggles of the battle press onward. Christian soldiers, we may be in the midst of the battle; hold on, stand bold and press onward for God is with us. Christians, we may give out but we should never give up. We should always be steadfast and unmovable before the enemy. We shouldn't look behind us, from side to side or look for a hole to crawl into for in God's time, in His will and way, He will make a way for His people. Will we be able to stand bold and be not shaken or moved? Remember, the Lord is our helper and a refuge. There comes a moment and time in a believer's [our] lowest point of life when we need to put our full trust in Christ and walk it by faith in humble sincerity and know in our hearts that God is with us. If we are to make it in this world we are living in, we have to completely trust God and allow Christ to be the shepherd of our life. It is a rough way but a blessed way. It is a way of hope, a way of giving and forgiving, a way of love and peace, discouragement, hurt and rejection but it is a blessed way as well. Sure, we may give out but shouldn't give up. Even though we may want to crawl back into a hole, we don't need to. We have to keep the faith and keep looking up. We don't always know what tomorrow will bring or what troubles, trials, temptations or sorrows will come our way. But, we must be strong in the Lord, in His word and in our faith so that we may endure. There comes a time in our Christian walk of life when we need to be patient with the Lord. Too many times we allow worrying to bring us down which puts us in bondage and pulls us off into a hole. Regardless of how bad things may seem or whatever the circumstance or situation may be, we will find peace and rest in the Lord. It may be, today, that we are about ready to give up. We may think what's the use, who cares and why try. But, if we can't do it for our self, we need to at least think about the others who are counting on us. There are those out there who could find strength from us by our Christ-like example. There are the times when we'll feel like our world is in shambles and torn apart. Fortunately, Christ can restore it better than before. Maybe things are not like they should be. Don't worry; Christ can fix them and make them better than they were. Walking with the Lord is the way to victory and not defeat. It is not an impossible way but a proven way through the life of Christ. Seek the Lord for His guidance, direction and His way. We have to walk it by faith in complete obedience, bear our cross for His namesake and die out of the world unto His righteousness. Quitters never win and winners never quit. Walk today and stand firm in full confidence with the Lord and yield not to doubt, worry or unbelief.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

The Lord said, fear not and be not afraid for I am with you. We are living in some of the most troublesome times we have ever had before us, a time of danger and uncertainty. Fear is one of the devil's crippling devices to pull us off into a hole and keep us there. The unknown, unexpected and the uncertain can bound and chain us, if we are not careful. Fear is the opposite of faith. Where there is fear, faith has been swept away. Where there is faith, fear vanishes.

II Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We may lose a few battles and we may be, at times, brought down. What we have to do is find the strength to get up, time and time again, try harder and stand in the sweet victory once again so the battle ahead will be victorious. A lot of the time, we don't always realize God is already working on the matter; He constantly works around us and works on us from both ends to help us get through. Often times, we fail to see it because we are so involved in our problems. By and through the awesome power of God and through the Holy Ghost of God, we can overcome all of life's obstacles, endure trying times and overcome the hardships that come during life's journey. By and through the same dynamic powers of God, we can come out of the holes of life from which we have dug ourselves and press onward. Will we take a stand and look up on high for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is alive? Christ is alive and the power of the living God is alive. Then why crawl back into a hole? Instead, we have to stand, today, on the promise of God. Be steadfast in His love, word and in our faith although we may want to throw up our hands and quit. But, lift them up high toward the heavens and praise the Holy name of God Jehovah, the great. David said in the 23 Psalm that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Isaiah 43:2-3

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I game Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Life sometimes appears such as a man walking through a field of four-leaf clovers. Yet, as he passes through the field, all he can find is one three-leaf clover.

− b. a. troutt

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Discover other titles by Bobby A. Troutt at Smashwords.com

Beyond the Truth

A Cry in the Wind

Thistles and Thorns

Dead Limbs and Leaves

Troubled Waters

When Autumn Falls

When Time Was

Bittersweet

Sycamore Tales

Stepping Out on a Limb

Odds n Ends

Turning Point

The Fall of Night
