Sunday, March 03, 2019

Sunday Afternoon Tea - The Ancient Paths

Thus says the Lord: stand by the roads, 
and look and ask for the ancient paths, 
where the good way is; 
and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16
 
The above Bible verse has been on the sidebar of this blog almost from the beginning.  It is one of my two life verses, the first verse chosen was Proverbs 3:5,6.  Well, it actually chose me.  I hadn't heard of a life verse when I memorized that one to hold close when needed.  Later I realized that it was a God given life verse.

Jeremiah 6:16 jumped off the pages of the Bible and was embedded in my memory a couple decades later.  I have been thinking of it a lot recently.  Especially with the constant change surrounding us, not only in technology but in the culture.

This verse brings a mental image of looking for and finding the ancient paths, then standing firm to walk in them when the hurricane force winds of adversity and change come against us.  While others fall on the wayside, we stand firm because our roots are bound in ancient Truth.

For me, it is a beautiful reminder that real Truth is found not only in God's Word but in a relationship with the Ancient of Days, Himself.   I find by holding on to these Ancient truths, it is also easier to keep an Eternal perspective on all things.  You may laugh but I think most will understand that I find myself muttering saying, "I'm just passing through, this world is not my home" quite often each week.

While I do what I can to walk in peace, I know when I've spent too much time reading online when I feel jumpy... unsettled... definitely not at peace.  Sometimes it is just by not turning the channel after our local news is over and I catch the first few minutes of the national news, so often slanted against conservative principles in general and the Ancient Truth in particular.

Like Lot, I am vexed in my spirit.  

However, I also know... and have written quite often... that this is the time in history and the place and with the people that God has ordained me to live (Acts 17: 26-27*).  Each of us as we follow Him.  He did not promise us it would be easy, no... He told us it would be difficult at times.  But as we look to those Ancient words, we will successfully reach the goal line.

When I was considering closing Coffee Tea Books and Me a few years ago, I knew God was telling me not to do it.  Even though I kinda' stomped my feet and told Him that I was tired of being tired and what in the world could I continue writing?  Even if it meant not saying hello each week to people I have come to cherish.

If you remember... because I have shared my little pity party tantrum before... I told Him that I would indeed keep writing if He would give me the ideas of what to write about each week.  He has and while I may not always write perfectly what He has said... I do my best.

But there was something else He has put on my heart, another reason to keep writing.  So that there would remain places people like me can go to and know they are not alone.  If we were to judge only by what we see mostly in the media (not always but most of the time), then those people who believe the Ancient words and the Ancient paths have either died off or there is only a small remnant.

That is not true, it is a lie of the enemy and the age in which we live.  We need to remind each other that Truth.  Since Eden, the enemy of our souls has tried (and often succeeded) in getting God's people off the Truth.  Sometimes in the smallest of lies which lead to huge consequences.  Did God say?  Really?

I think that is why the Word says we are not to forsake the assembling together, especially in these last days.  The best assembling is face to face with fellow believers in His ways.  Next best is in writing and reading and getting to know others from all over the world.  There is a remnant, my friends, but it is not tiny.

What happened in Jeremiah's day?  Did the people heed God's advice?  We learn in the next verses that they didn't... "we will not walk in it... we will not listen".  Eventually, judgment came and Jerusalem fell. 

However, we can personally be like Joshua and tell Him, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"**.  If everyone else turns against His Truth... we will not.  I don't know about you but I want to finish well, to cross that finish line having stumbled and failed but having never given up.

*Thank you, Joy, for leaving the correct verse in Comments!
** Joshua 24:15

Image:  I moved the palm plant from my study to the dining area to get some more green in that area! 

18 comments:

Terra said...

This is a wonderful post. Yes, one great reason to keep blogging is to show others that we are not alone. I am with you! We are studying Jeremiah in Women's Bible Study this week, 10 ladies, and that is an upbeat life verse.

Vee said...

...if Believers are not feeling vexed in their spirits in the past weeks and months, they are not breathing. Thank you for the reminder that we are not alone and that it is always right to keep looking for the ancient ways. If whatever.it.is. doesn’t agree with the Word of God, it is not of The Lord. So glad that you did not go off and do what you wanted when you were feeling like letting things go. Have a blessed Sunday...

Anonymous said...

Lost my first comment..but hope God keeps you writing for a long time. We need bloggers like you remind us that there are others out there with like beliefs and values. Blessings, Sharon D.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this timely encouragement of truth.

montanagoose said...

You are not alone. (Not that you could ever be alone with Him!) But still there are more of us than you could possibly know :)

Lisa said...

Amen, amen, amen! Thank you for continuing your blog. I truly treasure it along with several other likeminded ones. There is almost nowhere left to go anymore to read/visit with similar souls. May the Lord bless and keep you, and may His light shine upon you, now and forever.

Unknown said...

This month is missions month at my church, and our pastor regularly reminds us that God is doing many more things than we see in the news or on social media. Please do continue to remind your readers of His truth and beauty. It helps us to remember that the Lord's truth is what matters in eternity.

Anonymous said...

I’m So thankful you did not quit blogging! Both my husband and I enjoy reading your weekly posts and have been encouraged by your words many times. Yes, we need to know we are not alone and that there are many others who share our beliefs! “This world is not our home”, but we are here, now, “for such a time as this.” The Word of God is our plumb line in a world gone crazy!
Blessings,
Laura C. (WA)

Nancy said...

I have been thinking along these lines lately! Maybe it is my age (64), and realizing that my years on this earth are getting shorter very quickly. I, too, want to finish well. Your blog has been an encouragement to me for many years now. What a blessing to know that I'm part of a wonderful "remnant" in this hard world!

Anonymous said...

I agree with everyone above; just commenting to let you know you are a comforting and necessary presence who writes the Truth.

Nancy said...

This post is why I read your blog. Thank you!!

lizaellen said...

I found your blog today and was truly blessed by reading your words (well, God's Word!) I just finished studying Jeremiah and am now studying Daniel so this post was very timely! I'll be following along -

lizaellen said...

I found your blog today and was truly blessed by reading your words (well, God's Word!) I just finished studying Jeremiah and am now studying Daniel so this post was very timely! I'll be following along -

Maureen said...

I cherish the blogs written by Christian women who share fervently about the Lord. Thank you for listening and continuing to write.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

You are being used for 'such a time as this.' We all are here during this point in history for a reason! Online community is rich with so many like minded friends. I'm grateful for it!

Anonymous said...

I have only recently found your blog, and enjoy it so much. I am glad you have kept on writing. We do need a place that is gracious, kindhearted, and welcoming. My yearly verse came to mind, while trying to figure out how I was going to navigate the difficulties coming this year. Prov.3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. Whether the difficulties are personal or cultural, this verse is one to cling to.
Linda in AZ

hopeinbrazil said...

Wonderful post, Brenda. I love your blog because we share a similar taste in books, but I also love it because you echo so many of my thoughts about the demise of our culture, but the hope we have in the Lord.

Susan Humeston said...

Just what I needed to read this morning, so your ministry continues as a light shining in an ever darker world. You really DO have a ministry and God has led your readers to you for your comfort in Him. No matter what is happening you remind us of His Word and this picture you made today of people looking for the Ancient Paths, not the well trodden, asphalt paved ones, but the barely visible, overgrown, off the beaten path Ancient Ones of truth. Not only that, but you are not a person unlike most of us, you are holding a lamp ahead of us so we can see. You have many problems in the physical world and your courage and even comfort as you carry some very heavy burdens are the seal of authenticity on what you preach. We know that YOU know what you are talking lovely crowns up in heaven that you might be able to decorate your "house" with in God's house that is put aside for you.....