I’m nearly finished writing my novel and have already made preparations to begin another book. This one is a compilation of the best of Words for the Day. I’ve written this column five days per week for fifteen years now and I’ve begun the arduous task of reducing some two million words into something interesting, occasionally funny, or sad, but always sensible, (because the Bible is always used in WFTD to give direction for what is going on in my life). My goal is to help others to find their way too as we muddle our way through this difficult life together.
I often admit that I’m not perfect and make mistakes in WFTD and do so to encourage others to lighten up on themselves and realize that no one is perfect. If we could achieve that impossible dream of perfection on our own, then Jesus wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. As believers we have Jesus to turn to during our times of troubles. We can run away from Him and go to the world’s solutions to our problems, (the bar rooms and bedrooms, flash and cash, pills and drugs and other worldly attempts of finding peace), but save yourself some trouble, I’ve tried them all and without exception they’ve all left me feeling empty. We should run to Jesus for our peace in this life; He alone can fill that missing void in our lives and we can find out about him through reading the Bible.
Today I’m reprinting a WFTD that was written at a time that I was at a very low point. It kind of epitomizes my struggle with my flesh at the time. I ranted and raged within my flesh, instead of laying my troubles at the feet of my Savior and the Spirit of God that dwells within me.
Here goes:
“I’ve read that for every person who takes the time to voice a complaint in writing to an entity that there are eight more with similar views that don’t bother. Two people have complained about WFTD in as many days and if the foregoing is correct, that indicates to me that 16 of you need to unsubscribe to Words for the Day. It’s easy to quit receiving this post, just go to the bottom of the page and click on the unsubscribe link and unsubscribe.
These complaints are very perplexing to me at times, particularly today. I’m 15 days into twice a day treatments of chemo with six more miserable days to go. I’m nauseous; I have a constant splitting headache, and the lesions caused by the chemo hurt and itch like crazy. I’ve got surgery tomorrow for my skin cancer and I’m in no mood to hear someone complain about this column.
This is my 11th year of writing WFTD. I faithfully write it five days a week whether I’m on vacation, if I feel good or bad. I do it solely in an attempt to help others who might struggle (as I often do) with being the kind of Christian God wants me to be. I don’t charge anything for a subscription to WFTD. I don’t advertise it, and if the number of WFTD subscribers does increase, it is strictly via word of mouth and is entirely voluntary on subscriber’s parts. I don’t look at the subscriber’s list and don’t know who subscribes or who doesn’t, nor do I care. I’m not running for office. So why do people bother to write and tell me that they don’t like it or me? Jeez . . .
One lady said I was arrogant. I give Christ all of the credit for all that I have accomplished in life. In fact practically every day I freely admit that when I was without Him I was a homeless, penniless, alcoholic, drug addict, violent criminal, despicable piece of human garbage, and but for His grace I would be in prison or on death row, or locked away in an insane asylum, or dead and burning in hell forever. If you think that is arrogant, then think away lady!
I even had someone complain that he didn’t like it because I use the word “Jeez” in WFTD. He claimed it was a contraction for Jesus Christ and thus derogatory to His precious name. I responded by telling him it was a contraction for “gee whiz” to me and I like it. Jeez – Jeez – Jeez – Jeez! Take that, and that, and that, and that, you moron!
Do you ever feel lousy and want to take it out on others?
I do . . . Sometimes I just want to beat the crap out of someone and go on down to jail and serve my time for it with a smile of satisfaction on my face.
It’s when we are most vulnerable that satan attacks us with vengeance. Jesus Christ demonstrated that point when He was in the desert for forty days and satan came to Him at His absolute lowest point. Let’s face it, if you are a true child of God, then satanic attacks are going to come at such times and his attacks will come both subtly and openly, and most assuredly furiously. (1 Pet 4:12) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you”.
We can respond in a worldly fashion as I have done above, or we can turn the other cheek. Jesus wants us to turn the cheek, but I’m not Jesus, and today I’m having a hard time emulating Him. I suppose satan won this small battle as evidenced by my posting today, but tomorrow is another day. The Bible states that one person standing alone can be defeated, but two or three standing together can conquer. Just imagine what a whole bunch of us standing together can accomplish . . .
Pray for me won’t you . . . I’m praying for you. Do you feel the love?”
Okay, the key takeaway for this one was prayer. Not only do I need to engage in prayer, but I need others to pray for me. The prayers of a few righteous people are indeed powerful and I asked for them in this column and I’m sure plenty of folks responded.
Eccl. 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.