A FOREST NIGHT

The leaves have fallen from the trees,
save the willowy group of Tamaracks;
and the coyotes yip in the rustling leaves
with the moonlight on their backs.
 
The shadows grow in the chilly air
and the wind brings out an owl,
and they know that winter brings its share
when the coyotes start to howl.
 
Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,
like the ones who always pray,
having faith and trust in the morning light
and hope for a brand new day.

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, 

that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Luke 18:1

 

 

A FOREST NIGHT

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through. He is concerned about our weaknesses and knows the weight of our persecution.

For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

As we try to be obedient in maintaining self-control, Jesus knows our discouragements too. For example, when people take God’s name in vain (even in church), it is discouraging. Do we hear Buddha’s name spoken in vain? No, we don’t because truth doesn’t come from man-made lords and wayward practices aligned with Satan.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

The spirit in the world is not the same as God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit only resides in the heart of a believer. Run from beliefs opposing God’s Word. Flee from practices rooted in the spirits of this world.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus, the Son of God, is the only Lord with the power to save. Because of this, those who oppose Jesus and His followers advocate persecution of Jesus and His followers.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luke 18:5 

The parable of the persistent widow shows us that we should keep ‘troubling’ God. The persistent prayer request was finally granted. Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can do. He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle. The avenging is what God does. He will separate the wheat from the weeds because vengeance is His to have. He will avenge those believers persecuted for their faith.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Remember to pray throughout the year for the persecuted church around the globe in bondage for their faith. Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Also, pray for the Voice of the Martyrs organization, churches, and missionaries trying to help.

Remember them that are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

The leaves have fallen from the maple trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks are gearing up for winter. Creation’s timing reminds us that although the leaves are dying, a spring will come, like morning following night. There will be a return of the Savior King when He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but as the conquering Lion, able to give the crown of life to those who had believed in their heart and gave a home within their bodies for the Holy Spirit. My dad is enjoying the crown of life now as he recently passed on into glory, having lived a faith-filled life.

Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

 

Trust our powerful Creator who gave us His Son for whoever would believe in Him. Because of the hope we have, experience the power from the Holy Spirit to trust, through difficulties, the strength He gives us for self-control.