I’ve been reading through my journal lately and I’ve run across some entries that are especially meaningful to me, for one reason or another. I’d like to post them here and there as I feel led.. I hope you won’t mind reading my private ramblings. I’ve not edited my entries, so they may seem a little choppy now and then. Apologies, in advance.
Monday–September 28, 2020
“There are no ‘if’s’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety – Oh, Corrie, let us pray that we may always know it!“
– Elisabeth “Betsie” ten Boom
(1885; Amsterdam – 1944; Ravensbrück)
*****
I’m reading The Hiding Place. Recently, I’ve had an overwhelming desire to read books by/about Christians who have lived either through times of persecution or times like Nazi Germany, to learn more about how to prepare for what I believe is coming soon in America, and even the world. Sometimes I fear we Americans will not know what to do when these times come upon us, because we have become spiritually–and in every other way–flabby and unable to stand in times of upheaval and suffering.
Many in America, Christian or otherwise, are willing to trade freedom and faith in exchange for safety and sustenance. God help me.. please don’t let me be one of those people. Lead me into the path that will establish my faith and allow me to stand firm in the face of suffering, loss, and lack in order to maintain my faith and firm devotion to you and to your will. Help me to “always know it”, as Betsie ten Boom said above. Because I believe she is right.. the center of Your will is our only safety. No physical place on earth offers safety or peace.
Journal Entry: Copyright © 2022 Deanna Renee, All Rights Reserved
Quote: The Hiding Place, pg. 70
Cover Photo: Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay
I agree with everything you said here, Dee! So thankful that we are not alone! Our Triune God will sustain and care for us. So thankful for you!!!!
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Amen! Thanks Mandy. Am thankful for you, as well! 🙂
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Hey Dee, on Jan. 6, 2021, it seemed like many people were willing to trade freedom and faith for chaos and violence. No matter a person’s opinion on a particular subject, especially if it’s controversial, inflecting violence and mayhem are not the answer. Would you agree? Seemingly, what you fear is already here.
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Yes, I would agree with you on that point. We are not called to violence and mayhem. Interestingly, I made this journal entry even before the 2020 election. And yes, it is already here. Blessings to you, friend. ❤
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Amen, sister. I echo your prayer. Lord, help us to be strong and stand firm to the end…eyes on Christ our King, trusting in nothing else. My sister, you are exactly right—in the center of His will is our only safe place. Our hiding place. (I haven’t read the book but the movie was great! We may have discussed that already and if so, I apologize for my redundancy, lol). Thank you for sharing your journal thoughts and prayers with us and for the encouragement! 💖💖
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I’m in complete agreement with you. As for The Hiding Place, I’ve read the book but have not seen the movie. And now that you’ve reminded me there is a movie, I’m going to hunt it down and watch it. Though, I suspect it will be a hard one to get through. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. ❤
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Of course! And yes, it’s tough but the Ten Booms are just such a beautiful inspiration and testimony. It’s an old movie but it’s very worth watching, we think. 💖💖 hope you enjoy it! Corrie actually appears and speaks at the end of it.
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I just took a trip to the hoopla app and found Tortured for Christ (as suggested in another comment) book and movie and I also found The Hiding Place movie! I feel like I’ve struck gold! I can’t wait to read and watch these!
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Ohhh that’s another great one, yes!!!!! These saints of old have such incredible stories and we’re blessed to have their examples as modern-day heroes of the faith to follow after!!
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Agreed!
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Have you read Richard Wurmbrand’s “Tortured for Christ.” If not, it does show how he and his family prepared for coming persecution. It is a hard, challenging, and good read.
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No I have not read that book, though I’ve been wanting to. I just went on the hoopla app and found the book AND the movie on there! So I’ll be reading and watching each of these very soon. Thanks for the suggestion!
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I have a subscription to the VOM magazine and am reading their book, Hearts of Fire. That’s where I heard about Tortured for Christ.
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I couldn’t read the book in one continuous setting. Read about half then put it down for a few days. It made me realize again the bubble I live in and the need to pray more for our brothers and sisters who do suffer persecution.
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I totally agree… every time I read any books or articles about the persecution of Christians, it makes me feel the same way.
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The more we read their stories, the current ones, the more we are apt to share in their suffering through prayer. Thanks for the reminder.
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Amen!
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Thanks for stopping by, Deborah! 💕
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You are welcome.💝
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