Thursday, September 22, 2022

Reflection - Henry Bosch - Pressed Close To God

Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 7, "Pressed Close To God", Page 10.
By Henry Bosch, Our Daily Bread Author


Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him - Job 13:15
PHOTO: Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him - Job 13:15
Read: Job 13:13-28

The vines that sometimes grow up the side of oak trees cling to them during the fiercest storms. Although the wind bears upon them, the tendrils hold tightly to the tree's bark. If the vine is on the side opposite the wind, the great oak is its protection; if it's on the exposed side, the wind presses the vine more closely to it.

As Christians, we are sometimes sheltered by God; at other times, He allows us to be exposed so we will be pressed more closely to Him. After years of faithfulness, some Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress - seemingly without reason. They are subjected to terrific battles with doubts, fears, and unbelief. Doesn't God care how much they suffer? Of course He does. But He has a special purpose in withholding immediate relief.

When God spoke to Satan about Job, He described him as "blameless and upright," one who "maintains his integrity" (Job 1:8; 2:3). God knew He could trust Job to cling to Him no matter what. Job's persevering faith in the midst of overwhelming trials would refute Satan's argument that he served God only because God blessed him.

The Lord may have a similar purpose in your trial. Remember Job's example. Hold fast to God.

Our afflictions are designed not to break us, but to bend us toward God.
PHOTO: Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him - Job 13:15
Picture posted by Believe Trust
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJvYOTbxnOq3lnFU91S2WRk9aogdtaAFQTpvc4UzlVSOIfXk2N19Qq-QgcAJDNWmFFSH87LPo8LQ6CeiXLBlVj9sZ6F_FHeI-7dEqLtJMlfBmmVK1ITptiN7kKWQCprnZdqrD_p1h4QVafU7LzfQlZsdUqsRUZ1tNi5I_WRU4CPTKwwWUfy_Lz_gJ/s736/Job-13.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/www.believetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Job-13.jpg?w=736
http://www.believetrust.com/bible/job-13/


The vines that sometimes grow up the side of oak trees cling to them during the fiercest storms. Although the wind bears upon them, the tendrils hold tightly to the tree's bark. If the vine is on the side opposite the wind, the great oak is its protection; if it's on the exposed side, the wind presses the vine more closely to it.


The vines that sometimes grow up the side of oak trees cling to them during the fiercest storms.
PHOTO: Although the wind bears upon them, the tendrils hold tightly to the tree's bark. If the vine is on the side opposite the wind, the great oak is its protection; if it's on the exposed side, the wind presses the vine more closely to it.
Picture posted by Pixabay 
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/16/13/37/ivy-1521781_960_720.jpg
https://pixabay.com/photos/ivy-tree-vegetation-climber-plant-1521781/


As Christians, we are sometimes sheltered by God; at other times, He allows us to be exposed so we will be pressed more closely to Him. After years of faithfulness, some Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress - seemingly without reason. They are subjected to terrific battles with doubts, fears, and unbelief. Doesn't God care how much they suffer? Of course He does. But He has a special purpose in withholding immediate relief.


As Christians, we are sometimes sheltered by God; at other times, He allows us to be exposed so we will be pressed more closely to Him.
PHOTO: As Christians, we are sometimes sheltered by God; at other times, He allows us to be exposed so we will be pressed more closely to Him. After years of faithfulness, some Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress - seemingly without reason. He has a special purpose in withholding immediate relief.
Picture posted by Sanya Khomenko on 01 April 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYieN633MxUB5212KdWzJV-hU1wBFInPy1grIcY_CT_meRnIGkHV-SnvQpGTzXdzPoTYTVVzYIOAiHJ0ZkMV1QtBOnGmvVcDvNmV0VKYuSmSY6aTOicUXYiiR5HpF0uvy7QfPl2Snn33hQTwfsf1_5ll2ysbdDz0Ir5d5UUrYIA1jLw1z8DjYozik/s1400/ordinary-world-1400x1400.jpg
https://marciokenobi.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/ordinary-world.jpg
https://marciokenobi.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/sanya-khomenko/


When God spoke to Satan about Job, He described him as "blameless and upright," one who "maintains his integrity" (Job 1:8; 2:3). God knew He could trust Job to cling to Him no matter what. Job's persevering faith in the midst of overwhelming trials would refute Satan's argument that he served God only because God blessed him.


When God spoke to Satan about Job
PHOTO: When God spoke to Satan about Job, He described him as "blameless and upright," one who "maintains his integrity" (Job 1:8; 2:3). God knew He could trust Job to cling to Him no matter what. Job's persevering faith in the midst of overwhelming trials would refute Satan's argument that he served God only because God blessed him.
Picture posted by Learn Religions
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg8jwfjQQC2KIupuYQgqWcCqew7aDzb5mlAS39K2ujKG6G0ycaAxj5X5TsqC8KcuVqbflwtD5Lrk9S9bAqkXfxCiuIFZoA63ePgXXhU26bzdr6BPobNkXHxPLTLr7mXd9OUUKwklmMZGzbrf8hGnQXmmPlwPqV2Cc9Ds0h7tCZn_rXKVKYHeqRqS1/s1000/devil-1604313_1920-589e0f013df78c4758e2868f.jpg
https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Klp7J8XgCJBWqHbLihRazi5zQ1w=/1000x1000/smart/filters:no_upscale()/devil-1604313_1920-589e0f013df78c4758e2868f.jpg
https://www.learnreligions.com/satan-adversary-of-god-and-man-701162


The Lord may have a similar purpose in your trial. Remember Job's example. Hold fast to God.


The Lord may have a similar purpose in your trial. Remember Job's example.
Reflection - Henry Bosch - Pressed Close To God
Source (book): "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Chapter 7, "Pressed Close To God", Page 10.
By Henry Bosch, Our Daily Bread Author



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Chapter 7, "Pressed Close To God", Page 10.


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.



Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,