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



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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


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