Ponderings: August 2021

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Why I Almost Pulled the Plug on Facebook

Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I saw a mean-spirited post this morning that offended me enough to make me want to pull the plug on Facebook, but I had a change of heart and simply blocked the post. Why not just go with my first instinct and take a break from social media? Because that is precisely what the devil would have me do. (Yes, Satan does exist. Last time I checked, I don't take my orders from him!)

Facebook is a tool many of use to keep up with family and friends, especially those in areas hard hit by natural disasters or who are in need of prayer because of illness, financial hardship, or personal loss. If Satan can keep us from praying for and encouraging one another, he wins the battle -- and make no mistake, there is spiritual warfare on social media. Facebook is also a place where many people go to find inspiration, encouragement, and fellowship with other Christ-followers. It is often a platform where ministry and blessings happen. What the enemy intends for evil, God uses for good.

In Ephesians 4:29 (TPT), the apostle Paul writes, "And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them." As a writer and a human being that is what I hope my posts accomplish -- the building up of those who need encouragement and hope. I won't say I excel in this, but I do try my best not to offend others by hateful, mean-spirited posts or comments. Let me apologize for anything I may have posted that offended you in any way.

Life is too short to be mean-spirited. If ever we needed huge doses of love, encouragement, and hope it is now. I am thankful that most of my friends and family are kindhearted souls who look out for others. I need and appreciate your kindness. We all do.

Grace and peace,

Dee Dee

Monday, August 30, 2021

Another Day

Another day finds me wondering what God has in store

And longing to find a little something more

More grace, more patience, more love for mankind

More knowledge, more wisdom, a little more time

To do what is needed and things I want, too

To offer up prayers for my loved ones and you

To see more of God in the world that surrounds me

To sit in God's presence until his peace astounds me

To relish this day as his love gift to me

Since another day is not guaranteed

Help me know what to do, Lord

Make the most of this day

So that others might know you're

The Life, Truth, & the Way

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Would We Even Notice?

So I say to my soul,
    “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed.
    For I know my God will break through for me.”
    Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again.
    Yes, he is my saving grace! -- Psalm 42:11, The Passion Translation

With everything that is going on in our world today -- the COVID pandemic, natural disasters, mayhem in Afghanistan, poverty and hunger, human trafficking, escalating crime, political corruption, and social unrest -- many of us are spending much time in prayer and doing what we can financially to help those in need. Yet our prayers seem ineffective and our money insufficient to provide any meaningful relief. We might even wonder if God hears our prayers.

Many of us are in constant prayer for God to remove COVID from our midst, to ease the tensions and bring peace to Afghanistan, to restore and rebuild lives and livelihoods that fires and hurricanes have destroyed, and to do away with all the evils in our world. To what end? If God were to miraculously and instantaneously remove the scourge of COVID -- something he is totally able to do -- would we even notice? Would we acknowledge his hand in such a miracle and fall to our knees in worship of the one true God, or would we simply breathe a sigh of relief and go on our way, unchanged and unworthy of his great mercy?

Lately, I have wondered how God would have us pray in response to all that is happening in our world. Concerns for family, friends, and our fellow humans across the globe may be overwhelming to us, but they are not to God. Perhaps prayer alone will never bring about the changes and solutions we so desperately long to see. But what might God do if we pause our repetitious prayers and simply begin to worship and place our faith in him? Would he even notice? Somehow, I think he would. In fact, I am convinced that worship is the key to touching his heart.

God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work in us (Ephesians 3:20). He is worthy of our praise, even if we feel unworthy to offer it.

Ponderings