Living in the Last Hour

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Let’s talk Old Testament

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Irm

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Hello reader. Thank you for stopping by. I started a new goal a few weeks ago to blog about my personal journey with my Lord, Jesus Christ. But every man has a plan in his heart and the Lord says, otherwise. Well. Thursday of last week I had a significant falling out. The details are not important as is the lesson behind it.

The Lord is always testing our faith. As James in chapter 1 so eloquently points out, we should count it all joy.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

That’s easier said than done.

Because, we all know it’s very difficult to feel good about trials, more so, trials that leave us vulnerable and victimized. Well, that’s how I felt. And my first instinct was to take action and that’s what I did. I know better, but the flesh was quick to act.

What can we learn from the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is filled with story after story of how the living God has dealt with man. The story of Job shows us the extremes to which we can be tested. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar shows us what can happen when we forget to give God His glory. And from the children of Isreal we can learn that going to battle without God will be disastrous.

“And the Lord said to me, ‘Tell them, “Do not go up nor fight, for I am not among you; lest you be defeated before your enemies.” ’So I spoke to you; yet you would not listen, but rebelled against the command of the Lord, and presumptuously went up into the mountain. Deut. 1:42-43

We also learn from the OT that God hates disobedience, rebellion, arrogance and that Israel was good at piling up this great transgression, idolotry. Psalm 19 should be a daily prayer.

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:13

At the first sign of trouble we, the people of God, react according to what is right in our own eyes. We pull out our physical weapons, whatever they may be. We do not even consider praying for discernment, much less waiting on God. We look to others, professionals, agencies, politicians, and systems for resolve. Only afterwards, perhaps, do we consider that God may be working something out in us, and for us. We presume a lot about God without first seeking Him.

For today, the greatest thing to learn in the Old Testament is the promise of a coming Messiah. Yes. That’s what leads us into the New Testament, Jesus Christ and everything about Him. One of those things is our transformation into the image of Christ.

I can read through the Old Testament and study the many ways that the living God works in me. I confess I was a bit arrogant. If there is such a thing. I wanted to lash out, but by that time the Lord had already quickened my spirit. And I set my heart to wait on the Lord. I trust that He always wants good for me. God have mercy on me.

More later. Be blessed.

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Hello,

I’m Irma

Welcome to my little corner of the blog world. Here, I share my thoughts on Christianity, the things of God, and the ways He has shaped and guided my path through life. My journey with the Lord has been long and transformative, marked by moments of peace and joy and periods of uncertainty. I write, first and foremost, for myself—to process what the Lord so graciously reveals to me in Scripture. Sharing some of these truths has become a mission of sorts, via blogging. His word urges us to bear witness and encourage one another.

As I reflect on my own transformation, I can say that the church itself has transformed over the years and not necessarily for the good. I speak about my own experiences with the church. One lesson the Lord impressed upon me this year is that “truth is not always truth.” What do I mean by that? There have been times when I’ve shared a biblical insight, only to realize that other faithful believers interpret the same passage differently. In that instance, I find that the Lord reveals according to our understanding. When I share the need for a Damascus experience understandings diverged sharply. Believers that have been raised in the church do not feel that such an extreme experience is necessary for spiritual maturity. Our faith is truly shaped by our backgrounds. Spiritual journeys are not for everyone. This taught me that early socialization deeply colors our grasp of faith; what’s true for me may not resonate in the same way for someone else.

Similarly, lately I considered how “ignorance of Scripture was its own blessing,” I remembered my early walk with Christ. I had a blind faith. I knew little of doctrine or debate. I trusted the pastor. In those days, my faith and trust in the church and church leaders was simple—I accepted what was taught from the pulpit without questioning. I did not have the knowledge needed to question any teaching. There was a peace in not knowing all the controversies or complexities. As I grew and studied the scriptures, and did some additional research, as the Lord gave understanding, I found myself questioning everything I had been taught. I did not question my faith, or the existence of God. That ignorance, while limiting, protected me from confusion and doubt, allowing me to rest in childlike faith.

The church itself has seen many changes over the decades. Self-proclaimed prophets have introduced new doctrines, some bordering on heresy, while believers wrestle with their flesh and what it means to follow Christ in a society with so many freedoms. I remember a time, more than thirty years ago, when I trusted every word spoken in church. Now, I understand how easy it is to accept teachings that stray from biblical truth. The Scriptures warned us this would happen in the last days.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV) “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Current events—like the 2024 Election—have exposed deep flaws in American Christianity. Yet, through it all, Scripture assures me that God is sovereign. No wall built by human hands can withstand His judgment; no scheme crafted in darkness escapes His light. These lessons have become more real to me as I look back over my journals, filled with stories of God’s faithfulness during trials, tribulations and abundant grace. By sharing I hope those the Lord leads here will desire to seek God wholeheartedly, to find comfort knowing that He is always at work in our lives—often in ways we never considered.

Check out my books on Amazon for the Kindle App or in print.

Check out my latest title: Where are my Sheep? Available in Print & Kindle

The Diary of A Christian Woman

A Father Takes All: Four Generations of Growing up in Single Mother Homes – Grace Abounds

I Will Not Be Afraid: Living in the last Hour – Reflections of a Christian Woman

The Journey Endured: The Path to Meet God

Praise the God of the heavens!