In Your Trials, Never Forget...

Glinda (to Dorothy): "Keep tight inside them. Their magic must be very powerful or she wouldn't want them so badly."

You know, I don't use many things like this to make a point. Generally I like to just go straight to our only authority, which is the Word of God.

But sometimes, I just can't help myself. This, of course, is one of them.

I won't go into the details of what is going on right now. Suffice it to say that this is a time of testing for me. Seems it will never end. You know what I mean...you struggle and struggle to bear in mind that God is still in control. You can't seem to catch a glimpse of God anywhere. It's called bearing up in the valley after you've learned He is there in the mountaintop.

And, remember, no matter how deep the valley, He is still there after you've left the mountaintop. No doubt.

I have no idea what you may be going through. We all struggle with various things or situations. We have our seasons of testing. Just remember, that is what it is -- a season of testing. Let's recall some of the words of Peter in 1 Peter 1:

"³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

⁴to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

⁵who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

⁷so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

⁸and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

⁹obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."

See that? We who are in trials still rejoice. Why? Because we know we are being "protected by the power of God through faith" and that what seems to be so oppressing is really nothing more than something God has allowed in our lives to purify us and show us as genuinely born again.

That's it!

But we do need to remember that there is one, namely Satan, who (5:8 of 1 Peter) "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

If you are born of God, your faith is precious. Exceedingly so. And if you are really converted, the enemy cannot "de-faith" you because our Lord protects us from being "touched" (Gr: To cling to in order to separate) by the enemy. (1 John 5:18)

Furthermore, Paul reminds us that after we have suffered for a while, we may be able to comfort those who need comfort! (2 Cor. 1)

Simply put, we need each other!

Anyway if you, like me, find yourself going through some things that just seem just too crazy or heavy to bear just remember that it is a test. And if you are genuinely born of God, you can bear it. He promised through His Word!

^"13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13)

Blessings to you. Endure!

Medals for Jesus

Just got my new copy of "Voice of the Martyrs" yesterday. And while I don't normally scan and post articles from it, I felt it appropriate. I'll let it apply to your life as the Lord leads.

I've been out of work for the better part of five months. I might have a peer-level interview at a local hospital in a week or so but even if that happens, there is of course no guarantee of a job. Meantime, I've got one "employer" who "isn't able" to give me hours. And, you know, you start to feel sorry for yourself.

Then you get a reminder of just how well we really have it here.

I'd recommend you give this article a read. And let it be much food for thought.

The Second Coming (Compilation)

...Of Course, I Could Be Wrong...

It was 10 years ago this coming fall when my wife and I moved back to my home town. We had been living about an hour from here. We relocated after she got a job here. I commuted the hour to work on a daily basis. I worked at a large university and provided computer support in numerous campus buildings and labs.

The town we left was very small. Its only "claim to fame" is the university. And make no mistake about it, as a new believer, it was a very intimidating place to be even back then in 1999. All the BGLFA "safe zones" and all that. A very "dark" place to work.

Of course, for a while, she commuted here. And we looked for a home here. And prayed that the Lord would provide. Meanwhile, we put our home up for sale. It didn't take long to sell. But we hadn't found anything yet. But I kept praying.

And I didn't just pray for *any* home. I prayed for *the* home. The kind that would be amenable for home church meetings...specifically a basement that could be put to such use. From what I saw going on between society and Christianity, I was thinking "home churches are coming!"

See, when you work on a university campus, you get a glimpse of what the next decade may bring...for the kids who attend college today will be gaining control of the agenda in the next ten years. It didn't take much mental arithmetic to understand what was happening. And it sure didn't look "Christian friendly".

So I prayed. I prayed that the Lord would not only provide a home for us here but also one that would be suitable for home church meetings. The thought being, of course, that the open practice of Christianity appeared (even at that time on that campus) to be in peril.

Well, like I said, our home there sold. But we didn't have anything here yet. Mind you, my parents were real estate brokers. At that time they operated their own office. And mom, even though she professed Christ even then, was rather jittery for us. I asked her why. She said "Your home has sold and we don't even see anything here that would be suitable for you two! There's hardly anything in books right now. It's a seller's market!" And, back then, it was!

I asked her if she really believed God would provide (not meaning to be snotty but I figured it to be a good question). And after she said "yes", I asked her where her faith was!

It was three days later (to my shock) that my wife said she got a call from mom. There was a house she wanted us to look at. It wasn't a "regular listing". It was a home that was owned by some acquaintances who wanted to sell the house directly without going through an agency. Knowing my parents, they chose to ask them to help and my parents did it out of their home.

So, my wife drove up and took a look. She loved it! She wanted me to get up here and look at it right away, which I did. Indeed, it was the perfect home. And, the price was more than reasonable. It was a "custom deal" seemingly made for us! And of course we were the only ones who even knew about it.

We made an offer. No stress, no mess. And it went perfectly. Not only that, the former owners gave us the keys before the deal was even closed, so we could start working on things. But it gets even better than that; One day we came up for a visit (even before we got the keys) and I decided I wanted to show the property to some friends that day. I just happened to show up at their home just before they got home from a trip. I saw them on the way home, turned around. Yes, they came over and took a look but it seems that while I expected to only be able to show the outside of the home it would appear that the Lord had other plans...for when we got here, the front door was (freakishly) standing slightly open. As if to say "It's ok, come in! Welcome Home!". We did. Mind you, the deal hadn't even closed yet!

On another date, our former pastor and his family stopped by. They had their kids with them. Remember my prayer about a home with a basement for church meetings? The youngest son had been downstairs and then ran up to the attic. What did he say to his parents? "Did you see that basement? We could have church down there!"

From the mouths of babes...

There was really no reason for that kid to say that; our church was meeting in a Jr. High School near here and was building a traditional building. They weren't looking for what I was praying for and what he saw... But it was a jaw dropping time for me when my wife informed me of what she heard that young boy say. I could tell it had given her a goose bump or two as well.

So many stories about how in the early days we'd need something and open a drawer and "voila", there is what we need, left by the former owners. The first time this happened, I told Jackie "Just look in the drawer to the right of the sink". I hadn't looked in there. I just said that...in part as a joke because that's what we did at our old home. But what we needed was there. Many times, right there. But other times, in other places in the house. This just doesn't happen. At least not to "normal" people.

No way.

It was such a profound time. But it kept happening.

But then I found work closer to home. Away from the campus. And of course you forget. The memories soften. For so long now, we've been in our little "incubator".

One thing I've noticed over the years however, and that is a kind of "it's time to let go of things". Even while I was out of work or underemployed in recent years it's kind of been like "God will provide, don't strive, just focus on today".

The trials we have gone through trying to find a decent church. Zero results. Want to follow Rick Warren or Willow Creek? You're in luck. Want easy belief? Sure! But do you want to hear exegesis? Forget it. Want a fellowship where people are serious about Fellowship, breaking of bread, doctrine and prayer? Never mind. Churchianity 4, Real Christianity 0.

So, we began meeting at home this past September.

And today. The inauguration. And the White House website stating their position on "Civil Rights". Such a stress on new legislated "respect" for BGLT and all the rights to be given them under the new administration. Hate crime laws. They have ramifications, you know.

Then it came back to me. The prayer. And the memories of my time at the university. And how eerie to sense it maybe coming to pass. Christianity slowly (or not so slowly) becoming illegal in the U.S.

And while I would certainly hope to be wrong, I can't help but wonder.

It wouldn't take much. The passing of hate crime laws. Advocates of aberrant lifestyles "visiting" traditional churches, lying in wait for the pastor to mention Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6:9, etc. just to report them to make sure they are "punished" for their "intolerance" and "hate".

Think I'm off base? It's happened in Canada. And after it starts here, the slippery slope gets worse.

Should this begin, we could see pastors who preach the truth be fined or go to jail. And the real church could be forced underground. The traditional churches? Ah! Seeker sensitive! So, no need to mention sin such as homosexuality. No harm done. Business as usual. And the Lord puts their lamp out. No thanks. Won't go there.

We'll work our jobs quietly and reach out to those around us with the Gospel as we can. Leading quiet and peaceful lives as Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 2. We'll meet in our homes in very intimate fellowships. And we will depend on one another like no one in the "country club churches" ever dreamed. See, being a Christian may keep you from being able to work. After all, part of the new hate crimes laws may have to do as well with employees having to sign on to "tolerate" homosexuality in the workplace...or face termination. I could smell this coming at the university ten years ago. Now, it wouldn't surprise me a bit.

Kind of makes for new challenges! Thankfully, our mortgage is down to four digits as of this past month...and there still are no such hate crime laws on the books. And while I think it's not "if" but "when" and "sooner" rather than "later", I prefer to remember that we have relative safety as believers *today*.

My understanding is that there is a trend of growth in those who have home churches. Don't remember where I read it or heard it but I do remember it. It's mainly (currently) to do with our reasons for doing home church -- the sad state of established churches. More like clubs than churches. No teaching, really. "Old McDonald" preaching. "Old McDonald has a topic, e i e i o", then "one verse here, one verse there, here a verse, there a verse, everywhere a verse verse". All out of context to prove the pretext.

Of course, I could be wrong. And I do pray I am. But like I said, that old prayer and the answer we got has made a rather eerie return to my mind in recent days.

But in any case, let's be faithful to the calling that we have been called to. Let's ask ourselves just how tightly we've been hanging on to the toys of this life. What's important to us now? What will be important to us 200 years from now? A Thousand? And how will the answers to those questions change us today?

I love playing my brasswinds. As recent as 5 years ago, I was playing them at a church we attended. Then the pastor left and the worship team took over. Window rattling iWorship. 7-11 lyrics. Older members standing outside the church out of disgust for what had transpired. Being told by others "If you don't like the music now, just leave!" Ok, thank you.

And there the horns sit. Nice to look at, but maybe it's time to let them go? It all seems so starkly frivolous now.

Let's pray for the Church in America. Let's pray that we will have a surge of true repentance. Let's pray that I'm wrong.

I'd like nothing better. Believe me.

Rabbit-Chasing Christians

We've all fought it, at one level or another. Distractions. A billion and one things that get us off track. And in a political year such as this it is especially tempting to get caught up in the fray. And the times we face now are no different.

Our Lord Jesus Christ put us here in the times in which we live. The times serve as our crucible. The comfort is knowing that the Sovereign Lord of the universe not only knew it but He engineered it! And it is to serve as a testing of our souls.

Yes, I've made the rounds. I tend to visit conservative news sites such as FoxNews and WorldNetDaily. And it's easy to get rattled. Not just over all the deception going on in the political realm but over the totality of everything that is happening these days. And it's even worse if you visit the poll threads and forums.

People are panicking out there. And even worse, it is so easy for so many of us who know Christ to get sidetracked by the "non-issue issues" of this world. We make it all about being in control. "We have to do what we can to change this or that". No, God hasn't called us to "do what we can" to "change this or that". He has called us to repentance, trust and obedience. Not blind efforts to preserve a decaying earthly system.

And, if you haven't noticed, it is decaying. And I'm not talking about the 2008 election although that is part of it. Natural disasters are up. Man abuses his neighbor all the more. Corruption. Greed that brings massive financial downfall. Things are most definitely winding down.

And you know what? Save some miraculous work of the Spirit of God to bring repentance and brokenness to our society, it's only going to get worse. Guaranteed. 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us that "...evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." James declares in chapter 4:

" 1What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?

2You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

3You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

4You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

This is nothing we can manufacture. It is nothing that any politician can bring. FEMA can't fix it. Economic redistribution won't faze it in the slightest. Only the Spirit of the Living God.

We must remember that the problems we face are, at their core, spiritual. And a spiritual problem calls for a spiritual solution.

As Paul told Timothy, God has not given us a Spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. And God has given us "all things pertaining to life and Godliness"!

The waves are huge out there. But we who know the Lord are in the boat. How many times have we read that story of our Lord calming the waves and thought "You guys! Hey! Why are you so worried?"

So, why do we worry? We have the same Lord and Master. The one who "holds all things together by the word of His power." And He doesn't worry. So why should we?

Listen. I'm not saying anything to you, dear reader, that I haven't had to preach to myself. I think we all deal with it from time to time. And I think it's part of the reason why Hebrews tells us to not forsake assembling together but rather to do so even more so now because "the day is approaching". These are perilous times.

Our first priority? To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How does that work out? By prioritizing what matters. Keeping our eyes on what God is doing, not the Devil. And reaching out to the lost with the Gospel.

And in that we should find our sufficiency.

Cue The Handwringing

Here we go again, focusing on what the devil is doing instead of what we should be doing.

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate it when the FRC and other organizations stand up for the unborn and the infirm. But I get so very tired of the "Oh my, what shall we do?" talk when it comes to the oncoming criminalization of Christianity. I get so tired of the use of the word "rights", especially when it is used in reference to things that Christians have been given clear instructions on.

I got this from the Family Research Council this morning:

"FRC held a standing-room-only panel discussion this morning about the California same-sex marriage ruling and its effects on religious liberty. Many religious organizations in California and elsewhere are worried about the possible erosion of their First Amendment rights and religious liberty protections. The panel addressed key issues being asked by religious organizations: Will churches be able to refuse to marry homosexual couples? Will they be able to deny access to their facilities? Will other Christian organizations be able to retain their religious identity and beliefs in light of the court's decision?"

This sounds rather like the psalmist who said "...if the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?" (Psalm 11). Problem is, the psalmist wasn't asking that question but quoting those who would mock us as if to say "what 'cha gonna do now that we've had our way?". And here, the voices of what we would loosely call "christianity" are saying "ooohh. . .if this all goes bad, we're gonna be in trouble!" Wow. What leadership.

This kind of non-faith is why I stopped listening to much of what passes for "Christian radio". The constant "call your congressman and protect your own hide" kind of garbage.

What is going on here? We are worried about getting permission to stand up for what is right? No, I don't think that is it. I think it's more of "I want to know I can live out what I believe without it demanding any real faith, please don't arrest me!"

I remember getting phone calls from the American Center for Law and Justice. I got lots of them. Jay Sekulow wanted me to help "fight for my rights". Excuse me? I don't have "rights". I have responsibilities given to me by God.

I mentioned that to the last person from the ACLJ that called for a donation. She sounded rather stunned when I suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, we should spend less time being like the world (that continually fights for its "rights") and simply do what we have been told to do regardless of the consequences. Yes, stunned. And she ended up indicating that I had a good point. Well, it is a good point. It's a Biblical one.

Daniel was "denied the right to pray". He did anyway. And Paul didn't have the "right" to preach in Rome. He did anyway. And he didn't even appeal to other Christians to "call your political leaders and demand a change".

Let's call this "I demand my rights" stuff what it is; worship of self. You want to say you "believe" but you want it on your own easy terms. Meanwhile, the Lord uses circumstances to show how real your faith is.

Is your faith in the Lord? Does it lead to obedience regardless of the personal cost? Or is it a sham, good only for displaying on Sunday mornings or in another "friendly environment"?

James would say such faith is useless.

Let me give you Psalm 11, without the remarks of the taunters in the first couple of verses:

"1 In the LORD I take refuge. . .

4 The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD is on his heavenly throne.

He observes the sons of men;

his eyes examine them.

5 The LORD examines the righteous,

but the wicked [b] and those who love violence

his soul hates.

6 On the wicked he will rain

fiery coals and burning sulfur;

a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the LORD is righteous,

he loves justice;

upright men will see his face."

God knows what is going on. His wrath is delayed by His mercy; but it will come. Justice delayed is not justice denied. Read Psalm 11.

When will we get a clear vision of this and stop all the hand-wringing?

The Obsolete Man

It's unusual for me to be able to answer the question "What's your favorite. . ." fill in the blank. Food, color, whatever. There is so much that I enjoy that it is hard for me to find anything as "favorite". Much of it, I think, depends on my moods.

But I think there is one exception.

Perhaps one of my favorite childhood television shows was "The Twilight Zone". It is unusual that I can tell you that my favorite episode is "The Obsolete Man". There is no question about that. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.

I'll try not to spoil it for anyone (mostly the younger readers) who have not seen this episode. It is about a man who lives in a totalitarian state some time in the future. He has been declared "Obsolete" because he is a librarian. Books have been banned, God has been declared non-existant. And truth is whatever the State says it is by "just-so" declaration. (Starting to sound familiar?).

Because he has been found to be "obsolete", he has been sentenced to death. Perhaps in our society, we'd say he's "useless" therefore he is "post human" and must be "euthanized" (but that is for another discussion).

The State finds humor when the man requests the form of death by which his life will end. And the State is more than happy to oblige.

I'll end there. If you know the story, you already know what happens. If you don't, you can see the episode starting with this clip.

Of course, our world is quickly approaching what we see in "The Obsolete Man". It is so obvious that it would be silly to post anything about it if that were simply my point. In the episode, you can see parallels in our world - the outlawing of truth, the banning of the Bible, the cheapened view of human life. Political Correctness in full, dark bloom.

But, at least in our case, the joke is on the State. See, the "Obsolete Man" is not the one the State is condemning. It is the State itself, for the grand assumption is that "all that there is, is what we can see, feel, hear, taste or touch!". And that is a rope of sand.

What the State in the "Twilight Zone" and the world we live in does not want to recognize is that this life is but a mere vapor. And all the decrees and mandates of this world cannot change that.

So, who is not the "Obsolete Man"? The one who is equipped to live with and serve God forever. Man is building his own kingdom. Even the most mighty of men can only build a temporal kingdom. And all temporal kingdoms will come to an end. In fact, 2 Peter 3:10 tells us how the entire earth shall come to an end - when the Lord stops holding all things together:

"10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." It would be an understatement to say that the Lord will say "Obsolete". The world is everything unrighteous and unholy and in rebellion against anything representing God's Truth. It is utterly condemned.

But God's Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom (Psalm 145:13). Of His kingdom there will be no end. And those who are known by Him will reign with him forever and ever.

May it be so.

One For The Road

As I write this, my wife and I are out on a road trip. We left home Friday to visit some relatives in Missouri. We've been to see part of my family near Jefferson City and are presently in Bethany, where one of my wife's relatives was married.

I hate "hibye" trips. Don't get me wrong, they are better than not seeing family at all but I hate "hibye" trips. We got to Jeff City at 7pm or so on Friday and left at 1pm Saturday so we could be here on time for the weddng. Hibyes. I don't like them. You're barely settled and calmed down enough to visit and you have to leave. And the last time we were here was 11 years ago. Time flies.

And I wanted to get my ozark accent back. I youstacould talk rayt. . .but that therapy will have to wait for another trip.

In any case, my cousin, wife and I were able to go out and spread the Gospel. Nothing major, mind you. No street preaching. But we did go out to breakfast yesterday morning and we gave out some tracts. As things have been in my life lately, I've not been as active as I was maybe a year ago. But having done what we did do, it was a reminder of how simple it is to spread the gospel. It's a simple matter of grabbing yourself by the scruff of the neck and diving in.

And people never seem to mind the tracts we give out. You can get some like ours at LivingWaters.com. They are never thrown out (although in the last four years I think I've seen one torn up. . .but with the pieces left on a table arranged in readable order!).

We gave a drive thru worker a million dollar bill tract. He really enjoyed it. And he grabbed the small stack we offered him so he could give them to his friends. And who knows what may result from the seeds that were planted? And we are called to sow seeds.

So if you are like me, caught in a slump, grab yourself by the scruff of the neck and take the first step toward obeying the Great Commission. Proclaim the gospel. The days are getting dark. The time may be coming soon when evangelism will be risky in our country. Not that the risk matters. But if we won't do it when it is easy, what makes us think we'll do it when it becomes dangerous?

Just one for the road.

Who Do Ya Love, Baby?

If someone were to be watching you, what would they say you love? Better yet, if you were to write down every thought you had and how you handled it, what would that say about you and what you really love?

We all know them. They used to be called "girl watchers". You know, the ones who are married and say "Yeah, I love my wife, but I love to look at other women".

What would you say about that person's love for his wife? I'm thinking you'd probably not have much of anything positive to say. His words and actions betray his claim to love his wife, doesn't it?

We are told by Jesus that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to give it 100%. Furthermore, we are told we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. In other words, do for them what we would do for ourselves. Help them in times of need.

But loving our neighbor is really only a subset of how we show love for God.

How's your thought life? Do you claim to love the lord but would have to admit that you put a higher priority on other things? "Yeah, I love God but you gotta have a little fun too"? What?

Do you set aside time for God's Word on a daily basis? Do you weigh your thoughts before God's Law?

I caught myself thinking about this lately, and I thought I'd pass it on to you.

Thanks for reading!

Character - Even When It Hurts

Found this over at Tim Jack's blog. Thanks, Tim!

Do Righteousness and Trust in the Lord

It was only two days ago that I posted on Psalm 2. As it turns out, it was more timely than I had originally thought. Funny how things work out.

Yesterday, and again today, I received another email from Christian Worldview Network. Both had references to the same article, which is linked to here, namely the account of how the seeds of our country's present decadence can be traced back to 1933 and the arrival of the Frankfurt School of leaders. That would have been during the "watch" of my grandparent's generation. From the report linked to here, the purpose of these people was to ultimately cause the demise of the American way of life and the destruction of Christianity.

Well, I have news for these people. Not just for those who came here to do this, but also those who would align themselves with this in our time. That is this: Countries come and countries go. But what God starts, He finishes. God's Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and His Body will also endure forever. 

See, that's the whole problem with how the world system works. It's all about what you can see, feel, hear and touch. 

It was 30 or so years ago that a group called "Seals and Crofts" had a song out there named "King of Nothing".  It was about wishing for something and ending up with nothing. And the same can be said of those who are striving to run this world's system. Not that they won't end up in control, we know they will. Our Lord has given us His Word on that. But given the fact that this life is a vapor, what does that amount to? "You can have all this world, give me Jesus!".

The world will  indeed spiral downward, even as worldlings and those who rule them seek a worldly utopia. It will lead to the darkest time this world has ever seen. But that won't be the final chapter. The final chapter will begin with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then the game will be over and all the earthly tyrants will know it. All the earthly security that the lost will have put their trust in will turn out to be a rope of sand. 

So what's the answer? What do we do? Turn to Psalm 4, verse 5. "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and trust in the LORD."

You say "That's it?". What else do we need? What else did Israel need when they crossed the Jordan to enter the land that was theirs? It was only theirs to obey God, do what was right and trust the character of the One Who promised what He promised. 

And the Psalmist wasn't unfamiliar with things such as we face. People then were essentially the same as they are now: "{How long} will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?"

Sound familiar? We are surrounded by a world system that thrives on loving things that are worthless and building empires on deception. And of course, destroying them through deception, such as was the plan of those from the Frankfurt School in 1933.

But as those from the Frankfurt School now know (having passed from this life), they had nothing. They were trusting vapors, not substance. 

Our security is in the Lord. Not in His promises (as precious as they are) but in the Lord, because the promises that one makes are only as good as the character of the one making them. Psalm 20 says "Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God".

Yes, this country will inevitably pass. All countries do. But the Kingdom of our God is an everlasting Kingdom. And  the redeemed are eternally safe in His hands (John 10).

Christianity In Conflict

Lane Chaplin has a worthy post over at his blog. It's an article by the late great J. Gresham Machen. You'll need to scroll down a bit to see it.

Give it a read!

Psalm 2: The Ultimate Perspective

For those of us who tend to focus a bit much on how he world is going:

Psalm 2

The Reign of the LORD'S Anointed.

    1Why are ^(A)the nations in an uproar
         And the peoples ^(B)devising a vain thing? 
    2The ^(C)kings of the earth take their stand
         And the rulers take counsel together
         ^(D)Against the LORD and against His ^[a](E)Anointed, saying, 
    3"Let us ^(F)tear their fetters apart
         And cast away their cords from us!" 
    4He who ^[b]sits in the heavens ^(G)laughs,
         The Lord ^(H)scoffs at them. 
    5Then He will speak to them in His ^(I)anger
         And ^(J)terrify them in His fury, saying, 
    6"But as for Me, I have installed ^(K)My King
         Upon Zion, ^(L)My holy mountain." 
    7"I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
         He said to Me, 'You are ^(M)My Son,
         Today I have begotten You. 
    8'Ask of Me, and ^(N)I will surely give ^(O)the nations as Your inheritance,
         And the very ^(P)ends of the earth as Your possession. 
    9'You shall ^[c](Q)break them with a rod of iron,
         You shall ^(R)shatter them like earthenware.'" 
    10Now therefore, O kings, ^(S)show discernment;
         Take warning, O ^[d]judges of the earth. 
    11Worship the LORD with ^(T)reverence
         And rejoice with ^(U)trembling. 
    12Do homage to ^(V)the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
         For ^(W)His wrath may ^[e]soon be kindled 
         How blessed are all who ^(X)take refuge in Him!

If there was ever a time when the world was throwing off all form of restraint, it is now! Oh, it's happened before, there is nothing new under the sun. But we do live in a day when any vestige of morality is being cast off. The world sees God's loving law as a restraint! Oh, they don't want to be victims of theft, assaulted by someone or lied to (among other things) but they don't want to hear that in God's Ten Commandments. And say that God has set up boundaries for sexuality? Wow! That's downright hateful and bigoted -- regardless of the fact that God gave us rules for sexuality to protect us from the very diseases that we are contracting and trying to find a way to avoid. . .even as they practice the very things that cause them! 

While I was never through the A.A. program, I understand they have a saying: "The definition of stupidity is to do the same thing over and over and expect different results". That is correct!

As believers, we know that God has given us the rules he has given us to protect us, not harm us. To keep trouble in our lives to a minimum on this fallen planet, not to make us miserable.

But the world doesn't get it. So they "devise vain things". They make their plans to usurp God's place. They say "We don't want to be told or reminded that there is a God to answer to. We don't want to be limited by the values of such a narrow God!" 

Be reminded and sure that they are "blind guides leading the blind". Tragically, they lead others over the cliff into an eternal hell.

It's easy to become focused on trying to fix what is going on here. But that isn't what we are called to do. We aren't here to put bandages on societal problems. We are here to show forth God's glory as He lives through us. Yes, we are here to help those in need. Read James. It's part of what is called "saving faith". And if you can't show me your faith by what you do, then I have every right to question your claim. According to Hebrews 11:1, there will be some substance to faith that is real; "Faith is the substance of things hoped for. . ." Saving faith is something you can see outwardly. It's not just talk. But what I speak of here is  a preoccupation with fighting against the downward social trends.

We end up getting our focus off the Character of God. We shift to the hand-wringing of "what in the world can I do to fix this?". Let me be blunt -- it isn't up to us. We try to change things through the wrong methods. We get our focus off God, and then we stop proclaiming the Gospel, which is the very thing that God gave us so that hearts can be transformed and the world changed. 

Yup, they want to break what they perceive as a yoke of bondage. But all the while, we faithfully proclaim the Gospel. In the end, for those who don't repent, God will "shatter them like earthenware". He will be vindicated, in His own time, through the exaltation of Jesus, His Son, whom He has appointed ruler of all things. 

Remember that justice seemingly delayed is not justice denied. God is being merciful. He is giving everyone the ample opportunity to repent. But God will rule. He will reverse all the wrongs we see going on around us. 

And God will, in the end, be glorified in all of it.

 

. . .and I say, Even So, Come Lord Jesus.

The signs are everywhere. Our society is unraveling. Whatever is ungodly is exalted and whatever calls us to account is made light of. 

Our society cries and whines about healthcare, even while it promotes the homosexual agenda which is responsible for the bigger share of the spread of AIDS. Talk about schizophrenic! And the nutcases that want to say "it's part of evolution".  Wow. Talk about nonsense! A non-procreative lifestyle is a part of evolution? Can you say "That dog don't hunt"? Oh yeah. I forgot. "Homosexual activity can be seen in the animal kingdom". As if they are our example anyway.

There's more. While an increasing number of Jews are returning to Israel and more and more Jews are recognizing Jesus Christ as their Messiah, our country, among others, is more than happy to play footsie with their enemies in the name of "Peace". 

More schizophrenia.

And then, of course, is how our representative form of government is on the demise. News of erasing our borders (ever heard of the "North American Union"?), killing the dollar and replacing it with the  "Amero" and ultimately merging it with the Euro, the emergence of a world court which has already began sticking it's filthy fingers in our judicial business. After a while, anyone can see the signs.

Does this mean that Jesus is returning tomorrow? Today? Who knows. Our Lord said that no one knows the day or hour. And I'm not predicting. 

I get all kinds of email. I think what brought this post about is a link I got on Saturday. If you want to be brought to despair, here's a couple of videos for you to look at. Nothing new, but they kind of summarize my point. 

I am a Christian, first and foremost. Whatever happens, my allegiance is to Christ. Not that I am perfect. And not that I don't get frustrated, because I do. My father and so many of his generation, which I believe was one of the greatest generations our country has seen, are being wholesale betrayed. . .and it began long ago. 

It is tempting to feel defeated. Naturally, we would like things to turn around. God willing, they will. But I don't see any signs of it. Oh, a skirmish won here and there. But no large turning of the tide. And, as many unbelievers have said, "Christians better be ready to become very unpopular". 

Well, we may well be. For a while.

But in all this, even though we may be tempted, we are not to despair. Nope. No way.

If you were able to go back and tell Moses what you knew and encourage him, what would you say? That the scriptures tell us what happened. God was faithful to what He told him. The same goes for all the crises in the Scriptures. We could say "here's how it worked out. God took care of it". Yet, it is so easy for us to see what is going on around us and be nearly consumed with "what can we do to fix this" or "we gotta make this right". No, we don't. 

Turn to Psalm 11. This is a wonderful Psalm for days like ours. Like the Psalmist, we can almost hear lost society mocking us, saying "we're destroying your foundation, what will you righteous jokers do". 

The answer? It's not up to us. 

Here's the Psalm:

"1 In the LORD I take refuge;
How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain; 
2 For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,
They make ready their arrow upon the string
To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. 
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?” 
4 The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. 
5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates. 
6 Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. 
7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face."

God is on His throne. We don't see Him, but He is there. I don't see electricity but I know it's there. I don't see oxygen, but I know it's there. I see the effect of electricity, I breath oxygen and I see the outworkings of God. 

Not only is God on His throne, He sees it all and he knows what is in their heart. 

You know, so often we fall into the same trap as the unbeliever. Since God hasn't exercised judgement, we act as if He isn't there. But He is. Judgement postponed isn't judgement denied. And it will be exercised. We know that it will be, as sure as we know Sodom and Gomorra were destroyed and Tyre was leveled never to be rebuilt.

John MacArthur, who is a pre-trib pre-millennialist (as I am as well) once was discussing what he would do if he were wrong and found himself in the Tribulation. He said that he would simply go to the AntiChrist, call him that to his face, and that would be that. That is my attitude as well. 

See, it's all just a test. All the madness. All the insanity. How the world is going. God is testing us. He is purifying the Church. The tares are becoming known. It'll cost something to be  a believer. And guess what? Contrary to what easy believe-ism teaches, that is exactly what Jesus taught. 

The time is over to debate with gays, atheists and those skeptics and cynics that once claimed to be Christians but were never converted. How many times I've tried to discuss false conversion with apostates. How the Scriptures tell us that "converts" that fall away merely betray themselves as those who were never converted. John, among others, told us that in 1 John. They left us because they were not of us. If they are for real they will "continue to purify themselves even as He is pure". Why? Because the Lord of the Universe who puts new life in a regenerate person will make sure that they continue. 

So, to this world that is so quickly falling apart, I say "come and get me!". Arrest me. Do whatever. I won't resist. I know how the story ends.

You can ban Christianity, you can create "hate crime" laws that protect sin, you can put me in jail for exercising my faith. You can even put me to death! Have at it!

But you know what? Jesus said I am not to fear man, who can only destroy the body and after that do nothing, but rather to fear God Who is able to send a soul  to Hell. 

Yes, I fear God. God is Holy. He is Righteous and will exercise righteous judgement on a sinful world. You can have this world. It's all perishing anyway. And where will you be a thousand years from now? A million? And yet while I do fear God, I thank Him for sending His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for my sin. 

So, as this world goes down the tubes, don't despair. Remind yourself of the certainty of God's Word. Yes, the world will laugh. For a while. But their laughing will turn to mourning. And our wailing will turn to dancing.

In all this, may God be glorified forever.

What Are You Crying About?

Reading the Psalms is one of the things I tend to do on a daily basis. Recently, in reading Psalm 29 (which has become one of those "I know this already" things), I was drawn to verse 9. Following is Psalm 9 from the NASB:

Psa 29:1
"Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Psa 29:2
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array.
Psa 29:3
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The LORD is over many waters.
Psa 29:4
The voice of the LORD is powerful, The voice of the LORD is majestic.
Psa 29:5
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
Psa 29:6
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, And Sirion like a young wild ox.
Psa 29:7
The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire.
Psa 29:8
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
Psa 29:9
The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, "Glory!"
Psa 29:10
The LORD sat {as King} at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.
Psa 29:11
The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace."

Again, my focus was on verse 9, particularly the phrase 'And in His temple, everyting says, "Glory!" '

How often do we read this and think of it as something happening somewhere distant (which it is) but yet don't realize how relevant it should be to each and every one of us who names the name of Jesus Christ?

Paul has told us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians) to see if we are really in the faith.

You may say "Ok, so what?". Well, if you are a true believer in Christ, Paul says you are a temple. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19 (an often abused verse by the legalists to justify their list of taboos) that sexual sin is a sin against the "temple", which is the believer's body. In saying this, he is telling us about what it means to be a "temple" in the negative sense. . .specifically fleeing sexual immorality. But there is a positive side to it, and I think we see a hint of this in Psalm 19.

This Psalm has been a focus for me over the past two days. What is it that is crying from the inside of this "temple" that God has transformed me into? Is it crying for everything to be about God's Glory? See, when a person is transformed, there is new life. And if there is new life, there will be a new cry. And that new cry, which has been placed there by God, will be about the Glory of God. Not self, not anything else. But the Glory of God.

What thoughts, words and deeds conform (or don't conform) to this standard? Anything that falls short of this standard is sin and calls for a "cleansing of the temple". It is time to drive out the "moneychangers" in our thoughts, words and actions that betray unbelief.

Paul, in correcting the Corinthian error in the area of food and drink, said this:

1Cr 10:31
"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Whatever we do. Whatever!

What of your thought life? Again, hear Paul:

2Cr 10:5
"{We are} destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and {we are} taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
2Cr 10:6
and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
2Cr 10:7
You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also are we." (emphasis mine).

Did you catch that? "Let us consider this again. . ." within ourselves. It's an inside job.

So, what is going on in your heart? What are your thoughts focused on? Why do you do what you do? Is it for your own glory? Why do you say what you say? To impress others? Or to to bring Glory to God?

What of your attitudes? Be brutal with yourself and ask something like "What is it in my life, in thought, word or deed that doesn't glorify God that I'm holding on to like the rich man who walked away from Jesus?".

The rich man in Matthew 19 worshipped the idol of his posessions. But idols don't have to be material things. They can be attitudes, thoughts and actions. Anything that robs God of his Glory. What thoughts and attitudes do we need to give up, so God can be glorified when we have a change of heart? Is the false image you worship an "image" of yourself that you wish others to believe? That is a lie and is idolatry. Self worship.

Yet everything in God's Temple is to make a proclamation, which is "Glory". Glory to God, not glory to self. Every thought should be "sniffed". Every motive should be examined. Thoughts and motives turn into actions. And what comes out of the heart shows you what is there.

Let everything in the Temple (yours and mine) say "Glory".

Same Decision, Different Century

In light of recent news of compromise and "political correctness" invading the professing church, here's a decision that should be revisited on a daily basis. From Joshua 24:14, 15.

"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Each of us, like those to whom this was originally addressed, has a decision to make. Will we bow down to the idols of this world or will we stand separate to the Lord? The decision will never get easier, only more difficult. The pressure is on to cave in. To be popular. To be accepted by the world and those who seek to be "relevant" to its depravity. I mean, who doesn't want to "get along"? Anyone in their right mind does, of course. It's only natural.

I was speaking about the Dobson issue with someone earlier today. I mentioned the "Let's stay safe" mentality. The response? "Well, you do have to be careful". Careful? About what? Telling the truth? Nope. I don't think so. See, it's not about "our safety". It's about what we have been commissioned to do. That is, spread the Gospel. And spreading the Gospel involves speaking of sin, the righteousness of God, judgment, repentance and faith. Nothing less -- leave the message of sin and the need for repentance out and you will be sharing a half-truth. And that is a "Gospel" that damns.

The first words out of Jesus' mouth at the very beginning of His public ministry were "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand". This message remained constant, at least in principle. It was also repeated by the Apostles. And Paul wrote to the Galatians 1 saying "If anyone preaches another Gospel...let him be accursed." But the contemporary church can't tolerate that because it so wants to be accepted. Some have even gone so far as to claim that "Jesus never mentioned repentance".

Accepted by the world? Wow! Jesus said that anyone who lives Godly in this world will be persecuted!

Remember how I said that anyone in their right mind wants to get along with others and that "it is only natural"? Well, therein lies the problem. We aren't called to a natural life. The natural life leads to spiritual death. We are called to live supernaturally. "Whomever finds his life will lose it adn whomever loses his life for My sake will find it".

Now, what do I mean by that? Weird experiences? Mysticism? No. That's dangerous because no experience is self-authenticating. But we are called to a supernatural life. In other words, a trust in God that transcends circumstances, including the derision of those who dispise us.

Look at Hebrews 11. The faith "Hall of Fame". These are those who were justified by faith. They showed their trust. And while it wasn't a universal experience, many of them were persecuted to the point of death. Isaiah, for example, was sawn in two. What for? His life and what it screamed to the world by how he lived it.

But he trusted God.

And read of the others. Why should we be different?

As I've mentioned before on this blog, the world has said "American Christians had better prepare to be unpopular". And I say, the American church will be sifted as wheat. It'll get easier to tell the true believers from the false as the heat is turned up. The line will be darker and bolder and the differences will be obvious.

There was a study done years ago that demonstrated that only 2 percent of professing American Christians share their faith. And that is in a "friendly" environment! No one is threatened with stonings, crucifixions (contemporary Sudanese Christians can tell you it is going on today) or imprisonment (which happens in China for posessing a page of the Scriptures!) yet they keep their mouths shut.

No, my friends, it won't get easier, only more difficult. And if you melt in the mild weather like a "chocolate soldier" (all sweet and nice to look at), what'll happen when the heat is turned up? What if the authorities come to your door and say "Renounce Christ or Die"? It happens in other countries. What if the police come to your door and say "You've offended someone by talking about sin and the Bible. Either shut up or we'll arrest you". What would you do? What if another professing Christian (whom you consider to be a good friend) challenged your stand? Which would be more precious to you? Your friendship or being faithful to God? Be honest before God. It may reveal your true state before Him.

So we all have a decision to make. Whom will we serve? Whom will you serve? Are you a tare -- a Judas? Or are you wheat?

Jesus warned in Matthew 7 that "on that day, many will say to me "Lord, Lord" but I will say to them "depart from me, you who practice lawlessness" (disobedience, literally "acting as if I never gave you the law") You can make a profession, but that doesn't equal posession. And there is an eternity of difference.

Paul said in Philippians that "He Who has begun a good work in you will continue to perform it until the Day of Christ Jesus". How's your walk? Are you maturing in your faith? Have you grown since last year? If not, you might want to, as Paul said, "examine yourself to see if you are in the faith".

You say "Wow! You sure are being pretty stiff about this! You must really think you've arrived!" No, beloved. I haven't. I ask myself the same things every day. Self-examination, like repentance, is ongoing and sometimes very uncomfortable. But the stakes are way too high not to do it.

Others, no doubt, would say "You're being a tad legalistic aren't you?". Well, if simply seeking to obey God is legalism then I wear the badge of "legalist" with honor. Remember, Jesus said that the ones he will turn away are professing to know Him but really never did. . .and their disobedience proved it. No, they weren't legalistic -- but they will be shown as presumptuous; to their eternal loss.

So, as Joshua said, choose this day whom you will serve. It's either going to be the god of acceptance and tolerance or it'll be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Who sent His Son to die for us.

Let us make the right decision and fear the One who can destroy the body and send the soul to Hell, rather than those who can only destroy our bodies and after that do nothing.

What I'm Listening To...

For some time now, I've been searching for better "Christian" radio. For the past 8 months or so, I've been aware of Christian Tuner, which is a web site that provides links to various internet stations. For quite a while I was listening to one particular station but started hearing things I just didn't care for. So I began looking again.

This time, I went to Christian Tuner and checked out the "Messianic" section. Turns out that there is a station named "WSTW" (We Share The Word). And I like it, quite a bit. I'd encourage you to give it a listen.

There is obviously a distinct Messianic sound that you don't get in "regular" Christian radio. Some of it has to do with basic musical differences. And there are some things that are sung with Hebrew lyrics which obviously have limited impact on my life. However, after listening for three days, I've noticed that the lyrics to the songs in English are so scripture oriented. It puts American "contemporary Christian" music to shame. . .and I'm talking about the 'good' stuff.

Perfect? No. I'm not saying that because I've found anything to point to, but just because nothing will be perfect. But I've found it to be a far cry better than most of the regular "Christian" fare. The lyrics are invariably understandable and reverent. They actually and Biblically exalt God and His character. There is nothing flippant or "me" centered about any of it.

It's been a rich experience. They have regular "snippets" of teaching where a Rabbi exegetes a passage from the Jewish point of view. It's "here a little, there a little" but so far very good.

Just wanted to pass the link along. I so appreciate Messianic Jews. There is a richness there that we Gentiles don't generally have.

Which Gospel Are You Preaching?

Just found this over at Christian Worldview Network.

The Potency of God's Word

A while back I said something about not posting so frequently. It seems of late that the Lord has been helping me become more convinced of the potency of God's Word. Specifically, the Law of God (specifically the ten commandments). This lesson was driven home to me so clearly when I learned of another area pastor who, unfortunately, admitted having an affair with a person in his church.

To say this news was a shock would be an understatement. However, this is the third such incident (that I am aware of) in our area in recent years. I won't divulge what I do know. And I won't speculate as to why this happened to each particular person except to say that all three pastors had one thing in common. . .a lack of emphasis on God's Law. One church was caught up in the social "gospel". Another was as well. The third was a "Purpose Driven" church.

See, where the law is deemphasized, sin can gain a foothold. It is the law that helps us remember what God's standard is. It isn't meant to constrain us under the chains of legalism, but it is there to remind us of what God expects. It reminds us of His character.

1 Timothy 1 says that "the law is good if it is used lawfully". In context, its purpose is to show us our sin. It is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. It is also there to prompt us on in progressive sanctification. Read Psalm 19!

The opening verses of Psalm 19 are there to remind us that all creation bears witness that there is a God. It bears witness with our conscience as well as our mind. It speaks of the existence of God, but without words. But that isn't sufficient. We must be aware of what God demands of us. And that is the function of God's Law.

In Psalm 19, we read (beginning at verse 7):

"7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making the simple wise.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandments of the LORD are pure, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether,
10 more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 And Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? Oh make me pure from secret faults ;
13 and keep Your servant back from presumptuous sins ; do not let them rule over me; then I shall be upright, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

So, what have we learned? We have learned that God's Law is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, desirable and sweet. If you do a word study on those terms, you find that God's law is complete, certain, correct, without spot, absolutely trustworthy, sweet and to be coveted. It shows us the right way, it is reliable in doing so. We can trust what it says without exception. It is without error. . .it never leads us astray. I'd invite you to consider these verses and track the relationship of each of these terms with what it claims to do. . .such as how the law being "right" rejoices the heart. This is what I'll be doing in my own personal time in the Scriptures.

We can't have holiness without the law. When we deemphasize the law, we open the door to compromise. How? By getting our focus of God's standard.

Could I fall? Am I susceptible to falling into sin? Sure. in my flesh, I am just as vulnerable as anyone else. But that is no excuse. God has told us what He expects. We are to "pursue Holiness, without which no one will see the Lord". Does that mean you lose your salvation? No. But if you don't continue in sanctification, you may be well warned to examine your profession of faith.

Are the three pastors that I mentioned earlier lost? Saved? Only the Lord knows. But I believe without any fear of contradiction that God is allowing Satan to sift the professing church. As the days grow darker, this will become more common.

The contemporary church has compromised itself in the name of "relevance" to the point where it doesn't know how to act. We were never told to be "relevant". We were told to be Holy. Just as the Jews were told to stand out in how they conducted themselves, we are also called to be a "peculiar people". We are "called out". That is the very definition of the word "church".

Meanwhile, God's law is there. Among other things, it is complete, perfect, straight and trustworthy. God spoke clearly. He didn't mumble. In addition to that, God equips His people to understand it. There is no excuse.

Have you ever taken a moment to consider how precious a privilege is to be able to read a message from the very God of the Universe? Does that thought impact you at all?

Why don't we esteem God's Word? What has God (seemingly) done to deserve our contempt? But that is what we show Him when we ignore what He has to say!

May God save us from our jaded attitudes. See, we can't know our "hidden faults" and our weaknesses. Not really. That is why they are hidden! But God's Law helps us keep our focus. It cuts to the heart of the matter. And it led the Psalmist to say, in effect, "let everything I say and everything that I even think about be acceptable before God".

May we renew our commitment to keeping a focus on God's standard as revealed in His Law.