August 23 2018 – Click here to listen
I’m very appreciative to all for the many positive responses to Words for the Day yesterday and offer a hearty, Thank you! I’m sorry I didn’t answer them personally, but there were just too doggone many . . . I’m also apologetic for leading anyone to believe that I was offering my “swan song” and was going to “hang it up.” That was not my intention. As I often do I was thinking out loud and wondering as I grow older if WFTD had outlived itself and my thoughts and comments were no longer helpful and worthwhile.
To a person I received encouragement to keep on writing with many telling me that it helps them traverse the slippery slopes of this world and brief life. A couple of folks told me they don’t always agree with everything I write, with one fellow saying some of them were “horse hooey,” (had to be a lawyer.) I laughed out loud and replied that his skull was probably too thick for the truth to penetrate all that bone in his head. I should have been more kind I suppose and adhered to the Scripture in 2 Timothy 2:2: “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach . . . those who oppose him . . . in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
I suppose I’m somewhat of a teacher using my daily posts to teach what I’ve learned in life about God and how to lead a peaceful joyous life despite the worst Satan can throw our way. I’m not offended that others don’t agree with me on every issue. My goal has always been to help others; I have no doubt that I often miss that mark. Scripture does tell the church that we shouldn’t argue with each other especially with simple matters that are meaningless concerning God’s laws. Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the Law. These things are useless and worthless.
I once was in a Bible study with some very intelligent men. The subject of Baptism by immersion came up. My interpretation of Baptism has always been that one should be submerged underneath the water and then lifted out of it to symbolize the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Sprinkling has never been my idea of what Baptism should be. I made my point in the class and then mentioned that the verse clearly states that Jesus emerged from the water. A four star general in the class wryly looked at me and said, “Well Bob, what if that verse and the word “emerged” were referencing Jesus wading out into the Jordan River and John the Baptist baptizing Him by holding a vase over His head and sprinkling Him and afterwards He waded to shore and “emerged” from the river?”
Hmmm . . . He didn’t change my mind on Baptism by immersion, but it did give me pause to think that if it was a big deal to God that He would have been more specific and added more details of the ceremony in this passage. The important thing seems to me to be that we should emulate Jesus in Baptism after deciding to follow Him as a solidifying statement of faith. So, I suppose if a Methodist or Catholic Baptizes the entire county with a tea cup of water I’m good with it. They can even use a squirt gun to seal their statement of faith for all I care. As for me I was dunked when I was first Baptized and then dunked again in the Jordan River when I visited Israel.
I think this argument might be an example of the above mentioned horse hooey. The gist of what the Lord is offering through this instruction should not interfere with those things that are so very important such as salvation and obtaining peace through following our Lord Jesus.
People with real problems need to know the truth concerning God’s love and steadfast resolve to be with them always – forever and a day.
So many folks are having a hard time with life be it raising their children to be Godly and righteous, their financial situation, friends, relatives, addictions, health issues, death, or whatever. Their faith is being tested daily and they desperately need God. It is akin to accidentally hitting your thumb with a hammer. Someone will tell you it will be fine in a little while, but when you hit it, the darned thing HURTS! When besieged from every direction and down and out, many seem to turn against God and blame Him for their problems.
Ugh . . . It’s a paradox. God is the One who loves us and wants to help us. Satan is the one trying to destroy us and just keeps just pouring it on trying to discourage, depress and make things seem futile. We should blame him not our Lord for our unhappiness and grief.
Paul said in 1 Tim. 5 – The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. Who doesn’t want a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere faith? Jesus is offering the pure heart and clear conscience free of charge. All we need to do is have sincere faith. He loves you and He loves me and doesn’t want us to fear anything. Surely He will help us!!! Think about that this morning . . .
Isaiah 41:10
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’