Tag: gospel

  • In The Shadows

    Encouragement in the 23 Psalm

    sun breaking through forest shadows

    We walked along the heavily shadowed forest trail. Underneath  our feet, the moss and evergreen needles padded our footsteps. We enjoyed hearing the songs of the chickadees who seemed to be following along with us on our walk, and listened to the sound of a bubbling stream nearby.

    Periodically, we’d hit a spot where the sun shone brightly, then we were back in the shadows before long. The shadows didn’t mean the sun wasn’t there; they meant the trees shielded us from seeing it temporarily.

    Life can be that way at times. Life’s troubles can make it seem like God isn’t there, yet He remains the same all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present loving God even when times are dark.

    The Scriptures repeatedly tell us that He will never leave or forsake us. King David understood this truth and proclaimed it in a familiar Psalm.

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV

    David knew many dark times, including extended periods when his enemies actively sought to kill Him. He also knew the power and faithfulness of God, and that come what may, He was secure in the Lord’s hands. He knew that even if they succeeded, he would be with the Lord forever.

    We live in dark times. People are more frightened than I recall ever seeing before. The shadows are falling over us.

    We don’t have to be fearful because the Lord’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great. He is still on the throne when the shadows threaten to overwhelm us.

    The world can strip us of everything but cannot separate us from Christ. Through Him, we are victorious.

    Fear not, my friends.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • Harbor Mouse

    Scripture can never mean what it wan’t intended

    Mouse shaped rock in harbor Blaine Washington

    I snapped this photo of a rock in the harbor at Blaine,  Washington. It is nothing spectacular; when I looked at it, I looked like a mouse to me.

    Of course, I know it isn’t a real mouse, but looking at it reminded me that things are not always as they appear.

    Just because something sounds biblical or has a Bible verse attached doesn’t make it true. I’m not saying the Bible is untrue. I believe the entire Bible is God-inspired and entirely trustworthy.

    All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

    People can misuse Scripture intentionally to mislead. They can also misunderstand what the Scriptures teach and unknowingly teach error. I’m certain we have all done that on occasion to one degree or another.

    We’ve given someone a “word of encouragement” that doesn’t mean what we think it does. We interpret a passage to support what we want it to mean, rather than what it teaches. We “claim a promise” that isn’t a promise to us or even a promise at all.

    A common example is “Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.”     We claim this “promise” from God when our children go astray. This quote is a proverb (Proverbs 22:6), not a promise. A proverb is a general truism, not a guarantee.

    When a child or loved one strays, we must pray for them. We know God is loving, merciful, sovereign, and answers prayers. Still, we don’t know His plan or His timing. God can, and often does, restore those who have wandered away.

    Scripture can never mean what it was not intended to mean. We can jump through all sorts of hermeneutical hoops to make it seem to mean something else, but it’s still only going to mean what God intended.

    His Word is trustworthy. God never lies, nor does He fail to keep His promises. We need to read and study the Word in context and be sure to understand what it meant to the original audience. The Scriptures were written for us, not to us.

    Trust in His Word and His character. He loves enough to send His Son to die on our Behalf and His Spirit to indwell us.

    Hold fast to the truth.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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