The Noise of Many Words

The internet is the new way that people get the daily news these days.

In the past, we got our news from the newspapers, periodicals, radio or television.  And we could comment on what was reported in “Letters to the Editor.”  These comments could be printed by the paper and shown a few days later. However, things have changed.

Today, on the internet, many news stories can be commented on and published instantaneously.   And thousands of reader’s comments and ramblings can be seen by thousands of others around the world.

After reading an article on any subject, people are eager to speak their mind on what was said.  It becomes an instant opinion forum.  Every opinion is expressed.  And it can get ugly and vulgar.  Sometimes a look through these comments can be like wading through a toxic waste dump!

I do not know if these news sites are able to screen any of the comment’s content, but it seems like anything and everything can be expressed in every and any way.

It reminds me of  what Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Does anyone guard what they say anymore?

God takes note of all the words of man, even the idle words!  And He will judge what is in our hearts as it is spilled out in our abundant comments.

Jesus also said, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36

Let’s guard our words by cultivating a heart for God.

Verse of the Day

It is good to be blessed each day by God’s word.

We need to counter the avalanche of inaccurate, distorted and negative information we are exposed to each day.  The “Information-Age” will carry us down to the lowest levels of life if we get caught up in its relentless current.

A good way to counter this ever-present problem is to get your “Verse of the Day” each day from BibleGateway.Com!

Today’s verse is:

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16 NIV

After you get your Bible verse, read it and take a minute or two to think (meditate) on it.

For example, David says here that he will “sing” of God’s strength.  Have you ever been so joyful of your what God is doing for you that you want to sing?  This reveals an “over-the-top” relationship with God.  The words of David here remind me of the joy that God gives to me when I trust in him.

Also, David sings in the morning of God’s love for him.  I remember hearing my mom singing “Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of creation!…” in the morning as she cooked breakfast for us.  Starting the day with the joy of the Lord, remembering his love for us, will paint a nice background for our entire day.

There is usually stress, uncertainty or trouble in our lives, but like David we know that God is our “fortress and refuge.”  He loves us so he will be there and help us in everything we may encounter in our day!  What a reason to sing!

Let’s make our “Verse of the Day” as important as our Cheerios!

– Brother Paul

Made by God for God

What a tragedy for people to think that they have no ultimate purpose.  They say things like, “What good am I?” 

If we are simply the result of a random, chance beginning, our hope for anything significant and worthwhile is futile.  Worthless stuff colliding and sticking to other worthless stuff just makes bigger worthless stuff!

With this view (called materialism), people would have no more worth than a clod of dirt.  This is because each would simply be different kinds stuff.  Perhaps this is why those that hold to this type of thinking, don’t have a high view of life, justice or mercy.    There is no true place for love with this view either, because it too has no meaning. 

But this is not what we see in life.  A mother hen gathers her chicks under her wing for protection against predators and soldiers sacrifice their lives to shield their comrades.  Love exists and any attempt to redefine it as something less denies the obvious. 

In contrast to naturalism (or materialism) there is theism.  It is the belief that we have been created by a personal, loving God. 

Why do theists believe this?  They believe it because God has made it known to them.  Since God is personal he can and has communicated with his personal creatures (whom he has equipped to hear his communication and respond to it). 

The philosophical materialists (also called naturalists) scorn this and laugh at or pity those that believe that a God has anything to do with us or our universe. 

But again, their view does not match the way things really are.  Man does have purpose and worth because he has been made in the image of God.  Also, love is meaningful because the God of love rules his creation with true love and justice. 

God shows us his love in this: even though we are rebellious and sinful before him, he sent his Son to take our penalty so that we could be reconciled to him.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  — John 3:16

Some of the most pressing questions of men are, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?”  God has given us his answer.  You have been created by him and for him!  And even though you are alienated from him because of your sin, he says, “Repent and believe the good news.” 

God’s good news is ”that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1cor15.3,4).

You do have worth and purpose because the God of the universe’s Son, Jesus, died for your sins and welcomes you to become reconciled to God.  Why?  Because of his love and grace!

Don’t hesitate to embrace your God.  The meaningful life you have longed for all your life awaits you in Jesus Christ the Lord.  You were made for him.

Words to Live and Die for

When it comes to our spiritual lives, it’s good to have a clear focus for the day.  This is why our daily times with God are better when they come early in the day. 

God’s words remind us about what matters most.  Then, with that perspective,  we can prioritize our activities.  Using the “filter” of God’s will, we can avoid majoring in the minor things. 

So, what does matter most? 

How does “serving our Lord and savior today” sound?  We know that God wants us to be faithful servants.  So, focusing on this is our highest tribute to our Lord and King! 

Surely we all hope (on that day) to have our Lord say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

These are truly words to live and die for!

Words That Rock

In our times, “to rock”, means to get the music going with a beat that gets everybody moving and grooving!  So, for a guy who grew up in the early days of Rock and Roll, it signifies everything that is ”cool” and “exciting.” 

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth with pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).  By this, he was saying that his words (and their meanings) would be around forever, even beyond the longevity of the universe itself!

By contrast, the temporal words of men pass away in short order.  Some drop like lead bricks into a bottomless pit!  Others may last and seem “eternal” by our standards, but alas (no matter their number or status) they too, like the morning mist, will pass away.   

Eternal words, Forever words, God’s words, are the ones that rock!  What could be more exciting?  So, since we have them, let’s invest time in them.  They will be good for today and tomorrow and, yes, forever! 

This blog is dedicated to examining, meditating on, and enjoying the words that truly rock!  God’s words!