Discerning the Truth

      Looking through old family records, I came across my father’s college grades one day.  Before he went into farming full time, he had considered becoming an attorney like his father.  He especially loved history and always got a high grade in that subject.  I inherited that love for the subject as I, too, enjoy reading things that happened long ago.  My dad used to tell me that we must learn lessons from the past so they are not repeated in the future.  This, indeed, is a wise piece of advice.
     Unfortunately, we are now living in a day of “fake” news stories bent on destroying reputations, and a time of historical revisionism to make history more politically correct.  Both of these entities distort the truth.  In addition, we find much the same thing to be true even in the realm of Christian thought.  There is a plethora of books on the market today written by a variety of authors putting forth their view of theology, faith and practice.  Yet, we have to ask the question, how do I know that what is being written is true?
     According to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 3:11), he tells us:  “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  Therefore we have to compare what is being written to the foundation of truth we have in Christ that is found in the Bible.  God does not leave us without a measuring stick for truth.   He wants us to know what is right.  This applies not only to books that are written but also to teaching and preaching.
     In and through the pages of Scripture, we meet God.  We come to learn about His character, the history of His people, His provision for our salvation, and how to live.  There was never a more complete source of truth for us who have been called by His name.  A passage in the book of Hebrews tells us what the Bible can do:  “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  Now that is a sharp instrument when it can separate truth from fiction and look at heart motivations!  Yet, people neglect to read the Bible as they should.  At this particular time in history where conflicting stories abound daily, we need to be more faithful to bathe our minds in the Word.  This will help us to recognize wolves in sheep’s clothing, false teaching, poor theology and help us stay grounded in the foundation laid by the Apostle and Prophets with Jesus being the chief cornerstone(Ephesians 2:20).
     Prayer along with Bible study is also key in its importance.  We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the truth.  When we commune with God, we are more open to His guidance through the pages of Scripture.  Starting each day with prayer keeps our feet planted in the right soil for our growth, and reading the Word is our food.  What other ways can we discern truth when approaching books, teaching and preaching?
     One of the things I keep on hand is several different study Bibles.  Ligonier puts out an excellent Reformed Study Bible.  Footnotes help with understanding difficult passages.  I also enjoy using The MacArthur Study Bible.  Both of these resources are filled with maps and other helpful information.  In addition, my husband and I have accumulated commentaries, Bible dictionaries and other helpful resource books over the years.  The internet also has resources, but we have to be careful who the author is and what their perspective on the Bible is as well.
     This brings me to another point.  Check out the author before you buy the book.  Know something about his/her beliefs.  Do they adhere to Reformation theology?  What have they written before?  What are some other theologians saying about their work?  Personally, I check this out carefully before I jump in and read.
Most book sellers have a place for reviews so I also read these.  I want to know where someone is coming from in terms of their perspective on life and faith.  Time is valuable so I want to spend it wisely reading those things that build up with genuine meat from God’s Word.
     At this point, some may say that it seems like a lot of effort to go to in order to discern the truth.  However, Proverbs 14:15-16 says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.  One who is wise is cautious and turns away evil but a fool is reckless and careless.”  I would rather take my time and follow the example of the Bereans who checked everything the Apostle Paul taught (Acts 17:11) than to accept every wind of doctrine that comes around.  Fads, “fake” news, secular trends will come and go, but the Word of the Lord will stand forever.  Be a discerner of the truth and take time to study and show yourself approved of God.  We glorify Him when we walk in the truth and the light of His Word.  Selah!

Don't Fall for a Cheap Imitation

     While watching television the other night, another commercial for a getaway vacation came on showing beautiful beaches and a couple in a romantic setting.  The invitation was to come and feel what love is like.  Then, I thought to myself, do they even understand what real love is all about?  I wonder how many people do.  Certainly, it is much more than just an emotion.  Love demands commitment not only in words but in deeds as well.  One of the greatest proclamations of love is found in the Bible.
     John 3:16-17 tells us:  "16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  There are no more beautiful words in Scripture than these.  This is the demonstration both of what real love is and who God the Father is in His character.  Can any of us imagine being asked to give our sons as a sacrifice for the sins of the world?  We may recall how God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22.  Abraham obeyed trusting God though his heart must certainly have been bursting as he prepared to slay his son.  His act of faith and obedience revealed his commitment to God, and the Lord did provide another sacrifice for him...a ram caught in the thicket.  For Abraham, it was a test, but when the Lord sent His only Son Jesus Christ into the world, He had a greater plan for mankind.
     As my husband frequently says, "It all started in the Garden".  When Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God's command not to eat the fruit of the tree of Good and Evil, they, by their action, allowed sin to enter the world.  From that time forward, all are
born in sin.  In his Psalm of repentance before God, David cried out in verse 5 of Psalm 51 and said, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."  Romans tells us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (3:23). Finally, in Psalm 14:2-3, we read this:  "The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one."  Kind of a bleak picture of mankind after the fall in the Garden.  However, this is where the real love story begins.
     God sent His Son into this world to show us how to live righteously, to explain to us what the Law really means in application and to provide for us a perfect sacrifice once for all for our sin.  When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and truly repent,  our sins are blotted out by His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.  Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome wrote this:  "6For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7It is rare indeed for anyone to die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.…"(Romans 5:6-8).  This is the definition of real love.
     We can't earn this kind of love, and we certainly do not deserve it.  To my mind, it is staggering to think about.  All those cheap commercials about love look pretty shabby next to the love of God in Christ His Son.
     When my husband and I committed our lives to following Christ some 49 years ago, it changed both of us.  We became new creations freed from the guilt of sins and able to love others even as God had loved us.  Yes, we still sin and stumble as we are not perfect, but we know we have only to confess our sins and we are forgiven.  I can love others because God first loved me.  That is something I could not do before I met the Lord.  What freedom it brings when we can let go of the heavy burdens of guilt we often carry knowing that God came to earth through His Son for all who will call upon His name.
     So if you see one of those commercials about a beautiful beach and how you will fall in love all over again if you go there, remember John 3:16.  This is a love that will not let you go, let you down or let you fall. This is the real love that lasts for eternity.  If you have never trusted in Christ for your salvation before, I pray you will give your life to Him today.  If you know Him, then my prayer is that you will grow deep in His love for you so you may know the height and depth of His care for you.  Selah!

Enjoying the Lord Forever

     Having time to reflect is certainly a gift in many ways especially if our schedules tend to be filled up with many activities.  Sheltering at home has given most of us that time even though we still have chores that must get done each day.
      During my quiet times lately, I have been thinking about the first question posed in the

Family is one of the greatest gifts from God!

Westminster Shorter Catechism.  The question is:  "What is the chief end of man?"  The answer is:  "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."  This question and answer really defines man's purpose for living.  We were put here to reflect God's glory in our lives through all that
we do, think and say.  I Corinthians 10:31 states:  "Whether therefore ye eat, drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  I must admit that some days my mirror for reflecting the Lord is not always clean and bright.  When self gets in the way, it smudges and fogs up that reflection.  However, with the help of God's Holy Spirit, we can walk in such a way as to glorify Him to this dark world and shine His light in the dark places.  We are not perfect, but He is.
     Now the second part to the answer has long puzzled me or made me think hard.  What does it mean to enjoy God forever?  When I think of the word "enjoy", I think of my five senses.  I enjoy beauty I see, food that I taste, delightful fragrance I can smell, kind words I can hear and sweet grandchildren to hug.  However, with God it is different isn't it?  Lets think through this together.
     I cannot see God since He is a Spirit, but I can read His Word.  In there, I learn who He is and who I am in relationship to Him.  I can begin to observe His character, feel His love for me and see how sin separates us.  The more we study the Word of God the more we will come to enjoy Him.  Each day, we need to make time to just spend with Him in the Bible allowing ourselves to be wrapped in His presence and filling our minds with His thoughts.
     When I think of the sense of taste, I think of communion.   We can actually get a taste of a meal representing our Lord Jesus Christ and the great sacrifice He made for us upon the cross.  Communion brings us together with our Lord like no other meal ever can.  It is a means of grace for our souls and a fellowship that goes deeper than any other.  Each time we partake, we remember the new covenant made between us and God.  It is a foretaste of heaven where we will sit at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
     While we cannot smell God, we can allow the fragrances of this world that He created to fill our nostrils with the sweet scent of heaven.  My husband and I were certain that orange blossoms were the original fragrance of heaven as we would drive by the groves around our area.  Each day, when I walk, I smell magnolias in bloom, roses growing in a garden or the smell of honey where the bees have been busy working in a wooded area.  These all remind me of God, and it brings joy to my heart.
     Though we cannot hear God with our physical ears, we can hear Him with our spirit as we pray and read Scripture.  In earnest prayer, the Lord never fails to bring up a verse I have read when I am looking for an answer.  What enjoyment we forfeit when we fail to listen with our spiritual ears to what the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts.  There are other ways we hear from the Lord as well.  When we sit under the teaching and preaching of Scripture, we are hearing from God His Word through the instrument of our pastor.  Again...another way to enjoy the Lord forever.  Since sheltering at home, my husband and I have had the privilege of listening to a number of services online.  Each one is a blessing to our hearts and to our ears.
     Even though we cannot touch God with our physical hands, we can enjoy Him through our worship.  Singing, praising Him, and fellowshipping with others is a very physical thing.  Likewise, hugging our loved ones, and praying for others are all a means of enjoying the Lord physically.  One of the reasons I have so loved choir is the ability to lift up my voice as an offering unto God.  If we play an instrument, again, it is a means of enjoying the Lord through touch.
     Ultimately, though, I have come to realize that I enjoy the Lord the most when I am content in Him on a daily basis.  We need to reach the point where we thank Him in plenty and want as the Apostle Paul described.  Whether life is going well or not, we need to have a heart that says "It is well with my soul".  Just as in any other relationship, we learn to enjoy God as we grow to know Him day by day.  We must make time to develop a deeper walk with Him.  Indeed, the longer I live in His presence, the more I have come to enjoy Him.  May this be true for us all as we grow daily in His love.  Selah!

Don't Let Stress Get You Down!

     Living our day to day lives can be stressful, and this is especially true as we have been sheltering at home.  We think going to work each day or even going grocery shopping is stressful, but being at home?  Yes, especially when it came suddenly.  On top of the concern for our health, there are many facing unemployment, teaching the children at home, and some who must also work from home.  So the challenges are different, but stress-filled all the same.
     This is the second pandemic I have personally lived through.  The first was when I contracted

polio in 1955.  Many of you reading this may be unaware of the frightening time when polio swept across this nation striking fear into the hearts of many.  It was not restricted to any one age group either and there was no vaccine or cure.  Polio hit the U.S. in 1894 but the worst outbreak came in 1952 when over 50,000 people contracted this disease.  The first vaccine was created in 1954 by Jonas Salk and was followed by an oral vaccine some years later.  Polio led to paralysis, disability and at times, death.  It was also highly contagious.  Like the COVID 19 virus, there were some who did not have symptoms; therefore, it generated a lot of fear and stress in each community.  If you survived  the active disease phase, it took many weeks, months and even years in order to return to a normal life.  Now we are facing a new unknown enemy which seems to attack the most vulnerable.  So how do we address the stress of our present day pandemic?
     Looking into the Scriptures has always been a source of comfort and calm for me and recently, I have been reading passages from I Samuel and the Psalms concerning David and his flight from his father-in-law King Saul.  We learn from I Samuel 10 that Saul was anointed King over Israel by Samuel the Prophet.  However, just a few chapters later, Saul violates the laws of God and is rejected as King.  He became possessed of a spirit that caused him tremendous mood swings, and many times, David was the target of Saul's jealousy and rage.
     As a shepherd boy, David defeated Goliath to win a great battle over the Philistines for King Saul. He became a musician in the King's house since his music seemed to soothe Saul's moods.  However, David became more and more successful in battling the enemies of Israel, and when Saul saw this, he became jealous.  Eventually, this conflict escalated to the point that even though David had married Saul's daughter and served him with faithfulness, he was now the target of Saul's attempts to kill him.  Talk about stress!  A life on the run is not something anyone would want to experience.
     Interestingly enough, David found solace in pouring his heart out to God.  He wrote and sang the Psalm to God as a prayer during his most trying times.  One such Psalm is Psalm 56 written when the Philistines seized him in Gath.  Not only did he have Saul after him but he also had to contend with these pagan people who hated the Jews.  Instead of pitying himself, David wrote down and poured out his heart to God.  This is one thing we can do today for ourselves.  We can keep a prayer diary where we write down the thoughts of our heart as we give them to the Lord.  If we do this faithfully, we can look back over time and see how the Lord has answered us.  In the Psalm, David says in verses 3-4:  "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can flesh do to me?"  Just declaring this as a faith statement releases the stress that builds up in our lives.
     Another thing David did when confronted by his enemies was to sing to the Lord songs of praises.   We know he wrote many of the Psalms and that he was a singer from the days he spent as a shepherd boy.  In Psalm 59, when Saul's men were searching for him to kill him, David wrote these words:  "But I will sing of your strength;  I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.  For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.  O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who show me steadfast love."  David does not depend on his own strength but freely declares, in this anxious time, that God is his strength.  In the act of singing God's praise, we find refreshment for our souls.  Stress, worry and fear rush out the door of our heart when we name the name of Jesus in song and prayer.
     A final example of David's victory over stress is found in Psalm 57.  Once again, he has fled from Saul.  Yet, instead of whimpering about his situation, David begins to glorify God and exalt his name in this Psalm.  In verse 2-3, David writes:  "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.  He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me.  Selah  God will send out His steadfast love and faithfulness!"  Then in verse 5, he says:  "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!  Let your glory be over all the earth!"  No self pity in these verses.  We can see David releasing his stress by bringing glory to the God who alone has control of his life and situation.  Shouldn't we do the same?
     No matter where life finds us today, we can take the same positive action as King David did when he was on the run.  No Philistines, crazed King or virus can back us into a corner if we will begin to do what David did:  sing to the Lord songs of praise, write down our fears and pour them out before our Lord, and glorify God despite our circumstances.  We know from the Bible that David was protected by God and kept in His love.  We also know that nothing will happen to us today that does not first pass through the hands of our loving Father in heaven.  So let us be quick to release the stress, and enter into the rest that comes from the hands of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  What He has promised, He will do.  Selah!