130904 Do We Have Issues?

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem in which each section starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section is in alphabetical order. Every one of the one hundred and seventy-six verses uses a synonym for God's Word. The Word, which revels God, must be first in our thoughts and actions. Without His Word, how do we differentiate God from Satan? (Remember: liars lie, especially the father of lies.)

In light of that, why do Christians put everything they have into ‘issues’? That is what the world does. We should be promoting the Word of God instead. What does the Word say?

1 John 1:5
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

That’s where we need to put our efforts and not into political chants and rants. I fully support those business owners who refuse to pander to the whims and threats of certain groups. A private business should be able to have the right to refuse service to anyone. Even if it is based on prejudice or ignorance, they should be able to operate a legitimate business as they choose and let the customers decide with their feet. Neither the Thought Police, nor The Department of Pre-crime should have any say in the matter. One may argue that drug running is a business, but that bypasses the concept of ‘legitimate’ as they break other, more serious laws as well.

When I say to concentrate on the Word, I mean to spread the Good News of the resurrection and the new birth and how to live the more abundant life of John 10:10.

John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Jesus didn’t address the specifics of stealing, killing, or destroying. He went straight to the life. God has so much more to offer than a set of arcane rules regulations. God offers life in all its fullness. Yes, the details include changing one’s thinking and redirecting one’s actions, but the rewards are significant. Any athlete knows he must make significant sacrifices in order to perform, but he does it willingly for a temporal reward. God offers eternal rewards in addition to the immediate. Let’s concentrate on a few of the present rewards: Confidence, peace of mind, strength, even physical healing come from believing and adhering to God’s Word.

Psalm 107:20
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Rumor has it that heaven will be boring. Give me a break! Our limited perceptions cannot yet conceive of what it will be like. As vast as the universe seems to be, there will be even more to explore in the future. Therefore, do not get caught up in the tiny issues of today’s society. Those little wars the Adversary starts are nothing compared to the greatness of what God wrought for us in Christ Jesus. Even in the worst of times, God cares about our lives and works to see us blessed. Let yourself be blessed by God today by speaking of God’s goodness. That is what defeats the antics of the Adversary.