Special Ed Math

Today I am substituting for Mrs. McGee. She teaches six periods of Special Education Math. I am a History, Language Arts kind of guy by nature, so this is something of a challenge for me. Though as you can probably guess, I do not have a great deal of teaching responsibility or I would not be writing this post while my three students are working on their project.

Mrs. McGee left all of these classes the same project to complete. They have $500 to spend on Christmas items. They must buy 5 items. They are not required to spend all the $500. They must determine the amount of tax on their subtotal. It their total is more than the $500 they must replace the items with those of a lower price so that the total will not exceed $500. When they find the total they are required to write a check for the amount. Some in these classes have spent every penny of the $500. While others have only spent part of the $500.

Is there a life lesson to be found in this somewhere? What an interesting idea, not spending more money than you have. What do you think of this idea?

And now a few additional thoughts.

Have any of you ever read the writings of Frederick Buchner? He is an award winning author turned preacher. He is truly a wordsmith. If you have not read his writings, let me recommend him to you. So just for some things to think about, here are a few quotes from Frederick Buchner.

"It is as impossible for men to demonstrate the existence of God as it would be for even Sherlock Holmes to demonstrate the existence of Arthur Conan Doyle."

"Pay mind to your own life, your own health, and wholeness. A bleeding heart is of no help to anyone if it bleeds to death."

"Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too."

Just some things to think about along the way.

Bob

Kingdom Kids

Some creative and wonderful ladies in our Children's Ministry came up with this name for the upper Elementary Bible class. I am honored to be teaching this group of young people this quarter. They are a blessing to me. They are a tribute to the godliness of their parents. They are unique as well as important members of our church family. They are bright and insightful with a strong spiritual focus. I love this class. For an old man who has spent most of his adult life teaching Adults they are a challenge and high point of my week. Thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of your lives, "Kingdom Kids."

Alec Watson
Annie Chadwick
Jared Cook
Jaxon Williams
Shelby Smith
Silas Williams

I am doubly blessed this quarter because I co-teaching with my 26 year old son Jamin. As a father I have invested time, teaching and true love into the lives of my children. As parents we teach, instruct, discipline and pray that they will learn the lessons we share from our own mistakes and failures. I simply do not have the words to tell you the joy and pride I feel as I listen to my son teach others people's sons and daughters. I hope in the near future to also teach with my daughter Jana (age 24), who also teaches in our Children's Ministry. These are two of my own "Kingdom Kids," the third (Jordan age 21) is still in college.

I have, for most of my life, wondered if my wife Nelma and I have been successful as parents. It is a question that I am still asking even after my children are grown. Have we made a difference not in the world but in the life of one child? As we work and teach with our children we can make a difference in the lives of these "Kingdom Kids?" Stephen Covey says we should, "begin with the end in mind." This close to the end of my life, I ask my self if I have made a difference in the lives of others? Have I helped some tired and troubled soul along the road of life? I long for my heavenly home. Yet, I wonder do i have more race left to run? When I am gone will I leave anything to help someone else run their course?

I look at my "Kingdom Kids" and pray that I can help them on life's journey to avoid many of the pitfalls and mistakes I have made. God help me, I pray each and every day, that I may teach, relect the image of Jesus and not cause even one these "Kingdom Kids" to stumble.

Just some things to think about along the way.

Bob

Chaos "It Happens!"

This is not going to be a discussion of "Chaos" theory. Usually "It Happens!' is associated with a different word. I do not wish to waste our time talking about dung. However, in some ways both of these matters relate to what I am going to write about in this post.

Chaos all too often describes my state of being and frequently my state of mind. It is also the environment in which ministry happens. Moments of ministry happen while we are on our way to do some great work (to paraphrase C.S. Lewis). It also occurs in the midst of the chaos of broken lives. It is in this chaos that the creative "Spirit of God" comes and brings meaning to my mess and calm in the midst of chaos.

Eugene Peterson in the Unnecessary Pastor writes,

If the scientists in controlled conditions can't come up with pure objectivity that translates into precise predictability, we're certainly not going to. For we work at the other end of the control spectrum: put a pastor and a congregation together and mostly what you have is some kind of chaos, what Genesis 1:2 names tohu [wa]bohu, "without form and void." This may not seem very promising, but you also have the Spirit of God, hovering over this chaos, and God's Word being spoken, bringing a world of creation and salvation into being. All ministry takes place in conditions of sin, over which the Spirit of God hovers and into which the world-making,life-changing Word of God is spoken.

He uses two Hebrew words (tohu, "with out form," and bohu, "void"). These two rhyming words are found paired together in two other Old Testament passages.

This usage is intended to compare the chaotic state of pre-creation earth with the post-resurrection world. In this End-Time world where life is messy and chaos threatens. It is the real world where those who are called by God are also called to minister. Is it possible that those called to ministry are not only the ones we call the clergy but all of us? Have we not all been called by God to serve (minister to) one another? In my more than 25 years of full time ministry the challenge has always been to find the calm in the midst of the chaos.

I am sure that much of the chaos of my daily existence is of my own making. I am probably also responsible for most of the "stuff" that "happens" in my untidy world. It is therefore, reassuring to know that the "Spirit of God" is hovering over my crazy mixed up life. He is waiting to breathe life into my lifeless corpse. I need resurrection and He raises me up and causes me to stand on solid ground. He forms a vessel of honor out of a formless,useless ball of spit and dirt. However, it is "God-Spit" and how important is that to remember?

God speaks and order is created out of disorder and chaos. God speaks and life is created from lifelessness. The void and chaos hear the voice of God and respond but are we humans listening?

Just some things to think about along the way.

Bob

Psalms 32:7 "You are my Hiding Place"

Vs. 1- Blessed is he whose transgressions(rebellion against God's will) are forgiven ("borne away"), whose sins (to miss the mark translated guilt in verse 5) are covered.

Psalm 32 is the second of the seven penitential psalms (6,32,38,51,102,130,143). This Psalm is generally associated in this regard with Psalm 51. Therefore, it is usually interpreted through this connection to David's sin with Bathsheba. It is also generally considered to be before the death of Uriah. It contains within it, a movement from sin and agony to repentance and joy. It begins with a beatitude or a word of blessing. It can be divided in to pairs of verses with verse five acting as the turning point.

Verses 1 and 2 The blessing of the forgiven man
Verses 3 and 4 The suffering state of the unforgiven

Verse 5 The turning point as he confesses his sin

Verses 6 and 7 The exhortation for others to trust in God in trouble
Verses 8 and 9 The exhortation to be malleable to instruction
Verses 10 and 11 The experience of the joy of Divine beneficence

Vs. 7- "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

When I read verse 7 of this Psalm I am reminded of a book, "The Hiding Place." It is the story of a Dutch family (the ten Boom's) who were imprisoned by the Nazi's during WWII for giving assistance to the Jews. These brave souls acted on their faith when many around them simply "turned a blind eye" to the inhuman treatment of innocent Jews. All life is precious and "no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another." Let me share with you a few quotes from the Book that reflect his family's attitude and faith in the most adverse of circumstances.

"The truth, Sir, is that God's viewpoint is sometimes different from ours...." Corrie ten Boom

"If I go home today, tomorrow I will open my door again to any man in need who knocks..." Casper ten Boom

"Thank you for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" Betsie ten Boom at the barracks at Ravensbruck concentration camp.

Vss. 3-4- "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away though my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me, my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer."

It is of interest to me that the Psalmist speaks of the agony that keeping silent inflicts upon him personally. He is speaking of keeping silent about his own sin in this context. The physical and emotional pain caused by our attempts to hide sin are enormous. The heavy burden of the guilt of sin is more than one can carry for any length of time. The body and spirit cry for release. For the psalmist that release comes in the form of confession.

How many different ways, methods or avenues do we humans try, as a means of hiding or assuaging our guilt? How often do we try to hide from God? It is an entirely different concept than to be "hidden in God." What does it mean to be "Hidden in God?"

Vs.6- "Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found..."

This Psalm was the favorite of Augustine of Hippo (St. Augustine). He had it read as he neared death. It was reportedly posted at his bedside as he drew close to death. One of his better knows works is "Confessions" and I would like to share a couple of quotes from Augustine.

"Let me know Thee, O Lord, who knowest me: let me know Thee, s I am known.For the confessions of my past sins, which Thou hast forgiven and covered, that Thou mightest bless me in Thee..."

The call to prayer is found in the middle of this Psalm. I found the following quote at the beginning of chapter one, of Philip Yancey's book, Prayer: Does it make any Difference?

"When a doctoral student at Princeton asked, 'What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?' Albert Einstein replied, 'Find out about prayer. Somebody must find out about prayer.'"

Let me share some thoughts or ideas from this beautiful Psalm. I hope that they will prompt questions and open up a dialogue.

• The Joy of Forgiveness
• The Agony of Sin
• The Healing of Confession
• The Exhortation to Pray
• The Unfailing Love of God
• The Wonder of Worship
  

Just somethings to think about along the way.

Bob

Seven Thunders: “The Voice of God”

Many of us are familiar with God speaking to Elijah in the “gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).” However, in Psalms 29 thunder and lightning are the manifestations of “the voice of God.” Seven times the phrase “the voice of the Lord” is mentioned in this Psalm. It reminds me of the line from the song, “God is an Awesome, God” it says, “There is thunder in his footsteps and lightning in his fist.” This is a vivid image, a word picture if you will, of an “Awesome God.”

MYTH
Marvel Comic fans will recognize “The Mighty Thor” a superhero created in the 1960’s. This comic book character is loosely based upon the Nordic, Germanic Myth of “Thor, god of thunder.” He is son of Odin and protector of Asgard (dwelling of the Nordic pantheon) and Midgard (the dwelling of humans). The “thunder gods” are often warrior figures. They are often also the protectors of the innocent, as well as the most powerful among the gods. “There is thunder in his footsteps and lightning in his fist.” This is a common image in Mythology.

SCIENCE

Modern science does not fully understand how thunder occurs. However, one of the most common explanations would be as follows. Thunder most frequently refers to the shock waves caused by the rapid heating and expanding of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning. The bolt changes the air into plasma and the resulting explosion causes shock waves, which we call, thunder. They occur almost simultaneously when the lightning flash is close. Sometimes there is a time between depending upon distance because light travels faster than sound.

AWE AND WONDER

If you were an ancient inhabitant of this planet we call earth who lived in a sod hut, a pole dwelling covered with animal skins or even if you made your home in a cave, no doubt you would be awed by thunder and lightning. The truth is that only a few nights ago lightning struck only a short distance from my home. The thunder shook my house and rattled my windows. I lurched upright in bed, awakened by the explosive force of the thunder. To be in awe of such power is not something reserved for only ancient humans. It is something modern man also fears and respects.

APPLICATION

God thunders and the mountains crumble. The Lord breathes upon the sea and its waves cover the land. The Lord hurls his lightning bolts and the cedars of Lebanon split apart. The earth quakes and the heavens shiver as the chariot of the Lord speeds across the heavens. “Behold, he comes riding on a cloud…” or so the song tells us. We experience his awesome presence and behold his glory.

Psalm 29 continues an overall theme, which we have addressed in these early Psalms. It is a reoccurring theme throughout the Psalter. This theme is one of worship and praise to Yahweh. This Psalm is also call the Song of Thunders. It is clear from this Psalm that its writer has a God-centered world view. The Lord is presented as a God of wonders (majesty) and glory. The voice of God is heard in seven thunders. At his voice, there are Earthquakes, Floods, Thunderstorms and Hurricane force winds.

1. Call to Worship (verses 1-2 &9b)
2. Presence of God is evident (verse 3).
3. Power of God is revealed (verse 4-9). Notice the verbs.
   Breaks
   Makes
   Strikes
   Shakes
   Twists
   Strips
4. Protection of God is known (verse 10).
5. Peace of God is experienced (verse 11).
   

Just somethings to think about on the way.

Bob

effectiveness

I read a good post on William Willimon's blog. Check out the link at the bottom of the page to view this post. The title is Maintance of Mission? I would like to share with you just a couple of points that he makes.


"The maintenance congregation seeks to avoid conflict at any cost (but rarely succeeds). The mission congregation understands that conflict is the price of progress, and is willing to pay the price. It understands that it cannot take everyone with it. This causes some grief, but it does not keep it from doing what needs to be done."

"The leadership style of the maintenance congregation is primarily managerial, where leaders try to keep everything in order and running smoothly. The leadership style in a mission congregation is primarily transformational, casting a vision of what can be, and marching off the map in order to bring the vision into reality."

I guess I would ask if we are a maintenance congregation or a mission congregation? In his blog he has 12 points that contrast the maintenance and mission congregation. This is good reading and offers, I believe, food for thought.

Just some things to think about along the way.

Bob

Dwelling in the House of the Lord

I just finished reading an article by Dallas Willard on Evangelism. I say article, it is really an interview with Willard that took place over several weeks and covered various topics. I found the following comments both interesting and insightful.

"The primary function of the church is not evangelism, but to be a place for the dwelling of God on earth. This requires that people grow and receive God and occupy their place with God. That would have a natural effect of evangelism. What we want is not just evangelism that makes converts. We want disciples...and if you are intent on making disciples and keep on that track, evangelism will take care of itself." He goes on to say, "Of course, understanding that evangelism is a natural function of a healthy Body doesn't preclude specific efforts. But the role of the community would be a primary factor in this. Many people will be drawn in without any special strategy but simply by the health of the people."

The Psalmist in Psalm 23 makes as his last statement, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Clearly this is his ultimate goal. It is life with his shepherd that prepares him for the present as well as, the final stage of life. It is all about learning to live in the kingdom of God. It is the Lord who provides for his every need. It is the Lord who give and sustains life. It is the Lord who protects, nurtures and nourishes him.

The health of the body is found in its connection to and dependence upon the Lord, who is both shepherd and Lord. We are now dwelling in the house of the Lord. But even more we are the house in which the Lord himself dwells. Which prompts the question of how ought we to live?

Dallas Willard comments upon living in the kingdom of God.

"God's intent was to have a kingdom in which we are significantly involved. That is the eternal as well as the temporal plan. Every human being, wherever they may be, is given the opportunity to enter into a companionship, a working relationship with God. The kingdom of God is what God is doing. And his plan was that he would be doing many things with us." "Churches that took seriously the kingdom of God would look a lot like training centers--training centers for life, a life interactive with God."

Do you see "a life interactive with God" in Psalm 23?
How do you view companionship and a working relationship with God?
What is God doing in His kingdom today?
What is he doing with you?
How can the church become a training center for life?

Just some things to think about along the way.

Bob

Silent Friday #1

Each of the evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) share with us the events of a day we know as “Good Friday.” However, each of them shares it from their own unique point of view. It is important for us to view this pivotal event from all these different angles. They are different witnesses of the same event but each sees these events from their unique perspective and then shares that testimony with all of us. In Luke, the Jesus on the cross is the same gentle and forgiving person in death that he is in life. In Luke Jesus on Good Friday is proactive in requesting pardon for the guilty. He seeks God’s pardon for those who have beaten, shamefully treated and crucified him. With his dying breath he commits his spirit into the hands of a loving father. The Jesus we discover in Luke’s account is the magnificent martyr. The wonderful witness. The gracious victim.

Jesus begs for the forgiveness of those who have beaten him and nailed him to a cross. I am compelled, at this point, to ask of myself the following question. Could I do this even for those who have not treated me as brutally as Jesus was treated? The fact that he does this freely without any need to be asked is even more amazing from a human point of view. That this conversation is between him and his father is demonstrated in his statements ("Father, forgive them they don’t know what they are doing.” In addition “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”). This conversation is somewhat muted by the events transpiring around him: First, by the sounds of soldiers cursing and laughing as they gamble for his clothes. Second, the crowd’s shouts and scream as they mock him. Third, by the hollow ring of the hammer as it strikes nails and the sound of the nails piercing skin and wood. Fourth, by his friends and loved ones weeping and crying a few huddled together at the scene. Fifth, by the others hiding behind locked doors or standing at a distance trembling in fear. Here in this frozen moment of time, this “Good Friday,” we are all blindsided by the unfathomable forgiveness and the amazing grace of God.

Those around, even though they are not listening, are in reality (to borrow a phrase from Fred Craddock) “overhearing the gospel.” In a dramatic and glorious way we are “blindsided” by the love and mercy of God. This is seen in the reaction of the Roman centurion and the crowd.

“Surely this was a righteous man. When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breast and went away” (Luke 23:47b & 48).

Craddock uses the phrase (“overhearing the gospel”) to describe a style of preaching. He also uses the phrase “indirect communication” for this form of preaching. It is a narrative format, engaging form and accurate way to communicate the essence of the gospel. This is also quite often the way we encounter the gospel.

In Luke’s narrative, if you permit me to say, all of us are also, eavesdropping on (overhearing) a private conversation. It is in fact, a one-sided conversation between a son and his father. Jesus is talking about all of us but not too us. However, we are far from innocent by-standers. As the recipients and beneficiaries of his request we become embroiled, engaged and participants in the gospel story. In this instance, the gospel message is overt, objective and visible in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is also covert, subtle and auditory in the conversation of Jesus with his father. In the latter it slips up on us and jumps us from behind. It is as if the gospel slips in the back door and takes us by surprise. We are blindsided by the unconditional love of Jesus, even in this obscene event (crucifixion). Jesus slips up on us and hits us with the punch line; “Father, forgive them…” and finally the shout with his last breath, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit…” We have become accustom with Jesus’ preaching and teaching to this typical and familiar style. Those standing by overheard the gospel in a moving and dramatic way but it was not until they heard the punch line that it became evident and they respond. “This was a righteous man…” and “They go away beating their breast…”

We wait anxiously for the answer to thunder from heaven. We watch with eager anticipation for the heavens to open and angels to descend. We expectantly await the heavenly host with trumpets blaring and armed with fiery swords in hand to rush to his rescue. We overhear the conversation and wait. No thunder is heard, no angels appear, and nothing disturbs the silence, as time seems to stand still. As we overhear the conversation, it is like listening in on one side of a phone conversation. We hear the words of Jesus but only silence from God. Still we wait. This too is the gospel. It is Friday and on Friday God is silent. We are left with uncertainty and questions. Waiting and longing for an answer only to be greeted with an oppressive silence. Someone tell me once again why they call this “Good Friday?” The silence of Friday is deafening but we have become accustom to the “sounds of silence.”

One cannot help but wonder if the human Jesus longed for just a whisper in his ear. The quiet reassuring voice of a loving father in this circumstance would bolster his confidence. The knowledge of his presence could make a world of difference. Do you remember what it was like to know your father was near by? The feel of his prickly whiskers on your cheek, the scent of after shave as he held your head on his shoulder and he gently whispered “I love you” in your ear. The aroma of your father fresh in your nostrils reminds you that you are safe in his arms. You feel his strength and you are reassured and confident in his presence. In this knowledge, our hope is restored, but for Jesus there is no shoulder, and no soft whisper only silence.

We wonder aloud, if God could answer with a voice from heaven at his baptism and the cry from heaven on that holy mountain where he was transfigured before his disciples. Then, why is it that when Jesus was on the cross there is no, word not even a sigh? All we hear is simply the mournful cry of a man alone, in pain, helpless and lost. The woeful cry of a deserted soul, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” However, this is another conversation, a part of Matthew’s Good Friday story and I choose to save this discussion for another time. Now we are overhearing the conversation of Jesus and his father found in Luke’s Gospel. Even no answer can be an answer but, it’s Crucifixion Friday and on this Friday God is silent. We wait in silence for the answer. This too is another story for another time. That is the story of resurrection Sunday when God shouts in triumph and we sing a song of victory. It is not the story of Silent Friday.

Bob

Hanging Curtains

I just finished helping Nelma hang curtains in the formal dining room. I don't know why it would be called formal. It has never been used in that way and probably never will be use formally. We are just not formal people. I am at least, just as common as dirt. Nelma is not common, she is a "Pearl of Great Price," at least to me she is. But, I think maybe I am rambling.

We have been in our new house for almost two years and we still don't have all the curtains up. I suppose one could assume the reason it is taking so long is that we are just slow. On the other hand we have never owned our own home before and being in our late fifties it is kind of nice to just take your time. So I think it is alright to be slow this way we can enjoy the process together.

I guess that since this is our first home then new home may not describe it properly. Yet, it is new and it is new to us so, yea new home is correct. During twenty six years of our married life we lived in homes furnished by the church. Some of the houses were nice and some were not. We were always thankful for what we had. Our children never lived in a house that belonged to us growing up. I am fairly certain that that was not something that traumatized them. They turned out quite well adjusted in spite of what some might consider a disadvantage.

It is a new experience for me being a home owner. All the new experiences like hanging curtains, landscaping and repairs are something I am not sure I enjoy. I am happy that Nelma has her own home that she can decorate. It is something that has brought her joy and because it brings her joy I am happy for her. Even mowing the grass takes on a new meaning when you own your own home. It is not something I really like to do, but it's my grass and that's a good thing. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Nelma willingly gave up many of the things that her sisters and friends took for granted through the years and one of them was a home of her own. She never complained and she ask for very little in the way of worldly comforts. We worked together in ministry for more than twenty five years. She clipped coupons, only bought clothes from the clearance rack(both of which she still does) and made due with what we had. She lost both of her parents while our children were still young. It was difficult for her, following me around from one small church to another in one dusty west Texas town after another. Never during that time did a grumble or a negative word came from her mouth.

Looking back I wish I had been able to give her more. She deserved it. I wish I could do more today, she still deserves it. She has truly been the best part of my poor miserable life. Her love is truly the nectar of life for me.

As I think more about it I know I am happy to help her hang curtains. I am glad she has a place to hang her curtains. Most of all I thank God for Nelma Rose Phillips the most fragrant flower that forever blooms in the garden of my life.

Bob

Psalms 15 The Uncorrupted Life

This psalm considers the relationship between God and man in worship. The Psalmist asks the central question about the possibility of this reality coming to pass. One might simply ask how is it possible for a Holy God to enter into an intimate, daily relationship with sinful human beings. We recognize the absurdity of this actually happening and the audasity of proposing such a union. Yet, the scriptures are a record of this very real relationship taking place.

The Psalmist connects religion and morality in this matter as a necessary partnership. In ancient religions the connection between religion and morality was not made. They were in fact mutually exclusive ideas for most pagan religions. This is not to say that morality was not a part of their culture but to say that it was not based upon religious beliefs. The Romans and Greeks philosophers for exsample address the issue of morality but only from the stand point of being a good citizen and not a matter of religious belief. It is not until Judism that the connection is made between these two. With the giving of the Law it was God himself who connected these two concepts. It is something that is continued in Christianity.

This psalm begins a question about who is worthy to dwell in the “tent” or “tabernacle” of God. It is similar to both psalm 24 and 100 in that they address the subject of worship. It is also didactic in nature, that is it a “torah” or teaching psalm on the definition of religious duty. It is interesting to note the words used in this Psalm that indicate temporariness or that reminds us life is a journey (sojourn, dwell, tent or tabernacle and walk). This world is not our home nor is it a permanent residence for our God. We are transients, nomads, vagabonds, hitchhikers, wanderers who are like our father Abraham (a wandering Aramean) who had no permanent residence.

The first verse is synonymous parallelism, that is to say the second stanza is a repetition of the first only in different words.

Lord, who may dwell (sojourn) in your
sanctuary (tent or
tabernacle)?
Who may live (dwell) on your holy hill?

The reference is to the tabernacle in Jerusalem. While it was Solomon who built the temple on the “holy hill” in Jerusalem, David brought the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-edom to Mount Zion. Until the temple was dedicated, the ark resided in a temporary home, a tabernacle much like it did while Israel wondered in the wilderness. God would not allow David to build his house because of the blood on his hands. It was his son, Solomon who constructed the first temple in Jerusalem. This story is recorded for us in 1 Chronicles 22:6-10.

It is ironic that David would conquer Jerusalem which will be called the “city of David,” bring to the ark to Jerusalem and want to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant in the holy city. David would be called a friend of God and a man after God’s own heart, and yet, he would not be allowed to build the temple in which the ark would dwell. The Ark of the Covenant is the physical embodiment, the living presence of Yahweh the God of Israel in the midst of his people.

There is real irony when one considers the situation as presented in Palm 15. That is to say, that this “bloody man,” who is also a “man after God’s own heart,” would be the one to pose the question found in verse one of Psalm 15.

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

I suggest that we consider the following questions and listen to David’s instruction “torah.” Who better to recognize the difficulty entering into the presence of a holy God? Who else but such a man as David could see the improbability of a sinful human being standing in the holy place where God dwells? Who better than David is capable of presenting us a possible answer to this question? He will offer his insight and “torah” instruction in the verses that follow.

Israel may have followed the Near Eastern custom of informing worshipers of the cultic requirements to be met for admission to the temple. However, this passage is not talking about cultic requirements but social responsibilities. These are ethical requirements made upon those who wish to enter the presence of God in worship and praise. They must consider the reality; there are conditions that must be met before one may even enter the holy presence of God in worship and that these are relational in nature.

Jesus echo’s this idea as he teaches that one must be reconciled to his brother before offering his gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). Worship is a corporate act not simply an individual act and as such is affected by our social and communal interactions. God would seem to be more concerned with their fellowship and relationships than with the ritual forms that worship takes. Could it be that attitude should come before action? To put it another way, God is more concerned with the character of the worshiper than the characteristics worship might take.

Consider this statement, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice…” (Hosea 6:6) Jesus quotes this scripture and asks his listeners if they know the meaning of this statement. I would suggest that this is a very important question for each of us. Micah poses the idea that God is concerned about how one approaches Him and what one is to bring to Him as a form of worship in chapter 6:6-8. Notice also his conclusion on the subject in verse 8.

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the
Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I
offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my
soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Jesus speaks to this issue on several occasions (see Luke 11:42; Mt. 9:13; 23:23 and Mark 12:33). Human interaction is connected to the quality and acceptability of our divine intersection in His “sanctuary” and on His “holy hill.”

The psalmist presents ten characteristics that will prepare the worshiper for entrance into the presence of God. In verse 2a, we find a general statement, “whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous…” this is followed by more specific applications of the principle found in verses 2b through 5b, and finally a conclusion found in 5c which goes beyond worship and extends the principle to the entirety of life. “He who does these things will never be shaken.”

The general principle and specific applications:
· “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous.”
o Who speaks the truth(faithfulness, reliability) from his heart
o Has no slander(gathering & repeating tales, gossip) on his tongue
o Who does his neighbor no wrong
o Cast no slur(utter reproach) on his fellow man
o Who despises(opposed to) a vile man(reprobate one who is rejected)
o But honors those who fear the Lord
o Who keeps his oath even when it hurts
o Who lends his money without usury
o Who does not accept a bribe against the innocent

The conclusion: One who lives a life of integrity is eternally justified.

· “He who does these things will never be shaken (anchored).”

Just a few things to think about along the way.

Bob

I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed

My Cup Overflows

The first thought that comes to mind upon reading the title is a quote from the 23rd Psalm, which goes:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head
with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

For Jews and Christians alike this is a favorite psalm. It is also one of the most well known among the general population.

• It speaks to the human need and desire for daily sustenance.
• It reveals the God who goes beyond daily need to lavish on His people abundant blessings.
• It addresses our deepest longing is for the place of peace and rest.
• It speaks to our greatest desire for protection and belonging.
• It is a reminder in the day-to-day grind of simple existence, we more accustom to the “valley of the shadow” than the “house of the Lord.
• In our relationship with Yahweh, we have our answer to these needs.
  
  

While ones first thought may be of this well-known psalm, I have a different experience. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you. I heard a poem this past weekend at the funeral of 99-year-old Jess Wilson. It was an appropriate an accurate image of him. However, for me it conjured up memories from what I thought was a long forgotten past. The line from the unknown author goes, “I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed.” I can relate in a very personal way to this image. I recall examples from my youth where my grandparents, aunts and uncles would pour their coffee mixed with cream and sugar into a saucer. This is often how ordinary country people of Jess’s generation drank their coffee.

The proper etiquette in these matters is to hold the saucer in both hands with the edge of the saucer held firmly between thumb and first finger. One would caress it as the steam slowly rises from the beige concoction. They would blow short gentle breaths upon the mixture. This would serve two purposes; first was to cool this sorcerer’s brew. The second was to draw out the experience to prolong the anticipation of the sweet reward of drinking the nectar of the gods. After what seemed to be an eternity they and sip audibly from the saucer’s contents. This ritual may seem like a quant custom to some. However, I am told that in many cultures this is more than acceptable behavior it is normal. Emigrants brought this custom to the new world and passed it down to each new generation. I fear we will lose this wonderful and poetic practice with the passing of the “greatest generation.”

One can only wonder what the reaction might be at the local Starbucks. A slightly more than middle-aged man enters and proceeded to pour his Quad Venta Latte into a saucer (that is if they have saucers), and he began blow, and slurp until his hearts content. One can only imagine the stares, the frowns and looks of indignation that such a sophisticated coffeehouse crowd would cast his way. With such barbaric behavior, one would soon become persona non-gratta at every vender of fine coffees in the world.
I cannot say that I care you see, “I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed.”

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in
path if 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 love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.”

• It is a glorious blessing to be a sheep in the pasture of the Great and Good Shepherd.
• The Lord God of Israel blesses his children with an abundance of his mercy and grace.
• Such grace is beyond human comprehension and far surpasses what we deserve.
• God pours our cup to overflowing.
• In the kingdom of God, we are all, “drinking from our saucers, because our cups overflowed.”
  
  

Thank you Lord.

Just a few things to think about on the way.

Bob

Psalm 8 "The Majesty of God and Smallness of Man

Psalm eight begins with what C.S. Lewis called, “This short, exquisite lyric.”

We can understand what he is saying as we consider the wonderful refrain with which the psalm begins. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Verses 1 and 9 bracket the more individual reflections found in verses 2-8. He uses the covenant name for God, Yahweh (Lord). Then he reinforces it with the more general second “Lord.” Repetition is a common technique used in scripture to intensify a statement. The repetition of words or phrases is used for emphisize. Yahweh is glorified, praised, and magnified as the covenant God of Israel. In this the people are reminded that they are His elect community, chosen by Yahweh not because of their greatness, but because of His grace. He is their God and they are His people. What does it mean to be a community of covenant people? As a chosen people how should we live?

In this psalm the majesty of God is compared with the littleness and finiteness of human beings. Modern man in all his arrogance has become confident in his superior technology and intellect. We strut about as if we were the masters of our own destiny and captains of our fate. When in fact we have in our arrogance transformed the planet from a paradise into a rotting, decaying wasteland, a shadow of its former beauty. Yet, even in the midst of this mess the majesty of God’s name and nature is still being revealed in both heaven and earth. It is God who “makes beauty of my mess.” The creation is a compelling witness to the glory of God. The havens are universal and so should be the praise for the God who created the “spangled heavens.” The cry of our lips should not be to proclaim the greatness of man but to sing the praise of God. We sing, “How majestic is your name in all the earth.”
John R. W. Stott says,

"The enemies of God, blinded by their proud rebellion, do not see His glory; but they are confounded by children and infants. Jesus quoted these words when the children acclaimed Him in the Temple with their hosannas, while the chief priest and scribes indignantly objected (Matthew 21:15, 16). God is still glorified in the simple faith of children and in the childlike humility of Christians believers (see Matthew 11:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).”

The trust that children have for their parents is far from a simple matter. Their complete confidence in these "mere mortals" is magnificent thing to behold. Yet, it is also an awesome responsibility and privilege to live up to that trust. We should never betray the trust children place in us. It is the children and infants in this psalm who chant the praise of God. Have we become so sophisticated and self-absorbed that we fail to recognize and acknowledge the glory of God, which is the natural response of the children and infants? Jesus says this is God’s “good pleasure” to do this (Matthew 11:26). It is completely and totally a God thing. How have you experienced the “good pleasure” of a merciful and loving God? O, to be a child once more and to be able to live with such faith and trust.

The comparative smallness of man is the counterpoint to the greatness of God. God is portrayed as the artisan who draws upon the canvas of the heavens with his fingers to color the moon and stars. These are “his handiwork.” He is also an artisan in his creation of man who is “a little lower than the heavenly beings” and yet “you have crowned him with glory and honor.” Not only has he crowned him with glory and honor, he has also given him a place of honor over creation. Man is far from being God but he is also far from being a “beast of the field.” The psalmist marvels that God would consider man and continuously care for him. This seems to be beyond his comprehension, as it is mine. The psalmist asserts the truth of this statement and reminds us the reason man was created is to praise and worship God.

The symphony of grace intensifies as the psalmist reflects on the blessings God has lavished upon man. He has made man to rule over the beast of the field (flocks and herds), birds of the air and creatures who swim in the sea. God has entrusted man with all that he created. Will man prove to be trustworthy? Man’s position in and over creation is wholly a matter of grace. It is simply because God has chosen to give him this great honor. Do we consider this blessing an honor? Will we be responsible as stewards of this trust? The great artist has created a masterpiece of wonder and majesty for us to enjoy and cherish. He has drawn us into the masterpiece. It is the work of his hand but how will we respond to this wonderful gift?

The psalmist will boldly proclaim in worship and praise his affirmation of the majesty and mystery of God. It is in a beautiful affirmation of praise that he ends this psalm as it began.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.”

Just a few things to think about along the way.

Bob

A YEAR OF WONDER

Walter Scott migrated to the US in 1818 from Scotland. He was a member of the Church of Scotland. He received his education from the University of Edinburgh. After coming to America, he taught and worshipped with a Scottish Baptist church in Pittsburgh. Scott met and struck up a friendship with Alexander Campbell in 1821. They found that they had common ground and that they were in many ways kindred spirits. Scott contributed articles on evangelism for the initial issue of The Christian Baptist, Campbell’s first Journal. Walter Scott suggested the name Christian Baptist. In 1827, the Mahoning Baptist association was looking for and evangelist for the Western Reserve. The previous year the 17 churches of the association baptized 34 people. Campbell recommended Scott for the position of Evangelist for the association.
In his first year as Evangelist, he baptized nearly a thousand people and averaged a thousand per year for the next 30 years. While 1827 was a banner year for Scott the evangelist of the association had an even better year in 1828, which was often called “year of wonders.”
In the revivals of that time, there were a large number of responses. Scott, however, was dissatisfied with the situation he found. He was dissatisfied with the number respondents but his dissatisfaction was with the common practice of the respondents. While the churches of the association all practiced immersion, they had not come to a decision on what to do about the question, “what must I do to be saved?”
The problem was the religious tradition of Calvinism, which left the people feeling helpless about their salvation and election by God. Those who responded to the invitation came to the mourner’s bench or anxious bench. This practice was one where the respondent kneeled and prayed for a breakthrough. Waiting, crying and shaking seeking a sign from God that they had been accepted. One can imagine the overwhelming majority of respondents never received a word from God, which left them feeling helpless and hopeless. Scott came up with an idea to circumvent this practice of “praying through” at the mourner’s bench or anxious bench and waiting for a sign from God of their election.
In his studies, Scott found what he believed to be the answer, which he called “the ancient gospel” and latter wrote a book on this subject called “The gospel restored.” He summarized the gospel in six points; this gave those independent minded frontier people who responded something that they could do in the salvation process. The three things that humans could do were to believe, repent and be baptized. God made three promises forgiveness of sins, gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.
He later shortened the six things to five, which led to a five-finger evangelistic method. Here are the five things, believe, repent, be baptized, forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. The problem with this method was that the formula could become legalistic. Scott did not use it in a legalistic way because he kept focus on the central teaching of Christianity, Jesus is the Christ. Even though his formula was being successfully used before the joining of Stone and Campbell in 1832, the evangelist of the movement adopted the formula and used it effectively.
Those who came later changed the formula somewhat and in their hands, it did become legalistic. In fact, those who came along later made it all about what the individual did and not about what God did. I would suggest that when you remove “forgiveness of sins” and replace it with “confession” then take away “the gift of the Holy Spirit” and substitute “walk in newness of life” or “live the Christian life” you have if not removed God from the process then diminished his role in the event. This may appeal to our independent frontier spirit but can potentially lead to a human centered religion rather than one that is Christ centered.
Why do you think that Scott was so successful?
Have you ever heard anything like his five-finger formula before?
Why do you think Scott proposed these changes?
Was Scott someone who was thinking outside the box?
What can we learn from the story that will enable us to be better evangelist?

Just a few things to think about on the way
Bob

MAKING MY WAY THE ONLY WAY I KNOW HOW

The title line is from the theme song for the Duke’s of Hazard. I am talking about the original television program with Waylon Jennings singing the theme song. You know the one with the original Bo, Luke, Daisy, Cooter and Uncle Jesse and not the current movie version remake. The line actually goes, “making their way the only way they know how, that’s just a little bit more than the law will allow.” It is, I think, a truism that most if not all of us can relate too about our real world existence. The real world is unfair, untidy, unruly and the outcome unknown. I recognize in my own dirt farm existence that I am simply “making my way the only way I know how” and all too frequently, that seems to be coloring outside the lines of my own religious heritage.

This is the sad reality of my everyday existence, it is uncertain at best. Like the Duke boys, my life seems to go from one crisis to another. I am constantly trying to stay one-step ahead of those who would try to steal the farm and enslave my family and me. The boss Hogg types of this world in their white suits, drop top Cadillac’s and smoking Cuban cigars make life a constant struggle for survival. These fat cat control freaks who live high on the hog and off the backs of the poor force all of us to make our way the best way we know how. Yet, there always seemed to be an Uncle Jesse type waiting loyally at home. The one who is ready when necessary to bail me out and remind me that someone loves me and believes in me. We all need family and friends who will stand by us. Those rare and wonderful fellow travelers on road of life, also making their way the only way they know how.

What of the others, the selfish, greedy, shameless, immoral and deceptive forces of darkness. The “they” we all know or believe to be out there somewhere who are constantly attempting to gain power over others and their environment by whatever means imaginable or possible. They seek power as an addict seeks another fix because the ultimate use of power to control others is the greatest of all trips. Once one becomes accustom to people bowing to their every whim, they seem forever bound to crave that power. In this way they remind me of Al Gore who cannot seem to resist the urge to appear on one more television program, propose one more goofy idea or write one more pointless book just to stay in the public eye. Just making their way the only way they know how, I suppose.

The forces of evil propose to dismantle our lives piece by piece and make us toys for their own amusement. Then only to cast us a side like broken toys left to rust on the waste site of history. Like pawns on a chessboard, they move and manipulate us about the board for there own perverse pleasure. All of this in an attempt to achieve some kind of strategic advantage over our individual lives. The more we attempt to shake off the shackles and chains of spiritual bondage the more force the enemy exerts to enslave and subjugate us. Those who are free are always a threat to those who have allowed themselves to become slaves to the enemy of all humankind. In a world dominated by the selfish, greedy, shameless and immoral, the children of light are making their way the best way they know how. Evil and darkness cannot tolerate exposure to light. When we shine even the smallest ray of sunshine into this dark corner of the world, we are making our way the best way we know how.

Those who walk in the dark places are creatures of the shadows who cannot tolerate exposure to the light. In the world, that these loathsome creatures inhabit any flicker of light is to be feared, hated and crushed. Hidden in the shadows they manipulate people and circumstances in the attempt to destroy the greatest threat to their existence, the children of light. It is in this seedy underbelly of human existence that the followers of the dark one exist. I say exist because they do not live but merely exist. They do not know the meaning of true life. They hide behind mask of light; they wear white suits and pretend to be followers of the true God. They tell lies that they represent as truth. Dark shadowy lies, the kind that has just enough truth to make them seem believable to the gullible and spiritually weak. By feeding upon the weak, they retain their source of power. They prey upon the weak like parasites sucking their life from them. Like ticks sucking the lifeblood from them, these loathsome creatures bury themselves into their host and they grow larger and darker with every drop of blood they drain. In this shadowy, parasitic world of lies, deceit and half-truth, we the free children of light are making our way the best way we know how. We fight, wage war with the shadow using weapons of light to bring hope to the hopeless.

In a hostile world where the forces of darkness lurk in the shadows, disguise themselves in white suits, in the world of greedy, shameless, immoral, self-centered and in a world of fakes and frauds “I am making my way the only way I know how.” I will attempt to live as a ray of light in the darkness. I will assert that true strength is revealed in weakness. I will live as a free man no matter what the cost. Making my way the only way I know how by walking in the light with the God of mercy, love and grace.

Just a few things to think about along the way.

Bob

Thinking about Thinking

I have been thinking about thinking but my problem is how do I begin. Is thinking simply a mental exercise or is it something more? I want to be careful and not over do the exercise. Too much brain strain might cause me to pull something. I would hate to strain a brain string of something and go the DL. I doubt that I will come close to injury of any kind because I am sure that I am not going to work that hard at thinking.

I was substitute teaching this past week in Biology. It was a class of 10th graders (which is as interesting and challenging as it is questionable whether any thinking occurs in this environment). One of the questions in their workbook was about the place in scientific study of prior understanding. The students had a difficult time understanding what prior understanding meant. I am thinking that I just don't know the answer to their questions, but I will think about it and get back to you. What are your prior assumptions? I have some such as, good new is better than bad news, mercy is better than justice and Jesus is better than anything.

I realize that this probably does not make any sense but then neither does the whole worldview thing. I simply don't know if I am a modern or a postmodern thinker. It occurs to me that I may not be a thinker at all just an imaginer (is that a word?) or a want to be. I don't know if I am a Stoic or an Epicurean. Though I do like to eat and when the sun is shinning I like to sit under the porch. Maybe I am a little of each if that is possible.

There is a cooking show on cable TV called "Epicurus." The host cook all types of fine looking and delicious looking food. It is unfortunate that Epicurus himself would not have though much of this abuse of his philosophical school. Epicurus created a close knit community and his followers were very devoted to him, they looked at him as a father figure. The philosophy of "eat, drink and be merry" was not something that Epicurus taught. He did that pleasure was a virtue but for him physical pleasure the least important. It is interesting how those thinkers who come along later can put their own spin of the ideas of others. The name implies that this is the "philosophy of the garden." They were satisfied to spend time in contemplation, with drawn from the world at large.The Stoics on the other hand derived their name from the covered porch in Greek "stoa." They were very much engaged in everyday life, a regular fixture in the market places of their world. We have then in these two school the people of the garden (secluded life) and the people of the market place (actively engaged in politics and life). Activists and isolationist I think.

Sometimes I want to be a gardener and other times I want to be an activist. I just don't know what to think or how to think about thinking. If I sound confused well I am but then most of us maybe all of us live quiet lives of confusion as much as desperation. Welcome to my strange and wonderful world. I am just someone making my way the best that I know how in the world. The journey is long and hard but the end is in sight. Well maybe it is not but it will be in the near future or maybe not (that was just too much thinking).

Well I think I will go have something to eat. Maybe I'll have a good garden salad or is that too much activism? What do you think? Maybe I will just fast and pray. The quiet contemplation of my own garden which is next to my porch of all things. Kind of like Jesus going to a quiet place to pray or going to a grotto for quiet contemplation and spiritual reflection.


Just a few things to think about along the way.

Bob

Choosing a Path

Psalm 1
The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

Jerome quoted the opinion of some that the first psalm is “the preface of the Holy Spirit” to thePsalter. There are two particular themes are found in it, which recur in many other psalms.
The first is the clear-cut distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The Bible as a whole, and specially the Wisdom Literature, divides humankind into these two absolute categories, and does not recognize a third. Consider Psalms 32, 36 and 112 also compare and contrast the righteous and the wicked.
The second theme concerns the present fortunes and the ultimate destinies of human beings. In the first and last words of Psalm 1 indicate the alternatives. Blessed is the righteous person who delights in God’s law; the ungodly, on the other hand, will perish. Blessing and cursing are a part of life. It is possible that Jeremiah is elaborating on this psalm in Jeremiah 17:5-8.
In Jeremiah the prophet reverses the order that is found in the psalm. This may be simply the difference between the preacher and the poet. The prophet tells us that this is a word for the Lord. He uses comparative language to describe the path of the wicked (those who trust in man) and the path of the righteous (those who trust in the Lord). He calls one source of trust “mere mortals” and he says they make “flesh their strength.” The blessed one are the ones who “trust in the Lord” and whose “trust is the Lord.” The image is of either dying plants in the desert or growing plants in a lush well-watered garden. The time of drought is not a problem for those who grow by the water. The key for the preacher is to remind the people where or in whom they should place their trust. The difference between the blessed and the cursed is a matter of trust. Trust is another way of speaking of faith and even more it is closely akin to hope in the Hebrew language. It is a much different concept than the popular usage in the English language.
The psalmist in his teaching anticipates the teaching of Jesus himself when he admonishes men and women to either follow the broad road that leads to destruction or the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13,14). The path one chooses to walk will be not only about the destination but also the quality of life one enjoys or endures on life's journey. What is your destination? What is the quality of your life? What have you learned on the journey? The road of life is long, often hard and usually takes unexpected turns. It is a journey frought with pitfalls and pleasures. It is a quest for what is enduring or eternal if you will. The words from the new Third Day song are appropriate here I think, “I must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain of God.” I love this song. This group seems to clearly recognize the reality of mountain peaks and valleys on the journey of life. Their song is a very good current and relevant interpretation of Psalm 1 and Matthew 7.
The Psalm is divided into two sections
1. The Righteous will prosper (1-4).
a. The righteous person is first described negatively, then positively. They are composed in a triple set of parallels: “walk, stand, and sit” “counsel, way, seat,” “wicked, sinners, mockers.” More over it is in a downward progression. The godly do not model their conduct on the advice of bad people. The godly do not linger in the company of persistent evildoers, still less remain permanently among the cynical who openly scoff at God.
b. The godly make the law of the Lord their rule. He means not just the 10 commandments but all the rules and regulations of the Law of Moses and all God’s revelation as guides for life. It is their delight; it is their meditation both day and night.
c. This was a favorite text of Jerome the author of the Latin version of the Bible. He relentlessly pursed his study first in the desert (wilderness), and then for nearly thirty-five years in a grotto near the traditional scene of the Nativity in Bethlehem.I wonder if we might not need spend some time in the wilderness or a grotto engaged in meditation and spiritual contemplation for our greater spiritual formation?
d. The common metaphor “like a tree planted by streams of water” found throughout the Bible. Creates for us a beautiful image of a clear, crisp mountain stream flowing over the rock, with majestic a nd beautiful trees growing by its banks.This path as a course for ones life is one of nurture and nurishment. It is a journey that we all need, many of us seek and few of us discover it. Yet, it is an opportunity available to all who will drink from its lifegiving stream.

2. The Wicked will parish. (verses 5 & 6)
The psalmist contrast the two different paths in vivid language as he says,"not so the wicked!" Instead of being like a fruitful tree, they are completely different. They are like chaff, dry and useless. They are not planted by the waters but blown about by the gail force winds of an uncertain and misdirected life. This is also a common metaphor found in the Bible. Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind according to the prophet Hosea. The are like chaff in the following two ways.
They are unprofitable.
They are unstable.
They are told that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will perish. Verse 6 serves as a general conclusion to the Psalm as a whole. It presents us with some interesting food for thought about life in general but more so about how we choose a course for our lives, as well as what course we may chose. It reminds us to be cauious about the advise we seek and those from whom we may choose to seek advise. It reminds us to live right and think right. In a world of wars, hatred, famine, indifference and deceit how we think about others, and ultimately how we treat others is of utmost importance. In an age where many are seeking to find their way to a better life, could it be that the psalmist writing several thousand years ago offers a more spiritual focus and course for living.

Just some things to think about on the way.

Bob

heartandsoul

heartandsoul