Meat for the Hungry

clipart.com   “ W e t h e P e o p l e of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the  United States of America.” [1]   When this God-given document was signed 237 years ago, it was unmatched. America was unlike any nation on earth. All others had monarchies. America had W E , T H E P E O P L E , as the governing body. “The Constitution united its citizens as members of a whole, vesting the power of the union in the people . [2]   In just a few days, W e, t h e P e o p l e , will have the opportunity to VOTE in probably the most consequential election of our nation’s history. And the question is, will God allow America to exist the way He designed it? Or will He continue to allow it to be dismantled fro...

Have you ever planned and carried out that plan just to feel differently about it afterward? Goodness, everything was riding on that one big moment, yet it fell flat. What happened? Did we misunderstand? It seemed perfect, but where do we go from here?   Thinker - Rodin - images.fineartamerica.com During the holidays, we plan changes we’d like to make in the new year and contemplate our future. We’re excited about fresh prospects and making the most of every opportunity. However, as our plans come to fruition, sometimes they aren’t what we expected, and we’re dumbfounded.   That’s when we must take a step back and remember, as Jeremiah did, “…the way of man is not in himself—it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” [1]   How did Jeremiah know this truth?   Jeremiah was the son of the priest, Hilkiah. He was too young to be a priest himself since thirty was the age for entering the priesthood. Yet, Jeremiah studied and believed God’s Word...

Painting by Sara Hancock (used with permission) COVID-19 and the state of emergencies have caused widespread distress. Fear and anxiety are rampant, and bordering on panic. Rapidly dwindling stock in stores has amplified fear. I must admit, when I saw Dollar General’s empty shelves, it unnerved me. In fact, I teared up as I realized just how much our lives have changed in only a few days. When we should be focusing on our upcoming Resurrection Day celebrations, we are smacked in the face with a pandemic and FEAR. In response, some believers have shouted the first part of II Timothy 1:7, saying, “The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear ...” While this is true, these believe we should not cancel church, etc. because we can trust God to keep us healthy. God is able to keep us healthy just as he was able to keep the three Hebrews safe in the fiery furnace. [1] But, the world sees this as being irresponsible.

Traditionally, June is the month for graduation and weddings, each individual or couple setting out on a new experience. The high school graduate out from under the rule and reign of mom and dad can, if they so choose, get a job and move out on their own. Some will work through the summer to save money for the new adventure of college.  On the other hand, marriage is also a new frontier. Most have only observed marriage, whether modeled in the home or on television. Still, they all set out on this journey into the unknown. So, what might you be attempting this summer that you have never done before, or what would you like to do, but are fearful?

Did you know every person has an element of faith? It is part of our human makeup, our conscious mind, if you will. It’s how we were created. We can have faith in animate and inanimate objects. For example, you may have faith in your spouse, children, pastor, or friends. Another type of faith is when you sit in a chair – you have faith the chair will hold you. So what is faith? Webster’s definition includes words like allegiance, fidelity, sincerity of intentions, belief, trust, and strong conviction. But there is a faith that goes way beyond the physical. It is something ethereal and supernatural. Hebrews 11:1 describes it as, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This is how we believe in God, Whom we do not physically see, but know He is there. Without this faith it is impossible to even believe there is a God, let alone please Him, “…for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 1...