The End of October

Having not written for awhile, the following will be a potpourri of reflections. Galatians 6:7 states very clearly that God is not mocked, and whatever a person sows that will he also reap. In other words our actions, decisions, words, or lack thereof, have consequences. A relative of mine, diagnosed with diabetes, declined to modify diet, take prescribed medicine or otherwise take care of himself. The result? He went into the hospital, had emergency surgeries, suffered much, and will take awhile to recover. Another chooses to use the "wisdom" of the world rather than the wisdom of God. The results are already apparent. This is tragic yet seems to be the only way that most will ever learn, if at all. God has gone to tremendous effort to give us the wisdom to live our lives in a way pleasing to Him, and beneficial to us, in a Book now accessible to virtually everyone. Even those who cannot read can listen to recordings. The vast majority of the peoples of the planet now have the Bible in their own language. Yet the majority of those who identify as Christians, in my observation, do not read what is so freely available, and if they do, they don't receive its teachings. In John 8 Jesus makes a very strong statement. He says, "Whoever is of God hears ( in context, does or practices) the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." (v. 47 ESV) I suspect the reason for this is a lack of surrender to the will of God, reflecting our innate rebellion. Saying a few words in a prayer or getting wet (baptism) does not make one a follower of Christ. This requires surrender of the will, or in Biblical language receiving the Lordship of Christ. ( Romans 10:9, Luke 6:46, Romans 14:9, John 14:6 etc.) Why has God provided this wisdom through Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), to us? Because of His great love for us. He did not leave us as orphans. ( John 14:18) God the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. ( Acts 5:32) My appeal to those who may see this post is read and receive the words of God. No one else will ever love or care for you as much as He does. "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ( Romans 5:5b)