Monday, November 23, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, November 23, 2020

Not Our Way But God’s Way

“In the Reunion" is the tenth episode of the second season of Angel, a TV series, originally broadcast December 19, 2000. In a climactic scene, when vampires are about to kill many trapped humans, their supervisor turns to Angel for help. 
Holland: "Angel... please... people are going to die." 
Angel: "And yet, somehow, I just can't seem to care."

 Jessica Sutherland, in the November 14th Daily Kos, wrote an article entitled,  ‘I would do it again’: Missouri mom defends hosting superspreader homecoming dance for 200 students. The article then stated, “The school where those sweaty slow dancers attend—Rolla High School—announced Wednesday that at least 10 students and one staffer had tested positive for the virus though not all of those cases can be traced to the sickening shindig.”

In the November 14, 2020 USA TODAY, Joel Shannon wrote an article entitled, “The Dakotas are 'as bad as it gets anywhere in the world' for COVID-19”, he wrote that a nurse, Jodi Doering, a South Dakota nurse said she recalled numerous patients whose dying words echoed the same theme: "This can't be happening. It's not real."  She said that they do not accept they have the virus and will often lash out in anger and grasp at other explanations, suggesting they have the flu or even lung cancer.

I just can't seem to care, I would do it again, it can’t be happening, and it is not real.  This attitude that it is my way or nothing at all seems to prevail in the world.  It does not matter what experts say, it does not matter what good sense requires, it does not matter what tradition demands, the world wants to do it their way.  The Bible says there is a way that seems right to man, but it ends in death (Proverbs 14:12).  

 

When we are confused about what to believe or what to do, Jesus states that He is the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6).  He will give us knowledge about what we should do; we should simply ask Him (James 1:5). Jesus says that He comes to the world to give us an abundant life while the thief wants us to pursue our own will which leads to ultimate death (John 10:10).  

 

Jesus wants us to enjoy eternal life with Him rather than put our will and desires first.  He tells us to seek Him first and He will give all things to us (Matthew 6:33). Especially during this tumultuous period, let us seek God’s way and He will handle the things that concern us (Psalm 138:8).

Proverbs 14:12

New International Version

12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

 

2 Corinthians 4:4

New International Version

4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

 

2 Timothy 2:25-26

New International Version
25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 

26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

 

John 10:10

New International Version

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Matthew 6:33

New International Version

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

 

Psalm 37:25

New International Version

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

 

Psalm 138:8

New King James Version

8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

 


 

 

 

 

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