Again!

Scripture

Once again the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.

Judges 13:1, NIrV

Quote

The key to exercising patience is to believe that God is up to something.

~Sam Franklin Wallace

We see this exact phrase three times in the book of Judges, “Once again the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.” [3:12, 10:6, 13:1] David said, “How amazing are the deeds of the LORDAll who delight in him should ponder them.” When Jesus taught on the mount, the crowds were amazed at His words. When He calmed the sea, His disciples were amazed at His power: “What kind of man is this that even the wind and waves obey Him!”  When Jesus cast out demons, even His enemies were amazed. When Jesus was silent and refused to defend Himself, Pilate was amazed. John Newton was an evil man, guilty of many atrocities against humanity and yet God gave him a second chance: Newton was amazed at God’s grace. Let me tell you what amazes me about God; it is His patience.

Stephen the deacon was an astute historian. When he addressed the Sanhedrin, he reminded them of their past. He said, “You people! You won’t obey! You are stubborn! You won’t listen! You are just like your ancestors! You always oppose the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your people didn’t try to hurt? Your ancestors killed those who told about the coming of the Blameless One. And now you have handed Him {Jesus} over to His enemies. You have murdered Him. The law you received was brought by angels. But you haven’t obeyed it.” Has Israel ever been faithful to God? The answer is no and yet God has not given up on Israel. Before history is completed, God will use Israel in a glorious way: this I firmly believe. Should God have nuked them for their rebellious and stubborn ways? He would certainly have been justified to do so because they failed Him again and again but He has shown amazing patience with the sons of Abraham.

Should I be here today? I have failed again and again. I have been rebellious and stubborn. I have acted selfishly and vainly. By all rights, God should have struck me by lightening years ago. I deserve death and hell. I marvel at God’s patience. Even today, I struggle with loving my neighbor as myself. Not my next door neighbors, I do love my neighbors in that sense but do I love liberals or worse, Yankee liberals? Do I love Muslims? Do I love those who have 40 tattoos and 27 body piercings? Do I love those who profit from the wholesale slaughter of the unborn? Do I love Auburn fans? {Just kidding} For the Auburn and LSU fans, the supreme question would be, “Do I love Nick Saban?” I am sure you get my drift. It is God’s will for us to love others as much as we love ourselves and I will tell you, I am crazy about June’s husband.

This Day On 2000

I had lunch with Sam and Brenda Wallace and Brenda’s mom Polly Tuberville. Polly was promoted several years ago. I had supper with Sam and Brenda Sunday night. It amazes me how history repeats itself.

PTL we this is my church day. I will be at the office for a while getting the DIGEST ready to mail and then I will be visiting. June and I will be going to Pulaski, Tennessee tonight. We also hope to get some local visits in before we leave. Shannon Taylor’s mom passed away last night. I don’t know any arrangements. I love this weather! Aint God good!

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