"Fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half, a study finds...." ~ Sourced from a story on the NPR website

Well hello there, my, it's seems like it's been a long time, or something like that. That particular thought relates to the hit song written by Willie Nelson, 'Hello Walls', and it came out in 1961 when Faron Young sang it to a number one position on the charts. Today, however, is the only one we can deal with at the moment, this one happens to identify itself as Thursday, July 9, 2026. I'm still engaged in the exercises overseen by my physical therapist. She introduced a new one yesterday, and, she asked how I felt when I finished my one hour of therapy. I did not ask her to ask but she did. (I'm not sure she knows my philosophy about 'I report, you decide'.)  I told her she had achieved a new threshold. That being how my good left hip is hurting as bad as the bad right hip. She laughed and said it didn't surprise her and the soreness should be gone in 24 hours. I told her I already knew she was going to say that. I did. I really did. I asked why she thought I was getting so many leg cramps mostly during the nighttime hours. She said to drink more water, and then she added  this jewel: "You have to remember sir, you are waking up muscle groups that have been sleeping for a long time." That caused me to upgrade her nickname form Madam Diabolical to this new one, Madam Maniacal. Please don't write me. I am only having a little fun. This very young woman is actually helping me. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am hoping against hope that it's not a train. I have been looking at exercise bikes, but, I haven't ordered anything yet because I do know how in many instances they soon become dust catchers. We already have plenty of dust catchers. Right Vern? Right. I may give her a hard time, but, I am thankful for her being committed for the long game, pretty much equal to the total number of sessions my insurance will cover. Don't shake your head, we all know while it is there to help people, it is, first, last, and always, a business. Now you know why they put up with  people like me. Ha!

 

We did get a little bit of a downpour yesterday and it was both needed and appreciated. I saw early this morning how the highest temp on this date was 105 back in 1980 and the lowest recorded was 64 back in 1905. The local news people were also talking about how the Sahara dust intrusion has some positive influence in helping tropical systems not to develop. Who knew? Well, I know Who does know. Right? Yeah, our God knows all about it, He does, He really does. That passage about the sparrow comes to my mind quite often. Jesus speaking:  Matthew 10:29-31 ~ New Living Translation ~ "What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Sparrows were sold in the marketplace in the first century as a food source for those who could not afford something better. Generally speaking, the sparrows were viewed as being extremely insignificant in the eyes of most people, however, Jesus demonstrated God's knowing and caring heart in this illustration. Can I explain how it is possible for God to know these precise details about everything, all the time, all at the same time? Let me use a very theological response here: NOPE! By faith, I believe He does know. He does. He really does. That includes you. That includes me. As a believer, that gives me encouragement and confidence that I am known by God and He cares. Think on that one some and have a blessed rest of the day. Amen.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20 or at 80. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable, regardless of physical capacity." ~ Henry Ford, 1929

Happy Wednesday folks, this one comes to us identified as July 8, 2026. Many of you are aware that I am creeping up on an auspicious occasion, Lord providing, and, that would be my 80th birthday scheduled for this coming August. This upcoming event does give me some pause as I consider the more than 4,170 weeks along with the nearly 3 billion heartbeats in my breathing air on the planet. When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his time, he had this to say about the life he had lived: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." (As rendered in the Webster Translation of 2 Timothy 4:7-8) I don't really see myself fitting my time into the testimony of Paul, but, I do know this: What God thinks about our time here pretty much defines what we've been able to accomplish, period. Jesus said the greatest standard to measure our lives is in this way: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40 from the NIV) I do know because of my salvation I will not stand at the White Throne Judgment, (Revelation 20:11-15), where those who have rejected God and His Son will be cast into hell, however, I will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at what is called the Judgment Seat of Christ and it is there my works as a believer will be examined. (Romans 14:10–12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, and 2 Corinthians 5:9–10) Those are some sobering truths. The good news along with the best news is how God so loved He chose to provide a way of salvation for us. I am thankful for that and very ashamed of how many times I have failed Him. The point is this: Make the most important things in life as given to us by God the most important things in life. Mine and yours. More on this later as that day approaches. You with me? Good!

 

Do not get the idea I am practicing to become more and more morbid as I age. Actually, as God provides, I feel like I might have another 20 years to hang around, but, longevity in and of itself is not a great goal. Our lives should count for time and eternity. The only way to do that whether you are young or old is to get yourself aligned with God's will and purpose. Grandma Moses, the recognized brilliant painter, didn't pick up a brush until she was 76. She, by the way, was a devoted Christ follower. She lived to be 101 and she was able to experience her paintings being viewed in museums all over the world. That is a remarkable story. Don't you think so? Maybe I will, here in my office, throw some paint against the wall and call it art. You know. Like the monkeys you see on YouTube. I should think some about that one because others nearby may not think that to be a good outlet for me. I know you know what I mean. I often have prayed to have more resources so I can be of more help to others, but, in response, I've felt a good dose of conviction from Above asking me what I am doing with what I already have. Yikes. Then, I feel like I may have forgotten to say may I and it's time to start over. I was on the steps going into the choir loft at our Church many years ago and the fellow next to me said, "I know we have a great financial burden regarding our Church, so, I've been praying the Lord would allow me to win the lottery so I can take care of it." We were up against each other and this little knee jerk response came out of my pea brain, "God doesn't really care about what you would do if you won the lottery, He wants you to be faithful with what He has given to you." I actually said that. I did. I really did. I remember it well. Looks like it may be time for me to embrace the 'physician heal thyself' concept. See what I mean? Being me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Pray for me. In fact, let's pray one for another. Just do it! Amen.

"National pride and the belief in the American Dream remain remarkably resilient. Recent data from the Archbridge Institute indicates that roughly 73% of Americans are proud to be citizens. Around 80% agree you can be patriotic regardless of your political or religious beliefs, and roughly the same share feels they have the same or more opportunities than their parents." ~ copied from an article found on whyomingnewsnow.tv

I am glad to report that I am in pretty good shape, for the shape I am in. Thanks so much for asking. Today is a great day to thank God for His blessings. It is. It really is. The children sing out this sentiment: Rise and shine and give God the glory, and, if, you haven't done that, well, today, this Tuesday, July 7, 2026, is a good place to start. It is. It really is. Here's my observation from watching excerpts from 4th of July celebrations all across our nation: Patriotism is not dead in the United States of America, and, I, for one, hope it hangs around for as long as God allows us to be one nation, under His guidance. To me, this was a spectacular showing of the heart of our people. From sea to shining sea, folks turned out to celebrate this nation, and it being founded on the principle of our God given freedom. This is not to say we don't have huge issues, many troubles, and great difficulties that challenge our ability to function, however, with all of these, we, the American people still love our country, love our flag, and, we are willing to pay homage to the God who gave us the liberty and those who have sacrificed to keep us going. We have so many haters who only want to see the bad and they pontificate about it day and night. They, no doubt hated these celebrations of what it means to embrace the American spirit. Why? They are rooting for our nation to fail because their existence depends on the bad, while, most Americans acknowledge our problems, we still love the home of the brave and the land of the free. These celebrations were a slap in the face of those who only sell negativism as the outcome of their hatred. I felt that surge of love for my country, I had that lump in my throat as I considered all those who have paid the price for our freedoms, yeah, old fashioned patriotism. It's still an inherent part of who we are. And, I say, thank God that it is. What say you? 

 

Last Saturday, the wife and I, it being the 4th of July, we ventured out to a movie theater to see the new film, 'Young Washington'. This movie attempts to show some of the situations that helped shape the larger than life character of what many call the Father of our Nation, George Washington. I did some fact checking on the movie itself and my take is this: Close Enough. In portraying a biographical movie its next to impossible for the legendary image not to show up in the depiction. However, it got hold of me. It was emotional. My wife asked why I reacted that way. Back in the day, I was better at remembering a lot of what I had stored in my memory banks, like American history. I loved it. I lived it, and Washington was a huge part of the information I had retained, therefore, seeing some of the scenes in that movie, it reminded me of God's providence working through individuals to found our nation. George Washington was a huge believer in God providentially working to preserve him in battle after battle, for a purpose. He was that kind of believer. Go check it out. He was. The battles he faced in his young life, well, they involved God's intervention since he did have bullet holes in his hat and coat, on more than one occasion. The mainstream critics thought the stories in the movie were sanitized because the movie is being marketed to a Christian audience. I'll take that any day over the trash they like where our heroes are degraded as a way of story telling. Washington was not perfect. He had his challenges just like every other person who has ever breathed air on the planet, however, he was aware that God chartered his destiny and he went with that belief. We are blessed as a result. We are. We really are. Amen.

"If you have a stomach ache, in France you get a suppository, in Germany a health spa, in the United States they cut your stomach open, and in Britain they put you on a waiting list." — Michael Mosley

Yeah, I know. Many are still off on the July 4th Holiday, but, for us retirees, well, everyday is a kind of holiday, and, hopefully, we are thankful to God for His provision every day, this one being, Monday, July 6, 2026. Life is a series of experiences. Right? Duh! The other day we traveled into the metropolis for the specialist's specialist appointment for the wife. Back in the mid 1960's I worked for the VA Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. When the wife needed the car I would catch a ride to work with Ward and Vivian Hooter. They greatly lived up to their name because, in essence, they were a hoot. I rode in the backseat of their little car and they mumbled, grumbled, and threw accusatory thoughts and ideas forth and back for the entire journey. It was as good as Burns and Allen or perhaps Fibber McGee and Molly. (If you don't recognize those characters, do what I do, look them up.) At any rate, riding with them was a blast. Well, the other day the wife and I, perhaps without even realizing it, we reprised their routines and became our version of The Bickersons. (Look them up too.) The wife said my driving actually scared her to death, however, she was still breathing when we finally made it to our destination. If I'm not mistaken, a time or two she drew up into the fetal position trying to brace herself, you know, like the crash dummy. It was an interesting ride and even though I laughed about it, often, she didn't seem to connect to the punch lines. Oh well. We did make it. By the grace of God and Google Maps. The staff there at the thoracic surgical center for Baylor School of Medicine, they were exceptionally nice. The specialist's specialist was running late. He sent in a place holder, one of his physician assistants, and, we went through all the diagrams of the esophagus, stomach, and other vital issues at hand. Finally, one hour late, the man of the hour appeared and drew a lot of stuff on a piece of paper and gave a very confident assurance that he, the specialist's specialist, could do a surgical procedure and help her with her digestive and reflux related issues. He was very convincing, therefore, we have a mid August date set up for her surgery. 

 

It's been a while since I was in that part of Houston, however, I do think I recognized some of the sink holes, pot holes, and other road hazards from my last time there. Obviously, this area was not part of the make nice and pretty for the world cup soccer games. Just observing, folks, not being critical. I report and you decide. My guess is that mostly sick people come to that particular center. You know. People who have medical needs. That's a great reason to charge them $6 per hour to park. Right? And, remember when they told you when you were younger to just walk it off. Well, that's exactly what you do there. Just walk it off, further, further, and oh yeah, a wee bit further yet. I'm planning on getting my seven year trained physical therapist to stamp my card for two weeks based on the walking I did to get to the place we were supposed to be. But, the bottom line is how blessed we are to have access to such wonderful care related medical services. When I was at one of the large medical clinics in our area here in The Woodlands the other day I noticed how full the parking lot was and people were lined up waiting to see their doctor. We drove for 1-1/2 hours into the medical center in Houston, same story. Yes. I am aware there are a lot of people in the metroplex, but, it begs the question: What came first? The service or the need? You dwell on that for a while and when you get a headache, take an aspirin and a nap. And, say a prayer. That always helps. It does. It really does. Amen.

John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, regarding the Declaration, Adams stated: "I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth."

And, here we are 250 years since John Adams, the statesman who became Vice President alongside President George Washington, and then, later the second President of the United States following Washington, as he forwarded that note to Abigail just prior to the signing of The Declaration. Recorded history informs us of so much and it is to be treasured while at the same time we all know we live in real time, that being, today, Friday, July 3, 2026. Along with a little help from the Artificial Intelligence software, ChatGPT, one of our Santa shots along with Lil Miss Biscuit's photo were enhanced with a 4th of July motif. The way Biscuit operates makes it pretty clear she is very happy to be a part of this American story. At times I think about the rest of her brothers and sisters that made up her litter. She no doubt, arrived in our home, looked around, and began humming God bless America.That's a joke, but, she is spoiled and I think to a large extent, most of us are, especially compared to so many who breathe air on the planet. I was listening to a BBC News interview with a fellow introduced as an expert on the American experience. They asked this named expert how it was going in terms of the pursuit of the American dream. What came forth was a litany of all that's bad about our nation. Couldn't they say at least one or two good  things? Nope. With all of our issues, faults, failures, warts, and, yes, disappointments in our living out what it means to be an American, well, I for one, stand up and give thanks to Almighty God for what I believe to be the greatest of nations ever known to the human family. By His will and by His provision, it is still the place I want to be. It is. It really is. What say you?

 

Photo of the original 1814 manuscript of the poem, "The Star Spangled Banner"

Here's another quote from John Adams, our 2nd President, known to be a man of deep religious conviction, "I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world." Here is a quote from John Quincy Adams, 6th President and son of John Adams, "In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." Our heritage cannot be separated from the Christian Faith and its impact on our founding. Our nation's motto, "In God We Trust" is actually the sentiment quoted in one of the verses of the poem written by Francis Scott Key, "The Star-Spangled Banner":

 

 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

 

As we celebrate the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us never forget the proven history how most of our founders freely expressed their faith in and reliance on our Great God. That's the heritage we should dedicate ourselves to continuing. Have a great 4th of July weekend and don't forget to gather together in the meeting place on the first day of the week, Resurrection Sunday, to thank God for His mercy and grace on us as individuals and on our nation. Amen.

"The USA is often considered the best country in the world due to its unmatched global economic power, foundational commitment to personal liberty, and diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, it leads in scientific innovation and cultural influence, and boasts an incredibly secure geographic position." ~ Patrick Henry College

Hello and welcome to our time together, this one being connected as Thursday, July 2, 2026. Thanks so much for showing up as we here in the states, (that's how the United States is often referred to both near and far), are getting ready for the official recognition of the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That would be July 4th and it dates back to 1776. One of the interesting things I have been seeing are the comments of those from foreign countries who have traveled to the United States for the world cup soccer matches. Many of them talk about how they were led to believe that America had become, under President Trump in particular, a wasteland. This meant they were to be in fear of their lives the entirety of their time here. America in decline was the propaganda they had been fed prior to their arrival. Was this information disseminated by some underground terrorist organization? No! These ideas were promoted by the mainstream media originating right here in our country, the so called mainstream media. They, essentially, are rooting for America to fail. Some might remember the unbelievable push back and condemnation of the late Rush Limbaugh when he said he hoped, "President Obama would fail." Limbaugh's comments pertained to the expressed policies promoted by then President Obama and it had nothing to do with his animus towards the President. Fast forward to today: It's 100% connected to fire breathing hatred for a person, President Donald Trump. They wallowed in their feigned and alarmed responses to Limbaugh, but, now, oh but now, they want our nation to fail because they hate the man who sits at the desk in the Oval Office. Well, how's that going for them? Not so good with those visiting our great country. They have found what many of them have expressed to be the exact opposite of what they had been fed. Americans are a welcoming people. America is not in decline and they experienced all types of connections that seemed incredible to them, given what they were told. Whether it was a brisket sandwich at Buckees, or, seeing people come to their aid when they ended up needing help or direction, the interviews I saw indicated the stunning differences between actuality and what our President often calls it, 'fake news'.

 

The views expressed in the previous paragraph reflects a combined understanding from the team of Me, Myself, and I, and, this team approved its content.  Do I think everything is Tony the Tiger G-R-E-A-T! in America? Absolutely not. Do I think President Donald Trump is the answer to America's challenges? He could be used to accomplish things within the will and plan of The Almighty, but, truth is, only God can right the wrongs that permeate our fallen nation. President Trump, his opponents, his supporters, and, even his haters all have a need to recognize their lost condition and turn to God's provision through Jesus Christ as their only hope, personally, and, our only hope collectively as a nation. I hear some murmuring out there since this sounds too simplistic. Right? It is simplistic. Turn to God or turn back to God and seek Him as a way forward for our country. When we respond to Him and His ways, He will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Until that happens, I fear we will do the best we can, knowing the believers are the ones currently holding off judgment, therefore, we should do, for the sake of future generations, do all we can to enlarge that base of believers. We should. We really should. Here's the way our Savior put it: Matthew 5:14-16 ~ New Century Version ~ "You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Amen.

 

PS: This morning, the wife and I will be venturing down to the Houston Medical Center area for an appointment with a esophageal specialist's specialist. She has had a number of issues over the years along with two surgical procedures, but, the specialist here in our area told us she needed to see a doctor known to be an expert in this arena. It reminds me of when we used to play checkers and they would proclaim, "Crown me!" Please whisper a prayer for us as we commute into that maize of entangled roadways along with her visit. Thanks so much and may God add His blessings. Amen.

"Even when you think the sky is falling on your life, just still continue to have strong faith in GOD always, every single day all the time." – George Ramey, Writer

We can now officially complain about the hot weather because it is now, officially, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. I well remember seeing firsthand what can happen when it really gets hot. In the mid 1990's I was working as a consultant for a company just north of Chicago. The temperature was wickedly hot, topping out at 106 degrees °F, and it stayed hot for days. Over 700 deaths, mostly elderly people, were recorded and they had to bring in refrigerated trailers to put the overflow of bodies. I heard story after story of how these older folks would go to bed at night and since many had no air conditioning, well, as we used to say back home, they woke up dead. I am not a climate denier. Why? We are a fallen people and we are quite capable of abusing God's creation to the extent that bad things happen. At the same time, I trust God's promises made to Noah where He said seasons would continue until the end of all things. (Genesis 8:22 ~ "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.") I quickly add that God has provided to us the world we live in, and, I, for one, believe we are to be good stewards of His provisions. At the same time my trust in God will not allow me to become Henny Penny, running around screaming how the sky is falling. You didn't ask but now you know. (Wikipedia: "Henny Penny", more commonly known in the United States as "Chicken Little" and sometimes as "Chicken Licken", is a European folk tale with a moral in the form of a cumulative tale about a chicken who believes that the world is coming to an end. The phrase "The sky is falling!" features prominently in the story, and has passed into the English language as a common idiom indicating a hysterical or mistaken belief that disaster is imminent. Similar stories go back more than 25 centuries, and "Henny Penny" continues to be referred to in a variety of media.)

 

I am sitting here wondering where that opening paragraph came from, but, it will not be the first time I am left scratching my head. Coming out of that 'sky is falling' concept, we, as believers must immerse ourselves with the truths God has provided to us. We think sometimes about the attribute of God's Sovereignty, which essentially means that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation. (Psalm 115:3: "But our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases."1 Chronicles 29:11-12: Declares God as the owner of all power, glory, and victory, holding authority over all. Daniel 4:35: "He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'") I cannot explain in terms that are acceptable to a vast audience of folks since everyone tends to have their own opinions about the functioning of this attribute including recognized Bible scholars, but, I will say this about it. I must revert to my childlike faith in saying I don't understand it all but I accept it as revealed truth and try not to come up with all kinds of notions about it. By faith. I remember once hearing a recognized Bible expert say that if God operates the way He appears to operate based on what is contained in The Scriptures, well, it just wouldn't be fair. Really? I immediately thought of Romans Chapter 9, here rendered in the Amplified Bible, caps and punctuations as is found in the Amplified text: 

 

1I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For [if it were possible] I would wish that I myself were accursed, [separated, banished] from Christ for the sake [of the salvation] of my brothers, my natural kinsmen, 4who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, the glory (Shekinah), the [special] covenants [with Abraham, Moses, and David], the giving of the Law, the [system of temple] worship, and the [original] promises. 5To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to His natural descent, came the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), He who is exalted and supreme over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

6However, it is not as though God’s word has failed [coming to nothing]. For not all who are descended from Israel (Jacob) are [the true] Israel; 7and they are not all the children of Abraham because they are his descendants [by blood], but [the promise was]: “YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED THROUGH ISAAC” [though Abraham had other sons]. 8That is, it is not the children of the body [Abraham’s natural descendants] who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as [Abraham’s true] descendants. 9For this is what the promise said: “ABOUT THIS TIME [next year] I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.” 10And not only that, but this too: Rebekah conceived twin sons by one man [under the same circumstances], by our father Isaac; 11and though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything either good or bad, so that God’s purpose [His choice, His election] would stand, not because of works [done by either child], but because of [the plan of] Him who calls them, 12it was said to her, “THE OLDER (Esau) WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER (Jacob).” 13As it is written and forever remains written, “JACOB I LOVED (chose, protected, blessed), BUT ESAU I HATED (held in disregard compared to Jacob).”

14What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Certainly not! 15For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOMEVER I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses--it is His sovereign gift]. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I RAISED YOU UP FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE, TO DISPLAY MY POWER IN [dealing with] YOU, AND SO THAT MY NAME WOULD BE PROCLAIMED IN ALL THE EARTH.” 18So then, He has mercy on whom He wills (chooses), and He hardens [the heart of] whom He wills.

19You will say to me then, “Why does He still blame me [for sinning]? For who [including myself] has [ever] resisted His will and purpose?” 20On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers [arrogantly] back to God and dares to defy Him? Will the thing which is formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21Does the potter not have the right over the clay, to make from the same lump [of clay] one object for honorable use [something beautiful or distinctive] and another for common use [something ordinary or menial]? 22What if God, although willing to show His [terrible] wrath and to make His power known, has tolerated with great patience the objects of His wrath [which are] prepared for destruction? 23And what if He has done so to make known the riches of His glory to the objects of His mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory, 24including us, whom He also called, not only from among the Jews, but also from among the Gentiles? 25Just as He says in [the writings of the prophet] Hosea:

“I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’

AND [I will call] HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’”

26“AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,’

THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.”

27And Isaiah calls out concerning Israel: “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS ONLY THE REMNANT [a small believing minority] THAT WILL BE SAVED [from God’s judgment]; 28FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD UPON THE EARTH [He will conclude His dealings with mankind] COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT DELAY.” 29It is as Isaiah foretold,

“IF THE LORD OF HOSTS HAD NOT LEFT US SEED [future generations from which a believing remnant of Israelites came],

WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH [totally rejected and destroyed]!”

30What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness [who did not seek salvation and a right relationship with God, nevertheless] obtained righteousness, that is, the righteousness which is produced by faith; 31whereas Israel, [though always] pursuing the law of righteousness, did not succeed in fulfilling the law. 32And why not? Because it was not by faith [that they pursued it], but as though it were by works [relying on the merit of their works instead of their faith]. They stumbled over the stumbling Stone [Jesus Christ]. 33As it is written and forever remains written,

“BEHOLD I AM LAYING IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE;

AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

 

There you have it, one of the great texts from The Scriptures. An entire chapter? Why not? They are not my words folks, they are the truths breathed out from God the Holy Spirit through His chosen vessel, the Apostle Paul. Until next time, May this God, the one in Chapter 9 and in all The Scriptures, be the one to whom we yield our allegiance. Amen. 

 

PS: Please don't send me your ideas that attempts to mollify or lesson the context of God's Sovereign Grace and its working to accomplish His purposes based on the good pleasure of His will. I repeat: I may not understand it, but I do, by faith, embrace it and I accept it, again, by faith.