"Grief is itself a medicine." ~ William Cowper, (1731-1800), A very popular and well read Poet and Anglican Hymnwriter

Good morning and welcome. Today is Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and I do hope you are off to a good start. I don't know about you but I am still reeling from the daily seeing of children's faces as they reclaim their bodies that were swept away in the storm waters. Those images are hard to see but I do my best not to turn away from them because they deserve my notice, your notice, and, the notice of any who care. Again, those who have chosen to try and score political points over the bodies of these children, well, I pity their hearts. On Monday I shared the lyrics to a song about when we can't make any sense, we should trust the heart of our God. That was a good song to share based on the many responses I received about it. I will say this about it. I was looking for something like it but I wasn't sure exactly what it was and I stumbled on this one. I vaguely remember hearing it, the last time probably many years ago. I thought about this passage from Luke's Gospel, Chapter 13: 1) Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2) And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4) Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” I also had this one on my mind from Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 10: 28) Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29) Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31) So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. ~ And, if you need more assurances, I typically read the 139th Division of the Psalms. At the end of the day I choose to trust God and claim the reality of this truth from Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Notice it does not say all good things but God is at work and His purpose will be accomplished and I trust Him. Amen.

 

Why did I write all of that? Good question. I think about how I feel and my response and I know others are also dealing with similar feelings. Like the truth about sharing the Good News of the Gospel, just one beggar telling other beggars where they can find bread. I know. Some can't see themselves as a beggar, but, I can. When it comes to my position before God I am fully aware even if I can't fully understand that my salvation is a gift and it is 100% undeserved but God so loved the world and I am a part of the world He loved, therefore, His love reached me through the giving of His one and only Son. Yep, I have nothing I can brag about. Nothing. Zero. Nada. But, you've been a Bible teacher for nearly 60 years. You've poured yourself into seminary study. You've done this, that, and the other. Yep. Big deal! My works want get the job done my friend, it is only through the blood of Jesus and I can boast only of Him and His goodness to a beggar like me. Oh well, I kind of got off on a tangent there but at the end of it all, He is worthy of our praise, adoration, and, our service. Maybe I could add a box where you can send your monetary contribution. You know. I wouldn't ask for one penny, just send one dollar to cover the weight of the postal money order. That was an old joke from a fellow making fun of radio preachers many years ago. How long ago? (I would say for me I got it off a vinyl long playing record back in the 1960's from a comedian guy named Dave Gardner, 1926-1983.) Now you know. Have a great rest of the day and seek God for help when the stuff of life does not make sense. Okay? Good. May God help us all is my prayer. Amen.