"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts." — A. W. Tozer, his book: The Pursuit of God

It's Thursday, September 25, 2025, and I know what y'all were thinking. Maybe I was cancelled like some of the people we see in the news. No. That was not the case. I have been busy. Church busy. Our Bible conference started last Sunday. My participation included teaching John Chapter 11 to my lifegroup and then Sunday morning choir, Sunday evening choir. We had sermons for each service. Then on Monday we had two sermons in the morning, one during lunch, and then one Monday evening, where we also had the choir. Repeat that schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of great expository preaching and lots of great music all directed towards the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In other words, my schedule has been full. The results? Well, for one thing, and I am unanimous in this conclusion, I am almost disabled from a bout of conviction-itis. That's what happens when the Word of God is preached by the man of God, it will accomplish the purpose that God intended. Yep. It will. It really will. That, by the way is promised in the Bible. In Isaiah, Chapter 55, Verse 11, we read this from the literal translation as given in the Legacy Standard Bible: "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what pleases Me, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Since we know the Bible, the Word of God, is written by men but breathed out by God Himself, (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17), this connects the Word shared to the Isaiah promise where it will accomplish God's intention. This is what makes it worth our time. To hear from Almighty God from His Book, the Holy Bible is an amazing thing and one worth our time and effort. In addition to the conviction, there was also illumination and encouragement as we received instruction in our becoming more of what God would have us to be. The good news? He loves each of us enough to continue to working on us. The late Dr. Charles Stanley said God was shaping us as we grow in our faith in order for us to become objects of notable excellence that reflect honor and glory back to Him. (my paraphrase) At the end of our conference my body reports being tired. (Don't get me started on what it means to navigate I-45 North to get to our Church property multiple times this week. Yikes!) And, that, my friend, is why you have not seen my blog every day. What's that? You thought I was showing mercy to my recipients? That's a good one. Whatever, I am b-a-a-a-c-k! and glad to be sitting here with my Lil Miss Biscuit's nose in my back as she is in the chair watching over me. 

 

The wife's sister, here from Louisiana, has her final two radiation treatments, one today, and the final one tomorrow. Thanks to so many who have prayed for her. Thus far, the treatments have not been difficult at all. Just a wee bit of tiredness but we consider her entire cancer journey as an example of God's provision in that He has been with her each step of the way. I mention that because for most of us there will come a time when we are in a situation where His presence and His provision will be very much our need. Yes, I need Him every hour as the song says but there are circumstances and situations where that need becomes overwhelming and I'm here to tell you, based on my own experiences, that He will not let you down. Does that mean it turns out the way you want it to? It does not mean that but it does mean the felt presence of God helped us to get through the challenges we faced and He will do the same for you, as His child. Not His child? I remember a pastor from back in the day who, when people said they were not sure of their salvation, he would tell them, okay, let's get it right, right now! He would take them to the altar and rather than try to convince them they are okay he would lead them through the plan of salvation God gave in His Word. I'm not sure who might read today's edition, perhaps someone near or someone far away, (Remember it is God's intention that counts!) But I leave you with this simple explanation on how you can be saved: 

Have a blessed day and remember to remember that God deserves our praise and worship, period. And, may He add His blessings. Amen.