" Without doubt the emphasis in Christian teaching today should be on worship. There is little danger that we shall become merely worshipers and neglect the practical implications of the gospel. No one can long worship God in spirit and in truth before the obligation to holy service becomes too strong to resist. Fellowship with God leads straight to obedience and good works. That is the divine order and it can never be reversed." ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer

Hello again and I do bid each one a hearty hello and a warm welcome here, today, on this Wednesday, May 20, 2026. We are in a rainy forecast for the next few days. That makes things like travel a wee bit more dangerous, but, to tell the truth we need the rain. I'm not altogether clear on the reason why but it seems here in our area the rain does not stay very long in the ground. Within a couple of days it is dry again. This doesn't mean we are not ever so grateful for God's provision in terms of watering the earth. I know there are all types of scientific explanations for the weather we experience. I don't doubt the observations of those scientific phenomenon but at the same time I ask this simple question: Where did the elements being studied originate? And, who was The Originator? Creator God. He is in control. If he knows when the bird falls out of its nest, well, He knows everything there is to know about each and every person on the planet, those created in His own image. I love the ending of the ancient Book of Job. Job was a wonderful example of what it means to exude faith and integrity, however, Job learned some things as a result of all the challenges he faced. Here was his final words spoken to His Almighty God:

 

Job Chapter 42 

 

2 “I know that you can do anything,

and no one can stop you.

3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’

It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,

things far too wonderful for me.

4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!

I have some questions for you,

and you must answer them.’

5 I had only heard about you before,

but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

6 I take back everything I said,

and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

 

These words from Job have always been meaningful to me and they resonate because it helps me to see God for Who He is. What say you? 

 

I didn't intend to start today with a monumental deep theological thought on the weather, however, we exist in His world and He is the creator. I do know of many folks who are dealing with a variety of challenges in their own personal lives as well as in their families. Some have to do with illness, some have to do with financial sustainability, and, others relate to interpersonal challenges within their family. Just so you know, we all deal with the fabric of life including what it means to face difficulties and heartache. I know. There are some that promise if you give your life to the Lord you will not have to deal with any challenges in life. Can someone get Brother Job on the line and see what he thinks about that kind of nonsense. We all, you, me, everyone, as believers, and non-believers as well, live in a sin cursed world and everyone has to make their way through the maze of difficulties that define life. At the same time, knowing Christ as your Lord and Savior, under girds your day by day living with the assurance of His provision of hope and help. My advice to the unbelieving masses, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ because He is the Friend that will stick closer to you than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 ESV:

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.") The spiritual application for many see Jesus via the Holy Spirit as the true Friend. One thing is clear: Regardless of what you are facing or going through as His own child, we can know this as a ever present reality: He will never leave you and He will never forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) That's how we make it folks, one second of every minute of every hour of every day and of every year of our sojourn here in the life. Pray one for another that each of us will remain steadfast in our faithfulness to Him. Amen.