Psalm 34:6-9

BLAMING GOD

Just because our God brings good out of evil, does not mean that evil is good. The responsibility for sin always lies squarely on the shoulders of the sinner. Nowhere in Scripture does God relieve us of our guilt by saying, “It’s OK, I ordained it.” Neither does He say, “You are just a sinner, you can’t help yourself.” Nor does He allow us to justify the means by the end. Yes, our omnipotent, sovereign God brings good out of evil for His people. That is seen most clearly at Calvary. Yet that never makes evil good. Nor does it justify disobedience.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:13-16). “If we confess (say the same thing) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Take sides with God against yourself, and rest in Christ for all your justification and righteousness.

Pastor Greg Elmquist

The Wisdom That is From Above

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

You can be sure that when our attitudes and words create strife, confusion, and division, it is not the wisdom of God. Where wise men and women worship, there is love, peace, and unity.

The wisdom which is from God is PURE! When the heart entertains pure and good thoughts of others, the mouth speaks accordingly.

It is PEACEABLE. “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men.” Men who desire peace, speak peacefully.

It is GENTLE, mild, courteous, and patient. To contend for truth is not to be harsh and cruel as some suppose. Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit, an attribute of Christ and also of His servants.

It is EASY TO BE ENTREATED or willing to listen to any word of wisdom, reason, and explanation; and it is quick to forgive. A forgiving heart is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.

It is FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS. Wisdom knows that God makes men to differ. He makes rich and poor, strong and weak. So there is always the desire to share what God has given with those who have less.

It is WITHOUT PARTIALIATY. Wisdom does not judge by outward appearance, skin color, or power to reimburse. It is no respecter of men’s persons, but reaches out to all.

It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. True spiritual wisdom in Christ is straightforward, open-faced, and genuine. How can anyone be so foolish as to play the game of religion before God, who searches and knows the heart? Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1985)

FOLLOW ME

This is one of the most frequently repeated commands of Christ, “Follow Me.” Quite often men translate this in their thinking to “Imitate Me.” As important as this is, that is not what “Follow Me” means. To follow someone, you must keep your eyes upon him. If you look down at your feet to see how well you are doing, you will lose him. If you look to the side to compare your following to someone else’s following, you will lose him. If you look behind you for evidences that you have followed him, you will lose him. The only way we follow Christ is by keeping the eye of faith only on Him, nowhere else! This is the same thing as, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Not looking to Jesus and, but looking to Jesus alone! That is how we follow Him. Pastor Todd Nibert

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).