I think I was about six years old. We were living in Los Angeles and my mother and I took the streetcar or bus (can’t remember which one) downtown. We were going to do some Christmas shopping at a large department store. It must have been a little chilly that day as my mother put on her green wool winter coat. I know she was grateful that we no longer had to fight the Chicago cold and snow during this time of year. We had moved to Los Angeles from Chicago about a year and a half prior.
We waited for an elevator with a crowd of people all anxious to begin their holiday shopping. When the door opened, I was pushed and shoved, a small child in the midst of a sea of adults. My mother lost my hand, but I kept my focus on the green coat and followed her into the elevator. It was warm and stuffy, a faint aroma of perfume hung in the air. I held on to the soft wool green coat. When the elevator stopped and everyone poured out, I looked up and saw the woman wearing the green coat was not my mother! I was terrified, lost in a huge department store without any idea where my mother was. My mother had gotten separated from me and wasn’t able to get on the same elevator. My point is this…..I followed the wrong person and got lost! I’m much more interested in being true to God’s Word than in being politically correct. We live in an all inclusive religious tolerance way of thinking today. If you stand up for Biblical truth, trust me – someone will ridicule you, make you feel guilty or even cause you to examine your own belief. This is a good; we need to examine what we believe and why we believe it.
I’ve discovered if you show any inkling of having Biblical knowledge, and especially if you write a blog on God’s Word and have written books about applying Scripture to real life situations, you will be plied with questions. The questions are usually stated in this way…..
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
HOW DO YOU FEEL?
DO YOU BELIEVE?
It doesn’t matter what I think, feel or believe. What matters is the source of information that substantiates my Christian faith. The source is God’s Word in the form of the Bible. So a good way to ask a question would be,
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT…..OR,
CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO A BIBLE PASSAGE THAT WILL GIVE INFORMATION ON…..We may opine on many things, but giving an opinion of a Biblical passage is not like giving an opinion about a book, movie or restaurant. We are entitled to an opinion, but we are not entitled to change the facts. Keep in mind that you can pull a verse out of context and completely distort its intent. Scripture explains Scripture and passages of Scripture are validated by supporting verses. Be careful who you follow, you may get lost!
“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” Proverbs 18:2This was written by King Solomon, a very wise man. If you read the Proverbs, you’ll find Solomon has a lot to say about wisdom and opinions. I think many of us have listened to a lot of people who love to air their opinions, even some of our church leaders. We who believe know that the Bible is not for gaining knowledge alone, but to change our life!
Families all over the United States will gather this week to celebrate a day of ‘THANKSGIVING’. We are grateful, we are thankful for our many blessings. And, it is God we are thanking. Immediately following Thanksgiving, we’ll begin to prepare for Christmas. The holidays can be stressful, lonely, overwhelming, and financially draining for some. Be aware that our Lord loves us and doesn’t want those emotions to interfere with our joy in life and our love for Him. When we’re having a hard time, it’s best to change our focus. Stop looking at yourself, your problems, and potential problems, instead focus on a heavenly Father who loves you and has a perfect plan and purpose for all that happens, Ephesians 1:11.
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.” Psalm 89: 15 – 16.
If you have enjoyed reading any of my blogs, you’ll like my book. I’ve had many tell me that they’ve found a new peace by applying what they learn to everyday living. The book is available on Amazon.com or Crossbooks.com, also in the E Book format. Search for ‘Blogging God’s Word’ by Roberta Van Hise. You’ll find a lot of information about the book on these sites. Thank you Lord that we can always look to you for peace and calm in our lives and be fully assured that YOU Lord will keep us from falling and present us before His glorious presence, without fault and with great joy! Jude 24
