Comments from readings January 6-7, 2014

Grace and I are on our way to Dillon. We've been visiting Mark and Barbra Toivanen. Paul Schmidt fell from a ladder at their vacation cabin. Severely injured his face and shoulder. Looks like the shoulder will heal with therapy. A concussion will take some time for evaluation and healing the face and left eye socket need surgery. Tried to see him. Fatigue and doctor appointments prevented that from working out. Now we are waiting for our delayed flight. It's a cold day across the nation. Not as cold as our alarmist weather forecasters broadcast. I so wish we could be more optimistic about God's world. It is a blessing to have a God who defines the rules so that all are in the know. Too bad more don't listen. Bless and love those who do. Love those who seem to miss the point or are reluctant to believe. Pray for them.  Readings now are from Genesis and Matthew. These books are filled with wisdom and comforting news. I think about Abram who believed and because of that was declared righteous by God. Isn't that marvelous! We don't have to obey the law to be declared righteous. The law is good. But, it is impossible to bat 1.000. The very best players are about .300. Just look around. Do you see anyone who is perfect? I certainly am not. There are many I look up to who do better than me. But, none are perfect. Then who are the saints? The ones who are in a deep personal relationship with their God. Amen!  Look in Matthew 7. Very kindly but difficult teachings from Jesus. Teachings about adultery, marriage, love and more. Many people believe we need a more kind and compassionate world. But, they are helpless to make it better. Just being kind to a few doesn't seem to help much. It's not wrong. But, it is an overwhelming task. Who has the wisdom and power to make it work? Who in the world has that kind of power? Maybe Satan, but he is Hell bent to go the other way.  The world cannot and will not be fixed by someone or something of this world. The fix can and will come from someone outside the world. How about a trancendant God? The one who created  this world can change this world. He wants to do it. He wants to redeem you. Will you allow it to happen?  The only thing in the way is me. I can't fix it. But, I can assist it. I'm fact, God has already asked us to help by following Him.  Read the account of Hagaar and Ishmael. When she tried to run away, God ask her why and where are you going? These are questions we should ask ourselves. Who is chosen? Who is not elected? Do you know? Have you tried to find this information? Might be a worthwhile endeavor? Go for it!