A COUPLE OF THINGS

 

This is believed to be a shell box a great grandfather made while he stood guard duty in Florida during the Civil War.

Two topics interested me this week  One was prison reform.  World Magazine is doing a series on the history of prisons in the U.S.  Go HERE for the first podcast.  The second subject which intrigued me was on the persecution of Christians around the world.  Go HERE for a blog on that topic.

Let me know what you think.  

Proverbs 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

OXI AND THE BIBLE

 

Antique Bible that belonged to my mother's ancestors

It takes God and only one person to combat sin either in an individual or in society. I think there is a missing point in THIS blog.  Not all people and doctors abuse prescription drugs. Some people and doctors use prescriptions responsibly. 

And then in the illustration about racism in the blog-- Some people are not racist especially children.  Most do not see color of skin until an adult points it out.  My family stood up for the oppressed as have many over the years. 

Back to the drug example-- in my case, I could not take oxi for my pain, as it caused severe gastric reflux.  I could use Lidocaine patches as it is an external med and doesn’t affect the stomach.  My insurance company would not allow me to have the patches through them as it is for cancer patients only. They would allow oxi. So this is a mistake.  People who have chronic pain should be allowed to take what relieves their pain. As far as getting these pain relievers-- Chris went to bat for me to get these patches no matter what the cost.  I haven't had a headache since I have been putting one patch on my neck at night.

Back to racism-- In Germany there were pastors and lay people who stood for what is right. This included hiding Jews.  So the whole of the German society wasn’t systemically racist.  But it is correct, as we study the Bible, we learn more what is true.  "The gospel is the answer to both individual and institutional sin." There are many crying in the wilderness "make a way for the Lord❗"

II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

TRUST

 

Grandma Grace Belle with her honeysuckle plant at the farm. I still have that hat.

Grandma Grace Belle trusted in God.  She wrote in my autograph book, when I was 13, that I should "always remember that God answers prayer."  Grandma was a pleasant person.  She rarely complained.  She wanted the best for her children and grandchildren no matter how they acted.    If anyone complimented her children or grandchildren she would pass on the praise to us. 

As I think about the new year I like to remember the good things from the past, and those who were a comfort to me.  I miss them but I am thankful I had them in my life for a time.  In the new year I pray that I can be a comfort and a pleasant personality like Grandma.  

Ray Ortland, a pastor, wants to be more gentle and comforting in the new year. He writes in this blog and says--  "Hopefully, the beautiful orthodoxy of gospel doctrine is flowing into the pastoral gentleness and comfort and guidance and encouragement inherent in that beautiful orthodoxy. Hopefully, there is more gracious culture in the pulpit, and hopefully, more lasting friendships outside the pulpit."

So as we step forward into 2022 may we seek God in prayer and trust that He will answer according to His will and for our good.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.