I ponder on the words in scripture and consider. Who is saved? Who isn't? Where is the line drawn? How narrow is the 'narrow gate'? (Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:24)
I retrace my reading of scripture. I remember each altar made where the great YHWH Elohim reached down and touched my life. What does it tell me? How do I 'know'? Am I 'saved'? Am I 'right' with YHWH?
I know many who say that they love the Lord. I know others who say that they want to serve the Lord. And I know many who do not believe in the Lord at all, and do not care to.
I live my life before them and share my thoughts with them, and I share the WORD with them when I can.
But it seems that most people are satisfied with their beliefs and position in life and are unwilling to question it. Most are set in their path, whether for good or evil.
And I fear for them.
For myself and my family I test doctrines and teachings against the scriptures, (acts 17:11) and 'work out my own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12)
But many do not.
It is at these times that I remember...
Matthew 5:45 says, "For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike."
I feel really bad about those who do not have the hope of the Kingdom.
I hear often how cruel God must be to 'punish' people.
But, I see it differently. YHWH is good, all the time. YHWH is love. And the verse above absolutely proves it to me.
You see, if someone accepts him and the path he expects them to walk, they have the hope of the Kingdom.
If someone does not, they don't have that hope. But you know what? They still have GOOD from God until the judgement. For all, this goodness is tempered (imperfect and sometimes ruined) by the existence sin. But still....
They get to eat delicious foods.
They get to fall in love.
They get to see nature's beauty surrounding them.
They get to have and hold sweet precious babes.
Somehow, they may see and have all these blessings and not believe in or accept YHWH. But, He still gives these things to them throughout their whole lives.
I am not saying we should not bring people to the cross. I am not saying that people do not need the word.
I am saying.... don't believe for one instant that YHWH is cruel. We all know the price He paid to make us salvageable. And here He shows us that even when that amazing love is rejected, He still tries to bless them and show them in 'signs'.
As Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,"
For myself and my family I test doctrines and teachings against the scriptures, (acts 17:11) and 'work out my own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12)
But many do not.
It is at these times that I remember...
Matthew 5:45 says, "For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike."
I feel really bad about those who do not have the hope of the Kingdom.
I hear often how cruel God must be to 'punish' people.
But, I see it differently. YHWH is good, all the time. YHWH is love. And the verse above absolutely proves it to me.
You see, if someone accepts him and the path he expects them to walk, they have the hope of the Kingdom.
If someone does not, they don't have that hope. But you know what? They still have GOOD from God until the judgement. For all, this goodness is tempered (imperfect and sometimes ruined) by the existence sin. But still....
They get to eat delicious foods.
They get to fall in love.
They get to see nature's beauty surrounding them.
They get to have and hold sweet precious babes.
Somehow, they may see and have all these blessings and not believe in or accept YHWH. But, He still gives these things to them throughout their whole lives.
I am not saying we should not bring people to the cross. I am not saying that people do not need the word.
I am saying.... don't believe for one instant that YHWH is cruel. We all know the price He paid to make us salvageable. And here He shows us that even when that amazing love is rejected, He still tries to bless them and show them in 'signs'.
As Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,"
Psalm 19
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line[a] has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
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