PRODIGAL SUN

                                                        JULY 2022

 

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

 

                                                  VICTORY (?)

 

Pro-lifers, of whom I am one, are rejoicing that Roe vs Wade was finally overturned. The true colors of our nation show as it took the execution of over sixty-two million babies for the leaders of our Supreme Court to do what should have been done half a century ago. I am grateful to all of those who stayed in the war until the enemy (Satan) in this battle was defeated.

 

We have been watching a spirit of violence become increasingly stronger over the years, but after the verdict rendered above became official I sensed an even greater impetus as Satan was inflaming some of his willing human conspirators to rise to greater heights of rebellion against God, His laws, and His people.

 

Everyone perpetuating violence is heaping coals of fire upon themselves, and in many cases upon those around them whether family, friends, or associates.

 

Consider this passage from Psalm 1 (1) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sets in the  seat of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; (4) The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. (5) Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; (6) For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

Therein is the summation of man’s existence: from birth throughout all of eternity.  His choice, based entirely upon the truths found in God’s Holy Word determines his or her eternal home. This is the truth Satan is trying to stamp out with all of his schemes employing gullible men and women. We also know that angels and demonic spirits are active in this warfare. Some refer to these entities in their teachings but until one is established in the faith and truly sensitive to the Holy Spirit it may be wiser to just accept they are real.  The Holy Spirit will reveal what you need to know, and keep you from pursuing knowledge for its own sake.

 

Just noticed a couple of paragraphs back that I had not changed the font size. Some of us can let our reading glasses on the table/desk this month!

 

There are many packs of wolves scouring all nations seeking those they may devour. It is no surprise that Paul in Acts 20:29 warned the church that after his departure savage wolves would enter (the church) seeking to devour the flock. Then in verse 30 he warned against the men who would rise up speaking perverse things to draw others after themselves. We have been watching that first hand for many years, and the perverseness only grows  more diabolical.

 

Years ago I heard a teaching and the man quoted the passage in 1 Peter 5:8 which reads “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” He then summed up by saying the ‘devour’ meant to swallow without resisting. That caused me to think of James 4:7 which reads “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The devil cannot devour if we submit to God and then resist.

 

I mentioned being established in the faith. A brief but accurate summation is that one recognizes he/she is a sinner and wants to repent (to go in a new direction), but cannot meet God’s requirements for righteousness nor has the power to live a righteous life so he/she is in need of a Savior (Jesus the Christ) and a Helper (the Holy Spirit) to empower the new life. When you accept Jesus death, burial, and resurrection as your way to a new life and destiny, then receive the Holy Spirit, you are on the road to being established in the faith. God will view you through the Blood of Jesus, a prodigal son or daughter that has decided to come home. Jesus righteousness becomes yours.

 

What a blessed assurance as an old hymn sings. You are not promised an easy life here, riches, fame, or any such thing. Death, unless Jesus returns first, is inevitable but when you awake you will see Him as He is, the One who loved you enough to die for your sins so you could spend eternity with Him.

 

kenhayesfleming9@gmail.com                                          Kenneth H. Fleming

www.wbcis.com                                                                  502 Market Street

(814) 687-3707                                                                    Fallentimber, Pa. 16639