Tag: Psalm 14:1
What is a ‘fool’?
Scripture reading for June 5: Psalms 13-18
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 14:1
The fool in Scripture is the one who denies the existence of God. Why would anyone want to deny that God exists? Hasn’t God placed eternity in the hearts of all men? (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Isn’t God evident to all through creation? (Psalm 19:2-4) The reason this kind of fool exists isn’t because of an intellectual problem. It is something much deeper than that!
According to Psalm 14, the reason the fool says that there is no God is because of corruption of character. These people are vile and do not do anything that would be considered ‘good’ in God’s sight. These people avoid seeking God so that they do not have to answer for their wicked deeds. They prefer their corruption and want no ‘God’ to interfere with their evil ways and thoughts. It is convenient to do away with God or any knowledge of Him, thinking this liberates them from responsibility and judgment.
The Apostle Paul describes the fool’s way of thinking in Romans 1:18-23. These people have known about God and His ways but have suppressed this truth in unrighteousness. Having suppressed truth, the lie of their own ‘godhood’ based on their own futile thinking darkens their hearts and souls. God allows them to follow their darkened understanding and worship creatures and creation rather than the creator.
The next step is sexual perversion. (Romans 1:24-27) When a person rejects God because of their wickedness, God allows that person to be deluded and go deeply into perversion and further depravity in the breaking of God’s laws. This results in all kinds of sexual sin, lying, greed, envy, malice, strife, and idolatry. This is where every ‘fool’ in Scripture ends up without the grace of God.
There is no excuse for staying a fool however, for God is always ready to save, heal and forgive. We must humble ourselves and admit that He exists and that He will reward and forgive those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) If you have been foolish in your words or attitudes about God, take time today and repent. God is faithful and just and will forgive you! (1st John 1:7-9)
Choosing to trust God Alone
Scripture reading for May 27: Job 25-28
Bildad opened his final argument by citing the power and dominion of God. He then questioned that in light of God’s greatness, how can man who is born of woman be right with God? (Job 25:4) This is a good question and finds the answer implied by Bildad in other writings of Scripture. Romans 3:10 says that there is none righteous, not even one (Psalm 14:1) . Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The problem with Bildad’s statement was in his understanding of God and man’s relationship. Bildad stated that man was like a maggot in God’s sight, only a worm. (Job 25:6) This view is neither encouraging or accurate!
Job refuted Bildad by asking him what spirit was speaking through him! Job’s counter-argument was that he would choose to trust God, even if he didn’t understand! (Job 27:2-6) God was his only source of hope and encouragement! God’s character and wisdom were worth more to Job than anything this earth had to offer. Finding this wisdom was not easy! (Job 28:12-13)
The bottom line for Job was that the fear of the Lord was wisdom and understanding was to depart from evil! (Job 28:28) Respecting God and His power and authority is the very core of wisdom. We can only live our life successfully if we have this wisdom in operation in our life. Respecting God is the character trait of humility. God, Himself, is humble! Jesus Christ taught his followers to come and learn from Him, because He was humble of heart! (Matthew 11:28-30) By respecting God and being humble we are able to follow God and live successfully by faith! We know from God’s word and character that there is a definite “good” and a definite “evil”. We walk in understanding when we depart from evil and do good!
God is the most precious One in our life. Job came to this conclusion as he was forced by the circumstances of a trial to live by faith. He did not have all the answers, but he knew the One who did and Who would help him! Are you going through a trial today? Are you resting in Jesus as your only Source of wisdom and help? Are you humble and able to learn from Him?
Worldview clash–Atheists sue!
| http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090115/ap_on_go_ot/obama_under_god |
Our atheist friends, Michael Newdow and company, are now suing to have “So help me God” taken out of the inaugural oath that President-elect Obama will use when sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. They want all references to God stricken from everything done that day and at any time by our government. This was added to the oath of office by George Washington, our first President, when he was sworn in. It is interesting how worldviews are clashing at every turn in our land today. Everything that we as Christians hold dear is being assaulted by vocal voices that are willing to sue and fight to see their agenda moved forward.
Jesus warned us that in the world we would have trouble. They persecuted Him, and the disciples are not above their master! We must prepare each day for opposition! The “Lord’s Prayer”, or more accurately, the “Disciple’s Prayer” asks to “deliver us from the evil one”. (Matthew 6:9-13) We will and do face evil in this world. God has promised to keep us safe but has told us to resist the Devil and shun evil. Christians must take a stand and not blend into the culture. Please pray for our nation and for those who are so blinded by the lies of Satan that they can’t see the God who made them and has blessed us with this great nation and faith in God.
I received one of those “pass it on” emails the other day. The gist of it was that the United States Government had made an official “Atheist’s Day” as a national holiday: April 1st! The fool says in his heart, “There is no God”. Psalms 14:1