Yesterday, I mentioned that we covered two often misused verses in our family devotions. The first, which I wrote on yesterday, was Psalm 149:3. The second follows:
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
This verse also gets “used and abused.”
We hit two frequently misused verses in family devotions this morning. I’ll take a few minutes on one of them today.
Psalm 149:3
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Some people are experts at repentance — they know just how to do it. They can cry a river of tears at the flip of a switch, so everyone will know just how sorry they are.
You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.
– Zig ZiglarBut I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
– Paul (Philippians 2:19-22)
I remember being taught in Sunday School that “justification means God sees you just as if you never sinned.” As I grew older, I learned that this was a common explanation, probably because it is memorable. The only problem is, it isn’t really right.
The Environment Agency wants us to build snowmen, to slow the melting rate and prevent flooding. How many snowmen make a difference? Millions? Do they provide training courses? Will the government accept liability for snowman-induced heart attacks? Was the Health and Safety Executive consulted? These are important questions. 🙂
We built snow forts and had a snowball fight, does that count? Emilie captured the boys’ fort and I got their flag, so we won. Everything we allowed after that was just to salvage their egos, after being defeated by their little sister and their old dad. (Other descriptions of these events are propaganda, and should be ignored. :))
There’s still a LOT of snow. We could build a snow army.
Government: trying to turn a fun activity into a burdensome duty. Do they have any idea how long it takes to make that many snowmen? What is the economic impact of people taking time off work to build snowmen? If everyone uses a carrot for a snowman nose, there’s going to be a carrot shortage. 🙂
Did they think this through? What if the spokesman goes on disability for depression if people laugh at his statement? Will he sue the government? Will Labour demand an inquiry? Who will point out the lack of snowman diversity in the UK? Studies will be done on the optimum snowman density. This will rumble on for a while. Stay tuned.
The first revolt is against the supreme tyranny of theology, of the phantom of God. As long as we have a master in heaven, we will be slaves on earth.
– Mikhail Bakunin, “father” of anarchism (but as you can see, there was nothing new in his thinking)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
– Jesus, the Master in Heaven and on earth (John 8:34-36)
Mind Renewers 