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RECAP NEWSLETTER - 5/8/4 Issue 6 vs. 11 also says, "When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge." There are those in our churches who say that judging other people is wrong. Judging their hearts is one things; judging their actions and reasons is another. Only the Lord knows their hearts. In verse three, the LORD gives an explanation of the difference. Everyone thinks they are right (to a degree), and will act out according to those beliefs. God says that even if you think you are doing right, and yet do not exercise judgment, He does not take nearly as much pleasure in you. Your intentions may have been noble, you might have thought you were doing right, but your justice (righteous acts) was not on par with God's justice and judgment. Sometimes, when people come to us and point out flaws in our reasoning or doctrine, they are instructing us. Notice that verse eleven states that the wise are 'instructed'. They are given specifics in direction and action. The wise man takes that knowledge and acts on it. When someone attempts to instruct you, and you do not take their instruction, you are throwing out knowledge. It is funny that the Bible states that even a simple man makes a note of people that disregard instruction.
Strive to be wise - accept constructive criticism. Help your fellow
brethren with constructive instruction. Do not tear them down.
We are to give instruction, and to receive instruction. All so that
our justice and judgment will be acceptable to God.
MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS People today are more concerned with "Churchianity", than they are fellowshipping with Christ and fellow believers. Fellowship is not standing in the church lobby talking about what you did that weekend. Fellowship is where their needs become your needs; their cares, your cares; where you share what you have found in your private time with God; looking into God's Word together; praising Him for His attributes, not for your niceties.... D.L. Moody once said: "I prefer my way of doing things over your way of not doing them."
CURRENT EVENT RECAP Arab hostility across the world is growing, and while Bush has made an 'apology', the address he gave on Arab TV did not contain an apology, just that justice will be delivered. In America, at the Rose Garden, he apologized for the travesty. More and more photos, as well as videos, are acknowledged to exist, hinting at the extent of the depravation. In one sense, this is a media circus. It will unpleasantly unfold in the media, keeping people glued to their TVs. Please keep in mind that our focus should mainly be watching reactions on the global scale, and the reactions of the Iraqi. Don't get caught up in the finger-pointing that is going to be coming. The mainstream news jumped on this issue all of a sudden, and with a similar voice. The news regarding the situation in the Iraq prison was released on purpose at this planned period. Usually, events like these can also take your attention away from other events unfolding. They are smoke-screen effects - just like the capture of Saddam hid the signing of H.R. 2417, Intelligence Authorization Agreement of 2004. What are some events to watch for? Russia, for one, swore Putin into office on a very heavy nationalistic tone. It appears from his speech that he intends for Russia to be self-sufficient, and not dependant on, or cooperative with the West. There are now more and more cries for the UN and the international community to get involved with the Iraq situation. As more of the prison scandal unfolds, the US will have to yield increasingly to global demands, in a feigned effort to save face or avoid censure. Also, in the EU, plans are hastening for much larger transaction and trade between the EU and China. Potentially, such trade could surpass US/China trades. In a show of force, China is squashing the voice of freedom in Hong Kong, even to the point of deploying naval ships to the harbor to make their point. Also, a recent report shows that the Pentagon is getting increasingly wary of the Chinese military might. Particularly, it appears China is working towards the ability to attack Taiwan and any US forces that intervene, at the same time. In morality news, the Methodist church decided to soft-pedal their stand on sodomy by not making it a divisive issue. In the spirit of 'unity', they claim to work toward evangelism. Sad. North Korea is also making a little news with the testing of a new ballistic rocket engine, and the building of two short-range missile bases. Once again, the National Day of Prayer seemed more like a ecumenical party with the President. Very, very, very rarely will you hear him mention 'Christ' or 'Jesus'. He always uses the word 'God' or 'Almighty', or other vague terms that other religions can readily agree to. If he is a Christian (which I cannot see his heart, only his actions), Christ must not be allowed to impact his life too much to where he can't mention his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by name. Set yourself apart from the religions of the world, tell others about Jesus.
REMINDERS
Do not live for this world - seek Christ first and highest of all.
May God richly bless,
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