Overcast in our neck of the woods, might get some rain shortly – probability of that all week long.

Got back from the physical therapist this morning; he has given me some elastic ribbons to use in strengthening exercises; he had to keep going to more resistant ribbons until he could find the ones that gave me the most resistance so it would do some good.

He said, even with the bad shoulder you are pretty strong, what do you do for a living?  Retired, of course, but did say I was in Law Enforcement, and it paid to be strong. 

However, I also told him the best used muscle in that business is the tongue, it can save a lot of frustration and calm things down without having to be physical – most of the time.

We started talking about the Sheriff’s Office, he had no idea of the size of the county nor, much about it.  He had heard ‘something’ about the Rajneesh but it was before his time – born in 1989, he is still just a ‘kid.’  He was originally from Hermiston so understood the terrain and distances.

I told him that I had written a book and since he is on Amazon Prime he can download the book for free.  Will see if he does, since I have a few more sessions coming up.

Still bothering me, but I can tell the difference as I can now raise my arm with a bit of weight in my hand, where a couple of weeks ago I couldn’t do that.  It is encouraging, of course, much rather rehab than to have surgery.

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“The voice of the people, it has been said, is the voice of God; and, however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true to fact.  The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right.”  Alexander Hamilton

To that I would have to say ‘AMEN!’

Hebrews 4:12  ^“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  KJV

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  NIV

When we compare man’s judgement with God’s, one thing stands out, man’s judgement are based on an ever changing world.

What is illegal today can be made legal by the stroke of a pen tomorrow.  What is legal today can be illegal tomorrow by having the same thing done to it.

What is proper in today’s society would make people in the past cringe and run for cover – hey, some of us still do.

And, for that matter, many of the things that were acceptable in the past make us cringe today.

I don’t know how many times we hear, as an excuse for many of the changes, “we are more enlightened than people in the past.”

Consistency is not the world’s forte’ its rules, laws and judgement changes from one time to another, from one country to another, from one state to another, from one jurisdiction to another and in some instances from one judge to another in the same jurisdiction.

As an example, I can remember when Clay had to enforce Oregon Boating Laws on the Columbia River – in some instances what was a violation for those that had Oregon boat licenses or were put into the river on the Oregon side, was not a violation for Washington boaters.

He worked hard to help get the two States to work together to be more consistent in their rules and regulations.  NOT an easy job when you consider both felt their way was best.

Some of those changes in society ARE vital and for the good of society – and when they are we almost always find the Bible concurs.

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” KJV

God on the other hand does not change.  His commandments are the same as the day He commanded them and then later had men inspired by the Holy Spirit write them down.

Where man’s laws and God’s laws contradict, then God’s law prevails.  While there are conflicts in our laws, our nation is relatively in agreement with God’s Word – but for those living in many countries even having a Bible in hand is against their laws and can be punishable by long terms in prison and in some cases death. 

As Christians it is our duty to work to get those kinds of laws overturned and to help those that are being persecuted AND in many cases prosecuted for their faith in Christ.

Acts 4:18-20 “ And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  KJV

I can remember having a discussion about certain laws with an instructor and was told, it is legal, now.  I said it may be legal but that doesn’t mean it is morally correct.

I am not advocating over throwing the government.  I am advocating that there is but one way to spiritual peace and certainty of eternal salvation and that is by following God’s Word.  We cannot allow our relationship with God to be trounced under by accepting the world’s standards.

The Bible isn’t suggesting behavior, it is commanding it.  When we choose to ignore it or deliberately disobey, we are risking eternal damnation and nothing that the world says will change that.

Lord, may I always remember that Your Word HAS to be the controlling force in my life; I need Your guidance in reading it and applying its truths to my actions and interactions with others.

Later, Art (-: