A Pound of Thoughts

I find this article very interesting…and not for the reason you think.

Apparently, a Muslim woman hired the ACLU to sue North Carolina because she was refused the use of the Koran to swear by in court.  Apparently some Jewish members of the ACLU would like the option to swear on the Old Testament, also.

The lawsuit argues that state law is unconstitutional because it favors Christianity over other religions. It seeks a court order clarifying that the law is broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts, or else rule the statute unconstitutional.

I say rule the statute unconstitutional.   Here’s my reasoning:  The Bible warns against swearing and taking any oath:

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

–James 5:12

And also right out of Jesus’ mouth:

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:  But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:  Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.  Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.  But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

                                    –Matthew 5:33-37 

So, go ahead and make it unconstitutional.  But then don’t allow anyone else to swear on the Torah, Koran, Blue’s Clues, etc.  Just make them say “Yes” or “No” and hold them to it.

My morning devotional asks, How does God communicate with me? There are several ways God speaks to us. He speaks through His Word, through His son Jesus, through the Spirit, and through His creation.

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. but now is these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.  –Hebrews 1:1-2

I like this summation the devotional makes.  The way it is written is so concise, and easy to remember, it makes for easy application to our lives.

God speaks through His Word, so read it daily.  He speaks through His Son, Jesus, so talk to him daily.  He speaks through his Holy Spirit, so pause to listen as he counsels your heart and mind.  He speaks through His creation, so take time to see him in it.  And he speaks through other people, so be fed through the teaching, preaching, and advice of other believers.  Listening to all the ways God speaks to you is the best way to discover His unchanging qualities and His purposes for your life.

I couldn’t say it any better.  Reading the Bible, praying, and just spending some quiet time with God are the best ways we can communicate with Him.  And I’m ashamed that I haven’t been reading or praying like I should be.  It’s scary when I look back…I used to be more dedicated to reading my Bible.  But for some reason, I’ve allowed myself to stray from God.  And the more I think about it, the more ashamed I become.  God, I just pray to you now, forgive me of this sin.  Help me to become better and more devoted to reading your  Word.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

I have a little devotion book my wife gave me. The entry for today is “Routine”. The question asked was: “How can I make prayer a part of my daily routine?”

The answer was given in Scripture. The author brought out Nehemiah, and how he prayed not only at long stretches of time, coupled with fasting, but also at a moment’s notice when he really needed guidance. It’s a really good example of how we all should approach prayer.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.

–Nehemiah 1:4

Here’s an example of “on-the-spot” praying:

The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied.

- Nehemiah 2:4-5

The devotion also issued a challenge: A challenge to seek the face of God through prayer. We should all “pray without ceasing.” I believe America doesn’t do enough praying. With the state of the world today, I say we need to.

Good night all - and may God bless you and keep you, and cause His face to shine upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

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Bro. Tommy Mitchell at the Rurban Church blog has a good post on the A’s one needs to have a blessed Christian life. I recommend you read over it, meditate on it, and let it soak in. It’s a good, quick lesson.

This is something I’m going to jot down and remember…

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”

-Oswald Chambers