Shade Tree Wisdom 2/8/13

          A bit of rain yesterday reminded me of the time we were hauling the first cutting of hay into the barn. The last bit loaded, and we were heading for the barn, in the distance we could see a rain line heading our way.  So we hurried, got the load into the barn and the horses stabled, and then that line of rain reached us. It was a day-long rain, and so father told us to feel free to take a nap on the fresh hay or whatever. So we took a nice nap, rain was sent by God, and we knew that and accepted it as part of God’s care for the world.

          And it reminded me much of the different times I have lived in. The report is of a major storm heading toward the Northeast. It promises several feet of snow, has already disrupted hundreds of flights, gotten that area to prepare for snow removal, downed utility poles and wires, and disruption of the comfortable way of life we are used to

          One great difference, however, is how the Christian Religion is regarded. In my youth we, that is, much of this country, at least recognized that there is a God and many, many people believed in Him

          Today Psalm 36 describes many. MSG translates v.2.
               “He has smooth-talked himself into believing
                That his evil will never be noticed.”

          RSV has it: “In his own eyes he flatters
                Himself too much to detect or hate his sin”.

          And that is the error that bedevils our age, that fact we are not even aware of the evil that results from our actions and the culture we endure.

          We do pray for the nations, and pray that the Word of God will have the affect it does to send his Spirit to change hard hearts and hearts of stone into hearts that believe Jesus Died for the sins of the world.”

GPD 2/8/13