March 29
Deut 11:1-12:32 | PS 70:1-5 | Prov 12:4 | Luke 8:22-39
We are called to be separate, to be different and not to compromise. We are called to see evil for what it is, and to have nothing to do with it. I am still shocked and dismayed over all that I witnessed in the name of a pandemic, and especially from those in the church. Well known, and respected preachers, advised their congregations to take the experimental injection, telling their congregations that it was safe. How could they know this or say this, when there was actually no data to support this, and the governing bodies making these allegations had already proven themselves untrustworthy time and time again. There were places of worship that required the shot to be allowed into their buildings. Statements were made that it was for the safety of vulnerable congregants, or to be sensitive to everyone. Many took it stating that God is so powerful that He can make sure that nothing will happen from it. Why do I state this now that this seems in the past? Because they are not done with us. The next things are just down the road. The fear that this caused and the shift in control over people's lives that happened as a result of this was too effective to have it be a memory. Sorry, but the world collapsed like a cheap tent when fear became palpable. Many reading this have already taken the shot. There should be no fear on what anyone has done (past tense). But we are living in present time. Will fear and compromise, listening to dark voices, make us continue along this path? We in the faith must discern. We can not allow ourselves to be tossed around by the whims of society, because they say to or not to do something. Those in the faith have always been a remnant, not a majority.
Realize fear has always been a powerful tool. We read in Deuteronomy 11:25, "No man shall be able to stand against you; the Lord your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you." God would help the Israelites overcome enemies stronger than themselves, by causing fear to paralyze them. We see fear in three groups in today's reading in Luke. The disciples feared the storm, while Jesus lay asleep in the boat, screaming to Him, "Master, Master, we are perishing". Jesus rebukes the storm and the wind ceases, and Jesus asks the disciples, "Where is your faith?". When Jesus meets the demon possessed man filled with a legion of demons, the demons were in fear of Jesus. When the people saw the man now cured and right in his mind, we read in Luke 8:37, "Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned."
Sorry, but it is not over, but just starting. There are new mRNA vaccines right down the road, what will you do with them? The requirements for your children to go to school and what will be required of them is right around the corner, what will it do to your children? Nothing seems safe any more with banks failing, war on the brink, etc. This is our new reality. The world is not our friend, God is. God eliminates fear. God clears out the noise and gives us clarity. The question is, who is it that we will listen to, as they are never the same. Choose this day who you will listen to: God or man, God or so-called science, God or government. If your church or pastor is choosing to listen to those other than God, perhaps it is time to find a new church and pastor.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: