Author: Anna Lee

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“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).

Mike Benson, Editor

THE STORY OF “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” has the fair-haired heroine in search of what suited her perfectly; not too hot, not too cold, not too hard, not too soft…

It all had to be just right. That’s pretty typical of human nature is it not? We prefer things to be just right. But how do we know? Isn’t it just a matter of our preferences? That might work for things like porridge or beds, but it doesn’t work for everything.

When the Bible gives the warning that the word of God isn’t to be added to or taken from, it is saying it is just right. We may not always agree with what God has to say in the Bible. We might prefer that it said some things differently. Altering God’s word carries some pretty serious consequences (Revelation 22:18-19). This actually identifies one of the key issues of mankind’s relationship with God. When a discrepancy exists between His word and our preferences, what will happen? What will change? Us? Or will we try to change God’s word? Or, will we just walk away as if nothing were amiss?

The fact is, God’s word does not change. Actually, it cannot change. If we attempt to alter it, it’s no longer God’s word, but ours. His word still stands. That is what is behind Jesus’ words, “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

God’s word, as it is, is just right. If we’re not comfortable with it, it is us, not it, that needs to change. God’s word is just right to make us just right (David Deffenbaugh, Bill McFarland)

“Whatever I command you,

be careful to observe it;

you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

Deut. 12:32

I hope you are finding time to read God’s word on a regular basis.
Anna Lee

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).

Mike Benson, Editor

Shape

DURING THE GREAT Depression a good man lost his job, exhausted his savings, and forfeited his home…

His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his precious wife. The only thing he had left was his faith, and it was weakening. One day he was combing the neighborhood looking for work. He stopped to watch some men who were doing the stonework on a church building. One of those men was skillfully chiseling a triangular piece of rock. Not seeing a spot where it would fit, he asked, “Where are you going to put that?” The man pointed toward the top of the building and said. “See that little opening up there near the spire? That’s where it goes. I’m shaping it down here so it will fit up there. Tears filled this good man’s eyes as he walked away. “Shaping it down here so it will fit up there” gave new meaning in his difficult situation.

Some of you who are reading this are going through terribly troublesome times. You are experiencing some heart-breaking sorrow. Or perhaps you are enduring some painful physical illness. Or it is something else — something too excruciating to talk to anyone about. The blows of the hammer and chisel hurt, don’t they? Hold on to your faith. Don’t let your difficulties get you down. They are only temporary. Glory is coming. It’s the harsh blows to the outward man that often bring the greatest strength to the inner man. Keep praying. Keep believing. The Master has to do some shaping of us down here so we will fit up there (Glad Tidings of Good Things).

“For our light affliction,

which is but for a moment,

is working for us a far more exceeding

and eternal weight of glory”

2 Cor. 4:17; cf. Rom. 8:28

When you are going through a trial in your life – and you will again and again – look to God. Keep your faith! God is there to help you though the good days and the not-so-good days!

Anna Lee