I listened to some news clips today, excerpts from the preachings of a certain preacher who is the pastor for one of the presidential candidates. I won’t share the details of what he said, but the language he used was disturbing. If there is anyone who is misapplying what the Bible says, this man does it.

As Christians, we aren’t to exalt any man as we all fall short and are prone to make mistakes. I would like to think that what this pastor said were isolated incidents, but the clips were from at least two different messages some four years apart.

I’m not going to exalt my pastor, but I will say this: I have never heard him say anything flagrantly offensive or demeaning toward anyone the three plus years that my family has attended his church. Our pastor sticks to the word of God, going line by line and addressing issues as they come up. Making political hay out of something isn’t his style and for that I am grateful.

I have sat under the teachings of pastors and preachers who said things I didn’t agree with, even leaving one church after I discovered that there wasn’t common ground for us to continue fellowshipping together. Yes, this is a strong statement and move to make, but it was necessary.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should pray for our pastors and if something is said that is highly offensive or upsetting, to talk with him and him alone about the matter. In most cases everything should clear up, but in the event that it doesn’t you should move on after exhaustively working toward reconcilement.

Are you proud of your pastor? Without any doubt, I know that I can say that I am.

Photo courtesy of Craig Jewell.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105 is one of my favorite scriptures. When I read the verse, I can’t help but think of walking along a dark path and being unable to see in front of me. With no light available, we’re soon to stumble over rocks, tree roots and other obstacles not visible to the human eye. Worse, we could fall into a pit or be consumed by a wild animal.

God’s word penetrates the darkness and gives us just enough light to see a foot or two in front of us. Enough light so that we will not stumble, but not much more.

God wants us to depend on Him for our immediate needs, the provision for that day. Our faith is built up as we take in each day’s scripture verses, trusting that His light will continue to shine the next day and the day after.

I admit that I don’t always dig into the Bible on a daily basis. I get busy, I substitute my writings for reading, or have some other excuse at the ready. However, when I do spend some time reading and contemplating God’s word, I find that I can apply it to a circumstance in my life or recall the scripture when needed later on.

Although I encourage people to read God’s word, I caution those who do so without seeking God’s guidance or with a wrong motive. Anyone can turn on the lamp, but it is God who shines forth His word to ward off darkness for those seeking the Light of the World.