It's His

Our home being built in 1998

Twice in our lives Beloved Husband and I have looked at a piece of land and house plans then had one built for us. First time was in an addition and we had several plans to choose from. Second time we drew up our own plans for the home we have now.

God blessed us this second time so very greatly! There were so many things that came together that placed us in a beautiful setting in proximity to an active church whose members are friendly, arms wide open. He has provided well for us here. All we've done is accept what He has to offer.

It's pretty much that same way everywhere, since it all belongs to Him, as our Pastor taught last night:

The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. [Psalms 24:1 KJV]

There's a deed filed with our county that states this property is ours. The county uses that deed to figure out where to send tax bills -- we just had proof of that a short while ago! Our Lord doesn't tax us, but He does expect acknowledgement of his sovereignty, and David has told us how to reach Him:

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [Psalms 24:3-5 KJV]

In another Psalm, David tells us how to get cleansed:

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. [Psalms 51:10 KJV]

Later on, God provided a cleansing method available to all mankind:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [1 John 1:7 KJV]

This can be a stumbling block to those who deny a Creator, to those who look upon themselves as being self-made and have risen above the masses who need outside help to make their way in this short life. Unfortunately, there are some religious leaders within Christianity who have similar ideas, not only accepting but teaching worldly values instead of sound doctrine. Can you think of times when a message appears more of a self-help program instead of a message of Christ preached from God's word?

Thank God when you are in a congregation that speaks of His love for His creation. When that leader gives the message David passed on to his son, and Isaiah had for us all:

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. [1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV]

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [Isaiah 55:6 KJV]