Romans 14 is profound reading this morning. Possibly because when visiting a website known for its apologetic dissertations of the Word of GOD; I am left with a sense of futility. Possibly the biggest problem with the website rest in its determination to answer any and all questions. Often the questions themselves are only for declarative purposes. It seems to attract many who are convinced of their own reasoning. It feels like a condensed model of our social media world. Everyone has an opinion. No one is saying much. But few would ever consider doing more listening than speaking. We don’t seek truth we make it up as we go along.

The gospel that is being preached, is the gospel according to our feelings, our concepts; and everybody is preaching! Truth is an exercise in political correctness. What is popular is the truth. Free will run amok.

I have always read the scripture; “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:22), as one that championed the cause of the Elect of GOD. I now see it as a timely and necessary relief for the whole of creation. In our pursuits, we have become our own victims.

On days like these I want to draw up the sidewalk, lock the doors; get in the bed and pull the covers high over my head. The little one in me has taken over. Leaving me with the childish belief that if it is out of sight, it does not exist. It cannot harm me.

Nothing seems to be as beautiful as we declare. Whether in nature or in worship; under the beautiful veneer the danger is evident.

I am not only going down the rabbit hole, I think I am experiencing social depression. That “what’s the use” type of feeling. But then my heart begins to pray. To talk with GOD.

“Please help me to see this world as you do. Please help me to love this world from your perspective. Please allow me to see the beauty still evident in this fallen world. Only then will I be able to pull the covers back, put on my “big people clothes” and move forward.”

Just talking with GOD massages away the grief. For me to die is gain, for me to live is CHRIST. Depression flees from me because, when I remember to keep my eyes on JESUS I begin to walk on water.

Now beneath the obvious beauty that shields the obvious danger, there is another layer. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future. Then life is worth the living; just because He lives. (Bill and Gloria Gaither)

Good morning World. Great morning fellow children of GOD. There are no surprises. It is all good, GOD is yet in control.