January 15, 2023
Greetings and blessings to all of you. David wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Psalm 19:7-14 which says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right- rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever…. Those verses counter the teaching of those who believe we must augment God’s Word with beliefs gleaned from modern psychology. That is not to denigrate the importance of spiritually gifted people who offer natural medicine/Christian counseling. There is certainly a place for such in our un- perfect bodies and for their role in offering what we need. David the mighty warrior and king would occasionally seek advice from human counselors but ultimately, he would turn to God for answers. David went from shepherd to king knowing the human soul is spiritual as he wrestled with pain so deep, he could hardly bear to live. But he knew what the anguish of the soul needed. In that he penned the Book of Psalm. As we read the Psalm, we acknowledge that God supplies divine resources sufficient to meet all our emotional psychological needs. In John 17:17 it says “Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth.” The Bible is timeless, truthful, a living book because the Creator of the universe literally breathed out the Word of God. The Bible provides nourishment for our soul and spirit. But understanding the Bible requires faith. Augustine says, “believe so that you may understand”. The Bible requires faith for us to see its depths. How do we require this “faith”? The Word says, “Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believe? (Romans 10:14-21) We call on Him by knowing who He is by the Word of God. The Word of God is found in the Bible. In (John 17:17) “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” We must die to our will and come under the submission of Christ before we can understand what the Word says to us. Are we willing to do that? Pray to God that you will give up your right to be right when God speaks.
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC