July 5, 2022 — Words of Wisdom, Robert A. Heinlein

“But by your hard and impenitent heart you store up wrath for yourself.”

“Never try to out-stubborn a cat.”  Robert A Heinlein

“Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath…” Romans 2:3-5

“But by your hard and impenitent heart you store up wrath for yourself.”

In the text from Romans the word “hard” or “hardness of heart” is used to define the actual state of the mind. It literally means a mind that has turned to stone – a mind which is impenetrable. It is a state of mind where nothing can make an impression toward change – the one who has a “hardness of heart” is completely resistant to seeing another person’s point of view. And this is not just an insensitivity to people, or things – it is especially true as to G-d’s effect on the person. As such, a heart and a mind that are completely closed to any change is going to be more open to the “evil one” – more open to doing harm than in doing good. It speaks to a heart that is not affected by grief, by sinfulness, or by emotion.

Paul’s message to the people in Rome is to point out the hypocrisy of those who judge others while doing the very things which they are judging those same “others”. To think that they will avoid G-d’s judgment is the height of “hard-headedness”. But as people, we do tend to be a bit stubborn, and hardheaded. That is why we need repentance and forgiveness – often – in fact, every day. Every time we repent and turn to G-d, we are forgiven. It should be a daily practice – so that we do not become hard-headed toward our relationship with our neighbors – and in our relationship with G-d.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, we are too quick to turn in toward our own selfish wants and needs and to reject the needs and the point of view of others. Help me today to have an open heart – not to be hard-hearted. Forgive my sins and renew my heart. Amen.

Pastor Dave

July 4, 2022 – Kahlil Gibran

Set Free

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

 “Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” —Kahlil Gibran

Set Free

The 4^th of July celebration used to be about freedom. Now it is about a day away from work and reasons to find sales in American stores. I am certain people used to line the streets of their small towns to celebrate and truly appreciate the sacrifice it took to secure independence from England. In fact, one article I found described it this way:

It was not until 1826, after a second successful war against Britain and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the new nation, that newspapers…encouraged plans for orations, military processions, private gatherings, public dinners, and picnics to celebrate American independence. As this day became popular as a community event, its rituals affirmed community ties as well as national identity and became linked to other community events such as ground breakings, building dedications, and rededications of historic sites.” (Encyclopedia.com)

Perhaps while you are munching on hotdogs and hamburgers this 4^th of July, you might consider the freedom Jesus was talking about – the freedom from sin found in his truth and his life. Allow this freedom to mark your life and set a course for sharing His life-freeing good news with others. Yes, we should celebrate the sacrifices our ancestors endured to set into writing the freedoms we all have today. But Jesus reminds us that true freedom is found in his love, mercy and grace.

Let us pray

Lord Christ, you have set us free from the power of sin and death. Help me to share your freedom with all I meet – through words and deeds.

Amen.