From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

This is a rough world, fraught with its unique challenges. Don’t think that we are the only ones, though, who have ever suffered. I ponder the perils of the olden days…full of danger, the early deaths of infants and many family members, hordes of barbarians attacking villages, wild animals roaming the surrounding areas, etc. Many civilizations have had their problems. Deaths, disease, pestilence, war, famine…all are hurtful and all have their root in sin!

Sometimes, people think that God did all this! What ignorance. Man’s disobedience brought in the death that God warned against. Yet learned scientists of the day often speak of their theories as if they were facts, and others speak of God’s facts as if they were theories. Go figure!

Where can we go, then, but to the bosom of the Lord! The world today is so complicated, so intertwined, there will only be confusion or despair without Him. Take these comments or leave them…your choice! But I am so grateful for God’s plan. Do you know God’s plan for your life? Do you know of His utter simplicity and power?

We have been chosen by God the Father, redeemed by God the Son, and sealed by God the Holy Spirit. All it takes is a contrite heart and a humble spirit in a willing soul and God will show you that new and living way in Jesus. Argue and deny all you want, but remember what God said in Psalm 68:6, "only the rebellious dwell in a parched land." Don’t stay out there, friend; just come on over to Jesus. Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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