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| Volume 25 Number 2 February 2023 |
Page 14 |
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| Volume 25 Number 2 February 2023 |
Page 14 |
Ralph Clevinger
Last Friday night, I met up with my friend, Jerry. We normally meet up on Friday nights to go fishing. The drive to Dandridge was not extraordinarily exciting except around exit eight. I got off of the exit and started up the small hill. An older gentleman turned down the exit the wrong way. He was coming right at me! I started honking my horn and waving my hands to get his attention, but he drove right past me. The truck behind me turned as to block the gentleman from continuing down the ramp into oncoming traffic. He just skirted around the truck and kept going. As I crossed the overpass, I looked to see if he made it alright. That was all I could do.
Why would I tell you this story? I have no idea what ever happened to that gentleman. There are times in our lives when we see people who are not living as they ought. They may believe it is a good way and that it will lead them where they intend to go. However, they are mistaken. Jesus described this type of person in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen to His words, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast our demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV). There is no doubt these individuals were honest and sincere with their words and actions. They trusted that they were doing the right things. They were wrong.
There is a car that has the words “Only God Can Judge Me” on it driving around Greeneville. I understand what it means. God will judge others and us one day. Following God is more than a list of rules, but it is also more than what we feel in our hearts. There is a balance. As we find those who want to be with God, let us help them find the way. If we are not who we profess, then let us change. We do not want to be found going the wrong way when Jesus returns!
I’ve Got You!
Terry Wheeler
If you have ever been close to falling or drowning, one of the most encouraging sentences you can hear is someone coming to help and saying, “I’ve got you.” If you believe him, then you know that you do not have to depend on your tired strength to save yourself. Nor are you alone. Someone who cares is now assuring you that he or she is by your side and will do what it takes to rescue you.
Two things: Realize that our Lord Jesus assures us of this. Satan would destroy us. We ourselves go where we have no business being. Sure enough, we slip, but our Lord is there to catch us – every time. “If I say, ‘My foot slips,’ Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up” (Psalm 94:18 NKJV).
Next: Realize you have been saved to save others. You have been helped to help others. Your rescuer had to get into the deep water to get to you. Or, he had to go over the cliff himself to hold you up. Is anyone holding out a hand in need near you? Someone may need your help. Let that person know, “I’ve got you,” by your prayers, in your heart and in whatever you can do.