IT IS ONLY A VALLEY

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

IT IS ONLY A VALLEY

Ps 23:4

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

          In the Valley, keep moving! The Valley is a way, not a destination. It is important to know that there is an exit at the other side. Keep moving forward.

          In the Valley, keep trusting! The same shepherd that led you this far will lead you on. Focus on the shepherd and watch his every move. Listen carefully to His voice.

          In the Valley, keep your focus on the Shepherd. He knows the way and is aware of the pitfalls. He is equipped with tools to both guide you and protect you.

Dear Shepherd of my soul, let me stay close to you in the valley. AMEN

 

A SETTLED REBELLION

 

Monday, November 2, 2026

A SETTLED REBELLION

Heb 3:12-13

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Heb 3:13

13 But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamour of his sin may play on him]. AMPLIFIED

          The Greek word which is translated “hardened” in verse 13 is skleruno and it means: “to render stubborn.” This obstinacy is derived from “an evil heart of unbelief” which the original language explains is due to a “degeneracy from original virtue.”

          Rebellion, such as the rebellion of Absalom against his father David, seems to have a righteous basis. Absalom, through wicked strategy and trickery, stole the hearts of King David’s people. He promised them a more sympathetic leader, and the result was that David had to flee his kingdom while Absalom partied on the rooftop! The delusive glamour of sin had played a trick on him and the success of his venture convinced him that he was right. Let me remind you that sin is fraudulent! 

          The ensuing war between David and his son cost Absalom his life even though David demanded that none touch Absalom. He was tangled by his lovely locks in a tree and his mule walked away from him leaving him dangling from an oak. He was an easy target for Joab who knew that to let Absalom live would only allow the rebellion to continue. Joab shot him through with three arrows! (See 2 Samuel 18:14) There is hope for the rebel and even hope that his rebellion may be turned, but a settled rebellion such as that to which Absalom clung is fatal.

Heb 3:12

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Prov 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Dear Lord, help me to guard my heart against offenses and rebellion. Let me make peace quickly and make good use of your grace. AMEN

 

PEELED GRAPES

 

Sunday, November 1, 2026

PEELED GRAPES

1 John 4:1

4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

          In our text above, the word “spirit” is the Greek pneuma and one of the meanings of that word is “the human mental disposition.” So, with that meaning as the foundation, we should be wary of the opinions and mental dispositions of others.

          My high school civics teacher was an androgynous young man who rode a multi-geared racing bicycle to work and parked it in the back of the classroom. His blond hair was a bit over long but not for the mid 60’s. He avoided the school cafeteria and brought his lunch in what might be called Tupperware. I remember the peeled grapes and pondered how long it might have taken him to peel each grape for the next day’s lunch.

          In that questioning time during the Vietnam war, he gathered a few disciples around his desk during the lunch break to discuss current events and philosophy. I remember a tall, male, drum major, a trumpet-playing redhead whom I dated once but only once, and a dark-haired girl who wanted to be a Nun. It was worth carrying your lunch to school just to be part of this group.

          Of all the things Mr. Peepers (because he looked like him) taught us, I remember one thing clearly. He challenged us to always ask: “According to whom?” Everyone has an opinion, but we should be cautious in our listening and even more careful in making those opinions our own.

1 John 5:20

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Dear Lord, help me to question opinions without being a rebel. Remind me to measure each opinion and disposition against the authority of Scripture. AMEN