Can we honestly say that we “hate every wrong path,” or must we admit that we are sometimes amused by them? Take a moment to really think about the things we laugh at on television, radio, or the movie screen. When the cute little boy on the big screen lets out a string of cuss words, do we stop to think that a real child was taught those words as a part of his job? Read over the following list taken from Galatians 5:19-21 and think about how many of them are glorified in books and on the screen for our entertainment: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like…”
Contrasted with those wrong paths, are the fruit of the Spirit, that we should be cultivating in our lives and the lives of fellow believers: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 6:22-23a). Lord, turn us from exalting lawlessness and toward following your precepts.
Who Weeps?
(written after a sermon on Nehemiah 1
preached by James T. Draper in 1986)
Who weeps? Who prays? Who intercedes?
Who, on his knees, to the lord God pleads?
Who weeps? Who prays? Who cares today
that America
that sin runs rampant through our land?
Who will rise and take a stand?
Lord, You speak to me today.
“Rise and take a stand,” You say.
Teach me, Lord, to weep and pray,
confess that we have gone astray.
Can one woman intercede?
I stand to follow. I know You’ll lead.
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