Odd ducks fly together

Weather in the end of the year is confusing. It just seems that you can expect a cold snap in the middle of December that lasts a couple of weeks letting you know that Winter is definitely here followed by really mild temps. That's kind of what we've got going on now. It was crazy cold for the last week and a half and now it's almost Spring-like (early Spring anyways). Most of the snow is gone except for the stuff on the north sides of houses and the huge piles in mall parking lots. Since I was a lot younger, I can remember times like this where the weather just decided to play tricks on everyone and do something completely out of the ordinary, like warm up to 60 in the middle of winter! Oh well, I guess it's not all that out of the ordinary since this warming thing happens almost every year. I'm glad I'm a youth minister and not a meteorologist so I don't have to explain why stuff like this happens to folks like me. Of course, I have to field questions about God and eternity and other religions, like that's an easier alternative! So I guess the weather man and I have something in common.

Proverbs 30:5-6 say, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." Say you're a medieval knight going to battle. You've got your chain mail, your helmet, your sword, and your shield. If the opposing army shoots a bunch of arrows at you, would you rather have a shield that has a bunch of holes in it and is poorly made, or would you opt for a shield that is solid and strong? I think most of us would choose the strong solid shield. With all the options of things to believe in the world, this statement stands out. God's words are flawless. He is faithful and true. This gives us encouragement to know that if we trust in those words, they will prove trustworthy and able to protect us from the falseness that the world offers. Of course, one ought not try and put words in God's mouth. He's very capable by himself, thank you very much, and doesn't need help from you and me. In our attempt to add something to God's word, we will be shown for what we are: exposed as unruly, lying, and caniving. Like it or not, or know it or not, we are in a spiritual battle for our souls. God is ready and willing to protect us from the things that war against us. Take him at his flawless word and fight knowing you are protected by it.

Sr. High Retreat registration deadline Sunday Jan. 2.
CIY Discipleship Conf. registration deadline Sunday Jan. 9.

Later...