Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, if you choose.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, or so it says in Genesis 1:1. We (mostly) all have heard that verse. But, what do we believe are the implications of that concept? You know, as our (US) economy starts to shudder, the world seems as if everyone is at odds with someone else, and folks are just not showing brotherly/sisterly love for others regularly enough; it sure doesn’t seem as if anyone is in control of anything except themselves. Sorry, let me correct that; many today are actually trying to control everyone else but themselves.

Speaking of ruling others, it says in Daniel (2:21) that He, God deposes kings and raises up other kings. So, no matter who is in charge of a situation, government or country, God will overthrow, unseat, impeach, or remove them, as well as lift them into power. It’s on His time that this happens, which is what the words just before this say. (They actually state that God’s in charge of seasons as well.) So, if you don’t particularly care for who is in charge..., wait for it… It reminds me of the Brady Bunch episode where Peter sings, “Change,” in this squealing teenage voice - which changes throughout the song. Like the song, and that voice we go through, the folks in power are gone soon enough. But, except for people, times, seasons and a few other things in life, God doesn’t change. He will not go away. It says that in Malachi 3:6, and in Hebrews 13:8. There are many other places as well that tell us this and also that God’s kingdom is everlasting, whether you believe in Him, or not. You know, I had a discussion with someone recently and they said that they don’t believe in Hell. I love them dearly but didn't want to upset anyone so I simply said, “You don’t have to.”

Speaking of that place of extreme summer, it sure is starting to feel like that here. I’m not talking about global warming either. Well, let me say this in respect to the weather geeks out there: God did say it was all going to burn; He just didn’t say how long it would take. If you’d like to know what’s on the upcoming menu I’d suggest reading the Bible a bit while the grill warms up.

Sorry, let me get back on track because it is not a difficult concept that I want to share. Simply put: God made everything, and controls the workings of it. He does give us free will of course in this world. Which I believe is behind the current situation(s) everywhere. The Psalm 16:9 verse is good to remember here though. A man’s/woman’s heart plans their course but the Lord determines their steps. What?! I thought it was my body, my choice?

I know we all have things we like to do and we believe we are in control of those choices but, I believe that God allows them all (good and bad). If not, you wouldn’t do them. I have a prayer I pray sometimes, especially if I want to do or obtain something and I just don’t know if I should. I’m talking about something that’s maybe frivolous or silly to others but, maybe not to me. Like, buying a new woodworking tool, software program I’d like, or maybe giving a family who needs it some money or stuff. I think we all have lived here at one point or another, just with different, maybe sometimes deeper more painful stuff. So, I pray to God telling Him that I’m going to buy this or do this thing and if I’m not supposed to, don’t let it happen. On more than one occasion something came up and I didn’t do or get what I (thought I) wanted. By the time I thought of it again, I didn’t seem to care about it anymore and it wasn’t a big deal. Then, of course, there are (many) other times I do get or do it. Looking back and remembering His words about these things fascinates me. It’s interesting as we all seem to look around at what seems like chaos in the world. Wondering, who is really running the show?

So, if God is really in charge, as a believer in Him and His Word I do not need to worry about what man/woman can do while they're “raised up.” Of course, I need to go to God for my decisions as they are important to me, maybe even others. It always strikes me though that no matter how big or little things are to me; we (people) are individually nothing in eternity but, if you read God’s word enough, we are everything to Him. Like I suggest regularly, read the Bible. More than once is probably good too. I do need to address anyone who may be reading this who does not believe that the Bible is God’s word, or even God or Jesus as their savior. As I see it, you just get free will (I can’t guarantee that though). You don’t have to believe all the other things God says. He asks you to and wants you to. And, you can look behind the curtain if you choose.