The Doctor's Terrific Tablets
Page V

"Scripta manent.... verba volant."
( "Written words remain.... spoken words fly away." )

From the on-going INTERNET BOOK; "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
( http://www.terrific-tabs.com )

by John N. Todd III, M. D. (link)

5/01; 7/01; 9/01; 11/14/01; 3/02; 9/02; 10/02; 2/03; 5/03; 12/03; 3/25/05

CLICK HERE to go to the "FRONT PAGE" of "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
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LINKS to other pages:

FRONT PAGE of "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"

ALPHABETICAL INDEX of entire website

Editorial Page
Politics; Public Education
Todd's Truth I
Todd's Truth II
Todd's Truth III
Bible Favorites of Author
Bible Favorites II
Bible Favorites III
Pop's WISDOM
Pop's WISDOM, PAGE 2
Pop's Wisdom -- Page 3
PJT's Page

Terrific Tablets Page i
Terrific Tablets II
Terrific Tablets III
Terrific Tablets IV
Terrific Tablets VI
Terrific Tablets VII
Terrific Tablets VIII
Terrific Tablets IX

Tuscaloosa NOOSE
Tuscaloosa Snooze
Temporary Items
 

Links to "tablets" on this page:

RESPONDING to God

Faith without works

Science, God, and Religion

Unless the Lord Builds the House
( FUTILITY without GOD )

The Language of God

Before the Beginning of Time --
FOREKNOWN and PLANNED by GOD

Guidance and Discipline -- by God;
STEPPING-STONES from God

LIFE BEYOND this LIFE


CLICK HERE for SUBJECT List of this ENTIRE BOOK --
alphabetically arranged


Click HERE to share your written opinions with us.


A statement of PURPOSE by the author,
John N. Todd III, M. D.

CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet


Habakkuk 2: 1-3 (NEB): I will stand at my post. I will take up my position on the watch-tower. I will watch to learn what He will say THROUGH ME -- and what I shall reply when I am challenged. 2 Then THE LORD made answer: "Write down the VISION -- inscribe it on TABLETS, made for a herald to carry, with speed. For there is still a VISION for the appointed time. At the DESTINED hour, it will come in breathless haste. IT WILL NOT FAIL. If is delays -- WAIT for it.... for when it comes will be NO TIME to linger."


I have no interest in attempting to persuade anyone to "believe" as I believe. I am not generating this website on behalf of any sectarian group, or denomination. I am a physician.... not a preacher, priest, rabbi, or imam. I make no claim to have achieved special spiritual knowledge, or insight....and I have no illusions about having "all the answers"; or about having deciphered the "mind of God".

My basic purpose in "documenting" my personal spiritual understanding (acquired and developed throughout a lifetime) is simply to express myself -- for my own "reflection", and satisfaction -- and to share my thoughts and "conclusions" with those individuals who have been "given" to me.... and with those who are now (or will be) a part of my existence.... as time and life inexorably progress.

I never "argue" or debate "religious" (spiritual) issues. In all parts of this website, I am simply expressing and sharing my own personal "decipherings".

Over a period of many years .... dating back to before my college-days.... I have frequently raised questions, within myself, about certain "churchy" terms that I have heard over-and-over, in various churches, of differing denominations. For example, early in my religious "listening", I often heard mention of religious concepts such as the Gospel (link); and the Kingdom of God (link); the chosen (link); "The Trinity"; salvation (link), "the church"; sovereignty (link); "Christian"..... and on-and on. (See link: Author's Creed Index.) I frequently heard conflicting usages and "definitions" of these numerous "religious" terms. So, gradually, I began a lifelong personal study and search for further understanding of these very, very important spiritual concepts.... for my own edification and gratification. I desired to satisfy "me" about these confusional "preachy" terms (still widely used in various pulpits).... rather than to rely solely on one-or-the-other of the world's innumerable "religions" to dictate to me the "conclusions" which they have adamantly decided to be "the truth".... "the one way".... the "only" way. (See link Rigid Doctrinism.)

My spiritual searching, and my lifelong ongoing studies, and my personal contemplation, and my prayers.... led me to a degree of "spiritual" satisfaction, which I decided to record, as an unpublished "book".... "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets".

Then, with the advent of computers, and word-processors, and the Internet.... a quick-and-easy and inexpensive way for me to "publish" my personal discoveries and beliefs, became available. So.... in 1998, a few years after my retirement from the practice of Internal Medicine, I decided to share my thoughts and understanding with others.... emphasizing "to share"; not "to debate".... via the Internet. Thus, with the use of the incredible, God-given, and marvelous Internet, I (like others) have had the luxury of being able to publish, "update", alter, edit, "doctor", supplement, and revise my thoughts.... easily and instantaneously.... at any time of the day or night.

Hence, this book.... my "on-going, online Internet BOOK".

I must state again.... I have no interest in trying to "convince" anyone.... especially my own family and friends.... to agree-with or "accept" my personal "conclusions". I do hope that our Creator has directed me in my studies, and in my "decipherings".... and in my written portrayal of what I consider to be "spiritually correct".

(A somewhat peripheral purpose in my writing all this, is to honor my parents -- who were dedicated and proper and loving human-beings who spent their lives helping to develop my brother (Alton B. Todd, my only sibling) and me. It is interesting to recall that my father [John Norton Todd Jr. -- 1896 -1978] frequently mentioned his desire to compose and document his "philosophy", which he referred to as "Toddalism". He and my brother and I frequently had discussions about life, and "political" matters, and religion, and spiritual understanding. My father.... a very intelligent and talented self-educated man.... unfortunately was never able to fulfill his desire to document his thoughts.... for, in his day, there were no "word-processors", with easy revising and editing.... and so, this very studious-but-unschooled father found himself unable to express himself adequately, in written form. Perhaps, therefore, my developing this website will reflect at least a part of what my father "passed-on" to me. (See link, Remembering "GRAND".)

(My well-educated mother [Alton Thomas Todd -- 1903 -1999] was a talented musician, in piano and organ. She taught piano; directed church-choirs; accompanied my father's professional singing; played the organ in a large Methodist church; gave highly-admired book-reviews; taught Sunday-school; professionally directed a "Youth Club" for underprivileged chlldren.... and served for several years as "Director of Religious Education" ("DRE") at the First Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. She never attempted to instruct our family, "formally", in our religious beliefs and understanding.... although she routinely "trained" us, and guided us by example. She instructed our family with the following "motto", which she wrote in my "autograph book" when I was 10 years old: "Success ends, when ambition dies". And so, my mother ("Mama T", as she was known to her grandchildren) remains a source of great comfort and remembrance, for me. Her thoughts and actions became a profoundly important part of me.)

If there is still another motive in my writing about "religion" and "spiritual" matters, and about God-the-Creator.... that motive would be to expose -- and hopefully to lessen -- some of the almost-absurd denominational (doctrinal) squabbles, which hostilely separate loving-and-caring "Godspeople" from each other. (See link -- God's people.) (And, see link: Doctrinal Rigidity.)

If anything I compose (or quote) in this website is beneficial to a reader who may be "searching" (as most of us humans are) for further spiritual understanding.... I am delighted to be able to share my thoughts, and my beliefs. A reader may copy or quote or print any part of this website, without restriction. As I state on the "FRONT PAGE" of this website, "No rights are reserved" (see link).

My feeling is that even when a reader disagrees with my spiritual understanding -- that reader will perhaps benefit by solidifying his personal "spiritual" position -- when his own ideas and "beliefs" are evoked, within himself, for "internal" reflection.... and "debate". In other words.... if any thesis I express is "antithetical" to the doctrine of a reader, perhaps that reader will be able to augment his own spiritual thinking, by contrasting his opinions with mine.

I prefer that a reader compose, and write, his own opinions.... for himself to save and read and "re-contemplate" -- and to share with others (including me).... rather than "critiquing" (or criticizing) my spiritual understanding, as documented in this "website".

If a reader communicates his written opinions to others -- then all of us will grow in our pursuit of God's "TRUTH" (see link). (It disturbs me that some "church-goers" will never scrutinize or challenge or re-evaluate their own "beliefs", or their church's doctrinal "position"..... seemingly because of an almost "superstitious" dread that by spiritual "analyzing", they may be offending God, or "sinfully" questioning God.)

Naturally, I do hope that there are those who will read my compositions and "conclusions", as expressed on these pages -- but my purpose is not to proselytize, or to "build temples", or to argue rigid "religious" principles.

I believe that "church-building", and revelations of spiritual truth -- belong to God.

God may "use" you and me -- but He does not need our "prodding" -- nor our assistance.

( See link: About the Author )



 

 

 

 

7/31/00
5/23/01
11/15/01;
9/2/02

An edited "tablet", transferred from the INTERNET book:

"The Doctor's Terrific Tablets".
 


LIFE BEYOND This LIFE

"NOT for THIS LIFE (this world) ONLY"

Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet


1 Corinthians 15: 19 (NEB) IF it is for this life only that the Christ has given us hope -- we, of all men, are most to be pitied.

2 Corinthians 4: 16 (NRSV) So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is BEING renewed -- day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is PREPARING us for an ETERNAL weight of glory, beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen, but at what cannot be seen -- for what can be seen is temporary.... but what cannot be seen is ETERNAL.

And.... SEE numerous other Bible references quoted below.



THIS "tablet" is so important!

To me, the scriptures that are quoted below reveal an "explanation" for many of the human miseries that befall most of us -- in this life, in this world. All of us face death, either soon -- or later. Each of us will have disappointments -- and losses, and hurts. Dear-and-loving persons in our lives will depart from our existence -- or we ourselves will be taken away from them.... leaving them with an empty sadness. Illnesses occur; accidents happen; injuries cripple. Wars -- and threats of wars -- abound. "Natural disasters" (also called "acts of God") are widespread, and frequent.

Because these "happenings" appear in everyone's life, it becomes reasonable (perhaps) to believe and "accept" that these saddening occurrences in our own lives may indeed have been intentionally placed ("ordained") into our existence -- presumably as a part of our sovereign Creator's plan for our edification, and preparation, and development -- in order to accomplish what God wants us to be (or to become)..... perhaps for now, in this life -- or maybe for "the life-to-come".... the life beyond this life.

Otherwise, in our earthly human-thinking -- if we (you and I) have no other evident "explanation" -- it becomes very difficult for our human-minds to conjure-up a reason for events and circumstances that a "loving" God has allowed to enter our lives -- or for us earthlings to decipher a divine-motive for the distress of all the hurts and sadnesses of the "world".... those "problems" that we "Godspeople" are called upon to endure -- in our present existence.

My spiritual "feeling" is that there is, indeed, a purpose and plan in everything that happens in the life of each of God's people (link) -- each individual person.

Because I have learned to believe that the truth of God is expressed and divulged in God's Bible, I find comfort and satisfaction and "explanation" in the scriptural references that are quoted below. These quotations tell me that "it is not for this world only" that God allows those happenings in our lives -- events that we perceive as pain and sadness.... or "punishment". I say that they are all a part of a "development-process", for each of us, individually -- as we are "shaped" for God's plan and His intention.

As for me, after having enumerated all the above remarks about the "unpleasant" molding-and-building-events in our lives, I certainly do not want to overlook -- or fail to mention -- the countless beautiful, and sweet, and soft, and comforting "happenings" (blessings) in our lives...... the gorgeous people, and the amazing events, and the miraculous God-given accomplishments that unfold and become apparent -- almost every day, during our earthly existence. These splendid "gifts" likewise come from God -- and these lovely, God-ly blessings also "operate" in our lives -- to mold and develop us, and to encourage us -- for the design that God has ordained -- in advance.

Read aloud the following Biblical quotations, so that you may "see" and "hear" what God says on this subject:

1 Corinthians 15: 19 (NEB) If it is for this life only that the Christ has given us hope -- we, of all men, are most to be pitied.

SAME (NRSV) If for this life only we have hoped in Christ -- we are of all people most to be pitied.

Same (NIV) If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Romans 12: 2 (NEB) Adapt yourselves no longer to the pattern of this present world; but let yor minds be re-made, and your whole nature thus transformed. Then you will be able to discern the will of God -- and to know what is good, and acceptable, and perfect.

Same (NRSV) Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Hebrews 11: 13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises; but from a distance, they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the EARTH, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country -- that is, a HEAVENLY one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God. Indeed, He has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 13: 14 (NRSV) For here, we have no lasting city; but we are looking for the city that is to come.

John 6: 27 (Jesus speaking) Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life -- which the Son of Man will give you. On Him, God the Father has placed His seal of approval.

Romans 8: 18 (NRSV) I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay.... and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (See link Children of God.)

Psalm 16: 9 (Moffatt) And so my heart and soul rejoice. My body rests secure. 10 For never will He let me sink to death.... nor will He leave His loyal one to the grave. He will reveal the path to life.... to the full joy of His presence.... to the bliss of being close to Him, forever.

Collosians 3: 1 (NRSV) So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above.... not on things that are on earth.

Philippians 3: 20 (NRSV) Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation -- that it may be conformed to the body of His glory, by the power that also enables Him to make all things subject to Himself.

2 Corinthians 4: 16 (NRSV) So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed -- day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is PREPARING us for an eternal weight of glory, beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen, but at what cannot be seen -- for what can be seen is temporary.... but what cannot be seen is ETERNAL.

2 Corinthians 5: 6 (NRSV) So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body, we are AWAY from the Lord; 7 for we walk by faith -- not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence; and we would rather be away from the body, and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.

1 Corinthians 15: 50 (NRSV) What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

2 Corinthians 3: 17 (NRSV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are BEING TRANSFORMED into the same image -- from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord.... the Spirit.

I interpret the Bible to say that God allows and causes His plans to come into effect, for each of His people, in precisely the way that He has set forth. We humans may not understand God's purposes -- in this life. Hopefully, we will understand, "later".

Remember....... God is not required to "explain" His actions to us. "We are the clay; He is the potter."

The following scriptures help me to understand that God is always in command, and that He does not frivolously, or impotently, permit "bad things" to happen to His people. I perceive that both the "bad things" -- like the "good things" -- are all a part of the molding-and-building process for each of God's "children":
1 Peter 5: 9 (NEB) .....remember that your brother Christians are going through the same kinds of suffering, while they are in the world.

1 Peter 5: 10 (NRSV) And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.

Lamentations 3: 24 (NRSV) "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. 27 It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, 28 to sit alone in silence, when the Lord has IMPOSED it, 29 to put one's mouth to the dust .... 30 to give one's cheek to the smiter -- and be filled with insults. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever. 32 Although He CAUSES grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; 33 (Jerusalem Bible): It is not for His own pleasure that He GRIEVES the human race.

Lamentations 3: 37 (NRSV) Who can command and have it done, if the Lord has not ORDAINED it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?

The above scriptural references tell it, the way it is -- according to God !


ADDENDUM: Consider the following magnificent Bible references, which inter-relate with the subject discussed above:

Psalm 139 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts. You knit me together, in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you -- when I was BEING MADE in secret -- intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written ALL THE DAYS that were formed FOR ME -- when none of them as yet existed.

Acts 17: 16 (NRSV) He allotted the times of their existence, and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27 so that they would search for God, and perhaps grope for Him, and find Him -- though indeed He is not far from each one of us.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/2/99
7/31/00
9/22/00
3/28/02
10/25/02

From the INTERNET BOOK "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"

 

 

 

 


GUIDANCE and DISCIPLINE.....
from GOD. Stepping-stones laid out by God, for His people.

Instruction and protection from God;
Discipline by God

CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this "tablet"


God guides, molds, "prunes", encourages, teaches, empowers, protects, disciplines, and loves those individuals whom He has accepted -- those He claims as His own.... His CHILDREN, His SHEEP, His servants, His CHOSEN ones.... His people (see links).
Jeremiah 10: 23 (NIV) I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is NOT for man to direct his own STEPS. 24 Correct me, LORD, but only with justice -- not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.

Proverbs 20: 24 (NRSV) ALL our STEPS are ORDERED by the LORD. How then can we understand our own ways?

Isaiah 42: 16 (NRSV) (God speaking through Isaiah): I will lead the blind by a road they do not know..... I will guide them by PATHS they have not known. I will turn the darkness before them into light -- the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do; and I will not forsake them.

Proverbs 5: 21 For human ways are under the eyes of the LORD; and He examines all their paths.

Isaiah 30: 20 (NRSV) Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction -- yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any more; but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the WAY.... walk in it."

When God's people pray, we ask God for guidance, and for instruction, and for help -- and for courage, and protection. God always answers the prayers of His people. (See link: Prayer and Praying.) God knows the needs of His children; and He knows HIS INTENTION and plans for each of them. Yes, God always answers prayers -- affirmatively -- by guiding, and building, and instructing His people.... and by changing their thoughts and attitudes as they pray -- seeking His support and His favor. And.... even more wondrously, God guides and protects His people, even when they have NOT requested His "attention" -- and even when they do not sense or recognize His presence, and His effect, and His power.... in their lives.

I must add, though, as most of God's people (link) already know, the response of God to our requests for guidance and instruction and support, is not necessarily the response that we humans may have anticipated ("hoped for").... and God's response to our prayers may not be the "answer" we had in mind for ourselves, when we implored God for His help and encouragement. You and I must admit that we humans usually pray for success and support, for ourselves -- in those endeavors which we have already decided upon -- and we ask God for "answers" which we calculate, in our own scheme-of-things, to be beneficial to ourselves (mainly).... and which, then, we hope will generate some peripheral benefit for others.... and for the rest of "mankind".

Guidance by God does not necessarily mean that God will cause a gentle warm breeze to blow on your back, as you go merrily on your way..... in the personal plans that you have asked God to "endorse". In fact, God's response may seem to be quite the opposite.

My experience and my understanding are that God guides us where He wants us to go, to do what He has planned for us.... all along. When God's people get off the "track", God guides (bends, molds, shapes) them back to the intended path. Sometimes, in my experience, this "guidance" may be rather harsh -- much more like "discipline".

And that brings up a major point.... about "discipline", and disciplining.... from God, and by God. God's individuals.... when they deviate from the way that God has specified for each of them.... can anticipate and expect to be led back (or dragged back) to the course already planned for them, by God. "To discipline" does not literally mean "to punish". The word "discipline" is derived from a Latin word meaning "pupil" -- hence, to be taught or led, like a student. I like to think of the word "disciplining", in a spiritual sense, to actually indicate "disciple-ing".... meaning God's process of generating "disciples" for Himself.... that is, in this sense, God's altering and bending and pruning and building each of us, His people, to become "Disciples of God" (and, of course, also meaning disciples of "God-Incarnate").

Note the following pertinent Biblical quotations on this subject:

Proverbs 3: 11 (NRSV) My child, do not despise the LORD's discipline, or be weary of His reproof; 12 for the LORD reproves the one He loves -- as a father the son in whom he delights.

Hebrews 12: 5 (NRSV) And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as "children" -- "My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by Him; 6 for the Lord disciplines those whom He loves -- and chastises every child whom He ACCEPTS." 7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children..... for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? 8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate -- and not His children.
Note now, and read out loud, for yourself, these additional quotations from the Book of God, concerning the guidance, discipline, instruction, molding, pruning, and building -- from God -- and protection, by God:


John 15: 2 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit, He prunes to make it bear more fruit.

Jeremiah 10: 23 (NRSV) I know, O LORD, that the way of human beings is not in their control; that mortals, as they walk, cannot direct their steps. 24 Correct me, O LORD, but in just measure; not in your anger, or you will bring me to nothing.

Isaiah 58: 11 (NRSV) The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong -- and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

Psalm 78: 52 (NRSV) Then He led out His people like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock..... 72 With upright heart He tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.

Job 6: 24 (NIV) Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.

Psalm 25: 4 (NIV) Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me; for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 32: 8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you, and watch over you.

Job 5: 17 (NRSV) "How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Psalm 94: 12 (NRSV) Happy are those whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your Law.

Isaiah 54: 13 (NRSV) All your children shall be taught by the LORD; and great shall be the prosperity of your children.

Psalm 139: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 138: 8 (NRSV) The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

The above scriptures are but a small sample of God's promises to His people. If.... as most Godspeople (God's people) already believe and accept -- the Bible is indeed the true "word of God", then the promises shown above are irrefutable.

Now, I will add two beautiful references from the Psalms, concerning God's promise of protection for His people:

Psalm 91: 9 (NRSV) Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall befall you; no scourge come near your tent. 11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder. The young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. 14 (And God says): Those who love me, I will deliver. I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them, and honor them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

Psalm 57: 2 (NRSV) I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills HIS purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven, and save me. He will put to shame those who trample on me.... 4 I lie down among lions that greedily devour human prey. Their teeth are spears and arrows; their tongues sharp swords.... 6 They set a net for my STEPS. My soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my path.... but they have fallen into it -- themselves.

Those individuals who have been awakened by God.... those who "belong" to God.... "feel" the caring presence of God in their lives. These same individuals can readily look-back, and see the "stepping-stones" that were previously placed in their lives by the guiding hand of God-the-Father. That is. "Godspeople".... as they advance along life's journey, and as they grow is spiritual maturity.... and when they look back-behind.... down the mountain-side.... they can invariably see the firm-but-loving presence-of-God. That is, they can see (as the gospel-song says) that "He was there.... all the time".

But, obviously.... no one can see the stepping-stones that God is placing.... day-by-day.... for our future direction. That's where faith-then-trust comes into the "picture".... for each of us. (See link "Trust, the step beyond faith".)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/99;
11/99
7/31/00
11/14/01
10/25/02

Copied, and edited from INTERNET BOOK:

"The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
 

Before the Beginning of Time
(God's selective process)

CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet



Jeremiah 1: 4 (NRSV) Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; and before you were born, I consecrated you.

Psalm 139: 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.... 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me -- when NONE of them as yet existed.

Ephesians 1: 4 (NEB) "In Christ, He chose us, BEFORE the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in His sight; and He destined us -- such was HIS WILL and pleasure -- to be accepted as His sons.... through Jesus Christ."

Galatians 1: 15 (NRSV) But when God, who had set me apart BEFORE I was born, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being.

And, see numerous other Biblical references, below.

Question: Does God design and select His own individual human-beings -- His chosen ones (link) -- before they are "produced" for existence and function in this world? The Bible repeatedly states that He does. The scriptural references quoted below are just a few of the Biblical affirmations of this point.

I consider these Biblical quotations to be irrefutable. I believe them.... and I accept them as the truth from God. But.... there are still "religious scholars" who do not understand and accept this Biblical concept -- the truth that God's accepted individuals are "pre-destined" to be His people, and that they have been selected by God "before the beginning of time".

There are some church "leaders" who equivocate on the validity of these very frank Biblical statements.... concerning this subject. In fact, there are those who teach that we humans must "make a decision", and choose to "accept" God before God -- who created each of us, according to His own "specifications" -- will "accept" us (as if God does not even exist without our humanly acknowledgment and acquiescence). These same "teachers-and-preachers" sometimes indicate that the Almighty Creator of the Universe is "waiting" -- helpless, and powerless -- anxiously waiting for us lowly human-creatures to utilize our man-made free-will (QuickLink) to accept Him.... and to "believe" in Him. (I do not know of any Biblical reinforcement of that understanding.)

(As I have said before, those who agree with certain parts of the Bible -- and disagree with other parts of the Bible -- have put themselves into a predicament, where they must "pick and choose" what they consider to be correct (true and "valid") in the Bible -- and what they consider to be erroneous. In effect, they challenge the veracity of God's word, thereby relegating the Bible to "just another book" on ethics and religion. That is, they must design and invent a "religion" of their own -- using humanly "logic" and guesswork as the source of a mixed, homespun "philosophy" -- that will satisfy their own personal decipherings.)

I, like many others, consider the Holy Bible to be the "Gold Standard" of spiritual understanding -- the only genuine and reliable "Reference" concerning the truth of God -- and the truth about God. Obviously, I do not comprehend every statement in the Bible.... no one does. And, it is true that there are certain statements in the Bible that may be subject to interpretation, and open to a variety of worldly opinions. But there are many, many precepts that are so clearly described in the Bible, that they leave no room for "interpretation" -- for those who hear and understand the language of God, as expressed in the Bible.

So, that is the way I think and believe concerning the following scriptural references, which unequivocally state that God's people have been claimed and chosen and accepted by God -- before the "beginning of time" (or in their mothers' wombs, or when they were first born)..... that is, individuals selected in advance -- by our Creator -- for His own reasons -- reasons that we humans may never understand, in this life. Read the following scriptures out loud, so that you can "hear" the words of God, as you "see" them. Some of these are repeated, from above::


1.) Romans 8: 29 (NRSV) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He (Jesus) might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And, those whom He predestined, He also called -- and those whom He called, He also justified -- and those whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us ?

2.) Ephesians 1: 4 (NEB) "In Christ, He chose us, BEFORE the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in His sight; and He destined us -- such was His will and pleasure -- to be accepted as His sons, through Jesus Christ."
Same (NRSV) Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as He chose us in Christ, BEFORE the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him -- in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as His children, through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.


3.) Galatians 1: 10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man -- nor was I taught it. Rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.......15 But when God, who set me apart from BIRTH, and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not consult ANY MAN.

Same (NRSV) Galatians 1: 15 But when God, who had set me apart BEFORE I was born, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being.


4.) Psalm 139: 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret -- intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me -- when NONE of them as yet existed.

5.) Isaiah 49: 1 (NRSV) Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me BEFORE I was born. While I was in my mother's womb, He named me. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of His hand, He hid me. He made me a polished arrow. In His quiver, He hid me away.

6.) 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 (NIV) But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because, from the beginning, God chose you to be saved, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7.) 2 Timothy 1: 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel -- by the power of God, 9 who has saved us, and called us to a holy life -- not because of ANYTHING we have done -- but because of His own purpose, and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time; 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death -- and has brought life and immortality to light, through the gospel.

8.) Jeremiah 1: 4 (NRSV) Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 "Before I FORMED you in the womb, I knew you; and BEFORE you were born, I consecrated you. I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

9.) Isaiah 46: 3 (NRSV) Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age, I am He. Even when you turn gray, I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry, and I will save.

10.) Psalm 22: 8 (NRSV) "Commit your cause to the LORD; let Him deliver -- let Him rescue the one in whom he delights!" 9 Yet it was you who took me from the womb. You kept me safe on my mother's breast. 10 On you I was cast from my birth; and since my mother bore me, you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me -- for trouble is near; and there is no one to help. (JNT note: a splendid and beautiful reference ! )

Same (NIV) Psalm 22: 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust in you, even at my mother's breast. 10 From birth. I was cast upon you -- from my mother's womb, you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me; for trouble is near, and there is no one to help.

11.) Psalm 71: 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth. It was you who took me from my mother's womb...... 16 I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD. I will praise your righteousness -- yours alone. 17 O God, from my youth you have taught me -- and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

12.) Revelations 13: 8 .......and all the inhabitants of the earth will worship it -- everyone whose name has not been written -- from the foundation of the world -- in the book of life of the Lamb, that was slaughtered.

13.) John 1: 10 (NASV) "(God) gave the right to become children of God to those who believe in His name -- to those who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man..... but BORN of God."

14.) John 3: 6 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: What is born of the flesh, is flesh; and what is born of the Spirit, is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be BORN FROM ABOVE."

Look, now, at my chapter on The Called, the Chosen, the Elect. Note the overlap in the Biblical truths in that section, as compared with this chapter.

Remember this -- the Bible reveals and expresses what God wants His accepted individuals to understand about Him. The above-quoted Biblical truths are not an invention of mine.... or some far-fetched concept of an ancient "religious" writer. These are precise quotations, from the Word of God. (See link: The Gold Standard of Spiritual Truth.

You say you don't agree with these Biblical quotations? Then, here is what you should do: Start at "page one" of the Bible -- and "accept" what you like, and "reject" what you don't like -- and decide what you agree with, and what you don't agree with. After that, CONGRATULATIONS ! .... you have now put yourself out on a limb, inventing your own "religion".... and writing your own ticket.... with God. Good luck !

 

 

 

 

 

2/6/99
9/2/02

 

Copied and edited from the INTERNET book: "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

by John N. Todd III, M. D.

 

 
 

The "Language of God"

(Speaking in "foreign tongues")

2/6/99; 5/5/00; 9/2/02

(CLICK HERE for Quick-Print format of this "Tablet")

When Godspeople (God's people) speak the "language of God" in the presence of individuals who do not "hear" and recognize "spiritual" words and thoughts -- that "conversation" may be unintellgible to some listeners. Such a "dialogue" would be analogous to the words of a physicist who speaks in the scientific "language" of physics, to an unschooled individual -- a person who has no mathematical knowledge of the "physical" universe. That uninformed individual "hears" the words that the physicist speaks; but he is not able to comprehend what is being said. It is, to him, as if a foreign language is being uttered.... like a speaker babbling in an unintelligible "tongue".

Another analogous situation would be our "hearing" the "abracadabra" of a "computer-scientist" -- who speaks in his own recondite "lingo" -- which we have not yet learned.

Or.... if you and I attend a lecture, where the instructor is speaking Japanese -- a "language" that makes no sense to us -- we would "hear" the spoken sounds -- but we would have no hint of what was being discussed. We simply wouldn't "get the message".

Compare those examples of speaking in a "foreign tongue" with a similar situation in which a Godsperson (a "God's person") discusses a spiritual matter -- in the "language of the Spirit" (the "language of God").... with an individual who does not "hear" (hence, does not understand) the "words" of God. The result would be like the examples shown above.... the listener, who is not spiritually-minded, would be physically able to "hear" the verbalized sounds of "spiritual" words -- but he would be unable to decipher the meaning of such "spiritual talk". Note the following Biblical reference -- on this very point:

I Corinthians 2: 12 (NRSV) Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God -- so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 13 And we SPEAK of these things in WORDS not taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit -- interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. 14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them -- and they are unable to understand them -- because they are spiritually discerned.

Same (Moffatt translation) 13 And this is what we discuss, using language taught by no human wisdom -- but by the Spirit. We interpret what is spiritual, in SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE. 14 The unspiritual man rejects these truths of the Spirit of God. To him, they are "sheer folly". He cannot understand them -- and the reason is that they must be read with the spiritual eye. 15 The spiritual man, again, can read the meaning of everything -- and yet no one can read what he is.

Now....consider the case of a Godsperson, who has not yet been "awakened" by God. When that individual does become "awakened" to the truth of God, the "language of the Spirit" begins to make sense. Then the newly awakened person begins to "hear" and recognize and converse in the "foreign tongue" of (God's) "spiritual language", which that person did not previously comprehend -- and that individual may then indeed become "ecstatic", upon discovering that all the spiritual "stuff" ("babble") that had previously been unintelligible to him, does indeed now "make sense" -- and is understandable.... and thrilling.

Consider the following scriptures that refer to the "language" of God. Read these out loud, and find-out how well you "hear" the "language of God":
John 10: 3 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear His voice. He calls His own sheep, by name -- and leads them out. 4 When He has brought out all His own, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him, because they know His voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger; but they will run from him, because they do not know the voice (JNT note: the "language") of strangers...... 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also; and they will listen to my voice....... 26 You do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them -- and they follow me. (JNT Note: That is, "They understand God's 'language' -- and what I am saying.")

John 5: 24 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking) Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears (JNT note: "understands") my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death to life. 25 "Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead (JNT note: the spiritually "dead") will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear, will live. (JNT note: Those who "hear the voice of the Son of God" also understand the "language" of God -- and they perceive the "language of God", in their own "language" -- or "tongue".)

Isaiah 66: 18 (NRSV) God speaking: For I know their works, and their thoughts; and I am coming to gather all nations and tongues -- and they shall come, and shall see my glory.

Mark 16: 17 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: And these signs will accompany those who believe -- by using my name, they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues. (JNT note: Those who "believe"; i. e., those who have been given faith, do indeed understand, and "speak" a new "tongue".... the words which express their understanding of the "language" of God.)

John 8: 43 (NIV) (Jesus speaking) Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say (JNT note: "You are unable to 'understand' my language").

Acts 10: 45 (NRSV) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out, even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues, and extolling God. (JNT note: As above, I consider this reference to "tongues" to mean that those who became awakened to the presence of "God the Holy Spirit", began to "speak" in the "tongue" [language] of their new grasp of the truth of God.)

Acts 19: 6 (NRSV) When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues -- and prophesied. (JNT note: they spoke among themselves, with exhilaration and "ecstasy", when they became aware of the presence of the God's "Spirit". They "felt" and "sensed" each other's expressions of joy -- even though they spoke in various native languages.)
Now..... in the scriptural reference that follows, hear what Paul says about the spiritual uselessness of an individual's personal "babble", when that individual is claiming to "speak in tongues" -- supposedly expressing a secret message that only the "babbler" can claim to understand.

1 Corinthians 14: 1 (NRSV) Pursue love, and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people, but to God; for nobody understands them -- since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people, for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church..... 6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I speak to you in some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves; if in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible -- how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air.... 11 If then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker -- and the speaker a foreigner to me..... 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive. 19 ...... I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue..... 22 Tongues, then, are a sign -- not for believers -- but for unbelievers; while prophecy is not for unbelievers -- but for believers.

Now, here is what I have been saying. The "language" of God is unintelligible to those who have not received, from God, the gift of faith. Those who have been accepted, chosen, redeemed, called, "saved" -- by God -- hear and understand God's language. As Jesus (God-Incarnate) said in John 8, quoted above: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."

God's people live in different parts of our World. His people converse in the language of their native countries. But..... all of God's people also speak and understand God's language -- the "language" of spiritual truth; the language of love, and friendship; the "language" of the Biblical messages. And, to repeat, all of God's people, wherever they live on this Earth, "speak" the same spiritual language which Godspeople from other lands sense, and "hear", and "feel", and understand -- and share with one another. (See link: God's Spiritual Nation.)

When God's individuals are awakened by God (when they become aware that they have "received the Holy Spirit", from God), then there may well be an unsuppressible joy, or "ecstasy".... that bubbles forth among those who are together at the moment. Then, even though their native "tongues" may differ, and their "denominations" may vary -- they all "understand" each other -- they "speak" in a common "tongue" -- the language of God, that each of them now perceives ("underatands").

My feeling is that this "explanation" of "speaking in tongues" is what is meant in the Biblical references to "tongues". And, I refer you now back to the Scripture from 1st Corinthians 14, quoted above, in which Paul expressed his disdain for senseless babbling ("speaking in tongues") which has no meaning or value to anyone.

(Of course, there will always be those who want to claim a mysterious "personal" spiritual gift from God, that enables them [only] to receive private "messages" from God -- messages that no one else hears or understands.... messages that come forth only in the babble of "tongues". I disagree strongly with those who claim that kind of "special" ability.... which no one else can decipher.)

As for me --- I can only say that such claims have not yet become "convincing", to me. I remain satisfied with Paul's remarks in 1 Corinthians 14 (quoted above): "Tongues, then, are a sign -- not for believers, but for unbelievers.... while prophecy is not for unbelievers, but for believers.)

Now, one last Biblical reference, from Psalm 19. This scripture reminds me that the "voice" of God -- the "message" of God -- goes out to all the World; and that there is no "speech or language" where the message of God's power and sovereignty is not heard -- and understood -- by God's accepted people ("God's People"-- see link).

Psalm 19: 1 (NIV) The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech, or language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth -- their words to the ends of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/31/00;
3/28/02

"Unless the Lord Builds the House"

from "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"

(Tablet #3)


TABLET #3

"Unless the Lord builds the house";
FUTILITY -- without GOD

("Not by might, and not by power -- but by thy Spirit")

Click HERE for Easy-Print format of this "Tablet"

I especially love this "tablet", concerning God's power and influence and guidance -- in the individual lives of His people. I will start out with a single Biblical reference that encapsulates this splendid spiritual truth. Then I will quote other scriptures that interrelate with, and extrapolate, the same subject.

After that, I want to show a number of scriptures that define a separate but closely-related spiritual point -- and that point is as follows: it is not by the power and strength and intellectual might of human-beings that great victories are won -- either in international wars, or in our humanly personal and interpersonal "conflicts". In other words, in matters of significant concern, either worldwide among the great nations, or individually among God's people...... it is invariably the will, and wisdom, and purpose of God that prevail -- regardless of the opinions and efforts of us humans.

During my lifetime, in the year 1990, one of the great manifestations of this "victory" of God occurred, when the prolonged international strife between the Soviet Union and the rest of the world, suddenly and magically and mysteriously came to an end, without war and without bloodshed. These events were culminated by the destruction of the "Berlin Wall"; and then were followed by a series of international developments that no human-being had predicted, and that no one could ever have hoped for. I say that this sequence of events would never have occurred, in a world of bellicose human-animals -- without the direct intervention of, and ordaining by, our Almighty God.

Let me quote now the first powerful scripture -- from the Psalms:

Psalm 127: 1 (Moffatt) "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keeps the city, the watchmen waketh but in vain."
The scripture above is one of my all-time favorites, dating back to my days in medical school, when I first heard it, and understood it, and memorized it -- and when I was first impressed by its profound truth. At that time, in about 1953, in Birmingham, Alabama -- I attended a "Methodist" Sunday-school class, where the teacher -- Mr. Hugh Comer (a wise and wealthy Alabama industrialist) -- began every one of his Sunday sessions by reciting this beautiful-and-true scripture from Psalm 127..... and Mr. Comer ended each of his Sunday-school-lessons by quoting again the very same verse.

This Biblical quotation tells me that unless God protects us (His people), and that unless He guides us in our plans, and in our efforts -- then it does not matter what humanly provisions and schemes we may have designed..... our human plans and projects will not (cannot) succeed.

Consider now these additional scriptural references. Read them out loud:

Isaiah 55: 8 (NIV) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts -- neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways -- and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth, and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower, and bread for the eater; 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty; but will accomplish what I desire -- and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Lamentations 3: 37 (NIV) Who can speak, and have it happen, if the Lord has not decreed it? 38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

1 Corinthians 3: 5 (NIV) What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe -- as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything -- but only God, who makes things grow...... 9 For we are God's fellow-workers. You are God's field -- God's building.

Acts 5: 38 (NIV) (Gamaliel speaking): Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin -- it will fail. 39 But..... if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men -- you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Job 42: 1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, `Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand -- things too wonderful for me to know.

Proverbs 16: 3 (NEB) "Commit to God all that you do, and your plans will be established".

Same (NIV) Proverbs 16: 1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him -- but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 4 The LORD works out everything for His own ends -- even the wicked for a day of disaster.

Zechariah 4: 6 This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the LORD Almighty.

Psalm 44: 3 (NEB) It was not our fathers' swords that won them the land, nor their arm that gave them the victory; but thy right hand, and thy arm, and the light of thy presence. Such was thy favor to them. 6 I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword win me the victory; for thou dost deliver us from our foes -- and put all our enemies to shame.

Same (NIV) 3 It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory. It was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face -- for you loved them...... 5 Through you, we push back our enemies -- through your name we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow. My sword does not bring me victory; 7 but you give us victory over our enemies -- you put our adversaries to shame.

Isaiah 26: 12 (NEB) "O Lord, thou wilt bestow prosperity on us; for in truth, all our works are Thy doing."

Phillipians 2: 13 (KJV) For it is God which worketh in you, both to WILL, and to DO -- His good pleasure.

1 Chronicles 19: 13 Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people, and for the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good -- in His sight."

Psalm 108: 12-13 (NEB) "Grant us help against the enemy, for deliverance by man is a vain hope. With God's help, we shall do valiantly; and GOD HIMSELF will tread our enemies under foot."

Matthew 15: 13 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking) "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted."

These scriptures reiterate to me that unless God is involved with whatever we do -- either as individuals, or as a group, or as a nation -- there is no chance that our efforts will ultimately succeed.

That is, if what we "creatures" do is of only humanly aspiration and design -- then our plans may (or may not) succeed -- in "human" terms. But..... if what we do, or hope to do, is inspired by God, and occurs within His plan and purpose and guidance -- it will succeed -- unequivocally, and without fail.

As mentioned above, this "truth" applies not only to the battles that occur in international wars, but also to the relatively minor "wars" that God's people, individually, find themselves involved in, day by day -- and year by year.

The awareness of this truth gives courage to God's people; and helps them to accomplish the giant step from "faith" in God -- to "trust" in God.

So -- memorize this script