Morning Moments

Sometimes as followers of Jesus we are called upon to make decisions that no one around us understands. They don’t have to understand; to your own master you stand or fall.

The Decision “John”
I never cease to be amazed how God works in two (or more) hearts to confirm what he is doing. It seemed strange to her family and friends that Elizabeth would give this child a name that was not a family name.

My leading statement must not be understood, for the decisions that God leads us to make, although unacceptable or out of the ordinary for some, MUST not violate Biblical principles.

Once again tradition and trend are often substituted for truth. We certainly may be led contrary to tradition and trend, but God never leads us to do what is forbidden in Scripture.

All my life I have been thought to be Austin Phillips, Jr. because my dad was Austin Phillips, but our middle names were different. Lo and behold the same is true with my son and grandson; my son is Austin, Jr. but his son, Austin has a different middle name. Who is to say that my grandson’s son will bear the name, Austin? It does serve a good purpose in old age when one only has to call “Austin” and all respond

The point is that what Zachariah did was by direct revelation from God and did not need explanation, and was not in any way inconsistent with TRUTH, which must always be our standard.

Furthermore, when Zachariah wrote his name, his wife was in harmony with him because she knew his devotion to God and understood the meaning of the chosen name.

This truth is not understood today by so many who do not wish to change tradition or accept trend that does not violate truth. It is true that we often go to extremes, but balance should always be maintained. One doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

It is so absurd to me that we have to have “traditional” and “contemporary” church services when we should mature believers to understand that both are acceptable in balance. But this is just one other way we have split the church without splitting the church. We have done it with a hundred other things.

TRUTH is the main thing and truth is always balanced. It is always for the purpose of the glory of God and the good of all the saints. Again, we must teach where to be dogmatic and where not to be.

“John”, meaning God is favorable, or Jehovah showeth grace.

BLESSINGS!