Search Me, O God  

   During the presidential campaign of 2000, Al Gore took Scripture out of context. Something like, "The eye has not seen nor ear heard..." (what wonderful things we'll do when I'm elected). I think it's from the book of Isaiah.

   In other words, "You ain't seen nothin yet!" We'll never know what we missed in a Gore administration. Or, maybe we do know, given recent news.   

   Following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Biden also quoted Isaiah: "Whom shall I send? Who shall go for us?"

   He added, "The American military's been answering for a long time, 'Here I am, Lord, send me.'"  

   Amazing! Isaiah knew in 700 B.C. that the U.S. military would... Oh. Wait. Isaiah himself volunteered to be sent. This is getting so confusing. 

   If the Lord sent the military to Vietnam... No. No. It must have been President Johnson. 

   The fact is, Biden uses the name Lord to throw imaginary glory on a retreat that was anything but glorious. And we have seen and heard already what hell is likely to emerge from that nation in years to come. 

   It's fitting for leaders to quote the Bible - our forefathers did - but not out of context for political purposes.

   Enough of that. Let's apply Scripture to ourselves. 

   The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

- Galatians 5:22-23

   We can receive the Spirit's enablement, one day at a time. We may not always appreciate our leaders, and we may not agree with each other on every count, but the fruit - if we allow - guides our hearts and minds...no matter what.

   In Psalm 139, David prayed: Search me O God, and know my heart! 

              Jimmy