Enjoying the Simple Things

Good Morning

Psalm 14 (English Standard Version)
The Fool Says, There Is No God
To the choirmaster. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
2The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,[a]
who seek after God.
3They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
4Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers
who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the LORD?
5There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6You would shame the plans of the poor,
but[b] the LORD is his refuge.
7Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 14:2 Or that act wisely
b. Psalm 14:6 Or for

John Carter shared this with me:

An atheist filed a petition with the court to prohibit Christmas and Easter as holidays. His premise was that atheists were being discriminated against since they had no holiday to celebrate. The judge promptly threw the case out of court. The atheist was enraged! “Why?” He asked the judge. The judge calmly replied that atheists did indeed have a holiday – April Fools day. “The fool has said in his heart there is no God.”

Actually, though, this psalm talks about the corruption of man, the enslavement of mankind to sin, and the hope for our redemption. I love verse 5. “There they are in great terror….” Who is the “they”? The corrupt and immoral fool who denies God. He has reason to fear – because despite his efforts to control others, their God protects them and meets their needs.

Have you ever observed how those who seem to have very little have so much joy? One would think their days would be miserable. Oh, sure, there are days where the world weighs on them – but I often see them just enjoying life. Let me share this with you:

Norma and I often crave a Taco Bell burrito. Okay, I know it’s not the best thing for me…but we do enjoy them – and, for $3.81 we can have a burrito and nachos. Last Saturday night was a Taco Bell night. An older couple – or I should say a couple about my age – followed me in. I could tell by their dress and by the car they were driving that they were of limited means. While waiting for my order to be filled, I overheard them ordering their meal. The husband immediately made his choice. The wife made this comment – “oh, everything looks so good”. It was then I realized this was their “date”. They didn’t have much money – but they had each other – and the menu – THE TACO BELL MENU – looked good to them. God gives us joy in the simple things of life – love, togetherness, struggles, successes. When we have God and each other, it all is good.

Have a great weekend!!!

Agape’

Mr. Jim
Fatdad5@comcast.net
"Preach the Gospel everyday - and if you have to, use words" ... St. Francis of Assisi