If there is something one cannot do without, it is Mothers.  Father loves her, daughter imitates her, son ignores her, salesmen thrive on her, and the woman next door confides in her.

She can be sweeter than sugar, more sour than a lemon, all smiles, and crying her heart out all within any given two-minute period.

She likes sewing, detective stories, having her birthday remembered, going to worship services as a family, a new dress, the cleaning woman, Father’s praise, a little lipstick, flowers and plants, dinner out on Sunday, policemen, one whole day in bed, crossword puzzles, sunny days, tea, and the newspaper boy.

She dislikes doing the dishes, Father’s boss, having her birthday forgotten, the motorist behind her, spring cleaning, Junior’s report card, rainy days, the neighbor’s dog, stairs, and the man who was supposed to cut the grass.

She can be found standing by, bending over, reaching for, kneeling under, and stretching around—but rarely sitting on.

She has the beauty of a spring day, the patience of a saint, the appetite of a small bird, and the memory of a large elephant.

She knows the lowest prices, everybody’s birthday, what you should be doing, and all your secret thoughts.

She is always straightening up after, reminding you to, and taking care of, but never asking for.

Yes, a Mother is one thing that nobody can do without.  And when you have harassed her, buffeted her about, tried her patience, and worn her out, and it seems that the end of the world is about to descend upon you, then you can win her back with four little words—-“Mom, I love you.”

        — W. A. Greenebaum II
 
 

The brief psalm you have just read contains one of the most famous—and challenging—statements that has ever been made. It is still true that some people claim that there is no God.  And it is still true that it is foolish to make such a claim. 

Psalm 14 is almost identical with Psalm 53, but the lessons in this article will be somewhat different from the ones we noted in the earlier one.  They will allow us to supplement what we learned then about the folly of any life that is lived as though there is “No God.” 

The main difference between the two psalms is in Psalm 14:5,6 and Psalm 53:5. The other portions are nearly identical.  There is no way to know why we have two nearly identical psalms, or why there is a difference in the sections we noted a moment ago.  The real need is to see that both teach truths that fit different situations.  Let us decide to use these great poems as they are needed today.

We will study these six verses in six points: Proposition (v.1); Inspection (v.2); Condition (v.3); Persecution (v.4); Retribution (v.5); and Anticipation (v.6).

The proposition (v.1) includes the following: The fool makes a false claim when he either denies that there is a God or when he lives as though there is no God.  Since God does exist, there are standards that even the fool must meet—and when he does not meet God’s standards, he is corrupt, he is guilty of abominable lawlessness, and he is not doing good with his life.

The inspection (v.2) is being done by God—but if there is no God, how could He look down and inspect the lives of the fools?  Our poet affirms that God is able to “look,” to “see,” and to judge the understanding of the people on earth.  If God does not exist (or if God is merely an idol), He could do none of these things.  On the other hand, when God does look down, He is searching for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24).  He does not desire to find sin in our lives!

The condition (v.3) is the real situation—as God sees it, so it really is.  This condition has been observed by the heavenly Father in every age many times.  All through the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian ages, He has seen the world filled with sin (Romans 1:18-3:23).  The only remedy for this is for people to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  So let us learn, live, and teach the ways of God to all who will hear.

The persecution (v.4) is at the hands of these “fools.”  But the author asks (and I paraphrase), “Since there is so much evidence that God is—and the evidence leaves any unbeliever without excuse—why do they live as though they do not or cannot understand the truth about God and His people?  Why do they live as though they can escape punishment for the ways of evil that they exercise against the children of God?  And, why—oh, why—haven’t they called on God?”  Is this not the cry of the people of God against the evildoers of every generation?  And isn’t it as true today as it has ever been?  The world—yes, even the United States of America—is filled with God haters! Let us cry out against them, and let us boldly teach them the truth in love before retribution comes.

The retribution (v.5) is at the hands of God.  The paradox is that His enemies—those who deny His existence—are often the very ones who live in the pit of the very fears that they should not have IF THERE IS NO GOD!  But God will not allow their proud, defiant lives to go unpunished.  Many of them will begin their time of torture in this life; but all of them will receive that which is due them after a little while (Galatians 6:7,8; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

The anticipation (v.6) is the same as in Psalm 14: The God Who Exists can deliver the obedient, He can restore to us the blessings that were robbed by the fools, and He can give us joy in all circumstances—especially VICTORY (1 John 5:4,5).

Please do not live your life as if there is no God. Please search the scriptures to see if these things are so.  Please give the Bible a chance to make a difference for good in your life. Please call, write, or email us if we can help.

  Skip Andrews
 
 

SICK LIST:  Donna Fields is home from the hospital and has started another round of chemo.  Steve Fishel has begun chemo treatment.  Let’s remember these families in our prayers. 
GROUP 2:  Group 2 is in charge of the services at Plantation South at 1:30.  Also, please meet up front following evening services for visitation assignments.
SEEKING THE LOST:  Thursday, May 11—7:30 and Sunday evening, May 28.
CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 today.
LADIES’ CLASS:  Tuesday at 10:00.
FOR THE RECORD: 4/30  5/7
AM Class  127  112 
AM Worship  140  157
PM Worship  136  111
Wednesday Class 114  118
Contribution  $7967  $5363
Budget   $6500  $6500
GRADUATES:  There will be a party to honor our high school graduates (Canon Callender and Wes Hatchett) Saturday, May 13, at 6:00.  Please bring snacks and drinks.  Our college graduates:  Tish Callender will graduate Valdosta State University May 10 and April Houston will graduate Georgia Perimeter College May 13.  Congratulations!
BIBLE CAMP:  Please turn in your registration forms to Lynn or Helen.  The deadline is June 4 (so we can know the number of campers and workers and plan for the food and activities).  Thanks.
TRUTH FOR THE WORLD:  We have had contacts from 142 nations!  This is an exciting work.  If you can volunteer any time, we need your help!
OUR MISSIONARIES:  Let’s remember those who are away teaching God’s word: Norman Fields in India (and as he and Mary come home to see Donna); Chuck Northrop as he prepares to go to Kiev; Paul Meacham in Kiev, and Jim Waldron.