–C.J. Petit  (Wilmore)

       “Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.”

                    –Luke 22:39 (NKJV)
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Someone said the other day, “things aren’t normal around here.”  At first, I didn’t think a whole lot about it, but then it began to whirl around in my gray matter.  What is normal?  Or normal compared to what?  Perhaps I don’t know what “normal” is, so I looked it up in the dictionary.

          1)  Conforming with, adhering to, or constituting a norm, standard, pattern, level, or type; typical.
          2)  Functioning or occurring in a natural way; lacking observable abnormalities; or deficiencies.
          3)  Relating to or characterized by average intelligence or development; free from emotional disorder.
(The American Heritage College Dictionary)

Almost gobbledygook, so I did what most would do today–I googled it.  “A normal life–everyday life, daily life or routine life comprises the way in which people typically act, think, and feel on a daily basis.”
       There were a couple of things I gathered from this.  First, I’m not sure I know what “normal” is.  Second, “normal” according to whom?  It seems that “normal” could mean different things to different people.  We often use the term culture–a way of life of a group of people.  More could be added to that, norms, mores, government, laws, etc.  Therefore things in one culture might not be normal in another.  Things in one group might not be normal for another.  Strangeness, those who do not act in a “normal” way are not normal, they are deficient in some way, manner, or form.  A “normal” person is free from emotional disorder, therefore, throw out the transgender, et. al, crowd.
       I took it a step further to see if the term was used in the New Testament.  “Normal,” is not used, however, there are two definitions for it:  1) normal, canonical, regular, standard, orderly; 2) physiological normal, natural.  I began to try to work it through my mind.  In the Church, the body of Christ or even the local body, a Christian, a born-again believer is normal.  However, in the world, it is not natural.  The environment to the Christian in which they would work, would not be “normal” for them.  Paul writes, “…For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?  And what communion has light with darkness?  Or what accord has Christ with Belial?  Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?…  ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, and I will receive you.'” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15,17, NKJV)
       What we would call “normal” the world says it is not.  The danger is when Christians begin to look at worldly behavior, tolerate it, and then begin accepting it.  That is not normal behavior for the believer.  John tells us, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [the doctrine of Christ], do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 10-11, NKJV).  It is not “normal” for believers to have fellowship with nonbelievers.  Yes, we are in the world, we must associate with people of the world.  Ah, but you say Jesus had fellowship with the world.  I would disagree, when He wanted/needed fellowship, He went with His disciples; He associated with people of the world.
       So, what is “normal”?  You tell me.  The world would say that I, and my family, are not normal.  We do not accept teaching that is contrary to the Bible.  We do not accept the gay agenda, we do not accept CRT, we do not accept the ideology of WOKE, or WHO, or the UN, or anything or anyone who would deny the truth of God’s Word.  What is “normal” at our house is joy, prayer, eating meals at the table (together), going to church, Bible reading and study.  Yes, we do the normal chores, shopping, lawn work, house cleaning, maintenance, and once in a while, Annie will make one of those heavenly delights–pie, which is a normal thing.

                    –Louis L’Amour  (Lando)

       “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”

                    –Mark 13:33 (NKJV)
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We do live in perilous times.  In the United States we see the sledge hammer of idiocy in the form of wokeness, progressiveness, socialism, globalism and other pseudo-intellectual ideas.  There is the jackhammer of the stupidity of transgenderism, moral apathy, sexual confusion and perversion.  The sledge and jackhammer pounding and chipping away at the foundations of this country; those grand ideals laid forth by the Founding Fathers.  Add to that the acid, the poison, of liberal theology, and it is plain to see, if you have eyes, that our country is in grave danger.
       Before continuing, I must remind you and myself that the Holy Bible was written for all.  It was not just for those living in the region of Israel.  It was not written just for the Western world.  So when reading, keep in mind that the words are for every nation.  Each locale has its own special issues.  Persecution is different in each region, in each nation.  Revival is a word used frequently, and while we pray for revival in our country, know that in other areas of the world there is a tremendous influx of souls into the kingdom.  It is good that we read the Scriptures through the lens of where we live, but we must also have a wider perspective.
       In our country, in every nation, Satan is on the move trying to destroy the work of God.  All the carnage, confusion, chaos, evil, and wickedness comes from his working.  “The Christian lives in light of this tension, this reality:  there will be trials and tribulations for the totality of our earthly pilgrimage, yet we never need to lose heart or hope.  We can stand firm in our faith…” (Alistair Begg)

          “For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.  And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”
                    –Mark 13:19-20(NKJV)

       Christian–be on guard–wherever you live.  Whatever kind of tribulation you might face, recognize it, be aware of it, and stand against it.  Do not be alarmed at the things that you see, whether they be wars and the rumors of wars, famines in the world, pestilence, natural calamites increasing.  We know that He is with us, no matter the situation.  Jesus tells us, from the Book of Mark, that
               –there will be war, rumors of war, the threat of war — 13:7-8
               –some believers will be beaten, some delivered up, some brought before rulers — 13:9
               –some will be arrested — 13:11
               –families will fall apart and be against each other — 13:12
               –Christians will be hated — 13:13
               –false teachers, false prophets, false christs will appear, to lead astray — 13:22
In the midst of what is and will take place we are to remain firm.  We are told, “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand…  Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is….  And what I say to you, I say to all:  Watch!” (13:23, 33, 37, NKJV)  Jesus warns us, He admonishes us.  Look at what He says:
               –watch out for yourselves — 13:9
               –do not worry, the Holy Spirit will help you and tell you what to speak — 13:11
               –“He who endures to the end shall be saved” — 13:13
               –do not believe the false teachers — 13:21
               –know that the end is near–“at the doors” — 13:29
With all that is happening in the world–the chaos, terror, confusion, hatred–don’t get complacent; don’t compromise–don’t fall asleep!  We should be ready to face what comes our way; we should be ready should the Master call.  Read this chapter of Mark–meditate on it, dwell on it, pray on it, contemplate it.  Your life may very well depend upon what you read.  Listen for the Master’s call!  Listen for the sound of the trumpet!  Know for a fact–Jesus is coming back!

                         –George Washington

       “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.”
                         –Psalm 147:11 (NKJV)
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Saga of Miles Forrest:  Miles was forced to stay and help Charlie and Mateo control the Durango 4th of July celebration.  There was no real hurry to get back to Silverton, and it gave him more time to work through his plan.  He still was puzzled that a town like Silverton could be bamboozled so easily.  More next week when Miles will put his plan into action.
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For a day, let’s celebrate.  Put aside the problems, the chaos and confusion, the hatred, and celebrate.  Celebrate the greatest country on earth.  Celebrate the founding of this great nation and God’s blessings on it.  Has it had problems–yes, but it was and is still the greatest country.  John Adams stated in regard to Independence Day:

          “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

     Memorial Day, Patriot Day, Veterans Day are all days of memorial, of remembrance, of solemnity.  But the 4th; it is a day of celebration!  A war had to be fought first, victory over England had to be secured, blood had to be spilt.  Soon afterward, during the term of Thomas Jefferson, the tradition of celebration of Independence Day was established at the President’s Mansion (at that time it was not called the White House).  It was under the administration of James K. Polk that the fireworks display was introduced.
     God has richly blessed this nation, and this nation rose to the challenge to be the greatest missionary-minded nation the world has ever known.  As God poured out His blessings on this country so too did the country respond by sending those with the message of the Gospel to those who had never heard.  Let me include here a thought–one that is often disregarded, one that is placed aside mostly by those who do not have a Christian mindset or worldview.  Slavery was a terrible institution, but because those people were brought to America they were introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now had the promise of eternal life; the same was true with the American Indian.
     So instead of griping and complaining.  Instead of spewing hatred–rejoice.  Rejoice that you live in this great land.  Rejoice that God saw fit, in His great Providence, to allow you to reside here.  Instead, I would admonish you, me, and all in this great land to celebrate today and to pray for this country.  “God mend thine ev’ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law!” (Katherine L. Bates)

     Eat a hot dog or three, grill some hamburgers, laugh around the table with the family for you have that privilege and freedom.  Shoot off some fireworks, but be safe and watch out for those firecrackers.  Enjoy the celebration of what this day means.  Don’t let the pundits and the sourpusses spoil the celebration.  And most of all, be thankful to the Lord for the opportunity that He has blessed you with.

                    –Louis L’Amour  (Bendigo Shafter)

       “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

                    –Psalm 127:1 (NKJV)
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God is holy!  His holiness demands a response from us.  It may be a negative response by some, but it is still made.  As believers, our response should be one of awe, reverence, and worship.  It should be one of obedience and doing things that please Him.  Perhaps one of the most dangerous responses to God’s holiness is that of apathy and negligence; not caring one way or another.  Psalm 99 is a response to the holiness of God.

          6 — Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel was among those who called upon His name; they called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
          7 — He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
          8 — You answered them O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds.
          9 — Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.  (NKJV)

One of the first things to remember when calling upon the Lord is His sovereignty.  We cannot, or should not say, “this is the way I want it done.”  We must place our petitions and supplications in His hands.  Just as with Aaron, Moses, and Samuel, He will hear and answer.  Steven Lawson states, “Divine sovereignty operates in perfect concert with man’s prayers, not independent of them.  His reign does not bypass people but works in and through their minds, hearts, wills, and actions.”  Providence, or sovereignty, is God working in this world.  He works all things together to bring about His purpose, and if we trust Him, for our good.
       Even though we see in the psalm that God answers, we do not see any real intimacy.  “God is holy.  Before I am invited to be His friend, I must willingly become His subject.” (George O. Wood)  He listens to His people, especially those who draw near to Him, thus the mention of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel.  They knew His voice, they could hear Him speak clearly.  God is shown to be forgiving and pardoning and restoring, but He also disciplines; He punishes our misdeeds and corrects us.   The writer of Hebrews wrote, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”  Yes, there is pardon, but there is also rebuke.  He is our heavenly Father–He is holy.
       Since God is set apart from the world, so should we be also.  Believers should come together by setting themselves apart in worshipping Him.  Our God is not an idol nor does He remain idle.  He is always working, sustaining, pardoning, chastising, redeeming, and working out His purpose and will.  He is a God who speaks and it is done.  He is the subject of none; no one can thwart His will.  Worship the Lord–for “our God is holy”!

               “Sinners, who love can ne’er forget
               The wormwood and the gall,
               Go, spread your trophies at His feet,
               And crown Him Lord of all.”
                        –Edward Perronet