questions Archives – Sonshine's Journal

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

Truth Matters…

1 Cor 7 Opinions vs Truth

What do you trust more; someone’s opinion or the truth? That seems like a rather simple question with a simple answer, but not so fast. In our world, opinions fluctuate and cause problems that seem insolvable. So what does one do? One goes to the scripture and seeks their answer there. What does God say? Why does God say it? What then should my decision be? Those are the questions we should be asking. Now the questions have arisen in the Corinthian church about sexuality, marriage and celibacy. The opinions ranged from singleness to divorce. What does God say?

God looked about at His creation and noted that each animal had their mate. And then God said, it is not good for man to be alone and so He created woman to be with man. He did not create more than one but just that one that was perfectly suited to him. And thus it was, then it is today.There is one mate for each person but until then each should remain celibate. Why does God provide mates for some and not for others is what we call a conundrum. Some questions are left unanswered but the truth of the matter is that we are commanded to remain as we are to present ourselves pure and holy for His purposes alone.

February 17, 2023February 17, 2023

“Unclean and Clean”

Lev 13, Matt 8 For the last few years, we have experienced the stigma of being “unclean” regarding the pandemic. There has been a public outcry to be vaccinated and how to handle this to protect others. In some way, this scenario is much like what Hansen’s disease or leprosy was to the Israelite community. When leprosy broke out, those who had contracted it were separated from the rest lest it infects the community. The “in house DR.” or the high priest was to determine what the infection was, but the only treatment was isolation. Just as physical leprosy separates people, spiritual leprosy isolates us from a holy God.

That is why we see the full impact in the leper’s story, who was bold yet fearful as he approached Jesus. He came with one question: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [Matt 8:2] God has provided Jesus as our “in house Dr.” He is willing to reach out, touch us and cleanse us of our sins.

There are two questions: (1) Are we still walking around with our spiritual leprosy, and (2) Are we willing to approach Jesus and seek His cleansing? Where are you today?

June 18, 2019

Psalm 73 Asaph and His Questions

Are you inquisitive? Do you want answers? You are not alone! You wouldn’t think that Asaph, a court musician would be one of them but he is! King David appointed him to be in charge of the cymbals. When you watch an orchestra you will see only a few who carry that distinction. I mean how much training do you need to bang two cymbals together? Or so I thought! But, realistically there is a fair amount of training needed to know when one should clang those instruments as well as the technique. You can check it out – just google it like I did and you will walk away with a better appreciation of this simple but compelling instrument.

Asaph was a cymbal player but not just any cymbal player but one chosen for the Temple services. He also was like some people, very inquisitive and curious about life. Of all the people who walk this earth, there just are some people who are not satisfied with just an answer; they want to know the “why!” Asaph falls into that category.

Many years ago I went to our pastor with questions. As he stood on a tall ladder fixing something I looked up at him and said I have a question; much like Asaph does here. His answer? Go home, study that topic and then come back and we will discuss your question. And so I did. Sometimes we have questions but we aren’t willing to do the homework to find the answer. That pastor was very wise. Maybe you have questions too much like Asaph. My advice—follow Asaph.

Asaph walked through his thinking about the proud. He analyzed them and discerned that they seemed to have it all together. They didn’t have the same problems as he and in fact, they were doing pretty darned good. He noted that they mocked and were not disciplined. He noted, “I suffer all day long and am punished every morning.” He noted in his journal all of these thoughts and tried to make sense of it all. Then it was like he had a lightbulb moment when he entered the Temple. All of life flashed before his eyes and then he knew. Their lives might be okay now but had they taken time to consider their destiny?

Psalm 73 lightbulb moment2a

Asaph walked away from that encounter knowing all was right with his world and all was right with him and God. He drew a line in his journal noting: God’s presence is all I need.