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"This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all; yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead." - Ecclesiastes 9:3 (KJV)
That is not starting this weekend post on a very joyous note, but stay with me because I am leading up to something good! The New American Standard Bible says of the same verse, "....full of evil and insanity in their hearts..." In other words, to think and do evil is insanity; sin is insanity. Yet the same stubborn, habitual, hardened sinners call Christians mad and crazy for their beliefs. The insanity spoken of in Ecclesiastes is moral, that of the heart. By the heart here is meant the will - a person's voluntary power. "The conduct of impenitent men is the perfection of irrationality."
Because punishment for their sins seems to be delayed, it only encourages them to more wrongdoing, as stated in Ecclesiastes 8:11. God is patient and at times delays punishing the sinner because He is long-suffering and does not wish any to perish (2 Peter 3:9)
As for true believers, 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." That is pretty positive ! A sound mind from God, a mind focused on Him and Jesus and good works and holy conduct. Believers may not be perfect, as they still occasionally sin, but they repent and are "washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ."
It has been said that if you can keep your wits about you when everyone else is losing theirs, then you do not have a complete understanding of the situation. That should not be true of Christians and followers of Christ. We know the world has gone crazy and is full of violence, wars, crime, crooked and evil governments, and the threat also of global economic collapse. But we have a blessed hope, and know what the future holds for us later in eternity. We can weather the storm now because of our faith and because of God's promises.
"And there shall be signs in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken................And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."
Luke 21:25,26,28
A hymn that fits here and that encourages me follows:
Yes, the world situation is explosive right now; but things are not falling apart, they are falling into place. Bible prophecy teaches you that. Many Bible prophecies are being fulfilled all at once now in these last days; and at an accelerated pace, a convergence, if you will. as I have stated previously here and also at this post
Read and study God's Word, pray without ceasing; it will build your faith and also enable you to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And filling your mind with good things and God's Word has the bonus of God giving you a sound mind.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all things; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2
