Pastor’s Column 10/26/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. 2  It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously  working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.”

Psalm 127:1-2, NLT

“Only the Lord!”

Our extraordinary abilities as humans are incredible, but they could never exceed the greatness and worth the Lord can do for us. Many of the achievements that matter most to us are pale in comparison to what God could really do for and withus. A consummate young businessman came to Jesus with his plans to expand the production and revenues of his business by increasing his burgeoning physical plant. But he walked away from the Lord’s instruction to sacrificially share his wealth with the less fortunate. Heeding the advice of Jesus was too much of a price to pay. If any of us is not careful and prayerful, we will think that everything we do orbits around our desires, plans, and feelings. This danger lurks around, seeking whom it may entice in the grip of its allurement. This is why the writer of Proverbs says, “ Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your ownunderstanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct yourpaths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV). The NIV reads, “ In all your ways submit to Him and, He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) This advice we see in the Old Testament idea of the instructions of God as a “reed.” In the ancient construction of buildings, a reed was a reliable instrument for measuring and determining the integrity and safety of the walls of a building. Our lives, our faith, and our actions, are measured by the teachings and instructions we receive God’sWord. The pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the Holy days and feasts, reminded each other in song and recitation, “Except the Lord” is at the core of what we do, all that we do is futile. The Lord only is our great guide and proven protection!