Down an Unfamiliar Road

SAY IT ISN’T SO –

David was not content in keeping the personal lessons he learned during this whole tragic episode a secret; he wanted everyone to know what he went through and how immorality can so quickly destroy you; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So he wrote a song and gave it to the chief musician Jeduthun to have it chanted in the temple courtyard, with the appropriate music. David was not worried what others thought of his public confession of wrong doing and how it almost ruined his life; rather, he wanted others to see what unbridled emotions can do to a person, but how faithful God is in coming to our rescue when we call for His love to grant us mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

“I once decided I wasn’t going to say or do anything that might offend someone, that’s why I kept my mouth shut, especially when those who didn’t like me were around. So I closed my lips and wouldn’t comment on anything or try to defend myself; but it only made matters worse on the inside. My face turned red with rage, and my emotional state was like a roaring inferno. Then I exploded, ‘O LORD Eternal, when will this all end? How much longer will this go on? How close am I to being done in? It seems that You have shortened my stay here on earth; my life span compared to Yours is like a puff of air.’ Sometimes, people like me find ourselves walking around in circles; so busy with trying to make it big in life that we get burned out; constantly putting money away for a rainy day and someone else ends up spending it. So I ask You, O Heavenly Master, what is there to look forward to? You are my only hope. So free me from my own shortcomings; don’t let people with no moral compass think I’m foolish for following Your word. I should have spoken up but I kept my mouth shut and didn’t say a word. Now I feel like You are punishing me because of it. Please hear my prayer, O LORD Eternal, please pay attention to my cry for help; don’t be unresponsive to my tears. There’s a long line in my family who never paid You any respect, and I feel like I’ve become one of them; just an onlooker. So I beseech You; give me another chance to get through this before my time runs out and it’s all over for me down here.” Psalm 39:1-9, 12-13

Reflection: Not too many years ago Mr. Al Johnson, from a small town in Kansas, was converted and became a strong, devout believer. As a result of being born-again, Mr. Johnson confessed to fellow believers that as a nineteen year old kid he participated in a bank robbery. Although the Statue of Limitations had already exempted him from prosecution for this crime, he still insisted on restitution for what he had done. So he notified the bank and voluntarily repaid his share of the stolen money. Everyone was surprised that he didn’t keep quiet about it and go on with his new life. To him it was a matter of ethics, and he didn’t want it coming up later and mar his testimony. After all, since God forgave him, why make it public and open himself up to ridicule? David felt a similar sense of obligation after realizing that he jeopardized losing everything God did for him since, as a shepherd boy, he was anointed as the next king of Israel. After all God did for him, he wanted to do all he could to show God just how grateful and thankful he was. What a lesson for us all; never give up, no matter how desperate and difficult things might be after we make a fool of ourselves. Remember, God’s mercy sees you for what you can be. So let Him restore your life and dignity and make you whole again. It doesn’t mean you are obligated to go around and graphically describe how horrible your sinful life was; but it does mean that you should never be ashamed to confess that you once were lost, but now you’re found; you were blind, but now you see; and all because of God’s amazing grace.

THE GALLOWS OF GUILT –

Having to deal with Ahithophel’s treachery brings back memories of one of David’s saddest moments, his murderous and adulterous affair with Ahithophel’s granddaughter Bathsheba. Neither Saul’s constant pursuit nor Absalom’s traitorous rebellion brought him as close to despair as the guilt he bore and wrestled with over during the lowest time in his life. Especially after the prophet Nathan exposed him as the culprit. But he knew that wallowing in guilt did not heal the wounds. It took the balm of God’s grace applied to his heart to stop the emotional bleeding. So he went to the Great Physician for healing.

“O LORD Eternal don’t stay mad at me; please don’t whip me while You’re angry with me. Your arrows of conviction have already wounded me, and I feel as though I’ve been struck hard by Your hand. I feel miserable from head to toe, and don’t think I can last another day. What I did was so horribly wrong that I get dizzy just thinking about it; it’s like a huge weight causing me to sink into a hole too deep for me to survive. I can’t take it anymore; just thinking about how reckless I was makes me sick. I’m miserable, depressed, and walk around in a cloud of despair. I’m hurting all over, and every part of me is suffering. I feel numb inside and out; my heart is so shattered I feel like screaming. O Heavenly Master, You know I’m desperate for an end to this misery; I can’t hide anything from You. My head is spinning; I’m worn out; the sparkle has vanished from my eyes. My family, friends, and associates avoid me like the plague. Others have now joined in with threats and ridicule; it’s a constant barrage of insults. I try not to listen or pay attention to what’s going on; I just keep my mouth shut. I’m waiting for You to answer, for I know You will, O LORD Eternal, my Heavenly Master and One True God. I’m afraid that if I don’t make it and mess up even more, they will be encouraged and come at me with a vengeance. I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown; I can’t seem to get away from what’s tormenting me. And now that I’ve owned up to my moral failure, I feel more convicted than ever. And while I suffer, the growing crowd that despises me are living the good life and don’t seem to have a single worry in this world. No matter how conciliatory I’ve tried to be with them, they return my good with evil. So please, my LORD Eternal and my One True God don’t abandon me now; don’t just stand by and watch it happen. Hurry up and help me, O Heavenly Master, You are the only one who can save me now.” Psalm 38:1-23

Reflection: The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody once visited a prison on Center Street in lower Manhattan, N.Y., called “The Tombs,” to preach to the inmates. After he finished, Moody talked with a number of the men in their cells. He asked each one what brought them there. Again and again he received the same reply, “I don’t deserve to be here”; “I was framed”; “I am innocent!” As he neared the end of the cell row, he saw an inmate with his face buried in his hands. Moody asked, “What’s wrong?” The prisoner responded through tears, “My sins are more than I can bear.” Moody thanked God for the man’s honesty and agreed to lead the man in a sinner’s prayer. The man then smiled as he felt the shackles of sin fall away. What a lesson that although God’s Son died on the cross and shed His blood for everyone, only those who repent and ask for forgiveness will receive the joy that comes with being set free. Because once Jesus sets you free, you are pardoned, not paroled. Some people follow Saul’s example and let their guilt drive them to suicide. But David quickly and unreservedly poured out his heart to God; admitting his sin and the pain and humiliation it caused. He knew that God never turns away a sinner under conviction who sincerely asks for forgiveness, no matter how despicable the sin.

COULD THIS BE ME –

Alexander of Aphrodisius, the Greek philosopher and commentator on the writings of Aristotle once stated, “There are three causes that prevent men from discovering the exact truth: first, arrogance and vainglory (conceit); second, the subtlety, depth and difficulty of the subject which is being examined; thirdly, ignorance and want of capacity to comprehend what might be comprehended.” Moses Maimonides stated that there was a fourth cause, and that being habit and training. Says Maimonides, “We naturally like what we have been accustomed to, and are attracted towards it. This may be observed among villagers; though they rarely enjoy the benefit of a shower or bath, and have few enjoyments, and pass a life or privation, they dislike town life and do not desire its pleasures, preferring the inferior things to which they are accustomed, to the better things to which they are strangers; it would give them no pleasure to live in palaces, to be clothed in silk, and to indulge in baths, ointments, and perfumes.” Maimonides goes on the explain, “The same is the case with those opinions of man to which he has become accustomed from his youth; he likes them, defends them, and shuns the opposite views. This is likewise one of the causes that prevent men from finding the truth, and which make them cling to their habitual opinions.” These may be the wise thoughts of ancient men, but they should never become ancient thoughts to men and women of wisdom. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

INTELLIGENT DESIGN THEORY IS NOT NEW –

If you think the big bang theory as the prevailing cosmological model for the birth of the universe, stars and planets began in 1927, or the theory of evolution developed after the first edition of “The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin in 1859, here is a little primer on what was being said over 800 years ago. When Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), medieval Jewish philosopher and theologian wrote his “Guide for the Perplexed,” this was already being discussed. Here is an excerpt for your perusal, and something you can use on those who believe this is a modern concept.

“According to Aristotle, none of the products of Nature are due to chance. His proof is this: That which is due to chance does not reappear constantly nor frequently, but all products of Nature reappear either constantly or at least frequently. The heavens, with all that they contain, are constant; they never change, as has been explained , neither as regards their essence nor as regards their place. But in the sublunary world we find both things which are constant and things which reappear frequently [though not constantly]. Thus, e.g., the heat of fire and the downward tendency of a stone are constant properties, whilst the form and life of the individuals in each species are the same in most cases. If the parts of the Universe are not accidental, how can the whole Universe be considered as the result of chance? Therefore the existence of the Universe is not due to chance. The following is, in short, the objection which Aristotle raises against one of the earlier philosophers who assumed that the Universe is the result of chance, and that it came into existence by itself, without any cause. Some assume that the heavens and the whole Universe came into existence spontaneously, as well as the rotation and motion [of the spheres], which has produced the variety of things and established their present order. This opinion implies a great absurdity. They admit that animals and plants do not owe their existence or production to chance, but to a certain cause, be that cause Nature, or reason, or the like; e.g., they do not assume that everything might be formed by chance of a certain seed or semen, but that of a certain seed only an olive-tree is produced, and of a certain semen only a human being is developed. And yet they think that the heavens, and those bodies which appear divine among the rest of bodies, came into existence spontaneously, without the action of any such cause as produces plants and animals. Having thus examined this theory, Aristotle then proceeds to refute it at greater length. It is therefore clear that Aristotle believes and proves that things in real existence are not accidental; they cannot be accidental, because they are essential, i.e., there is a cause which necessitates that they should be in their actual condition, and on account of that cause they are just as they in reality are. This has been proved, and it is the opinion of Aristotle. But I do not think that, according to Aristotle, the rejection of the spontaneous origin of things implies the admission of Design and Will. For as it is impossible to reconcile two opposites, so it is impossible to reconcile the two theories, that of necessary existence by causality, and that of Creation by the desire and will of a Creator. For the necessary existence assumed by Aristotle must be understood in this sense, that for everything that is not the product of work there must be a certain cause that produces it with its properties; for this cause there is another cause, and for the second a third, and so on. The series of causes ends with the Prime Cause, from which everything derives existence, since it is impossible that the series should continue ad infinitum. He nevertheless does not mean to say that the existence of the Universe is the necessary product of the Creator, i.e., the Prime Cause, in the same manner as the shadow is caused by a body, or heat by fire, or light by the sun. Only those who do not comprehend his words attribute such ideas to him. He uses here the term necessary in the same sense as we use the term when we say that the existence of the intellectus necessarily implies that of the intellectum, for the former is the efficient cause of the latter in so far as intellectum. Even Aristotle holds that the Prime Cause is the highest and most perfect Intellect; he therefore says that the First Cause is pleased, satisfied, and delighted with that which necessarily derives existence from Him, and it is impossible that He should wish it to be different. But we do not call this “[evolutionary] design,” and it has nothing in common with [evolutionary] design. E.g., man is pleased, satisfied, and delighted that he is endowed with eyes and hands, and it is impossible that he should desire it to be otherwise, and yet the eyes and hands which a man has are not the result of his [own] design, and it is not by his own determination that he has certain properties and is able to perform certain actions. The notion of design and determination applies only to things not yet in existence, when there is still the possibility of their being in accordance with the design or not. I do not know whether the modern Aristotelians understood his words to imply that the existence of the Universe presupposes some cause in the sense of design and determination, or whether, in opposition to him, they assumed design and determination, in the belief that this does not conflict with the theory of the Eternity of the Universe.” There doesn’t seem to be a year that goes by without which we read the words, “Astronomers were astounded….” at some new discovery in space. The most recent being that the universe is larger than they ever thought it would be. They will never discover God in the universe, because He is bigger than the universe. But they certainly have found His fingerprints, and that should be enough for them to finally accept the first verse of Genesis as real.

EXCHANGE RESENTMENT FOR CONTENTMENT –

David learned a lot by letting his anger and vexation go before they took root in his heart. He knew that a calm mind does more good in ten minutes than a raging mind does in ten hours. Too often when an argument or conflict erupts, people start trying to undo what started it in the first place, while they’re simultaneously attempting to figure out how the avoid the same thing in the future. Rather than frustrate ourselves during those moments, simple choose the option that best fits the situation. But most of all trust God to do His part so you won’t end up trying to do it all for Him.

“Be patient, let God deal with those who upset you; and don’t become frustrated when they always seem to have an advantage. People like that soon run out of motivation and drop like autumn leaves. Show the LORD Eternal that you trust Him completely by going on and doing what’s right; relax and be content with what you already have. Be thankful that you are one of the LORD’s favorites and He will see to it that all the things you really want will be yours. If you really trust the LORD and let Him handle things, He’ll work things out for your good. Believe me, He will make sure that by living right you will be a light to others, and the way you handle things will be a beacon for others to follow. So be patient and wait for the LORD Eternal to act, don’t become frustrated over those who get by and become successful by scheming and dishonesty. Again, don’t let anger and frustrations get you down, it will only end up hurting your own progress. I’m telling you, these spiteful people will end up losing everything, and when you go by their house you’ll say, ‘That’s where they use to live’. God promised that the humble will inherit the earth, and those who have an appetite and thirst to do what’s right will enjoy prosperity.” Psalm 37:7-11

Reflection: A store owner in a small town had identical twin sons. They worked for their father in the store until he died, then they took over. Everything went well until one of the twins left a dollar bill on the cash register to walk outside for a second. When he returned, the money was gone. “Did you see that dollar bill on the cash register?” he asked his twin. The twin replied, “No I didn’t.” But his twin brother kept questioning and would not stop. “Surely you must have seen it!” the brother pressured his twin. Tempers rose. Resentment set in. Before long, a bitter chasm divided the twins. They decided they could no longer work together. Since the co-owned the store, they built a wall down the center of the store space, with each one having their own entrance. For 20 years hostility and bitterness simmered, spreading to their families and the community. One day a man from out of state came in. He asked the man behind the counter, “How long have you been here?” The man replied, “All my life.” The customer went on, “Twenty years ago I was a hobo and rode into town in a boxcar. I hadn’t eaten for three days. I snuck into this store from the back to steal some food and saw a dollar bill on the cash register. I put it in my pocket and walked out. All these years I haven’t been able to forget that. I know it wasn’t much, but I had to come back and ask forgiveness.” The stranger saw tears well up in the eyes of this middle-aged man. “Would you please go over to the store next door and tell that same story to the man there?” the twin brother said. After doing so, the stranger was amazed to see these two middle-aged men embrace and weep in front of the store. So often it’s little things that divide people – words spoken in haste; hurried criticisms; and unfounded accusations. Once divided, they may never come together again. David offers a solution; let go and let God provide the answer. Refuse to carry bitterness around so you can regain the energy needed for building bonds with those you love.

RESIST RAGE AND RESENTMENT –

Even though David tried to be understanding, Ahithophel’s wicked deed was not easy to put out of his mind; it burned like a hot iron in David’s soul and he knew that if he left it there it could easily become a raging fire. David realized that if he allowed this to happen, it could easily lead to doing something out of anger, which would foster resentment, which could lead to revenge, that would make him no better than Ahithophel. David wanted to be what God made him, not what others wanted him to be or would make out of him if he gave into such temptation.

“Don’t become infuriated because bad people succeed, and don’t become envious of those who get ahead by cheating; they’ll end up like withering leaves on a tree. Trust completely in the LORD Eternal for everything; live the way you should; be content with what the LORD Eternal has given you and remain loyal to Him; yes, get excited about His blessings, and He will see to it that you get what you really want. If you let the LORD Eternal handle what irks you, the following will happen: He will make your honest way of living beam like a lighthouse, and your purpose in life shine like the sun at noon. So be patient, wait for the LORD Eternal to act; don’t become frustrated because people who shouldn’t prosper, do so by scheming and committing fraud. Let go of your anger, get rid of your frustration; it will only end up hurting you. I tell you, such evil minded people end up losing everything, but those who rely on the LORD Eternal have everything to gain. Give it some time, and you’ll see these people with evil hearts fade from the scene; you’ll ask about them but nobody knows where they’re at. But those who have remained humble will prosper and enjoy a good life. ” Psalm 37:1-11

Reflection: Visitors to Egypt still marvel at the pyramids, and stand in awe as to how those ancient Egyptians built them. They did not possess huge cranes or motorized moving machinery back then. So archaeologists believe that they used logs as rolling pins and built long ramps which allowed them to transport those huge stones up to the top. This required moving one inch, one yard; one hour, one day; one week, one month, one year, at a time; until the job was completed. Often believers become discouraged when their plans move along at a snail’s pace, while the world and their evil ideas take root overnight and grow like Jack’s bean stalk in the old fairy tale. But David was convinced that it wasn’t how fast the progress, but where the path led and eventually ended. He saw no need to compete with these evil doers. Why get into a race with someone if you know the road they’re on is headed for a cliff? Too often believers become frustrated and disheartened because they see godless sinners getting ahead so easily while they struggle just to catch up. Stick to what God has given you to do and the world will certainly take notice when His favor brings you success.

BRUISES CAUSED BY BETRAYAL – 

One of David’s boyhood friends was Ahithophel the Gilonite; the grandfather of Bathsheba. David trusted him as one of his closest advisers. Perhaps as retribution for David’s tryst with his granddaughter Bathsheba, and to keep their second son Solomon from becoming king, Ahithophel joined David’s other son Absalom in his rebellion. As a matter of fact, he even asked Absalom for 12,000 men so he could sneak up on David and kill him so the people would swing to Absalom’s side. David learned that sometimes you cannot trust some people, even when they call you friend.

“Deep down in my heart I know what sin can do to someone who loses total respect for our One True God. They get so mixed up that can’t even see how despicable they are. Furthermore, you can’t believe a word they say because they’re only giving excuses for their bad behavior. They lay on their beds at night thinking up ways to hurt people and cause trouble. But O LORD Eternal You are the exact opposite; You are as faithful and trustworthy as the sky is high; neither the tallest mountain nor the deepest valley can compare to Your kindness and the way You treat people, O LORD Eternal, because everyone benefits from the way You care. It’s hard to explain how precious the steadfast love of our One True God is; for it is available to everyone who seeks His help. When they go to Your house they get fed, and their souls are refreshed. For in You is eternal life and the truth that sets us free. Continue loving those devoted to You, and shower blessings on those who want to live right.” Psalm 36:1-10

Reflection: British painter and engraver William Hogarth received a request to paint the portrait of a nobleman who was regarded by others as being just plain ugly. In keeping with his artistic style, Hogarth depicted the subject with the utmost frankness and realism. When the nobleman saw the portrait he refused to pay for it, and a bitter debate ensued. After repeated requests for payment went unanswered, Hogarth finally sent the nobleman a letter letting him know that a well-known showman who specialized in exhibiting freaks and monstrosities had expressed interest in the portrait. The nobleman quickly paid and then burned the portrait. It’s well known that many people do not see themselves or their actions as others do. Sometimes they are blind to how hurtful their words or deeds can be. As the old saying goes, an enemy cannot betray you, only a friend. Betrayal involves a treacherous act towards someone who trusts you. But regardless of how much turmoil it brought, David refused to harbor a grudge. Instead, he focused on the goodness and loyalty of his God and Savior. He did not want to become like them, he only wanted to be more like God.

BEING REAL MEANS ACCEPTING REALITY –

From the time David killed Goliath he became the object of contempt as well as celebration. There were those who rejoiced over his victories, and those who regretted his valor. He found himself running from the same man who offered him his armor to fight the giant, and for whom he played the harp to sooth his spirit. David realized this was not a dream, it was for real! He refused to live in denial that this was happening, just because he didn’t think it wasn’t supposed to be this way. He also knew that no matter what King Saul was doing, it was up to him on how he responded. So it took real faith to cope with this reality, instead of trying to pretend everything was alright.

“O LORD Eternal help me so I don’t have to put up with my critics single-handedly and fight these battles all by myself. Grab Your shield and armor and help defend me; pick up Your spear and javelin and point them at my accusers as You assure my safety by declaring, ‘I am your Deliverer!’ Let these people who are attacking me be disgraced for what they are doing, and humiliated because their plan to discourage me didn’t work out. For when they were sick I fasted and prayed and carried a heavy heart for them to be healed. When people saw me they thought I was part of their family or one of their closest friends; I had as much compassion for them as I would my own mother. But when I started suffering they actually got together and laughed about it; believe it or not these ingrates started bad-mouthing me, and I have no clue as to why they are so adamantly against me. So I ask You, let those who’ve made fun of my difficulties end up being embarrassed and disappointed and let those who said they were better than me be ashamed and humiliated. But for those who rallied to my side, let them stand up and cheer; let them say over and over, ‘To God be the glory, because He brought you through victoriously!’ Yes, I will tell everyone far and wide how fair and just You are, and won’t stop praising You as long as I live!” Psalm 35:1-3, 13-15, 26-28

Reflection: As he was leaving his office one evening, a young executive found his CEO standing in front of an office machine with a piece of paper in his hand. “Listen,” said the boss, “this is a very sensitive and highly classified document; my secretary has gone home, can you make this machine work?” The young man took the piece of paper, turned on the machine, inserted the document and hit the “Start” button. “I just need one copy,” said the CEO. The young associate turned beet red because the machine involved was the paper shredder! Let’s just say, the reality of the moment hit him like a baseball bat. David did not experience the same odd situation, but similar principles were involved. One of the most significant insights related to the dilemmas we face each day is this: All of us proceed through life coping with the real world while we try to build our fantasy world. This often forces us to decide between the way things exist and the way we want things to be, or think they ought to be. No doubt we’ve all heard the phrase, “Reality check.” God does not offer answers and give guidance for our fantasies. He knows we must deal with real issues, so He gives real advice for real challenges. In other words, it’s time for all believers to “Get real!”

PRETENDING CAN BE YOUR ENDING –

While trying to get out of the situation he found himself in by acting like a mad man in the court of King Achish, David learned more about how lying in jest just to get what one wants, can boomerang. While trying to entice King Achish to help put him out of King Saul’s reach, David attempted to gain sympathy by pretending. So with spittle running down his beard David scratched a crazy message on the castle gate that read: “Achish king of Gath owes me 100,000 gold coins, and his wife owes me 50,000.” But this caused Achish’s wife and daughter to go into hysteria, so instead of giving him a safe place to hide Achish kicked him out of the palace. It was a hard lesson, but one David would never forget.

“I will never stop praising the LORD Eternal; praise for Him will always be the first thing out of my mouth. And I won’t stop testifying about the LORD Eternal; I want everyone going through difficult times to be encouraged and keep going. Why don’t you join me in magnifying the LORD Eternal; let’s exalt Him together for who He is. Listen everyone, let me tell you what it’s like to show respect for the LORD: ‘If you want to live a good life and be prosperous, then don’t slander or become known as a back-stabber. Don’t be mean; make friends and live in peace. For the LORD watches what His children are doing, and is ready to respond when they ask for help. And He puts His arms around those who are convicted of their wrong doing; yes, He is more than willing to forgive those with a repentant heart’.” Psalm 34:1-3, 11-15, 18

Reflection: Here is a suggestion on how to apologize sincerely after you realize you’ve hurt someone: “When you are ready to apologize, don’t just say, ‘I’m sorry,’ and leave it at that. Explain why are you are apologizing. Prove to the other person that you understand what you did. It could be as simple as, ‘I’m sorry that I didn’t take out the garbage even though you asked me nicely to do so several times,’ or something broader like, ‘I’m sorry that I’m such a bad listener, and I always cut you off before you finish talking.’ With that said, don’t apologize sarcastically in a meaningless, generalized way such as, ‘OK, I’m sorry that I’m so imperfect, and can never live up to your expectations, and I’m sorry for being born, and for being the worst person on Earth.’ Obviously that will just make things worse.”

David learned the hard way that you don’t prepare for a difficult situation after it takes place, any more than one gets ready for a flood after the waters crest; or someone begins to stock up for a hurricane after the wind peals shingles off the roof; or after the forest fire has encircled the cabin blocking any exit route. David is offering advice on how to be spiritually prepared to prevent possible tragedies by avoiding their causes. In other words, even though you don’t know the bridge collapsed, or the hillside slid down blocking the highway. When conditions yell, “Caution,” don’t continue speeding, pretending that you’re an exception to the rule because this only happens to others. No, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and He will guide you to a safer place.

The next time you hear someone say that the stories in the Bible are mostly, if not all, myths or allegories, just asked them for evidence proving them to be myths and allegories. No matter how much they beat around the bush, keep asking them for evidence proving these are myths. When they finally realize that they have no such evidence, then you can say to them, “Since you have no proof that these stories in the Bible are myths, then I am not obligated to produce any evidence they are not myths.” It’s a matter of trying to describe the indescribable using describable objects and terms. When it comes to explaining miracles, the secular mind uses acts of nature, whereas the spiritual mind uses acts of God. In the end, it all boils down to this: do you have faith in the word of man, or do you have faith in the Word of God? – Dr. Robert R Seyda