Tonight's Blog for May 31, 2013

Tonight is the last time I will ever get to blog for the month of May, in 2013, in Monroe, where I live. Several lines

of thought are running through my mind as I sit down to share a few thoughts before I watch the Tigers, and visit with Marge while we finish up a few details for the weekend. It has been several days since I have been able to sit down and do this, not an apology, just an explanation. (Remember, we don't "do" guilt!) Since my last blog, I have been to Tulsa, to visit friends in Illinois, and to an emergency room right here in Monroe., not necessarily in that order!

With the injury to my shoulder, our plans to visit Marge's family were nearly side-tracked, but GOD is good, and the trip was successful and rewarding. (How many husbands can say that about a visit to the "mother-in-law"?) What a great visit with Marge's Mom, Rose, and to see her sister and brother-in-law, Dave and Rose Ann. Thirty-eight years ago tomorrow, Dave did our wedding, and I said a swear word, "I DO." Daily, I thank GOD for Marge. I am so blessed by Marge's family, too. 

It may sound weird to say it, but tonight I had planned to share with you about Korah's rebellion, and his ancestors, from Numbers 16. Why weird, you may ask? Because they were the exact opposite of Marge's blessed family! Korah was a prideful Levite, jealous of his cousins, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. By his actions and attitude of  rebellion, he brought on his family disgrace and pain and death. That should have been the end of their story in the Bible, but it isn't. Remarkably, Korah had descendants who didn't rebel, who remained faithful, and who were valuable workers for God in the temple for 200+ years. Every time they heard their name, they must have felt the curse, the scorn, the bitterness that was their family heritage. They even wrote for us a part of the book of Psalms. One part of their Psalm, 42 and 43 is very familiar, "As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God." One less familiar but powerful part is repeated 3 times. I didn't understand why GOD allowed it in the Bible until I realized what they were depressed about! Here is the part that is repeated three times, 

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God." 

Here is the deal. If you feel depressed, or bitter, or misunderstood, welcome aboard! Every family has their "black sheep", dark moments, and depressing details. Whether it is your rebellion or sin or the sins of your ancestors, each of us has a burden on our backs. Marge and her family gave it to Jesus years ago. No, life isn't always easy. Yes, there are days when you could feel overwhelmed. When you have those days, read Psalms 42 and 43 and thank GOD you aren't one of the sons or daughters of Korah! Remember this, the problems of one generation do not have to visit the next! Our Savior, Jesus has paid for all that was and is and will be weighing you down! 

God bless you tonight! big marv