Each week seems to bring news of “advancements” in computer science as it pertains to Artificial Intelligence or AI.  There are obviously those who would promote an accelerated implementation of this new science into the systems and processes that govern the way we live.  They believe that computers will be able to make informed, educated decisions that dwarf man’s ability to reason.  What could go wrong?  Some of us old-timers have started to question whether the only true “Artificial Intelligence” is the intelligence of those who would so blindly risk such a quantum leap of utter dependence—one that could potentially preclude our ability to reverse directions.  Perhaps future generations will say, “Maybe they weren’t so smart after all.”

   This reminds me of some verses of scripture, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1Corinthians 1:27-29)”  The point is that God has a monopoly on knowledge and wisdom—Genuine Intelligence.  What men of the world consider to be wise, God deems foolish.  And the true wisdom of God is viewed as foolish by “wise men” who don’t know Him.

  I am sure that these few words will not convince the skeptics, but if you are a believer, do not forget, God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.  The sciences are God’s playground for learned men to try to discover how He designed things to be as they are.  For the wisdom that makes life worthwhile, He invites, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)”  You will quickly learn that His way of thinking is different from the wisest of men.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)”

  Though not often, I can remember times in my youth when, as the light of day faded, my mind became filled with adolescent anxiety as my world was about to be shrouded in blackness.  I felt like a prisoner of night, my anxious thoughts my only companions.  I still remember my mother’s loving and tender attempt to console me with these words, “Son just try to get some rest; things will look better in the morning.”  Amazingly, when the sun rose in the morning sky and the light began to illuminate a new day, it was obvious that she was right!  The change in my perception was like the magic of morning.

  This reminds me of something that Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.   As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4-5)”  Obviously the Lord was not referring to physical light that illuminates the stuff of earth, but spiritual light, to illuminate things that cannot be seen with our eyes—the eternal things of God.  His reference to “day” then, must represent the period in which this spiritual light shines.

  When Jesus (the essence of that light) was here, men became aware of God’s love for them and His intention to purchase their souls back to Himself by the gift of His Son.  After Jesus returned to heaven, generations of His followers became the bearers of that light.  Jesus told them, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14)” …but perhaps you have noticed lately, troublous times are upon us, spiritual darkness threatens to envelope the globe.  Perhaps you are starting to feel captive to your own thoughts of what will be on the morrow.

  If you know the Lord, let me console you with those words I learned from my mother, “Rest for now, things will look better in the morning.”  But what is it about the morning that yields its magic?  It is not magic my friend, morning is when we will once again see the SON in the sky.  Jesus Himself said, “I am the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16)”  He’s coming soon!  “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:5)”

  The calendar is dated in both directions from His birth.  He performed miracles and transformed lives during His thirty-three year life on earth.  His followers spread His teachings around the world and for centuries, people, wise and sincere, have found His cause worth living for, and worth dying for.  He has accomplished what no mere man could accomplish.  He is God in the flesh—Jesus, the same God who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them!  But perhaps it all sounds like a fairytale to you—you who choose to exercise faith in a cosmic explosion billions and billions of years ago which unscrupulous theorists have deemed responsible for every form of life that inhabits the earth, and the perfectly ordered universe that sustains it.

  This is the week that sets biblical Christianity apart from all other faiths!  This is the week we remember the Passion of Jesus, and Sunday is the day we remember His Resurrection from the dead.  Those of us who have discovered God’s Book (the Bible), who have placed our faith and dependence upon Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin, now serve a risen, living Savior who has promised to return to earth at the end of this age to receive us to Himself.  But this sounds like the last, sensational lines of a play with a complex story line.

  The truth contained above is indeed an over-the-top conclusion to the story of time and eternity as revealed by God in His Word.  It is quite unbelievable to the natural mind without the illumination that comes from hearing the whole story.  The story begins with, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)” and ends with, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)”  The truth that lies between these two passages makes believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sin, the logical thing to do.

  But why take my word for it when you can read it all for yourself!  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2Timothy 3:16)” 

  For the past several weeks, our church has been considering this topic.  The idea is based upon the doctrine of God’s omni-presence as it is presented in Psalm 139.  “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalms 139:7-10)”  God is always near!

  Jesus told a woman in Samaria that the time had come in which “…true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)”  Perhaps you would like to join us—to maintain a conscious awareness of the presence of Eternal God.  First, there is the matter of sin that must be dealt with through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, to purchase your forgiveness.  I would be thrilled to talk with you about what He has done to reconcile you (restore you to friendly relations) with Himself.  You can reach me at the number below.

  If you are already a believer, let me share the steps that you can take to live in the light of His presence.  First, you must simply want to (desire it).  Secondly, you will need to confess and forsake all known sin.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)”  Third, you will want to set aside a time every day to read God’s word, pray, and think only of God—a quiet time with Him.  Fourth, you will need to remember, through every event of every day, that God is near, and talk to Him often.  “…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)”  Lastly, you will want to completely surrender all that you are and have to Him.  Simply let Him be Lord of everything in your life.  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)” You will discover that surrender to Him, is the Victory you long for!

  Back in 1982 a new home computer hit the market and became one of the best selling computers of all times.  It was called the Commodore 64, or C64.  The 64 in its name represents its 64 kilobytes of RAM memory.  To put things in perspective, an entry level Apple Watch today has 512 megabytes of RAM—8,000 times that of the C64.  One might say that computer technology has advanced or matured dramatically over the past few decades.  Today, perhaps more than anything else, technology defines who we are.  It has reshaped our culture, business, industry, agriculture, etc.  But is all of the reshaping good?

  Did you reminisce lately?  Do you remember when you spent less time with gadgets and more time with people?  Do you remember when learning, for people of all walks of life, was the result of exploration, experimentation and conversation?  Do you remember when morality was an absolute, when people did not have the misconception that they were entitled to their own truth?  Do you remember when it was okay to express your opinion even if it was not the same as your neighbor’s?  Do you remember when there was a semblance of government for the people and by the people?  My, how times have changed—and not always for the better.  These, and many other so called “advancements,” were undeniably effected (caused), at least in part, by our love for technology.  Technology has been very instrumental in making it easier to be captains of our own fate, an “advancement” that is proving itself fatal.  What should we do?

  Jeremiah was inspired by God to admonish Israel of old, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16).  As a result of their hard heartedness, Israel lost its identity and was taken captive by other nations.  

  We don’t have to make the same mistakes.  Rest your thumbs, stand still  and look around!  A Return to the “Old Paths” will insure our continued deliverance in this evil age.  These paths are illuminated in the pages of Scripture—the Bible.