Preaching from across the "big pond."

Bethany BC, Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd, United Kingdom

   

 

Looking forward to 2026

 

Is your way, His way?

 Psalm 37 is filled with encouraging, uplifting directives.  However, do we read them as beautiful words, "songs" or poems only?  OR are the words to be taken literally?  I like to list things.  Sometimes it gives a broader, clear picture of how to act and react.  Lets do this with this chapter.

1. Fret not...
2. ...neither be envious - are given in the first verse.  It is a clear charge regarding those that would do harm in one way or another to believers.
3. Then we are given notice to trust
4. Delight and
5. Commit in verses 3-5.  The Psalmist opens with what not to do, then gives clear notice of what TO DO!  He says we will be fed, given the desires of our heart and see His will brought to pass.  A little further and we read to
6. rest
7. wait patiently
8. and cease from anger.  It would seem that all this patient waiting would cause one to get agitated, even "angry."  But the message is clear, cease from anger.  How?  Because we understand that
9. evildoers shall be cut off.  It is also clearly noted in Pro 29.1-3 that there is no remedy for those who would hardeneth his neck against the Lord and His people. What is the result for believers? He will inherit the earth. Verse 13 even states that the Lord shall laugh at him (the wicked) for He seeth his day is coming

We are reassured in many ways with beautiful words and particularly verse 20 that the wicked shall perish.  The crown of this chapter may be found in verse 23:

There is much more to Psalm 37 and maybe we will explore that later.  However, the meditation of the reader's heart is this; Is your way, His way when the trials, hardships and sorrows come to you? The Psalmist also rightly said in chapter 23 that we walk through the valley(s). A preacher from "across the big pond" recently noted that the Psalmist said through the valley. God doesn't leave you in your trying circumstance(s). Job told us that Man that is born of woman is few days and full of trouble. (Job 14.1)  You understand "that's life."  Then, the Lord Jesus, Himself gave us these words in John 14.18, I WILL NOT leave you comfortless.  Many other verses to encourage and aid along this journey but today the key is in the scripture photo above.  If you belong to Him, you can trust He has actually ordered these things come your way but has given you a way of escape. (I Cor 10.13)

God bless and keep you is our prayer as you patiently walk in His way...

Winter weather and God

 Yes, this is really what the weather looks like in my area today.

How do I react?  Well, I got home safe from work yesterday.  Since today is Sunday, there will be no travel and no church.  How will I spend my day?  Is it really "my" day?  Let's take a look at this mornings bible reading and what it means to this heart.

Psalms 34.1-9 

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together. 

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

9 O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.

Basically, if you will, He will or What you do, then what He does.

That is how I plan to spend this icy, wintry day. (Even if the power goes out)

God bless all who read and meditate on these words.  "He's got you."

ventriloquism - what does the bible say?

 A unique subject to be sure.  What do you think?  You probably have an opinion but is it based on scripture?  Let's prayerfully, "think" this through and seek appropriate counsel.

Found these words and I have to agree:

"The KJV Bible doesn't mention "ventriloquism" directly but condemns practices associated with it, particularly divination or seeking spirits, as seen in Isaiah 8:19 ("whisper and mutter") and warnings against false prophets, linking the ancient concept of "belly-talking" to spiritism or demon possession, warning against seeking wisdom from dead or deceptive spiritual practices. While ventriloquism as modern entertainment isn't explicitly forbidden, the underlying spirit of deception and seeking false guidance is contrary to seeking God, emphasizing truth and reliance on Him, not "whispering" spirit or dead voices."

• Isaiah 8:19: "And when they shall say unto you, Seek ye unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?".
  • Interpretation: This verse directly addresses seeking guidance from spiritists who "whisper and mutter," a practice linked to ancient ventriloquism as divination, urging people to seek God instead of the dead.
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: Warns against divination, witchcraft, sorcery, and mediums, as these are "an abomination" to the Lord.
• "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an ABOMINATION unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out before thee."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
  • Interpretation: Some Christians argue that even innocent ventriloquism could resemble forbidden practices, making it wise to avoid. 

Key Takeaway

• Distinction is Key: The Bible condemns seeking guidance from spirits or the dead (spiritism/divination), which was historically associated with "ventriloquism" (voices from the belly/ground).

• Entertainment vs. Deception: While modern ventriloquism as innocent entertainment (humor, puppets) isn't directly forbidden, its historical and potential association with spiritual deception makes some Christians cautious, urging reliance on God's Word and truth, not illusion or false prophecy. 

One other scripture that rings true in my heart about the evil practice of ventriloquism is this:

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom KNEW NOT GOD, it please God by the FOOLISHNESS of PREACHING (not puppets, singing, tracts or other medium/entertainment) to save them that believe." (I Cor 1.21)

I have no issue with telling children "an account" of bible characters in engaging voices.  However, the medium to do so must exercise caution because of a child's inability to distinguish real from unreal.  Make believe when mimicking grownups is one thing, (playing house, cooking or taking care of a baby) Children cannot distinguish talking puppets from a real person.  My view is that "fantasy" behavior about things unreal won't promote healthy, biblical growth.

God bless as you explore this for yourself.