Morning Journal,?
7:30 a.m. - Read an article by Cal Thomas this? morning? about how the slave trade in England? ended. One? player in this was a former? trader, John Newton. Newton became a Christian and? wrote the song ‘Amazing Grace.’?
Anyway, this article triggered? memories for me. I recall one incident that? added another block to my collection of, ‘Something is really wrong with this religion.’?
We were members of a relatively large church in a military town. It was one of those shouting, ‘we’ve got the power’ churches. At the time I was little familiar with the bigotry at work in this church.
Some northern black soldiers of the same religious persuasion came to the services. Believe it not, they were made to sit downstairs in a room where they could listen via a speaker. It shook me to my core.? What kind of Christian faith is this??
When the soldiers left after services, I walk out with them, and ask for their forgiveness. Of course they were gracious.
This was only one of a number of warning signs that began to trouble me about my religion. In another church it was taught by an older member that blacks had no souls. I could not believe what I was hearing.
So my question remains, ‘What kind of Christian is this whose heart is filled with religious bigotry?’
This is not about? racial or? cultural distinctions.? It is about a heart in whom the Spirit of Jesus is suppose to reside. How can? hatred for another human being reside in the heart of someone who claims to be a Christian?? ?
Someone may say, ‘Well, that’s the old south!’ Afraid that won’t take care of it. Bigotry is as black a sin as there is. It is rooted in? pride of life. In the Scriptures ‘pride’ is treated as a killer.
It isn’t simply a racial issue. Bigotry is deeply rooted in many religions.? Every war on this planet can pretty much be traced to? an ethnic or a racial or some form of religious bigotry.
The point is that Jesus did not come to give us another religion, a better religion, or any sort of religion at all. He came to give us a relationship with the heavenly Father. Until we understand this factor, we will forever look for perfections in our religion.
Ok — Nuff on my soap box. I’ve got to get off this.?
Had a call last evening from Lane. He and Jerry and Jerome are coming for a visit about noon time. Bringing fish. Boy, I love these Fletcher cousins of mine. Doesn’t take much to remind them that they are half Martin.? 
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Wonderful phone conversation with Lane. Don’t know who out talked the other. We both have that ‘Jesus ecxcitement’ in our bones.
Perhaps Jeremiah said it best, “But if I say, ‘I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name,’ then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it.” (Jeremiah 20:9 nasb.)
10: 40 a.m. - Still reflecting on my devotion this morning. Was in the book of Esther.? I’ve never been over-excited about this book. Something was different? at this reading. While? the name of God is never mentioned in Esther, yet this book is filled with the providence of God. This gave me pause to think.
Wrote in my notes, ‘Perhaps this is the true worth of this book. Did God plan it this way? Can we see Him outside a religious setting?’
When we can see God in the whole of our life, then we have a? great key to? understanding? our relationship with the Lord. Every believer should be able to look back and say, ‘The Lord was there, even when I did not know it. He knew me long before I knew Him. My life has been planned from the beginning. Every event in my life has served to shape me for my walk with the Lord, and for my divine destiny.’
Can you say that? You will in time.
Last evening I spend a good while studying the manual for my new book publishing program. I am simply awed at what this program can do. I takes you through fiction and non-fiction writing, articles, college thesis, and much more. It also provides guidance to a great many publishers. I can see how this program will help me with all my writings.
Guess the Lord saw the right time to put it in my hands. I have well over 170 articles that could be arranged into? good books. Wow! ‘Saddle Your Camel’ is only a first.
10:50 a.m. - JoAnne came by with a special? gift of a variety of beans that she had cooked. Boy, I love beans. Thanks sis.
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch with Jerry, Jerome, Lane, Betty and myself. I doln’t know when I’ve enjoyed a visit so much. We shared memories with a lot of laughter. Suppose? when we leave the scene all these memories will disappear. What a wonderful thing to share in? family love.
Jerry shared some things about grandpa Martin that I need to get ahold of. He has some writings.? They will help fill in some spaces for my genealogy work. Also said that great-grandmother Mary Lize, that is, grandpa’s mother also had an Indian name.? Hope he remembers to find the papers. He came across them at the court house when? doing some title searches on Martin property. ?
There was a closeness in our familiy that when you touched one you pretty much touched the rest. Jerry said that needs to be? part of? the Christian walk in a godly way. I agree 100%.
Well, it’s time to shut things down. Have other things in the mill that I need to attend to.
Blessings,
Buddy
