Grand Chaplain
Greetings Brethren
As you and I have been staying in a lot, during this “Stay in Place” order, I have had plenty of time to pray and study God’s Word more. Actually, more than I normally have done. “Normally.” What is “Normal?”
Normal is defined as, conforming to a standard, usual, typical, or expected. My mind was flooded last night with many thoughts, as to what is normal. Is it how a person acts, or the way of life in our society? Is it the “What was, in comparison to the what is?” I was awake all night thinking about this and more.
As I thought on this, I was reminded, we have a standard and we are expected to conform to that standard. Its found in the Great Light of God’s Holy Word. As we remember, the Bible is to be the Rule and Guide, of our faith. This should be our norm in everything we do, as a Mason or a righteous man or woman. We must study and conform, to its teachings, to show ourselves approved in God’s sight. And if the Lord, draws you repentance, yield to His spirit, that you may be forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life.
I saw a movie a few weeks ago titled, “Life in Normal.” A Christian movie, I might add. Not to give much away from the movie, a big city lady doctor was stopped by police for speeding, while passing through this small town named, Normal. She was arrested for unpaid parking tickets. She went before the judge, who was also the town’s doctor, preacher, and probably wore other hats in the city, as well. He sentenced her to community service as a doctor. Her first patient asked her to pray for her before her treatment. She managed to get through a prayer. Later, the doctor attended church services, where she heard the words. “If we do our part, God will do His part.” Let me repeat this, “If we do our part, God will do His part.”
So what is this telling us? A familiar verse of scripture we’ve heard many times in our lives, says this from 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land. I’m sure there has been more praying going on and more prayers lifted up these past few months than ever before. I think a lot of people have been praying, seeking, and I’m sure some have found forgiveness. But, there’s one thing that’s been overlooked and is the hardest to do and that is, “Turn from their wicked ways.” I’m sure we all have something in our lives, we need to turn from, me included.”
So as this Easter Sunday passes, let us think about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The price He paid for our sins. Let us remember, God has already done His part, in making a Way for us. It’s time we do our part. As I close, let me share some verses of scripture with you. 1 Samuel 12:23 says, “Morever, as for me, God forbid that I should “SIN” in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and right way.” That means we should be praying for one another. Secondly, Luke 10:27 says, “And He (Jesus), answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Mark 12: 30 says the same thing but includes, “This is the first commandment.”
Lastly, remember these three words, Faith, Hope, and Charity or LOVE. The greatest of these is, “LOVE.” This is the “NORM”, we should be conforming too.
GOD Bless You.
Randle Hall, Grand Chaplain
Grand Lodge of MS, F&AM
