Weekly Thought – April 17, 2018

Fred’s “Don’t Duck” story influenced many at a men’s retreat in California. A few weeks later he received an envelope filled with buttons graphically designed to send the message with a bar drawn through a duck. Years later the illustration still lives.

The Influence of Identity

My friend Ray Stedman said he was struck when reading Michael Green’s book, Evangelism in the Early Church that first century Christians influenced their world for Jesus Christ more than believers do today. Their world was more openly hostile to Christianity than ours. They were fewer in number, did not hold powerful positions, did not have our technology or financial holdings, yet in thirty years spread the story of Jesus from Jerusalem to the capital of the Roman Empire. Today in the 1980s Christians have more established rights, are greater in number, and hold some of the most influential business and political positions in the land. Greene stated that their influence seems stifled and anemic by comparison.

Stedman said Greene believed the first century Christians were rooted in their identity. They were sojourners on their way home. The reality of eternity was the filter through which all of their thinking was channeled.

Too often we identify as American Christians (or even as narrowly as Texas Christians). Our focus is not on eternity, but on our piece of earth.

One of the most delightful men I know is Ron Ritchie of the Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, CA. He is one of the least likely people you would pick in a crowd as a preacher. He told me he got tired of being isolated by calling himself a preacher. He finally arrived at a clear answer when asked “what do you do?” “I tell people about Jesus if they want to know.” Then he shuts up and lets the Spirit take over. He has had some fascinating experiences.

I am not one to buttonhole people to “tell them about Jesus.” However, I have found an interesting possibility that the Spirit might use me in some small way on a one-to-one basis. If, each morning, I tell the Lord “today I won’t duck” and that if religion comes up in a natural way in a conversation I will deal with it just as I would any other subject. I have been very surprised how often when I go with a “don’t duck” attitude I end up in significant exchanges.

I have found that if I duck the natural conversations about spiritual matters I can’t make up for it by coming to the church visitation program and calling on three people I wasn’t necessarily led to by the Lord. This won’t make up for ducking the encounters He brought across my path.

I think of this as a stewardship of identity. I can’t get away from the fact that I am a Christian. I believe the Spirit, when we do what we do in the Spirit, has a way of bringing a great deal of light and removing most of the heat.

This week think about: 1) When have I “ducked”? 2) How can I better identify as a Christian? 3) What can I do to steward my Christian identity more effectively?

Words of Wisdom: “I have been very surprised how often when I go with a “don’t duck” attitude I end up in significant exchanges.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – April 10, 2018

Fred used every opportunity to explore and illustrate principles of life. Their vacation home on Lake Barkley was name “Smiths’ Viewpoint.” He was careful not to foist his opinions on others. However, when asked he articulately shared. Continuing with his thoughts on stewardship, we demonstrate how he loved to see the deeper meaning of every experience.

Please continue to pray for the What’s Next Roundtable sponsored by BWFLI. We are grateful for your support. It is a critical component of our work.

Peace and Encouragement

It is time in the Christian church we start making peace. There is a promise of blessing for the peacemakers, but none for the dividers. We unfortunately take out our hostility on each other and cover it up by saying that we are standing for the faith. Yes, we are called to be firm for the truth, but sometimes there is subterfuge in the way we take that posture. We can hold strong without hostility and hatefulness. When we attack and snarl at each other over points of doctrine we are not moving toward peace.

Understand I am not saying we shouldn’t be faithful to Scripture and call out those who teach heresy, but when we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we should never use our words and actions as heat-seeking missiles.

I think of my visit to the Catacombs in Rome. Our guide was a delightful English priest. As we got out I thought I would shock him by saying, “Father, I am a Southern Baptist.” He brightened up, slapped my hands together and exclaimed, “Good! Pep me up, brother, pep me up!” He heard Baptists were somewhat demonstrative. I am surprised he didn’t ask me to set up a pot luck buffet for the group…we Baptists are definitely renown for our on- the -spot feedings.

“Father, I enjoyed the tour and as I walked through it struck me that early Christians didn’t have the luxury of denominational life.” He shook my shoulders and replied, “My brother, it is not the form that separates us that is important – it is the hope of the Resurrection that unites us.” When I get to heaven I hope this ordinary Baptist will spend time talking with that priest who shared the hope of the Resurrection in the spirit of peacemaking.

As part of our stewardship of relations, we owe each other encouragement. There is enough pressure and tension today without loading an unnecessary guilt and criticism on each other. I once heard the President of the Sloan-Kettering Laboratories speak of his country doctor. He acknowledged that there was little advanced medical technology in his little black leather bag. But he believed many got well because of his father’s kind “You are going to make it.” That encouragement unleashed the magnificent and amazing power of the body to heal itself.

There is so much we are learning about how stress and tension immobilize the healing process and how the positive aspects are capable of mobilizing the body’s defense. I would love to see a study on the relationship between the hope of the Christian experience and the healing process.

This week think carefully about: 1) How am I being an instrument of peace in my home, community, workplace, church? 2) What issues are stumbling blocks to peace with other believers? 3) How can I encourage others this week?

Words of Wisdom: “When we attack and snarl at each other over points of doctrine we are not moving toward peace.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” (Philemon 1:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 27, 2018

Fred and Mary Alice began reading My Utmost for His Highest each day in 1953 after it was given as a gift to them. Over the years they wore out several copies. He was often asked about favorite books. This is one of his answers from 1983.

Continue praying for Jarvis Christian College and the team: Hartzel Black, Kevin Bullard, Gwen Burno, Craig Morgan, and Brenda Smith. March 2,3 are the dates for the What’s Next Roundtable sponsored by BWFLI.

Favorite Books

I find no difficulty in naming my most significant book. It is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This book has influenced my thinking and convictions more than any other book authored by man.

Mary Alice and I received our first copy from Grand and Orean Howard. They began a chain of gifting that continues to this day. My friend and mentor Maxey Jarman wrote in 1979, “I’ll always be grateful for the introduction that you gave me to Oswald Chambers.” We plant seeds when we give vital books. After all these years we are seeing a fruitful and delightful harvest among our friends.

(Editor’s Note: In later years Fred introduced hundreds to “his friend Fenelon” and The Seeking Heart which began similar ripples in the brook.)

The thinking of Chambers has become part of my reflexive thought. I quote him so often as an authority or simply a shared experience he first coagulated for me. As the mind of Christ is in us, so is the mind of our favorite authors. They take up residency.

Let me give you five examples of thoughts which continue to shape my attitude toward life:

1) Sit loose to things: Recently I received a phone call that cost me thousands of dollars. My first thought was “sit loose to things.” Enjoy them, work for them, use them, but sit loose to them. I hear people of affluence say, “this is living,” but it isn’t. It should be I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.

2) Lust is I must have it now: My psychiatrist friends tell me one of the tell-tale signs of immaturity is the inability to delay gratification. We live as spoiled brats. Too many satisfy a want before they can afford it. In our emotional life we refuse to take the long-term view and try to fill up the emotional valleys with alcohol or drugs. We want relief NOW. Lust is refusing the normal rhythm of life and failing to mature in it.

3) The improper use of scripture is a plague. Chambers says “so often we sharpen a verse of scripture and jab another with it.” I see those who pridefully know chapter and verse and use the knowledge to intimidate the less instructed. Scripture is not a weapon. We are to be known by our love for one another.

4) Maturity means standing strong in the small as well as the large. It is so easy to think we would be true and courageous in the weighty matters while waffling in the smaller issues.

5) Experience the “white funeral.” Chambers says before we ever go through the final or black funeral of physical death we must go through the white funeral of dying to self. Out of this comes the resurrection of life, unhampered by the problems of human ego and self-righteousness.

This week think about: 1) Who are the authors who influence me? 2) How can I gift books to others as an invitation to grow? 3) Which of these Chambers thoughts strikes me?

Words of Wisdom: “I hear people of affluence say, ‘This is living’ but it isn’t. I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. “ (Proverbs 2:6 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – February 6,2018

Fred believed strongly in the power of prayer. He was, however, careful not to misuse it either in public or private. The family remembers seeing him on his knees by his bed before going to sleep. He and Mom kept a list of prayer needs. This visual of a strong man bowed down on the floor marked them permanently. This week’s thought is excerpted from an article published in the Mennonite Brethren Herald in February, 2000.

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities held their International Conference in Dallas this week. A recurring message was the importance of mentoring, and character building. The purpose of BWFLI is to strengthen and bless the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God. We so appreciate your financial and prayerful support as we enter into a heavy schedule of campus events.

Praying Responsibly

Prayer can undergo disuse, misuse, and abuse at the hands and voices of Christian leaders. We all have experienced the manipulation through conversations with God which seemed more like a Public Relations pitch or a financial ask.

But there are responsible uses. And I have found that proper leadership prayer involves four steps, often overlapping:

1) Positioning – Prayer positions me. It reminds me I am not the ultimate leader…the Lord Jesus is. I am the steward, not the owner. Sometimes kneeling physically helps me with this step.

2) Shifting into neutral – Prayer is more effective when I can emotionally, and mentally shift into a true neutral gear, ready to fully accept divine leadership. Leaders are usually strong-willed, opinionated persons who feel awkward and uncomfortable in neutral. It is so much easier to ask God’s stamp of approval on what we want to do. But what we must say is, “You will be done” and really mean it. I have found I must still my thoughts, separating my interests as far as possible. When an issue is at stake, a neutral position allows me to consider various options. If I have time I let the options simmer overnight or longer. Then I repeat the options and if one seems to serve the cause better than the others, I know I am ready to shift out of neutral, putting the machine in motion with a clear conscience and peaceful spirit.

3) Dynamic peace – Tournament golfers standing over a crucial putt, put everything out of their mind except for a pure stroke. They aren’t thinking about prestige, financial benefits, or even the crowd. As leaders, we often must block out the distractions. For example, we must not think about the fear of failure, or second guess decisions we have made. Prayer helps us find a dynamic peace… not a sleepy peace, but one that is exhilarating. There is confidence in dynamic peace. And I find confidence lets me concentrate fully on the task. When I am operating with dynamic peace, it doesn’t make me smarter, or more skilled, but gives me the freedom to work with the highest concentration.

4) Acceptance – When I have done my best, only then in prayer can I peacefully accept failure as well as success. Kipling puts it this way: “treat those two impostors just the same.” A leader prays himself into the conscious presence and will of God so that he accomplishes what Chambers calls, “My utmost of His highest.”

This week think about: 1) How can I develop my prayer muscles? 2) What do I do to “get into neutral gear”? 3) When does prayer seem like true conversation with God?

Words of Wisdom: “Prayer helps us find a dynamic peace… not a sleepy peace, but one that is exhilarating.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When Solomon finished presenting all these prayers and requests to the Lord, he got up from before the altar of the Lord where he had kneeled and spread out his hands toward the sky.” (1 Kings 8:54 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – November 29, 2016

Fred believed in the power of prayer. He was often asked to offer public prayer because of his speaking skills and his resonant voice. He accepted but often deferred because he shrank away from any hint of performance. Until he was bed-bound, he knelt by their bed nightly. This picture highly influenced his children who saw this strong leader in a posture of total submission.

Into the Father’s Presence

Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. How marvelous that a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune with the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awaken and am tempted by frustration, it is so comforting to talk to the Lord about it.

I am not alone in my experience. One of the psychiatrists who helped select the first team of astronauts told me about testing them in absolute isolation to see how much they could endure. He said some could go indefinitely and when they interviewed them they found the “withstanders” were the ones who could pray. If we would only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.

I have found expressing gratitude to God gives me great satisfaction. Surprisingly, I found it increased my self-respect. It is so much better to live with and as a grateful person, rather than as a complainer.

Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my appeal affect God’s action toward another? Yet in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Realistically, I would be so frustrated if prayer weren’t an alternative when there is absolutely nothing else I could do for someone. “At least I can pray for you” is often heard. I want to remind them prayer is the MOST they can do for me.

Further, I have never believed that the number praying is the vital point. I just do not think God is swayed by mass numbers. And even more, I do not think God is any more impressed by celebrity prayer than others. I think of those I knew growing up in the mill district of North Nashville who were fervent prayer warriors. Their names were never going to be in lights, but their lives shone with the light of Jesus.

When we say “I am praying for you” we are joining the community of the committed. We are saying “I will meet you in the throne room.” We are together in the marvel and the mystery of the communing with God we call prayer. Keep on praying for one another – it is the source of obedience and joy.

This week think about: 1) How active is my prayer life? 2) What am I specifically talking to God about this week? 3) Who am I joining with at the throne?

Words of Wisdom: “If we would only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now, my God, may you be attentive and responsive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – October 18, 2016

Fred and Mary Alice met in seventh grade English class. She loved his family and grew spiritually as a teenager through the ministry of Mathew Bunyan Smith, Fred’s Dad. She was born 101 years ago today. Her influence on her family and friends continues. Her love and encouragement flow through all she touched.

October 26 and 27, 2016 are the dates for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute. The team will begin gathering on the 25th in West Palm Beach, FL. Please stand with us in prayer. Thank you for your consistent, faithful support.

Following Faithfully

In our lives “faith” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun we express what is the faith. Dr. Ramesh Richard, my theologian friend who has two earned PhDs is an international proclaimer of the gospel. He gave me the “Faith Alones” (or solas) as outlined by Martin Luther: 1) by grace alone; 2) through faith alone; 3) based on Scripture alone; 4) in Christ alone; and 5) for God’s glory alone. These outline faith as a noun.

Faith, as a verb, is how we live faith out in our lives. By faith, we follow the Scriptures both in principles and disciplines for life. We look to the Scriptures for both commands and promises.

One time when I was in negotiations with the steelworkers’ union, our lawyer was convinced they were going to declare a strike. Therefore, he recommended we not make an offer because it would be used as the basis for the next negotiation. As I left home to go to the meeting, I did something I had never done before. I opened the Bible and read the first verse that I saw. “Do not withhold from workers money that is due them.” I knew right then what my decision would be. Against the lawyer’s recommendation, I opted to make a reasonable offer. To our amazement, the union members readily accepted it. So we avoided a strike. I felt I had been given divine guidance.

Any time we make a decision to do right, rather than wrong, we are living by faith. Like the old hymn tells us to walk in faith living a life that pleases God we must “trust and obey.” Dr. Richard pointed out to me Hope and faith will not be needed in heaven for we will see and know. But the love of God in Christ will exist eternally. That is the faith which energizes me.

This week think about: 1) How can I translate my faith noun into a faith verb? 2) What areas of my life need faithful attention? 3) Who encourages me to walk by faith?

Words of Wisdom: “Faith is both a noun and a verb.

Wisdom from the Word: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – July 12, 2016

Fred appreciated William Barclay. He taught a very fine Sunday School lesson Barclay wrote. Fred’s love of principles allowed him to take the phrases and then apply current applications. His ability to see truth and create ways to pass it on energized him.

Continue praying for the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute as the Fall events come quickly. Lift up Asbury University and Palm Beach Atlantic University – our teams, their faculty, staff, and students. We go in the name of Jesus and eagerly anticipate the work He gives us to do.

Powerful Triad

“Lord, grant us in our work, satisfaction; in our leisure, pleasure; in our study, wisdom; and in our love, loyalty.” Years ago while reading, I discovered William Barclay’s prayer. I was so impressed with the balance of life he described that I easily memorized it. Through the years I have repeated it to myself many times and twice I have taught it as a Sunday School lesson. The first time I only taught the four requests. Later, I realized I had missed the significance of the three opening words.

“Lord” – One of the major theological questions today is whether Christ can be Savior without being Lord. George Gallup did a survey among the “born again” and found that only 10 percent considered their faith in daily decision making. He wrote a book titled The Saints Among Us, indicating that 90 percent of us are nominal Christians.

“Grant” – This reminds us all good and perfect gifts come from above. We have no demands on God, only requests. Again, the Bible tells us we have nothing but what we have received of God.

“Us” – This reminds us Christianity is a community, a Body, a family. It is not just an individual experience. It is not like the pine tree that can grow by itself. It is like the redwood that grows in a cluster with all of the roots supporting the others.

Gert Behanna was born and raised in the old Waldorf Astoria amid amazing wealth. After spending much of her life wedded to a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol, she became a Christian. When she prayed “Our Father” she realized she was a member of a family and gave much of her wealth to needy Christians whom she considered brothers and sisters.

“Lord, grant us…” A triad of infinite significance.

This week consider: 1) How can I apply that triad in my life this week? 2) What is God doing in me that shows me who He is? 3) Where am I plugged into the community of faith?

Words of Wisdom: “Again, the Bible tells us we have nothing but what we have received of God.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For who concedes you any superiority? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – June 28, 2016

Fred appreciated his Father’s devotion to the Word and God’s people. During the depression out of work men would come to the back door of the parsonage asking for scraps of food or other handouts. Despite the fact my grandmother was struggling to feed the seven Smiths, Fred’s dad always found something to share – a grace gift. At this time when we celebrate our country’s freedom, let’s give thanks for our freedom in Christ.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute is halfway through its 2016 schedule with two more schools in the fall. Please continue to lift up team members, Asbury University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University. God is on the move and BWFLI wants to be right there!

The Real Thing

Grace was genuine, real, personal and palpable to the great saints. Brother Lawrence, Frank Laubach, Francois Fenelon – these Christian mystics never doubted they were the constant recipients of God’s amazing grace. Grace was a practical part of their everyday lives.

For example, Brother Lawrence said that when he made a mistake, he didn’t spend any time thinking about it – he just confessed it, and moved on. Before I read that, I had been trapped by guilt – immediate grace was too good to be true, I thought. Brother Lawrence’s experience released me and set me free.

Nevertheless, legalism appeals to our common sense, and reasoning. I find it necessary to remind myself that the very Scripture that makes me know my guilt lets me know God’s grace. By refusing grace, we play God and discipline ourselves. We view events as punishments. We see correction coming when in reality, it isn’t correction at all – it is just a consequence. We too often try to read into our circumstances a sense of God’s judgment.

Why? Because we feel we deserve judgment rather than grace. Grace brings freedom. If only we could accept grace fully, then we, like Brother Lawrence, could have the freedom to admit failure and move on. Since grace cannot be deserved, why should I feel others are more worthy of it than I am? Or why should I feel they are less worthy?

Thinking we can be mature in Christ apart from grace is nothing more than fooling ourselves.

The Bible tells me we should not think too highly of ourselves, but it doesn’t advocate “worm thinking” either. We are objects of grace, and grace is a faith gift coming from and through the Father of light.

This week think about: 1) How full of grace am I? 2) What does it mean to me to be free in Christ? 3) What keeps me in bondage?

Words of Wisdom: “Thinking we can be mature in Christ apart from grace is nothing more than fooling ourselves.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3: 17 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 29, 2016

Fred’s book, Learning to Lead was published by Christianity Today, Inc. in 1986. Although out of print, the wisdom continues to challenge generations of leaders. We will be drawing from the well of these writings to inspire and motivate.

The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute allows us to meet, mentor, and befriend men and women on Christian college and university campuses. It is with great joy we undertake this work. Thank you for your continual support.

Consistent Living

I often speak at Christian retreats. Sometimes I feel like there are those who attend with the sole purpose of fulfilling their spiritual obligations. I get the mental picture of children who are not allowed to leave the table until they have eaten their spinach. Finally, with a grimace they gulp it all down at one time, then beat a hasty exit from the table.

For two or three days, the participants talk about their faith. But if you say, “Hey, fellas, this is great, why don’t we get together every weekend and do this?” “Uh, NO,” would be the embarrassed but automatic response.

A mature faith is homogenized, not sectionalized. I am very impressed with one church which created a program called “Growth.” They meet one Saturday each month and lay people get to consider their whole lives, not just the “religious” part. Some of their topics have been: investments, ambition and office politics, family discipline, decision making. At other times they talk frankly about money, not just whether tithing is gross or net! In developing these programs the church is acknowledging that our faith is fully integrated into all of life.

Another key area of integration is our relationship with non-believers. As Christians we shouldn’t be antagonistic. We should seek to find commonalities rather than continually pointing out the differences. We just seek to draw close, not move away into our little holy huddles. In being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we are called to freedom in Christ. Our lives are to be redemptive, not vindictive.

A major part of that is the way we live with Christ at the center, not as an add-on. When we set redemption as a goal we strive to demonstrate victory over death. The fully integrated Christian lives a resurrection life. This is maturity.

This week think about: 1) How integrated is my life? 2) How strong a thread is my faith in my life? 3) What can I do to experience freedom in Christ?

Words of Wisdom: “A mature faith is homogenized, not sectionalized.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God.” (Hebrews 6:1 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – March 22. 2016

Fred never entered into active politics, but he understood those who did. He gave the entire process much thought and analysis. The one time he engaged was for the unsuccessful gubernatorial run of Maxey Jarman in Tennessee. Even then he had great vision and profound grasp of the principles involved. “You ran against the other party’s opponent before you secured your own party’s endorsement. You ran the wrong race.”

Thank you for your consistent and continual support. We are less than one month away from our BWFLI events at Lindsey Wilson College and Alice Lloyd College – both in Kentucky. Lift up the teams as they prepare, travel, and engage on these campuses. If you would like to join us in praying for Christian higher education, please come together with us in the BWFLI Prayer Network.

Spiritual Scattershooting (thoughts on various subjects from January 2, 1964)

C.S. Lewis observed that the most fertile soil for infiltration of Marxism will be within the field of religion, because religious people are the most gullible and will accept almost anything if it is couched in religious terminology. This may be a bit broad-brushed, but sadly when it is only religion and not spiritual relationship this blindness occurs. It is also true that many orthodox, fundamental Christians block out truth which is not clothed with religious terminology. I like the think of this as the difference between ritual and reality. Sometimes the vestments hide what is behind them. And sometimes truth resides there – sometimes not.

That is why we are warned to guard against believing someone is “the Christ” just because they have the demeanor, the language, and the outward expressions. The Spirit must witness to the truth – not the terminology, language, place, ritual, or even organization.
Christianity sacrifices its power when it is no longer personal. Change religion and God into a vague, indefinable, universal force and the wilderness ensues. God must be personal.

Too many clergymen have apparently come to regard their jobs as being formulators of public opinion on social problems. They ask the government to be a modern day Robin Hood, taking money legally away from one group and redistributing it to another.

In today’s pulpit we hear ministers with two solutions to the problem of sin: spiritual rebirth or social, governmental activity. When they focus on the second and ignore the first they are doomed to failure.

Only the impossible is adequate in the spiritual life. God is bigger than man’s understanding of Him. It is tragic to think of God being reduced down to man’s best thinking about Him. When Jesus chose His disciples He didn’t tap the intellectual elites, but men whose finite minds were open to infinite ideas.

This week think about: 1) When I am just scattershooting about God, what comes to mind? 2) How can I think more consistently about scripture? 3) Who models “thinking Christianly” in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “Change religion and God into a vague, indefinable, universal force and the wilderness ensues.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The law of their God controls their thinking; their feet do not slip.” (Psalm 37:31 NET Bible)