Word for Today from Pastor Tim-

The Trumpet Sound…

Much of our life is governed by signals. We think of traffic signals that are put in place to keep everyone safe as they pass through intersections. My dad was convinced that traffic lights in some cities were timed to aggravate drivers more than protect them. There was one city in particular that he always tried to avoid because every other signal was timed the same which meant that you had to stop at each one. I’m sure that was done to slow drivers down, but it also hinted of getting more people to stop and shop. Whatever the message that was being sent, my dad tried to avoid it.

In times of battle in Bible times the troops were directed to move by trumpet sounds. For instance, a long blast may mean to charge the enemy, and a series of short blasts may mean to retreat. Everything depended upon the one blowing the trumpet to send the exact signal as he was commanded to send. If he forgot what the signal was supposed to be or if he hesitated while sending the signal the troops would not know what to do. The signal was given but it was something that they were not familiar with as a part of their training. This would result in wrong movement or no movement at all and could cost them the victory.

1 Corinthians 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 

Today there are those who claim to be sending the correct “signal” for our preparation for the battle against sin and the devil. However, their signal is an “uncertain sound” because it is not based upon the truth of the Word of God but rather upon their own interpretation. Usually, personal greed is at the bottom of it along with a desire to control those who will listen to them. God's Word is the standard with which we are to measure everything we hear. Just because someone is standing behind a pulpit and claims to be teaching God's Word does not mean that it is truth. Check it out for yourself in the Bible and when you have a clear signal then charge into the battle armed with God's truth!