Daily Intelligence

Some thoughts about reading newspapers ...

God is sovereign. He is in control. Rulers are chosen and appointed by him (The authorities that exist have been established by God, Romans 13:1). All things are working for the good of his church (In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28). Even mundane matters are in God’s hand (I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me, Psalm 3:5; The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore, Psalm 121:8). So what happens is not aimless, a random sequence of events. There is no need to be afraid.

Nevertheless we live in a fallen world. Man does not acknowledge God’s rule or his goodness. Don’t be surprised at the evil things that happen.

Pray for those in authority, that we may live in a peaceful and just society … so that the gospel will have every opportunity to do its good work. (See 1 Timothy 2:2.)

Give thanks in all circumstances, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

... Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25

Be discerning. Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (see Matthew 10:16). Many organisations have an agenda over and above reporting the basic facts. This may be explicit. More likely it is implicit, because of their owner or editor, or the people they employ. Separate fact from opinion. Test everything; hold on to the good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Don’t be idle or a busybody. Avoid gossip. Some “news” is useless. Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down, Proverbs 26:20. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends, Proverbs 16:28