Flat On My Lips

I wrote the last two weeks worth of posts over two weeks ago and you have no idea how prophetic Monday and Thursday's postings were to my life!  It amazes me at how something I write has an immediate message for me days later!  Eepah!  But, praise the Lord that it does!

It was a plenty hard week.  Still recovering from the flu, from two weeks ago!  Heart stress testing for two solid days!  Then to discover I am allergic to the drugs they used!  Oh dear!  Oh dear!  Oh dear!  That was HORRIBLE!  So physically, completely on my lips.

And I fear all other aspects of me are not much better, but no real reason to go into that one!  Just enough to say that Kris is gutted, in every dimension and manner.  I have got nothing left in me.

In many ways I find myself back where I was in June of last year - empty and utterly crushed - only this time with no hope remaining.  I guess one could that if Satan's chief goal is to separate us from all hope - well, then, he won.

Sort of like changing Scripture slightly to read: "What good thing can ever actually happen to a Plattner ... ?"  Okay, tongue in cheek because at least one of my aunts back home is now doing very well!  :)

Sigh.

Yeah, if you want to pray for me, it is needed, it is appreciated.

Surviving Life's Storms

Mark 4:35 - 41

As if you do not already know!, storms are no fun when they descend upon your life!
Unfortunately, you can not just watch these storms from the sidelines!
No, because you are in them, living them, being beaten up by them!

Stop Being The Victim
Storms come to everyone!
The Apostles had Jesus and yet they still found themselves in the storm!
To the Middle Eastern mind, the sea, the deep, was the realm of the dead!
It is Satan's realm ~ the seas unpredictable and the same as chaos!

Experience Matters
What we learn in one storm, becomes our basis to help us though the next one!
Storms do not mean you are being tested, being punished, no jumping to conclusions!
Of course, you may well have the storm because of disobedience to God.
If so, well time to get on your knees ...

Remember, the Apostles were where they were told to be by Jesus.
(2 Corinthians 4:8 - 9)

Choose Peace Over Panic
The Apostles focused on the storm and panicked.
Place faith over your fear!
Consider:
Psalm 27
Isaiah 41:10

In God's Love

Romans 8:31 - 39

Nothing can separate you from God's love for you!  So remain in His love by:

Know it is God's will that you will be His.
But, we are lost in sin.
We are unable to face God.
Jesus takes our place before God.

Know it is God's  will Jesus came to Earth.
We are to be like Jesus.
Sin is a problem for man (each of us!).
We pretend, but we are lost without Jesus representing us before God.

Know it is God's promise we are to trust in.
Trust
Faith
Even in the face of our failure.
ALL is covered by Jesus' payment for ALL, through ALL time.

Know nothing can separate you from God's love ...

Daniel 12

In many ways, modern commentators have completely lost the point of the book of Daniel.  They want a book and it is no more a "book" than your own personal diary is!  If you have one.

So, I am thinking on how unsatisfactory chapter 12 is - "Seal up the book Daniel ...".  Really?  No nice and spell it out - the anti-christ is ....... ! Rats!  Yeah, too far into the future to worry about Daniel ...

And yet, that really is the best way in reality.  Just think if the tribulation period is still 200 years away, there is no more reason for you to know than Daniel had - nor would it be of any more use to us!  Conversely, what if it is only 10 years from now!?!?!?!?

Well, you are supposed to be constantly watchful already and waiting for Jesus' return, 200 years or 200 days, you are still to be waiting.  So, yeah, Chapter 12 - good ending ...

However, think on these few verses about what  you are supposed to be doing:

1 John 3:2 (everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure)

2 Peter 3:12 (what sort of people ought you to be)

1 Corinthians 15:58 (always abounding in the works of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain)

Just Waiting

Sitting here, not much going on.
Listening to the songs of Fitz and the Tantrum.
Yeah, morose and introspective as I write.
One of those moments when I really need to talk, but the ear I need  ...

So, silence piles on silence and distance grows.

And I thought on this.
If only I had not said what I had, to God, in 2011.
There was no chance of living into 2012 at the time.
What could one final task cost?

I was already dead anyway.

Oh yeah, He threw me a hardball!
Complete with spit, a slice, a spin straight from Hell and I did as promised.
Four years and as many lives.
Success in God's eyes, failure in man's.

Then the mythical occurred.

Sure my death sentence was premature.
Satan attacked with a wrath that even surprised me.
But, God protected and blessed me.
Always keeping me just a moment ahead.

Confounding those arrayed against Him.

No, I am not exactly comfortable.
But, God is sovereign ...He is not going to mislead.
He is going to protect.

He expects my obedience.

To stay obedient to His last order.
To stay obedient to what I know.
To stay ready to move - in any direction.
To always remember I am out of my league!

And I do wish it was more than just a dream ...

Musical Saturday Morning

Sovereignty of God

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.

Psalm 115:3

Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Job 42:2

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Isaiah 46:9-10

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Ephesians 1:11-12

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Lamentations 3:37

Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?

Romans 9:21

Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 1:11

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Romans 9:19-20

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

Romans 9:18

So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

Psalm 135:6

Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.

Isaiah 45:7

I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.

Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Job 23:13

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Ephesians 1:4

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Daniel 4:35

All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Job 12:13-14

“With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open.

1 Timothy 6:15

Which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

Isaiah 14:27

For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.

Deuteronomy 32:39

“‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

John 6:44

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Philippians 2:13

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Job 12:23

He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away.

Proverbs 21:30

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:6

The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.

Genesis 50:19-21

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Lamentations 3:38

Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.

Isaiah 43:13

Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”

Isaiah 14:24

The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,

Ezra 6:22

And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Job 12:13-16

“With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open. If he withholds the waters, they dry up; if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his.

Jeremiah 27:5

“It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me.

Isaiah 40:23-24

Who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

Isaiah 10:5-19

Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger; the staff in their hands is my fury! Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I command him, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. But he does not so intend, and his heart does not so think; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few; for he says: “Are not my commanders all kings? Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?

Job 1:12

And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Philippians 1:12

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

Acts 2:23

This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Daniel 2:21

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

Revelation 13:8

And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 13:7

Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,

Hebrews 9:27

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Hebrews 2:9 

But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Colossians 1:15-16

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Acts 17:28

For “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

John 1:3-4 

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:1-51 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Mark 1:15

And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 10:1-42

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

Jeremiah 32:27

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?

Psalm 104:24

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Job 2:10

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Job 2:6

And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”

2 Chronicles 30:10-12

So the couriers went from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. However, some men of Asher, of Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.

2 Samuel 16:9-10

Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the power of his anointed.”

Exodus 13:17-18

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

Exodus 13:17 

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”

Exodus 4:2-4

The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand—

Exodus 3:21-22

And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Genesis 50:20

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 37:14-17

So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Genesis 2:7

Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Genesis 1:1-31

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 139:16

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Genesis 20:6

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.

Luke 22:31-32

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Exodus 4:6-7

Again, the Lord said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh.

So, Is God Sovereign?

Indeed, is God sovereign or a ruler whom goes with the flow?

Not being smart here, but the answer to this is important because it has to direct all the rest you believe about God, your life and your witness.  We are only going to use just one argument, the strongest, the most important one to you and against which all other theology you hold to must hang.

Ready?

My friend Bill, real name and guy, awesome IBM dork like me, perhaps one of the smartest men I have ever worked with - and one of the least understood!  His contribution in logic is still not fully understood except by a small body of observers whom still use his ideas.  We leave for lunch, walk out of our skyscraper, cross the street and step through the door of this little pub with a great lunch menu.  But, Bill is not there!  I look back outside and there is Bill ... or what used to be Bill, he was backed over by the bread truck none of us heard either.  There was nothing anyone could do for poor Bill, his head was now gone and the seven us sprayed the sidewalk with our breakfasts.  (Well, in truth, I have seen too many dead to lose my breakfast.  I do however have this thing about heads being at the end of the neck ... so i was a bit upset.)  In the end, my $56,000,000 dollar project (in 1980 dollars!), had to be cancelled.  Bill was the tecnical designer and I could only take the design much further ... there is a point where genius can not be faked ... 

So:

A)  Life and Death is Random
Bill was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Even though he was literally at my elbow before I stepped on to the curb!  It was all just so terribly unfortunate for Bill and so very lucky for the rest of us whom could just as easily been crushed under the wheels of that truck!

B)  God Allows For Mistakes
God only has preset expectations for us.  No set time or method of death, just life goals and if we "do it right" then we life long and prosper!  If we die too soon, well it was after-all our misfortune because God would have been happy to let us live as long as we could have!

C)  All is Planned By God
God knew, in creation past, that each of us would be born, be crossed the street together as a pack with Bill.  But, for Bill, it was to be his time to join eternity.  It could have just as easily been chocking to death on a slice of London Broil or an olive.  Perhaps a heart attack.  The method is not important, his time being up is.

So which do you subscribe to?  Think of your life and figure out which of these arguments fit with you observation.

Now, which is correct according to the Bible?

Foot Fetish

So, I had my long awaited meeting with the surgeon for my foot restoration project.  It actually was my interview for him - because not just anyone is going to touch my foot!  I am dedicated to not being crippled forever ... just slightly broken perhaps.

First up was a foot triage doctor (really? there are such things?)  It was so hard for me to be purely patient ... God showed me I really needed to talk with her, unfortunately there was no moment I could have to do so.  It was like playing a trout - circle, nipple, run, repeat!  So, if I am to, well God will provide the opportunity.

The actual surgeon seems to be a nice guy and I liked him.

Short of it: my foot is ready for surgery, the bones are ready for surgery, I seem to have a good attitude and so given my awesome insurance I have maintained for the past many decades, when I am ready - so is he!

But what I wanted to share was something that just cracked me up about the meeting ...

So, doctor is seated at my feet and holding the remains of my poor foot.  You have to realize that it does not really resemble much of a foot anymore, with bones sticking out at four different angles and all.

He is stroking my foot, gently fondling the protruding bone fragments under the skin.  He is telling me about how he will tear the foot apart and then put it all back together again.  He starts smiling, then smiling warmly and his eyes began twinkling.  I am trying my hardest not to start laughing.  He is now stroking his face with my foot ... stops and says,

"Well, it is not like I am sexually interested in feet or anything!  I mean, like, I don't have a foot fetish or anything .... "

And I lost it in a fit of coughing and laughter!

I mean, really, who talks like that!!!!!?????

H3N2

So my life virtually ended last week on Wednesday.

I was out running all of my seeming endless doctors' visits, everyone wanted a blood draw and no, it seems doctors do not want to share my blood!  After three hours of arriving at separate appointments, i managed to get stuck five times!  And I do not like needles, I loathe needles, I can become very er, violent when approached.  I will just blame too years of NATO medics, amongst the worst in the world!

Bled good, I took myself to a small Mexican place and ordered the soup.  I was feeling really woozy!  As I slowly ate the tasty meatballs and broth, I thought on my next task for the day - a birthday present for my mother - due at lunchtime on Friday.  Problem is: she does not want anything nor really need anything.  As I was driving home, I saw a shop called The Phoenix Tea Company.  Hmmm, she does like tea.

Long story short, I bought a mess of well priced and very high quality teas.  Mother also was to get a new teacup by Minton.  But, what to go with tea?  A book?  Hopped into our local book shop and picked up a few books by Elizabeth Peters.  Mom worked the Egyptian archaeology arena for several decades and Peters writes about an archaeologist and sleuth from a century ago.  Should be right up mom's alley.

I was feeling pretty good, everything was falling into place.  And then out of nowhere I was to be downed by an allergy attack.  Literally, across a single stride as I reached my car.  It has been decades since I was struck down by a food allergy - more than once my life was almost terminated by this darn body!  Well I thought it was an allergy anyways ...

Thursday, all is fine, drove up the University of Washington to give a friend a ride to the airport - all is fine!  Then the driveshaft drops out of the car and brings us to a quick stop!  Well, that is a first for me!  I think I have had all other parts fall off of a running car except that one! LOL!

Called AAA and FIVE HOURS later, I was out of the 40 degree weather and headed home.  But, the damage was done, I was dehydrated and hypothermic by then.  And my body crashed hard and full blown flu took over my life.

You know I have survived the Hong Kong flu, A Victoria, B Victoria and every minor flu known to mankind - and yet, this strain completely and utterly destroyed me for now six days!  Fever, delirium, battling continued dehydration, unable to eat since last wednesday!  Yeah, I lost 34 pounds ...

Not a diet weight loss program I would endorse :(


As for my friend? Well, it seems that taxis will not pick you upon the side of the road.  Sigh.  So, I saw away for her to make it to what looked like an office and Uber picked her up there.  She made her flight and hopefully without any germs from me!!!!

Musical Saturday Morning

Milestone

And so it has happened.  I have now turned 60 years old.

Never could I have ever foreseen something like this happening.
Never could I have ever thought what it might mean to live this long.
Never (outside of father) has a male lived this long in either of my families.

(But, I have to discount father for his health was gone after 42.)

And so in one regard, I travel new territory genetically.
Yeah, I still face one heart surgery, a leg surgery, a foot rebuild, etc..
Going to be a busy year!

I am determined to continue to travel the path God lays out before me.
The path that appears to be the most painful to traverse.
The path that appears to be the hardest.
The path which will cost.
But, I look forward to the meaning of new life on that path.

So a minor milestone.
A minor trail marker.
But, then I intend to live forever ... :)

What Does The Bible Say About Itself?

Objective

• Luke 1:1-4
• 2 Corinthians 4:2-6
• 2 Peter 1:16-20
• 1 John 1:1-4

Universal

• Hebrews 1:1-3
• Ephesians 3:7-11
• Acts 17:29-31
• Titus 2:11-14
• Hebrews 14:12-13

Eternal

• Matthew 5:17-19
• John 6:68
• John 12:50
• 1 Peter 1:24-25

Truth

• John 1:1
• John 1:14
• John 1:17-18
• John 14:6
• John 14:15
• John 16:13
• John 17:7
• John 18:27
• 1 John 1:14
• 1 John 4:6
• 1 Timothy 3:15-16

Word of God

• 2 Timothy 3:16
• 2 Peter 1:20
• John 17:7-8
• John 17:17

Accurate

• Exodus 24:4-7
• Luke 1:1-14
• Romans 15:4
• Revelation 1:19

Trusted

• Matthew 5:17-18
• Matthew 19-4
• John 14:25
• John 17:7-8
• John 17: 13-14

Divine Inspiration

• 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
• 1 Corinthians 14:37
• 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
• 2 Peter 3:15-16
• 1 John 1:1-4
• 2 Timothy 3:15-16

What Does The Bible Say About Me?

What makes humans so unique?

• Genesis 1:26-28
• Psalms 8:3-8

Why is it so hard to be happy/satisfied?

• Ecclesiastics 1:1-9
• Matthew 4:4
• Luke 12:15
• Mark 8:36

Why do I struggle with sin?

• Romans 5:12
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 7:18-23
• Ephesians 2:1-3
• James 1:14-15
• Mark 7:21-23

What is the answer?

• John 3:5-7
• John 16:21
• John 10:7-11
• Romans 5:6-11
• Psalms 119:11

What The Bible Says About History

For a believer's perspective:

• Archeologically accurate (e.g.: Genesis 11:31, hundreds of references)
• Historically accurate (e.g.: Daniel 1:1, hundreds of real dates, real kings)
• Culturally accurate (Genesis 15:7-17, documented ancient practices)
• Politically accurate (Luke 3:1, precise political distinction)
• Literary accurate (Exodus 20:1-12, unknown genre until 1930's)
• Geographically accurate (Acts 28:15-16, still accurate)

What History Says About The Bible

From the secular viewpoint:

• Most accurately preserved of all ancient writings
• Most historically reliable document of all ancient writings
• 24,800 ancient copies of the entire New Testament
• 2,480 times more copies than the writings of Julius Ceasar
• Copies of the New Testament within 25 years of first writings (1,000 years for Ceasar!)
• Widely circulated during the Apostles lifetimes (67-68 AD)  2 Peter 3:15-16

Musical Saturday Morning

So, something a bit different for me today.  I have been observing within me a tremendous growth in understanding of the world in which I live - areas where I never had any interest nor actual understanding of before.  And in that observation, my mind continues to sort out life which has swirled around and trying to now find understanding.  Songs which never made sense, suddenly do!

Today, I was able to understand Marvin Gaye's songs from the 70's.  Well duh, you say.  But, then you were not created with this vacuum I have lived in for almost six decades!  So, perhaps I am dated, perhaps I am behind the curve, but songs such as this perhaps need to be heard - especially in light of today's drama and culture:

Culture Without Heart

I pulled into my little burg's Starbucks and there sat Tony by the road.  I walked over and wished him a Happy New Year, took a coffee order from him and walked back to Starbucks.

When I came back out, there was Tony sitting on his little walker with a huge policeman towering over him.  I walked up and Tony was no longer smiling, "I have just been arrested as a vagrant!"

I looked at the officer and he started sputtering.

Tony as you might not remember is a 90 year old veteran of WWII in the Pacific and the Korean debacle.  He worked, lived a normal life, retired - and his wife divorced him, his retire funds where raided by his company.  He was tossed out and lives now with a daughter in her apartment.  All he has is half of his meager social security, because the wife took half of that as well!

I really feel for him and his predicament ...

I realize that bums or pan-handlers or what ever you want to call them can be a problem, but we are talking about a 90 year man whom was gainfully employed his whole life, had a family, had a retirement and was to be stripped of it all - legally and without conscience.

We are talking about a culture now with no Heart for the unfortunate we have created, no Memory of his sacrifice in our behalf, and apparently with no Shame either.

I handed Tony the cup of hot Starbucks and shamed the cop into giving him $25 and just a warning ...

Damn!  I knew I was going to become a social-democrat when I became human ... I just knew it.

Holiday Reading

Over the holiday, I did some "light" reading.  Francis Schaeffer, is hardly light reading for me.  Usually, I read a sentence or perhaps a paragraph and then must sort through his meanings and insight.  He was a brilliant man and I have a great deal of respect for him.  His ideas from the 1960's through 1980's all prophesied the world we live in today.  So, if you want to know where this culture, this American Theological aka Western culture went wrong and why - read his numerous books on the subject!

I read again The God Who Is There and How Then Should We Live.  Lightly this time, not analyzing but just refreshing my memory with his ideas and insights.  Then I picked up A Christian Manifesto ...

Never had read it before and I found it quite interesting.  Schaeffer walks you through the history of politics in light of the reformation movement and post-reformation degradation of society and culture.  It was interesting to see that much of what I harp on about today's society, Schaeffer finds the seeds were planted in the reformation.  Hmmmmm.

About half of the book deals with the concept of Christian Disobedience and Civil Unrest.  A subject near and dear to my heart.

Not found on any of  my blogs, even the long dead ones, was a mention that my first book ever was, Christian Civil Disobedience.  Just try to even find a copy of it anywhere on the internet or even anywhere!  All twelve copies I think are now in Canada (LOL!).

I had been writing Bible studies since 1974 and freely distributed them.  One of my "clients" was a protest group in Washington State of the USA.  They were a huge encouragement to me back then, with a heavy traffic of questions, comments and requests in those pre-internet or even email days.

Then one day I was reading the newspaper and saw that those whacky Washingtonians were at it again and protesting nuclear missiles being shipped to a sub base there.  One of them laid down on the railroad tracks and was most surprised to discover that trains do not stop like cars and his next appearance was before Jesus.  I was stunned because I at least knew the guy from the letter traffic of the protest group!  Stunned is perhaps too light of a word.

And I knew in my spirit I had to write on Christian Civil Disobedience.  It was not much of a tome, only 58 pages but it clearly mapped out what the Bible has to say on the subject.  And you might be surprised what the real answer is.

But back to Francis Schaeffer and the Christian Manifesto ...  I am now reading his thoughts and seeing his logic 30 years after my book's publication and interestingly published at about the same time as his.  My work circulated within the Mennonite and Hutterite communities, Schaeffer's within the general Christian community.  Both came at the subject from opposite ends of the argument, mine from the Bible, his from secular history and both pointed to the same conclusion - had Francis of continued his line of reason but he was arguing politics and did not complete the Christian responsibility part.

Now I am challenged to search through all of the boxes to find my original of the manuscript.  Perhaps in February I will be able to break it up and publish it here ....  But, it would also be interesting to reread that manuscript and see if Kris of over 30 years ago still thinks like this new Kris ....

Little Women

The day before Christmas, I was in the local "super-store", they carry everything from groceries to clothing and furniture.  Were it not for them, just trying to find a video movie, socks or kitchenware would be impossible!  There are no alternatives for many miles around here.  I had just walked in, when I hear, "Krrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrissssssssssss!"

I snapped out of my determined shopping mode and focused on a pair of smiling faces, a mother and her youngest daughter.  It is always a pleasure to see them.  We chatted for some time as I had not seen the daughter in years and rarely ever see the mother anymore.  It is always nice to see a smiling face, sort of a rarity in my life any longer.

We talked for quite a long time.  Then the mother asked how all of the "Little Women" were doing, referencing to all of my daughters.  I laughed and commented that Louisa May Alcott was either a guy whom had never been in a house with any "little women" or a woman writing an apology piece for how badly behaved little women actually are.  I laughed and laughed and laughed - they did not.  The mother commented that nothing like that ever occurred in her house and stormed out.  Daughter's eyes spoke volumes, "How did you know?".  We hugged and she ran after her mother ...  I shook my head and laughed for quite a long time.

I lived the terror of a house full of little women for a decade.  The constant fights and spitting wars between kittens and the momma cat.  At one point I actually could understand why men become work-a-holics and/or alcoholics.  No rocket science there, just an inability to further tolerate the constant drama swirling around the little women of the house.

Of course none of them ever saw it as that way at all!  And years later, when given examples, merely shrug their shoulders and comment they don't remember it that way at all!  LOL!  Oh Lord, I am dying here!

And New Years Eve was spent in a household of almost all women.  There were nine women and three guys including me.  Talk about out numbered!  And within the group of women was the push-pull and tug of the pecking order being established about every hour on the hour for the seven hours I was there!

As I mentioned earlier in a post on New Years, it had been interesting to see the walls and the acceptance flickering across spirits towards me.  Confused Woman is always walled until she has been around me for an hour or so, then drops them and accepts me.  So, I suspected she would be chatty once she again realized that I was not a threat.  But, what surprised me the most was one of the daughters there did the same thing!  I was amazed as I have known her for about five years, in so far as she has a name, but not really what it was.  So, either she was reacting to her mothers 100% rejection of me, or the Confused Woman's eventually warming up and acceptance of me.  But, it was interesting to note.

Sunday, I saw that daughter at church again and I said "Hi" in passing, she turned completely beet red!  I tried not to laugh until I was out of ear's reach ...

The Confused Woman

It was 1984 and one of the men I had led to salvation in Jesus, eight years before, was marrying and he called upon me to be his best man.  Just two problems: he was a world away and it was to be a full blown country-western wedding!  Yeah, white cowboy hats, western tuxedos and of course everyone had to wear white goat kickers ...  It only complicated matters that his chosen was - uhm, not a good choice.  She was on the rebound at the time and just wanting to prove to herself that someone would marry her.  But then, no one ever listens to me, in his case not until he was sitting in jail on trumped up charges so she was free to file divorce, liquidate assets and make sure nothing could be found out about her boy toy.  (darn discernment!  that was supposed to be unknown by anyone!)  Yeah, she dropped the charges once all of her preparations were in place.

The wedding photos were all shot at a little park on the Platte River in Wheatridge, Colorado.  Given the clothing, it was a fitting setting for the photo session.  I-70 was yards away but could not be seen due the tilt of the land, so it looked all so rustic with white buffoons running around!  During the session, I had seen a woman sitting by herself at one of the tables and crying miserably.

When we were all done with the photo shoot, and most of those had left for a party, I walked over and sat down.  She dumped her story on me like a sea lion on a salmon! and I was (due to nature) completely unable to absorb any of her problem.  However that is not to say that God did not use me at the moment in time to share the Gospel, direct her to a decent church in the area and give her some general advice about what to do about long term boyfriend - whom was sitting in jail for having beat her up that morning!  And here she had been thinking about marriage ...

Let us now advance 10 years and I am on a campout at Mt. Rainier, in Washington state.  I did not want to be there, but it was a weird event I got roped into traveling to.  I set up my tent, washed up, walked over to the picnic area and sat down.  Yeah, guess whom was there!  Same woman as from Colorado!  What are the odds?  Well, I was stunned!  She had no memory of me, just living in her pain.  Still with the drunk, now married, and oh by the way - pregnant with triplets!  Really?  What the heck?  I had expected her to have left him in jail a decade before.  Silly me.

I was again given the story, so quickly was caught up on where her misery is and I became her husband's long distance "friend".

Advancing 20 more years to New Years Eve 2014, whom is there?  Yeah, that same woman whom keeps popping up in my life (at least once a year it seems!).  So, we talked, we joked, she had a good evening.  Her husband the same, but then we are old, odd friends now.

God moves people in and out of our lives constantly.  You can chose to be involved or not.  If you are involved, well no one will listen to you, you will be cursed by those closest, but you will be contributing to a changed life.  Seed planting is just as important, as seed replanting, tending the seed or even the harvest!  Everyone loves the harvest, no one likes planting and watering it seems - no glory, no numbers, no status or feel-goodism.

I think as a couple they still struggle.  Their kids through the years have had their challenges but overall I think are doing well.  One is now headed for college, one is thinking military and the other?  Well, no sense rushing decisions ... LOL.

New Years

Finally able to sit down and do some writing for a change.

New Years Eve was fairly calm.  Gaelic Girl needed someone to go with her to a party with some of her crafting friends.  I know their names, I know one of their husbands well, the rest not so much.

We played games.  I am not a real big one with games because I seriously have no interest in mindless activities.  But, it seems that oh so many humans are addicted to game playing, so we played.  Word games were interesting because A) my knowledge of English is not complete; B) my knowledge of English is English, not American; C) my mind is quicker than most - so i can experience a hundred rejected ideas and still arrive at what might be an answer in an allotted time.  Just the mechanics of the brain - nothing to be proud about.

In a crowd, especially around strangers, I am the clown.  I do not want anyone to see me, to know me, or to "get in".  And so all had a great time, while my spirit broke.  It is hard living without what I need, what my new nature needs, and I am not in an environment where it is even accessible.  But, one day, perhaps.

It was fun to witness lessons I had learned from daughter replayed over and over again during the night.  Hard to explain, for I learned from her about walls and about acceptance.  It was interesting to see the walls there, it was interesting to see whom did secretly accept me.  I doubt even they realized how their natures betrayed them.  Just as those other smiling friendly faces never betrayed their walls against me. 

No acceptance is really mine.  I know this now.  I know I am not in a place where God would have me, yet I am without option at the moment.  Between my leg and foot, plus my damaged heart, little could be called upon by me for help.  But, then, that is what God specializes in ...

:)

Musical Saturday Morning

Oh Ugh

I always hate the second day of the year.  Barely able to recover from staying up too late on the night of New Year's Eve, having to actually get up on the first, unable to get to bed early on the first ... sigh ...

But, today should be a fun day.

For Christmas, I gave my son a gift certificate to Cabelas (an outdoor sporting goods company, for those of you not in the USA), to include breakfast, lunch and gas.  I am hoping we will have a chance to level set the relationship.  Got to start somewhere with him to begin an adult relationship!  Just an extension of Miss Manners' ideas from oh so many years ago!

As for me, my first daughter gave me a HUGE gift certificate via a VISA card for Christmas.  Maybe some shooting supplies?  Or I can always use funny tee-shirts ....

:)

Happy New Year

Me, totally spaced out.  Darn Swede caught me!

I have no idea where this new year is destined to go, but I expect to survive it one way or another!

I hope you have a great year!

I hope you see a whole lot less of me at this time next year!  LOL

We live in an unsure world, but what is sure is that God is still on the throne and prayer does change things!  If ever there was a need for prayer, to cover all levels of our lives, communities and rulers - it is now!  Because, we are where we are because the faithful have not been doing so!

Now is the time, this is the place - lie, sit, stand, kneel - whatever, but do actively and with regularity pray for God's intervention ...