It has never ceased to amaze me at no matter how poor or rich your surroundings, greed and hoarding are a problem common to man.
I have seen this in Mexico with the Indians seeking their living on the garbage dumps, yet equally amongst multi-millionaires seeking that elusive next million! Apparently you never do have enough!
And you can not talk to either end of the spectrum about the foolishness of pursuing more that they they need or could use!
I once had one close friend that he could in no way ever spend it!
Image so much wealth that you would have to SPEND $11,000,000 per day for the rest of your life! And he was 26, with a long statistical life ahead of him!
"Imagine my surprise when that life was suddenly truncated four years later!
Drunk driver, bad roads, a statistic in the waiting!
Last I heard the lawyers were working hard to spend as much of it as possible!
Before any heirs would see a nickel!.
Yeah, such is greed
As I have long stated:
I have been rich and I have been dirt poor, and was Christian walk was much better when I was poor and in need.
Yeah, when you NEED God, He has you where you belong.
And you are then free to live His life.
If you were living a non-materialistic lifestyle then:
You could HELP the needy and not hoard
You would concentrate on what is not perishable
You would be able to focus on eternal things
You would realize life is not about loot
Yeah, Matthew 6:19-24, lays it out nicely, if you want to check it out.
Bonus points:
And what are those eternal things?
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
January 13, 2020
May 23, 2019
Worship
This is a post I have wanted to do for well over a year, but just have not been able to get my thoughts together well.
So, here goes.
Worship is not a matter of singing songs.
Except to those whom like to sing.
(And inflict their belief on all others!)
In my church, the pastor likes to sing.
So, worship is limited to about 45 minutes of music and song.
And the songs are as vacuous as most modern music is.
Yeah, you can't tell who is being sung about!
Much less how on Earth suck worthless lyrics could possibly be considered worship!
I remember shocking one of my classes by taking the lyrics of one of these so called 'worship' songs and having tge kids justify the lyrics using the Bible.
Yeah, opened a few eyes that morning!
My problem with worship being considered limited to song and music is that it reduces worship to mere rote.
And outside of only one reference in Psalms, which tells us to sing, ignores that this is not called worship at all!
To me worship is the sharing of testimonies, studying the Bible, and in big part - prayer.
And prayer, at least at my church, no longer plays an important part of anything!
Prayer, our way to communicate with God - relegated to no real importance,
sigh
So, it is no surprise to see man's wisdom called God's directions / will.
And man's judgements are terribly flawed ...
Sorry got side tracked there!
Point is we are too casual in our worship.
We sing a song, luckily meaningless because that is what modern songs are.
(and if you are a song writer, I feel very sorry for you!)
So in Psalm 94, God is our rock.
In Psalm 96, God is our King.
And in the middle is Psalm 95 ....
Worship
With song
Songs of praise
Noise
Joy
Repentance is implied.
With thanksgiving.
Why
It involves your body:
Stand
Bow
Raised hands
Mind is engaged
Watch Out!
Do not harden your heart.
That means no whining!
And consider, verses 10 and 11.
God was sickened by the Israelis!
So, think on how you worship God.
And how you can change to worship Him ....
So, here goes.
Worship is not a matter of singing songs.
Except to those whom like to sing.
(And inflict their belief on all others!)
In my church, the pastor likes to sing.
So, worship is limited to about 45 minutes of music and song.
And the songs are as vacuous as most modern music is.
Yeah, you can't tell who is being sung about!
Much less how on Earth suck worthless lyrics could possibly be considered worship!
I remember shocking one of my classes by taking the lyrics of one of these so called 'worship' songs and having tge kids justify the lyrics using the Bible.
Yeah, opened a few eyes that morning!
My problem with worship being considered limited to song and music is that it reduces worship to mere rote.
And outside of only one reference in Psalms, which tells us to sing, ignores that this is not called worship at all!
To me worship is the sharing of testimonies, studying the Bible, and in big part - prayer.
And prayer, at least at my church, no longer plays an important part of anything!
Prayer, our way to communicate with God - relegated to no real importance,
sigh
So, it is no surprise to see man's wisdom called God's directions / will.
And man's judgements are terribly flawed ...
Sorry got side tracked there!
Point is we are too casual in our worship.
We sing a song, luckily meaningless because that is what modern songs are.
(and if you are a song writer, I feel very sorry for you!)
So in Psalm 94, God is our rock.
In Psalm 96, God is our King.
And in the middle is Psalm 95 ....
Worship
With song
Songs of praise
Noise
Joy
Repentance is implied.
With thanksgiving.
Why
It involves your body:
Stand
Bow
Raised hands
Mind is engaged
Watch Out!
Do not harden your heart.
That means no whining!
And consider, verses 10 and 11.
God was sickened by the Israelis!
So, think on how you worship God.
And how you can change to worship Him ....
May 20, 2019
Unexpected Memories
Sunday was a day for surprises!
Becky came up from Oregon,
Seems the folks are driving her crazy!
And it would certainly be hard to take my mother 24X7!
But as happy as that was,
She had a missionary from Paraguay in tow.
Initially, I was hesitant,
Me and the average missionary will not do well together.
Their commitment to God is far weaker than their commitment to fun!
I could embarrass all of Christendom with verifiable examples!
Yes, it is embarrassing!
But, I do support missions - when I can verify their wastage is small,
If not non existant!
So, my heart was filled with dread,
What had Becky gotten herself into?
On the other hand, Becky was the one whom had turned me on to Roots and Wings,
An outreach to families in Mazatlan, Mexico.
And they are doing a magnificent job!
So, I held my breath .....
The guy's name was,
And I kid you not:
Juan Carlos!
The last King of Spain,
Whom I spent a pleasant day with him and his fiancee, Princess Sophia of Greece
After the wedding of King Constantine of Greece and Sofia of Denmark(?).
(Been a long time and my memory is slipping ...)
So, this flood of pleasant memories washed over me!
Right down to Sophia's, Gardenia perfume .....
We danced quite a bit together that day!
And here is a namesake,
So, I cooled my jets,
And waited.
Thus began a very interesting discussion of ideas and understandings.
He is Paraguayan,
Working for Vista Ministries, in some manner,
A Reputable group!
And he is very Reformation minded,
In a Pagan version of Roman Catholic faith controlled country, you would have to be!
Amazingly, he and I are in complete agreement!
So, I already know how popular he is going to be lecturing here in the USA!
I know Becky is stressed financially, so no short term missions for her!
My health is kaput!, so no travel over one day for me!
But should one of you speak Spanish, or version thereof,
Consider a trip to Paraguay,
I think you would be in for a treat spiritually!
Equally, I imagine finances also are hard on missions,
Especially in Satan's backyard,
Speaking the truth of the Gospel!
If I remember, I will try and run down contact information for you ......
Becky came up from Oregon,
Seems the folks are driving her crazy!
And it would certainly be hard to take my mother 24X7!
But as happy as that was,
She had a missionary from Paraguay in tow.
Initially, I was hesitant,
Me and the average missionary will not do well together.
Their commitment to God is far weaker than their commitment to fun!
I could embarrass all of Christendom with verifiable examples!
Yes, it is embarrassing!
But, I do support missions - when I can verify their wastage is small,
If not non existant!
So, my heart was filled with dread,
What had Becky gotten herself into?
On the other hand, Becky was the one whom had turned me on to Roots and Wings,
An outreach to families in Mazatlan, Mexico.
And they are doing a magnificent job!
So, I held my breath .....
The guy's name was,
And I kid you not:
Juan Carlos!
The last King of Spain,
Whom I spent a pleasant day with him and his fiancee, Princess Sophia of Greece
After the wedding of King Constantine of Greece and Sofia of Denmark(?).
(Been a long time and my memory is slipping ...)
So, this flood of pleasant memories washed over me!
Right down to Sophia's, Gardenia perfume .....
We danced quite a bit together that day!
And here is a namesake,
So, I cooled my jets,
And waited.
Thus began a very interesting discussion of ideas and understandings.
He is Paraguayan,
Working for Vista Ministries, in some manner,
A Reputable group!
And he is very Reformation minded,
In a Pagan version of Roman Catholic faith controlled country, you would have to be!
Amazingly, he and I are in complete agreement!
So, I already know how popular he is going to be lecturing here in the USA!
I know Becky is stressed financially, so no short term missions for her!
My health is kaput!, so no travel over one day for me!
But should one of you speak Spanish, or version thereof,
Consider a trip to Paraguay,
I think you would be in for a treat spiritually!
Equally, I imagine finances also are hard on missions,
Especially in Satan's backyard,
Speaking the truth of the Gospel!
If I remember, I will try and run down contact information for you ......
April 29, 2019
Breakfast
I got really sick, as a little atheist boy, growing up in a Roman Catholic country, of everything revolving around Jesus dying on the cross!
I mean, really!!!!!!
Lots of people, perhaps upwards to 2,000,000 were hung on whatever a "cross" was.
We have no idea because NO ONE documented the process nor described what a "cross" was to the Romans.
What we do have is Leonardo DeVinci's conclusions as how to best kill someone on a post.
Yeah, he excelled at killing prisoners for the Medici's!
And gave the Church the imagery it needed...
Yes, a "cross" as we know it has been depicted since the 12th century, based on the visions of a French girl.
But, good old Leonardo proved how it would work!
Once I became a Christian, I decided I needed to do sometime about my aversion to the cross.
And I had to conclude, the cross was NEVER the point of Jesus' death!
It is the empty tomb which points to Him being unique, in that regard!
Of millions crucified, He alone was resurrected!
So, I felt better about the subject, because I could now speak to it.
But, no one agrees with me.
Nope, it is Jesus on the cross which is the entire point to most everyone!
... sigh ...
Oh well.
Now, last week, I had an interesting discussion with a guy on this very subject!
Of course, remember, no one agrees with me.
But, that does not mean I am wrong,
Just that I might be seeing another perspective.
Back home, I reread my John, paying attention to John 21.
Jesus is dead, buried and the Apostles scattered.
And Jesus shows up for breakfast!
And we can think on this a bit!
Obviously, Jesus comes to us in our everyday lives.
The Apostles went fishing, it was what they knew.
They saw Jesus dead and dead people stay dead.
They could not understand they resurrection.
Even though they had already seen Jesus twice!
Jesus cares for our needs.
He wants to helps / provide for us.
And lastly, Jesus calls us to love others in their everyday lives!
Remember that the only face of Jesus, anyone may see is yours .....
I mean, really!!!!!!
Lots of people, perhaps upwards to 2,000,000 were hung on whatever a "cross" was.
We have no idea because NO ONE documented the process nor described what a "cross" was to the Romans.
What we do have is Leonardo DeVinci's conclusions as how to best kill someone on a post.
Yeah, he excelled at killing prisoners for the Medici's!
And gave the Church the imagery it needed...
Yes, a "cross" as we know it has been depicted since the 12th century, based on the visions of a French girl.
But, good old Leonardo proved how it would work!
Once I became a Christian, I decided I needed to do sometime about my aversion to the cross.
And I had to conclude, the cross was NEVER the point of Jesus' death!
It is the empty tomb which points to Him being unique, in that regard!
Of millions crucified, He alone was resurrected!
So, I felt better about the subject, because I could now speak to it.
But, no one agrees with me.
Nope, it is Jesus on the cross which is the entire point to most everyone!
... sigh ...
Oh well.
Now, last week, I had an interesting discussion with a guy on this very subject!
Of course, remember, no one agrees with me.
But, that does not mean I am wrong,
Just that I might be seeing another perspective.
Back home, I reread my John, paying attention to John 21.
Jesus is dead, buried and the Apostles scattered.
And Jesus shows up for breakfast!
And we can think on this a bit!
Obviously, Jesus comes to us in our everyday lives.
The Apostles went fishing, it was what they knew.
They saw Jesus dead and dead people stay dead.
They could not understand they resurrection.
Even though they had already seen Jesus twice!
Jesus cares for our needs.
He wants to helps / provide for us.
And lastly, Jesus calls us to love others in their everyday lives!
Remember that the only face of Jesus, anyone may see is yours .....
April 22, 2019
That's Not Fair
Even small children have an inborn sense of right and wrong.
Of course, as they get older that innate sense become modified by self will and desires.
But, we all know when something is not fair!
Having worked in Data Processing for forty years, I could tell you some hair raising stories of injustices I have witnessed.
Usually very SMALL people, desiring to enforce their will over others.
And arnering all of the glory they can get,
For work they can not do .....
grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Sad part is, these creeps destroy lives and careers, to "protect" themselves!
And, it seems this has been true throughout the history of mankind.
Daniel slammed into this as well.
But, he was expecting to find evil repaid in this lifetime!
Not the next .....
Psalm 73
Good Things Happen To Bad People
There is no love for the wicked.
They are not strickened for what they do.
They use their money on themselves, not God.
Bad Things Happen To Good People
Yeah, well, what else can one say?
God Will Take You Home, In The End
No matter you situations in this life,
If you are God's,
He will take you home to be with Him.
When your time is up.
Of course, as they get older that innate sense become modified by self will and desires.
But, we all know when something is not fair!
Having worked in Data Processing for forty years, I could tell you some hair raising stories of injustices I have witnessed.
Usually very SMALL people, desiring to enforce their will over others.
And arnering all of the glory they can get,
For work they can not do .....
grrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Sad part is, these creeps destroy lives and careers, to "protect" themselves!
And, it seems this has been true throughout the history of mankind.
Daniel slammed into this as well.
But, he was expecting to find evil repaid in this lifetime!
Not the next .....
Psalm 73
Good Things Happen To Bad People
There is no love for the wicked.
They are not strickened for what they do.
They use their money on themselves, not God.
Bad Things Happen To Good People
Yeah, well, what else can one say?
God Will Take You Home, In The End
No matter you situations in this life,
If you are God's,
He will take you home to be with Him.
When your time is up.
April 12, 2019
The Blues
Psalms 42 and 43
Saints Get Sad Sometimes
At some point in time we will all know sadness.
Yes, even depression!
Thinkon the lives of Spurgeon,Churchill, Jeremiah, ..... everyone.
Here, King David is depressed!
He felt God had abandoned him.
And, could not be found!
Pain Is Painful
God is always there.
Sometimes we have to wait to kearn a lesson.
Or get the point of what God is doing!
"Where is your God?"
The chant of friends not being helpful.
Think of Jonah!
What do we do, when in a funk?
Remember And Hope
Remember what God has done in the past.
For you,
For others,
In the Bible.
Turn your mind from the circumstance,
To be positive,
And wait on God to move!
You must choose to focus on God!
Consider Philippians 4:8
Saints Get Sad Sometimes
At some point in time we will all know sadness.
Yes, even depression!
Thinkon the lives of Spurgeon,Churchill, Jeremiah, ..... everyone.
Here, King David is depressed!
He felt God had abandoned him.
And, could not be found!
Pain Is Painful
God is always there.
Sometimes we have to wait to kearn a lesson.
Or get the point of what God is doing!
"Where is your God?"
The chant of friends not being helpful.
Think of Jonah!
What do we do, when in a funk?
Remember And Hope
Remember what God has done in the past.
For you,
For others,
In the Bible.
Turn your mind from the circumstance,
To be positive,
And wait on God to move!
You must choose to focus on God!
Consider Philippians 4:8
March 29, 2019
Living A No Lack Life
Nope Not going to be what you expect!
I do not hold to the beliefs of the "blab it and grab it" crowd.
Simply not a Christian approach to the faith we are to be living in!
Conversely, Satan is more than happly to "bless" you,
If it takes your eyes and heart off of God and Jesus!
Sorry, that is jhust the way it is .....
(yeah, I will get hate mail over this, especially from Casey Treat's hate filled crowd!)
Read Psalms 23
The Lord Is Our Shepherd
Good - the shepherd is a normal picture and easily understood.
Even today!
You can be content, with NO wants.
Because the Lord is the Good Shepherd!
As such, He knows:
Each of his sheep in His flock
He provides shelter, food, rest and ALL your needs
He provides protection
He leads, not forcing you in a direction (save from sin!)
But life is not all about green pastures!
The Lord Is Our Host
The Lord sets a table for you in the presence of your enemies.
You can rest.
Letting Him keep opportunities for sin back!
We must be grateful for His mercy and love.
The Good Shepherd is the Lamb of God,
aka, Jesus!
I do not hold to the beliefs of the "blab it and grab it" crowd.
Simply not a Christian approach to the faith we are to be living in!
Conversely, Satan is more than happly to "bless" you,
If it takes your eyes and heart off of God and Jesus!
Sorry, that is jhust the way it is .....
(yeah, I will get hate mail over this, especially from Casey Treat's hate filled crowd!)
Read Psalms 23
The Lord Is Our Shepherd
Good - the shepherd is a normal picture and easily understood.
Even today!
You can be content, with NO wants.
Because the Lord is the Good Shepherd!
As such, He knows:
Each of his sheep in His flock
He provides shelter, food, rest and ALL your needs
He provides protection
He leads, not forcing you in a direction (save from sin!)
But life is not all about green pastures!
The Lord Is Our Host
The Lord sets a table for you in the presence of your enemies.
You can rest.
Letting Him keep opportunities for sin back!
We must be grateful for His mercy and love.
The Good Shepherd is the Lamb of God,
aka, Jesus!
March 27, 2019
You Need To Read
God wants you to read and be thoroughly familiar with your Scriptures.
So, lets start with Psalm 19.
The Book of Creation, verses 1-6.
The Heavens, what is physical and surrounds us.
Proclaim, to state the Glory of God - publicly!
Everyone needs to proclaim God's Glory.
The assumption is that everyone is capable of seeing God's Glory.
Creation shows order.
Book of Instruction, verses 7-10.
Love f the LOrd is perfect.
How to live in peace.
Endures forever.
Fear of the Lord shows proper respect.
Prayer of Appreciation, verses 11-14
Text changes to talking to God, here.
"Show me what I must corrcct".
We all know our hearys.
We know what we need to clean up!
So why ask this of God?
To remove further roadblocks in our lives!
Be appreciative of what God doe and has dones!
So, lets start with Psalm 19.
The Book of Creation, verses 1-6.
The Heavens, what is physical and surrounds us.
Proclaim, to state the Glory of God - publicly!
Everyone needs to proclaim God's Glory.
The assumption is that everyone is capable of seeing God's Glory.
Creation shows order.
Book of Instruction, verses 7-10.
Love f the LOrd is perfect.
How to live in peace.
Endures forever.
Fear of the Lord shows proper respect.
Prayer of Appreciation, verses 11-14
Text changes to talking to God, here.
"Show me what I must corrcct".
We all know our hearys.
We know what we need to clean up!
So why ask this of God?
To remove further roadblocks in our lives!
Be appreciative of what God doe and has dones!
March 26, 2019
Your To Do List
Through the years, I have heard this phrase so very often!:
"Religion is nothing but a bunch of Do's and Don'ts'!"
Well certainly Christianity does have a few Don'ts, but in general you would not want to do them anyway!
But, what about the Do's?
What would you have to do?!?
Mark 12:28-34
Deuteronomy 6:4
Prayer, twice a day: morning and night!
As a new Christian, I figured out real quick it was okay to pray more often!
As often as needed for any and all situations.
Deuteronomy 6:4
Love your neighbor.
You show your love for God, by how you love your neighbor.
This is Agape love, what man is incapable of without the Holy Spirit!
It is unconditional.
The same love we are told to have towards God.
The same as God's love for you.
Follow Me, discipleship
Go to Church
Go to Mars or Mars Hill
Go do things
Read your Bible
But discipleship is the lifelong task of becoming more like Jesus.
Not programs, shows, or entertainment!
Not "busy".
Learn to Discern, by learning what the Bible really says!
Be intentional in your growth .....
You will be both amazed by God and very disappointed in man.
"Religion is nothing but a bunch of Do's and Don'ts'!"
Well certainly Christianity does have a few Don'ts, but in general you would not want to do them anyway!
But, what about the Do's?
What would you have to do?!?
Mark 12:28-34
Deuteronomy 6:4
Prayer, twice a day: morning and night!
As a new Christian, I figured out real quick it was okay to pray more often!
As often as needed for any and all situations.
Deuteronomy 6:4
Love your neighbor.
You show your love for God, by how you love your neighbor.
This is Agape love, what man is incapable of without the Holy Spirit!
It is unconditional.
The same love we are told to have towards God.
The same as God's love for you.
Follow Me, discipleship
Go to Church
Go to Mars or Mars Hill
Go do things
Read your Bible
But discipleship is the lifelong task of becoming more like Jesus.
Not programs, shows, or entertainment!
Not "busy".
Learn to Discern, by learning what the Bible really says!
Be intentional in your growth .....
You will be both amazed by God and very disappointed in man.
March 21, 2019
Worry vs Faith
The Bible has lots to say about worry!
Yet we fall into worry so terribly easily.
As Debby Kramer told in my Christian youth,
"Worry is you telling God you do not trust Him."
Yeah, she had a way of speaking plainly!
Psalm 27
God Will Help
Light equates to Truth!
Are you up for it?
The Lord says:
"Hear my voice,
"Be merciful,
"Answer me!"
Seek, See, Connect with God!
"I Will Wait"
"I am confident,
"I will see goodness!"
So even when you can not see any evidence of Him in your life -
He is still there!
Often we are too impatient,
We are too distracted by the world,
We are not actually seeking answer,
We are not actually listening,
We are not open to any answer other than our own.
Any many, many more reasons which block His success in reaching us!
And often we just do not see His best as being our best!
My friend Bruce was crippled at the age of 20.
He definitely did not see this in a positive light!
And yet God smothered him in miracles,
He just was looking in the wrong places to see his prayers being answered!
Oh yeah, he is still disabled and life is not what he would prefer.
But, he has learned to live a far different life than he ever envisioned!
And in my struggles he has been a witness to me in how to face adversity!
Yet we fall into worry so terribly easily.
As Debby Kramer told in my Christian youth,
"Worry is you telling God you do not trust Him."
Yeah, she had a way of speaking plainly!
Psalm 27
God Will Help
Light equates to Truth!
Are you up for it?
The Lord says:
"Hear my voice,
"Be merciful,
"Answer me!"
Seek, See, Connect with God!
"I Will Wait"
"I am confident,
"I will see goodness!"
So even when you can not see any evidence of Him in your life -
He is still there!
Often we are too impatient,
We are too distracted by the world,
We are not actually seeking answer,
We are not actually listening,
We are not open to any answer other than our own.
Any many, many more reasons which block His success in reaching us!
And often we just do not see His best as being our best!
My friend Bruce was crippled at the age of 20.
He definitely did not see this in a positive light!
And yet God smothered him in miracles,
He just was looking in the wrong places to see his prayers being answered!
Oh yeah, he is still disabled and life is not what he would prefer.
But, he has learned to live a far different life than he ever envisioned!
And in my struggles he has been a witness to me in how to face adversity!
March 20, 2019
Waiting On The Lord
Oh, I tell ya, is there anything more frustrating than,
Waiting on the Lord?
Come on God!
David, my Biblical nemesis,
Whines quite a bit over:
Not getting his way,
Paying for his deeds,
Having to wait on God!
I had little sympathy for David in my walk as a Christian!
It is like, "Grow a pair dude, and pretend you are a man!"Is
As I said, no kid gloves when you deem yourself a representative of God!
Of course, all of the surgeries,
And side effects,
Have humbled me ....
And now I must view David through the filter of,
He is just a fallen man ... no different than any of us!
Psalm 13
David's Complaint
"How Long?"
Alluding to the absence of God in his life.
David seems depressed.
So he must continue to pray for God's will,
AND WAIT for His response!
And be open to receive an answer you will not like ...
Call For Help
Waiting for the answer.
"Light up my eyes!"
"No more ..."
Pray!
Confession of Trust
"But I have trusted ..."
Acknowledges God.
He can pray because he knows God is there!
David's Commitment to Prayer
Realize it is God whom blesses you.
Acknowledge that blessing!
It may take years!
So, get past depression!
Praise God for who He is and has done!
Know that God is there,
Is listening,
Will respond,
And will become real to you again!
Waiting on the Lord?
Come on God!
David, my Biblical nemesis,
Whines quite a bit over:
Not getting his way,
Paying for his deeds,
Having to wait on God!
I had little sympathy for David in my walk as a Christian!
It is like, "Grow a pair dude, and pretend you are a man!"Is
As I said, no kid gloves when you deem yourself a representative of God!
Of course, all of the surgeries,
And side effects,
Have humbled me ....
And now I must view David through the filter of,
He is just a fallen man ... no different than any of us!
Psalm 13
David's Complaint
"How Long?"
Alluding to the absence of God in his life.
David seems depressed.
So he must continue to pray for God's will,
AND WAIT for His response!
And be open to receive an answer you will not like ...
Call For Help
Waiting for the answer.
"Light up my eyes!"
"No more ..."
Pray!
Confession of Trust
"But I have trusted ..."
Acknowledges God.
He can pray because he knows God is there!
David's Commitment to Prayer
Realize it is God whom blesses you.
Acknowledge that blessing!
It may take years!
So, get past depression!
Praise God for who He is and has done!
Know that God is there,
Is listening,
Will respond,
And will become real to you again!
February 20, 2019
The Blessed Life
Psalms 1
Blessed is the well being associated with or for you.
Assumption being God is in Heaven,
And Jesus still sits on the Throne!
(otherwise, all
Hell is about to breakout here on Earth!)
Blessings are on God's terms only!
Are not momentary in duration.
But, eternal!
Blessed is the ONE:
Whom avoids temptation (in their walk)
Avoids those whom mock God (or participates with non-believers)
Delights in the Law of God
The Law is how we are to live:
24 X 7 - to observe
To meditate on
For our best
Now is compared to a tree.
Watered, producing fruit
In a desert environment
You are supposed to be that tree!
Blessed tells you what you can do
As well as what you can not do!
The wicked will be blown away
Forgotten.
And God does know!
Blessed is the well being associated with or for you.
Assumption being God is in Heaven,
And Jesus still sits on the Throne!
(otherwise, all
Hell is about to breakout here on Earth!)
Blessings are on God's terms only!
Are not momentary in duration.
But, eternal!
Blessed is the ONE:
Whom avoids temptation (in their walk)
Avoids those whom mock God (or participates with non-believers)
Delights in the Law of God
The Law is how we are to live:
24 X 7 - to observe
To meditate on
For our best
Now is compared to a tree.
Watered, producing fruit
In a desert environment
You are supposed to be that tree!
Blessed tells you what you can do
As well as what you can not do!
The wicked will be blown away
Forgotten.
And God does know!
February 13, 2019
Church With Three Men
The Third Letter of John was written to the Christian Churches under his care in the greater region of today's Turkey.
John had already survived being boiled in hot oil.
Then sent to the Island of Patmos, one of the Roman death camps.
The idea there was to die in the poor quality copper mines on the island.
Early Church fathers, wrote that John Wrote this letter about 85 to 90 AD.
Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans.
The Christian Church was besieged by Gnosticism.
And John was the lone Apostle still alive!
This letter, describes three kinds of men to be found in those churches, by name!
Ouch!
For someone!
Now all three men claimed to be Christian, or more properly, a part of "The Way".
The proper name of the early Christian Church.
A politically incorrect religion - to the Romans and to the Jews.
Gaius, the gracious man.
A common first century name.
Walked in truth.
John was told of his:
Honor
Witness
Silent witness
Point is people see you, listen to you and all that you do!
Yo will be known by all, for what you do and say.
Diotrephes, the dictator:
No praise for this guy by John
"Don't be this guy!"
Selfish
Puts self before others
Does not acknowledge authorities!
Unloving
Demetius, the disciple.
Everyone loves Demetrius.
He tries to walk in Jesus' footsteps
He tries to do as Jesus would do
Looking back at John and his times with the early church, it becomes apparent that John is telling the Church then, as well as now:
What you for God,
And not yourself ....
John had already survived being boiled in hot oil.
Then sent to the Island of Patmos, one of the Roman death camps.
The idea there was to die in the poor quality copper mines on the island.
Early Church fathers, wrote that John Wrote this letter about 85 to 90 AD.
Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans.
The Christian Church was besieged by Gnosticism.
And John was the lone Apostle still alive!
This letter, describes three kinds of men to be found in those churches, by name!
Ouch!
For someone!
Now all three men claimed to be Christian, or more properly, a part of "The Way".
The proper name of the early Christian Church.
A politically incorrect religion - to the Romans and to the Jews.
Gaius, the gracious man.
A common first century name.
Walked in truth.
John was told of his:
Honor
Witness
Silent witness
Point is people see you, listen to you and all that you do!
Yo will be known by all, for what you do and say.
Diotrephes, the dictator:
No praise for this guy by John
"Don't be this guy!"
Selfish
Puts self before others
Does not acknowledge authorities!
Unloving
Demetius, the disciple.
Everyone loves Demetrius.
He tries to walk in Jesus' footsteps
He tries to do as Jesus would do
Looking back at John and his times with the early church, it becomes apparent that John is telling the Church then, as well as now:
What you for God,
And not yourself ....
February 12, 2019
Walking With God
The Second Letter of John talks abour two shoes you can wear in your walk with God:
Love
Appears 4 times inn this letter.
Only in context with Truth.
We are to live Jesus' Love:
Full time
Fully consumed by it
It will take everything you have
It takes TIME!
Truth
Appears 5 times
Only in context with Love
Truth will transform you:
In how you trust others
Can be known
Comes from God
Walk in the truth
Believe "it is so"
Verses 7 to 11:
What to do when truth is not there!
Love
Appears 4 times inn this letter.
Only in context with Truth.
We are to live Jesus' Love:
Full time
Fully consumed by it
It will take everything you have
It takes TIME!
Truth
Appears 5 times
Only in context with Love
Truth will transform you:
In how you trust others
Can be known
Comes from God
Walk in the truth
Believe "it is so"
Verses 7 to 11:
What to do when truth is not there!
January 29, 2019
Here's Hoping
It was fun Sunday to see that the Pastor was off on Grandchild duty and one of my God-son's was doing the service!
An impressive young man
:)
So he spoke on Romans 12:12-14
Hope Fully
To be patient when life is hard.
Pray without ceasing for God's Will.
There is no hope without Jesus!
Give Freely
Meet the needs of believers.
Share in their burdens!
Know tghat God will meet your needs.
Get Even
The Christian way!
Pray for those whom oppose you.
Bless them.
Repay evil with kindness.
Witness God's love for them.
An impressive young man
:)
So he spoke on Romans 12:12-14
Hope Fully
To be patient when life is hard.
Pray without ceasing for God's Will.
There is no hope without Jesus!
Give Freely
Meet the needs of believers.
Share in their burdens!
Know tghat God will meet your needs.
Get Even
The Christian way!
Pray for those whom oppose you.
Bless them.
Repay evil with kindness.
Witness God's love for them.
January 24, 2019
What We Know
We Have Eternal Life
Our real life.
Our assignment / service.
Know God.
Know Jesus is the Messiah.
No fear of the evil one.
God Hears Us
And answers according to HIS WILL!
Not ours!
We Don't Keep Sinning
God's goal isfor us to live Holy lives.
Man's will is fleeting / temporary happiness!
We Are From God
Our identity is to be wrapped up in God / Heaven.
Love God.
Love one another.
The Son Has Come
Jesus Is True
Our real life.
Our assignment / service.
Know God.
Know Jesus is the Messiah.
No fear of the evil one.
God Hears Us
And answers according to HIS WILL!
Not ours!
We Don't Keep Sinning
God's goal isfor us to live Holy lives.
Man's will is fleeting / temporary happiness!
We Are From God
Our identity is to be wrapped up in God / Heaven.
Love God.
Love one another.
The Son Has Come
Jesus Is True
January 4, 2019
More Thoughts On John 5
So, I got thinking, always dangerous for me to do!
About all that is in John chapter 5 ....
Okay and odd tale, probably based on some ancient superstition.
And Jerusalem certainly would not be alone in this idea.
Mexico, France and even Greece had these traditions!
( there maybe more but we are working with a crippled mind these days )
Taken place on the Sabbath, just doing much of anything would break the Sabbath!
Rules and regulation always triumphs over any discussion of faith.
Even picking up his bedroll was a violation,
Much less the question of walking perhaps too far,
Or carrying a friend to the pool ...
Get the idea here?
Most likely, everyone had broken the Law here!
But the leaders want to nail Jesus.
And to make it worse, Jesus brings up the question of sin.
Was this man stricten due to sin?
Well, he was told to sin no more.
Or worse would come his way!
Of couse he told the Rabbis,
Whom now were stalking Jesus to accumulate mor blame for him ....
Yeah, Jesus confronted and challenged the faithless.
And it was rarely appreciated.
About all that is in John chapter 5 ....
Okay and odd tale, probably based on some ancient superstition.
And Jerusalem certainly would not be alone in this idea.
Mexico, France and even Greece had these traditions!
( there maybe more but we are working with a crippled mind these days )
Taken place on the Sabbath, just doing much of anything would break the Sabbath!
Rules and regulation always triumphs over any discussion of faith.
Even picking up his bedroll was a violation,
Much less the question of walking perhaps too far,
Or carrying a friend to the pool ...
Get the idea here?
Most likely, everyone had broken the Law here!
But the leaders want to nail Jesus.
And to make it worse, Jesus brings up the question of sin.
Was this man stricten due to sin?
Well, he was told to sin no more.
Or worse would come his way!
Of couse he told the Rabbis,
Whom now were stalking Jesus to accumulate mor blame for him ....
Yeah, Jesus confronted and challenged the faithless.
And it was rarely appreciated.
January 3, 2019
Question of Timing
Sometime passages or stories in the Bible can be a bit perplexing.
No., ?I am not talking hard grey area stuff, but just the story itself!
Take for example, 1 John 5 .....
A simple story of a healing ... or is it?
First up comes a problem with the modern Bible.
Its history is not necessarily valid.
When the Latin Vulgate was put together, only Greek manuscripts were thought to be valid.
There are two schools of thought here:
The Greek manuscripts are correct and the onkly ones valid,
Or, the more ancient Aramaic copies are the valid ones.
Aramaic was an archaic language, no spoke it really, except some Eastern slaves.
Greek was a culture and language the Roman culture had tried to aspire to.
Which would you choose had you been there?
Yeah, Greek was chosen as the preferred source language.
It was a simple choice for the Vulgate translators!
Of course, my refusal to even enter into allegiance to the Greek texts, has always made me a pain in Bible School.
Why would I prefer a circa 160 AD translation over the internally dated 78 AD text?
So modern scholars scoff atthe tale in Bible, because the best, "original", texts omitted this!
And yet the oldest Book of John we have flat out states it was wtitten in what would be 78 AD, to us!
Yes, there are Aramaic texts which did not have this either ... just to be fair with the argument.
This the story of Jesus going to a pool, which was rumored to have healing powers.
Somehow, a tradition rose up that once a year, angel would touch the waters of the pool.
First one in got healed.
Yeah, because that is how God works, right?
So, large numbers of people gather for this observance.
No different today, if you think of Lourdes, France and their annual gathering!
The one I was at, in 1966, I saw a dead girl restored to life.
Very weird, very frightening, and the police were very shaken!
But then, that is how superstition is validated - by observances just like that being misunderstood.
Then again, it did make my farher stop for a moment and think about God!
So Jesus goes to watch.
Will the water be troubled?
Will someone be healed?
What will Jesus do?!?!?!?
Why woulf Jesus not go with the Disciples there?
Why incognito?
We are not told!
Well, Jesus did healed a single man there that day.
Why not the crowd gathered there?
We are not told!
The observers, are of a split opinion as to what they had seen.
And of course, just like today, they discounted what they could not understand!
And many were silent, for this was politically incorrect!
Church leadership was not going to like this!
Did this event happen?/
More than likely.
I it is exactly how God works.
Quietly, in the background, not seeking to create a show for the crowd gathered.
Equally, it was observed by those within ear shot!
So, Jesus did not wait for the water to be troubled.
He healed, by command, when the time was right for this man and his faith in - albeit - superstition.
He showed the REAL power of God, not the ripple of superstition!
If the water is symbolic of the Holy Spirit,
And the resultant healing a work of the Holy Spirit,
Then we are observing Jesus, not as a man but by His power as God.
And the Church leadership knew this,
And hated him all the more for it .....
No., ?I am not talking hard grey area stuff, but just the story itself!
Take for example, 1 John 5 .....
A simple story of a healing ... or is it?
First up comes a problem with the modern Bible.
Its history is not necessarily valid.
When the Latin Vulgate was put together, only Greek manuscripts were thought to be valid.
There are two schools of thought here:
The Greek manuscripts are correct and the onkly ones valid,
Or, the more ancient Aramaic copies are the valid ones.
Aramaic was an archaic language, no spoke it really, except some Eastern slaves.
Greek was a culture and language the Roman culture had tried to aspire to.
Which would you choose had you been there?
Yeah, Greek was chosen as the preferred source language.
It was a simple choice for the Vulgate translators!
Of course, my refusal to even enter into allegiance to the Greek texts, has always made me a pain in Bible School.
Why would I prefer a circa 160 AD translation over the internally dated 78 AD text?
So modern scholars scoff atthe tale in Bible, because the best, "original", texts omitted this!
And yet the oldest Book of John we have flat out states it was wtitten in what would be 78 AD, to us!
Yes, there are Aramaic texts which did not have this either ... just to be fair with the argument.
This the story of Jesus going to a pool, which was rumored to have healing powers.
Somehow, a tradition rose up that once a year, angel would touch the waters of the pool.
First one in got healed.
Yeah, because that is how God works, right?
So, large numbers of people gather for this observance.
No different today, if you think of Lourdes, France and their annual gathering!
The one I was at, in 1966, I saw a dead girl restored to life.
Very weird, very frightening, and the police were very shaken!
But then, that is how superstition is validated - by observances just like that being misunderstood.
Then again, it did make my farher stop for a moment and think about God!
So Jesus goes to watch.
Will the water be troubled?
Will someone be healed?
What will Jesus do?!?!?!?
Why woulf Jesus not go with the Disciples there?
Why incognito?
We are not told!
Well, Jesus did healed a single man there that day.
Why not the crowd gathered there?
We are not told!
The observers, are of a split opinion as to what they had seen.
And of course, just like today, they discounted what they could not understand!
And many were silent, for this was politically incorrect!
Church leadership was not going to like this!
Did this event happen?/
More than likely.
I it is exactly how God works.
Quietly, in the background, not seeking to create a show for the crowd gathered.
Equally, it was observed by those within ear shot!
So, Jesus did not wait for the water to be troubled.
He healed, by command, when the time was right for this man and his faith in - albeit - superstition.
He showed the REAL power of God, not the ripple of superstition!
If the water is symbolic of the Holy Spirit,
And the resultant healing a work of the Holy Spirit,
Then we are observing Jesus, not as a man but by His power as God.
And the Church leadership knew this,
And hated him all the more for it .....
December 21, 2018
God's Words at Christmas
Thinking on John 3:16-18
"I love you"
God is love.
Jesus is God.
Jesus demonstrated REAL love:
Thru His incarnation.
Thru His life
Thru His death
"I want what's best for you"
Jesus answers our need for real love.
In our love language.
But some people have walls blocking real love,
Not allowing the belief there really is real love!
Jesus continually calls in our life:
To live his life
To be at risk for others
To demonstrate His love.
"I am with you"
Via Mary, Jesus became man.
Jesus experienced all of man's temptations.
His Spirit will reside in each follower.
"You must follow me"
No one may approach God without Jesus coming between you and Him.
And it costs you nothing, save your pride!
"I love you"
God is love.
Jesus is God.
Jesus demonstrated REAL love:
Thru His incarnation.
Thru His life
Thru His death
"I want what's best for you"
Jesus answers our need for real love.
In our love language.
But some people have walls blocking real love,
Not allowing the belief there really is real love!
Jesus continually calls in our life:
To live his life
To be at risk for others
To demonstrate His love.
"I am with you"
Via Mary, Jesus became man.
Jesus experienced all of man's temptations.
His Spirit will reside in each follower.
"You must follow me"
No one may approach God without Jesus coming between you and Him.
And it costs you nothing, save your pride!
December 20, 2018
Sights of Christmas
Christmas has been so sanitized by our cultue that it bears no resemblance to reality!
But, you can not see the true God or Jesus, with understanding the price paid by so many ...
I see Angels who knew their purpose.
Six times Angels appear in the Christmas story.
See Luke 2:8
I see shepherds with a new perspective
Imagine the shock of suddenly seeing an Angel!
Nothing in their culture could have prepared them for such an occurance!
It was just a typical night - then Angels!
Shepherds were usually children.
They had no legal say in anything.
Hence they could not even "testify" to what they saw or heard.
Yet, the Angels woke them up!
I see people filled with hope
Octavian, the Roman ruler orders a head count.
Of course, it is government, they want taxes from everyone.
Joseph and Mary head to Bethlehem.
I see each iof us reflected in the eyes of God
We each possess the Spirit of God.
We have the ability to put on the character of God.
We each have the task of reflecting God's light to a lost generation ...
But, you can not see the true God or Jesus, with understanding the price paid by so many ...
I see Angels who knew their purpose.
Six times Angels appear in the Christmas story.
See Luke 2:8
I see shepherds with a new perspective
Imagine the shock of suddenly seeing an Angel!
Nothing in their culture could have prepared them for such an occurance!
It was just a typical night - then Angels!
Shepherds were usually children.
They had no legal say in anything.
Hence they could not even "testify" to what they saw or heard.
Yet, the Angels woke them up!
I see people filled with hope
Octavian, the Roman ruler orders a head count.
Of course, it is government, they want taxes from everyone.
Joseph and Mary head to Bethlehem.
I see each iof us reflected in the eyes of God
We each possess the Spirit of God.
We have the ability to put on the character of God.
We each have the task of reflecting God's light to a lost generation ...
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