I need to level set this since no one in Bloglandia will know you:
I first met Bridgitt thru my involvement with youth ministry.
Just an average 11 year old girl,
With a tragic past,
A troubled present,
And a horrific future.
That would be without God intervening .....
So, Bridgitt, God did intervene,
But, you could not recognize this,
Perhaps because of your filters,
Based on your life experiences.
Perhaps because you had not learned to trust.
Admittedly, you scared me to death!
What you needed was a strong father figure to take you in hand.
I was gun shy.
And I was very ill.
And none of the other youth leaders understood your plight,
As I so plainly saw.
Worse, no one cared.
And I could do little.
Many of the talks I gave to the group,
Were actually just for you.
I did what I could do,
When I was in town.
And, when I could give rides,
And, I have prayed for you for decades!
When you found me online,
I was delighted to see one of "my kids" pop back up!
And saddened to see how life has been a struggle for you.
Years ago, had you thought to come to me,
I would have told you the tale of Darla.
I was working under contract to a large company,
Helping them to define their methodologies for program maintenance.
Darla was my secretary along with another girl named Grace.
And everyone knew I was an odd duck because I make no bones about being a Christian.
So, one lunch hour, my secretaries pop in to my office for a "discussion".
Odd, but okay .....
Darla - "So Kris, where do you stand on the abortion issue?"
Grace is biting her nails, I wonder if the question is hers....
Me - "I have always held that in this culture it is a matter of choice for a woman."
Darla - "Well no, I mean, what would you tell me if I was pregnant?"
Grace is chewing on her elbow now, so super stressed and I am basically clueless.
Me - "Well, I would tell you that only God can create life, you just get to participate! And for some reason, God values human life and calls it precious. Then as such it becomes a sin to take a human life. So, I would tell you, think of adopting out the child ....."
So the conversation went for 45 minutes.
It was weird.
Never happened before or since to me!
Darla failed to come in for work on Monday.
Monday evening I had a call on my voice recorder when I got home,
"Kris, I need you!"
But, Darla left no return number!
So all I could do was pray that night, without ceasing, for whatever Darla's issue was.
And wonder at how she could have gotten my number!
Tuesday, Grace was all upset,
Darla had died in the early morning hours.
Well, that was the end of my day!!!!!
Seems she had an abortion on Friday afternoon.
Went to the hospital with a high fever Monday.
And died from a pelvic infection that night!
I still sit here,
Decades later,
Empty.
Such a huge waste of a young life!
Somehow, my words did not sink in.
Or have a valid meaning to her.
And so her story has become one among many I share with youth.
Darla was real, yes that was her name!
And young women need to hear these tragic tales in order to protect themselves!
Death is very real.
So, Bridgitt,I am honored you chose to share your story with me,
Albeit too late to have saved a life.
And what are you to do now?
Very simple:
Tell God what you did (confess).
Ask for his forgiveness.
Change how you have been living so this will not happen again!
Find a solid church and become active -
Perhaps work with youth,
So they can avoid the traps you fell into!
And above all:
Remember I was there for you 30 years ago ...
I still am.
You were a part of my extended family,
That remains unchanged.
The next steps are up to you.
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
May 24, 2019
February 15, 2019
Observation ...
Welcome to our world today.....
Where sex is free and love is expensive.
Where losing a phone is more painful than losing your virginity.
Where modernization means nudity, profanity, and if you don't drink/smoke dope you're out of fashion/style.
Where boys stay boys and never want to become men, and girls become men to rule over them.
Where if you don't fool your partner it's because you're not clever enough.
Where the bathrooms have become photography studios.
Where pizza delivery is faster than the emergency response.
Where people fear the thieves and the terrorists more than God.
Where churches copy the world system and values to draw crowds in.
Where Worshipping God is difficult.
Where temples turn into dating pools.
Where lies become the preferred reality.
Where the ladies fear pregnancy more than h.i.v. .
Where babies are murdered so the ladies can escape responsibility.
Where people become toxic when they speak the truth or resisting to turn from what is actually toxic.
Where perspectives and clothes decide the value of a person.
Where money is more important than family and God.
Where children are ready to leave their families for their love of the moment, rebellion and spite.
Where the marriage covenant is no longer sacred or taken seriously.
Where it's easier to play house than to build a home.
Where jumping from partner to partner for sex or attention is easier than waiting for the right partner for life.
Where love is a game.
Where evil no longer exists.
The new generation of humanity.
II Timothy 3: 1-4
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Matthew 24:12-13
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
There's still hope, in Jesus, it's not too late!
Where sex is free and love is expensive.
Where losing a phone is more painful than losing your virginity.
Where modernization means nudity, profanity, and if you don't drink/smoke dope you're out of fashion/style.
Where boys stay boys and never want to become men, and girls become men to rule over them.
Where if you don't fool your partner it's because you're not clever enough.
Where the bathrooms have become photography studios.
Where pizza delivery is faster than the emergency response.
Where people fear the thieves and the terrorists more than God.
Where churches copy the world system and values to draw crowds in.
Where Worshipping God is difficult.
Where temples turn into dating pools.
Where lies become the preferred reality.
Where the ladies fear pregnancy more than h.i.v. .
Where babies are murdered so the ladies can escape responsibility.
Where people become toxic when they speak the truth or resisting to turn from what is actually toxic.
Where perspectives and clothes decide the value of a person.
Where money is more important than family and God.
Where children are ready to leave their families for their love of the moment, rebellion and spite.
Where the marriage covenant is no longer sacred or taken seriously.
Where it's easier to play house than to build a home.
Where jumping from partner to partner for sex or attention is easier than waiting for the right partner for life.
Where love is a game.
Where evil no longer exists.
The new generation of humanity.
II Timothy 3: 1-4
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Matthew 24:12-13
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
There's still hope, in Jesus, it's not too late!
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 .....
September 14, 2018
Really!?!
My son and his fiancee have decided they want a real wedding!
So, I called up my old mining partner's wife to let her know.
Seems she was otherwise disposed ..... at the moment.
Anyway, turns out she has a boyfriend now.
And already had plans for that weekend with him to take a trip.
(sounds of crickets in my mind!)
This is not like her in the least!
Further discussion and it seems she is not even sure she likes the guy!
I dropped the conversation at this point!
What-the-heck!
You go off to play house on vacation ...
And, you are not even sure you like the guy?
Much less, not even married to him?!?!?
As, I said, this is not like her at all!
I have no idea what is up, but ...
What the heck is she thinking?
I can only blame her going to a less than Christian church for 40 years.
Walk in the world,
Live in the world,
Emulate the world.
In the end you go down with the world.
Sigh .....
I guess I will have to play soft shoulder.
Once he is done with her.
And she realizes she was used ....
So, I called up my old mining partner's wife to let her know.
Seems she was otherwise disposed ..... at the moment.
Anyway, turns out she has a boyfriend now.
And already had plans for that weekend with him to take a trip.
(sounds of crickets in my mind!)
This is not like her in the least!
Further discussion and it seems she is not even sure she likes the guy!
I dropped the conversation at this point!
What-the-heck!
You go off to play house on vacation ...
And, you are not even sure you like the guy?
Much less, not even married to him?!?!?
As, I said, this is not like her at all!
I have no idea what is up, but ...
What the heck is she thinking?
I can only blame her going to a less than Christian church for 40 years.
Walk in the world,
Live in the world,
Emulate the world.
In the end you go down with the world.
Sigh .....
I guess I will have to play soft shoulder.
Once he is done with her.
And she realizes she was used ....
August 7, 2018
If We Sin ...
The Apostle John is now somewhere over 90 years old.
He knew what was true.
He was there throughout Jesus' ministry.
He was the one whom Jesus loved.
He loved Jesus, too.
1 John 2:1-2
Avoid Sin!
We all are completely aware as to how we fail God and ourselves.
And those failings, God categorizes as sin.
It is what separates us from God.
It is why Jesus had to be sacrificed,
To erase our sin from God's record book.
Sin is not normal to how we were created.
No one is sinless.
No one will be sinless.
Our goal is to sin less.
And less.
And less.
And less!
You Need Help!
When you fail and slip into sin,
Jesus is waiting to help you.
We all mess up.
And when you do,
You will need a Helper/Advocate/Counselor.
That is Jesus.
Consider Romans 8:31
Jesus Has You Covered!
God hates sin,
But not you!
Whether you are in your fallen state (actively living in sin),
Or walking by faith in Jesus as our Savior (trying not to sin but failing).
Jesus is the promise from God, your sin is erased.
Propitiation is the word used to tell us Jesus has settled up accounts with God.
Jesus, not us,will face God.
(yes, I do accept John Calvin's definition of sin and the implication of our accepting Jesus for salvation from God's ultimate wrath against sin and man's rebellion against him. About all he and I do agree about!)
He knew what was true.
He was there throughout Jesus' ministry.
He was the one whom Jesus loved.
He loved Jesus, too.
1 John 2:1-2
Avoid Sin!
We all are completely aware as to how we fail God and ourselves.
And those failings, God categorizes as sin.
It is what separates us from God.
It is why Jesus had to be sacrificed,
To erase our sin from God's record book.
Sin is not normal to how we were created.
No one is sinless.
No one will be sinless.
Our goal is to sin less.
And less.
And less.
And less!
You Need Help!
When you fail and slip into sin,
Jesus is waiting to help you.
We all mess up.
And when you do,
You will need a Helper/Advocate/Counselor.
That is Jesus.
Consider Romans 8:31
Jesus Has You Covered!
God hates sin,
But not you!
Whether you are in your fallen state (actively living in sin),
Or walking by faith in Jesus as our Savior (trying not to sin but failing).
Jesus is the promise from God, your sin is erased.
Propitiation is the word used to tell us Jesus has settled up accounts with God.
Jesus, not us,will face God.
(yes, I do accept John Calvin's definition of sin and the implication of our accepting Jesus for salvation from God's ultimate wrath against sin and man's rebellion against him. About all he and I do agree about!)
May 30, 2018
Grace & Complications
When you think of David, in the Bible, it is hard to see how God could think of him as righteous.
Or, even as to having a good heart.
Of all of the people in the Bible, he is the least one of interest to me.
An egotist, a narcisist, an adulterer, a murderer, a polygamist, a nudist, a really rotten father.
God help you if you were his daughter!
Oh yeah, you really want this guy for a neighbor!
NOT!!!!!!
I have often commented, David really does not want to run into me in Heaven!
2 Samuel 7:11-16
Look Back
See God's Grace in your past.
It seems it is best considered in hindsight.
You can see God's hand in your life but only if you are willing to LOOK.
And yes, God can be found even the worst of situations...
David did nothing to deserve God's favor.
From a nothing family.
The runt of the litter so to speak.
He was not even called to the family, to be examined by Samuel!
God uses the least of us,
In the areas of our weaknesses,
To show us His power,
And, ways.
David never did fully get what he deserved.
Think on how you have not either!
Look Out!
God's Grace and Disciple work together.
David often found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time!
II Samuel 11, tells us of his fall.
Uriah, had what David lacked: INTEGRITY !
David sets up Uriah's death, to cover his sin with Bathsheba.
A simple case of lust, adultery and murder.
And the Prophet Nathan has to call David on the carpet!
David repented.
We all need to repent.
But there are still consequences for our failures.
Look Forward
In spite of our mess ups, God's Grace is always there!
If we ask for it!
God blesses us.
God forgives us.
God wants His best for us.
And now I could suddenly understand David.
I was just like him.
No matter how much I loved God or desired to serve Him:
My heart was just as corrupted.
My mind was just as stupid.
My eyes were just as blind.
And God's Grace covers me,
Just as much as it did David three thousand years ago.
In Heaven, rather than punching out David, now
I guess we will share a coffee and talk on how great God is ...
How stupid we are - long forgotten.
Or, even as to having a good heart.
Of all of the people in the Bible, he is the least one of interest to me.
An egotist, a narcisist, an adulterer, a murderer, a polygamist, a nudist, a really rotten father.
God help you if you were his daughter!
Oh yeah, you really want this guy for a neighbor!
NOT!!!!!!
I have often commented, David really does not want to run into me in Heaven!
2 Samuel 7:11-16
Look Back
See God's Grace in your past.
It seems it is best considered in hindsight.
You can see God's hand in your life but only if you are willing to LOOK.
And yes, God can be found even the worst of situations...
David did nothing to deserve God's favor.
From a nothing family.
The runt of the litter so to speak.
He was not even called to the family, to be examined by Samuel!
God uses the least of us,
In the areas of our weaknesses,
To show us His power,
And, ways.
David never did fully get what he deserved.
Think on how you have not either!
Look Out!
God's Grace and Disciple work together.
David often found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time!
II Samuel 11, tells us of his fall.
Uriah, had what David lacked: INTEGRITY !
David sets up Uriah's death, to cover his sin with Bathsheba.
A simple case of lust, adultery and murder.
And the Prophet Nathan has to call David on the carpet!
David repented.
We all need to repent.
But there are still consequences for our failures.
Look Forward
In spite of our mess ups, God's Grace is always there!
If we ask for it!
God blesses us.
God forgives us.
God wants His best for us.
And now I could suddenly understand David.
I was just like him.
No matter how much I loved God or desired to serve Him:
My heart was just as corrupted.
My mind was just as stupid.
My eyes were just as blind.
And God's Grace covers me,
Just as much as it did David three thousand years ago.
In Heaven, rather than punching out David, now
I guess we will share a coffee and talk on how great God is ...
How stupid we are - long forgotten.
May 22, 2018
Not Exemplary
So I taught high school age youth for 40 years.
First as a Bible teacher on Sundays and evening studies, then also as a Geology teacher.
Anytime I taught under a new venue, there was always the same command:
No Song of Solomon
No Eden discussions
No Genesis 38
Well easy enough.
I am not comfortable with those subject matters as it is.
Just ask my adopted son!
And really, if you want to see the fall of man, look no further than the newspapers.
Pick the male, find no exemplary examples of manhood.
Does not matter if you are Prince Harry, Arnold Schwarzeneggar or Albert Einstein ....
No one on this list, that is for sure!
Exemplary men are few to be found, especially in the Bible!
So, I was reading Genesis 38 on Saturday, and thinking: "Judah really sucks!"
Two of his sons were so evil that God flat took them out!
But, Judah was no better than his sons ... it appears ... and yet God gave him another chance.
A trial by his daughter-in-law, Tamar!
And God humbled him in front of his neighbors, his friends, his family, extended family, etc.
A complete and total humiliation!
Unlike my examples; whom blew off their failures, Judah, chose to change!
No, you would have to read elsewhere to know this, but he did.
And as Jacob lay dying, he choose Judah as the next in line ...
He had seen the change.
He SAW that his son Judah had chosen to take corrective action of his error.
You are left wondering why God killed Judah's two sons, yet left him alive.
Perhaps his sons failures were seen as non-redeemable?
Yet, Judah, was?
Hmmmmm, and though mind has now only recovered memories through age 18, currently, I can say that I am not impressed with what little I know of myself!
Could Judah have been any worse than I?
Or you?
Has God given us another chance?
Have you taken the opportunity?
Changed direction or corrective action?
Yeah.
Hard, but it can be done ...
Judah proved the point.
First as a Bible teacher on Sundays and evening studies, then also as a Geology teacher.
Anytime I taught under a new venue, there was always the same command:
No Song of Solomon
No Eden discussions
No Genesis 38
Well easy enough.
I am not comfortable with those subject matters as it is.
Just ask my adopted son!
And really, if you want to see the fall of man, look no further than the newspapers.
Pick the male, find no exemplary examples of manhood.
Does not matter if you are Prince Harry, Arnold Schwarzeneggar or Albert Einstein ....
No one on this list, that is for sure!
Exemplary men are few to be found, especially in the Bible!
So, I was reading Genesis 38 on Saturday, and thinking: "Judah really sucks!"
Two of his sons were so evil that God flat took them out!
But, Judah was no better than his sons ... it appears ... and yet God gave him another chance.
A trial by his daughter-in-law, Tamar!
And God humbled him in front of his neighbors, his friends, his family, extended family, etc.
A complete and total humiliation!
Unlike my examples; whom blew off their failures, Judah, chose to change!
No, you would have to read elsewhere to know this, but he did.
And as Jacob lay dying, he choose Judah as the next in line ...
He had seen the change.
He SAW that his son Judah had chosen to take corrective action of his error.
You are left wondering why God killed Judah's two sons, yet left him alive.
Perhaps his sons failures were seen as non-redeemable?
Yet, Judah, was?
Hmmmmm, and though mind has now only recovered memories through age 18, currently, I can say that I am not impressed with what little I know of myself!
Could Judah have been any worse than I?
Or you?
Has God given us another chance?
Have you taken the opportunity?
Changed direction or corrective action?
Yeah.
Hard, but it can be done ...
Judah proved the point.
March 26, 2018
Two Liars
It is almost like the start of a bad joke:
"Two liars run into each other on the internet ...."
Of course that was 4 years ago.
The punch line we did not even know until a few weeks before Christmas:
She had a baby!
But remember she is as bad a liar as my son!
What followed was a long series of court filings and counter claims.
Her pockets were deeper than his.
But she was financed by her parents.
We feel he needs to man up to what he did that fall.
So son is forced to support a child he will have no contact with.
But, you have to remember that he is a liar.
And, she really wishes that he would see his son.
Or she had been smarter four years ago.
But, then she is a liar as bad as he is.
And I hate liars.
I can smell a lie before lips even move ...
And I hate being lied to.
And everyone knows this - but still they do!
As for grandson, I saw him on Sunday.
He looks like his father and acts thusly - in all ways!
It was as if twenty years had been melted away.
There was my young son before Satan cast its lure.
Well, Satan got my son in eighth grade.
The challenge is whether I can pull him from the path he will go ....
"Two liars run into each other on the internet ...."
Of course that was 4 years ago.
The punch line we did not even know until a few weeks before Christmas:
She had a baby!
But remember she is as bad a liar as my son!
What followed was a long series of court filings and counter claims.
Her pockets were deeper than his.
But she was financed by her parents.
We feel he needs to man up to what he did that fall.
So son is forced to support a child he will have no contact with.
But, you have to remember that he is a liar.
And, she really wishes that he would see his son.
Or she had been smarter four years ago.
But, then she is a liar as bad as he is.
And I hate liars.
I can smell a lie before lips even move ...
And I hate being lied to.
And everyone knows this - but still they do!
As for grandson, I saw him on Sunday.
He looks like his father and acts thusly - in all ways!
It was as if twenty years had been melted away.
There was my young son before Satan cast its lure.
Well, Satan got my son in eighth grade.
The challenge is whether I can pull him from the path he will go ....
February 5, 2018
Minor Prophets
Been doing an awful lot of re3adsing with all of my down time.
So, decided to start reading the Minor Prophets of the Bible.
You know the spiritual state of Israel, Judah and surrounding nations was obviously not great circa 8th century BC.
What was precious to God that His chosen people did not violate?
Nothing, absolutely nothing!
And as I read through these short books again, I was struck by how closely what was said about Israel and Judah - up to the time of their take down by enemies raised up to destroy them.
I listed the woes and the sin which had brought those judge3ments from God, upon themselves.
I found I was looking at a State of the Union address of condemnation upon upon our society, culture and nation!
We are unfaithful and sin filled.
Pretty much just the same as Israel and Judah by the time of their falls.
And our prophets proclaim peace and happiness can be found in materialism ...
And even right down to the idea that we should welcome The Day of the Lord!
But in Amos 5:
18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.
19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
20 Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?
Yeah, God pretty much covers eerything wrong in this generation and yet He holds back his wrath.
But one has to wonder for how much longer will He?
So, decided to start reading the Minor Prophets of the Bible.
You know the spiritual state of Israel, Judah and surrounding nations was obviously not great circa 8th century BC.
What was precious to God that His chosen people did not violate?
Nothing, absolutely nothing!
And as I read through these short books again, I was struck by how closely what was said about Israel and Judah - up to the time of their take down by enemies raised up to destroy them.
I listed the woes and the sin which had brought those judge3ments from God, upon themselves.
I found I was looking at a State of the Union address of condemnation upon upon our society, culture and nation!
We are unfaithful and sin filled.
Pretty much just the same as Israel and Judah by the time of their falls.
And our prophets proclaim peace and happiness can be found in materialism ...
And even right down to the idea that we should welcome The Day of the Lord!
But in Amos 5:
18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.
19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
20 Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?
Yeah, God pretty much covers eerything wrong in this generation and yet He holds back his wrath.
But one has to wonder for how much longer will He?
January 24, 2018
Player
Youngest daughter is so addicted to The Bachelor.
I fear the world is being infected yet further with America's worthless values!
A consistant parade of self seeking men and women.
Their only concern, getting more for them.
The opportune spouse, not even a thought.
Such are the values of this culture!
And I do have to point out to my daughter the lies, the poses, what is really going on.
And she hates this, but I think she knows I am right.
LOL!
So I watch the cycle premieres - always a hoot!
And a show or two, to keep up with her interests.
Of course the current cycle is a circus!
I just want to slap some sense into the lot of them!
And the bachelor may as well as be 16
Since he only seems capable of demonstrating he does not use his big head at all!
Bleeeeeech!
American TV!
Not to suggest any other modern TV is any better!
I feel ill ...
I fear the world is being infected yet further with America's worthless values!
A consistant parade of self seeking men and women.
Their only concern, getting more for them.
The opportune spouse, not even a thought.
Such are the values of this culture!
And I do have to point out to my daughter the lies, the poses, what is really going on.
And she hates this, but I think she knows I am right.
LOL!
So I watch the cycle premieres - always a hoot!
And a show or two, to keep up with her interests.
Of course the current cycle is a circus!
I just want to slap some sense into the lot of them!
And the bachelor may as well as be 16
Since he only seems capable of demonstrating he does not use his big head at all!
Bleeeeeech!
American TV!
Not to suggest any other modern TV is any better!
I feel ill ...
January 11, 2018
Theft
I hated dishonesty, in all of its forms.
It helps little, as I have grown older, to finally understand how people have used me through the years.
The lies, what they have stolen from me.
I fight not to become angry at my stupidity.
Back in December, son decided to party hardy:
five cases of beer
4 bottles of his own wine
3 bottles of mine
I did not care.
For last night, I planned to make fondue.
I needed Chardonnay
Oldest daughter me a bottle
All was ready.
But life intervened.
We had visitors.
So, last night became fondue night.
only over the weekend,
The wine vanished!
Oh was I pissed!
I could no careless about a $10.00 bottle of wine.
It is the corruyption of not being willing to admit it!
It is the supterfouge of blaming others.
It is not being able to look me in my eyes ...
Oh was I ever angered!
If you are an adult:
Live up to your deeds!
But do not expect congratrulations for thinking me stupid!
In the end, it is possible a house guest took 2 bottles overe the weekend,
Of course failing to mention anything!
Now, what else is missing?
It helps little, as I have grown older, to finally understand how people have used me through the years.
The lies, what they have stolen from me.
I fight not to become angry at my stupidity.
Back in December, son decided to party hardy:
five cases of beer
4 bottles of his own wine
3 bottles of mine
I did not care.
For last night, I planned to make fondue.
I needed Chardonnay
Oldest daughter me a bottle
All was ready.
But life intervened.
We had visitors.
So, last night became fondue night.
only over the weekend,
The wine vanished!
Oh was I pissed!
I could no careless about a $10.00 bottle of wine.
It is the corruyption of not being willing to admit it!
It is the supterfouge of blaming others.
It is not being able to look me in my eyes ...
Oh was I ever angered!
If you are an adult:
Live up to your deeds!
But do not expect congratrulations for thinking me stupid!
In the end, it is possible a house guest took 2 bottles overe the weekend,
Of course failing to mention anything!
Now, what else is missing?
September 25, 2017
Idolatry
We constantly slip into making gods in our own image and fashion ...
Exodus 32\
Why Are We Tempted?
Where do you turn to in times of trouble?
Defines whom God is to you ....
The escaping slaves had just had the Law given to them by Moses ... and within a slink of the eye ... they are building idols ...
What Do We Worship?
Anything that s more important to you than God.
It absorbs your heart and imagination more than God.
Whom or whatever you think can give you, what you think you want - need, which only God cab give you ...
Taking Responsibility
Idolatry leads to self-indulgence and sin
Aaron shifted blame, minimized sin..
And I am quite sure I am just as guilty as Aaron of this as well .....
sigh
Exodus 32\
Why Are We Tempted?
Where do you turn to in times of trouble?
Defines whom God is to you ....
The escaping slaves had just had the Law given to them by Moses ... and within a slink of the eye ... they are building idols ...
What Do We Worship?
Anything that s more important to you than God.
It absorbs your heart and imagination more than God.
Whom or whatever you think can give you, what you think you want - need, which only God cab give you ...
Taking Responsibility
Idolatry leads to self-indulgence and sin
Aaron shifted blame, minimized sin..
And I am quite sure I am just as guilty as Aaron of this as well .....
sigh
September 20, 2017
Ten Commandments
Did you know that in a recent poll, most Christians could not name the "Ten" Commandments?
Never mind that God gave humanity over 600 commandments.
"Christians" like to ignore them anyway!
Discipleship programs tend to ignore even the "ten".
The commandments are not demonstrated, even in many pulpits!
And then there is the question of your life and walk .....
Exodus 20:1-21
Who Says?
God
These are God's top ten, not Moses!
Huh?
No God by the real one!
No idols in place of God!
No dishonoring God's name!
Keeping the Sabbath!
- Rest
- Remember
- Worship
- Honor your parents
- Do not murder
- No sexual sin
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not covet
What's The Point?
Given by God for His people
To change the world
To love God
For the common God
How?
Ya train yourself to do it
In faith
That if He tells you to,
You do it .....
Never mind that God gave humanity over 600 commandments.
"Christians" like to ignore them anyway!
Discipleship programs tend to ignore even the "ten".
The commandments are not demonstrated, even in many pulpits!
And then there is the question of your life and walk .....
Exodus 20:1-21
Who Says?
God
These are God's top ten, not Moses!
Huh?
No God by the real one!
No idols in place of God!
No dishonoring God's name!
Keeping the Sabbath!
- Rest
- Remember
- Worship
- Honor your parents
- Do not murder
- No sexual sin
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not covet
What's The Point?
Given by God for His people
To change the world
To love God
For the common God
How?
Ya train yourself to do it
In faith
That if He tells you to,
You do it .....
September 18, 2017
Failing Yourself
One last post on my trip from a week ago.
The first day of the cruise, you know everyone has to explore!
The ship was about two football fields long and 15 floors high!
While in line, waiting to board, I had observed a young teen girl whom seemed "odd".
And odd always draws my attention.
She was with her older sister, whom has the problem so many young people seem to have. I am sorry but with this amnesia, I have no idea what it is and it is common enough and blamed on vaccines, I think.
So, now I am placing younger girl at a solid 12 or 13, sister no more than 15.
And though my heart remains burdened for teens, I have nothing but prayer to offer.
I observed her often everyday I was out and about on the ship.
She seemed to never leave the ship.
Could always be found in high traffic areas.
Definitely was "displaying" herself!
But the last thing I am going to do is have a talk with her!
All week long this was her behavior.
I had to wonder where were her parents!
If she even had any, thinking of the young girl in Colorado last month!
And older sister was missing until Friday!
As I mentioned, her behavior was more problematic as the week continued.
She dressed more and more provocatively.
She dressed more and more like a hooker.
And from what I observed, she was pretty much shunned by everyone.
Oh, make no mistake, there were "professionals" on board.
They were hard to miss as they flaunted themselves about.
shudder!
So Thursday comes.
I am sicker than a dog and trying to eat watermelon.
.In walks her entire family.
The parents were residents of the casino and bars from my observations.
The girl was dressed "normal", but not for her, and with huge sunglasses!
Her parents left without a word, matched the meal well.
The girl lost it shortly after this.
Such heartbreaking sobs!
And her sister got up and walked around and just held her.
I was touch be such a display of love!
Yeah, it seems someone had taken her up on her offer.
And now, she is realizing part of the cost of what she has done ...
Innocence crushed by scum sucking swine and negligent parents.
I prayed for a witness to come into her life.
The first day of the cruise, you know everyone has to explore!
The ship was about two football fields long and 15 floors high!
While in line, waiting to board, I had observed a young teen girl whom seemed "odd".
And odd always draws my attention.
She was with her older sister, whom has the problem so many young people seem to have. I am sorry but with this amnesia, I have no idea what it is and it is common enough and blamed on vaccines, I think.
So, now I am placing younger girl at a solid 12 or 13, sister no more than 15.
And though my heart remains burdened for teens, I have nothing but prayer to offer.
I observed her often everyday I was out and about on the ship.
She seemed to never leave the ship.
Could always be found in high traffic areas.
Definitely was "displaying" herself!
But the last thing I am going to do is have a talk with her!
All week long this was her behavior.
I had to wonder where were her parents!
If she even had any, thinking of the young girl in Colorado last month!
And older sister was missing until Friday!
As I mentioned, her behavior was more problematic as the week continued.
She dressed more and more provocatively.
She dressed more and more like a hooker.
And from what I observed, she was pretty much shunned by everyone.
Oh, make no mistake, there were "professionals" on board.
They were hard to miss as they flaunted themselves about.
shudder!
So Thursday comes.
I am sicker than a dog and trying to eat watermelon.
.In walks her entire family.
The parents were residents of the casino and bars from my observations.
The girl was dressed "normal", but not for her, and with huge sunglasses!
Her parents left without a word, matched the meal well.
The girl lost it shortly after this.
Such heartbreaking sobs!
And her sister got up and walked around and just held her.
I was touch be such a display of love!
Yeah, it seems someone had taken her up on her offer.
And now, she is realizing part of the cost of what she has done ...
Innocence crushed by scum sucking swine and negligent parents.
I prayed for a witness to come into her life.
September 7, 2017
Crazy Times
So July was crazy time around here.
Huge gathering of people in and around the house (25 of them!
Step-mother is diagnosed with cancer.
I am struggling to keep my mind from going insane planning a trip to Alaska and now one to Colorado.
Then she dies.
And I get to finish the planning, knowing she will not be there.
And then my son moves back in.
And is hit with a paternity suite!
Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?????
Turns out the kid is his.
I could tell it just seeing him for the first time on Sunday!
He is a twin of the boy I adopted in northern Russia in 1997!
So it seems Ivan is less than intelligent.
sigh
And he will get to pay for this one for a very long time!
sigh
I have no doubt this will only temporarily slow down his godlessness.
sigh
Grandchild number 4
Second born into less than ideal conditions
Hopefully he will not follow his father's failures.
sigh
Huge gathering of people in and around the house (25 of them!
Step-mother is diagnosed with cancer.
I am struggling to keep my mind from going insane planning a trip to Alaska and now one to Colorado.
Then she dies.
And I get to finish the planning, knowing she will not be there.
And then my son moves back in.
And is hit with a paternity suite!
Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?????
Turns out the kid is his.
I could tell it just seeing him for the first time on Sunday!
He is a twin of the boy I adopted in northern Russia in 1997!
So it seems Ivan is less than intelligent.
sigh
And he will get to pay for this one for a very long time!
sigh
I have no doubt this will only temporarily slow down his godlessness.
sigh
Grandchild number 4
Second born into less than ideal conditions
Hopefully he will not follow his father's failures.
sigh
August 2, 2017
Consequences
Not so long ago I mentioned God Hardening Pharaoh's heart, you can read about this in Exodus. Pharaoh refused to listen to Moses time after time and finally, God had enough of this puny man and smacked him down!
Exodus 7 - 12
Pharaoh worshiped; God did:
The Nile River; Water turned to blood
Frogs; Appear everywhere!
Gnats & Flies; Everywhere!
Locust; Plaques the empire!
Sun; Drkness covers the empire!
To further make the point:
Livestock dies
People covered in boils
Hail crushes the crops
First born mysteriously die!
Who is your God?
Popular?
Cultural?
Represented by anything?
Then you have not met God yet .....
The Egyptians worshiped 80 "gods".
Idols were everywhere and worshiped with gusto!
Who is the Real God?
The one whom created you.
The whom can lead you to a meaningful life.
The one whom the world hates.
The one wants you to find Him ....
It is interesting that the tenth plaque brought the death of the Egyptian first borns.
The remembrance of this event is known as Passover.
Jesus died at Passover ......
Exodus 7 - 12
Pharaoh worshiped; God did:
The Nile River; Water turned to blood
Frogs; Appear everywhere!
Gnats & Flies; Everywhere!
Locust; Plaques the empire!
Sun; Drkness covers the empire!
To further make the point:
Livestock dies
People covered in boils
Hail crushes the crops
First born mysteriously die!
Who is your God?
Popular?
Cultural?
Represented by anything?
Then you have not met God yet .....
The Egyptians worshiped 80 "gods".
Idols were everywhere and worshiped with gusto!
Who is the Real God?
The one whom created you.
The whom can lead you to a meaningful life.
The one whom the world hates.
The one wants you to find Him ....
It is interesting that the tenth plaque brought the death of the Egyptian first borns.
The remembrance of this event is known as Passover.
Jesus died at Passover ......
June 12, 2017
Timing Is Everything
Much to our frustration at times, God moves at His own rate to cause change to happen - to support His ultimate goals. And, at times, it seems to take FOREVER! Interestingly, it often that it is only in retrospect when we do see God's hand moving in the midst of human affairs. Day to day, not so much it seems!
I am sure that during the course of his life Moses often thought on the question as to where is God? What is He doing?
And why so slowly!
God?
What God?
How did he even know the was a real God ... and he was not Egyptian?
Remember that Moses' mother was hired to be his wet nurse by Pharaoh's daughter?
Exodus 2:11-25
Everyone Messes Up
Moses murdered a man for beating a slave.
He acted without God's leading.
At this point he was about 40 years old.
Josephus tells us that Moses had being groomed to become the next Pharaoh.
Now that would have changed the story significantly!
Time Out
Pharaoh seeks to kill Moses.
The slave must have ratted him out!
So Moses ends up in the land of Midian for 40 years.
40 years as royalty.
40 years a shepherd.
To come: 40 years in the wilderness.
If we are honest with ourselves:
We must allow God His due in our lives
We must allow Him to walk through our lives.
Moses had to have questioned.
Moses had to have stumbled.
Yet God used it all and that certainly changed the geo-politics of the ancient world, impacting ours - to this day .....
I am sure that during the course of his life Moses often thought on the question as to where is God? What is He doing?
And why so slowly!
God?
What God?
How did he even know the was a real God ... and he was not Egyptian?
Remember that Moses' mother was hired to be his wet nurse by Pharaoh's daughter?
Exodus 2:11-25
Everyone Messes Up
Moses murdered a man for beating a slave.
He acted without God's leading.
At this point he was about 40 years old.
Josephus tells us that Moses had being groomed to become the next Pharaoh.
Now that would have changed the story significantly!
Time Out
Pharaoh seeks to kill Moses.
The slave must have ratted him out!
So Moses ends up in the land of Midian for 40 years.
40 years as royalty.
40 years a shepherd.
To come: 40 years in the wilderness.
If we are honest with ourselves:
We must allow God His due in our lives
We must allow Him to walk through our lives.
Moses had to have questioned.
Moses had to have stumbled.
Yet God used it all and that certainly changed the geo-politics of the ancient world, impacting ours - to this day .....
January 19, 2017
Liar - Liar
Well, I was a bit surprised over the weekend!
To say the least.
My 7th step-mother and I had a bit of an unpleasant history, going back to my years in high school! So, when she became mother number 7, I was very happy to try and put the past behind us - but there was no response. And I got angry letters from my father - but no idea as to why. I was attempting to make peace, he was blowing up!
One weekend he suffered a massive disk crash and his computer company called me out to take a look. Father was so twitchy I just popped in to say hello, heard about his problems and offered to take a look. He was hesitant but finally said okay.
In the computer room, behind the disk drives, I found the wedding present I had sent them, as well as a Christmas present for her. Uhm, this was nice and expensive stuff! I never said anything. I told father his disk manufacturer had sent the wrong size platters and left.
Father was a pathological liar, I knew it age three, I had hoped it would outgrow his problem. I guess not.
Many years later she left him, he had a massive stroke, which required I move him from Fairbanks to Minneapolis for surgery and recovery (5 years!). Eventually, father died and about six months later my mother gets a note from Social Security that with news of wife 7's death, she now get double the money.
Well, I was surprised!
I have tried for years to find out why she died or what of. Yes, I do care, she was prickly but likeable - and it honored her sister's memory. But, every search turned up nothing! Almost 7 years of failure in trying to get any information during an odd moment. And then I hit pay dirt!
Completely on a whim I remembered her middle name, so I typed it in. Bingo! I found her alive and well. No idea what to do after so many years. She had been the local-ish grandmother that the kids had liked - her loss in their lives led to many problems for them and me. So, I am guessing they would not welcome knowing she is still alive.
I have no idea now what Social Security was saying. The letter long gone, though mother has it memorized. Their information wrong - buy why?
So, still a bit upset to know how fate has played my children and me.
Sigh ... I really hate liars ...
To say the least.
My 7th step-mother and I had a bit of an unpleasant history, going back to my years in high school! So, when she became mother number 7, I was very happy to try and put the past behind us - but there was no response. And I got angry letters from my father - but no idea as to why. I was attempting to make peace, he was blowing up!
One weekend he suffered a massive disk crash and his computer company called me out to take a look. Father was so twitchy I just popped in to say hello, heard about his problems and offered to take a look. He was hesitant but finally said okay.
In the computer room, behind the disk drives, I found the wedding present I had sent them, as well as a Christmas present for her. Uhm, this was nice and expensive stuff! I never said anything. I told father his disk manufacturer had sent the wrong size platters and left.
Father was a pathological liar, I knew it age three, I had hoped it would outgrow his problem. I guess not.
Many years later she left him, he had a massive stroke, which required I move him from Fairbanks to Minneapolis for surgery and recovery (5 years!). Eventually, father died and about six months later my mother gets a note from Social Security that with news of wife 7's death, she now get double the money.
Well, I was surprised!
I have tried for years to find out why she died or what of. Yes, I do care, she was prickly but likeable - and it honored her sister's memory. But, every search turned up nothing! Almost 7 years of failure in trying to get any information during an odd moment. And then I hit pay dirt!
Completely on a whim I remembered her middle name, so I typed it in. Bingo! I found her alive and well. No idea what to do after so many years. She had been the local-ish grandmother that the kids had liked - her loss in their lives led to many problems for them and me. So, I am guessing they would not welcome knowing she is still alive.
I have no idea now what Social Security was saying. The letter long gone, though mother has it memorized. Their information wrong - buy why?
So, still a bit upset to know how fate has played my children and me.
Sigh ... I really hate liars ...
October 14, 2016
Party Killer
In my extended family is a woman by the name of - "Bobbette".
Bobbette is the same age as my youngest daughter and they have been best friends for about a decade now. Are both very similar - bear no attractiveness to any guy, being terribly introverted does not help either.
So, Saturday was my grandson's birthday party. He and all of the other kids there were having a blast - so much energy!
About two hours after the party started, Bobbette arrived. And what better way to start off your arrival at a party than to walk in and announce you are gay .....
Her parents were there and now traumatized. Her sisters and brothers were also there and stunned. And I sat back and thought .... uhm, this is my daughters best friend .... uhm ......
So time to pick up the Book of Roman and reread chapter 1, I remembered the reference, just not the content ...
Romans 1:18-32
No I am not going to walk you through those verses, Paul wrote something completely understandable - without explanation.
Paul is more than just a mite harsh with what he is writing to the Church of Rome. He tells them that God will judge the conclusion of man's unrighteousness.
In fact, that is the entire point of Romans 1:
God will judge
Man is unrighteous
And so, I went back and read again. What can this passage tell me about Bobbette?
Does not honor God
Does not thank God
Heart is darkened
Has idols they can see, rather than God
Homosexuality
Unrightous
Evil
Covetousness
Malice
Envy
Murder
Strife
Deceit
Malice
Gossip
Slander
Insolent
Boastful
Evil
Disobedient
Faithless
Heartless
Ruthless
Deserving of death
All things I could never say concerning my youngest daughter. Judgemental would be her big negative. Gossip and slander not far behind.
And it crushes my soul to even think that her spirit may have crossed the line.
And unlike Bobbette, at least she has a father whom does love her.
Like all things in life, I can only pray for God's protection over my daughter's spirit and innocence. I am not sure how to counsel her at this point. Certainly, I have had many "gay" friends, but their choices were not my choices and we could remain friends. It still makes me laugh to think of how many times I was the straight guy in the crowd. And, yes, two of them did come to me about idea of salvation. One I know did choose wisely, the other I suspect did but I was not with him towards his end, to know for sure ...
For Bobbette, yeah, lots of prayer.
For her parents, lots of prayer.
For her siblings, lots of prayer.
For my daughter, lots of prayer and gentleness.
And for me, faith that God will protect her ... and wisdom.
Bobbette is the same age as my youngest daughter and they have been best friends for about a decade now. Are both very similar - bear no attractiveness to any guy, being terribly introverted does not help either.
So, Saturday was my grandson's birthday party. He and all of the other kids there were having a blast - so much energy!
About two hours after the party started, Bobbette arrived. And what better way to start off your arrival at a party than to walk in and announce you are gay .....
Her parents were there and now traumatized. Her sisters and brothers were also there and stunned. And I sat back and thought .... uhm, this is my daughters best friend .... uhm ......
So time to pick up the Book of Roman and reread chapter 1, I remembered the reference, just not the content ...
Romans 1:18-32
No I am not going to walk you through those verses, Paul wrote something completely understandable - without explanation.
Paul is more than just a mite harsh with what he is writing to the Church of Rome. He tells them that God will judge the conclusion of man's unrighteousness.
In fact, that is the entire point of Romans 1:
God will judge
Man is unrighteous
And so, I went back and read again. What can this passage tell me about Bobbette?
Does not honor God
Does not thank God
Heart is darkened
Has idols they can see, rather than God
Homosexuality
Unrightous
Evil
Covetousness
Malice
Envy
Murder
Strife
Deceit
Malice
Gossip
Slander
Insolent
Boastful
Evil
Disobedient
Faithless
Heartless
Ruthless
Deserving of death
All things I could never say concerning my youngest daughter. Judgemental would be her big negative. Gossip and slander not far behind.
And it crushes my soul to even think that her spirit may have crossed the line.
And unlike Bobbette, at least she has a father whom does love her.
Like all things in life, I can only pray for God's protection over my daughter's spirit and innocence. I am not sure how to counsel her at this point. Certainly, I have had many "gay" friends, but their choices were not my choices and we could remain friends. It still makes me laugh to think of how many times I was the straight guy in the crowd. And, yes, two of them did come to me about idea of salvation. One I know did choose wisely, the other I suspect did but I was not with him towards his end, to know for sure ...
For Bobbette, yeah, lots of prayer.
For her parents, lots of prayer.
For her siblings, lots of prayer.
For my daughter, lots of prayer and gentleness.
And for me, faith that God will protect her ... and wisdom.
September 30, 2016
Run-A-Wway Bride
You may remember the story of the RAWB from Thought From The Little Apple, if not then read on ...
I was sniffing around FaceBook and saw a post from her. It read oddly and I wondered what was up ... it sounded like she was in Seattle and I have no idea why. So, I messaged her and she replied, yes she was. Well that calls for a lunch!
Unlike every interaction I have had with her since she was 10 years old, she was not talkitive, nor friendly, nor even happy. Everything about her screamed, "I am traumatized!" She was exactly like my first daughter when I adopted her.
So, although we were able to get past her walls and find out what is going on - it will take her years to get past the mess made of her life!
You might want to be in prayer for her, you don't need her name, God knows whom she is.
Physical protection - some rather violent men are after her.
Safety - she is in hiding and exactly well cared for.
Needs - job, shelter, food, etc.
I could not get her to think in these terms, she is too far gone in shock. I got her to agree to talk to the police here in the Seattle area, change her cell and number, I found her a place to interview for a job (if she will do it), etc.
I am very concerned. I tried to talk with her parents but, nope, that conversation was over before it even began - they are sort of the "you get what you deserve" type, so .....? Don't ask me - I am the one whom intervene and not let things go as they will (downhill!).
I will think on this. She made a really poor choice while in high school and now she is paying for it at 30 years old. Back to that problem I have of "cause and effect" or it might be causes this time. I will probably be plagued thinking on this all weekend long and in prayer for God's resolution to this mess.
Yesterday was quite the bummer ... yet I know, and she does now too, that God is calling her back - if she will listen ...
I was sniffing around FaceBook and saw a post from her. It read oddly and I wondered what was up ... it sounded like she was in Seattle and I have no idea why. So, I messaged her and she replied, yes she was. Well that calls for a lunch!
Unlike every interaction I have had with her since she was 10 years old, she was not talkitive, nor friendly, nor even happy. Everything about her screamed, "I am traumatized!" She was exactly like my first daughter when I adopted her.
So, although we were able to get past her walls and find out what is going on - it will take her years to get past the mess made of her life!
You might want to be in prayer for her, you don't need her name, God knows whom she is.
Physical protection - some rather violent men are after her.
Safety - she is in hiding and exactly well cared for.
Needs - job, shelter, food, etc.
I could not get her to think in these terms, she is too far gone in shock. I got her to agree to talk to the police here in the Seattle area, change her cell and number, I found her a place to interview for a job (if she will do it), etc.
I am very concerned. I tried to talk with her parents but, nope, that conversation was over before it even began - they are sort of the "you get what you deserve" type, so .....? Don't ask me - I am the one whom intervene and not let things go as they will (downhill!).
I will think on this. She made a really poor choice while in high school and now she is paying for it at 30 years old. Back to that problem I have of "cause and effect" or it might be causes this time. I will probably be plagued thinking on this all weekend long and in prayer for God's resolution to this mess.
Yesterday was quite the bummer ... yet I know, and she does now too, that God is calling her back - if she will listen ...
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