The oldest copy of the New Testament in the world is online now. http://www.codexsinaiticus.org/en/
Yes, I know, we can't access it all yet.
And it's not in English yet.
But I'm still really excited about this.
I already know that it is not precisely like the current versions of the Bible. I am not worried about that. I am not looking to pick apart the versions, I'm looking to expand my relationship with the Word.
Theologians can argue about the details.
I just want to immerse myself in the Bible that is the closest to the times that Jesus walked this earth. The Spirit will lead me in understanding what I read. At least, as much understanding that I, in my limited capacity as a human, can understand.
There is a Reason why, in these troubled times, this Bible is becoming available online.
I am looking forward to translations, so I can immerse myself in the Word.
(Actually, when I looked online, it appears that someone has translated it. http://www.sinaiticus.com/. No matter, I want to see the original text.)
Links:
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/07/24/online-codex-sinaiticus.html
http://www.sinaiticus.com/
http://www.codexsinaiticus.org/en/
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
What Is Done In Secret
Matthew 6:1-24 TNIV
1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
I have noticed more and more, how people like to stand up on their soapboxes. "I did this" and "I did that".
Hello?
Did we miss something here? Unclear on the concept?
When you stand up on your soapbox and flaunt what you've done to help others, that's all you're going to get out of it. Yes, people will oooh and aaah over you. But that's it. That's all you get -- your own worldly self satisfaction.
I don't think I want somebody I don't even know admiring me for an act of charity. Especially something that the Lord has mandated me to do. So whose opinion is most important?
Not somebody down the block.
Not somebody around the corner.
Not somebody on the Internet.
Not somebody at church.
Only the Lord is important. He sees me as I am, inside and out. Good and bad.
In fact, He sees me in a way that I don't see myself. A better way than I think I am.
I am all too aware that I still sin.
But He sees me, all of me, and He thinks I'm worthy to be Saved.
Let me be worthy of His trust in me. And let me trust Him through all the days of my life.
That includes remembering that I'm not supposed to jump up and down, boasting about what little I can do in this world to help others. Let me just help them, like Jesus wants me to. It doesn't matter if anyone else knows what I've done.
HE knows.
What is done in secret receives its own reward, whether the act was good or evil.
It's up to me to make sure it's good.
He knows.
1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
I have noticed more and more, how people like to stand up on their soapboxes. "I did this" and "I did that".
Hello?
Did we miss something here? Unclear on the concept?
When you stand up on your soapbox and flaunt what you've done to help others, that's all you're going to get out of it. Yes, people will oooh and aaah over you. But that's it. That's all you get -- your own worldly self satisfaction.
I don't think I want somebody I don't even know admiring me for an act of charity. Especially something that the Lord has mandated me to do. So whose opinion is most important?
Not somebody down the block.
Not somebody around the corner.
Not somebody on the Internet.
Not somebody at church.
Only the Lord is important. He sees me as I am, inside and out. Good and bad.
In fact, He sees me in a way that I don't see myself. A better way than I think I am.
I am all too aware that I still sin.
But He sees me, all of me, and He thinks I'm worthy to be Saved.
Let me be worthy of His trust in me. And let me trust Him through all the days of my life.
That includes remembering that I'm not supposed to jump up and down, boasting about what little I can do in this world to help others. Let me just help them, like Jesus wants me to. It doesn't matter if anyone else knows what I've done.
HE knows.
What is done in secret receives its own reward, whether the act was good or evil.
It's up to me to make sure it's good.
He knows.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Silver Rule
I'm pretty sure we all know about the Golden Rule:
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
I'm not so sure people know about the Silver Rule:
Don't let anybody do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
I know, you're saying, "Huh?"
No, it doesn't exactly say that in the Bible.
But listen to me, just because you're a Christian doesn't mean that you have to be a sucker.
There are a lot of false prophets out there. There are a lot of scammers trying to take advantage of your good heart and good intentions. The Bible warns us against fakes and frauds.
If you would never take advantage of someone's belief system, then don't let anyone take advantage of yours. If someone starts telling you what you need to do or give them so Jesus will help you, STOP!
Jesus doesn't need a middleman. Remember, you have a direct line to the Spirit. You don't need to be brokered into a deal with the Lord, you can ask Him yourself!
God is watching over us all, and you need to take these "if it sounds too good to be true" deals straight to Him. Take it to the Word.
If the preacher promises you a tenfold increase tomorrow if you just give him a thousand dollars today, RUN! That's not the Bible, that's the world tempting you to do wrong.
If the Lord wants you to give the man (or woman) $1000, the Spirit will speak to you. You'll know what you need to do. It will be clear.
You don't have to be pressured by a fast talking sales pitch from someone pretending to speak for the Lord.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
If you have a question, take it straight to the Word.
If you have a doubt, take it straight to the Word.
If you have needs, take them straight to the Word.
You don't need a middleman.
Jesus is here for you, right now, every day, everywhere. All you have to do is speak His name, sit down, have a nice talk with Him about what's going on.
Yeah, I know, you're telling yourself, "But He didn't give me a clear answer about that donation the preacher was demanding."
Let me ask you, did you become more and more uncomfortable about it? The more you thought about it, the worse you felt?
That was your answer.
The Spirit speaks in a quiet voice.
Satan shouts. Shouts and carries on and demands.
The Spirit doesn't have to shout.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you have to fall for every con artist that comes down the road.
Oh, and just because you met him/her at church, doesn't mean that their intentions are Godly.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
The Golden Rule and the Silver Rule.
Good rules for you to remember as you follow your Path through this life.
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
I'm not so sure people know about the Silver Rule:
Don't let anybody do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
I know, you're saying, "Huh?"
No, it doesn't exactly say that in the Bible.
But listen to me, just because you're a Christian doesn't mean that you have to be a sucker.
There are a lot of false prophets out there. There are a lot of scammers trying to take advantage of your good heart and good intentions. The Bible warns us against fakes and frauds.
If you would never take advantage of someone's belief system, then don't let anyone take advantage of yours. If someone starts telling you what you need to do or give them so Jesus will help you, STOP!
Jesus doesn't need a middleman. Remember, you have a direct line to the Spirit. You don't need to be brokered into a deal with the Lord, you can ask Him yourself!
God is watching over us all, and you need to take these "if it sounds too good to be true" deals straight to Him. Take it to the Word.
If the preacher promises you a tenfold increase tomorrow if you just give him a thousand dollars today, RUN! That's not the Bible, that's the world tempting you to do wrong.
If the Lord wants you to give the man (or woman) $1000, the Spirit will speak to you. You'll know what you need to do. It will be clear.
You don't have to be pressured by a fast talking sales pitch from someone pretending to speak for the Lord.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
If you have a question, take it straight to the Word.
If you have a doubt, take it straight to the Word.
If you have needs, take them straight to the Word.
You don't need a middleman.
Jesus is here for you, right now, every day, everywhere. All you have to do is speak His name, sit down, have a nice talk with Him about what's going on.
Yeah, I know, you're telling yourself, "But He didn't give me a clear answer about that donation the preacher was demanding."
Let me ask you, did you become more and more uncomfortable about it? The more you thought about it, the worse you felt?
That was your answer.
The Spirit speaks in a quiet voice.
Satan shouts. Shouts and carries on and demands.
The Spirit doesn't have to shout.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you have to fall for every con artist that comes down the road.
Oh, and just because you met him/her at church, doesn't mean that their intentions are Godly.
Don't let anyone do anything to you that you wouldn't do to them.
The Golden Rule and the Silver Rule.
Good rules for you to remember as you follow your Path through this life.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Deep Blue Sea
My daughter and I were watching Deep Blue Sea last night.
Yeah, it's not the best movie out there. And I'm sure you're asking, "Why is she talking about this movie in this blog? Instead of over on razzberry-jam where she talks about life and art and movies and books?"
I have a purpose here.
The movie was OK. Not super bad, not Academy Award material, but for once the Black guy lived. And not only the Black guy, the CHRISTIAN Black guy.
Hey!
That's a welcome change from the usual scenario!
Usually the Black guy dies and the movie openly discounts and disrespects the Power of the Lord. Instead, LL Cool J portrays a recovering alcoholic, born again Christian who prays, wears his cross openly, tells the other characters that God is in charge and knows what's going on, and in fact is saved by the cross around his neck in a most practical (and kinda gruesome) way.
You might not approve of the theme, of the language, of the type of movie, but look at the underlying issues before entirely discounting it.
The Christian Brother relies on the Lord and survives. The scientists meddling with nature all die. The last one sacrifices herself. I don't want to say more than that, if you're curious, you should watch the movie and then decide if it's appropriate for your teens.
But remember, sometimes the best lessons about the Lord are through mediums that we don't normally consider.
Oh, and about LL Cool J? He really is a Christian, lives with his wife and four kids, and had a music label he started in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God). Since it folded, LL has founded another record label, "Platinum Harvest".
(Hey, I should get my daughter to do some songs and submit them to his label! That would be way cool! I've always liked LL, his music and oh my, he's a cutie pie. And yes, married men are OFF-LIMITS, so I can admire him from afar without my mind going into sinful thoughts.)
Deep Blue Sea, 1999, Warner Brothers. Available on DVD.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LL_Cool_J
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Blue_Sea (Spoiler alert!! Don't read this link if you don't want to know what happens in the movie!)
Yeah, it's not the best movie out there. And I'm sure you're asking, "Why is she talking about this movie in this blog? Instead of over on razzberry-jam where she talks about life and art and movies and books?"
I have a purpose here.
The movie was OK. Not super bad, not Academy Award material, but for once the Black guy lived. And not only the Black guy, the CHRISTIAN Black guy.
Hey!
That's a welcome change from the usual scenario!
Usually the Black guy dies and the movie openly discounts and disrespects the Power of the Lord. Instead, LL Cool J portrays a recovering alcoholic, born again Christian who prays, wears his cross openly, tells the other characters that God is in charge and knows what's going on, and in fact is saved by the cross around his neck in a most practical (and kinda gruesome) way.
You might not approve of the theme, of the language, of the type of movie, but look at the underlying issues before entirely discounting it.
The Christian Brother relies on the Lord and survives. The scientists meddling with nature all die. The last one sacrifices herself. I don't want to say more than that, if you're curious, you should watch the movie and then decide if it's appropriate for your teens.
But remember, sometimes the best lessons about the Lord are through mediums that we don't normally consider.
Oh, and about LL Cool J? He really is a Christian, lives with his wife and four kids, and had a music label he started in 1993 called P.O.G. (Power Of God). Since it folded, LL has founded another record label, "Platinum Harvest".
(Hey, I should get my daughter to do some songs and submit them to his label! That would be way cool! I've always liked LL, his music and oh my, he's a cutie pie. And yes, married men are OFF-LIMITS, so I can admire him from afar without my mind going into sinful thoughts.)
Deep Blue Sea, 1999, Warner Brothers. Available on DVD.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LL_Cool_J
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Blue_Sea (Spoiler alert!! Don't read this link if you don't want to know what happens in the movie!)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Let It Be According To Your Will
Last weekend, my Pastor was praying over the issue of homosexual marriage. He was praying against the implementation of marriage between same sex couples.
As you know, I think that same sex marriage is OK.
How do I reconcile my beliefs with my Pastor and church's beliefs?
Like Obama, I'm not going to change my church over a prayer that doesn't necessarily reflect my personal beliefs about certain issues.
Why should I? While my church is more conservative than I am, who says that's a bad thing? Pastors are SUPPOSED to teach us, lead us, help us follow God's Word. Even when we don't necessarily quite believe in exactly what Pastor is teaching.
So what do I do when these conflicts arise?
I pray, along with my church, in fervent prayer.
My prayer is, "Let it all be according to Your Will."
I then leave it all in His most capable Hands.
Yes, not everyone at my church agrees with my personal beliefs regarding this issue. I'm quite sure that there are many things that I hold near and dear that they don't believe in. As well as the reverse.
Unlike some of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I do my best to leave it in the Lord's hands. Maybe you think it's wishy-washy. However, I think of it as doing what God commanded me to do, submit my will and give it all to Him.
So that's what I try to do.
"Let it all be according to Your Will."
As you know, I think that same sex marriage is OK.
How do I reconcile my beliefs with my Pastor and church's beliefs?
Like Obama, I'm not going to change my church over a prayer that doesn't necessarily reflect my personal beliefs about certain issues.
Why should I? While my church is more conservative than I am, who says that's a bad thing? Pastors are SUPPOSED to teach us, lead us, help us follow God's Word. Even when we don't necessarily quite believe in exactly what Pastor is teaching.
So what do I do when these conflicts arise?
I pray, along with my church, in fervent prayer.
My prayer is, "Let it all be according to Your Will."
I then leave it all in His most capable Hands.
Yes, not everyone at my church agrees with my personal beliefs regarding this issue. I'm quite sure that there are many things that I hold near and dear that they don't believe in. As well as the reverse.
Unlike some of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I do my best to leave it in the Lord's hands. Maybe you think it's wishy-washy. However, I think of it as doing what God commanded me to do, submit my will and give it all to Him.
So that's what I try to do.
"Let it all be according to Your Will."
Friday, May 30, 2008
I Believe In Miracles
The story of Adam Taliaferro is a great one.
A young man brought down by a devastating football injury, paralyzed, his parents told that he'd never walk again. Adam was given only a 3% chance of recovery.
Six months later, he was walking.
Sure, the articles I've referenced below talk about the doctors, the therapy, Adam's determination to beat the odds. All that is good.
But Adam had more than that, he had God. Our God who answers all prayers.
I believe in miracles and God gave Adam one.
There were many prayers for this young man, from the moment he lay unmoving on that football field, through surgery, during the days and weeks and months of his recovery. Prayer covered him, sustained him, and his healing came.
Not all healings come in a flashing moment. Many come through Prayer, Faith, Belief, in the Knowingness of God's mighty power and the willingness of His people to work hard, do all we can do, and submit the rest to Him.
Some religions will tell you that there are no more miracles here on this earth. That's a lie straight from Satan himself. I have seen miracles happen. I believe in miracles.
America saw one happen when Adam walked again.
Seven years after being paralyzed, Adam has graduated from law school, receiving his law degree on May 22, 2008.
He walked down that aisle.
He walked.
And the Spirit of God walked with him.
http://www.beatingtheodds.org/adam.html
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2001/07/07-25-01cm/07-25-01cm-7.asp
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Hoop/7191/Adam_T_Olympic_T.html
http://www.virtua.org/page.cfm?id=healthsavvy_display&savvyID=61
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Taliaferro
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/19170329.html
A young man brought down by a devastating football injury, paralyzed, his parents told that he'd never walk again. Adam was given only a 3% chance of recovery.
Six months later, he was walking.
Sure, the articles I've referenced below talk about the doctors, the therapy, Adam's determination to beat the odds. All that is good.
But Adam had more than that, he had God. Our God who answers all prayers.
I believe in miracles and God gave Adam one.
There were many prayers for this young man, from the moment he lay unmoving on that football field, through surgery, during the days and weeks and months of his recovery. Prayer covered him, sustained him, and his healing came.
Not all healings come in a flashing moment. Many come through Prayer, Faith, Belief, in the Knowingness of God's mighty power and the willingness of His people to work hard, do all we can do, and submit the rest to Him.
Some religions will tell you that there are no more miracles here on this earth. That's a lie straight from Satan himself. I have seen miracles happen. I believe in miracles.
America saw one happen when Adam walked again.
Seven years after being paralyzed, Adam has graduated from law school, receiving his law degree on May 22, 2008.
He walked down that aisle.
He walked.
And the Spirit of God walked with him.
http://www.beatingtheodds.org/adam.html
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2001/07/07-25-01cm/07-25-01cm-7.asp
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Hoop/7191/Adam_T_Olympic_T.html
http://www.virtua.org/page.cfm?id=healthsavvy_display&savvyID=61
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Taliaferro
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/19170329.html
Sunday, May 18, 2008
I've Been Healed
I've not said anything until now.
It's been two weeks since my epiphany of what my Brother had said to me, about it being the Knowingness.
What I didn't reveal was that on that same morning, as the Spirit flowed, prophesy was spoken, healings were happening, that I too had a healing.
I hurt my knees two years ago and it's been a long and slow recovery. I've had to take a prescription anti-inflammatory to keep the swelling down enough that I was merely in pain.
Merely in pain.
But two weeks ago, I was deep in the flow of the Spirit, up in the back of the church. And when Pastor started speaking the Word and the Spirit moved through the church like a wave of the silver ocean, I flowed with it, I felt it working in me.
I was healed.
I haven't had those pain meds since. Tylenol, yes, but for muscle aches and headaches. Not for my poor, long-suffering, abused knees.
I am healed.
It really is in the Knowing of God and letting His Spirit move.
I am healed.
Hallelujah!!
It's been two weeks since my epiphany of what my Brother had said to me, about it being the Knowingness.
What I didn't reveal was that on that same morning, as the Spirit flowed, prophesy was spoken, healings were happening, that I too had a healing.
I hurt my knees two years ago and it's been a long and slow recovery. I've had to take a prescription anti-inflammatory to keep the swelling down enough that I was merely in pain.
Merely in pain.
But two weeks ago, I was deep in the flow of the Spirit, up in the back of the church. And when Pastor started speaking the Word and the Spirit moved through the church like a wave of the silver ocean, I flowed with it, I felt it working in me.
I was healed.
I haven't had those pain meds since. Tylenol, yes, but for muscle aches and headaches. Not for my poor, long-suffering, abused knees.
I am healed.
It really is in the Knowing of God and letting His Spirit move.
I am healed.
Hallelujah!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
It's The Word Of God
Recently I was sitting with some other parents at our kids' hockey game. Another boy's parents came rushing in, they'd been at a Bar Mitzvah that morning, so they looked so nice, all dressed up.
As the game went on, Mom was talking to another parent about the event. I guess she'd never been to one.
She was talking about the scroll that they read from, how it was treated with such reverence. She asked her husband about it and he said that it was hand written and very old.
She was very impressed and started talking about how it was no wonder that they treated it with such respect, so carefully. She was really impressed.
And then her husband said, ever so gently, "They treat it so carefully because it's the Word of God."
She was silent.
Sometimes we forget that the material manifestation of God may be a Bible or a Scroll, but in either case, it's still the literal Word of God.
It's the Word of God.
To be treated with all respect.
As the game went on, Mom was talking to another parent about the event. I guess she'd never been to one.
She was talking about the scroll that they read from, how it was treated with such reverence. She asked her husband about it and he said that it was hand written and very old.
She was very impressed and started talking about how it was no wonder that they treated it with such respect, so carefully. She was really impressed.
And then her husband said, ever so gently, "They treat it so carefully because it's the Word of God."
She was silent.
Sometimes we forget that the material manifestation of God may be a Bible or a Scroll, but in either case, it's still the literal Word of God.
It's the Word of God.
To be treated with all respect.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
It's In The Knowing
I was sitting in church on Sunday and it was DEEP. The Spirit was flowing, prophesy was spoken, healings were happening.
But I was thinking. I was thinking hard about something a friend said to me.
I had posted something about how even Satan believes in God.
My friend corrected me, "satan KNOWS there is a God!! belief is for those who arent sure!! Knowingness is for those that KNOW!!!!"
It caught me, there in church, I realized that it's more than Faith, it's more than Belief.
I KNOW God is here, in me, around me, everywhere, always.
Yes, the Spirit was moving mightily on Sunday.
Why else would I think of this conversation, six months later, and suddenly have the epiphany of exactly what my friend meant?
I caught what Jesus was trying to teach us.
Thomas was a Believer, but even in his Faith, he doubted.
Peter, Paul, they KNEW. And in their Knowing, the Spirit moved in and through them.
We have to KNOW Jesus so we can be Christ-like in all we do.
Not just Believe and not just have Faith. That's not enough.
It's in the Knowing.
But I was thinking. I was thinking hard about something a friend said to me.
I had posted something about how even Satan believes in God.
My friend corrected me, "satan KNOWS there is a God!! belief is for those who arent sure!! Knowingness is for those that KNOW!!!!"
It caught me, there in church, I realized that it's more than Faith, it's more than Belief.
I KNOW God is here, in me, around me, everywhere, always.
Yes, the Spirit was moving mightily on Sunday.
Why else would I think of this conversation, six months later, and suddenly have the epiphany of exactly what my friend meant?
I caught what Jesus was trying to teach us.
Thomas was a Believer, but even in his Faith, he doubted.
Peter, Paul, they KNEW. And in their Knowing, the Spirit moved in and through them.
We have to KNOW Jesus so we can be Christ-like in all we do.
Not just Believe and not just have Faith. That's not enough.
It's in the Knowing.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Music Opens The Heart
Last weekend, I had a couple of friends over for cake and ice cream for my birthday.
My daughter, bless her hard headed self, decided that she would bless us with her singing. So she stood in the living room and sang "Be Blessed" for my friends.
She brought my one friend, a kinda hardened, crusty old guy, to tears.
Yes, she did.
He even admitted it.
Music is one way that we as Christians can open the hearts, minds, souls of those who are trying to resist the call of God. Music opens a door that the Lord can use to work His Will upon even the most hard hearted, strong willed person.
There's good reason why we have praise and worship before we have the lesson at church. Music opens us up, makes us willing recipients of the Word. It pushes the world away as voices and then hands raise in worship. We become open to the Lord.
Then His Word reaches, teaches us.
Music opens the heart, not just among the unsaved, but among His chosen people as well.
I would urge you today, turn on the music. Put on the spiritual songs that touch your heart. Let Him work on you today.
Hallelujah, hallelujah. Raise your voice to sing to Him today.
Hallelujah.
My daughter, bless her hard headed self, decided that she would bless us with her singing. So she stood in the living room and sang "Be Blessed" for my friends.
She brought my one friend, a kinda hardened, crusty old guy, to tears.
Yes, she did.
He even admitted it.
Music is one way that we as Christians can open the hearts, minds, souls of those who are trying to resist the call of God. Music opens a door that the Lord can use to work His Will upon even the most hard hearted, strong willed person.
There's good reason why we have praise and worship before we have the lesson at church. Music opens us up, makes us willing recipients of the Word. It pushes the world away as voices and then hands raise in worship. We become open to the Lord.
Then His Word reaches, teaches us.
Music opens the heart, not just among the unsaved, but among His chosen people as well.
I would urge you today, turn on the music. Put on the spiritual songs that touch your heart. Let Him work on you today.
Hallelujah, hallelujah. Raise your voice to sing to Him today.
Hallelujah.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Even The Best Of God's People Make Terrible Mistakes
Yes, even the best of God's people make terrible mistakes.
For example, David lusted after and took loyal Uriah's wife. A terrible mistake.
When poor Bathsheba became pregnant (poor woman -- what foolish person would say no to the king?), he arranged that Uriah would die in battle. Bad decisions follow terrible mistakes. Trying to cover up a sin is just asking for more trouble to follow.
David made a terrible, terrible mistake and then tried to hide it. Action, then reaction.
For his mistake and his bad decisions afterward, he paid a horrible price. The consequences were worse than he could have imagined.
15 ...the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.
17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."
19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate
21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.'
23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."
24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him;
25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. [loved by the Lord] -- 2 Samuel 12:15-25
Yes, in the end, David did the right thing. He repented. He prayed. He worshipped the Lord. He did what little he could (at this point) to make things right. He comforted Bathsheba (now his wife) and from them came Solomon, who was loved by the Lord.
Even the best of God's people make terrible mistakes.
The moral of this story is meant for all of us.
Do we learn from our mistakes and do we deal with the consequences?
Do we rail against God? Or do we repent of our sins and move forward?
Do we choose to avoid responsibility for our actions, or do we accept it and get back on the right Path?
As Christians, we are held to a high standard. We try and all too often we fail. Yet, as we repent of our sins, we step up, we get back into the Path that the Lord has laid before us. We walk the walk, one step at a time, every day.
Just as David did.
Actions.
Reactions.
Then consequences.
David paid a terrible price for his actions and reactions.
Yes, even the best of us make terrible mistakes.
For example, David lusted after and took loyal Uriah's wife. A terrible mistake.
When poor Bathsheba became pregnant (poor woman -- what foolish person would say no to the king?), he arranged that Uriah would die in battle. Bad decisions follow terrible mistakes. Trying to cover up a sin is just asking for more trouble to follow.
David made a terrible, terrible mistake and then tried to hide it. Action, then reaction.
For his mistake and his bad decisions afterward, he paid a horrible price. The consequences were worse than he could have imagined.
15 ...the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.
17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."
19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate
21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.'
23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."
24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him;
25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. [loved by the Lord] -- 2 Samuel 12:15-25
Yes, in the end, David did the right thing. He repented. He prayed. He worshipped the Lord. He did what little he could (at this point) to make things right. He comforted Bathsheba (now his wife) and from them came Solomon, who was loved by the Lord.
Even the best of God's people make terrible mistakes.
The moral of this story is meant for all of us.
Do we learn from our mistakes and do we deal with the consequences?
Do we rail against God? Or do we repent of our sins and move forward?
Do we choose to avoid responsibility for our actions, or do we accept it and get back on the right Path?
As Christians, we are held to a high standard. We try and all too often we fail. Yet, as we repent of our sins, we step up, we get back into the Path that the Lord has laid before us. We walk the walk, one step at a time, every day.
Just as David did.
Actions.
Reactions.
Then consequences.
David paid a terrible price for his actions and reactions.
Yes, even the best of us make terrible mistakes.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
God Always Answers
Yes, I believe in that with all my heart. God ALWAYS answers our prayers.
And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His Will, He heareth us:
And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14-15
However, we humans tend to hear what we want to hear, skipping the most important part of the whole verse. What part of "according to His Will" did we not understand?
Yes, God always answers.
Sometimes it's "Yes".
Sometimes it's "No".
Sometimes it's "You've GOT to be kidding". (Although I know He knows I'm not kidding, the response makes me wake up to the selfishness or foolishness of my prayer.)
And sometimes, sadly, it's "I'm going to say yes, because there's a lesson you must learn in this. But you will be sorry".
Oh, I so hate that last answer. I heard that one so many times and, after I've learned the lesson, I've had to repent and pray to Him, submitting my will to His, asking Him to guide me in all things. Which, naturally, was part of the lesson.
Yes, I'm an obstinate child of God.
But you know, I'm so, so grateful that He is always here for me.
He always answers my prayers.
Always.
And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His Will, He heareth us:
And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14-15
However, we humans tend to hear what we want to hear, skipping the most important part of the whole verse. What part of "according to His Will" did we not understand?
Yes, God always answers.
Sometimes it's "Yes".
Sometimes it's "No".
Sometimes it's "You've GOT to be kidding". (Although I know He knows I'm not kidding, the response makes me wake up to the selfishness or foolishness of my prayer.)
And sometimes, sadly, it's "I'm going to say yes, because there's a lesson you must learn in this. But you will be sorry".
Oh, I so hate that last answer. I heard that one so many times and, after I've learned the lesson, I've had to repent and pray to Him, submitting my will to His, asking Him to guide me in all things. Which, naturally, was part of the lesson.
Yes, I'm an obstinate child of God.
But you know, I'm so, so grateful that He is always here for me.
He always answers my prayers.
Always.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The False Division In The Mind
I'm going to return to the topic, "There Is No Conflict".
I've started reading the most interesting book, Spiritual Evolution, edited by John Marks Templeton and Kenneth Seeman Giniger. It's a collection of essays written by scientists about their spiritual journeys.
Yes, despite what the world believes, scientists also have spiritual journeys.
What really struck me was "Tracks In Snow" by Dr. Larry Dossey, a doctor of internal medicine.
Dr Dossey was speaking of his journey while in college:
"...One could choose, on one hand, to be rational, analytical, logical, and scientific. Or one could choose to be intuitive, religious, spiritual, and intellectually reckless. It was obvious to me that these two psychological vectors -- science and 'the spiritual' -- were inherently incompatible and could not be harmonized.
"Although today I regard these choices as artificial, at the time they seemed valid and ineluctable. They persist in our colleges and universities. These choices are, literally, schizophrenic because they create a false division in the mind..."
I agree with his evaluation of this situation.
However, I want to take this a bit further. I think that we as the Body should teach our kids that we CAN believe in God, the Bible, the Word, without sacrificing the seeking, the exploration, the discoveries of science.
As I've said before, science is reaching to learn the mysteries of the Universe that God has created, it's seeking to rewrite what is already Written.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to learn all that we can about life, the world and the Universe.
If we weren't meant to use our brains, why did God give them to us?
Yes, exactly. He expects us to learn, the explore, to share the knowledge that we find. He expects us to be all that we can be.
The only problem is that we think there's a problem.
Think about it. If all good things come from God, why would we think that science, medicine, astronomy, the arts, even evolution didn't come from God? Why would we think that we discovered these things all on our own?
I submit to you, my brothers and sisters, that God has provided it all to us.
We are busy little creatures and we have to stay busy or, like all children, we get ourselves into trouble. He knows how we are, so He has provided many mysteries for us to ferret out.
We should thank Him for Blessing us with things to do, discover, invent.
There is no conflict, except the ones we create in our limited understanding of the Creation.
We need to stop creating false divisions.
Science has a valid place in our lives, we depend on it every day. We use it every day. Computers, the Internet, planes, trains, automobiles, electricity, eyeglasses, antibiotics, we use science all the time.
There is nothing wrong with science UNLESS we base our spiritual lives on it. How can you base your Faith on something that's only a tiny part of the Whole? Why limit yourself in such a simplistic way?
Have Faith, there really is no conflict.
Really.
Link:
http://www.dosseydossey.com/larry/default.html
I've started reading the most interesting book, Spiritual Evolution, edited by John Marks Templeton and Kenneth Seeman Giniger. It's a collection of essays written by scientists about their spiritual journeys.
Yes, despite what the world believes, scientists also have spiritual journeys.
What really struck me was "Tracks In Snow" by Dr. Larry Dossey, a doctor of internal medicine.
Dr Dossey was speaking of his journey while in college:
"...One could choose, on one hand, to be rational, analytical, logical, and scientific. Or one could choose to be intuitive, religious, spiritual, and intellectually reckless. It was obvious to me that these two psychological vectors -- science and 'the spiritual' -- were inherently incompatible and could not be harmonized.
"Although today I regard these choices as artificial, at the time they seemed valid and ineluctable. They persist in our colleges and universities. These choices are, literally, schizophrenic because they create a false division in the mind..."
I agree with his evaluation of this situation.
However, I want to take this a bit further. I think that we as the Body should teach our kids that we CAN believe in God, the Bible, the Word, without sacrificing the seeking, the exploration, the discoveries of science.
As I've said before, science is reaching to learn the mysteries of the Universe that God has created, it's seeking to rewrite what is already Written.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to learn all that we can about life, the world and the Universe.
If we weren't meant to use our brains, why did God give them to us?
Yes, exactly. He expects us to learn, the explore, to share the knowledge that we find. He expects us to be all that we can be.
The only problem is that we think there's a problem.
Think about it. If all good things come from God, why would we think that science, medicine, astronomy, the arts, even evolution didn't come from God? Why would we think that we discovered these things all on our own?
I submit to you, my brothers and sisters, that God has provided it all to us.
We are busy little creatures and we have to stay busy or, like all children, we get ourselves into trouble. He knows how we are, so He has provided many mysteries for us to ferret out.
We should thank Him for Blessing us with things to do, discover, invent.
There is no conflict, except the ones we create in our limited understanding of the Creation.
We need to stop creating false divisions.
Science has a valid place in our lives, we depend on it every day. We use it every day. Computers, the Internet, planes, trains, automobiles, electricity, eyeglasses, antibiotics, we use science all the time.
There is nothing wrong with science UNLESS we base our spiritual lives on it. How can you base your Faith on something that's only a tiny part of the Whole? Why limit yourself in such a simplistic way?
Have Faith, there really is no conflict.
Really.
Link:
http://www.dosseydossey.com/larry/default.html
Sunday, February 24, 2008
What Is Heaven?
What is Heaven?
Is it a place where the angels sing and we flit here and there?
Is it a place where I can eat all the chocolate I want, and never get fat?
Is the disco ball making the stars in the heavens sparkle, and we're all boogeying down on the night shift?
Is more than my mind can ever imagine?
Yes, I think that's it. Heaven is more. More than my puny little mind can imagine.
And when it's time to go Home, I think that my mind, my spirit, my soul will expand out of this mortal body, free to expand out across the millions of dimensions, to join the Whole that we know as God.
And He will be more than I could ever image.
Is it a place where the angels sing and we flit here and there?
Is it a place where I can eat all the chocolate I want, and never get fat?
Is the disco ball making the stars in the heavens sparkle, and we're all boogeying down on the night shift?
Is more than my mind can ever imagine?
Yes, I think that's it. Heaven is more. More than my puny little mind can imagine.
And when it's time to go Home, I think that my mind, my spirit, my soul will expand out of this mortal body, free to expand out across the millions of dimensions, to join the Whole that we know as God.
And He will be more than I could ever image.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
There Is No Conflict
Yes, I know, as a Christian that believes in the Word of the Bible, there seems to be a lot of conflicts between what is Written and the secular world.
I have a Word for you all.
There is no conflict.
Yes, I know the Bible says God created it all in 6 days, and on the 7th He rested. Science says the earth is billions of years old.
God created Man. Science says we evolved.
My brothers and sisters, there is NO conflict.
How can I say that?
We are looking at this from God's point of view, from His Word written for us.
Science is looking over at the backside of the earth and the sun and the moon and the stars, trying to recreate what has already been Written.
And no one realizes that we're looking at exactly the same things.
There is no conflict.
However, our limited understanding, plus our limited ability to see and hear and feel all the world that God has made for us, leads us to many, many conclusions, perhaps even misconceptions.
How long ago was it that we believed the world was flat? That the earth was the center of the universe?
Yes, not that long ago.
How long ago did we realize that there are more colors than our eyes can see? More sounds than our ears can hear? More smells than our noses can distinguish? And if that is true, then isn't it entirely possible that there is so much more out there in the universe? Things that we don't even know to look for?
How long ago did we start to realize that there are more than 3 or 4 dimensions? Yes, not that long ago either.
Besides our inability to see, hear, feel, smell, touch all the possibilities of the world, our humanity makes us suseptible to vain imaginings. We make things way more complicated than they are. And we also try to explain complicated things we don't understand in words that are far too simple to even start to encompass the world God blessed us with.
We keep trying to limit God to fit our understanding.
There is no conflict.
There is only our limited ability to comprehend the vastness of the universe -- and the infinity of God.
Accept, have Faith, realize that there doesn't have to be an argument.
Because there is no conflict.
I have a Word for you all.
There is no conflict.
Yes, I know the Bible says God created it all in 6 days, and on the 7th He rested. Science says the earth is billions of years old.
God created Man. Science says we evolved.
My brothers and sisters, there is NO conflict.
How can I say that?
We are looking at this from God's point of view, from His Word written for us.
Science is looking over at the backside of the earth and the sun and the moon and the stars, trying to recreate what has already been Written.
And no one realizes that we're looking at exactly the same things.
There is no conflict.
However, our limited understanding, plus our limited ability to see and hear and feel all the world that God has made for us, leads us to many, many conclusions, perhaps even misconceptions.
How long ago was it that we believed the world was flat? That the earth was the center of the universe?
Yes, not that long ago.
How long ago did we realize that there are more colors than our eyes can see? More sounds than our ears can hear? More smells than our noses can distinguish? And if that is true, then isn't it entirely possible that there is so much more out there in the universe? Things that we don't even know to look for?
How long ago did we start to realize that there are more than 3 or 4 dimensions? Yes, not that long ago either.
Besides our inability to see, hear, feel, smell, touch all the possibilities of the world, our humanity makes us suseptible to vain imaginings. We make things way more complicated than they are. And we also try to explain complicated things we don't understand in words that are far too simple to even start to encompass the world God blessed us with.
We keep trying to limit God to fit our understanding.
There is no conflict.
There is only our limited ability to comprehend the vastness of the universe -- and the infinity of God.
Accept, have Faith, realize that there doesn't have to be an argument.
Because there is no conflict.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Render Unto Caesar...
Yes, it's that lovely time of year again, when we get out the sharpened pencils and calculators, the receipts and W-2s and 1099s, and sit for hours at our desks.
I just e-filed my taxes this morning.
Once more, I balanced out pretty well. I don't believe in big refunds. Why would I give my money to the government, just so I can fill out paperwork and get my own money back next year? That makes no sense at all! I try to take just enough deductions and have just enough withheld that I don't have to pay anything to the IRS at the end of the year.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do my taxes every year, and yes, I look for every legal deduction I can get. There is nothing wrong with that.
However, I do have a problem. There are just too many people who don't think they should have to do their taxes. They use false doctrines presented by people who do NOT have their best interests in mind.
Nobody likes to pay taxes. Nobody.
However, we all benefit from having a government that makes laws, takes care of the roads and economy. We may not always agree with the government, but we are Blessed here in America; we have the right to vote the scoundrals out and vote new ones in.
But back to the annual flauntings of tax scofflaws. There are plenty of scams out there, just check www.irs.gov. All too many of the Body are sucked into the scams and lies of the evil one. Yes, the evil one. Misdirection, lies, scams presented by fast talking tax preparers who are only out to collect your money. If the IRS catches up to them, they'll turn over on you in a heartbeat. If the IRS catches up to you, they'll abandon you without a thought, taking no responsibility for their slick lies.
Well, I have a thought for all of us. If we aren't supposed to pay taxes, how do we explain Mathew 22:15-22?
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
To my mind, Jesus was telling them that as long as we live under law, there will be taxes and they must be paid. In addition, He was revealing the methods of the current day tax scofflaws who will suck you into a morass of legal problems, fines, perhaps even jail. The evil one doesn't have to do much, our need to hear that we don't have to cough up money is enough to suck all too many into the trap.
And I have another set of verses which are even more to the point, Mathew 17:25-27.
25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?”
26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free!
27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”
Jesus was telling Peter to go with the program. And that includes paying taxes.
Don't be sucked in, my Brothers and Sisters.
At least go to www.irs.gov and check out the lastest scams, and then turn to your Word before you decide to go against the law and Jesus' words.
And remember, Jesus said He didn't come to set aside the law...
I just e-filed my taxes this morning.
Once more, I balanced out pretty well. I don't believe in big refunds. Why would I give my money to the government, just so I can fill out paperwork and get my own money back next year? That makes no sense at all! I try to take just enough deductions and have just enough withheld that I don't have to pay anything to the IRS at the end of the year.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do my taxes every year, and yes, I look for every legal deduction I can get. There is nothing wrong with that.
However, I do have a problem. There are just too many people who don't think they should have to do their taxes. They use false doctrines presented by people who do NOT have their best interests in mind.
Nobody likes to pay taxes. Nobody.
However, we all benefit from having a government that makes laws, takes care of the roads and economy. We may not always agree with the government, but we are Blessed here in America; we have the right to vote the scoundrals out and vote new ones in.
But back to the annual flauntings of tax scofflaws. There are plenty of scams out there, just check www.irs.gov. All too many of the Body are sucked into the scams and lies of the evil one. Yes, the evil one. Misdirection, lies, scams presented by fast talking tax preparers who are only out to collect your money. If the IRS catches up to them, they'll turn over on you in a heartbeat. If the IRS catches up to you, they'll abandon you without a thought, taking no responsibility for their slick lies.
Well, I have a thought for all of us. If we aren't supposed to pay taxes, how do we explain Mathew 22:15-22?
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
To my mind, Jesus was telling them that as long as we live under law, there will be taxes and they must be paid. In addition, He was revealing the methods of the current day tax scofflaws who will suck you into a morass of legal problems, fines, perhaps even jail. The evil one doesn't have to do much, our need to hear that we don't have to cough up money is enough to suck all too many into the trap.
And I have another set of verses which are even more to the point, Mathew 17:25-27.
25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?”
26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free!
27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”
Jesus was telling Peter to go with the program. And that includes paying taxes.
Don't be sucked in, my Brothers and Sisters.
At least go to www.irs.gov and check out the lastest scams, and then turn to your Word before you decide to go against the law and Jesus' words.
And remember, Jesus said He didn't come to set aside the law...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Every Day We're More And More Blessed
Yes, every day we're more and more Blessed.
One of my co-workers was at a meeting last week. There's an event coming up quickly, and one of the organizers said that they wanted someone to sing the Black National Anthem to open the event.
Now, my co-worker has heard my girl sing. She sang the National Anthem at our 9/11 Observance back in September. So he mentioned to the lady that he might know someone.
The funny thing is, neither of these people had any idea that my daughter is already practicing Lift Every Voice And Sing for the concert in San Francisco on February 16th!
So she's going to go and sing for them next week.
They are thrilled. So am I!
More and more, the Lord is putting opportunities in my child's Path. He has a Plan. I'm not sure what it is or where He's taking us, but I'm doing my best to fulfill His expectations of what I, Mom, should do to help my child.
(Don't think she and I don't argue. OMGoodness, there are days we fight like cats and dogs. Nobody said our lives are perfect. LOL, not hardly! But my Brothers and Sisters, God and Love will carry us through these difficult times. More and more, we are Blessed. Hallelujah!)
Celebrating Black History Month
Bethel Temple
San Francisco, CA
February 16th, 6pm
One of my co-workers was at a meeting last week. There's an event coming up quickly, and one of the organizers said that they wanted someone to sing the Black National Anthem to open the event.
Now, my co-worker has heard my girl sing. She sang the National Anthem at our 9/11 Observance back in September. So he mentioned to the lady that he might know someone.
The funny thing is, neither of these people had any idea that my daughter is already practicing Lift Every Voice And Sing for the concert in San Francisco on February 16th!
So she's going to go and sing for them next week.
They are thrilled. So am I!
More and more, the Lord is putting opportunities in my child's Path. He has a Plan. I'm not sure what it is or where He's taking us, but I'm doing my best to fulfill His expectations of what I, Mom, should do to help my child.
(Don't think she and I don't argue. OMGoodness, there are days we fight like cats and dogs. Nobody said our lives are perfect. LOL, not hardly! But my Brothers and Sisters, God and Love will carry us through these difficult times. More and more, we are Blessed. Hallelujah!)
Celebrating Black History Month
Bethel Temple
San Francisco, CA
February 16th, 6pm
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Do Unto Others...
...as you would have them do unto you.
This should be our mantra, day in and day out.
But, you know, my girlfriend and I were talking about my daughter going to the teen retreat, and then we moved on to talking about kids and how we do our best, but at some point, they start making their own decisions. No matter how we raise them, no matter if we're a good or bad examples, kids take their own path. With luck and the Good Lord guiding them, they'll find their way back Home.
Then she mentioned that even the Pastor's son had some issues.
That brought to mind, how hard we are on the preachers' kids.
Poor kids, we as the congregation really have some unrealistic expectations of our pastors' kids.
Our kids can be mess-ups and we pray over them and forgive them for all the crazy things they do.
But let the pastors' kids act up and oh my goodness, you'd think satan himself had entered the church doors!
We are so dang judgemental and unfair to the pastors' kids. No wonder some do bust loose and do some wild things along the way. We pile our hopes and dreams and expectations on the pastors' kids.
They're held to a higher standard. A higher standard than we hold our own kids.
It's not fair to our young people.
We, as the congregation, need to remember those important words:
"Judge not, lest ye be judged"
and
"Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."
This should be our mantra, day in and day out.
But, you know, my girlfriend and I were talking about my daughter going to the teen retreat, and then we moved on to talking about kids and how we do our best, but at some point, they start making their own decisions. No matter how we raise them, no matter if we're a good or bad examples, kids take their own path. With luck and the Good Lord guiding them, they'll find their way back Home.
Then she mentioned that even the Pastor's son had some issues.
That brought to mind, how hard we are on the preachers' kids.
Poor kids, we as the congregation really have some unrealistic expectations of our pastors' kids.
Our kids can be mess-ups and we pray over them and forgive them for all the crazy things they do.
But let the pastors' kids act up and oh my goodness, you'd think satan himself had entered the church doors!
We are so dang judgemental and unfair to the pastors' kids. No wonder some do bust loose and do some wild things along the way. We pile our hopes and dreams and expectations on the pastors' kids.
They're held to a higher standard. A higher standard than we hold our own kids.
It's not fair to our young people.
We, as the congregation, need to remember those important words:
"Judge not, lest ye be judged"
and
"Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."
Sunday, January 20, 2008
God Is Working Mightily
My dear child is off to a Christian teen retreat this weekend.
Now, she is a diva, I have to admit that. She's a strong-willed child -- a good child with a temper.
And I'm a strong-willed woman -- a good mom with a temper. No wonder we clash.
Anyway, she called me last night. She called to tell me that she loved me and she's going to do better. That God is working on her. God is working on her mightily.
I told her I love her always. Always. Always. Always.
We'll both try to do better.
God is working mightily. On both of us.
Now, she is a diva, I have to admit that. She's a strong-willed child -- a good child with a temper.
And I'm a strong-willed woman -- a good mom with a temper. No wonder we clash.
Anyway, she called me last night. She called to tell me that she loved me and she's going to do better. That God is working on her. God is working on her mightily.
I told her I love her always. Always. Always. Always.
We'll both try to do better.
God is working mightily. On both of us.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Road To Hell
Yes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Good intentions, coated by inaction and the lies of the evil one.
But you know what? I have a Word for you today.
Yes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but so is the road to Heaven! The difference is that you can start following through with those good intentions and make them a reality.
You are known by your fruits. So choose to stop procrastinating, stop listening to lies, stop doubting. Stop listening to the lies of this world. Focus. Focus on the Blessings you already have. Pick yourself up and start taking inspiration from Jesus' example. Start listening to the positive whisper in your mind, heart, spirit. He is with you. He is always with you.
So start picking up those good intentions along that winding road we call life. Don't step over that good intention you had. Stop, look at it, let the Spirit tell you if it's a load the Lord would have you carry, and then pick it up, pick up the Work, and make it a part of your reality, your Path, your road to Heaven.
And not to worry, I'll be there with you, working my way along my Path. Maybe our Paths will cross somewhere and we'll know each other by the fruits of our lives. And if not, well then, our roads lead to Heaven, I'll plan on seeing you there.
I'll do my best, like I know you will too. And at the end of that Road, I pray that Jesus will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
"Well done."
Good intentions, coated by inaction and the lies of the evil one.
But you know what? I have a Word for you today.
Yes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but so is the road to Heaven! The difference is that you can start following through with those good intentions and make them a reality.
You are known by your fruits. So choose to stop procrastinating, stop listening to lies, stop doubting. Stop listening to the lies of this world. Focus. Focus on the Blessings you already have. Pick yourself up and start taking inspiration from Jesus' example. Start listening to the positive whisper in your mind, heart, spirit. He is with you. He is always with you.
So start picking up those good intentions along that winding road we call life. Don't step over that good intention you had. Stop, look at it, let the Spirit tell you if it's a load the Lord would have you carry, and then pick it up, pick up the Work, and make it a part of your reality, your Path, your road to Heaven.
And not to worry, I'll be there with you, working my way along my Path. Maybe our Paths will cross somewhere and we'll know each other by the fruits of our lives. And if not, well then, our roads lead to Heaven, I'll plan on seeing you there.
I'll do my best, like I know you will too. And at the end of that Road, I pray that Jesus will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
"Well done."
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Word Of Hope For 2008
The last day of 2007 -- what a day!
I'd driven back from Oregon on Sunday. It was the usual 7 or so hours so I was tired. Even though I was tired, we had plans for New Year's Eve so I had to get us all home.
Yes, New Year's Eve was a beautiful night. My church has a great New Year's Eve party that we call "Showtime At Liberty". It's a great show, featuring singers, dancers, musicians, lip-syncing, with lots of fun and worship.
My daughter has been practicing for weeks. She's a singer and she has truly been Blessed with a big voice. I'm Mom and yes, I know, all moms think their kids can sing. But my daughter can't just sing, God blessed her with a VOICE and she can BLOW!
Anyway, we spent some time with her vocal coach, Jonathon, then her best friend flat-ironed her hair and they got ready to go. We arrived at the church on time and many friends were there. It's always good to go in the doors, I feel the worries of the world drain out of me when I get to church.
Anyway, my girl was fifth in the lineup. I enjoyed the other young people, a pianist, another singer, a flutist, a hip-hop dance group. But I was waiting for my girl.
I was so proud.
I am so proud of my child.
She got up there and was so beautiful, quietly waiting for her introduction. Then, the music started and she opened her mouth and her spirit and her soul and she sang. OMG she SANG! She sang a Word of Hope for 2008 for me and my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Be Blessed, sung by Yolanda Adams is an awesome song. Sung by my girl, it moved the church.
"Cause I spoke to God, I called out your name
And on your behalf, I just asked if He would be there for you"
I could feel the power of His Spirit moving her and moving across the church with her voice, soaring above us. He was there. The angels were moving through the crowded pews, touching hearts, minds, souls, spirits.
Her best friend was crying.
When the last note faded, my Brothers and Sisters were on their feet, clapping and cheering and praising God.
The Spirit moved. He moved.
------------------------------------------------------
I am such the proud mom.
But that's not all.
In Blessing us with her singing, she was also Blessed. She was so focused on singing, she forgot that this was also a talent show.
Yes, it was a tight competition, because there was other wonderful Talent. But my girl WON!
And not only did she win that gift certificate, but she's been invited to sing at another church in San Francisco in February, at a Black History Celebration.
AND we have two people at church who have recording studios and she's been invited to record FOR FREE!
Hallelujah!
------------------------------------------------------
AND that's not all!
Part of "Showtime At Liberty" is a fundraiser so our teens and young adults can go to Encounter in January. The young people were selling water, candy, pizza and had a raffle for two bicycles.
Now, my youngest son had his bicycle stolen a couple of weeks ago. He took half of what was left of his birthday and Christmas money and bought 7 tickets. Sure, he wanted to win a bike, but he also wanted to support the fund-raiser. Being the sweet kid that he is, and knowing that with about 1100 people in the audience, his odds weren't good, he still bought the tickets, knowing that he was blessing the teens (including his big sister).
Yes, I know you know where I'm going with this.
Yes, he WON!
And I won too, because I also have had a Word of Hope for 2008. All that we've went through this past year, and at the very end of the year, I've been blessed with that bright light shining Hope into my life.
All will be well.
Storms will come. Storms will come and they will pass. And when the Light shines through the dark clouds, I'll again be reminded of how 2007 ended, with joy and hope and the Spirit moving in our lives.
And I will praise Him. Through the good, through the bad, I will praise the Lord God Almighty, because despite how things may look at the moment, it's going to be all right...
(And I can hardly wait for the video. Her dad made it to the church and taped her singing, so I'll be able to share with family and friends. I'm so excited!)
I'd driven back from Oregon on Sunday. It was the usual 7 or so hours so I was tired. Even though I was tired, we had plans for New Year's Eve so I had to get us all home.
Yes, New Year's Eve was a beautiful night. My church has a great New Year's Eve party that we call "Showtime At Liberty". It's a great show, featuring singers, dancers, musicians, lip-syncing, with lots of fun and worship.
My daughter has been practicing for weeks. She's a singer and she has truly been Blessed with a big voice. I'm Mom and yes, I know, all moms think their kids can sing. But my daughter can't just sing, God blessed her with a VOICE and she can BLOW!
Anyway, we spent some time with her vocal coach, Jonathon, then her best friend flat-ironed her hair and they got ready to go. We arrived at the church on time and many friends were there. It's always good to go in the doors, I feel the worries of the world drain out of me when I get to church.
Anyway, my girl was fifth in the lineup. I enjoyed the other young people, a pianist, another singer, a flutist, a hip-hop dance group. But I was waiting for my girl.
I was so proud.
I am so proud of my child.
She got up there and was so beautiful, quietly waiting for her introduction. Then, the music started and she opened her mouth and her spirit and her soul and she sang. OMG she SANG! She sang a Word of Hope for 2008 for me and my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Be Blessed, sung by Yolanda Adams is an awesome song. Sung by my girl, it moved the church.
"Cause I spoke to God, I called out your name
And on your behalf, I just asked if He would be there for you"
I could feel the power of His Spirit moving her and moving across the church with her voice, soaring above us. He was there. The angels were moving through the crowded pews, touching hearts, minds, souls, spirits.
Her best friend was crying.
When the last note faded, my Brothers and Sisters were on their feet, clapping and cheering and praising God.
The Spirit moved. He moved.
------------------------------------------------------
I am such the proud mom.
But that's not all.
In Blessing us with her singing, she was also Blessed. She was so focused on singing, she forgot that this was also a talent show.
Yes, it was a tight competition, because there was other wonderful Talent. But my girl WON!
And not only did she win that gift certificate, but she's been invited to sing at another church in San Francisco in February, at a Black History Celebration.
AND we have two people at church who have recording studios and she's been invited to record FOR FREE!
Hallelujah!
------------------------------------------------------
AND that's not all!
Part of "Showtime At Liberty" is a fundraiser so our teens and young adults can go to Encounter in January. The young people were selling water, candy, pizza and had a raffle for two bicycles.
Now, my youngest son had his bicycle stolen a couple of weeks ago. He took half of what was left of his birthday and Christmas money and bought 7 tickets. Sure, he wanted to win a bike, but he also wanted to support the fund-raiser. Being the sweet kid that he is, and knowing that with about 1100 people in the audience, his odds weren't good, he still bought the tickets, knowing that he was blessing the teens (including his big sister).
Yes, I know you know where I'm going with this.
Yes, he WON!
And I won too, because I also have had a Word of Hope for 2008. All that we've went through this past year, and at the very end of the year, I've been blessed with that bright light shining Hope into my life.
All will be well.
Storms will come. Storms will come and they will pass. And when the Light shines through the dark clouds, I'll again be reminded of how 2007 ended, with joy and hope and the Spirit moving in our lives.
And I will praise Him. Through the good, through the bad, I will praise the Lord God Almighty, because despite how things may look at the moment, it's going to be all right...
(And I can hardly wait for the video. Her dad made it to the church and taped her singing, so I'll be able to share with family and friends. I'm so excited!)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
All The Children Of Abraham
In today’s world, the peoples who follow Islam are all too often vilified as followers of a violent ritualistic faith. Yet, according to Islam, they're the children of Abraham.
Hmmm, aren't the Jews and the Christians considered the children of Abraham? What's going on here? How is it that the three great faiths could all be children of Abraham? And why are we all fighting in the Middle East?
I can only speak as a Christian, and I think we should consider: If a person believes that the Bible is the literal Word, then how to understand the current crisis between Jews, Christians and Muslims? Bluntly, a true Believer would go back to the Bible.
So let's go back to the beginnings of the Great Faiths.
OK, not all the way back, we'll start with God's covenant with Abraham. I've paraphrased and condensed the verses, you can go back to your Bible to read the full text. Don't take my word for this, go back and read it for yourself!
In the Old Testament, God made a Covenant with Abraham, saying that his seed would be numbered as the stars in the heavens. Genesis 14:5
Now, Abraham was old at this point, he and his wife Sarah had no children. If you read Genesis carefully, they weren't always the nicest people, but they believed in God. That was their strength, they were Believers.
So when God said Abraham would have descendants, they Believed in God's Word. Over time, however, Sarah decided that if she couldn't provide an heir, Abraham WOULD have an heir.As was the custom of that era, Sarah gave her handmaid, Hagar, to Abraham as a second wife, hoping for an heir. Hagar was also a follower of God, and in the midst of the turmoil that was caused between Abraham, Sarah, and herself, an angel of God spoke to her, ordering her to submit to Sarah. By her submission, God forged a covenant with Hagar, promising her that her seed would also be too many to count. Genesis 16:9-10
Then, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, God again spoke to Abraham, promising them a son. God told Abraham that his first son, Ishmael would have many children, a great nation. Yet Abraham’s heir would be Sarah’s son, Isaac. Genesis 17:16, 20-21
Thus, despite her old age, Sarah had a son, Isaac. As was the custom, the son of the first wife is the heir, even if the other wife's child was the oldest. And unfortunately, human nature wins out over compassion. Sarah was jealous of Hagar and Ishmael. In today's words, she felt that they "didn't know their place".After Isaac was born, Sarah demanded that Abraham put Hagar and Ishmael out. God reassured him that both sons would lead great nations, so Abraham did as his wife demanded. Genesis 21:10-13
DANG, Abraham put his own child out into the wilderness because his wife demanded it? That is some messed up stuff, now isn't it? Even if God reassured me about my child's destiny, I don't know that I have enough Faith to do such a thing. But then again, I'm a mom, not an old man with a big problem.
Hagar and Ishmael were cast out into the wilderness. Hagar was in despair, believing that they would die. Yet God heard her cries and His angel again reassured her that Ishmael would father a great nation. She opened her eyes and saw a well of water. They were saved. Genesis 21:14-21
----------------------------
Fast forward to the present:
Many Christians now accept that the Jewish peoples still have a covenant with God. Jesus said himself that he didn't come to set aside the law.
Now, if Isaac’s descendants are the Jewish people, then who are the followers of Islam? We already know that genetically, the Jews and the Arabs of the middle east are related peoples.
If we believe that the Arabic peoples are also descended of Abraham, then are they actually the descendants of the elder brother, Ishmael?
More than that, if the Arabic peoples are the descendants of Ishmael, then they are the brothers and sisters of the Jews (and Christians). According to Bible, Hagar and Ishmael also have a covenant with God, separate from Isaac's Promise.
Therefore, since all three great faiths of the world, according to their own beliefs, are descended from Abraham, the conflict today is far worse than the secular world understands.
From the ancient days, right to the present, the descendants of Abraham are still fighting over their place in God's Kingdom.
There is NOTHING worse than a family fight -- especially a family fight over an inheritance.
It's no wonder that the Middle East is such a mess. None of us can fully comprehend the good and the evil that happen when men believe that they are the single heir of God. God didn't tell Abraham, Sarah or Hagar any such thing, God said that both of Abraham's sons would father great nations.
Ouch.
Yes, one is "the heir" but the other also has a Promise. Ouch again.
Honestly, Sarah shouldn't have taken matters into her own hands, she should have left it up to God. That's what happens when we decide to push things along, instead of waiting on God's Time. But at this point, those thoughts are way too late. We can't change the past, we can only look to the future.
What future do we have if we continue to battle each other?
God has a covenant with each of the great religions. Yet we deny that. We deny our own Brothers and Sisters in Faith.
There is evil out there in the world that twists everything and everyone, until it seems that what's right is wrong and what's wrong is right. So, we actually assist the evil one.
When will we learn Lord? When will we learn the lessons You try to teach us? How long must Abraham's children pay for the sins of the father?
How many more years will we fight over God?
Until we stop fighting each other and begin to grow and accept that all of God's children, all of Abraham's children, have a place in the Kingdom, the world will remain in conflict. The Middle East will remain divided, torn by wars, as it has been through history.
How much longer must we suffer?
Until we stop letting the extremists reign.
Until we listen to the Father.
Until we follow His Word.
Until we have a family reunion.
Then we will find Peace.
Links:
Science Daily - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000509003653.htm
The Scribe - http://www.dangoor.com/73page25.html
BeliefNet - http://www.beliefnet.com/story/136/story_13658_1.html
Note: I have more than one blog, and sometimes I repeat a post because the topic overlaps my blogs' focus. This topic is not just about religious beliefs, but political, so it appears twice.
Hmmm, aren't the Jews and the Christians considered the children of Abraham? What's going on here? How is it that the three great faiths could all be children of Abraham? And why are we all fighting in the Middle East?
I can only speak as a Christian, and I think we should consider: If a person believes that the Bible is the literal Word, then how to understand the current crisis between Jews, Christians and Muslims? Bluntly, a true Believer would go back to the Bible.
So let's go back to the beginnings of the Great Faiths.
OK, not all the way back, we'll start with God's covenant with Abraham. I've paraphrased and condensed the verses, you can go back to your Bible to read the full text. Don't take my word for this, go back and read it for yourself!
In the Old Testament, God made a Covenant with Abraham, saying that his seed would be numbered as the stars in the heavens. Genesis 14:5
Now, Abraham was old at this point, he and his wife Sarah had no children. If you read Genesis carefully, they weren't always the nicest people, but they believed in God. That was their strength, they were Believers.
So when God said Abraham would have descendants, they Believed in God's Word. Over time, however, Sarah decided that if she couldn't provide an heir, Abraham WOULD have an heir.As was the custom of that era, Sarah gave her handmaid, Hagar, to Abraham as a second wife, hoping for an heir. Hagar was also a follower of God, and in the midst of the turmoil that was caused between Abraham, Sarah, and herself, an angel of God spoke to her, ordering her to submit to Sarah. By her submission, God forged a covenant with Hagar, promising her that her seed would also be too many to count. Genesis 16:9-10
Then, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, God again spoke to Abraham, promising them a son. God told Abraham that his first son, Ishmael would have many children, a great nation. Yet Abraham’s heir would be Sarah’s son, Isaac. Genesis 17:16, 20-21
Thus, despite her old age, Sarah had a son, Isaac. As was the custom, the son of the first wife is the heir, even if the other wife's child was the oldest. And unfortunately, human nature wins out over compassion. Sarah was jealous of Hagar and Ishmael. In today's words, she felt that they "didn't know their place".After Isaac was born, Sarah demanded that Abraham put Hagar and Ishmael out. God reassured him that both sons would lead great nations, so Abraham did as his wife demanded. Genesis 21:10-13
DANG, Abraham put his own child out into the wilderness because his wife demanded it? That is some messed up stuff, now isn't it? Even if God reassured me about my child's destiny, I don't know that I have enough Faith to do such a thing. But then again, I'm a mom, not an old man with a big problem.
Hagar and Ishmael were cast out into the wilderness. Hagar was in despair, believing that they would die. Yet God heard her cries and His angel again reassured her that Ishmael would father a great nation. She opened her eyes and saw a well of water. They were saved. Genesis 21:14-21
----------------------------
Fast forward to the present:
Many Christians now accept that the Jewish peoples still have a covenant with God. Jesus said himself that he didn't come to set aside the law.
Now, if Isaac’s descendants are the Jewish people, then who are the followers of Islam? We already know that genetically, the Jews and the Arabs of the middle east are related peoples.
If we believe that the Arabic peoples are also descended of Abraham, then are they actually the descendants of the elder brother, Ishmael?
More than that, if the Arabic peoples are the descendants of Ishmael, then they are the brothers and sisters of the Jews (and Christians). According to Bible, Hagar and Ishmael also have a covenant with God, separate from Isaac's Promise.
Therefore, since all three great faiths of the world, according to their own beliefs, are descended from Abraham, the conflict today is far worse than the secular world understands.
From the ancient days, right to the present, the descendants of Abraham are still fighting over their place in God's Kingdom.
There is NOTHING worse than a family fight -- especially a family fight over an inheritance.
It's no wonder that the Middle East is such a mess. None of us can fully comprehend the good and the evil that happen when men believe that they are the single heir of God. God didn't tell Abraham, Sarah or Hagar any such thing, God said that both of Abraham's sons would father great nations.
Ouch.
Yes, one is "the heir" but the other also has a Promise. Ouch again.
Honestly, Sarah shouldn't have taken matters into her own hands, she should have left it up to God. That's what happens when we decide to push things along, instead of waiting on God's Time. But at this point, those thoughts are way too late. We can't change the past, we can only look to the future.
What future do we have if we continue to battle each other?
God has a covenant with each of the great religions. Yet we deny that. We deny our own Brothers and Sisters in Faith.
There is evil out there in the world that twists everything and everyone, until it seems that what's right is wrong and what's wrong is right. So, we actually assist the evil one.
When will we learn Lord? When will we learn the lessons You try to teach us? How long must Abraham's children pay for the sins of the father?
How many more years will we fight over God?
Until we stop fighting each other and begin to grow and accept that all of God's children, all of Abraham's children, have a place in the Kingdom, the world will remain in conflict. The Middle East will remain divided, torn by wars, as it has been through history.
How much longer must we suffer?
Until we stop letting the extremists reign.
Until we listen to the Father.
Until we follow His Word.
Until we have a family reunion.
Then we will find Peace.
Links:
Science Daily - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000509003653.htm
The Scribe - http://www.dangoor.com/73page25.html
BeliefNet - http://www.beliefnet.com/story/136/story_13658_1.html
Note: I have more than one blog, and sometimes I repeat a post because the topic overlaps my blogs' focus. This topic is not just about religious beliefs, but political, so it appears twice.
A Star In The Heavens
We're coming into the Holiday Season now. Thanksgiving is "over", Black Friday has passed, and how we're coming to the Reason for the Season.
Over the last couple of weeks, every morning that it's not cloudy or foggy, I see a huge star in the sky. A star in the heavens.
Now, I know it's not really a star, it's a comet that has become huge enough to see with the naked eye. I don't care what science calls it, it's a beautiful sight.
As I walk the Chihuahua, I look at that star and contemplate a night about 2000 years ago, when another huge star lit up the sky. I'm sure, like this comet, that star blazed suddenly one night and stayed bright until the Kings arrived, bringing gifts to the Messiah.
Now honestly, Jesus most likely wasn't born on December 25, 00AD. The exact date is really not all that important. The early Church chose a convenient date that fits into many mythologies and didn't interfere with the harvest. It's all good as far as I'm concerned. It's good to have a day in the midst of winter to celebrate the coming of the Messiah. During the gloomiest days of the year, I look forward to a bright shining day filled with love.
But as I look at that star every morning, I wonder, what would Jesus think of us today? Would He be happy with our tradition of giving during this Season? Or would He throw over the tables in the malls and tell us that we're corrupting His message of Love and Sacrifice? Would He be happy to see us in the churches, the synagogues, the mosques, each celebrating the Lord God Almighty according to our own beliefs? Or would He stand outside and tell us that we're hypocrites, showing up for our holy days like we're Believers, and living in sin the rest of the year?
What would Jesus do?
And I ask myself, am I doing enough? I'm struggling along, somehow juggling and managing to pay most of my bills. How can I give more? What can I do to Bless others less fortunate than myself?
Jesus would "take no prisoners".
He'd tell me flat out that I'm supposed to give without considering my own selfish materialism. I'm supposed to love my Brothers and Sisters, no matter how badly they look or smell or act. I'm supposed to help support the widows and orphans and other single moms. I'm supposed to forgive those who've done me wrong. I'm supposed to share my Blessings, even when it hurts. In fact, especially when it hurts.
Jesus has never been one to hold back when someone needed to be told what to do. The New Testament laid it out for us in no uncertain terms. The Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts, telling us to give, to forgive, to Bless and be Blessed. All we have to do is listen.
All too often, we forget the Reason for the Season ended in THE ultimate Sacrifice. We celebrate His Birth, but we don't look forward to the ending until Resurrection Day arrives in the Spring.
His Sacrifice was for us all.
My life may just a blink of a mighty Eye, but Jesus loves me anyway. He came, He lived, He taught, He sacrificed Himself, and then He rose from death to show us the Way.
The least I can do is to honor not just His birth at Christmas, but also His Life and Sacrifice. He did it for me. He did it for you. He did it for us all.
He is that Star in the Heavens, shining to remind us all that time is short, there is work to be done. It's our job to get out there and get busy. Even if it hurts.
A Star in the Heavens shines tonight.
I'm sure science will have an explanation when it fades. That's all good too. I don't really need a scientist to tell me why.
I know that it shines for me and for you, a reminder of a night about 2000 years ago, when He came to live, He came to die for us all...
Over the last couple of weeks, every morning that it's not cloudy or foggy, I see a huge star in the sky. A star in the heavens.
Now, I know it's not really a star, it's a comet that has become huge enough to see with the naked eye. I don't care what science calls it, it's a beautiful sight.
As I walk the Chihuahua, I look at that star and contemplate a night about 2000 years ago, when another huge star lit up the sky. I'm sure, like this comet, that star blazed suddenly one night and stayed bright until the Kings arrived, bringing gifts to the Messiah.
Now honestly, Jesus most likely wasn't born on December 25, 00AD. The exact date is really not all that important. The early Church chose a convenient date that fits into many mythologies and didn't interfere with the harvest. It's all good as far as I'm concerned. It's good to have a day in the midst of winter to celebrate the coming of the Messiah. During the gloomiest days of the year, I look forward to a bright shining day filled with love.
But as I look at that star every morning, I wonder, what would Jesus think of us today? Would He be happy with our tradition of giving during this Season? Or would He throw over the tables in the malls and tell us that we're corrupting His message of Love and Sacrifice? Would He be happy to see us in the churches, the synagogues, the mosques, each celebrating the Lord God Almighty according to our own beliefs? Or would He stand outside and tell us that we're hypocrites, showing up for our holy days like we're Believers, and living in sin the rest of the year?
What would Jesus do?
And I ask myself, am I doing enough? I'm struggling along, somehow juggling and managing to pay most of my bills. How can I give more? What can I do to Bless others less fortunate than myself?
Jesus would "take no prisoners".
He'd tell me flat out that I'm supposed to give without considering my own selfish materialism. I'm supposed to love my Brothers and Sisters, no matter how badly they look or smell or act. I'm supposed to help support the widows and orphans and other single moms. I'm supposed to forgive those who've done me wrong. I'm supposed to share my Blessings, even when it hurts. In fact, especially when it hurts.
Jesus has never been one to hold back when someone needed to be told what to do. The New Testament laid it out for us in no uncertain terms. The Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts, telling us to give, to forgive, to Bless and be Blessed. All we have to do is listen.
All too often, we forget the Reason for the Season ended in THE ultimate Sacrifice. We celebrate His Birth, but we don't look forward to the ending until Resurrection Day arrives in the Spring.
His Sacrifice was for us all.
My life may just a blink of a mighty Eye, but Jesus loves me anyway. He came, He lived, He taught, He sacrificed Himself, and then He rose from death to show us the Way.
The least I can do is to honor not just His birth at Christmas, but also His Life and Sacrifice. He did it for me. He did it for you. He did it for us all.
He is that Star in the Heavens, shining to remind us all that time is short, there is work to be done. It's our job to get out there and get busy. Even if it hurts.
A Star in the Heavens shines tonight.
I'm sure science will have an explanation when it fades. That's all good too. I don't really need a scientist to tell me why.
I know that it shines for me and for you, a reminder of a night about 2000 years ago, when He came to live, He came to die for us all...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Premonition, Prayer And Protection
This incident happened a few years back.
I was at my parents' house in Oregon. We were getting ready to go over to the coast for a family reunion. Dad was going on ahead with the trailer, my nephew and my youngest son. Mom, my daughter and I were going to follow after we finished loading more stuff into the Durango.
Right before Dad left, I start having nerves, flashing that something bad was going to happen.
Now, I'm an artist and writer, so I am prone to vain imaginings. But this was strong, really strong.
So under my breath, just barely a whisper, I started praying over my Dad, nephew and son, rebuking Satan , telling him to get away from my family, that God watches over us and we were safe from him.
After a few minutes, I felt better. I always do when I lay things in the Lord's most capable hands.
Off they went, pulling the big trailer, with my little boy in back seat. It wasn't too long and we too were on our way.
When we arrived, ohmygosh, there was a tale to tell.
Dad was driving on 199, a winding 2 lane highway. It's wide enough, but there are times that the river is on one side and a rock embankment is on the other, with blind corners.
So he's cruising along, minding his own business, coming up on one of those blind corners. All of a sudden, a car appears, FLYING around this corner and in his lane!
Thank the Lord -- Dad used to drive truck. This fool was coming head on and there was no where to go, so Dad laid on the brakes, keeping the trailer under control. He said he has no idea how this idiot managed to get back into his own lane, but he did, at the last possible minute.
Whew!!
My son was asleep in the back seat, he had no idea what had happened.
But I know. I know how that fool got over and the accident was avoided. It was the Lord, laying a Mighty Hand upon my Dad, keeping him straight and giving him just enough time to brake, just enough time to avoid that speeding fool.
Premonition, prayer and protection. I know the Spirit was warning me. I prayed. And the Lord again protected my family.
It is a matter of Faith, like always. God watches over us and He helps us on the Path He's laid before us.
Thank you Lord, once more, for the protection You laid on my family that day. We had a wonderful reunion, thanks to You. And again, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
I was at my parents' house in Oregon. We were getting ready to go over to the coast for a family reunion. Dad was going on ahead with the trailer, my nephew and my youngest son. Mom, my daughter and I were going to follow after we finished loading more stuff into the Durango.
Right before Dad left, I start having nerves, flashing that something bad was going to happen.
Now, I'm an artist and writer, so I am prone to vain imaginings. But this was strong, really strong.
So under my breath, just barely a whisper, I started praying over my Dad, nephew and son, rebuking Satan , telling him to get away from my family, that God watches over us and we were safe from him.
After a few minutes, I felt better. I always do when I lay things in the Lord's most capable hands.
Off they went, pulling the big trailer, with my little boy in back seat. It wasn't too long and we too were on our way.
When we arrived, ohmygosh, there was a tale to tell.
Dad was driving on 199, a winding 2 lane highway. It's wide enough, but there are times that the river is on one side and a rock embankment is on the other, with blind corners.
So he's cruising along, minding his own business, coming up on one of those blind corners. All of a sudden, a car appears, FLYING around this corner and in his lane!
Thank the Lord -- Dad used to drive truck. This fool was coming head on and there was no where to go, so Dad laid on the brakes, keeping the trailer under control. He said he has no idea how this idiot managed to get back into his own lane, but he did, at the last possible minute.
Whew!!
My son was asleep in the back seat, he had no idea what had happened.
But I know. I know how that fool got over and the accident was avoided. It was the Lord, laying a Mighty Hand upon my Dad, keeping him straight and giving him just enough time to brake, just enough time to avoid that speeding fool.
Premonition, prayer and protection. I know the Spirit was warning me. I prayed. And the Lord again protected my family.
It is a matter of Faith, like always. God watches over us and He helps us on the Path He's laid before us.
Thank you Lord, once more, for the protection You laid on my family that day. We had a wonderful reunion, thanks to You. And again, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Why Are People So Cruel?
You know, sometimes I really, really wonder about people.
Why are they so eager to cause a fight? Why are people so cruel?
Today I was in a forum and we were talking about that poor young woman, Nailah Franklin, who was missing, then found dead. A perfectly respectful conversation between myself and another woman. We agreed that she was murdered (not likely she partially buried her naked body before dying) and that it sounded pretty stupid for the cops to say that it was a "death investigation". Then some doofus troll just jumped into the middle of the conversation.
Of course, we ripped him to shreds, left him twisting in the wind. But how DARE he suggest that this poor victim could have died of an overdose, been buried by her (supposed) druggie friends? Excuse me, Nailah doesn't deserve that kind of slander. She was a fine, upstanding young woman with a successful career, a beautiful smile, a loving family. Like many, many other victims of terrible crimes.
What made this jerk think it was OK to speak badly of the dead? What was his agenda? I can speculate that it was because she was a young Black woman, so he felt that it was acceptable to imply that she was not "up to his standards" in her life. That it's OK to make horrible assumptions about her merely because of her race. But why? Why be a jerk about someone that he's never met, will never know? Why was all that necessary?
And while I'm ranting about jerks, I'd been reading comments on an early news article, before she was found. Many people were offering prayers for the victim. The article itself said that the family was praying. Then, in the midst of comments, some self righteous atheist has to pop up that God is just a fairy tale.
Hello?? Who asked him/her? If the family is praying for a miracle, it's certainly appropriate for the public to offer prayers!
Why is it that some atheists have the gall to complain about us Christians talking about God, that we're trying to push OUR beliefs on others, that we don't respect their unbelief, and then turn around and tell us that we can't offer our prayers to other Believers? Who the heck asked his/her opinion?
Now, I'm fully aware that some Christians think that cramming Jesus down an unbeliever's throat will somehow get them into Heaven. I don't believe in that method of sharing His Love to others. That is not part of the Plan.
No, no, we live by example. When others ask why we're so lucky, we get to share how we've been Blessed. And then pause, let that person ASK. If they're ready, they will. If they're not, then I've planted a Seed.
Seed. Time. Harvest.
Once the Seed has been planted, it needs to be watered, nurtured. Not weed-whacked off by some zealot who's trying to force a Harvest instead of giving enough Time for Faith to grow.
I don't need to be a Rambo Christian. I can be a softer, gentler person and just try to shine a Light into a dark place. I don't need a welding torch to do it. I can light a little candle of Hope into someone's life, and try to be an example of His Love -- the one that Jesus told me to be.
But you know, I wish more of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ had the FAITH of the atheist. Some atheists are so darn faithful to the belief of nothingness, they follow it like it's a religion. For them, it really is.
And I pity them, because they are off in the ditch, not knowing what they're missing by rejecting the Best this world can offer them.
Still, if only all Christians could Believe the way some atheists believe. Think of what we could do to help others if we all Walked the Walk instead of just Talking the Talk. If we had the Faith in all that Jesus has offered us.
If only...
Today though, instead of continuing to worry myself about mean and cruel people, I'll focus for a few minutes on Nailah Franklin and her family.
I pray for peace in their hearts and comfort in knowing that whatever happened, she's now with our Lord in Paradise. And nothing in this messed up world can hurt her again. In Jesus' holy name, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
Why are they so eager to cause a fight? Why are people so cruel?
Today I was in a forum and we were talking about that poor young woman, Nailah Franklin, who was missing, then found dead. A perfectly respectful conversation between myself and another woman. We agreed that she was murdered (not likely she partially buried her naked body before dying) and that it sounded pretty stupid for the cops to say that it was a "death investigation". Then some doofus troll just jumped into the middle of the conversation.
Of course, we ripped him to shreds, left him twisting in the wind. But how DARE he suggest that this poor victim could have died of an overdose, been buried by her (supposed) druggie friends? Excuse me, Nailah doesn't deserve that kind of slander. She was a fine, upstanding young woman with a successful career, a beautiful smile, a loving family. Like many, many other victims of terrible crimes.
What made this jerk think it was OK to speak badly of the dead? What was his agenda? I can speculate that it was because she was a young Black woman, so he felt that it was acceptable to imply that she was not "up to his standards" in her life. That it's OK to make horrible assumptions about her merely because of her race. But why? Why be a jerk about someone that he's never met, will never know? Why was all that necessary?
And while I'm ranting about jerks, I'd been reading comments on an early news article, before she was found. Many people were offering prayers for the victim. The article itself said that the family was praying. Then, in the midst of comments, some self righteous atheist has to pop up that God is just a fairy tale.
Hello?? Who asked him/her? If the family is praying for a miracle, it's certainly appropriate for the public to offer prayers!
Why is it that some atheists have the gall to complain about us Christians talking about God, that we're trying to push OUR beliefs on others, that we don't respect their unbelief, and then turn around and tell us that we can't offer our prayers to other Believers? Who the heck asked his/her opinion?
Now, I'm fully aware that some Christians think that cramming Jesus down an unbeliever's throat will somehow get them into Heaven. I don't believe in that method of sharing His Love to others. That is not part of the Plan.
No, no, we live by example. When others ask why we're so lucky, we get to share how we've been Blessed. And then pause, let that person ASK. If they're ready, they will. If they're not, then I've planted a Seed.
Seed. Time. Harvest.
Once the Seed has been planted, it needs to be watered, nurtured. Not weed-whacked off by some zealot who's trying to force a Harvest instead of giving enough Time for Faith to grow.
I don't need to be a Rambo Christian. I can be a softer, gentler person and just try to shine a Light into a dark place. I don't need a welding torch to do it. I can light a little candle of Hope into someone's life, and try to be an example of His Love -- the one that Jesus told me to be.
But you know, I wish more of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ had the FAITH of the atheist. Some atheists are so darn faithful to the belief of nothingness, they follow it like it's a religion. For them, it really is.
And I pity them, because they are off in the ditch, not knowing what they're missing by rejecting the Best this world can offer them.
Still, if only all Christians could Believe the way some atheists believe. Think of what we could do to help others if we all Walked the Walk instead of just Talking the Talk. If we had the Faith in all that Jesus has offered us.
If only...
Today though, instead of continuing to worry myself about mean and cruel people, I'll focus for a few minutes on Nailah Franklin and her family.
I pray for peace in their hearts and comfort in knowing that whatever happened, she's now with our Lord in Paradise. And nothing in this messed up world can hurt her again. In Jesus' holy name, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
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