Obedience

Scripture is filled with many themes. One of the most common is the cycle of disobedience and reconciliation. And, it goes without saying that a moment of chastisement always arises between disobedience and reconciliation. For, if we are not chastised, we are not sons.

[Heb 12:8 KJV] 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

[Isa 53:5 KJV] 5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

[Job 34:31 KJV] 31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [anymore]:

It is those chastisements which are medicine that heals the spirit and soul. So, we like Job shall say, "I will not offend anymore."

For, if we could disobey without correction, we would be like an unpruned shrub, natural and unrefined.

[1Co 2:14 KJV] 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

As the "natural and unrefined" man, we would be disconnected from the Spirit. Obeying HIM would seem strange, foreign, and foolish for us. 

Obedience brings life and brings it more abundantly. When we obey, we avoid trouble and pitfalls. 

Most are Right. That is Mostly Correct.

   In retrospect, had I been adequately prepared and read the Scriptures thoroughly before entering Omaha Central as some of the youth had. I might have been a reasonable Divinity student at Vanderbilt. Obtaining a Masters in Divinity would have been a dream that my grandfather Abraham would have not durst dreamt or lived for fear of reprisal from the Whites within his rural Arkansas community. For him, the mere experience of walking the storied pathways of that campus among its statues of great European American heroes might have proven deadly. And, for me, it was nearly so. Yet, such is a long story.

  Yet, life has taught that, although the "faithful" laity hold the Levitical priesthood in high esteem, seeing the debaucherous college lifestyle that most likely was part and parcel of all Vanderbilt students exuded by members of their School of Divinity would have been extremely disheartening. The clergy experience the same "normalcy" as all men. Albeit, Christ simply experienced the same temptations and yielded not.

  And, it is those experiences in life that shape our understanding of what we see, hear, taste, smell, feel, intuitively sense, and feel through strong "Paulinesque" unctions. We are the some total of our sempiternal existence: every thought, dream, desire, meditation of the heart, choice driven by free will, and external stimuli, that which we "experience" in our own perspective of this world's reality.

  Such drives and biases our understanding of what we comprehend when we communicate, either with an animate or inanimate object, including the Bible, His written Word. What was your first inclination of reasoning associated with the term Bible. Did you think of it as only a series of letters printed on paper and realize that in ways one should use healthy communication skills, like gesticulation, while reading any written work, plus, possibly, speak aloud in response. Like saying, "I have been thinking that for years, and you, the text, the author, one's life-driven understanding, or all of the above, just shed light on the very thought that I have ruminated upon since early childhood". Or, was your thought surely His Word liveth with an Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscience Eternal. Your view and the expansive thought which formed in the depths of your mind while reading those few term were predicated and punctuated by nearly three score years of God-given guidance and choices. And, whether one, at first glance, sees, accepts, and calls the Bible a book or God's Immutable Word. Should we condemn, strive against, or despise our brother for having a unique and different perspective. In all things, should not there be His Love. If, we accept that another man's plate of flesh or vegetables does not offend us. Should we curse or condemn him over his "instantaneous" viewpoint. Or, are these the words, ramblings, and babblings of an "educated fool" in a world where most men seek and respect those with letters and question not their medical physicians but praise, respect, and revere his opinion. Why might such a term be used? Might it be the nature of humanity and all that besets us, envy, strife, backbiting, and the rest.

  I had an interesting experience this morning. I awoke, used the water closet, and glanced at my digital clock. It was roughly half before three. I fell asleep and dreamt for what felt like four or five hours. Then, nature called again. I laid awake thinking for what seemed like nearly a few hours. Then, I glanced at the clock thinking that it was roughly five in the morning. It was five minutes before half after three.

 When escaping the nightmare of pornography and the purgatory this world becomes when imbibing in it, I experienced some very long, dark, and frightening night sequences while "fully" conscious. Instead of looking at the abundant filth that might be found on this public communication medium and autofornicating, I decided that I would read Scripture.

 This is the brief "passage" which I read. Proverbs 24: 1 - 4 (NIV). I read over it, thought upon it, roiled it over and over in my mind, and then let a few thoughts congeal. And, it seems that I could interpret or see different abstractions and various viewpoints.

  [Pro 24:1-4 KJV] 1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

  What does "an house" represent in the second verse? Is it one's church, familial home, the structure of one's career, educational, or life's goals. Is it as abstract as a Godly desire or longing. What might it be? How might this passage speak when you read over it. What has been on your mind or heart lately.

  A young newlywed might see it "literally" as the threshold that he carried his giddy, blushing bride over. Joe Biden might see it as an presidential administration. Both of these interpret this passage as discussing a physical "brick and mortar" structure. Yet, the "building" discussed might certainly be as abstract as one's walk of faith and the relationship which one has with his Lord and Liege. And, it is often said that faith is not mere "literary analysis"; however, the identifying and understanding of symbols, images, common themes, and other "literary" aspects is all part of reading comprehension. And, the depth of one's comprehension is in proportion with the level of understanding that one attains. It is not a matter of natural intelligence or "gifting"; it is driven by what one desires.

 Life has shown that those who are deemed cognitively-impaired have miraculous insights showing a depth of understanding that others simply cannot perceive. The lettered psychologist, psychiatrist, or speech therapist might certify someone as incorrigible, incapable of learning, or grossly-impaired based upon measured and well-respected scientific scales. And, furthermore, these professionals might foment the foulness of the dysfunction for self-seeking career goals. Such, this life's experiential perspectives proclaim, are educated fools.

  Yet, that is the true measure of "fooldom". What does one do with the God-given gifts which he has. Does he edify His Children or destroy?

  However, the true topic of discussion was semantics and one's perspective on scripture. It is not a matter of right or wrong when one seeks a Godly, edifying understanding. And, all this gives place for the wolves among the sheep and the divisive who enter churches, those who are true enemies of God, but it will be said. "More than one understanding might be a valid or Godly interpretation; but, such must be balanced with the 'entirety' of Scripture and the Spirit of its Law." Which permeates both Testaments as spoken by the Messiah in Matthew 5, verse 17 - 20.

   It is possible that more than one of us might be correct when discussing Scripture. If and when, we take the time and seek edifying nourishment, whether on our own or in groups.

The Consequences of Sin

 It is oft said that confession is great for the soul; however, it be quite bad for the reputation. For the author, life has seen some very beautiful years blessed with a solid faith-walk on that path travelled by few which ends in a eternal peace. Yet, it has also seen a decline and a redirection that has placed him squarely in the midst of that throng that is headed for eternal damnation.

The early-teens, 2011 - 2013, saw a period of personal miracles. These include speaking His Word as a member of the laity and seeing others overcome. This experience was somewhat "unsettling and unnerving". Although, it should not have been.

And, as the world around him, grew envious and hateful of his relationship with the Father. It desired proving that he was so irreparably flawed and that the Lord could and would never use him. And, those who knew his weaknesses tempted him incessantly until he fell in 2014.

And, during the past twenty-four months, he has not been a regular attender of church services nor has he read diligently each day. Which was the norm between 1998 - 2015. And, the consequence was this. Upon attending a recent service in person, he grew rather drowsy. This was rather uncommon during the time of his greatest faithfulness. And, he could not focus on the lesson that was coming from the pulpit. We all know that His Word is good medicine. It is all that we need for sustaining ourselves physical, emotionally, and spiritually. And, with one's mind full of the devil and the confusion that imparts, enjoying a church service can be quite difficult.

So, if you have been away from services for a while or have never attended, and then visit a church, and find that you cannot quite focus on the message from the pulpit and lessons in scripture. Keep trying. You are like a dying man gasping for fresh air.

Eventually, the spiritual fog in one's mind will lift and your relationship with the Lord will improve. And, hopefully, we can all find freedom from sin. For Christ said, "Be ye perfect as your Father in Heaven." He would have not given that commandment for us if be not attainable.

Common-Sense Tips In One's Finances and Health

True Wisdom cometh, when one be “in-tune” with the Lord. So, doth it be the case, that wise financial decisions follow it, like His Mercy follows His Grace.

 

First and farmost among these wise principles is “do not follow the masses; the throng, horde, and press, of the unholy masses. The path which results in destruction is wide and travelled by many.

 

This includes, in one’s financial and health decisions.

 

Case in point, during the past pandemic, the television said, “there is a “expected” shortage on that staple, ‘personal hygienic tissue paper’ by maker’s such as Charmin, Cottonelle, Quilted Northern, and Angel Soft.” So, everyone rushed out and purchased as much as they could. And, panic produces dollars saith the politician’s corporate lobbyists. But, wisdom given this gentleman by the Lord is this and this alone, “a small towel, water, and soap availeth much.”

 

And, a small stack of ‘cotton’ hand towels one might purchase at the Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, WalMart, Target, or other discounter for under ‘five’ dollars.

 

These are lasting much like children’s ‘classic’ Huggies.

 

Also, a lesson learnt, while a teenager, that ‘helps’ address common cold and flu symptoms is this “keeping one’s oral cavity clean is quite wise.” Brush after every meal. This reduces the amount of bacterial growth in one’s esophagus which is the pathway between one’s nasal passages and lungs. Using a peroxide and soda-based toothpaste is wise; however, one might obtain a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and box of baking soda for under three dollars. Plenty of fluoride is in the water supply. It is added by the local water authority. But, most importantly, change one’s toothbrush once per day, when the fever is intense, and once per week, when it breaks. If necessary, discard your toothbrush after every use, when treating an intense infection of the oral cavity whether “viral” or “bacterial”.

 

Regularly reducing the population of bacteria found in one’s mouth while experiencing an intense viral infection lightens the weight of the work-burden placed upon one’s immune system. So, the body might heal itself.

 

The role of medicine is helping the body heal itself; not necessarily, at all times, doing its job for it.

 

And, an occasional rinse of a weak peroxide solution might help keep one’s teeth in “fine condition”. That would be approximately one ounce of this liquid in eight ounces of water. Rinse, gargle, and repeat until the cup is empty. And, this a wonderful solution for “polishing” and “gradually” whitening one’s teeth with a brush over time.

 

Following the crowd’s mentality as driven by media sources, is “ever-so” unwise.

 

One should buy when others save and save when others buy. One most look beyond the surface of what our world’s media is saying and seek guidance from Him.

General Health Advice - Based Upon Spiritual Common-Sense

General health advice for longevity from someone with the education of a “simple” country doctor.

·       Walk a country-mile per day.

·       Eat an apple per day. That, an ample portion of bread, and a tall glass of water maketh a "wholesome" meal.

·       Live frugally. This shall reduce stress. An "old" used Honda, Toyota, or Ford is a mine of diamonds and gold.

o   Such might help one find an early escape from the nightmare of "long” arduous hours at a workstation, in a cubicle, or other vocational location for the typical “forty-five” year career path.

o   It might allow financial independence with the ample pay scales in many modern professional and paraprofessional roles plus the path of journeyman carpenters, masons, and other tradesmen.

o   And, this dream might be found in one’s late-thirties and permit enjoying a “second” career.

o   The modern “African-Americans” calleth certain consumer items a "whip" for a reason. They will keep one working for the entirety of his life like a slave for a relentless task master, as a result of owning one of them.

·       We, faithful believers, are often praying that we might get the "worm" out of our finances. In some cases, the 'abundance of finances' are the “annelidan”.

·       On occasion, we might have so much that it adversely effects our health and quality of life. Porterhouse steaks, unctuous "au gratin" potatoes, and intoxicating beverages, all of which, are a wicked indulgence, based upon scripture, are not for the "spiritually-wealthy" but for the "sinful" and "poor in spirit".

·       Do you know where these principles are found in scripture?

·       Search Leviticus and Proverbs.

·       Plus, modest living permits one providing an inheritance for one's children's children. Which is all that the Lord asks from a "truly" faithful man.

·       True "wealth" is Liberty in Christ. Which is described in 2 Peter 2. That is the second chapter of the second book written by the apostle Peter. Liberty in Christ is not a "license" for sin, as some falsely believe, and is "preached" from certain American pulpits, by the “red-letter” words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount.

·       Such is "spiritual" bondage and a misinterpretation of the third chapter of Romans, written by Saul of Tarsus; whom the Lord gave a new name. When, he saw a flash of light that no other man saw. And, had a “solitary” conversation with the Lord. Yet, such must be "true" madness. As, modern physicians deem.

·       And, the notion that every abominable act is covered by Christ’s Blood is a "false" prophetic message for which modern ears itch. As, 2 Peter 2 also shares and is found near the end of Romans 3. “And, yea, we establish the Law”.

·       Furthermore, this "misinterpretation of Scripture" insults His Love for you. He is not the “doormat” of a “selfish-minded” mate in this relationship modelled after that of a matrimony.

·       If, there be not consequences for sin; why be there American jails, prisons, and forensic psychiatric wards.

·       When resolving our understanding of His Word; it is those "red letter words" that carry the most weight. These give their “greatest” insights on how those who claim that they are Christians should live.

·       I would suggest that the entirety of your behaviors, at all times, be “in-line” with those required by Scripture. In terms of mental hygiene, this truly should be the "standards" set forth by the modern behavioral health professional. "For, a 'rod' as long as that of 'modern statistical normality' 'spoileth' His children." He has ‘higher’ standards for us.

A Perspective Upon Truth

           In summary of a few scriptures, it is said that, when a few of His Children touch and agree in effectual prayer, His Omnipotent Might shall be shown. Might we pray for peace. In doing so, might we wage peace and war not. Matthew 5 – 7 (KJV), a passage, that contains the most efficacious sermon ever spoken promises this, the meek, shall inherit the earth, and the peacemakers, are the children of God. And, for some, these words are considered spoken by The Infallible. For others, they are the words of a Good Teacher. In particular, a snippet of verses from this, His Sermon on The Mount, are often misinterpreted by many modern teachers of scripture. For one, in the time of the Messiah’s First Coming, many ills plagued this world. Consider Lot’s community which predated the period of His Birth, His Death, and His Resurrection. And, as we shall always have the poor among us, as Christ taught, we shall always have the equivalent of Sadducees and Pharisees. And, these modern Pharisees, as those of old, whom Yeshua called, hypocrites, a brood of vipers, and white-washed sepulchers, gloss over His Words spoken in Matthew 5 : 17 – 20 (KJV). This singular set of verses in Matthew promise us this and only this in summary, we shall not enter His Kingdom if we exude the behaviors of the Pharisaic priest, who hypocritically placed load-some burdens upon men which they themselves would not carry and that Christ was come so He might fulfill the Law and not so It might be abolished. This singular teaching should unite in harmony, a large collective of the faithful throng of God-fearing believers among the Hebrews, Christians, and Islamists. Yet, in misrepresenting scriptural teachings, it is taught that “it is by faith alone…”. Yet, diligent, meticulous, and careful study of Romans 1 – 3 provides us with these lessons; the sexual sins, that were seen in Sodom and Gomorrah and are also present this day, arise for a specific reason and that the teaching stating “true salvation only requires a faith devoid of works” was given in the context of a debate on whether adult Gentile converts, could enter His Fold of Eschine (His Sheep) sans circumcision. This discussion was started near the end of the second chapter of Romans and continues throughout the third. Which ends in the phrase, “And, yea, we establish The Law.” So, it is quite important that His Christian Children be truly Law-Abiding. This is further supported in His Word by Christ’s brothers, James and Jude. Take the time as read this partitioning of scripture. Does it provide greater consistency and reduce spiritual dissonance. And, as 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says, in summary, “we should be workman unashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth”. And, as many whom read and study carefully will justly tell anyone, His Word states this also, in paraphrase, “Let not any man be your teacher but let the Master be your guide.” So, please read and study for yourself. The original books of His Word were written without any chapter or verse subdivisions. Try reading them that way and see, if you attain, a greater insight. And, a quality secondary education, a contrite heart, and sincerity is all that one needs for understanding His Word.

         In this modern world of our Christian community, we are not much like the Berean of old who would debate scripture. For the messages shared in the typical modern-day church of this untoward generation is not a subject of debate. Why? Sheep blindly follow who call them. And, sadly many adults do not realize that with the type of education available in this century, unlike the time of Christ, when most men were illiterate, not stupid, simply not formally educated, someone must interpret scriptures for them. And, in the instance of the Ethiopian eunuch, an explanation of the cultural context surrounding the scriptures would help him gain a deeper understanding and insight. And, sadly, most students produced in this modern system of education are lazy, and they simply hope that someone hands them answer. Yet, as stated, He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

          Yet, in this wicked and perverse generation where governments of this world provide a communication medium upon which blasphemous abominations appear more so than words and images of Truth, many men are still seeking the original Truth in His Word, and such are called Hunafaa, whether Hebrew, Christian, or Islamist. Such men were deemed a “threat” by a former American president. And, as such a war was launched, against a Islamists militia who reportedly were destroying the teachings in old libraries and book repositories through the Middle East. Is such the teachings of true Islam. A follower of Christ is interested in knowing. His Sunni friend said that it not. So, as they have done in centuries passed, men were burying these records in the earth, much like the Dead Sea Scrolls. And, as Christ prophesied in scripture, as a sign of the Eschaton, the descendants of the men with whom he spoke would be hiding in caves in the Holy Land praying rocks fall on us. As the evening news in years passed has reported, such is an current occurrence among the those who strive near Palestine. Truth be told, we should all be Hunafaa, non-militant seekers of His Truth. And, it is said, in summary, that those apart from the Law are a Law for themselves. It is not the case that men born as Hindi, Buddhists, Taoist, or other modern Gentile groups, define their own set of rules. They have behaviors consistent His Law. And, as Christ said, a time will come when He will meet with those who claim that they have done many great works in His name, and he will say, “away from Me ye evil-doers.” And, and He will tell others enter My Rest, who will in response say, “We knew not Christ.” And, He will commend them saying, ”When, I was naked ye clothed me, when I was hungry ye fed me, when I was in prison ye visited me.” So, works of faith are quite potent. And, as Christ taught, we should have mercy and judge not lest we be judged by the same measure. For the measure, ye mete out shall be the rod that ye be measured by in future days. Consider those teachings in the context of the Pauline epistle called Romans. They are consistent and reconcilable. And, the yeast of the Pharisee spoken of by Christ be this, in my opinion, the “abuse” of the merciful relaxation of His Law so the Spirit of His Law be maintained. In closing, let us pray for peace, that His Will be done upon this earth, and the wise among our earthly government officials take their weapons of warfare and make pruninghooks and plowshares from them. It is time for His Peace, Abundance, and Harvest upon this Earth. It is long overdue.  We a blinded and deaf generation were promised this great gift, “if we humble ourselves and pray, He will unstop our deaf ears, open our blinded eyes, and heal this land.” Might His True Word go forth and reach the corners of this world in the establishment of His Kingdom and might His enemies be vanquished, on this might our hearts touch and agree across the spans and reach of this communication medium.

Regifted

Many Blessings. Might the Lord Jehovah reign and His Beautiful Spirit flood your lives with an abundance of peace, joy, and contentment. He is the El-Shaddai of the widow who gave her mite in the might of her adoration. He is the Lover of our souls. Will you love him back with a simple unfailing agape love? Will you love Him like Hannah, a Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's mother. Who sought so that her barren womb be opened that she promised the Lord her son, if he would give her one. And, that he did. She experienced nine months of pregnancy, labor, and the toils of caring for an infant until he was weaned before she physically gave the priest Eli her son for service in the temple and in His Kingdom.

For those of you who have foolishly prayed for a multi-million dollar lottery windfall, would you hand your congregation's shepherd the gambling purse? Truth be told, wealth obtained through sinful means such as casting lots, which is witchcraft, prostitution, deception and theft, or etcetera should not be a offering the one gives the Lord. Doing so, only promotes sin. Which counters the purpose of financially supporting His Kingdom.

But, could you pray for blessing that would bring struggle, pain, and hard work in the process of its realization and, then, simply give is back. Do you so dearly desire holding any this life's gifts for just a brief moment that you would experience such travail and back-gift it.

Samuel was a "special" regifting in the Old Testament. Could you take what the Lord has given you in terms of talent and use it for the growth of His Kingdom. Although, you might not flourish monetarily and road trod might be rough and stony. And, although reward might not come in this lifetime.

Hannah was quite a "special" Old Testament mother. Who loved her son so that she would place him in the Lord's Courts for service in His Kingdom at a young age.