It should be noted that we always must have balance, and in all things we must have charity which when translated means love and not necessarily alms. As Galatians says, when we find someone in a fallen state we should gently restore them until they are upright, standing firm, and steadfast. If so, we have gained a brother with a kindred spirit if his fault was an offense against us.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 18:15 (KJV) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Sin is a sickness resulting in spiritual and physical death. As Romans 6:23 (KJV) says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As with all illnesses, one requires time for healing. It might occur in a fraction of a second or might take longer, much longer. So, when we become so incredibly religious and law-abiding, that we forget scriptures that says that we should restore a brother gently, that we should forgive a brother for the same offense seven times in a day, and that a righteous man falls down seven times and rises up again, we have become the law-breaker. For, all scripture is valuable for reproof and correction. If it can correct others who profess that they follow it, then it should be useful in correcting us.
Let us lift those who are fallen and desire healing. Many are waiting besides the pools of Bethesda and begging for alms at the temple as in ACTS 3. Silver and gold we have not, but what we have which we can give is a Spirit of Love, Joy, Peace, Endurance, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. It is all the Strength that one needs.
May Your Blessing Be Rich and Plentiful.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
A Short Note on Religiosity
The word "religion", especially in the form "religiosity", has fallen out of favor in many of the modern Protestant Christian camps much like notions about the Law. Yet, both have a place in the life of a believer since both both denote and connote notions about controlling one's behavior.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (RSV) states:
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress.
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.
For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
And Christ said in Matthew 5:17-20 (RSV):
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.
For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Christ's brother James wrote in James 1:26-27 (KJV):
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
So, religion and the Law are worthwhile pursuits.
Upon reading more about traditional Hebrew teachings and child-rearing, it became apparent that many daily behavioral practices define who one is as a Hebrew.
Scripture contains many instructions on behavior which define true membership in the faiths which arose from the Pentateuch.
In fact, regularly reading scripture and religious practice can be a great means for behavioral modification.
The following is a regimen which was shared with someone who was hoping that they could stop smoking. In this life, the writer of this weblog has overcome at least one addiction using such an approach. Hopefully, this regimen or one like it blesses you!
Religious Prescription For Behavior Modification***************************************
Here is a prescription which I once gave a physician for smoking cessation. She has been smoking most of her life. She said that it worked; but, she would not keep up the regimen. So, she eventually started smoking again.
One chapter of Proverbs exists for each day of the month. Some people read a chapter of Proverbs each morning. It only takes between five and ten minutes.
Read a chapter each morning until you have been sober and free of nicotine for three months.
Each time that you feel like smoking, read a few of your favorite verses in Proverbs and sip on a little water. Be careful that you do not drink a bunch of tumblers of water each day. Just sip on some in a cup while you read and think about the verse. Pour the rest out when the smoking urge dissipates.
In short, reach for scripture every time the cigarettes start drawing you. You must want some things in life more than an addictive behavior.
The word “religion” connotes “a behavior pattern”. Replace scripture reading with smoking, and you will eventually feel much better.
Also, the greatest Christian sermon ever preached can be found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. This would also be a great source of strength when you try ending your smoking habit again.
Also, think of the behaviors that you engage in before you smoke and while you smoke. Avoid these. This will help you reset your behavior pattern.
When you are ready for it, read Romans 1, 2, and 3 carefully every day for seven days. Consequences exist for not keeping one’s mind focused on “healthy things”. As a man thinketh, so is he. This thought is supported with the text found in Philippians 4:4-8.
Eventually, read the entire Bible when you develop a daily reading habit. It will change your life. It did mine. I read it all in my late twenties. I would not have survived graduate school without it. It is also available on compact disc.
If you want a recipe for other forms of sobriety regimens based on scripture, I have learned them. Some I have learned as a matter of self-survival.
I have found all that I needed within this statement, “In the Beginning, God created the Heaven and Earth…The Grace of The Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Maybe you can find some contentment within scripture also.
Also, it is best that you work on one sobriety effort at a time.
Finally, keep a simple hymn flowing in your mind when you can; it will help keep you focused on things above.
******************************************************************************
Stay Eternally Blessed
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (RSV) states:
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress.
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.
For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
And Christ said in Matthew 5:17-20 (RSV):
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.
For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Christ's brother James wrote in James 1:26-27 (KJV):
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
So, religion and the Law are worthwhile pursuits.
Upon reading more about traditional Hebrew teachings and child-rearing, it became apparent that many daily behavioral practices define who one is as a Hebrew.
Scripture contains many instructions on behavior which define true membership in the faiths which arose from the Pentateuch.
In fact, regularly reading scripture and religious practice can be a great means for behavioral modification.
The following is a regimen which was shared with someone who was hoping that they could stop smoking. In this life, the writer of this weblog has overcome at least one addiction using such an approach. Hopefully, this regimen or one like it blesses you!
Religious Prescription For Behavior Modification***************************************
Here is a prescription which I once gave a physician for smoking cessation. She has been smoking most of her life. She said that it worked; but, she would not keep up the regimen. So, she eventually started smoking again.
One chapter of Proverbs exists for each day of the month. Some people read a chapter of Proverbs each morning. It only takes between five and ten minutes.
Read a chapter each morning until you have been sober and free of nicotine for three months.
Each time that you feel like smoking, read a few of your favorite verses in Proverbs and sip on a little water. Be careful that you do not drink a bunch of tumblers of water each day. Just sip on some in a cup while you read and think about the verse. Pour the rest out when the smoking urge dissipates.
In short, reach for scripture every time the cigarettes start drawing you. You must want some things in life more than an addictive behavior.
The word “religion” connotes “a behavior pattern”. Replace scripture reading with smoking, and you will eventually feel much better.
Also, the greatest Christian sermon ever preached can be found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. This would also be a great source of strength when you try ending your smoking habit again.
Also, think of the behaviors that you engage in before you smoke and while you smoke. Avoid these. This will help you reset your behavior pattern.
When you are ready for it, read Romans 1, 2, and 3 carefully every day for seven days. Consequences exist for not keeping one’s mind focused on “healthy things”. As a man thinketh, so is he. This thought is supported with the text found in Philippians 4:4-8.
Eventually, read the entire Bible when you develop a daily reading habit. It will change your life. It did mine. I read it all in my late twenties. I would not have survived graduate school without it. It is also available on compact disc.
If you want a recipe for other forms of sobriety regimens based on scripture, I have learned them. Some I have learned as a matter of self-survival.
I have found all that I needed within this statement, “In the Beginning, God created the Heaven and Earth…The Grace of The Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Maybe you can find some contentment within scripture also.
Also, it is best that you work on one sobriety effort at a time.
Finally, keep a simple hymn flowing in your mind when you can; it will help keep you focused on things above.
******************************************************************************
Stay Eternally Blessed
Monday, October 24, 2016
The Uncommunnicated
While further pondering the thoughts placed within these pages, it became apparent that something unsaid might not have been fully communicated. As they say, the confusion arising from misunderstandings is in the details. Thankfully, the Lord is not the author of confusion. So, let us pray that we sort through this simply and abstractly.
We have seen that in Genesis 1:1-3 it states that :
We have seen that in Genesis 1:1-3 it states that :
1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
|
2: And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3: And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. What this writer has claimed based upon his interpretation of these verses was that the first action which "produced the physical" was the statement, "Let there be light: and there was light.". Some of us view this universe more abstractly than others. Some of us are highly concrete. Some are so overly pedantic that they will argue vehemently over what appears as if it a conflict in premises without seeking a reasonable resolution for an issue of complexity. This weblogger is extremely abstract and interprets the first pair of verses as the conception of thoughts within the Mind of God and believes that the manifestation of this thought, which we are, was realized with His Word spoken in the third verse. And, although one might argue differently about whether this Heavenly Imperative was one term or a multiplicity thereof, we all must agree the Lord's Complexity is greater than any human or other manner of His created creatures. So, it is fully possible that His One Command was One Word which set all in motion and released His Light. A Light that has produced the myriad of moments, plethora of possibilities, and eternity of events which we are. So, forgive this blogger if any of the statements found within this work created a falling away or seemed subtly blasphemous. We must study so we might show ourselves approved, workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing His Word which is a Multifaceted, Diadem of Truth. And, trust this writer when he says that he is not an authority of authorities, will accept the consequences for any genuine fault within these pages, and give the Lord the credit for the truth found herein. May Your Life's Seasons Be Filled With Fair Weather. |
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Spiritual Paralysis in Life's Test
A day or so ago, this webloger placed a note on-line which in summary stated that, outside of the Creator, nothing truly worth continually pondering exists. Maybe this is why some call Him El-Qanna, or translated, the Jealous God. He wants and desires our full attention. The message was written with a scientific tone since, having worked professionally in various scientific fields, academics, and industry since the age of fifteen, my goal is reaching the scientific community who has a great influence on the world's lifestyle. The statements were somewhat bold comments of personal faith.
I have found in life that, when I do such, I am immediately tested after then. Unfortunately, I have often failed some of the critical questions on my life's test. Those big point test questions are often not conceptually difficult. I know in my mind, heart, and spirit what I should do, but often suffer a strange spiritual paralysis which impedes and prevents me from performing the very skill being tested. We have all been tested and tried being a humankind with like passions.
They say that confession is wonderfully cathartic for the soul, but horrible for the reputation. But, without expressing a personal short-coming which many of us have in the Western world that should not be, I fell abruptly. This stumble was unfortunate, but it is only a testimony about the wicked and perverse times in which we have all been born, our own inability of rising from the muck and mire which permeates this world and infects us all. This is not a reflection of the Creator's Mercy, Grace, or Everlasting Kindness. He has stated that certain consequences exist for not following as we should. These are outlined in the pages of Romans 1 - 3, I believe. But, please check that reference, that citation is from human recall and I have not verified it. My memory is foggy as OldTimer's sets in. So, my flaw is not evidence that He has any, as some claim. Furthermore, would be have not been told that we should be "perfect" as our Father above is if some level of perfection were not possible although that might be for our entire lives.
It has been my prayer as I struggle with my own personal shortcomings that he reign in the gift which he gave me called free will and self-determination. If having that gift cost me eternal happiness, it is one for which I am not mature enough and simply cannot handle. It is my prayer that as we are giving a free choice of answers in this test called life, that The Teacher give us ample guidance on any question which is so overwhelming that it induces spiritual paralysis! Lord, please pencil in the answer on the bubble-sheet when we become so weak that we cannot summon the strength within us for doing so.
May You Be Blessed and Stay Strong.
I have found in life that, when I do such, I am immediately tested after then. Unfortunately, I have often failed some of the critical questions on my life's test. Those big point test questions are often not conceptually difficult. I know in my mind, heart, and spirit what I should do, but often suffer a strange spiritual paralysis which impedes and prevents me from performing the very skill being tested. We have all been tested and tried being a humankind with like passions.
They say that confession is wonderfully cathartic for the soul, but horrible for the reputation. But, without expressing a personal short-coming which many of us have in the Western world that should not be, I fell abruptly. This stumble was unfortunate, but it is only a testimony about the wicked and perverse times in which we have all been born, our own inability of rising from the muck and mire which permeates this world and infects us all. This is not a reflection of the Creator's Mercy, Grace, or Everlasting Kindness. He has stated that certain consequences exist for not following as we should. These are outlined in the pages of Romans 1 - 3, I believe. But, please check that reference, that citation is from human recall and I have not verified it. My memory is foggy as OldTimer's sets in. So, my flaw is not evidence that He has any, as some claim. Furthermore, would be have not been told that we should be "perfect" as our Father above is if some level of perfection were not possible although that might be for our entire lives.
It has been my prayer as I struggle with my own personal shortcomings that he reign in the gift which he gave me called free will and self-determination. If having that gift cost me eternal happiness, it is one for which I am not mature enough and simply cannot handle. It is my prayer that as we are giving a free choice of answers in this test called life, that The Teacher give us ample guidance on any question which is so overwhelming that it induces spiritual paralysis! Lord, please pencil in the answer on the bubble-sheet when we become so weak that we cannot summon the strength within us for doing so.
May You Be Blessed and Stay Strong.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Back on the Beauty of a Few Spoken Words! Let There Be Light!
This past week, this writer spoke briefly with a physics adjunct at a local community college. Having a love for the subject and deriving a joy from thinking about such concepts, we pondered properties of this Universe beyond our understanding. This conversation sparked some more ideas about light's nature in the revelation of the Light. Much of the joy which this writer derives from dreaming about this subject comes from a continued child-like wonder and awe at the Lord's creation. It testifies of His Glory and Greatness, although it is a limited description of His Omnipotence. Most accomplished physicists would look on this blog with a slight grin when they mull over the "physics facts" presented. This blogger has only had general, modern, and mechanics many moons ago, but has enjoyed skimming books on mathematical physics and other sub-disciplines in the subject. A seasoned physics would say, "these things are not quite that simple". But, these facts are only presented as "accepted, secular, and measurable evidence" of the Presence and Sovereignty of the Immeasurable.
Consider what we know from the Book of the Beginnings, Genesis, which is accepted as absolute truth by members of three of the worlds five major religions and read by many more. We know that the first physical act was the creation of light.
Over the centuries, by poking and prodding around in the existence which the Creator gave us, we have conclude that all matter is ultimately an aggregate amalgamation of light. Furthermore, from physics we have gathered an understanding of our world that states that all physical measurement is based in three fundamental dimensions, mass [M], length [L], and time [T]. Speed [L]/[T], acceleration [L]/[T*T], and force ([M]*[L])/[T*T] are examples of these.
Let's examine these primitive dimensions further and see if they provide more evidence of a physical light which testifies of the Eternal Existence and Omniscience of a Spiritual Light.
Time which we feel is an integral part of our understanding of this world is simply an illusion. Of what we can be certain is that, since He said Let There Be Light, matter which has arisen from light is continually changing. We measure the flow of that change by comparing its different states and positions with a physical device which moves with an standardized and agreed upon flow. These devices we call clocks or timepieces. These were initially in the form of sundials and such. This being a direct carry over from the understanding that the sun rises in the morning, is at its apex at noon, and sets in the evening. We gave certain positions in these flow measurements names as we were taught and guided. These included times of day, seasons, and finally wall-clock time measures. So, time is a form of measurement concerning the change in matter and ultimately light which we use for understanding and communicating about this existence.
Next, if we consider length, it is obviously a form of measurement of this same dimension of matter which helps use communicate with it and about it. So, this also is a "fictitious" dimension which we impose upon the only "true" and "tangible" dimension of mass [M] which describes matter and its affinity for itself.
Once again, matter is only light that ultimately extols the Beauty and Omnipresence of the Light which is truly the only Matter which man should ponder with complete reverence and sincerity.
So, as we dissect our world, in a search for truth and meaning, we might find that many of us, make a full-circle in our reasoning. Not that this would be erroneous thought called circular reasoning, but we might say when all is said and done in our many circumbendibi of academic study and lucre chases: meaningless, meaningless, meaningless. And, when we utter those words, with all of our getting of knowledge, we would have finally gotten wisdom and understanding.
Stay Blessed, Share Some Joy With the Downcast This Week,
Consider what we know from the Book of the Beginnings, Genesis, which is accepted as absolute truth by members of three of the worlds five major religions and read by many more. We know that the first physical act was the creation of light.
Over the centuries, by poking and prodding around in the existence which the Creator gave us, we have conclude that all matter is ultimately an aggregate amalgamation of light. Furthermore, from physics we have gathered an understanding of our world that states that all physical measurement is based in three fundamental dimensions, mass [M], length [L], and time [T]. Speed [L]/[T], acceleration [L]/[T*T], and force ([M]*[L])/[T*T] are examples of these.
Let's examine these primitive dimensions further and see if they provide more evidence of a physical light which testifies of the Eternal Existence and Omniscience of a Spiritual Light.
Time which we feel is an integral part of our understanding of this world is simply an illusion. Of what we can be certain is that, since He said Let There Be Light, matter which has arisen from light is continually changing. We measure the flow of that change by comparing its different states and positions with a physical device which moves with an standardized and agreed upon flow. These devices we call clocks or timepieces. These were initially in the form of sundials and such. This being a direct carry over from the understanding that the sun rises in the morning, is at its apex at noon, and sets in the evening. We gave certain positions in these flow measurements names as we were taught and guided. These included times of day, seasons, and finally wall-clock time measures. So, time is a form of measurement concerning the change in matter and ultimately light which we use for understanding and communicating about this existence.
Next, if we consider length, it is obviously a form of measurement of this same dimension of matter which helps use communicate with it and about it. So, this also is a "fictitious" dimension which we impose upon the only "true" and "tangible" dimension of mass [M] which describes matter and its affinity for itself.
Once again, matter is only light that ultimately extols the Beauty and Omnipresence of the Light which is truly the only Matter which man should ponder with complete reverence and sincerity.
So, as we dissect our world, in a search for truth and meaning, we might find that many of us, make a full-circle in our reasoning. Not that this would be erroneous thought called circular reasoning, but we might say when all is said and done in our many circumbendibi of academic study and lucre chases: meaningless, meaningless, meaningless. And, when we utter those words, with all of our getting of knowledge, we would have finally gotten wisdom and understanding.
Stay Blessed, Share Some Joy With the Downcast This Week,
Monday, October 17, 2016
The Personal Thoughts of Joseph, The Patriach of the Tribe of Manasseh
A weekend or so ago, the Sunday School lesson touched upon Joseph's life as outlined in Genesis. We observed that, as it is chronicled in Scripture, Joseph never had a truly discouraging thought, never showed any trepidation, or complained for that matter. Seeing that scriptural accounts are meant as lessons in life for us, could anyone imagine being sold as a slave by family, being falsely accused of attempted rape, and being unjustly imprisoned without a single "why me?" moment. Did Joseph have this type of personal fortitude, or was such a personal weakness simply not recorded in scripture about him. This gift for "calmness in the midst of storms" might be why he was often found as the "second" in charge within many of the Egyptian institutions of which he was part.
Considering that often worrying and complaining brings about the very circumstances which we are hoping that we could avoid, Joseph's life is a valuable lesson in maintaining poise and a level head. But, it would be interesting imagining that Joseph might have been "incredible fearful" when he was purchased by Ishamelites or concerned that he would never be set free when wrongfully imprisoned. Could we have bore up under such circumstances as well? Without a doubt, his success was prerequisite for delivering his family during the famine which eventually struck the land.
Stay Blessed.
Considering that often worrying and complaining brings about the very circumstances which we are hoping that we could avoid, Joseph's life is a valuable lesson in maintaining poise and a level head. But, it would be interesting imagining that Joseph might have been "incredible fearful" when he was purchased by Ishamelites or concerned that he would never be set free when wrongfully imprisoned. Could we have bore up under such circumstances as well? Without a doubt, his success was prerequisite for delivering his family during the famine which eventually struck the land.
Stay Blessed.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
All Roads Ultimately Wind Up In Rome
Enough about science and its facts which support the Christian canons. The beauty of His Creation is evidence of His creation and enough that we praise Him. Most children find this self-evident. This is likely why Christ taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is such as "these small children". Whether gazing upon distant clusters of stars light-eons away or peering with a focused lens on the most minute forms of matter, we cannot escape His Glory and Majesty. Let us not miss the forest for the trees.
While speaking with a gentleman a few years ago about the nature of the eternal after-life, he shared with me that the denomination of his faith believed that this earth and heaven would be transformed becoming a place of unending physical comforts. This was contrasted with personal beliefs that we will all be transformed and enter a new spiritual realm where wickedness will cease from troubling and the weary will be at rest. For many of us, this physical world has little that it can offer. Those things which we lavish ultimately cause premature death. And, as stated in the above canon, the Creator desires that we have life and life more abundantly. This is the impetus for the laws, rules, and instructions given in scripture. They are given so we might build healthy, peaceful, pro-social communities.
Also, when upon speaking with the gentleman, we discussed the fact that, frequently, religious debates ultimately become arguments over semantics. What does "love" your neighbor mean? In the English language, this one word might have many meanings. We further specify the type with an adjective. For example, fraternal love, marital love, love of country, and Godly love. And, sadly, some also include carnal lusts in this category, although Saul of Tarsus teaches differently in scripture. In other languages, a number of words exists for such differing types of feelings. This is evident in the Christian cannon when Christ asked Peter, "Do you love me?" more than once using disparate words describing a different type of love each time. And, although we debated for nearly fifteen minutes, we both ultimately realized that we were arguing semantics. We saw the after-life as we each chose based upon what we desired. And, we both might be pleasantly surprised if the Lord lets us each enter it. It will likely be more beautiful than we can imagine.
In this lifetime, this is a trustworthy saying, "The Lord likes surprising His children". Consider Luke 11:11. If humans can provide their children with "good" things, how much more can the Father in Heaven above. If humans enjoy surprising their children with gifts, would not the One who created all the universe like surprising His children?
This weblog is written from a Christian perspective; however, in this life, the writer has witnessed acts which Christ would encourage on behalf of men and women who were non-Christians. One of these was the immolation of a Buddhist monk who was protesting a local pornography outlet in San Francisco during the Vietnam war when many Americans had an intense fear and hatred of Asians. Interestingly enough, the camera crew from the local news station that filmed this actually had the monk set on fire and were part of the same media network which owned the pornography store. Upon spending a few months in Silicon Valley and Oakland in 2011, the writer lived near a small Buddhist temple. They could not cash a "respect-check" in the community in which they were.
Yet, the goals of many of the Christians in nearby churches were the same. Safer neighborhoods, a brighter future for their children, a cessation of drug trafficking, and etc. Unfortunately, many Christians criticize other faiths and vice versa. Yet, we as men of many faiths often experience a maturing process as we travel along life's journey. We are often not all that we should be based upon our respective scriptural works which we claim that we follow. We who have matured and seek the "good" of all humanity should work in unison for the growth, security, and well-being of all peoples while seeing ourselves as one people seeking the glory of the Creator and the maintenance of the world which He has given us.
They say one will repeat a painful past if he does not learn from his history. In the account of the Tower of Babel, the world entered a state of chaos when the people were one and the sought their own glory and aggrandizement by building a tower which reached the heavens. The Lord sent confusion upon them since they were not building for His Glory.
As we build devices which enter the far most reaches of space, communication networks which span the globe, and myriads of potions, pills, and preparations for the treatment of all that ails us, let us be wise enough the we do it for His Glory, or ultimately it will collapse under its own weight.
May Blessings! Trust That He Can Deliver You From All Hurt, Harm, and Danger in the Coming Weeks!
While speaking with a gentleman a few years ago about the nature of the eternal after-life, he shared with me that the denomination of his faith believed that this earth and heaven would be transformed becoming a place of unending physical comforts. This was contrasted with personal beliefs that we will all be transformed and enter a new spiritual realm where wickedness will cease from troubling and the weary will be at rest. For many of us, this physical world has little that it can offer. Those things which we lavish ultimately cause premature death. And, as stated in the above canon, the Creator desires that we have life and life more abundantly. This is the impetus for the laws, rules, and instructions given in scripture. They are given so we might build healthy, peaceful, pro-social communities.
Also, when upon speaking with the gentleman, we discussed the fact that, frequently, religious debates ultimately become arguments over semantics. What does "love" your neighbor mean? In the English language, this one word might have many meanings. We further specify the type with an adjective. For example, fraternal love, marital love, love of country, and Godly love. And, sadly, some also include carnal lusts in this category, although Saul of Tarsus teaches differently in scripture. In other languages, a number of words exists for such differing types of feelings. This is evident in the Christian cannon when Christ asked Peter, "Do you love me?" more than once using disparate words describing a different type of love each time. And, although we debated for nearly fifteen minutes, we both ultimately realized that we were arguing semantics. We saw the after-life as we each chose based upon what we desired. And, we both might be pleasantly surprised if the Lord lets us each enter it. It will likely be more beautiful than we can imagine.
In this lifetime, this is a trustworthy saying, "The Lord likes surprising His children". Consider Luke 11:11. If humans can provide their children with "good" things, how much more can the Father in Heaven above. If humans enjoy surprising their children with gifts, would not the One who created all the universe like surprising His children?
This weblog is written from a Christian perspective; however, in this life, the writer has witnessed acts which Christ would encourage on behalf of men and women who were non-Christians. One of these was the immolation of a Buddhist monk who was protesting a local pornography outlet in San Francisco during the Vietnam war when many Americans had an intense fear and hatred of Asians. Interestingly enough, the camera crew from the local news station that filmed this actually had the monk set on fire and were part of the same media network which owned the pornography store. Upon spending a few months in Silicon Valley and Oakland in 2011, the writer lived near a small Buddhist temple. They could not cash a "respect-check" in the community in which they were.
Yet, the goals of many of the Christians in nearby churches were the same. Safer neighborhoods, a brighter future for their children, a cessation of drug trafficking, and etc. Unfortunately, many Christians criticize other faiths and vice versa. Yet, we as men of many faiths often experience a maturing process as we travel along life's journey. We are often not all that we should be based upon our respective scriptural works which we claim that we follow. We who have matured and seek the "good" of all humanity should work in unison for the growth, security, and well-being of all peoples while seeing ourselves as one people seeking the glory of the Creator and the maintenance of the world which He has given us.
They say one will repeat a painful past if he does not learn from his history. In the account of the Tower of Babel, the world entered a state of chaos when the people were one and the sought their own glory and aggrandizement by building a tower which reached the heavens. The Lord sent confusion upon them since they were not building for His Glory.
As we build devices which enter the far most reaches of space, communication networks which span the globe, and myriads of potions, pills, and preparations for the treatment of all that ails us, let us be wise enough the we do it for His Glory, or ultimately it will collapse under its own weight.
May Blessings! Trust That He Can Deliver You From All Hurt, Harm, and Danger in the Coming Weeks!
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