May This Weekend Be Wonderfully Blessed. This past week, the author had an wonderful experience at work. Trouble seemed that it was mounting on every side, and, then a still, small voice said, "does not an old spiritual say all say that we will all understand it better by" and a scripture says, "[1Co 13:12 KJV] 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." In the author's life, he has been hated simply because he was part of group which many of the individuals who lived in his region were taught that nothing exists which is more vile, savage, and disgusting than the group of which he was a part. In fact, he had often heard among some members of the majority in this region who have reprehensible behaviors say that they might be the grossest measure of filthiness, but, at least, they are not a member of the group which shares a common heritage with author. Yet, when he grew, he discovered kindness, respect, and generosity among some of the members which this region said was another group which one should hate.
Why is finding the "god-fearing" in this world so incredibly difficult? We are taught that we cannot trust certain other groups from our early years. We are taught that certain other groups are extremely dangerous. Yet, we are sheep whom experience continual slaughter from those in our unique group. Remember, the lesson of the Samaritan and his neighbor who was a Hebrew and for whom he cared in a time need. Who is our foe? Could he be the one who comes so he might kill, steal, and destroy?
In the author's lifetime, he has met individuals who receive a "physical rush" from hatred. It makes them feel alive and vital. It is a pleasant feeling for them. Some have reached the extreme of being love-impaired. These feel "sickly" when they feel affection for another. Many of these cannot rest until they have mistreated someone. This is wickedness.
On the other hand, many feel extremely "ill" when they experience intense hatred and anger. They cannot tolerate such feelings. They would prefer feeling the pleasant feeling of affection which comes from sharing some kind words and the soft thumping of a warm heart. These individuals are "hate-impaired".
The author met one person who had figured out life and must have been truly hate-impaired as he walked along a street near his city's business district. She looked like she might be homeless. At least, she looked like she was aged beyond her years. She had a wide smile on her face, and simply looked extremely happy. The author imagines that she had met that Man from Galilee. She did not look like she had extreme wealth. But, it looked as if she had a Bounty that few know.
Some might have thought that she was simply another one of the Rahab's walking near the city's center.
Most likely, the author cannot grasps fully the words that he should share which could wage peace, kindness, generousness, joy, temperance, and agape love.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Light Shining On Darkness
May the Lord make a way in your life! The most wonderful revelation occurred in the author's life in the late 1990s or early 2000s while watching a national news broadcast. He had been plagued with a problematic and destructive acquaintance since his freshman year of high-school. This deeply troubled character learned a few lessons in a backward manner when he was young. He believed that any task which netted money was worth his time. The author would often tell him that "a man should support himself by any means necessary". But, his acquaintance could not discern that this meant "any honest and honorable means". As such, he asked the author in the early 1990s if any method exited for obscuring one's identity in an electronic image. The author mentioned one. His acquaintance asked if the process was irreversible. The author said, "I suppose." This was a classic catch phrase of old "General You", along with "okey-doke" which is usually followed by a "rope-a-dope". One might say that the author is crafty. It is more the case that he strives for being as "wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove." But, beauty of the moment was the "Urkel-like" naiveté which is a God-given gift. The Lord blessed this moment, and the news reported that one the most notorious child pornographers and rapist traveling across Asia had been exposed. Interpol had simply reversed what this character had "assumed" was irreversible.
The Lord had used the author when he was far from regular worship, scriptural study, and a life of godly-discipline. Wherever you might be, pray, "Lord use me as I struggle for a path which will place me on the narrow road which end in eternal life."
The author made himself a couple of promises early in life. He vowed that he would not smoke nor drink. This acquaintance pushed him passed both of these boundaries. And, had he not been an honest person who would tell on himself first and others second, the author might have some more burdensome addictions this day. Lesson for the youth who might read this. Anyone who pushed you passed a "healthy boundary" in not in your corner. This a difficult saying, in that, those who breach your walls of well-being might be as close as family, and, in truth, they do not love (philia or agape) you.
If one ever questions the quality of love which he has in his heart for others or the quality of love that he is receiving, the standard is below:
[1Co 13:1-13 KJV]
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.
This should be read daily by the young person who has fallen "deeply in love". It shall help remove the blinders.
May the Lord Bless You From His Heavens With A Fount Of His Peace.
The Lord had used the author when he was far from regular worship, scriptural study, and a life of godly-discipline. Wherever you might be, pray, "Lord use me as I struggle for a path which will place me on the narrow road which end in eternal life."
The author made himself a couple of promises early in life. He vowed that he would not smoke nor drink. This acquaintance pushed him passed both of these boundaries. And, had he not been an honest person who would tell on himself first and others second, the author might have some more burdensome addictions this day. Lesson for the youth who might read this. Anyone who pushed you passed a "healthy boundary" in not in your corner. This a difficult saying, in that, those who breach your walls of well-being might be as close as family, and, in truth, they do not love (philia or agape) you.
If one ever questions the quality of love which he has in his heart for others or the quality of love that he is receiving, the standard is below:
[1Co 13:1-13 KJV]
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.
This should be read daily by the young person who has fallen "deeply in love". It shall help remove the blinders.
May the Lord Bless You From His Heavens With A Fount Of His Peace.
Childhood Genius
Forever Blessed May You Be and The Child In Thee! As, the author reaches his golden years and that milestone of fifty, he is convinced of one and only one irrefutable fact. Children have an innate theotropism.
[1Ti 4:12 KJV] 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
A child would not entertain the idea of sticking plant material in his mouth and igniting it. It would seem unnatural and unwise.
A child would not entertain the idea of drinking the fermented stock of plant matter until he became nauseous and lost consciousness.
[1Co 2:14-15 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
With the term "natural" meaning the untamed, uncivilized, unsocialized. As in, a tree which has grown and reached adulthood without proper pruning.
The author can infallibly state that, in the most important of ways, we grow increasingly imbecilic in important impulsions. Those of us who have some grey, gray, or silver in our hair are wise enough that we know that children are worth hearing! They have unique perspectives which might impact our world in the most wonderful of worlds. That is if we do not stifle the God-given dream which is in their hearts. Anyone been stifled? Was it pleasant seeing your dreams fade? Please do not stifle others. And, please, please, please pray the Lord will reweave that dream-tapestry on the loom within your heart.
Be Blessed and A Bountiful Blessing.
[1Ti 4:12 KJV] 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
A child would not entertain the idea of sticking plant material in his mouth and igniting it. It would seem unnatural and unwise.
A child would not entertain the idea of drinking the fermented stock of plant matter until he became nauseous and lost consciousness.
[1Co 2:14-15 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
With the term "natural" meaning the untamed, uncivilized, unsocialized. As in, a tree which has grown and reached adulthood without proper pruning.
The author can infallibly state that, in the most important of ways, we grow increasingly imbecilic in important impulsions. Those of us who have some grey, gray, or silver in our hair are wise enough that we know that children are worth hearing! They have unique perspectives which might impact our world in the most wonderful of worlds. That is if we do not stifle the God-given dream which is in their hearts. Anyone been stifled? Was it pleasant seeing your dreams fade? Please do not stifle others. And, please, please, please pray the Lord will reweave that dream-tapestry on the loom within your heart.
Be Blessed and A Bountiful Blessing.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Read On and Stay Steadfast
May You Enjoy Many Well-Timed Blessings This And Every Week. Do you know that you can know something and not know that you know it! This is the wonderful marvel of intuition. Being that the author has read through the Bible, the scriptures which he was given as a child, at least once in order, over many decades of Sunday School, and randomly as part of regular scripture reading, it is embedded deeply in his thoughts and memories. As such, upon reading Ecclesiastes 1, he had an unction that meaning must exist in a seemingly vain and meaningless world. And, what do you know, when he awoke this morning, a still small voice said, "re-read the end of Ecclesiastes."
And here is Solomon's conclusion,
[Ecc 12:8-14 NIV]
8 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!"
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one shepherd.
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Notice the conclusion:
What did Christ say was the Greatest Commandment? The one on which all of the Law and the Prophets hung? Search for it on Google if you do not know, and check a few sources looking for a consistent message.
Also, does not scripture record that "the student is not greater than the Teacher." Notice the capitalization. This suggests Divinity. Some translations of this scripture uses lowercasing when uppercasing is appropriate. This can cause confusion.
And, this scripture when written as, "the student is not greater than the teacher" can give earthly teachers what is affectionately known as the "big head". These men assume that a student should not question or challenge any statement which they make. This sets an "unhealthy ceiling" on human learning, especially scripture. It should be the goal of every teacher, in the author's opinion, that his students excel beyond his understanding, at least in some areas, if not all. A good teacher would desire that his pupils dig deeper, rise higher, and go further than he, especially in their scriptural faith walk. Yet, none will ever be greater than the Teacher. Interestingly, the Teacher, Christ at the guidance of the Father and His Spirit, is recorded as saying, "greater things than this you shall do." when talking of His Miracles. Would not a a crowd of Galileans have been amazed if an elderly woman resting in her bed at night clapped her hands and filled the room with marvelous white light. Then, did the same and the light vanished. Clap on.... Clap off.... This allusion describes an old novelty sold in the 1970s as a light-switch for the whippersnappers reading this note. It might seem irreverent, but the essence of the statement is that much which we hold as commonplace in our era would be ever-so wonderful and miraculous in the time of Christ. Not saying that He did not have this ability but saying that He was not recorded as performing such a miracle.
Whether by the Lord's Will, the exertion of humans' own freewill, or a combination or conflict of both, the modern era provides many devices that operate on the harnessed flow of physical light, which is electro-magnetic energy. The Lord pronounced its existence and eternal flow and has permitted our use of it over the past century or so. The author believes that he might have read in a translation of scripture that exerting one's free-will against the Lord's is the equivalent of witchcraft; however he cannot locate this verse at this time. And, it should be noted that the Good Shepherd only permits wandering from His Way for so long. He has let us harness physical light; yet few seek the mysteries which surround prayer and fasting which harness Spiritual Light and can set one free from the bondage of sin arising from demonic possession.
Most of us, who can communicate on this modern marvel the World Wide Web, have myriad of comforts in comparison with mankind only a couple of centuries ago. In the country in which the author lives, we can produce more food than the the individuals in this country can eat. Yet, children are starving in cities where the overflowing capacity of supermarkets exceeds the need for the communities' inhabitants by many times, especially, with the proliferation of the Wal-Mart super centers, neighborhood stores, and other Bentonville, Arkansas ventures.
Most of us are not minimalists when considering our consumer items. And, of course, they must have a respectable and current insignia. Why do wars wage among us? Not only, because we do not ask God. We ask amiss so me might amass more than what we need. We lord over one another based on logos and scoff at those who might be angels of whom we are not aware simply because they lack "a mark of physical wealth".
Many of us, can travel hundreds of miles within a day simply so we can enjoy recreation and leisure.
What a world, we would have if we could negotiate some "community-mindedness". But many Americans, would call a world with an economy such as that found in the Days of the Pentecost communist. And, most likely, if a single person received an "allotment" in the wrong order, the whole system would deteriorate as it did shortly after the time of Christ.
The author's life's journey has been wonderful, challenging at times, but such a joy. He has wondered if it is nothing more than an illusion. Remember that old rhyme, "life is but a dream". As a child, he often heard it as, "life is butter dream's" being a pudgy little fellow who loved fattening foods, such as chicken cooked in lard.
A distant memory, during the Spring after his second birthday, rekindled by his mother in his thirties replays in his mind on occasion. While playing on a stoop with a small child who was sharing his erector set, trouble arose. One of the child's relatives offered him a wintergreen lifesaver. Within a few moments, the child started choking, and the author bolted for help. Bigger than usual for his age, yet the size of a toddler, he took a pair of steps at a time as he bounded up the staircase. Banging on his family's apartment door, he exclaimed that his playmate could not breathe. His mother who had a great partial education at an historically Black college and university in this country and had some basic training in medicine, ran down the stairs, righted the child whom his relative was holding upside down and shaking, and gently put pressure under his diaphragm. He coughed it up.
A few days later, another relative of this playmate, a lady, stopped by and said that her family was very thankful. She said that her family was hoping that they could return the favor. We said that it was not necessary. But, she said that she had worked in a circus entertainer as a ventriloquist and illusionist. She asked if the author would be interested in experiencing an illusion. She said that she was paid quite well for them, but would grant him one for free. So, he might experience a world that a little wooley-haired character might not ever see in the wake of the Civil Right Struggle. A tot whose parents were married a couple of days after King's assassination in the midst of the Chicago Riots, he often wonders if he is still sitting on his twin bed in yellow pajamas with Bugs Bunny on his leg and smelling somewhat malodorous being that is was a day or so before his weekly bath. She and his mother talked and discussed what he might do as a profession. His mother said that his grandfather's vocation was as a pastor of a couple of small rural churches, and the lady said that his playmate's grandfather was a physician.
Interestingly enough, he has had a small impact on both vocations. First, while in eight grade, he ran across a few antiquated agricultural terms in the KJV which his church used. He wondered if a newer translation could be produced which was written on an eight grade level as the common newspaper is. He mentioned this a few times. It might be a coincidence, but the NIV has arisen in a number of languages written so those whose first language is not the language of that Bible can read it. Knowing the English NIV, the author can translate verses in the Spanish NIV with limited knowledge of that language. Second, also while in junior high, with a casual understanding of medicine based upon what his mother had taught him as a researcher in physiology at a local medical center, he wondered if one could taper individuals nicotine usage by using the supposed "oral fixation" associated with it and graduated dosages of this substance in chewing gum. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, some physicians misuse these treatments and simply "hook" clients on the chewing gum. Sad as it sounds, all physicians are not honest. Some of the best cheats and most dishonest of students in your high-school used those skills so they might make it through medical school. As the Proverb states, "men will be dishonest for a morsel of bread" what more will they do for physical wealth. Exceptionally honest and bright physicians who believe that they should seek the well-being of their clients over their own are extremely rare. Such are those who feel that they should seek the well-being of others above their own in this "me" generation. Altruism is almost considered a profane word in a lassez-faire capitalist economy.
The author's life has been so incredibly wonderful that he would be surprised beyond measure if it a true reality. He was told by the lady that he should help "people". Occasionally, assisting others has required learning other's propensities so one might. The author shared an insight with his mother during his junior high years that certain people among us trust a "expert" source which is of Anglo origin above others in this country. As a result, he would record ideas under aliases of fictitious Anglo scientists in an idea journal which he had as a child, one being "Helga Morgenstern". Interestingly enough, while he was blessed with a position at a local medical research while in high school performing the tasks of most research technicians, he shared this with one of the PhDs with which he was working in cancer biology this same fact. He grinned and said, "I suppose we found Helga Morgenstern....Would you like your Nobel Prize now." The author does not know what idea his mother slipped through research channels using this approach and is wondering if it might have truly merited that type of honor. As he said, this existence makes him wonder if it is naught more than a fantastic illusion. He has been blessed beyond measure.
Helping "people" is quite a challenge. That is what Christ did throughout His ministry and the physical toll on Him was high. Unfortunately, this word, "people" has differing connotations in American society. As the Bible records, the ant, the coney, and the locust are peoples. Being that a "people" is a "society". The author is one who only attaches an adjective descriptor on "people" when it is absolutely necessary for clear delineation of whom one is speaking. This is not the case for all Americans. And, he is taking a chance at saying this, especially since it can be taken out of context, but, "colored-people" confuse him whether they be White, Black, Brown, Tan, Yellow, Red, or any other shade of the human rainbow's spectrum. People are simply people. He has been blessed by any and all shades at times and harmed by the same.
And this provides a pleasant segue for the next paragraph which ties in the importance of unity and the need for community. The author has had at least three shelter experiences in his life. Homelessness is not an end in life. In ways, it can be a beginning. For Christ said, "bird have nest and foxes have holes, but the Son of man has no place where he can lay his head..." And, as the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, we have been promised clothing and food in Christian scripture but not housing. In fact, when He started His ministry it was not recorded that He had stable housing. One of the most beautiful things which the author has seen was while volunteering at a shelter. People are people when life gets really challenging, and we must unite as one or completely perish apart. Color is a non-issue at a local shelter where the author has served meals. Children are served first, then women, and men last based on the order at which they arrive at the table. He discovered how much showing the slightest preference based on skin tone can bring a harsh rebuke from shelter residents when he served an African American who wanted special consideration ahead of a European American. It is the author's prayer that the Lord does not send so many burdens upon this country that we must unite for basic survival.
With all this said, one might feel that the author is a really great person. He is human with many human failings. One of his greater ones was physically injuring another person severely. The person's life hung in the balance for a few days. Thankfully, he survived. This mishap was mostly the direct result of years of mistreatment, and a person who was in the wrong place at the wrong time felt the brunt of something which he did not deserve. But, he learned a valuable lesson about the verse describing King David's scripture, "harming someone such that it brings about one's own hurt". Life changed in an unimaginable way, briefly. And, when the world which he had always known returned, he remembered what he saw on a evening newscast with a famous actor from the 1970s, Robert Blake. The actor's demeanor had drastically changed after he murdered his second wife. The author had been told by the attorney handling his personal case that a man will change after spending time incarcerated, which was less than a couple of days for the author. A number of mitigating factors existed in the situation. But, he should share that he has spoken with another person who had much greater liability in a violent act. This person with whom he spoke said that his world changed, he adjusted, life gradually became better, but it was never quite the way it was before. So, the author is supposing that King David experienced a similar transformation in that this might have been his first unjust act of violence. Trust me. It can be very ugly. So, only become violent as a last resort. This the author has always done.
But, small vices become bigger vices. And, if it will save a soul, the author prays that he will be bold, and share what must be told. Many joke about a behavior which is incredibly unhealthy and frequently coupled with pornography. Adults often tell children that if they behave in this way, they shall go blind. Unfortunately, this behavior is found among ninety-five percent of Americans. Many years ago, individuals who did such things were labeled clumsy and awkward. And, one would only encourage another in this behavior if he hated that person. Ironically, many folks these days call this "figuring out life". Truth be told, when one does this, they cease being the natural-born geniuses that children are. It is truly an unnatural act, although it is commonplace in this world. As such, these next few sentences will most likely bring much ridicule.
Unfortunately, when the author first fell and lost any hope at living the life of a genius in his mid-teens, he noticed that his vision dimmed slightly. Light left his eyes. Also, he noticed that his scriptures read differently in some places. Most notably, the wages of sin which he had always known as being "sickness" before this mishap were now listed as "death" in his Bible. They were also listed as "death" in the KJV Bible from ABE publishers which he mother read him when he was young. And, he distinctly remembers them being "sickness". Before you snicker and guffaw our opportunity at everlasting life away, the author should share that through the Mercy of the Lord he rose above this lawlessness in his late twenties with a devoted Christian lifestyle. And, as scripture instructs, he had the nightly emissions that an adult male who is unmarried should experience occasionally when his bodily fluids naturally release themselves. This continued for well over a decade. He noticed that his vision became brighter. much brighter.
He also noticed that he would naturally move away from danger. The Lord orders a good man's steps. He had trouble hearing obscenities. And, would always walk out of a room before sexually charged content came on televisions. He could hear the lawless behavior, but could not see it. Remember that proverb, "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil". He remembers being around his father who would grow angry and say he should not be that "sweet" for his age. Also, many others said that he was "sweet." He fully did not grasp what they were saying. But, the most remarkable experience was that his Bible read differently. The wages of sin were "sickness" again. It might have been the verses which he read, but he believes that his old ABE KJV read that the wages of sin were "sickness" once again instead of death. He does not know how extreme the wages of sin can be set. And, he must say that a "sweet" life is a great life.
He is hoping that he can live it again, and he forgives those who drew him away from it. In particular, one young woman who was his co-worker and had such a wonderful fascination with a peanut butter sandwich. As she relished her sandwich, saying, "Mmmm, I love peanut butter" and stared at him, he wondered if she knew what she was doing. Being that it was the season of the year when birds and bees proliferate, he found ignoring her difficult. Based upon her comments on how he was built when his body responded, he knew that she was doing it intentionally. He grabbed his Bible out of his messenger's bag and read a few verse and the "sickness" subsided. She commented "What a nice guy. I have never seen a man handle things that way." Unfortunately, a few more rounds with other demons resulted in a fall.
All this has been said, so the author might say, living a life of Godly sweetness is incredibly wonderful. More adults should live life this way. Then, we might see life and its situations differently. Thinking, understanding, and speaking as an adult is interpreted differently when one is "sweet" and has Christian maturity versus worldly maturity and carnal experiences. Chaste celibacy is a great way of living. Unfortunately, those in our community who live this way are often misunderstood and disliked, in part, because they are living a life which is considered "noble" by Christian standards. This grates on those who feel that they might be seen as lesser as a result of their behaviors when one has never called them such. We all have sinned in ways and fallen short of His Glory. Yet, before all is done, try this life; it is magnificent. The author has few if any regrets from his years of chaste celibacy. The other years are not so.
He must finally add that breaking free of sin is not easy, and, although considered superstitious by some, demonic spiritual activity is quite real and can be physically manifested. During the roughest night of his life, he like many "men" felt tears flowing continually as he fought off the demons that beset him. He heard the sounds of a cat growling and felt scratching on his neck and upper arms. He thought that it was all only a nightmare, but when he arose many fine scratches were on his shoulders. At least one person that days asked him how those marks ended up on him and if he had been in a fight. For those who are hoping that they can be set free, stay steadfast and keep the course. The journey might grow challenging at times, but it is truly worth it.
Stay Blessed. Stay Steadfast and Stay The Course.
Also, this was written hastily.
And here is Solomon's conclusion,
[Ecc 12:8-14 NIV]
8 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!"
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one shepherd.
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Notice the conclusion:
What did Christ say was the Greatest Commandment? The one on which all of the Law and the Prophets hung? Search for it on Google if you do not know, and check a few sources looking for a consistent message.
Also, does not scripture record that "the student is not greater than the Teacher." Notice the capitalization. This suggests Divinity. Some translations of this scripture uses lowercasing when uppercasing is appropriate. This can cause confusion.
And, this scripture when written as, "the student is not greater than the teacher" can give earthly teachers what is affectionately known as the "big head". These men assume that a student should not question or challenge any statement which they make. This sets an "unhealthy ceiling" on human learning, especially scripture. It should be the goal of every teacher, in the author's opinion, that his students excel beyond his understanding, at least in some areas, if not all. A good teacher would desire that his pupils dig deeper, rise higher, and go further than he, especially in their scriptural faith walk. Yet, none will ever be greater than the Teacher. Interestingly, the Teacher, Christ at the guidance of the Father and His Spirit, is recorded as saying, "greater things than this you shall do." when talking of His Miracles. Would not a a crowd of Galileans have been amazed if an elderly woman resting in her bed at night clapped her hands and filled the room with marvelous white light. Then, did the same and the light vanished. Clap on.... Clap off.... This allusion describes an old novelty sold in the 1970s as a light-switch for the whippersnappers reading this note. It might seem irreverent, but the essence of the statement is that much which we hold as commonplace in our era would be ever-so wonderful and miraculous in the time of Christ. Not saying that He did not have this ability but saying that He was not recorded as performing such a miracle.
Whether by the Lord's Will, the exertion of humans' own freewill, or a combination or conflict of both, the modern era provides many devices that operate on the harnessed flow of physical light, which is electro-magnetic energy. The Lord pronounced its existence and eternal flow and has permitted our use of it over the past century or so. The author believes that he might have read in a translation of scripture that exerting one's free-will against the Lord's is the equivalent of witchcraft; however he cannot locate this verse at this time. And, it should be noted that the Good Shepherd only permits wandering from His Way for so long. He has let us harness physical light; yet few seek the mysteries which surround prayer and fasting which harness Spiritual Light and can set one free from the bondage of sin arising from demonic possession.
Most of us, who can communicate on this modern marvel the World Wide Web, have myriad of comforts in comparison with mankind only a couple of centuries ago. In the country in which the author lives, we can produce more food than the the individuals in this country can eat. Yet, children are starving in cities where the overflowing capacity of supermarkets exceeds the need for the communities' inhabitants by many times, especially, with the proliferation of the Wal-Mart super centers, neighborhood stores, and other Bentonville, Arkansas ventures.
Most of us are not minimalists when considering our consumer items. And, of course, they must have a respectable and current insignia. Why do wars wage among us? Not only, because we do not ask God. We ask amiss so me might amass more than what we need. We lord over one another based on logos and scoff at those who might be angels of whom we are not aware simply because they lack "a mark of physical wealth".
Many of us, can travel hundreds of miles within a day simply so we can enjoy recreation and leisure.
What a world, we would have if we could negotiate some "community-mindedness". But many Americans, would call a world with an economy such as that found in the Days of the Pentecost communist. And, most likely, if a single person received an "allotment" in the wrong order, the whole system would deteriorate as it did shortly after the time of Christ.
The author's life's journey has been wonderful, challenging at times, but such a joy. He has wondered if it is nothing more than an illusion. Remember that old rhyme, "life is but a dream". As a child, he often heard it as, "life is butter dream's" being a pudgy little fellow who loved fattening foods, such as chicken cooked in lard.
A distant memory, during the Spring after his second birthday, rekindled by his mother in his thirties replays in his mind on occasion. While playing on a stoop with a small child who was sharing his erector set, trouble arose. One of the child's relatives offered him a wintergreen lifesaver. Within a few moments, the child started choking, and the author bolted for help. Bigger than usual for his age, yet the size of a toddler, he took a pair of steps at a time as he bounded up the staircase. Banging on his family's apartment door, he exclaimed that his playmate could not breathe. His mother who had a great partial education at an historically Black college and university in this country and had some basic training in medicine, ran down the stairs, righted the child whom his relative was holding upside down and shaking, and gently put pressure under his diaphragm. He coughed it up.
A few days later, another relative of this playmate, a lady, stopped by and said that her family was very thankful. She said that her family was hoping that they could return the favor. We said that it was not necessary. But, she said that she had worked in a circus entertainer as a ventriloquist and illusionist. She asked if the author would be interested in experiencing an illusion. She said that she was paid quite well for them, but would grant him one for free. So, he might experience a world that a little wooley-haired character might not ever see in the wake of the Civil Right Struggle. A tot whose parents were married a couple of days after King's assassination in the midst of the Chicago Riots, he often wonders if he is still sitting on his twin bed in yellow pajamas with Bugs Bunny on his leg and smelling somewhat malodorous being that is was a day or so before his weekly bath. She and his mother talked and discussed what he might do as a profession. His mother said that his grandfather's vocation was as a pastor of a couple of small rural churches, and the lady said that his playmate's grandfather was a physician.
Interestingly enough, he has had a small impact on both vocations. First, while in eight grade, he ran across a few antiquated agricultural terms in the KJV which his church used. He wondered if a newer translation could be produced which was written on an eight grade level as the common newspaper is. He mentioned this a few times. It might be a coincidence, but the NIV has arisen in a number of languages written so those whose first language is not the language of that Bible can read it. Knowing the English NIV, the author can translate verses in the Spanish NIV with limited knowledge of that language. Second, also while in junior high, with a casual understanding of medicine based upon what his mother had taught him as a researcher in physiology at a local medical center, he wondered if one could taper individuals nicotine usage by using the supposed "oral fixation" associated with it and graduated dosages of this substance in chewing gum. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, some physicians misuse these treatments and simply "hook" clients on the chewing gum. Sad as it sounds, all physicians are not honest. Some of the best cheats and most dishonest of students in your high-school used those skills so they might make it through medical school. As the Proverb states, "men will be dishonest for a morsel of bread" what more will they do for physical wealth. Exceptionally honest and bright physicians who believe that they should seek the well-being of their clients over their own are extremely rare. Such are those who feel that they should seek the well-being of others above their own in this "me" generation. Altruism is almost considered a profane word in a lassez-faire capitalist economy.
The author's life has been so incredibly wonderful that he would be surprised beyond measure if it a true reality. He was told by the lady that he should help "people". Occasionally, assisting others has required learning other's propensities so one might. The author shared an insight with his mother during his junior high years that certain people among us trust a "expert" source which is of Anglo origin above others in this country. As a result, he would record ideas under aliases of fictitious Anglo scientists in an idea journal which he had as a child, one being "Helga Morgenstern". Interestingly enough, while he was blessed with a position at a local medical research while in high school performing the tasks of most research technicians, he shared this with one of the PhDs with which he was working in cancer biology this same fact. He grinned and said, "I suppose we found Helga Morgenstern....Would you like your Nobel Prize now." The author does not know what idea his mother slipped through research channels using this approach and is wondering if it might have truly merited that type of honor. As he said, this existence makes him wonder if it is naught more than a fantastic illusion. He has been blessed beyond measure.
Helping "people" is quite a challenge. That is what Christ did throughout His ministry and the physical toll on Him was high. Unfortunately, this word, "people" has differing connotations in American society. As the Bible records, the ant, the coney, and the locust are peoples. Being that a "people" is a "society". The author is one who only attaches an adjective descriptor on "people" when it is absolutely necessary for clear delineation of whom one is speaking. This is not the case for all Americans. And, he is taking a chance at saying this, especially since it can be taken out of context, but, "colored-people" confuse him whether they be White, Black, Brown, Tan, Yellow, Red, or any other shade of the human rainbow's spectrum. People are simply people. He has been blessed by any and all shades at times and harmed by the same.
And this provides a pleasant segue for the next paragraph which ties in the importance of unity and the need for community. The author has had at least three shelter experiences in his life. Homelessness is not an end in life. In ways, it can be a beginning. For Christ said, "bird have nest and foxes have holes, but the Son of man has no place where he can lay his head..." And, as the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, we have been promised clothing and food in Christian scripture but not housing. In fact, when He started His ministry it was not recorded that He had stable housing. One of the most beautiful things which the author has seen was while volunteering at a shelter. People are people when life gets really challenging, and we must unite as one or completely perish apart. Color is a non-issue at a local shelter where the author has served meals. Children are served first, then women, and men last based on the order at which they arrive at the table. He discovered how much showing the slightest preference based on skin tone can bring a harsh rebuke from shelter residents when he served an African American who wanted special consideration ahead of a European American. It is the author's prayer that the Lord does not send so many burdens upon this country that we must unite for basic survival.
With all this said, one might feel that the author is a really great person. He is human with many human failings. One of his greater ones was physically injuring another person severely. The person's life hung in the balance for a few days. Thankfully, he survived. This mishap was mostly the direct result of years of mistreatment, and a person who was in the wrong place at the wrong time felt the brunt of something which he did not deserve. But, he learned a valuable lesson about the verse describing King David's scripture, "harming someone such that it brings about one's own hurt". Life changed in an unimaginable way, briefly. And, when the world which he had always known returned, he remembered what he saw on a evening newscast with a famous actor from the 1970s, Robert Blake. The actor's demeanor had drastically changed after he murdered his second wife. The author had been told by the attorney handling his personal case that a man will change after spending time incarcerated, which was less than a couple of days for the author. A number of mitigating factors existed in the situation. But, he should share that he has spoken with another person who had much greater liability in a violent act. This person with whom he spoke said that his world changed, he adjusted, life gradually became better, but it was never quite the way it was before. So, the author is supposing that King David experienced a similar transformation in that this might have been his first unjust act of violence. Trust me. It can be very ugly. So, only become violent as a last resort. This the author has always done.
But, small vices become bigger vices. And, if it will save a soul, the author prays that he will be bold, and share what must be told. Many joke about a behavior which is incredibly unhealthy and frequently coupled with pornography. Adults often tell children that if they behave in this way, they shall go blind. Unfortunately, this behavior is found among ninety-five percent of Americans. Many years ago, individuals who did such things were labeled clumsy and awkward. And, one would only encourage another in this behavior if he hated that person. Ironically, many folks these days call this "figuring out life". Truth be told, when one does this, they cease being the natural-born geniuses that children are. It is truly an unnatural act, although it is commonplace in this world. As such, these next few sentences will most likely bring much ridicule.
Unfortunately, when the author first fell and lost any hope at living the life of a genius in his mid-teens, he noticed that his vision dimmed slightly. Light left his eyes. Also, he noticed that his scriptures read differently in some places. Most notably, the wages of sin which he had always known as being "sickness" before this mishap were now listed as "death" in his Bible. They were also listed as "death" in the KJV Bible from ABE publishers which he mother read him when he was young. And, he distinctly remembers them being "sickness". Before you snicker and guffaw our opportunity at everlasting life away, the author should share that through the Mercy of the Lord he rose above this lawlessness in his late twenties with a devoted Christian lifestyle. And, as scripture instructs, he had the nightly emissions that an adult male who is unmarried should experience occasionally when his bodily fluids naturally release themselves. This continued for well over a decade. He noticed that his vision became brighter. much brighter.
He also noticed that he would naturally move away from danger. The Lord orders a good man's steps. He had trouble hearing obscenities. And, would always walk out of a room before sexually charged content came on televisions. He could hear the lawless behavior, but could not see it. Remember that proverb, "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil". He remembers being around his father who would grow angry and say he should not be that "sweet" for his age. Also, many others said that he was "sweet." He fully did not grasp what they were saying. But, the most remarkable experience was that his Bible read differently. The wages of sin were "sickness" again. It might have been the verses which he read, but he believes that his old ABE KJV read that the wages of sin were "sickness" once again instead of death. He does not know how extreme the wages of sin can be set. And, he must say that a "sweet" life is a great life.
He is hoping that he can live it again, and he forgives those who drew him away from it. In particular, one young woman who was his co-worker and had such a wonderful fascination with a peanut butter sandwich. As she relished her sandwich, saying, "Mmmm, I love peanut butter" and stared at him, he wondered if she knew what she was doing. Being that it was the season of the year when birds and bees proliferate, he found ignoring her difficult. Based upon her comments on how he was built when his body responded, he knew that she was doing it intentionally. He grabbed his Bible out of his messenger's bag and read a few verse and the "sickness" subsided. She commented "What a nice guy. I have never seen a man handle things that way." Unfortunately, a few more rounds with other demons resulted in a fall.
All this has been said, so the author might say, living a life of Godly sweetness is incredibly wonderful. More adults should live life this way. Then, we might see life and its situations differently. Thinking, understanding, and speaking as an adult is interpreted differently when one is "sweet" and has Christian maturity versus worldly maturity and carnal experiences. Chaste celibacy is a great way of living. Unfortunately, those in our community who live this way are often misunderstood and disliked, in part, because they are living a life which is considered "noble" by Christian standards. This grates on those who feel that they might be seen as lesser as a result of their behaviors when one has never called them such. We all have sinned in ways and fallen short of His Glory. Yet, before all is done, try this life; it is magnificent. The author has few if any regrets from his years of chaste celibacy. The other years are not so.
He must finally add that breaking free of sin is not easy, and, although considered superstitious by some, demonic spiritual activity is quite real and can be physically manifested. During the roughest night of his life, he like many "men" felt tears flowing continually as he fought off the demons that beset him. He heard the sounds of a cat growling and felt scratching on his neck and upper arms. He thought that it was all only a nightmare, but when he arose many fine scratches were on his shoulders. At least one person that days asked him how those marks ended up on him and if he had been in a fight. For those who are hoping that they can be set free, stay steadfast and keep the course. The journey might grow challenging at times, but it is truly worth it.
Stay Blessed. Stay Steadfast and Stay The Course.
Also, this was written hastily.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Wisdom and Praise
May Your Season In Life Be Blessed. A thought crossed the author's mind yesterday evening as he read Ecclesiastes. It is amazing that Solomon, recorded as the wisest man in the Old Testament, arrived at the conclusions which he did in the first chapter of this book:
[Ecc 1:1-9 KJV]
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea [is] not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.
It is remarkable that he would consider that life lacks purpose and is a mere meaningless vanity. Is not the most fundamental purpose of man the continual praise of the Father?
Is not the profit of a man's labour the continued activity of his limbs? Surely, the Lord is worthy of praise for this. Men who have been bed-ridden and weathered that storm well can find solace in the motion off a hand or foot. For those who have experienced paralysis, the lifting of a finger or the curling of a toe is a triumph worth much rejoicing.
Concerning verse four, from the perspective of one who will never see another generation, the glee of a child can be an unforgettable memory, although troublesome teenage years might bring sorrow, disappointment, and heartache. At least, someone might say in future generation, "You have grandfather eyes! I can see his smile when they twinkle." Or, someone might pass on that classic toe-game, "This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. And, this little piggy cried, "Wee! Wee! Wee!" all the way home.
Verse five produces a deeper conundrum for me. Is not it a wonderful blessing when one can see the Sun? One should never grow weary of its rising and falling.
With verse six the convolutions of the confusion grows ever worse. Is not the sensation of a breeze on a persons skin just wonderful? It can be a blizzarding polar or blistering desert blast. But, are not these extremes rare for most of us.
The seventh verse leaves me speechless. Experiencing the beautiful flow which is so fundamental in the Lord's Creation. Should not he be praise for this seemingly never-ending process. It is a marvel how a drop of water which rose as Moses planting his staff on the shore of the Red Sea might travel the depths of the oceans, reach the innermost parts of polar ice sheets, and gently pelt your shoulder when you find yourself caught in a downpour.
As for the eighth verse, the author praises Him that his eyes can see something since this world has tried shutting them before, and is quite thankful that he can hear birds chirping as they enjoy the sounds of CeCe Winan's Throne Room slipping over his window sill.
So, nothing new exists. It has all been done in some shape or form before. Did Solomon's love wane? Has the newness of that first sense of life lost its miraculousness? Is that child-like awe felt at the sight of a hovering hummingbird or floating bee lost?
Well, a Son of David many years later said a man can start again.
One's perspective on life can effect how one sees a verse. Scripture is much like a diadem which reflects its beautiful hues of light in differing shades and blends depending upon vantage point. Many times passed, the author has read this passage and not considered that, in this portion of God-breathed scripture, the Lord might have said, "Solomon speak from your heart racked with disappointment and disillusionment. It will help someone along the way who is experiencing the same emotions. If one who has some much, has counseled the Queen of the South, gathered the Proverbs of Jacob's tribes, including those arising from the times of bondage in Egypt, and is considered exceedingly wise, develops such disenchantment, would not someone who lacks such blessings?"
Under current circumstances, the author viewpoint is different. He says, "Surely, most honorable, noble, and wise King Solomon purpose in life must exist!".
It seems that Solomon might have been approaching his "limit of blessing" based upon:
[Pro 30:9 NIV]
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Or, he might simply feel the gloom which comes from have such wealth and seeing other lack so. Any person which has a Godly heart would ponder, "Why have I been granted so much?" He might have had a heavy burden for Jacob' s children, especially the widows and orphans. He might have been concerned for their allies. He might have been experiencing the remorse and regret of remembrances of rarely relieving his right hand of riches in the form alms of which the alternate hand knew naught.
With this said, The author does not claim or suppose a wisdom greater than Solomon's. It most likely the unique nature of this Godly Wisdom which he held that resulted in a text which contains layers of messages and meanings.
Exceedingly long-story short, the simplest of wisdoms says we must praise through disappointment, trepidation, and the many burdensome spiritual states in life.
In the author's own life, as he made the transition between youth and young adulthood as a freshman college student, he learned that he could not rest firmly or reliably upon anyone for solid support in life issues. He had read and can testify that:
[Psa 118:8 KJV]
8 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
[Jer 17:5-9 KJV]
5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.
7 Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
And, mostly sadly,
[Mic 7:5 KJV]
5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
Is finding "what is good" in this modern era a fruitless pursuit for a man?
Although the personal heartache was exceedingly minor, the abundance of hate from peers and family in the light of a seemingly bright future was very real. Ever so slightly derailed, the efforts of family, friends, and, of course, foes was the production of complete "train wreck".
And, the author should add that this is not a "pity party" as some call it. The above was said so he might relay the following. The most encouraging and remarkable experience from this period was the receipt of a special gift. It was a music cassette. This was in the earliest days of compact disc.
The title of the album was Decisions by the Winans. The song that really took hold of his thought pattern was, "Give Me You". The hook was what caught his attention at first. He thought that it was a romantic love ballet, and it is. But, it is of a Pure Love. Unfortunately, it brought back memories of a person who he was sincerely hoping that he could forget along with a series of Soft Cell Tainted Love experiences. Because, such memories were an incredibly disruptive distraction in his personal game plan. But then, he heard the words:
Listen for yourself
And, he noticed an amazing adjustment in his thoughts. It was almost as if he was tuning the circuitry in his mind so it resonated on the I AM band. He played it regularly and felt much better. But, he set his prescription from his specialist J Rapha. It was not that his supply of this Balm of Gilead needed a refill at an pharmacy; he simply started playing those old sad songs again: James Taylor Sunny Skies, plus Otis Redding's Sitting by the Dock of the Bay. He was California dreaming and that one song was tied with a happy childhood memories of hearing the LP and daydreaming of resting on the edge of a small dock while kicking his legs over the edge. At three or four, "sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tied roll away..sitting by the dock of the bay wasting time...." Sounded like immense fun. He never did quite hear the lyrics until he was much older and learned that Mr Redding took his own life when worries mounted beyond what he could bear.
As Paul the Apostle said:
[Phl 4:6-9 KJV]
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Sin can be subtly deceptive. The fun had by many can be very costly for some. the author always enjoyed a catchy hook. And, a very sinister song which had a seductively simple catch phrase of, "going out like a blister in the sun...." was not his favorite genre of music by any means, but a classmate of his which lived a few house north of him loaned him the cassette for a listen. Interestingly enough, as he played this cassette, he became steeped in confusion.
[1Co 14:33 KJV]
33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Another interesting coincidence which has unfolded over the years is that this classmate and he both experienced a number of extraordinary difficulties over the next decade. For the author, it was not until he read through the scriptures which he was given as a child, the Protestant Bible, in this late twenties that these problems lessened. It was the immersion in Gospel music that first broke satan's yoke which was upon him. It was a simple song learned that became his "mantra" or war-chant if you will. It is sung by many artist, one being Vicki Yohe:
Give it a listen
It was how I would sing myself asleep and keep my mind focused during the day.
God has given His children some common gifts:
[Psa 40:3 KJV]
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
[Psa 42:8 KJV]
8 [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.
[Psa 69:30 KJV]
30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
[Psa 77:6 KJV]
6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
[Psa 96:1 KJV] 1
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
[Psa 118:14 KJV] 14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
We often do not understand those experiences which other recount that seem strange, unfamiliar, or somewhat superstitious. But, the author has learned in life that he should sometimes take account which seem rather unbelievable as credible. And, remarkably the very compact disc player which he had used extensively for a myriad of music genres would skip, stall, and sputter when he spun Gospel on the spindle. It never seemed that it was an issue for the person whom he gave the player. And, he never had such a problem after buying a new "untainted" vessel for playing music.
Did not the Apostle Paul also say:
[Eph 6:12 KJV]
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherever you find yourself on this life's journey, you can start again, again, and again. You are only a hair's breath an "Hallelujah!" and real deliverance.
Finally, here is a song which can get you started on this longest end of the short-side of a ever-so long story....
Hear a song from a woman who has fallen in a way which many others have. This often happens in the life of those which are idolized. He will have none above him.
Enjoy Your Season Whether It Be Arid or Abundant, The Lord Will Reign Within It.
Please Pardon The Typos and Grammar. This Was Hastily Written Before Preparing For An Early Morning.
[Ecc 1:1-9 KJV]
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea [is] not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.
It is remarkable that he would consider that life lacks purpose and is a mere meaningless vanity. Is not the most fundamental purpose of man the continual praise of the Father?
Is not the profit of a man's labour the continued activity of his limbs? Surely, the Lord is worthy of praise for this. Men who have been bed-ridden and weathered that storm well can find solace in the motion off a hand or foot. For those who have experienced paralysis, the lifting of a finger or the curling of a toe is a triumph worth much rejoicing.
Concerning verse four, from the perspective of one who will never see another generation, the glee of a child can be an unforgettable memory, although troublesome teenage years might bring sorrow, disappointment, and heartache. At least, someone might say in future generation, "You have grandfather eyes! I can see his smile when they twinkle." Or, someone might pass on that classic toe-game, "This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. This little piggy had none. And, this little piggy cried, "Wee! Wee! Wee!" all the way home.
Verse five produces a deeper conundrum for me. Is not it a wonderful blessing when one can see the Sun? One should never grow weary of its rising and falling.
With verse six the convolutions of the confusion grows ever worse. Is not the sensation of a breeze on a persons skin just wonderful? It can be a blizzarding polar or blistering desert blast. But, are not these extremes rare for most of us.
The seventh verse leaves me speechless. Experiencing the beautiful flow which is so fundamental in the Lord's Creation. Should not he be praise for this seemingly never-ending process. It is a marvel how a drop of water which rose as Moses planting his staff on the shore of the Red Sea might travel the depths of the oceans, reach the innermost parts of polar ice sheets, and gently pelt your shoulder when you find yourself caught in a downpour.
As for the eighth verse, the author praises Him that his eyes can see something since this world has tried shutting them before, and is quite thankful that he can hear birds chirping as they enjoy the sounds of CeCe Winan's Throne Room slipping over his window sill.
So, nothing new exists. It has all been done in some shape or form before. Did Solomon's love wane? Has the newness of that first sense of life lost its miraculousness? Is that child-like awe felt at the sight of a hovering hummingbird or floating bee lost?
Well, a Son of David many years later said a man can start again.
One's perspective on life can effect how one sees a verse. Scripture is much like a diadem which reflects its beautiful hues of light in differing shades and blends depending upon vantage point. Many times passed, the author has read this passage and not considered that, in this portion of God-breathed scripture, the Lord might have said, "Solomon speak from your heart racked with disappointment and disillusionment. It will help someone along the way who is experiencing the same emotions. If one who has some much, has counseled the Queen of the South, gathered the Proverbs of Jacob's tribes, including those arising from the times of bondage in Egypt, and is considered exceedingly wise, develops such disenchantment, would not someone who lacks such blessings?"
Under current circumstances, the author viewpoint is different. He says, "Surely, most honorable, noble, and wise King Solomon purpose in life must exist!".
It seems that Solomon might have been approaching his "limit of blessing" based upon:
[Pro 30:9 NIV]
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Or, he might simply feel the gloom which comes from have such wealth and seeing other lack so. Any person which has a Godly heart would ponder, "Why have I been granted so much?" He might have had a heavy burden for Jacob' s children, especially the widows and orphans. He might have been concerned for their allies. He might have been experiencing the remorse and regret of remembrances of rarely relieving his right hand of riches in the form alms of which the alternate hand knew naught.
With this said, The author does not claim or suppose a wisdom greater than Solomon's. It most likely the unique nature of this Godly Wisdom which he held that resulted in a text which contains layers of messages and meanings.
Exceedingly long-story short, the simplest of wisdoms says we must praise through disappointment, trepidation, and the many burdensome spiritual states in life.
In the author's own life, as he made the transition between youth and young adulthood as a freshman college student, he learned that he could not rest firmly or reliably upon anyone for solid support in life issues. He had read and can testify that:
[Psa 118:8 KJV]
8 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
[Jer 17:5-9 KJV]
5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.
7 Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
And, mostly sadly,
[Mic 7:5 KJV]
5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
Is finding "what is good" in this modern era a fruitless pursuit for a man?
Although the personal heartache was exceedingly minor, the abundance of hate from peers and family in the light of a seemingly bright future was very real. Ever so slightly derailed, the efforts of family, friends, and, of course, foes was the production of complete "train wreck".
And, the author should add that this is not a "pity party" as some call it. The above was said so he might relay the following. The most encouraging and remarkable experience from this period was the receipt of a special gift. It was a music cassette. This was in the earliest days of compact disc.
The title of the album was Decisions by the Winans. The song that really took hold of his thought pattern was, "Give Me You". The hook was what caught his attention at first. He thought that it was a romantic love ballet, and it is. But, it is of a Pure Love. Unfortunately, it brought back memories of a person who he was sincerely hoping that he could forget along with a series of Soft Cell Tainted Love experiences. Because, such memories were an incredibly disruptive distraction in his personal game plan. But then, he heard the words:
Listen for yourself
And, he noticed an amazing adjustment in his thoughts. It was almost as if he was tuning the circuitry in his mind so it resonated on the I AM band. He played it regularly and felt much better. But, he set his prescription from his specialist J Rapha. It was not that his supply of this Balm of Gilead needed a refill at an pharmacy; he simply started playing those old sad songs again: James Taylor Sunny Skies, plus Otis Redding's Sitting by the Dock of the Bay. He was California dreaming and that one song was tied with a happy childhood memories of hearing the LP and daydreaming of resting on the edge of a small dock while kicking his legs over the edge. At three or four, "sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tied roll away..sitting by the dock of the bay wasting time...." Sounded like immense fun. He never did quite hear the lyrics until he was much older and learned that Mr Redding took his own life when worries mounted beyond what he could bear.
As Paul the Apostle said:
[Phl 4:6-9 KJV]
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Sin can be subtly deceptive. The fun had by many can be very costly for some. the author always enjoyed a catchy hook. And, a very sinister song which had a seductively simple catch phrase of, "going out like a blister in the sun...." was not his favorite genre of music by any means, but a classmate of his which lived a few house north of him loaned him the cassette for a listen. Interestingly enough, as he played this cassette, he became steeped in confusion.
[1Co 14:33 KJV]
33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Another interesting coincidence which has unfolded over the years is that this classmate and he both experienced a number of extraordinary difficulties over the next decade. For the author, it was not until he read through the scriptures which he was given as a child, the Protestant Bible, in this late twenties that these problems lessened. It was the immersion in Gospel music that first broke satan's yoke which was upon him. It was a simple song learned that became his "mantra" or war-chant if you will. It is sung by many artist, one being Vicki Yohe:
Give it a listen
It was how I would sing myself asleep and keep my mind focused during the day.
God has given His children some common gifts:
[Psa 40:3 KJV]
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
[Psa 42:8 KJV]
8 [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.
[Psa 69:30 KJV]
30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
[Psa 77:6 KJV]
6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
[Psa 96:1 KJV] 1
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
[Psa 118:14 KJV] 14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
We often do not understand those experiences which other recount that seem strange, unfamiliar, or somewhat superstitious. But, the author has learned in life that he should sometimes take account which seem rather unbelievable as credible. And, remarkably the very compact disc player which he had used extensively for a myriad of music genres would skip, stall, and sputter when he spun Gospel on the spindle. It never seemed that it was an issue for the person whom he gave the player. And, he never had such a problem after buying a new "untainted" vessel for playing music.
Did not the Apostle Paul also say:
[Eph 6:12 KJV]
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherever you find yourself on this life's journey, you can start again, again, and again. You are only a hair's breath an "Hallelujah!" and real deliverance.
Finally, here is a song which can get you started on this longest end of the short-side of a ever-so long story....
Hear a song from a woman who has fallen in a way which many others have. This often happens in the life of those which are idolized. He will have none above him.
Enjoy Your Season Whether It Be Arid or Abundant, The Lord Will Reign Within It.
Please Pardon The Typos and Grammar. This Was Hastily Written Before Preparing For An Early Morning.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Getting Comfortable
Please forgive the limited amount of scripture cited in the last few post. The messages are all for those who honor, respect, fear, love, and praise a Creator who we accept created an original man and woman who are parent of all humanity. These God-fearing messages are written from the perspective of the Protestant Christian canon. The author has participated within a few different Protestant Christian congregations over course of thirty-five or more years with a short, sorrowful hiatus of about one decade during his late teens and early twenties.
As Solomon compiled the Proverbs with teachings of wisdom and as his father, King David, scripted the Psalms with the same tenor of thought, the author has had a few thoughts which he would like sharing with future generations which come along.
First, as Proverbs states a wise son follows his father's teachings and calls wisdom his kinswoman. This is a teaching taught and accept by three of the major faith groups on God's green earth. With that said, if you come from another faith group, your parent's instruction is a great starting place. And, based upon a few of scriptures in the Christian canon, might very well be an acceptable ending place. And, always remember, the Creator of the Heaven and Earth is a Father for all, if you are looking for parental instruction.
As Christ taught in the last few recorded words of the greatest sermon in history, the Sermon on The Mount:
[Mat 7:21-29 KJV]
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
29 For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.
With that said, Matthew also records Christ as teaching this :
[Mat 25:31-46 KJV]
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
He accepts those who are righteous. Not those who have performed all of the compulsory procedures and pomp of a cultural protocol and tradition without experiencing true conversion.
With that said, by Christ's standards, this author who has worked as a servant in His Father's House performing tasks which are much less glamorous than being a doorkeeper might very well be rejected by his Lord while a person who has lived as devout follower of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, or etc. will be accepted , if as taught by Saul who became Paul,
[Rom 2:27-29 KJV]
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
The author is well aware that these are not commonly accepted Christian teachings. They would likely be labeled as overly "liberal" and "accepting". Yet, Christ blessed a foreigner who had true faith in Mark:
[Mar 7:25-29 KJV]
25 For a [certain] woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast [it] unto the dogs.
28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
It is also recorded in other Gospels that Christ said of this woman that her faith was greater than any faith he had seen among Israel for he called her a "dog", a highly detestable animal among Hebrews or His time.
And, in all honesty, many within the borders of the decadent, developed country of which the author is part could testify that many of the non-Christians in this world live a life more adherent with Christian scriptures than us. That is simply honesty. This testimony might be the only words which would bond us from an eternity of torment seeing that our mitigating factors would be the same as the non-Christians in this world. Those being, "this is the environment in which we were born, this is how we were taught by the authority figures in our respective communities, and we basically played the cards which we were dealt." All most of us could do is throw ourselves on the Mercy of the Court if the our judgment came in the morning.
With all of this said, do not let labels and personal pretenses preclude one from accepting another who might truly become a brother beloved as time passes.
In all honesty, the author is much like many physicians and attorneys; he is practicing Christianity. he has gotten it right on a few occasions in his life. Most of those were after his late twenties when he finally put profanity away from his lips and drove it out of his thoughts. It was after he drove the pornography out of his life which crept in during his early teens as a natural result of living in a neighborhood were amateur pornography was made by a professional photographer in some neighboring townhomes. But, truth be told, those vices returned after a decade or so.
And, it has been a struggle re-entering His Kingdom. He is much like many of the spiritual lepers in this modern era; we are outside the Walls of His Great City, but we believe that we are living in the finest palace in the city based upon our perspective of this physical world. The Father has set exceedingly high standards for us. Yes, He is Merciful. Yet, He is Just.
If we feel that we can commit any and every type of sin that intrigues and thrills us, reek havoc in our families and communities, and make a mockery of His Teachings by simply saying His Name while making a weak and ineffectual apology for our willful sin, we are misguided. We are nothing more than His spoiled children. Rotten and untoward reprobates who are claiming an inheritance which they have not met the minimal standard for receiving. Some might read this and giggle, having been misled by those who spew forth convenient scriptures snippets for fun and profit. Read the Christian cannon for yourself. Does not it say,
[1Jo 2:27-29 KJV]
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
This might hurt the tender feeling of an immature Christian who is still sipping spiritual milk at a point when this society says that they are at full-age.
But scripture states,
[Rom 8:7 KJV]
7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[Mat 5:17-20 KJV]
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[Rev 3:5 KJV]
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
[Implicit in the last statement is the fact that those who do not overcome this world will have their name removed from the list of those who enter His Rest.]
So, how does one make such claims when it has long been taught the we have eternal salvation once we have prayed a single prayer and accepted our Savior's free gift:
[Jhn 3:15-18 KJV]
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
But, Let us read on:
[Jhn 3:19-21 KJV]
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
So, the second lesson is that one should be cautious of those who teach a "that Shock G Dowhatchalike gospel". Please, forgive the irreverence and antiquated rap reference.
Third and final advice for the young. Be very careful with what you become comfortable. Over my years, the author has seen many a wonderful and beautiful soul harmed by life's experiences. First, it might have been a few cigarettes. They initially caused coughing, but the young person persisted. They soon calmed they nerves and eased anxiousness. Then that person simply accepted that they were a "smoker". It was "who they were". They "were comfortable with what they did" and "could handle it". Nicotine became blasé and they tried something different. And, another monkey name Mr. Jones II jumped on their back. And, the pattern continued. Some say this is life. Someone else said that the "road which ends in destruction is wide and traveled by many" and "the road which ends in life is narrow and traveled by few". Choose this day.
Most likely, a first smoke starts with a desire for acceptance. It is not easy living in an environment where one feel alone and unwanted. Humans are social by nature. But, each unhealthy behavior with which we become comfortable is simply another locked door which we might burst through as we escape the eternal dungeon which is the final destination of a life of such comforts.
In the author's own life's experiences, profanity and pornography re-entered his life when he found himself in a living situation were foul language was used by a member of the household and closed-circuit television was available. Being that he had accumulated a number of burdensome medical bills, was only partially employed at the time, and was in transition, he did not simply pick up and leave when he noticed that he might enter a backslidden state. When he assertively asked for change, he was told that he could hit the bricks if he could not deal with the behavior in that house. And, in all honesty, such a move would have shown a much greater faith. Staying resulted in a weakened spiritual walk. Sadly, most modern Christians cannot resist "urges" and likely would not resist "until death" protecting the the integrity of their faith.
So, in short, be careful with what, with whom, and how you become comfortable. Reading scripture is an excellent relaxation tool. It can calm your fears, ease a troubled heart, bring mirth and merriment, plus give hope in hopeless situations. The best day of the author's life was a Saturday afternoon and evening of scripture reading. Something he had promised himself and the Lord that he would do in his teens instead of watch cartoons and sports all day. Sadly, he did not fulfill this promise until his early thirties. Without being full of regret, he often wonders how life would have been different had been more disciplined in his faith walk at an early age. Surely, he would have attracted a different set of associates, if he had any.
With all this said in an seemingly endless, extemporaneous exposition which rambled at points, the author has lived a wonderful life full of more blessings than any one person deserves. The curses were minor and insignificant in his eyes. Some who know him and his life's circumstance would say that is pitiable; Truth be told the author pities them above most others, because they have not seen a day in His Courts. They know a joy that ceases when the accolades end, their income decreases, and the luxuries lessen. But, a Joy exists which this world does not give and the world cannot take away. It is my sincere hope that you find such a Joy. Family, friends, and church folk will leave and deceive you. They will hate and harm you. They will abhor and abuse you. Some will even toss you out in the street while you are near death so you can die in a gutter like a stray mongrel. But, the Lord will never leave or forsake you. So, be comforted.
Stay Blessed, May His Mercy and Peace Rest Upon You Eternally.
As Solomon compiled the Proverbs with teachings of wisdom and as his father, King David, scripted the Psalms with the same tenor of thought, the author has had a few thoughts which he would like sharing with future generations which come along.
First, as Proverbs states a wise son follows his father's teachings and calls wisdom his kinswoman. This is a teaching taught and accept by three of the major faith groups on God's green earth. With that said, if you come from another faith group, your parent's instruction is a great starting place. And, based upon a few of scriptures in the Christian canon, might very well be an acceptable ending place. And, always remember, the Creator of the Heaven and Earth is a Father for all, if you are looking for parental instruction.
As Christ taught in the last few recorded words of the greatest sermon in history, the Sermon on The Mount:
[Mat 7:21-29 KJV]
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
29 For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.
With that said, Matthew also records Christ as teaching this :
[Mat 25:31-46 KJV]
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
He accepts those who are righteous. Not those who have performed all of the compulsory procedures and pomp of a cultural protocol and tradition without experiencing true conversion.
With that said, by Christ's standards, this author who has worked as a servant in His Father's House performing tasks which are much less glamorous than being a doorkeeper might very well be rejected by his Lord while a person who has lived as devout follower of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, or etc. will be accepted , if as taught by Saul who became Paul,
[Rom 2:27-29 KJV]
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
The author is well aware that these are not commonly accepted Christian teachings. They would likely be labeled as overly "liberal" and "accepting". Yet, Christ blessed a foreigner who had true faith in Mark:
[Mar 7:25-29 KJV]
25 For a [certain] woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast [it] unto the dogs.
28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
It is also recorded in other Gospels that Christ said of this woman that her faith was greater than any faith he had seen among Israel for he called her a "dog", a highly detestable animal among Hebrews or His time.
And, in all honesty, many within the borders of the decadent, developed country of which the author is part could testify that many of the non-Christians in this world live a life more adherent with Christian scriptures than us. That is simply honesty. This testimony might be the only words which would bond us from an eternity of torment seeing that our mitigating factors would be the same as the non-Christians in this world. Those being, "this is the environment in which we were born, this is how we were taught by the authority figures in our respective communities, and we basically played the cards which we were dealt." All most of us could do is throw ourselves on the Mercy of the Court if the our judgment came in the morning.
With all of this said, do not let labels and personal pretenses preclude one from accepting another who might truly become a brother beloved as time passes.
In all honesty, the author is much like many physicians and attorneys; he is practicing Christianity. he has gotten it right on a few occasions in his life. Most of those were after his late twenties when he finally put profanity away from his lips and drove it out of his thoughts. It was after he drove the pornography out of his life which crept in during his early teens as a natural result of living in a neighborhood were amateur pornography was made by a professional photographer in some neighboring townhomes. But, truth be told, those vices returned after a decade or so.
And, it has been a struggle re-entering His Kingdom. He is much like many of the spiritual lepers in this modern era; we are outside the Walls of His Great City, but we believe that we are living in the finest palace in the city based upon our perspective of this physical world. The Father has set exceedingly high standards for us. Yes, He is Merciful. Yet, He is Just.
If we feel that we can commit any and every type of sin that intrigues and thrills us, reek havoc in our families and communities, and make a mockery of His Teachings by simply saying His Name while making a weak and ineffectual apology for our willful sin, we are misguided. We are nothing more than His spoiled children. Rotten and untoward reprobates who are claiming an inheritance which they have not met the minimal standard for receiving. Some might read this and giggle, having been misled by those who spew forth convenient scriptures snippets for fun and profit. Read the Christian cannon for yourself. Does not it say,
[1Jo 2:27-29 KJV]
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
This might hurt the tender feeling of an immature Christian who is still sipping spiritual milk at a point when this society says that they are at full-age.
But scripture states,
[Rom 8:7 KJV]
7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[Mat 5:17-20 KJV]
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
[Rev 3:5 KJV]
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
[Implicit in the last statement is the fact that those who do not overcome this world will have their name removed from the list of those who enter His Rest.]
So, how does one make such claims when it has long been taught the we have eternal salvation once we have prayed a single prayer and accepted our Savior's free gift:
[Jhn 3:15-18 KJV]
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
But, Let us read on:
[Jhn 3:19-21 KJV]
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
So, the second lesson is that one should be cautious of those who teach a "that Shock G Dowhatchalike gospel". Please, forgive the irreverence and antiquated rap reference.
Third and final advice for the young. Be very careful with what you become comfortable. Over my years, the author has seen many a wonderful and beautiful soul harmed by life's experiences. First, it might have been a few cigarettes. They initially caused coughing, but the young person persisted. They soon calmed they nerves and eased anxiousness. Then that person simply accepted that they were a "smoker". It was "who they were". They "were comfortable with what they did" and "could handle it". Nicotine became blasé and they tried something different. And, another monkey name Mr. Jones II jumped on their back. And, the pattern continued. Some say this is life. Someone else said that the "road which ends in destruction is wide and traveled by many" and "the road which ends in life is narrow and traveled by few". Choose this day.
Most likely, a first smoke starts with a desire for acceptance. It is not easy living in an environment where one feel alone and unwanted. Humans are social by nature. But, each unhealthy behavior with which we become comfortable is simply another locked door which we might burst through as we escape the eternal dungeon which is the final destination of a life of such comforts.
In the author's own life's experiences, profanity and pornography re-entered his life when he found himself in a living situation were foul language was used by a member of the household and closed-circuit television was available. Being that he had accumulated a number of burdensome medical bills, was only partially employed at the time, and was in transition, he did not simply pick up and leave when he noticed that he might enter a backslidden state. When he assertively asked for change, he was told that he could hit the bricks if he could not deal with the behavior in that house. And, in all honesty, such a move would have shown a much greater faith. Staying resulted in a weakened spiritual walk. Sadly, most modern Christians cannot resist "urges" and likely would not resist "until death" protecting the the integrity of their faith.
So, in short, be careful with what, with whom, and how you become comfortable. Reading scripture is an excellent relaxation tool. It can calm your fears, ease a troubled heart, bring mirth and merriment, plus give hope in hopeless situations. The best day of the author's life was a Saturday afternoon and evening of scripture reading. Something he had promised himself and the Lord that he would do in his teens instead of watch cartoons and sports all day. Sadly, he did not fulfill this promise until his early thirties. Without being full of regret, he often wonders how life would have been different had been more disciplined in his faith walk at an early age. Surely, he would have attracted a different set of associates, if he had any.
With all this said in an seemingly endless, extemporaneous exposition which rambled at points, the author has lived a wonderful life full of more blessings than any one person deserves. The curses were minor and insignificant in his eyes. Some who know him and his life's circumstance would say that is pitiable; Truth be told the author pities them above most others, because they have not seen a day in His Courts. They know a joy that ceases when the accolades end, their income decreases, and the luxuries lessen. But, a Joy exists which this world does not give and the world cannot take away. It is my sincere hope that you find such a Joy. Family, friends, and church folk will leave and deceive you. They will hate and harm you. They will abhor and abuse you. Some will even toss you out in the street while you are near death so you can die in a gutter like a stray mongrel. But, the Lord will never leave or forsake you. So, be comforted.
Stay Blessed, May His Mercy and Peace Rest Upon You Eternally.
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