10/31/11

The tip...


I can just picture the restaurant server looking at this receipt and wondering: "Who is this person"?  Perhaps its one of the cast members of "The Big Bang" or maybe a math teacher or one of the millions of very unusal people out there.  Who knows?  There is nothing wrong with being "intelligent", as long as you don't put others down.  Some people who are blessed with an above average mind can be sensible and very reasonable human beings.  Here is an example of this...

WEB: Acts Chapter 13
[4] So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. [5] When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant. [6] When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar Jesus, [7] who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God. [8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. [9] But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, [10] and said, “Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? [11] Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!”

Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. [12] Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

A procounsul was a "somebody"!  He had real power and authority in the Roman world.  He both heard the teaching and saw the miracle and believed.  He used his intelligence wisely.  Christianity is for the learned as well as the uneducated.  If there is any doubt in your mind, read the book of Romans; its like reading a book about logic.  The tip in the picture is a numerical symbol for 3.14 (rounded), but personally, I prefer to think about a real pie myself (and not a pie-in-the-face, either).  Life should not be over analyzed, just accepted. Humm, isn't that exactly what Sergius Paulus did? 

10/30/11

The Great Divide...


After church I came home and had a nice cup of coffee and as usual turned on the TV to Fox News Sunday.  Much of their content I had heard before until it came to Herman Cain.  If I understood them correctly, the 9-9-9 tax plan has now been changed to 9-0-9.  Which, of course is good news for the middle class (zero percent is better than nine).  So, when I sat down to do today's blog, this picture stood out from the rest because it shows what is really happening in America.  Even when I was young, the old adage: "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" was true, but NOW, ITS REALLY TRUE!!!  There is an ever shrinking middle class, with more and more and more and more of the population being either very, very poor or excessively rich.  As this progresses, there will be demonstrations and more demonstrations, that will continually become more violent.  Bad NEWS!!  Dangerous NEWS!!  Scary NEWS!!!  However, it does raise a question in my mind: Are the rich in America BETTER than the poor?  Is the divide becoming bigger because the rich are BETTER PEOPLE??  Then I thought of this passage from the New Testament...

WEB: Acts Chapter 10
[34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

The answer to the question if the rich are really better is a resounding NO!!!!  In Christ, all are equal, outside Christ, all are in a very, very, great danger! Oh, there will be a great divide, but it will be in the afterlife, but take heart, we all have a choice of where we will be when we die.  Make the right one, be with God beginning today.  Choose the right side of the great divide and live.

Gary

PS. I will be posting Mark Copeland's executable outlines studies from now on and would appreciate any comments you may wish to make.  The first series will be on "Life and Death".  Hope you enjoy it.

NT Bible Readin 10/30


Oct. 30
2 Thessalonians 2

2Th 2:1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, we ask you
2Th 2:2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.
2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,
2Th 2:4 he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.
2Th 2:5 Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things?
2Th 2:6 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming;
2Th 2:9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;
2Th 2:12 that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;
2Th 2:14 to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Th 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.
2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,
2Th 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

Life after Death: Mark Copeland

Mark has consented to my posting his studies from executableoutlines.com.  I hope you enjoy them!!  Please feel free to make any constructive comments you desire.

Gary



Mark A. Copeland

Life After Death
 
What Is The Value Of Such A Study?
INTRODUCTION
1. Mankind has long been fascinated with the subject of life after death
2. Such fascination has given rise to such things as:
a. Interest in the occult
b. Speculation concerning the timing and events surrounding the return of Jesus Christ
3. It has also created much confusion among those who are Christians, who have every reason to look
forward to the future with certainty and great expectation
4. Though the Bible has much to say about what will occur after death and in the future, many have not
studied the Bible carefully on this subject
a. Their knowledge may be limited to what they have heard or seen on religious TV and radio
programs
b. Or their understanding may be based upon a point of view that is taught by their religion's creed,
rather than the Bible itself
5. It is my prayer that this series of lessons on "Life After Death" may help increase our
understanding on what the Bible itself actually teaches on the subject
[In this lesson, I wish to answer the question, "What is the value of such a study?" But first, it may
help to define a couple of terms...]
I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. ESCHATOLOGY...
1. The systematic study of that which the Bible has revealed regarding the future is called
"eschatology"
2. The term comes from two words...
a. eschatos - meaning "last things"
b. logos - meaning "word" or "discourse"
3. Therefore, eschatology is a discourse or study about the last things
B. INDIVIDUAL ESCHATOLOGY vs. GENERAL ESCHATOLOGY...
1. The field of "eschatology" can be divided into two general areas
2. Individual eschatology...
a. Pertains to what happens to the individual between death and the final return of Christ
b. Otherwise known as the "intermediate state"
3. General eschatology...
a. Pertains to what will happen when and after Christ's final coming
Life After Death
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Mark A. Copeland
b. This relates to what we might call our "eternal destiny"
4. In this series of lessons, we will consider both fields of eschatology...
a. Beginning with "individual" eschatology
b. Because for much of mankind, their death precedes the coming of Christ
[But what is the value of such a study, besides answering our curiosity? Is such a study really practical?
Consider, then...]
II. THE VALUE OF SUCH A STUDY
A. IT ENCOURAGES US TO SO LIVE THAT THE BLESSINGS WILL BE OURS...
1. The Lord has promised wonderful blessing to those who endure - Ja 1:12
2. It is entirely proper for the believer to seek whatever blessings God has prepared for the
righteous - 1 Pe 3:8-12
B. IT FURNISHES A STIMULUS AND A THEME FOR EVANGELISM...
1. Knowing what lay ahead for sinful mankind motivated Paul to preach - 2 Co 5:10-11
2. It should also motivate sinners to obey - Ac 17:30; Mt 16:24-27
C. IT HELPS ONE TO ANSWER INQUIRERS, AND TO QUIET DECEIVERS...
1. Many are sincerely interested, and we should be able to give them the correct teaching
- 1 Pe 3:15
2. But there are many bent on teaching their false doctrine, and we should be able to refute
them - Ti 1:9-11
D. IT HELPS TO STIMULATE PRAYER...
1. The importance of prayer to the Christian can never be overemphasized - cf. Lk 18:1-8
2. Meditating upon the "end times" can stimulate serious and watchful prayer - 1 Pe 4:7
E. IT CAN STRENGTHEN LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER...
1. Read carefully 1 Pe 4:7-10
2. Increasing our understanding for what awaits the faithful can spur greater devotion and
service to one another (cf. Mt 25:31-46)
3. That service in turn strengthens our love for one another!
F. IT CAN CAUSE MORE GLORY TO BE GIVEN TO GOD...
1. Note carefully Ro 2:4, where we learn the goodness of God leads men to repent
2. The more we learn of God's goodness which He has prepared for those who love and obey
Him, the more we (and others) will repent...resulting in the glory of God - cf. 1 Pe 4:11
G. IT CAN INCREASE INCENTIVE TO BE STEADFAST IN THE FAITH...
1. Consider 1 Pe 5:8-9
2. The more we strengthen the inner conviction...
a. That hell is real
b. That it is Satan's sinister purpose to devour as many people as possible
...the more incentive we will have to remain steadfast in the faith!
Life After Death
4
Mark A. Copeland
CONCLUSION
1. Far from being an impractical subject of study, the truths concerning the "last things" can be of
inestimable value to our present life
2. As John wrote, our hope in the One Who is coming, and what that means for us, can help to
"purify" ourselves - cf. 1 Jn 3:2-3
In our next study, we shall begin looking at individual eschatology by examining different attitudes
held towards death itself...
Life After Death

10/29/11

What a difference a day makes


Two days ago, everything was "normal", then along came yesterday.  An unexpected cold sore woke me up early and by the time the day was through I was taking Night Quill to get over my sudden "cold".  After 12 hours of sleep, I woke up feeling a bit better, but still wishing that obnoxious cold sore would fade away into nothingness.  Hey, you never know what is going to happen...  Which reminds me of the following New Testament passage...

WEB: I Thessalonians Chapter 5
[1] But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. [2] For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. [3] For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. [4] But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. [5] You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, [6] so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. [8] But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. [11] Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

 I know, I did too much underlining.  But These verses stood out to me.  Things change, who knows what tomorrow may bring?  I may have a good day or a bad day; it may be filled with sunshine like the picture or covered in snow (probably not much snow in Florida, though).  BUT, what the day is like, WHATEVER happens, I need to be ready for judgment.  Today, God might just say to HIMSELF, that "I have had ENOUGH".  So, Today, I will reread this passage several times and be mentally ready for ANYTHING!!!  Then, whatever happens, it will be SNOW PROBLEM.

10/28/11

When a word processor is a typewriter...


Just because something is old does NOT mean its bad.  Brains (young or OLD), pencils, slide rules and yes, even a typewriter can be useful.  When you remember a phone number instead of just using speed dial, guess what, you remembered something; your brain actually works.  If you use a piece of paper and a pencil to do math; again, brain in gear.  If the power goes out and you use your handy, dandy slide rule to determine the square root of some number, you have just one more option in life.  When I saw this picture, I thought of yesterday, yes, I mean yesterday!!  October 27th was the very first day I used the Ubuntu 11.10 operating system exclusively.  I still had to do some configuration and getting used to its very simple way of doing things (did I mention that everything is free ???) but I had a GREAT TIME.  Why couldn't Windows have been this simple??????  One of the programs I installed was a simple word processor called "Focus Writer".  Its claim to fame is simplicity in use and focus on just WRITING!!! One thing I especially liked though, was the option to turn on typewriter sounds.  Using it was a trip down memory lane, but better.  Imagine, a typewriter with cut and paste and delete!!!!  Wow!  I fell in love and for a brief period felt 40 years younger!!!!!  Sometimes old things can be the BEST THINGS!!!  Now, consider the follow verse from the book of Jeremiah...

WEB: Jeremiah Chapter 6
[16] Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ [17] I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen!’ [18] Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them. [19] Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. [20] To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.”

Want to know if something is valuable?  Ask the question: Has it endured the test of time?  If the answer is "YES" then its probably worth something; it HAS ENDURED!!!  Which is why diamonds are worth more than marshmallows!!!  Think old people aren't worth anything?  Then just ask them a question about history or maybe even what a SLIDE-RULE IS? Take this principle just a bit farther... Why is a house a better investment than a bicycle?  The house will be worth more than the bicycle in 20, 30 or 40 years.  Going a bit farther even, consider how we view our lives.  If we just live for the moment and take no thought as to how we handle our money or maintain our house or treat our spouse, what do you think is going to happen in a few decades?  Probably something that is less than wonderful!!!  How about the spiritual side of your life?  What is going to happen to you in 50 or 60 years from now.  Don't know?  Find out, read your Bible and know.  You may not like the answer, but you will know and if you know, you CAN CHANGE YOUR DESTINY!!!  How, by believing that what is there is true and doing what it says to do with your life.  At this point, turn to Acts chapter two and read and reread it.  The language is plain and direct, so you need to ask yourself... Have I done what it tells me to do?  Don't be like the people in Jeremiah's time, who heard what to do and didn't do it.  Follow the "old paths" and obey the instructions of Acts chapter two and avoid evil.  Remember, Old CAN BE GOOD, but even better...OLD CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE?  What's next?  That's up to you.  Want more information... quick let me type it out for you on my word processor that is a typewriter.  Boy, am I a geek or what?

10/27/11

When black becomes white


How has society come to this?  We care more for animals than we do for human beings!!!  Think about the past few years; more than once I bet you can remember someone committing murder and getting away with it.  Remember OJ???  Yet, if someone hurts or abuses an animal there is no mercy whatsoever.  Now, don't get me wrong... I do NOT approve of mistreating animals; I love them, especially the baby ones.  But, people are FAR MORE VALUABLE THAN THEM!!!!  Take a few minutes and read these selections from the Bible and suddenly the above sign will begin to take on a new meaning....

WEB: Genesis Chapter 1 
[24] God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;” and it was so. [25] God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good. [26] God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [29] God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. [30] To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so. [31] God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. WEB: Matthew Chapter 6 [24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. [25] Therefore, I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
WEB: Isaiah Chapter 29
[16] You turn things upside down! Should
the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say
about him who made it, “He didn’t make me;” or the thing formed say of
him who formed it, “He has no understanding?” WEB: Isaiah Chapter 5 [20] Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  
WEB: Matthew Chapter 6 [24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. [25] Therefore, I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
Human beings are the pinnacle of God's creation.  Animals were made for man, NOT the other way around!!!  God has made everything and decided how things should be, so why, oh why do we want to change things???  When God says "yes", Satan says "No" and its up to us to decide who we want to listen to.  Remember, don't be a fence sitter, you might fall on the side where Satan is and HE will really gobble you up.  Believe it, because its true!!!

10/26/11

Back to the future, forever!!!


No, Michael J. Fox is not just around the corner and its not 1985, but this is a Delorean. I haven't seen a Delorean in awhile!  But this one is DIFFERENT; its all electric.  Whatever its power source, its styling is distinctive and oh, so beautiful.  My first thought when I saw this vehicle was "Back to the future".  I loved the movie and the idea of traveling in time is intriguing.  Even though I know we can't do this now, there is always hope.  For us, time just keeps going forward, but, maybe, just maybe... someday.  How long before we can do this (if we ever can) I have no idea, but maybe my great-grandchildren might, who knows?  Which of course brings us to eternality and to Jesus.  The book of Hebrews says...

Hebrews 7:1-17 (WEB)
1) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2) to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;
3) without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
4) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils.
5) They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham,
6) but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.
7) But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.
8) Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives.
9) We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,
10) for he was yet in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him.
11) Now if there were perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12) For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
13) For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
14) For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15) This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
16) who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
17) for it is testified, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Paul (yes, I do believe he was the writer of Hebrews) compares the temporary priesthood of the old covenant with that of Melchizedek and equates Jesus with the latter.  "a priest forever" is a long, long time.  Permanence equals perfection and perfection is what we all need, forever.  Nice to know that some things will never change, no matter what time it is.  Still, if there is anyone out there with an extra few hundred thousand dollars, I wouldn't mind accepting a Delorean as a gift...

10/25/11

Traditions, truth, and you


One of the things I like best about Florida is something my youngest daughter does; namely, make every birthday special.  She goes out of her way to have a small party, and although there is not a lot of money to be had, still every one is always memorable.  I was wondering a bit about birthday traditions, so I did a little google search and here are the results:

"In classical Roman culture, 'cakes' of flat rounds made with flour containing nuts, leavened with yeast, and sweetened with honey were occasionally served at special birthdays, but more often at weddings as in Ancient Greece.
In early Europe, the words for cake and bread were virtually interchangeable; the only difference being that cakes were sweet while bread was not. In the 15th century, bakeries in Germany conceived the idea of marketing one-layer cakes for customers' birthdays as well as for only their weddings, and thus the modern birthday cake was born. During the 17th century, the birthday cake took on more or less its contemporary form. However, these elaborate cakes, which possessed many aspects of contemporary cakes (such as multiple layers, icing, and decorations), were only available to the very wealthy. Birthday cakes became more and more proletarianized as a result of the industrial revolution, as materials and tools became more advanced and more accessible.

Tradition of Putting Candles on Birthday Cake

Tradition of placing candles on birthday cake is attributed to early Greeks, who used place lit candles on cakes to make them glow like the moon. Greeks used to take the cake to the temple of Artemis, goddess of Moon. Some scholars say that candles were placed on the cake because people believe that the smoke of the candle carried their wishes and prayers to Gods who lived in the skies. Others believe that the custom originated in Germany where people used to place a large candle in the centre of the cake to symbolize ‘the light of life’.
In present times too, people place candles on birthday cakes and a silent wish is made before blowing out the candle. It is believed that blowing out all candles in one breath means the wish will come true and the person with enjoy good luck in the coming year. Some also smear out the name of the person before slicing of the cake to bring good luck.

Contemporary rituals and traditions

Fancy Contemporary Birthday Cake
The cake, or sometimes a pastry or dessert, is served to a person on his or her birthday. In contemporary Western cultures, two rituals are prominent: the singing of the traditional birthday song and the blowing out of candles decorating the cake by the birthday person.
The service of a birthday cake is often preceded by the singing of "Happy Birthday to You" in English speaking countries, or an equivalent birthday song in the appropriate language of that country. In fact, the phrase "Happy Birthday" did not appear on birthday cakes until the song "Happy Birthday to You" was popularized in the early 1900s. Variations on birthday song rituals exist. For example, in New Zealand, "Happy Birthday to You" is sung and is followed by clapping, once for each year of the person's life and once more for good luck. In Uruguay, party guests touch the birthday person's shoulder or head following the singing of "Happy Birthday to You". In Ecuador, sometimes the birthday person will take a large bite off the birthday cake before it is served.
The birthday cake is often decorated with small taper candles, secured with special holders or simply pressed down into the cake. In North America, Australasia and the U.K., the number of candles is equal to the age of the individual whose birthday it is, sometimes with one extra for luck. Traditionally, the birthday person makes a private wish, which will be realized if all the candles are extinguished in a single breath.
In North America, birthday cake is sometimes served with ice cream.
A birthday cake is shared amongst all the people attending a birthday party. This represents sharing of joy and togetherness. As a courtesy, it reflects one's hospitality and respect for guests.

Candles

Novelty candles may be used.
These common thin, stick-shaped candles are standing in peanut butter cups pressed into the frosting.
Though the exact origin and significance of the candle blowing ritual is unknown, the history of placing candles on top of the cake is well documented. This tradition can be traced to Kinderfest (Kinder is the German word for 'children'), an 18th century German birthday celebration for children. A letter written in 1799 by Goethe recounts: "...when it was time for dessert, the prince's entire livery...carried a generous-size torte with colorful flaming candles - amounting to some fifty candles - that began to melt and threatened to burn down, instead of there being enough room for candles indicating upcoming years, as is the case with children's festivities of this kind..." As the excerpt indicates, the tradition at the time was to place candles for each year of the individual's life with some added candles 'indicating upcoming years'.

Birthday pastry cultural variations

Variations on the birthday pastry exist outside of Western culture. The Chinese birthday pastry is the sou bao (壽包), lotus-paste-filled buns made of wheat flour which are shaped and colored to resemble peaches. A single large pastry is not often served, rather each guest is served their own. In Korea, the traditional birthday dish is a seaweed soup. In Western Russia, birthday children are served fruit pies with a birthday greetings carved into the crusts. The Swedish birthday cake is made like a pound cake and is often topped with marzipan and decorated with the national flag. A Dutch birthday pastry are fruit tarts topped with whipped cream. The Mexican birthday tradition involves a piñata, a colored brittle container filled with candy. In India it's common to rub a piece of cake icing on the face of the birthday person, after the cake has been cut."

So, traditions vary over time and geographical location, but whatever the custom, celebrating a birthday is a joyous event.  We should be happy for the life given to the celebrant and wish them well (no matter how old they are).  Birthday customs may change, but The Truth of the Gospel of Christ does not.  Paul was given a revelation of this by none other than Christ himself and warns those who wanted something more to their own liking about the danger associated with leaving God's truth for something "different".  He says...

Galatians 1:6-14 (WEB)
6) I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;
7) and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8) But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9) As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.
10) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
11) But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
12) For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13) For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.
14) I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
 
 Traditions can be fine things or bad news.  You be the judge.  God has given us something very special to celebrate, that is, a way to heaven not based solely on what we do in this world, but what Christ has done for us.  The next time your birthday comes around, celebrate as much as you want, in any way you want (even if it means having a fried egg with a lighted flame on it).  Just be sure that when it comes to The Gospel of Christ, you don't change a thing.  If you do, the yoke will be on you in the long run.

10/24/11

Teach me to be innocent, please!!!


Cute cat!!!  Actually looks like its praying, doesn't it?  Even more than that, notice how innocent it looks.  Wouldn't it be nice if everyone was "innocent" like the cat?  Until then, there will be problems... here is an example...

Romans 16:17-20 (WEB)
17) Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
18) For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
19) For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
20) And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Good and evil; always at war with one another.  But, its all about choices, isn't it?  We can decide how we will live, what we think and where we go.  Make good choices, innocent ones, not evil.  Life can be good and that goodness begins with each one of us!!

10/23/11

What to do next?


A few years back there was a song entitled "Don't worry, be happy".  Normally, I do not care much for Reggie music but I liked this one because it was so positive.   Realistically, not everything is positive, but I find that once I start thinking negatively, I just KEEP thinking that way.  Jesus has something to say about worry and so we turn to the book of Matthew...

Matthew 6:24-34 (NET)
24) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
25) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?
26) Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are?
27) And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?
28) Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin.
29) Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these!
30) And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith?
31) So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’
32) For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33) But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34) So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

We all need food and shelter and clothing.  God knows this and we should know it too.  Think back; have you ever known a really Godly person who was down and out and stayed that way?  I have known some good people who have had temporary problems, but somehow they always "seemed to make it" no matter what.  I can say from personal experience that God has never let me down, although I have to be honest and say I have let HIM down on numerous occaisions.  The chart above could have made made by the person who wrote "don't worry, be happy", but not by a Christian.  Why?  Because whoever did it left God out of the picture.  And for those who really believe in God Almighty, God is in every flow chart you could ever imagine.  In the above case, all you have to do is replace the period with a comma and then insert "God will take care of you" after it.  Problem solved.

10/22/11

Please stand by...


Modern TV is a wonderful thing!!!  Our cable gives us a HUGE amount of channels and if you miss the first part of a show, you can "reverse" it so you can see it all.  Marvelous!!!  But TV wasn't always this way.  I grew up with black and white, three channels, but most of the time two.  And if something went wrong (and it did every so often) you would see this on the screen.  Wait, it meant W-A-I-T and wait some more!!! I hated that waiting.  Especially in the middle of the Lone Ranger or Lassie.  But patience has never been my strong suite (a little better at it now)!  This "wait" sign reminded me of a passage I read in Revelation a couple of days ago...

Revelation 6:9-11 (WEB)
9) When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had.
10) They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
11) A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.

God's word, God's way, God's time.  How about God's judgment as well?  Even in heaven, we want to have everything "right now".  I guess God will let me into heaven even if I am impatient; this is VERY GOOD NEWS!!!  I just wonder, if they have TV in heaven... will I ever have to see the above picture again... HOPE NOT!!!

10/21/11

HOLD FAST!!!


Yellowstone national park is a big place.  So, it struck me as a little strange to think of this as "Yellowstone".  But, here it is; and when I took a little closer look I couldn't help but notice the tree.  It seems healthy enough but look at that root out in front.  Obviously, the root at the back wasn't enough so the tree sent out one in front for some extra nourishment.  I admire this trees' tenacity!!!  One tough tree, indeed!!!  Christians are to be like this tree; tough and resilient enough to hold on no matter how hard the environment.  Of course, this led me to the book of Hebrews.  Here are a few passages of interest...

Hebrews 3:6 (WEB)
6) but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.

Hebrews 3:14 (WEB)
14) For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end:

Hebrews 10:23 (WEB)
23) let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.

From these, I see the example of Christ.  He did what was necessary and was faithful.  His example of sonship is to be ours.  I remember an example I read about years ago; the sailors who tended the rigging of sailing ships would often tattoo "h-o-l-d f-a-s-t" on their fingers to remind them of the necessity of maintaining a firm grip.  To do otherwise would lead to certain death.  The way things are going in this country, we need to be reminded to "hold fast".  So, remember Christ and this tree.  Do everything you can to remain faithful, no matter what society says is "politically correct" or what our government says is legal or not.  In other words..."HOLD FAST"!!!!!! 

10/20/11

Hidden?


I am told that there are cities like this throughout Israel; I really don't know if it is true, but this one sure does stand out!  People, like cities, can be commonplace or noteworthy.  Some you notice and some, well, they just sort of blend into the background.  Which leads me to this familiar passage from the Bible.

Matthew 5:1-16 (WEB)
1) Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2) He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5) Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
10) Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ​
11) “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12) Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13) “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
14) You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15) Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16) Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Going through high school and most of the jobs I have had were similar in that I was part of a system.  Just one cog in the mighty wheel that formed the organization.  Most people do just not "stand out".  They are run-of-the-mill human beings, that all do the same things and think the same way.  Boring!!!  Jesus teaches that there is a better way; one that has a wonderful state of being that lives each moment with the one who created it.  This life shines!!!  This life is different!!!  This life is worth living!!!  This life glorifies God!!!  We all have twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to live, so why not live it to its fullest, the way God wants us to.  When we do this, we will shine, people will notice us and wonder why we are the way we are.  Some things can't (and shouldn't) be hidden.  Are you one of them?

10/19/11

Woof, Woof!!!


Cute, very CUTE!  I must admit I chuckled when I saw this. Woof, Woof!!!  Talk about a different sense of humor.  BUT, family is family.  You do, in reality, carry them (sometimes even literally) with you everywhere you go.  You love them, care for them and stand by them no matter what. Which leads me to these passages from the book of Ruth.

Ruth 1:1-13 (WEB)
1) It happened in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
2) The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
3) Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4) They took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they lived there about ten years.
5) Mahlon and Chilion both died, and the woman was bereaved of her two children and of her husband.
6) Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that Yahweh had visited his people in giving them bread.
7) She went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
8) Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
9) Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
10) They said to her, “No, but we will return with you to your people.”
11) Naomi said, “Go back, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
12) Go back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, ‘I have hope,’ if I should even have a husband tonight, and should also bear sons;
13) would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me much for your sakes, for the hand of Yahweh has gone out against me.”

Ruth 4:13-17 (WEB)
13) So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh gave her conception, and she bore a son.
14) The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you this day without a near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel.
15) He shall be to you a restorer of life, and sustain you in your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”
16) Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse to it.
17) The women, her neighbors, gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi;” and they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

What is family?  Is it just those you share your gene pool?  Or is it something more?  Ruth could have left Naomi and returned to her physical family, but did not.  She loved her mother-in-law and eventually God blessed us all through her son Obed.  Family is a matter of the heart, and whether your life with them is easy or hard, if love is there, hard times or difficult situations really do not matter.  This applies to our spiritual family as well.  God loves us and cares for us...no matter what.  Its up to us to remember that always and return that love.  Humm, I never thought of myself as a sub-woofer before.... 

10/18/11

To upgrade or not to upgrade?


I laughed when I saw this one.  Nice play on words.  It does bring up an important topic, though.  Is the way to heaven a progressive revelation?  In other words, will we need to know more and more as time goes on to enter heaven?  We are so accustomed to constantly upgrading everything from our computers, our cell phones, our cars and numerous other devices... what about our religion?  Here are a couple of passages that address the issue and they were written about two thousand years ago....

Jude 1:1-4 (WEB)
1) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
2) Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied.
3) Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
4) For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:6-9 (WEB)
6) I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;
7) and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8) But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9) As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

I didn't take long for some to try to change the truth, but they did.  And there was a reaction; a strong one from the apostles.  Its interesting to me that both apostles use language that in most circles today would seem politically incorrect.  Who came up with "politically correct and incorrect" anyway?  Perhaps those who are related to those first century people who didn't like the truth and wanted to re-make it into something they could live with.  I only know that if God is eternal (rhetorical question) that the message HE would finish with would be one just like HIM, unchanging.  One last thing, perhaps just a foolish question... but, will there be computers in heaven?  If so, I just know they would operate on Linux... because ITS FREE!!!

10/17/11

Fix the mistake, now!!!

This is a tough one.  OK, all the numbers are there; they are in the right order and I don't see anything obviously wrong with them.  Since the word "mistake" is in BOLD, that is a clue, but what clue?  Perhaps its that the "9" seems a little larger and that may in fact be intent of whoever made the picture, but I have a different idea.  In our numbering system we have a zero, which serves as a placeholder.  Notice, its NOT on the list.  This missing identifier reminds me of the following passages...

Ephesians 1:3-14 (WEB)
3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ;
4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love;
5) having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,
6) to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved,
7) in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
8) which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
10) to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him;
11) in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will;
12) to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:
13) in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14) who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.

Acts 2:38 (WEB)
38) Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Last night we started a new study at church: What happens after you die.  There are a number of theories about this topic and I am sure its going to be an interesting study.  Even without participating in this study, almost everyone in Christianity knows that there will be a separation of good and evil people and a judgment.  So, the question naturally arises, How does God know who are HIS?  Simple, go to verses 13 and 14.  Those who obey Jesus and have their sins washed away by HIS blood are then SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE as a pledge (see also the passage from the book of Acts, above).  Now, you can see another human being study, you can see them confess Christ, you can see them be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, but you CAN'T see THE HOLY SPIRIT SEAL THEM.  But, GOD does and that is all that really counts.  So, to me its not what you can see that is important, but rather what you can't... our  placeholder for heaven (THE HOLY SPIRIT). We are all going to die and guess what is going to be important when you realize that its your turn... NEXT???  Trust me, you are NOT going to be thinking about numbers then!!!  For now, why not plan ahead and correct whatever mistakes (sins) you have made and get your heavenly placeholder NOW, BEFORE ITS TOO LATE???  Any questions???

10/16/11

The Turtle "defense"


This young lady has a problem.  The turtle is going "defense mode" and hiding in its shell, so she can't see it no matter how hard she tries.  A lot of things in life are like that; no matter what you do, you fail, period.  Some things can (and should) be corrected, however.  Here is one such example from the old testament book of Haggai...

Haggai 1:1-13 (WEB)
1) In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,
2) “This is what Yahweh of Armies says: These people say, ‘The time hasn’t yet come, the time for Yahweh’s house to be built.’”
3) Then the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophet, saying,
4) “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies waste?
5) Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways.
6) You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you don’t have enough. You drink, but you aren’t filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it.”
7) This is what Yahweh of Armies says: “Consider your ways.
8) Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,” says Yahweh.
9) “You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says Yahweh of Armies, “Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house.
10) Therefore for your sake the heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit.
11) I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on that which the ground brings forth, on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of the hands.”
12) Then Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Yahweh, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophet, as Yahweh, their God, had sent him; and the people feared Yahweh.
13) Then Haggai, Yahweh’s messenger, spoke Yahweh’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you,” says Yahweh.

They initially failed because they neglected God.  They failed to do HIS WILL and put themselves FIRST.  Sound familiar?  What is happening in this country?  God is being put on the sidelines; in public and in private.  And many wonder why we have the problems we do.  Every one of us who claims a relationship with the Almighty should act like our status with God would have us to do.  It is not enough to stumble blindly through life, ignoring the degradation of our country, we need to do something about it!!!   What, depends on who and where you are and what God has given you to work with.  We are not islands unto ourselves, we can't stick our heads in the sand or retract them into our  turtle "shell" of retreat.  We need to stick our neck out for God and do something, anything.  Pray about it; God will send you a message one way or another, although it won't be the prophet Haggai in person.  Who knows, perhaps this passage from the book that bears his name just might be enough to change things.  After all, that's why its there!!!

10/15/11

I wonder...


Everyone knows Albert Einstein.  This man went from being an unknown clerk in a patent office in Switzerland to a Nobel prize winner.  To many he is the father of modern Physics.  The man was genius personified, but a down to Earth person as this quote from Wikipedia shows: 

"In his lecture at Einstein's memorial, nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer summarized his impression of him as a person: "He was almost wholly without sophistication and wholly without worldliness . . . There was always with him a wonderful purity at once childlike and profoundly stubborn." 

Einstein was a very great man to say the least.  I have known many extremely intelligent chemists, but the vast majority of them were not down-to-Earth people, so I think I would have liked Einstein.  Not only for his personality, but for his view of imagination quoted in the above picture.  Obviously, he was a unique person; one who was blessed by God in a very special way.  This reminded me of another individual from the Old Testament who was blessed by God...

1 Chronicles 28:2-10 (WEB)
2) Then David the king stood up on his feet, and said, “Hear me, my brothers, and my people! As for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and for the footstool of our God; and I had prepared for the building.
3) But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for my name, because you are a man of war, and have shed blood.’
4) However Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen Judah to be prince; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel.
5) Of all my sons (for Yahweh has given me many sons), he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of Yahweh’s kingdom over Israel.
6) He said to me, ‘Solomon, your son, shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
7) I will establish his kingdom forever, if he continues to do my commandments and my ordinances, as at this day.’
8) Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Yahweh, and in the audience of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of Yahweh your God; that you may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.
9) You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
10) Take heed now; for Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”

1 Kings 3:5-14 (WEB)
5) In Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.”
6) Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7) Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am but a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in.
8) Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9) Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?”
10) The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11) God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;
12) behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.

13) I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like you, all your days.
14) If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
As much as I think I would have liked Einstein, I think I would have liked Solomon more.  His attitude towards God and those under his control revealed a very caring heart; something to be admired.  The wisdom of Solomon is legendary as are his judgments.  I can not pretend to even remotely understand either of these two people, let alone their imaginations.  But God does.  And he knows everything about us as well.  I wonder what HE would say about the imaginations of our hearts; whether we are blessed with profound intellect or not? 

10/13/11

How to read a book...


Yesterday I went to Facebook as I usually do and I saw a picture that a friend of mine named Dawn had posted and here it is.  A clever picture, but one that does not HAVE TO BE TRUE.  Why?  Because it is all in the details of who is asking you to read.  Consider, God is in heaven and teaches you what you need to know.  It comes from heaven and down to you.  Now, read the picture from the top down.  Next, Realize picture Satan in HELL and looking up.  His message to you is designed to be the exact OPPOSITE of what God has said.  Read the message from the bottom UP.  This reminds me of something that was discussed in the Bible class last night.  When someone is baptized, Satan enters the picture and tries to turn the situation around.  This is what happened...

Matthew 3:13-17 (WEB)
13) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
14) But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”
15) But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
16) Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.
17) Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 4:1-11 (WEB)
1) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2) When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
3) The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4) But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
5) Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6) and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
7) Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
8) Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.
9) He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10) Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
11) Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.


Satan will look for the best moment to try to twist your thinking; when you are the most vulnerable and therefore the most susceptible to flawed reasoning.  He looked at Jesus' situation and saw danger, hunger and helplessness and attacked on all three fronts.  Satan knows that communication between married couples can be quite a problem and as a result attempts to twist the way God wants our lives to read.  Do your marriage a favor, listen to God.  You won't be sorry; on the contrary, you may wind up happily married for many decades.  Now, that's a book that I want to read!!!

10/12/11

Stay awake


I was tired and went to bed early.  I had some things to pray about and when I finished, I assumed I would go right to sleep; didn't happen.  Something in me was keeping me up, so I thought I would at least be productive and do the blog early in the morning.  I find that once in awhile this is a good thing, as just the act of writing makes me tired enough to sleep.  However, I need to be attentive long enough to complete what I started.  Which reminds me of this Bible passage...

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (WEB)
1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.
2) For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3) For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape.
4) But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.
5) You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,
6) so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober.

7) For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.
8) But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
9) For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10) who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Preparation, attitude and diligence are the stuff of faithfulness.  Along with consistency forged from a true love for the creator, these things will go a long way in helping us remember who we are and what we must do to get to heaven.  Oh, yes, the most important thing; always remember Jesus and what he has done for ME.  I really would like to write more, but my eyes are watering and I am so tired that I can't even read the above picture anymore.  Goodnight everyone!!!

10/11/11

Point of Reference


The Mona Lisa is a marvelous work of art.  It conveys a beauty though its subtlety and understatement. She seems to have a hint of a smile and you just know that she is thinking about "something"; but what could it be?  She seems almost "alive"!  I wonder, I wonder, Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?  What really is reality?  Since we are created beings and art is created, at what perspective do we understand the point of reference to be?  Today, I read that "performance art" is going to new "heights": a woman is actually going to have her baby in a public exhibition of "art".  Pretty messy performance!  Conceiving (no pun intended here) of art like this can lead to absurdity.  What's next, a hemorrhoidectomy at your local library?  Now, apply these things to the concept of religion and you come to this chapter of the book of Colossians.

Colossians 2:1-23 (WEB)
1) For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2) that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3) in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
4) Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.
5) For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6) As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,
7) rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
8) Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.
9) For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,
10) and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;
11) in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
12) having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13) You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
14) wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;
15) having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16) Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,
17) which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.
18) Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19) and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth.
20) If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
21) “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”

22) (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
23) Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

How do you balance what you do to serve God, how you feel about HIM and what you think about him?  People come up with all sorts of standards of behavior and make that the overriding feature.  Others say that the mind is everything and even the pain of something like the pain you experience with a broken leg is all imaginary.  A different group looks to the emotions we experience and place an emphasis on "speaking in tongues".  The correct balance is found in the example of Jesus.  Read Matthew chapters 5 to 7 commonly referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount" and you will see a logical progression of thought interlaced with both real life feelings and expected actions.  First the thought, second the feeling and lastly the action.  We are thinking, feeling, real life people.  God designed us this way.  Remember, Jesus told someone to Love God and your neighbor.  Both involve thought first and a decision (both mental and emotional) and then an action to be complete.  Jesus just didn't think about loving us, He taught us how to by his own example.  We are made in the image of God, so why not act like him?  What is reality and what is religion?  There is no difference.  What?  Think that doesn't make sense?  Look at Jesus, HE had a practical understanding of concept, feeling and action; and so should we.  People will come up with all sorts of Philosophies and ideas of how to please God (religion), but I say... listen to Jesus.... remember this:

Matthew 17:1-5 (WEB)
1) After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.
2) He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
3) Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
4) Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5) While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

Point of Reference is Jesus; listen, learn, do.  Enough said.