12/10/14

From Gary... Learning from the other side of the coin


If you are familiar with history, you would never, ever put a title like this on your jpeg. Millions upon millions died in World War II and if we take the time and effort to study the "why" of the war, then hopefully it will not be repeated. But, this is the negative approach; remembering history to avoid the bad.  How about the opposite.

Hebrews, Chapter 10 (WEB)
24  Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,  25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.  26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,  27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.  28 A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.  29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”  31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings;  33 partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so.  34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.  35 Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. 

Remember to be better out of love is more beneficial. Now, I know this passage has negative in it, but it begins and ends in a positive way.  Personally, I think it is better to accentuate the positive and not dwell on the negative. Notice, I didn't say ignore the negative, for that would be foolhardy.  But, history CAN BE A POSITIVE THING- even the not-so-pleasant of it.  Remember, Jesus had to die to that we might live.  I don't recall what the SS meant, but it was bad. How about thinking about something good instead... like Simply Scrumptious (and yes, I AM THINKING ABOUT BREAKFAST)!!!