I have been told repeatedly, that I should not be mad at God, or question what I go through. They point to Job. Phooey! How are we to learn and lean on God if we don't talk to him? He does not want us to only pray and ask of him things we want or need in the physical but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. How do I know this? Let us look at the Book of Psalms. This is full of praise and worship psalms, but it is also full of oh why me. David cried out so many times and wanted to know how his enemies could do anything while he suffered. He always believed that God listened to him, would answer his prayer, and takes care of him. This faith allowed him to question God and know that even though he questioned God that he was safe in the hands of God. Let us look at a couple of Chapters of Psalms.
Psalm 6
1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Was God mad at David?
David felt like he was for whatever reason he thought God was mad at him and was punishing him for it. Gee, I wonder how many times through our lives we wonder that? I do that even now. It is just our nature that we feel this way.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
It is clear whatever problem he was facing was causing great pain. The death of a loved on, a divorce or other events in our lives can make our whole body ache with grief. Depression can kill you if it is allowed to take hold.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I smile at this because he telling God I am dieing here and if you allow me to die who is going to praise you?
How many times have kids done something like this to parents? It may take a different form. "I am going to run away! Then you'll be sorry!" Unfortunately, adults do that too. My grandmother, Mabel, would get mad at me for something stupid, we get into it, and she would say, one of these days I will be gone.... Well, she is right I miss her, but I don't know if it would change the argument we had today. These statements just can’t manipulate some things. I can see God Shake his head and just listening to David’s rants.
6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
Here he just tells God that he is so depressed and in the next, he takes aim at the source of the problem. This isn't always easy to see but what is more important is what follows.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Here it is in a nutshell. He knew God heard his prayers and that it would be taken care of by God. He did not ask for anything, other than that his enemies see the hurt they caused and to address those wounds. We should really learn to do that in our prayers. Ask no that God strikes them but to show them what the did and have them make amends.
Therefore, I say tell God when you are mad at him, upset and hurt. Then trust God that he heard and will take care of it. Yell, cry, scream, and what ever you fell like doing. After that then seek God for his loving and his comfort. He is faithful and just and will answer. He will hold you id you allow and will handle the problem the best way for you.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Friendship
I normally would not bring this type of poet into this group, but I feel that it is something that needs to be here. Tonight I spent a wonderful dinner with two friends. I so enjoyed the company and the dinner too! On my way home I began to think about all my friends. I find myself speechless that I have so many. Some of course is closer than others. I have many that I consider a brother, part of my family. I want to share a few scriptures with all of you. I pray that you find me worthy enough to be your friend and that I try to live by these in our friendship.
Proverbs 27:6 (King James Version (KJV)
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Sometimes we need to say things that help one another. We don't want to bring our friends pain. After all we have compassion for those we love. I can remember the times my friends told me things I needed to hear. It hurt and I was mad, but I have forgive. I have grown to realize that it is better to hear those words than to be told something else. It is better to tell someone what they don't want to hear and they get hurt, than to say nothing and watch them get hurt. They will look at you and wonder why you did not care enough to speak up. Silence is more dangerous to a friend ship than making a point.
Proverbs 17:17 (New Living Translation)
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
I used this translation because it says it so clearly. It speaks for it self.
Proverbs 27: 9-10,17 (New International Version)
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
What a mouthful. All I can do is let these words speak for me. Thank all of you for your friendship.
I want to close in doing one more thing that you will not see in this blog. A shout out to Glenn, these last few weeks, your friendship, counseling and unconditional love has helped me. You have given me courage to do this. I am blessed again by God to have you as a brother and a friend.
Proverbs 27:6 (King James Version (KJV)
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Sometimes we need to say things that help one another. We don't want to bring our friends pain. After all we have compassion for those we love. I can remember the times my friends told me things I needed to hear. It hurt and I was mad, but I have forgive. I have grown to realize that it is better to hear those words than to be told something else. It is better to tell someone what they don't want to hear and they get hurt, than to say nothing and watch them get hurt. They will look at you and wonder why you did not care enough to speak up. Silence is more dangerous to a friend ship than making a point.
Proverbs 17:17 (New Living Translation)
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
I used this translation because it says it so clearly. It speaks for it self.
Proverbs 27: 9-10,17 (New International Version)
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
What a mouthful. All I can do is let these words speak for me. Thank all of you for your friendship.
I want to close in doing one more thing that you will not see in this blog. A shout out to Glenn, these last few weeks, your friendship, counseling and unconditional love has helped me. You have given me courage to do this. I am blessed again by God to have you as a brother and a friend.
Friday, July 20, 2007
School Prayer
Four decades now, this argument of prayer in school has been raging. I want to add a new perspective for Christians to think. Many Christians believe that this nation was founded upon Christian principles. While there is large amount of evidence that a number of founding fathers held to a Christian belief, there are some disturbing realizations we must face. While I would love to dive into these, I must forgo the temptation and focus on school prayer and the type of government we live in. We live in a democratic Republic country. This means we elect people to represent us in congress to run the country. That with the most votes wins. It permeates every aspect of our government. Right down to the local level. We elect our school boards who in turn make rules and so forth about the education of our children. NOW let us look at this. I am going to give you reason why you should count the rulings on school prayer as a blessing to you and your family. I am also going to step on your toes!
Reasons for you as a Christian to support no prayer in school.
Throughout or history we have had areas that are dominated by one ethnic of people. In the east in areas like LA and San Francisco, have areas called China Town. In
Chicago they had the Irish American section and so forth. THIS division of ethnic people is a common occurrence throughout cities across the United States. Now imagine that you live in an area where the predominate practice Islam. Would you want your child forced into praying three times a day praying to Allah? Now some of you may point out that Allah and God is supposedly the same God. I do not want to get into the specifics so for the sake of argument I will concede this point and use another religion. How about Buddhist, or Hindu or satanic? What id they offer to bless the food with one of their prayers? Here is something to chew on.
Think about this scripture.
1 Corinthians 10:28
28But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
You see God knows what he is doing and allowing to happen. Then there is another stronger argument that should make you take off your shoes and rub your toes because they are about to be stomped hard!
In the book of Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Stop allowing the government to do what is your god given duty. Notice I said duty not right. See a right is something that we can choose to exercise or not and the consequence is not as bad. A duty on the other hand is mandatory; it is something we must do. A failure to do it causes all kinds of problems and failure to do it and bring down Gods wrath. Got it? Good! I want to stress this because I know for a fact this area of our duty are being forced upon an organization that was never meant to handle the job! Raise your child! YOU TEACH HIM about prayer, and God. Not the church, not the school, but YOU! One day at Sunday school teaches what? That on Sunday you have to be good while the rest of the week we can be bad. Before I go on let me, set down some scriptures.
Psalms 78:5-7
5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Somewhere down the line we allowed our children to be taught by someone or something and now we are paying the price. IF you want your children to learn of God then you teach them what you know and let the church help. Don't always think that the world is against the Christian. Sometimes it is God trying to prepare or protect us from what is heading our way.
SO have your child pray before he leaves the house when he first gets up. Then allow him to take a Bible to school so that when he wants to read he may. Despite what many people will say it is his right to carry and read the Bible during school hours as long as he does it on his time. Like study hall, break, and lunch. He can pray to as long he is not causing a disturbance. Again this is his right, he just has to do it with respect.
Reasons for you as a Christian to support no prayer in school.
Throughout or history we have had areas that are dominated by one ethnic of people. In the east in areas like LA and San Francisco, have areas called China Town. In
Chicago they had the Irish American section and so forth. THIS division of ethnic people is a common occurrence throughout cities across the United States. Now imagine that you live in an area where the predominate practice Islam. Would you want your child forced into praying three times a day praying to Allah? Now some of you may point out that Allah and God is supposedly the same God. I do not want to get into the specifics so for the sake of argument I will concede this point and use another religion. How about Buddhist, or Hindu or satanic? What id they offer to bless the food with one of their prayers? Here is something to chew on.
Think about this scripture.
1 Corinthians 10:28
28But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
You see God knows what he is doing and allowing to happen. Then there is another stronger argument that should make you take off your shoes and rub your toes because they are about to be stomped hard!
In the book of Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Stop allowing the government to do what is your god given duty. Notice I said duty not right. See a right is something that we can choose to exercise or not and the consequence is not as bad. A duty on the other hand is mandatory; it is something we must do. A failure to do it causes all kinds of problems and failure to do it and bring down Gods wrath. Got it? Good! I want to stress this because I know for a fact this area of our duty are being forced upon an organization that was never meant to handle the job! Raise your child! YOU TEACH HIM about prayer, and God. Not the church, not the school, but YOU! One day at Sunday school teaches what? That on Sunday you have to be good while the rest of the week we can be bad. Before I go on let me, set down some scriptures.
Psalms 78:5-7
5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Somewhere down the line we allowed our children to be taught by someone or something and now we are paying the price. IF you want your children to learn of God then you teach them what you know and let the church help. Don't always think that the world is against the Christian. Sometimes it is God trying to prepare or protect us from what is heading our way.
SO have your child pray before he leaves the house when he first gets up. Then allow him to take a Bible to school so that when he wants to read he may. Despite what many people will say it is his right to carry and read the Bible during school hours as long as he does it on his time. Like study hall, break, and lunch. He can pray to as long he is not causing a disturbance. Again this is his right, he just has to do it with respect.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Matthew 25: 1-13
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Recently I found this parable in a new light and had to read it again. I know well all have heard how we are to be prepared and not be like the five that ran out of oil, but let look at the other five in the context of some things going around today and verse 13.
I recently was told that the time for Christ return is drawing near. I agree with that one hundred percent, but not for the reasons others may. Now what he meant by this was that there are things that people have seen, said or pointed to that does have indications that the time is near. Now I say this with out being disrespectful or even funny, that day has been getting closer the day he came out of the tomb. I have seen and heard so many look this happened and this is going to happen to say phooey on it all. Now Jesus did say there would be certain signs and wonders. That we will see and know, but I honestly don't think we should be so looking for them that we miss the important stuff. These signs was never meant to be a bashing tool to get someone to turn their life over to God. It was to give those Christians hope. That we can rest assure that he is coming.
Let us take Verse 13, Jesus stated that we should watch for we no not the day or hour. How does this fit the whole story? Was the five brides maids looking out the windows? Well if they were Jesus does not mention it. He did mention that they were ready for the bridegroom. They did not know when he was coming until the call came out. I am assuming we will not know it until the sound of the horns announcing his coming. The key I see here was that they all were asleep and awaken when the bridegroom came. Jesus says the five that had oil was ready and wise. Look at it this way, before they took their rest from there work, they prepared what was needed. They did what God would have them do. They attended to his work. This would be likened to us reading, teaching, giving and living for him while we are awake. Doing this ensures that when the time comes we are ready. If we stand around and talk about his coming all day and do nothing else how are we ready?
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Recently I found this parable in a new light and had to read it again. I know well all have heard how we are to be prepared and not be like the five that ran out of oil, but let look at the other five in the context of some things going around today and verse 13.
I recently was told that the time for Christ return is drawing near. I agree with that one hundred percent, but not for the reasons others may. Now what he meant by this was that there are things that people have seen, said or pointed to that does have indications that the time is near. Now I say this with out being disrespectful or even funny, that day has been getting closer the day he came out of the tomb. I have seen and heard so many look this happened and this is going to happen to say phooey on it all. Now Jesus did say there would be certain signs and wonders. That we will see and know, but I honestly don't think we should be so looking for them that we miss the important stuff. These signs was never meant to be a bashing tool to get someone to turn their life over to God. It was to give those Christians hope. That we can rest assure that he is coming.
Let us take Verse 13, Jesus stated that we should watch for we no not the day or hour. How does this fit the whole story? Was the five brides maids looking out the windows? Well if they were Jesus does not mention it. He did mention that they were ready for the bridegroom. They did not know when he was coming until the call came out. I am assuming we will not know it until the sound of the horns announcing his coming. The key I see here was that they all were asleep and awaken when the bridegroom came. Jesus says the five that had oil was ready and wise. Look at it this way, before they took their rest from there work, they prepared what was needed. They did what God would have them do. They attended to his work. This would be likened to us reading, teaching, giving and living for him while we are awake. Doing this ensures that when the time comes we are ready. If we stand around and talk about his coming all day and do nothing else how are we ready?
Let me use this as an example of what I am talking about. According to SFGate.com over 50 MILLION of the "Left Behind" series has been sold. Now for the record I too was guilty of buying and reading them. That is a lot of money and for what? To enrich two men and the companies that published and sold them. Did they save anyone? Some may say that God used them, well I have no doubt of Gods ability to use anything after all he did use a donkey to speak. LOL. Now I checked Amazon and one book was selling for around 10 dollars. That is 500 million dollars that the Christian community spent. Now let me show some perspective. What that means in terms of our lives.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average gallon of milk cost was $3.14 as of June 2007. That is 159,235,668 gallons of milk that could be given to the worlds hungry children.1
Here is a breakdown of some more stats on food according to BLS
Fuel oil $2.57 a gallon = 194,552,529 gallons
White Bread $1.19 a loaf= 420,168,067 loafs
Ground Chuck $2.77 a pound= 180,505,415
Grade A large eggs $1.50 a dozen = 333,333,333
Now how many people could we have helped? Now don't get me wrong we all give and that is great. The point is that we spent money on something that could have been used to get this world ready for his coming. Instead of reading about some make believe world we could have helped the one we live in. We could be getting ready. See when we feed, cloth and lift up the needy we are doing two things. Jesus states in Verse 40 of this same chapter, "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." The other is we are showing the love of Christ. We are being true Christians for we are doing his work we are preparing the world and giving them the hope that we have. We are the 5 wise maidens trimming or lamps and pouring in the oil. Till the day comes that we can rest and Jesus comes.
(I would like that no one talk about people out there that take advantage of us. This I assure you will be a issue I will visit soon.)
Here are the references to the stats. One thing I want to do is be opened and give you the data that I get so you know I am not making it up.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Luke 17:12-19
12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
For some reason even to myself this passage is one that I keep coming back to. I once wrote a play based loosely this part of scripture. The mercy and love Jesus showed on these 10 leapers is not the main teaching. It their reaction to their healing. I want to open this up a bit. I want us to look at this at another angle. We are sometimes doing what God wants us to do but forget to take the time to say thank you. Simply saying thank you is good, but taking time of instead of praying but praising is like Mary Magdalen anointing Jesus feet. Is there a benefit to you for doing this? To tell you the truth I have not tried to find out and it does not matter. You see just giving back to Jesus for who he is and what he has done is what praise and worship is all about. It is not about if I do a and b God will give me C. Time and time again we become like the other nine. I am not saying these other nine did anything wrong after all they did exactly what Jesus told them to do. Once took the time to give him praise. It says nothing of the nine losing their healing and the only benefit that the one received was to be allowed to go his own way. What one thing is important is that Jesus found this pleasing to him and disappointed. If we want to please Jesus then a simple thank you would be pleasing. Take some time, play some praise and worship music, and say thank you. Think of the things he has given and done for you. I will say if anything you will feel peace and possibly joy.
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
For some reason even to myself this passage is one that I keep coming back to. I once wrote a play based loosely this part of scripture. The mercy and love Jesus showed on these 10 leapers is not the main teaching. It their reaction to their healing. I want to open this up a bit. I want us to look at this at another angle. We are sometimes doing what God wants us to do but forget to take the time to say thank you. Simply saying thank you is good, but taking time of instead of praying but praising is like Mary Magdalen anointing Jesus feet. Is there a benefit to you for doing this? To tell you the truth I have not tried to find out and it does not matter. You see just giving back to Jesus for who he is and what he has done is what praise and worship is all about. It is not about if I do a and b God will give me C. Time and time again we become like the other nine. I am not saying these other nine did anything wrong after all they did exactly what Jesus told them to do. Once took the time to give him praise. It says nothing of the nine losing their healing and the only benefit that the one received was to be allowed to go his own way. What one thing is important is that Jesus found this pleasing to him and disappointed. If we want to please Jesus then a simple thank you would be pleasing. Take some time, play some praise and worship music, and say thank you. Think of the things he has given and done for you. I will say if anything you will feel peace and possibly joy.
Bible Translations.
One of the things that I feel compelled to tackle is Bible translations. There are more translations out there than you can shake a stick at. I will not list them all or even attempt to, there are just so many. Many people say the King James is the only translation but even then it has to be the correct version of King James the 1611 or newer ones. Why, tradition and a belief that these men who put together the book was guided by God. Maybe, but why is men form centuries past any better at the Scripture than men today who claim to be with God? The whole idea of the KJB was so that people could read the bible themselves and understand it. Since that time the English language has transformed it self. Let me take an example of some of the problems with KJB use of English. Today English is spoken in a wide range of countries, yet the words of the English does not translate to each country.
As for me I will be using the KJB because that is the one I grew up on and feel comfortable using. I also will use the NIV at times. If you are trying to clarify your point please tell me which translation you use so that we can be on the same book! :)
TO help explain some advantages and disadvantages of translations :
http://www.kencollins.com/bible-t2.htm#kjv
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translations
As for me I will be using the KJB because that is the one I grew up on and feel comfortable using. I also will use the NIV at times. If you are trying to clarify your point please tell me which translation you use so that we can be on the same book! :)
TO help explain some advantages and disadvantages of translations :
http://www.kencollins.com/bible-t2.htm#kjv
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translations
Welcome.
Hello to those who have stopped by to check me out. You may be wondering what this blog is about. Well I am starting a weekly blog to discuss issues that may arise in the week and how we may look at things using the Bible. Now before you dismiss this as a christian rant of doom and gloom or fire and brimstone, it is not that I can assure you. I am not here to tell you what your sin is but to shed light on sin as a whole, including mine, and how do we deal with it. I want to show you a somewhat different way of looking at issues that we have been taught. I assure you if you disagree with me your free to post your opinions and discuss them here. I won't say I won't call you wrong, because if you have some Jim Jones Ideas then hey you will be called on them.
With that let me make myself clear on the once a week post that is a minimum, I may post more but at least one. I want to thank you for stopping by and looking I hope you find some answers and come back again. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Jesse
With that let me make myself clear on the once a week post that is a minimum, I may post more but at least one. I want to thank you for stopping by and looking I hope you find some answers and come back again. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Jesse
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