Geppy's Religion Blog

Deja Vu, or Something Else

2009-07-07T23:46:00.003-04:00

All my life I have had experiences of deja vu. Largely I attribute this feeling to God giving me a sign that I'm still on the right path - as it typically also comes with a feeling of peace and "rightness." But then there are those other feelings, which thanks to Wikipedia I now know some of the terminologies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9j%C3%A0_vu).

These terms are:

deja vu => "experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously

jamais vu => "involves a sense of eeriness and the observer's impression of seeing the situation for the first time, despite rationally knowing that he or she has been in the situation before"

presque vu => "when one cannot recall a familiar word or name or situation, but with effort one eventually recalls the elusive memory" and "the sensation of being on the brink of an epiphany"

Do you ever experience one of these situations? If so, do you experience all of these type of situations?

On Wiki, it is suggested that these may be related to mental diseases. I personally don't think so. I think instead that it is more as relayed under "mystic explanations" on Wiki that it is related to preconception/prophecy and the dreams that God has promised to his children in the last days; which have been going on for thousands of years already.

But I am interested in the thoughts of others that experience these situations. To me, deja vu brings peace and comfort; presque vu brings unease and a feeling of being out of place; jamais vu just makes me feel stupid.

What then Shall I Say?

2009-05-06T23:06:00.003-04:00

Ever since I started this blog, I have had one main rule - which I have at times forgotten. That rule is - say what God tells me to say, even if I don't think I know what it means. This has been a major purpose that God had given me with this blog. For it is His words that need to be said and He will use them wherever and whenever he chooses. And from what I can tell - from others reactions to my posts or others, and from my reactions to some posts of others - it is very easy to tell when God is speaking to someone. Hang out till the end of this post and I'll give you the insight that God has given me here.

So, what is the Scriptural support for this purpose that God has given me with this blog?

Mark 13:8b-13 (TNIV)

These are the beginning of birth pains.

You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved.

The alternative sources (other gospels) for this are: Matthew 10:5-42 and Luke 12:1-12.

So this is one of the major purposes of this blog - to "say whatever is given you at the time." It is no coincidence that two of the three scriptures that define this blog's purpose are also directly relating the terms of the end times through a direct quotation of Micah.

I have only read Micah for the last couple days, and I have come to feel very close to this prophet. He speaks very plainly about what actions would have made God happy and bless Israel, and what actions were taken that made God very angry with Israel. Angry enough to scatter its citizens to the four corners of the planet and to shatter his people's nation that he created.

This same warning applies now. The nations do not practice justice and mercy. God's own people are not interested so much in justice and mercy, but in declaring what is righteous and decrying the wicked. True religion is an unknown quantity throughout the land, as acts of "righteousness" are more important than mercy and loving-kindness.

Turn from these wicked ways of hypocrisy and learn to do good. Give to those in need, in whatever way they need. Instead of casting your judgments on those who feel they need an abortion, try to empathize with them. Why do they feel they need the abortion? Treat the root causes instead of the symptoms. Show the love of God instead of self-righteous condemnation. And above all else, do not fight battles in generalizations that dehumanize the people. One cannot fight a cause about a topic and not become desensitized to the people suffering that God has created and wishes to show mercy upon.

In short, judge not. Let God be the judge. Love, as he has loved.

Show one cause that Jesus' fought that hurt people; that was not against hypocrisy. When you have found that cause, study it to determine what the cause actually was and what Jesus was truly saying. You might just find that it was something other than what you believe it to be.

And finally, as promised at the start of this post. What is the easy way to tell when God is speaking to someone? That someone will feel hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy (or some such emotion). They will not feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness or self-control. (Galatians 5:19-26)

Brother Shall Betray Brother

2009-05-05T21:10:00.003-04:00

So, I was raised in a good, rural, independent Baptist church. As such, I was allowed to see the Thief in the Night movie series - and greatly enjoyed it. But, for good or for ill, this movie series has for a long time colored my interpretation of end-times events.

For example, in Mark 13:12 it speaks of how brother shall betray brother and I have always understood this only as the devil's work; a way for his followers to put to death His followers. For this is how it is portrayed in the movie series.

But, using my Logos bible study software, this verse actually tracks back to Micah 7:1-20. This is actually a warning to the remnant to be careful of who they trust. The wicked abound and they are about to be given over to confusion - which leads to the wicked acts of betrayal and death. It is a warning to be cautious of who you trust; to be wary and guard yourself in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Micah 7:7-10 (TNIV)

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

Because I have sinned against him,
I will bear the Lord’s wrath,
until he pleads my case and establishes my right.

He will bring me out into the light;
I will see his righteousness.

Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame,
she who said to me, “Where is the Lord your God?”

My eyes will see her downfall;
even now she will be trampled underfoot
like mire in the streets.

And the chapter ends with a great and wonderful (recognition of a) promise.

Micah 7:18-20 (TNIV)

Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?

You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.

You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

You will be faithful to Jacob,
and show love to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our ancestors
in days long ago.

Praise God for his mercy and grace. Glory to God for telling us plainly what to expect and what will happen.

Man and the Sabbath

2009-04-15T13:34:00.004-04:00

So, there is plenty of description throughout Scripture of the Sabbath being a day of rest and work not being allowed. In the New Testament, Jesus and the disciples are out walking and pick food out of the fields to eat. This was/is work and thus was a violation of the Laws regarding the sanctity of the Sabbath day. A sanctity that is backed up by it being the very day that God himself rested from his work and did no labor. This was a pretty serious thing - and still is for very many.

But Jesus' response was a question. Was the Sabbath made for man, or man for the Sabbath?

What does this mean to you? Have you come to grips with what Jesus is saying?

BTW, comments are not allowed on this post. This is meant as rhetorical and for each of us to consider. Which are you more like? Jesus and the disciples, or the Pharisees who were questioning their violation of God's Law (or at least the "modern" interpretation of it).

This is Awesome!

2009-04-09T17:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/09/hawaii.volunteers.repair/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

An example of how we don't need to wait for federal or state money. If we work together, we can improve things for each other. Is there anything in your "neighborhood" that a little bit of elbow work could fix?

"New World Order" Has Arrived?

2009-04-02T14:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/02/g20/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

This is end-times talk here.

A Thought from a Dream

2009-03-05T11:21:00.001-05:00

So, last night in my sudafed induced deep, deep, deep sleep - I had an extremely weird dream. Out of that dream, I will share one thought that I think may lead me somewhere. And this is related to a statement that I have heard from my sister's life experience.

Anyhow, I have heard that some people don't like the cross; that it is a symbol of the horrible death of Jesus, and that the more important thing is that he lives. In my dream, it was the cross and our Savior that was able to cast away the demons and free me from their curse. Until I looked at the cross, I could not be freed.

In the desert, it is when Moses lifted up the snake on the cross that the people were healed.

I believe in the New Testament, that Paul spoke of this also. Something about preaching of our Lord and Savior, and him crucified.

In Deuteronomy (the end) the people are given a choice. To follow God's Commandments and be blessed with abundant living, or to disobey and be cursed and die.

The death on the cross was I believe the "largest" curse that could be - and thus when Jesus took our sins upon himself and then died on the cross he took the curse for us so we may live.

So, why would anyone not like to think of the cross but only the new life? Isn't the new life only the blessing that is given to those who will gaze upon the cross and accept that sacrifice? I.e., is it not completely because of who Jesus is and that he died upon the cross that we may live?

"Politics as Usual"

2009-02-10T08:20:00.002-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/10/cafferty.house/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Cafferty has it correct. What is Ms Pelosi thinking? Does she really think the Democratics have the majority for her own gains? The Democrats have the majority because people voted for Mr Obama and his stomping for change. Sadly, he will need to make that change stick in his own party first - as they won't even work with him, but instead are backing the 3rd in succession.

Remember this in two years people. Giving the House a Democratic majority is only serving Ms Pelosi. Maybe the Democrats don't deserve a majority in the House...?

Is there Mercy and Justice?

2009-01-05T23:08:00.004-05:00

I have heard it said that there cannot be both mercy and justice. That justice would demand punishment, while mercy forgives punishment. And this appears to be the case when looking at the definition of these words from Meriam-Webster.

mer•cy \ˈmər-sē\ n
pl mercies [ME, fr. AF merci, fr. ML merced-, merces, fr. L, price paid, wages, fr. merc-, merx merchandise] 13c
1 a : compassion or forbearance shown esp. to an offender or to one subject to one’s power also : lenient or compassionate treatment 〈begged for mercy〉
b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
b : a fortunate circumstance 〈it was a mercy they found her before she froze〉
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress 〈works of mercy among the poor〉 — mercy adj —at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against syn mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it 〈threw himself on the mercy of the court〉. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others 〈show a little charity for the less fortunate〉. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing 〈the judge refused to show clemency〉. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions 〈by the grace of God〉. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing 〈criticized the courts for excessive leniency〉.

jus•tice \ˈjəs-təs\ n
[ME, fr. AF justise, fr. L justitia, fr. justus] 12c
1 a : the maintenance or administration of what is just esp. by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
b : judge
c : the administration of law esp : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
2 a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
b (1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action
(2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness
c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness

But then I ran across the description of justice as described in Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. It helps to understand the difference between terminologies today and those of Bible times.

JUSTICE — the practice of what is right and just. Justice (or “judgment,” KJV) specifies what is right, not only as measured by a code of law, but also by what makes for right relationships as well as harmony and peace.

The English term “justice” has a strong legal flavor. But the concept of justice in the Bible goes beyond the law courts to everyday life. The Bible speaks of “doing justice” (Ps. 82:3; Prov. 21:3), whereas we speak of “getting justice.” Doing justice is to maintain what is right or to set things right. Justice is done when honorable relations are maintained between husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, government and citizens, and human beings and God. Justice refers to neighborliness in spirit and action.

Kings, rulers, and those in power are to be instruments of justice (Ps. 72:1), as exemplified by David (2 Sam. 8:15) and Josiah (Jer. 22:15–16). The prophet Micah declared, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic. 6:8). The Book of Isaiah describes God’s suffering servant, a description best fulfilled in Jesus, as one whose task as ruler will be to bring justice to the nations (Is. 42:1–4).

The prophets of the Old Testament were champions of social justice. During those days, justice was often perverted through bribery and favoritism or partiality (Deut. 1:17; Prov. 17:23). But God’s rewards come to those who practice justice in all their dealings with others. In the words of the prophet Amos, “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).

If you ask me, I'll take justice and mercy any day over justice or mercy.

What is "Real" Christianity?

2008-12-23T17:32:00.004-05:00

This year has been rife with people talking about real vs. fake Christians and Christianity. I understand the sentiment as there are some things in popular Christianity that I just don't see as being Christian. And it shouldn't be since the official Christianity was formed by the Roman empire as a means to promote peace within the empire.

But, my word, people just go way too far in their arguments. Especially at this time of year, where one type of group goes on and on about how Christmas is not the day that Jesus/Yeshua was born. Well, if you are hung up on that you are missing the point completely and are stuck in the "rules."

Every day is about our King. There is not one day that is not about him. Is there a single person who truly thinks that Christmas day on our calendar is the actual day that he was born??? Really?

If you are one of those people that are hung up on these mundane trappings, I challenge you to look deeper this next year. Look at what is YHWH's rest, and what that means for each of us. And for starters, you can always relook at Heidi's post that I linked to last.

YHWH's calendar does have meaning and purpose, but maybe not what you think. His name does have meaning and purpose, but maybe not what you think. Our Lord Jesus' new name does have meaning, but maybe not what you think.

Always question what you think you know, for if you don't you will never know.

Religion, Pure and Undefiled

2008-12-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

Please take a moment to check out this post from Heidi.

http://pebblechaser.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/religion/

Fear Not, and be at Peace

2008-12-01T23:49:00.001-05:00

Our world has many things that can make us fear what is to come. Some people fear what Mr Obama will bring. Others fear that he will not bring the promised change. Others fear our collapsing economy and how we will survive. Others fear the increasing medical issues and the decreasing coverage of our health system and our health coverage. Others fear the terrorists and others still the wars that we wage to protect ourselves from the terrorists. Fear is everywhere.

This is not right!

Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 8:1-17

Our Lord Yhwh will care for us as his own beloved. He knows our needs and cares for our needs. We are our Lord's own children; we have an inheritance that he will one day give to us. But does he not give us his blessings each and every day - if only we "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

But it does not come for nothing. Salvation is by faith alone, but faith without works is not faith. Faith is an action; an understanding of our Lord's commands; and a turning to do what he would do. "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

But, you say, I am a good person and go to church every Sunday and Wednesday (or Saturday, or Friday). Or, I obey all 613 commandments and keep the Sabbath. But, I tell you that this is not enough in and of themselves. The actions that we take must be a side affect of the change in our nature. We must truly love our Yhwh with our entire being (Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27). And if we truly follow thru with this - the greatest commandment - then by our very (new) nature we will love all of our neighbors and do the same for them that we would do for our own selves (Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:27).

What does this mean though - to love our neighbor as ourselves? Well, if you are trying to define what it means - and thus set limits, then you are not doing it. Do you try to define what you would do or what you would eat, wear, or buy to please yourself? No? Then doing that to define what it is to love your neighbor is in essence not loving your neighbor as yourself.

But as an example I go back to my last post - whose words our Lord Yhwh is speaking to us today:

Jeremiah 7:5-6 (TNIV)
If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm,

Can you see how Yhwh has said that defining the limits is not loving your neighbor? It is not a new fault, but one as old as the Scriptures themselves. We are called to "really change [our] ways and [our] actions." Examples are given - and in fact most of the 613 commandments are just that; examples of how to change our ways and actions. But the ancient expert on the Law had the true words on how to inherit eternal life - even though he then showed that he didn't really understand as he immediately tried to define limits to feel righteous (Luke 10:25-37). And his true answer was:

Luke 10:27 (TNIV)
He answered, " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Do you try to define limits on what you must do? Do you ever feel guilty about not being able to do something for someone else? Do you seek the Kingdom of Yhwh above all else?

In closing, please take a moment to read 1 Kings 3:1-16. This passage has been one of the founding passages of my life - and thus my "avatar" picture of Solomon. Solomon asked of God for the wisdom to truly love his neighbor as himself and Yhwh was well pleased.

Shema Yisrael

2008-12-01T21:19:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah 7:2-29 (TNIV)

" ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. ^{This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!" If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.}

" ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord.

" ‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your fellow Israelites, the people of Ephraim.’

"So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger. But am I the one they are provoking? declares the Lord. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?

" ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place—on people and animals, on the trees of the field and on the crops of your land—and it will burn and not be quenched.

" ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’

"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Therefore say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not obeyed the Lord its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.

" ‘Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath.

Clarification on Songs

2008-11-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

So, I have heard statements such as "that is not at all what the lyrics mean" in the past when I have made statements about songs. In case any one might be thinking that I thought I would mention what I mean when I quote songs.

I don't really care what the original intent or meaning of a song was. All that matters is how God speaks to me thru any given song. Thus, I might post a song that some think is from the devil; but that's just ok. If you ever feel this way you can just ignore my post. :)

Anyway, the point is - what does God say to you when you listen to a song? What do you learn about how God wants us to be thru any given song?

Regarding these last two songs - I haven't listened to the group Live in well over 10 years. That only says that there is meaning when I all of a sudden want to listen to them, and then have a couple songs just drill into my inner most being.

So I know without a doubt that these two songs are saying something to me, now. If they don't say anything to you, that's ok. They may not have any meaning for God to use them to relay thoughts to you.

10,000 Years

2008-11-10T08:27:00.002-05:00

And the songs continue.

I think that this is speaking to us today, in that we have not been practicing the precepts of the Kingdom. We preach morality, but we lack the actions that our Lord Jesus told us to practice. We all sin, but we are quick to jump into the line of casting stones. We ignore the peace that we are told to be, because we are concerned that the peace is in fact the false peace of the deceiver. But instead of freezing us, it should spur us to show the peace and grace of our God. We need to show what true peace is so that people will see the false peace when it comes (very soon now).

===================================================

Artist: Live
Album: Mental Jewelry
Song: 10,000 Years

===================================================

The world is burning down
Can't you smell the smoke in the air?
War, disease and famine
This demon, she is everywhere

Poets and preachers and politicians
They've all had their say
And we've got 10,000 years
Devoted to nothing
But tommorow and yesterday

If all of the ignorance in the world
Passed a second ago
What would you say?
Who would you obey?
I am here to say that

Peace is now

Mr. President?
I hereby pardon you of all your crimes
For they are just as much mine

Selfishness and seperation have led me
To believe that the world is not my problem
The world is not my problem
I am the world
And you are the world

Peace is now

===================================================

Lyrics from http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/live/10000+years_10166667.html

You are the World

2008-11-05T10:45:00.002-05:00

I don't know why this song is moving me so much right now, but it is. And thus I needed to post it.

Artist: Live
Album: Mental Jewelry
Song: You are the World

If you've ever known love
If you've ever known peace
If you've ever known joy
Make sure that you are on time

If you've ever known war
If you've ever known pain
If you've ever said no
Make sure that you are on time
You are on time
You are on time
We are on time

For you are the world

Fighting, mating, waring
You are all this now
Be aware, not scared
Look at me now
Silence
I say
You are the world

Lyrics from http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/live/you+are+the+world_10166670.html

And Life Continues

2008-11-05T00:30:00.002-05:00

I was speaking with my dad tonight about the election. We agree on things and we disagree on things, and some things that we agree on are the same things we disagree on. It's a paradox. But does that make either of us less God's children, or less devoted to the ways of our Lord?

He was telling me that he has seen a morale decay over the generations. I too have seen a morale decay. But I also see a desire for better. And at the same time I see the world stage being setup for end times. But I don't see this as a doomsday; something to be feared. Instead, I see the signs of the return of the bridegroom. I see the signs that within my lifetime, my Lord and King will return to be with us and to restore Paradise to this fallen world. I see our Lord Father working his will and his way on earth as it is in heaven. I see heaven coming to earth in our every day lives.

Socialism, capitalism, Wall Street, Main Street, communism, and democracy. These are all inventions of man. Political kingdoms, money, wealth, power. These are all inventions of man.

The Kingdom of Heaven is about brothers and sisters - all joint heirs with our King Jesus. About equality and fairness. The Kingdom of Heaven is a monarchy, where we all do the will of our King and of his Father - our Father.

The people who are the heads of nations are hand-picked by our Father. They are not evil or good. They are the authority that has been placed over us - whom we have been commanded to obey. We give to our authorities as required - unless it violates what our God requires of us.

This evening, Mr McCain gave a very honorable concession speech. His crowd was mostly good, but there were some dishonorable people as well. People that booed at the one who God has chosen this evening to lead the USA for the near future. To boo him is to boo our God's choices - His will. If we are booing the will of our Father, are we not showing the lie to our own saying "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven?" Isn't that hypocritical?

It was a good race and congratulations to both Mr McCain and Mr Obama. They both did well, and they both finished the race with honor. And as Mr Obama said at the end of his speech, may God bless us and may God bless these united states of America.

The Returning Bridegroom

2008-10-14T19:41:00.002-04:00

Matt 25:1-13

Question: what preparations do you think we are meant to make for the return of Jesus?

I used to believe that the preparations were what we should do to prepare for the tribulation. But this parable is clear that the preparation is for the return of our Lord. So, since the focus is not preparing for the tribulation - what kind of preparation for our Lord's return are we meant to do?

Are you for real?

2008-10-13T23:13:00.001-04:00

"Most people are looking at the financial crisis, looking at their 401(k)s, and in between they're seeing the two candidates beat the living daylights out of each other and rolling their eyes."

"As the presidential candidates open their war chests in the campaign's final stretch -- spending a combined $28 million on television ads in the week that ended Oct. 4 -- political pros are mixed on whether they're getting their money's worth."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/13/AR2008101302425.html?hpid=topnews

Here's a thought, spend that money on trying to fix a small part of the nation's financial problems instead of on stupid ads that don't mean a thing. Put your money where your mouth is and DO something about it!

Who is Jesus, part 2

2008-09-26T10:27:00.006-04:00

So, I am a little amazed and no small amount disappointed. I recently posted an entry about a discussion on "Who is Jesus?" in which I invited others to come talk about who they believe Jesus is. No takers, and no comments here. Additionally, within that discussion it became less than I expected with much less participants from that community - and more debate over what I said and less statements from others on what they believed.

Why are people quick to voice their opinions on every single issue under the sun, but when asked to talk about Jesus there is silence? Issues are irrelevant people! There is no greater discussion for a true Christian than to talk about who Jesus is!!! Jesus is the reason, and the season. Jesus is everything, the entire meaning to life.

I am really left to wonder how many people get how simple salvation is. It is all about love folks. Do you really love Jesus? If so, why don't you talk more about him and less about issues?

"Seek first the kingdom of God"

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." : 1 Cor 13:13

Shall We Hand Over More Freedoms?

2008-09-24T23:14:00.002-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/bush.bailout/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Do we really want to give the government more ownership of our lives and freedoms? This problem we are in is not new. The country has been sliding into this since the .Com bust. Why is it all of a sudden an emergency to approve the government buying mortgage and reality companies to own a great portion of the homes in this country? What really is the end goal - as the home owner isn't or this would have been dealt with a long time ago?

The fact is, the companies deserve to belly up. The practiced unfairly and performed stupid business transactions. Will it impact the economy? Yup, but anything is going to. The economy is in a bad place. Is giving the government ownership of private mortgage industries going to fix this issue?

RefTagger

2008-09-15T21:51:00.002-04:00

Today I received an e-mail from Dan Pritchett of Logos on a new piece of functionality that Logos has released to the internet public. It is called RefTagger and may be read up on at http://www.logos.com/RefTagger. It turned out to be supremely easy to integrated into Blogger. What does it do? In short, it takes Scripture references in your blog entries and in the comments and turns them into hot-link "tooltip" windows with the actual verse(s).

As an example, one of my favorite verse as quoted above is: Isaiah 45:8.

Feel free to post miscellaneous comments here to test RefTagger out some more!

Rejoice in the Lord Always

2008-09-12T13:38:00.002-04:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice; rejoice: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

I believe that is from a song by Keith Green. Do we always rejoice in our Lord, regardless of the situation? Do we truly believe that all things work together for good? Why does it work together for good? Is it because it spurs us to better things, or because it teaches us to do nothing because all things work together for good?

"To him that knows to do good and does not do it, it is a sin."

"No good tree bears bad fruit."

Do we pay more attention to peoples words than to their actions? Do statements and promises really mean anything? Do you vote for someone based on their words and stated "beliefs?" Or do you watch what they do and stay away from bad fruit?

I do not know who I will vote for, but I know what I'm watching. "You shall know them by their fruit."

On Things Political

2008-09-10T20:14:00.002-04:00

I've had an idea popping thru my head lately and thought I would share it. So many people are all concerned about who we should vote for, and how to determine who is worth our vote. Here is a suggestion in case anyone involved in the process finds this and cares what this voter has to say.

If you want my vote, instead of spending all of your time hob-nobbing do something. Both of you are senators and not without power in your current positions. Show us how you will work with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress now. Use your position to pass a measure or two now that shows what you will do as President.

There's been enough talk. Show us what you stand for thru your actions. Whichever one of you will do this will get my vote.

Have you been desensitized?

2008-08-25T23:12:00.002-04:00

I heard a sermon today from a non-pastor. In fact, this gentleman used to be in marketing. He was evaluating the impact of the digital age on mankind. He suggested that the miracle of cell phones and text messaging and all of these type of digital age benefits combine to give us the ability to empathize with all of the people across the world that suffer in any way, shape, or form. But that it also gives us the ability to be disconnected from real life implications of those disasters. And as a side affect, seeing such large scale disasters desensitizes us to the smaller scale issues near home.

Have you been desensitized? Do you see the injustice that exists in your town? How about your work place? Do you try to do anything to change it? Or have you been worn down to the point where you don't try to correct injustice any more?