“And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.” Genesis 9:20-23. Shem and Japheth went backward and their faces were backward — in order to not see their Father’s nakedness. A strange picture, but apparently necessary to avoid seeing their father in a precarious way. What can we learn? We must turn ourselves in such a way to not see certain forbidden things. Why not just close our eyes? Not enough — blindness to the entire world of sense perception…
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“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.” Matthew 9:10 Publicans, who were often of their own Jewish people, were the collectors of tax. The Jewish people of Jesus time hated paying tribute money to the Romans. “So Publicans were accused, sometimes correctly, of being: of “great detestation.” “people often of abandoned character,” “oppressive in their exactions.” “associated in character with thieves and adulterers; “profane.” “lacking honesty and moral integrity” material rapists — lacking restraint. They indulged in vice. The Religious Pharisees also accused Jesus of being a friend of these, “publicans and sinners.” Indeed He sat with them. And ate with them. Jesus list goes this way: gluttonous Winebibber Friend of sinners Friend of Publicans Blasphemer Judging by their appearance, the “all knowing” Pharisee conjured and surmised many things. Lets borrow some…
When Christ came into my life, He gave me a purpose for living. Let me explain: Before I met Christ I had some purposes, but I didn’t have the faculty to discern my true purpose, and I settled for purposes of my best understanding. Most of my problems stemmed from just not understanding the design of the playing field (of life). Then, I had not a clue as to what equipment was available and necessary for the “game” on that field. So, to run with this illustration, I had no hash marks, no out of bounds lines, and most of all, no goal line. There were no “first down markers” to measure my progress, no scoreboard to keep track of my accomplishments, no referees to monitor correct conduct required for this contest. Back then, before I met my Savior, every person and purpose wore the same color on their…
The Spirit came, a rushing mighty wind; filling us and flowing out of our belly a river of living water. The enemy comes in like a flood, the narrows hinder flow; then the Spirit of God lifts up a standard, He flits away the mighty waters. Martin Luther wrote in song, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” And of our enemy he wrote — “One little Word shall fell him.” “Peace be still,” Jesus commanded the storm at sea. “And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 “Lord, we are weak and frail, Helpless in the storm Surround us with your angels Hold us in your arms. Our cold and ruthless enemy His pleasure is our harm Rise up, oh Lord, and he will flee Before our Sovereign God” “Our Great…
“Survival of the fittest” is a mantra of the extremely observant. But, is empirical evidence the same as truth? On two levels, no. First, it contradicts the Bible, “The kingdom of God comes without observation. (ocular evidence) Luke 17:20 But secondly, even the best observationist can only find seeming truth. Why? Because our observations are only as true as we abide in The Truth. In this inner abiding is where I can be aware of the world at a level outside of myself, or, unfortunately, I actually create my own world, unknowingly. Charles Darwin (biologist and evolution’s greatest contributor), saw a problem: ” if…men were reared under precisely the same conditions as hive-bees, there can hardly be a doubt that their unmarried females would, like the worker bees, think it a sacred duty to kill their brothers, and mothers would strive to kill your fertile daughters, and no one would…
“Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art, Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence, my light.” Be Thou my wisdom, Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee, Thou with me Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou with me dwelling and I with Thee one. Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for the fight; be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight; Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high-tower; raise thou me heaven-ward, O Power of my power. High King of heaven, Thy victory won; may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Son; Heart of my own heart, whatever befall; still be my vision, O Ruler of all.” I’ve always loved the words of this song; So much content , So much meaning — “My best thought, Thy presence, my life, My wisdom, My true word,…
Life can turn out a “no thanks” or a silent thankless response, or an angry disapproval. It can conjure up hate or produce joy. “Our actions affect other humans, animals, birds etc. — most times their “space” gets invaded. Yes, the fellow inhabitant’s plans explode, thoughts implode and provisions delay as faith decays. “you did them wrong!” (sarcastically speaking). Contrarily, love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, bears up; love never fails. “But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if there are languages, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be brought to an end.” “For our knowledge is imperfect, and so is our prophesying; but when the perfect state of things is come, all that is imperfect will be brought to an end.” 1Corinthians 13:9-10 For us, “imperfect” means partial, apportioned, a little at a time. Precepts (building blocks),…
Everywhere people create — everywhere art displays — everywhere self-expression thrives. Well not everywhere! In some instances your self-realized man or woman cannot display. Not with controlling governments, controlling religions, controlling families or controlling educational institutions does the freedom to “love yourself” avail. We can all expose ourselves on social media. Hooray! Hooray yes, till we get a peek at some of the so-called “art” exhibited of others. If you are like me, you have a continual sense of anxiety about, “what will be allowed next?” or what is the next crazy item that will be applauded by the culture. There seems to be only token regard for those offended by the “freedom of others.” In 2 Corinthians Paul is pressed by this church to become angry with them. Nevertheless he pleaded with them, in letter form, to manage their own matters and issues rather than make him become the…
I’m 66 now. What have you learned? I became a true and regenerated grace-bought believer when I was 25, so I got 41 years in the Family of God. Since then I have learned, but more importantly unlearned a lot. Unlearned? Yes, I have unlearned through the many God-workings, (mainly his Word and also trials and tests.) Oh, you have learned how to use the system, take advantage of resources? Yes and no — I have learned how to understand and decipher God’s systems and ways, mostly. Tell us. Well, God’s ways, it has been said, are mysterious, and I agree. But their mystery wants a revelation, and this brings us to the “trial” or “test.” The test is this: As God brings certain mysterious flaws and sins to light in your heart, (through adversity), are you willing to honestly name them back to Him? God calls and waits. See,…
And “I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith — as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my…