Friday, November 29, 2013
Tested Truths: The Isle of Questions
Tested Truths: The Isle of Questions: He arrived on the shore, and after pulling his small boat further onto the sand, he looked for a long time at that boat. It was a skiff, o...
The Isle of Questions
He arrived on the shore, and after pulling his small boat further onto the sand, he looked for a long time at that boat. It was a skiff, or so he thought, a wooden boat with faded white clapboard sides. In the center was a small mast, its sail down and tied off. In the middle of the back seat was the rudder. A seat in the middle which went around the mast, and a small bow shaped front seat.
But there were no people. Apparently, John was alone? If being alone wasn't enough, what really puzzled him was the fact that there were no cloths left behind, no provisions, in fact, no food! Not just none for the other passengers, but none at all? How had I survived, he thought? Looking still at the boat, he thought to himself, How had I gotten here, by sail boat, I am no sailor? Where am I anyway, he thought? Forget here, Where did I come from, he thought? Had I crossed a great ocean alone?
Where am I, he said aloud, where did I come from, and for that matter, who am I, he said?
You are on an island called, The Isle of Questions. As for where you came from? It is not important. You have been sent here because you have more questions then answers. And as for who you are, well, that is for you to figure out isn't it, the voice said. Looking down and beside him to see what was the source of that voice, he saw that it was an old tortoise, and it had been him who had answered his questions. Of course, sure, why not, he thought to himself?
But there were no people. Apparently, John was alone? If being alone wasn't enough, what really puzzled him was the fact that there were no cloths left behind, no provisions, in fact, no food! Not just none for the other passengers, but none at all? How had I survived, he thought? Looking still at the boat, he thought to himself, How had I gotten here, by sail boat, I am no sailor? Where am I anyway, he thought? Forget here, Where did I come from, he thought? Had I crossed a great ocean alone?
Where am I, he said aloud, where did I come from, and for that matter, who am I, he said?
You are on an island called, The Isle of Questions. As for where you came from? It is not important. You have been sent here because you have more questions then answers. And as for who you are, well, that is for you to figure out isn't it, the voice said. Looking down and beside him to see what was the source of that voice, he saw that it was an old tortoise, and it had been him who had answered his questions. Of course, sure, why not, he thought to himself?
Tested Truths: The Reason for the Season
Tested Truths: The Reason for the Season: Time, there never seems to be enough time, especially now that the holiday season is upon us. There are gifts to buy and parties to plan, ...
The Reason for the Season
Time, there never seems to be enough time, especially now that the holiday season is upon us. There are gifts to buy and parties to plan, all for the celebration of what? Jesus is the reason for the season, is one of the bumper stickers that I actually like. If you should need proof of this, all you need do, is look at the name of the holiday to see his name. That is of course accept for the stores who have replaced his name with an X. An X is used to designate the unknown, and even if you are not a true believer, you know that the holiday is supposed to be a celebration, a birthday party for the Savior of the world!
Jesus is the reason for the season, and the holiday is really meant to be about Him.
And yet, how many will raise a glass and wish him a happy birthday? Will a simple prayer be offered at your dinner table? A good way to know this, is from Thanksgiving. Was a prayer of thanks and remembrance lifted up at your Thanksgiving table? Sadly, for most, if the question is to be answered honestly, the answer would be no. We have forgotten our God. The very God upon who's words this great country was founded! Sadly, the same government that was established through him, now looks to remove all mention of him. The separation of religion from the government is being twisted into something that it was never intended to be. Surely, religion and politics should never be joined, and this is as our founders intended. But what is going on now, is not to remove religion, but rather to remove God himself from any public venue. The sad part is, that most people realize that this is happening, but do nothing about it. It is certainly seen as uncool to defend God in the public places, but what is at stake is much more important then whether you are seen as cool or not!
History, as in all else, is cyclical, and it has come around again, until now we, our generation, is like the one of Jesus' time. We, like them, have become a nation of idolators, an evil generation. We justify the murder of the innocent, for reasons as small as an inconvenience? We celebrate books that blaspheme, assuring that the scriptures are wrong, and brag about how intelligent they are by pointing this out to those too dumb to think for themselves. We worship only that which shines like gold. This year, as it was with years gone by, the Lord wants only for us to acknowledge him, accepting by faith who he truly is.
So this year, as you gather with family and friends, raise your glass and toast the birth of the Savior of the world, and offer your prayers of thanks. Because Jesus truly is, The Reason for the Season!
Jesus is the reason for the season, and the holiday is really meant to be about Him.
And yet, how many will raise a glass and wish him a happy birthday? Will a simple prayer be offered at your dinner table? A good way to know this, is from Thanksgiving. Was a prayer of thanks and remembrance lifted up at your Thanksgiving table? Sadly, for most, if the question is to be answered honestly, the answer would be no. We have forgotten our God. The very God upon who's words this great country was founded! Sadly, the same government that was established through him, now looks to remove all mention of him. The separation of religion from the government is being twisted into something that it was never intended to be. Surely, religion and politics should never be joined, and this is as our founders intended. But what is going on now, is not to remove religion, but rather to remove God himself from any public venue. The sad part is, that most people realize that this is happening, but do nothing about it. It is certainly seen as uncool to defend God in the public places, but what is at stake is much more important then whether you are seen as cool or not!
History, as in all else, is cyclical, and it has come around again, until now we, our generation, is like the one of Jesus' time. We, like them, have become a nation of idolators, an evil generation. We justify the murder of the innocent, for reasons as small as an inconvenience? We celebrate books that blaspheme, assuring that the scriptures are wrong, and brag about how intelligent they are by pointing this out to those too dumb to think for themselves. We worship only that which shines like gold. This year, as it was with years gone by, the Lord wants only for us to acknowledge him, accepting by faith who he truly is.
So this year, as you gather with family and friends, raise your glass and toast the birth of the Savior of the world, and offer your prayers of thanks. Because Jesus truly is, The Reason for the Season!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tested Truths: Whisphered Prayers
Tested Truths: Whisphered Prayers: Whispered prayers rise up into the night's breezes, but rise up full gail through the branches, making the old tree bend, having its ...
Whisphered Prayers
Whispered prayers rise up into the night's breezes, but rise up full gail through the branches, making the old tree bend, having its branches to wave up at the heavens!
Mighty prayers, tales of woe, and prayers of victory! All power to you my God, I pray that you feel the wind of our prayers at your back!
Be strong in the Lord, because evil desires are everywhere! Yes, those who look to do you great harm live among you. Some are your friends and neighbors! Strong wills will tug at you, one looks to show you the way home, the other to take your life! You do not see the battle that rages all around you, forces of good and evil clash with mighty armies in the spirit world.
But there will be a time, a time already close at hand, when the full fury of that spiritual world will spill out into this world, and once the wall between this life and eternity is breached, it cannot be closed again!
Mighty prayers, tales of woe, and prayers of victory! All power to you my God, I pray that you feel the wind of our prayers at your back!
Be strong in the Lord, because evil desires are everywhere! Yes, those who look to do you great harm live among you. Some are your friends and neighbors! Strong wills will tug at you, one looks to show you the way home, the other to take your life! You do not see the battle that rages all around you, forces of good and evil clash with mighty armies in the spirit world.
But there will be a time, a time already close at hand, when the full fury of that spiritual world will spill out into this world, and once the wall between this life and eternity is breached, it cannot be closed again!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tested Truths: Kara-Okee
Tested Truths: Kara-Okee: The title is misspelled intentionally, as I have seen it spelled two different ways, and I don't know what the correct spelling is? Th...
Kara-Okee
The title is misspelled intentionally, as I have seen it spelled two different ways, and I don't know what the correct spelling is? The one I attended was spelled Karaoke, which I think is the proper one?
The other spelling I saw was Karyoke. But who knows, maybe these are two brands and they compete against each other?
But however you spell it, I can sum it up with just one word, FUN! It is definitely a good way to spend an evening. I have gone twice. The first time, I made up my mind that I would give it a fair try, as most all of my preconceptions were negative. So I went in, determined to keep an open mind! I wasn't there too long before I realized that it was fun, even though I didn't sing.
Other then the two drunk chicks, a couple of kids who couldn't hold their liquor, screaming and giggling into the microphone, everything else was just plain old fashioned fun! The majority of them can't sing a lick, but that doesn't stop them as they believe that they are good? And then again, there are a few who are genuinely good! On a typical Saturday night, there are Karaoke events all over. The ones I enjoy the most are those who come in, sing a song and leave to go to the next bar. And again, they are hurting no one, and they enjoy performing, so why not? Go ahead and sing your heart out! I gave in about halfway through my second visit. I knew that the ones who sounded the worst, were those who sung songs that weren't in their range, and so I picked something that I could handle. I picked Road House Blues, and I did a pretty good job with it, if I do say so myself. Apparently, I just did?
The other spelling I saw was Karyoke. But who knows, maybe these are two brands and they compete against each other?
But however you spell it, I can sum it up with just one word, FUN! It is definitely a good way to spend an evening. I have gone twice. The first time, I made up my mind that I would give it a fair try, as most all of my preconceptions were negative. So I went in, determined to keep an open mind! I wasn't there too long before I realized that it was fun, even though I didn't sing.
Other then the two drunk chicks, a couple of kids who couldn't hold their liquor, screaming and giggling into the microphone, everything else was just plain old fashioned fun! The majority of them can't sing a lick, but that doesn't stop them as they believe that they are good? And then again, there are a few who are genuinely good! On a typical Saturday night, there are Karaoke events all over. The ones I enjoy the most are those who come in, sing a song and leave to go to the next bar. And again, they are hurting no one, and they enjoy performing, so why not? Go ahead and sing your heart out! I gave in about halfway through my second visit. I knew that the ones who sounded the worst, were those who sung songs that weren't in their range, and so I picked something that I could handle. I picked Road House Blues, and I did a pretty good job with it, if I do say so myself. Apparently, I just did?
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Tested Truths: The Human Condition
Tested Truths: The Human Condition: There is nothing more debilitating to the human condition then doubt. Now I don't speak about the every day considerations that might ...
The Human Condition
There is nothing more debilitating to the human condition then doubt. Now I don't speak about the every day considerations that might bring about worry. Things like, Will the traffic be bad again today? But rather, I speak of self doubt! Doubt and confidence are two things that don't go together well. To be at the top of your game, no matter what your game is, self doubt will eventually bring about failure.
Failure after failure, until at last, depression sets in.
The most obvious example of what self doubt will do, is in the world of professional sport! An athlete who harbors too much doubt will see his skills deteriorate quickly.
Thoughts come and go, and opinions change only after time, but you must never give in to doubt! But be careful also of over confidence. Because when confidence becomes an over stuffed ego, there is real trouble at the door! Lord knows we have more blowhards already then we need! So as with everything else in life, you must choose a place in between the two extremes.
Failure after failure, until at last, depression sets in.
The most obvious example of what self doubt will do, is in the world of professional sport! An athlete who harbors too much doubt will see his skills deteriorate quickly.
Thoughts come and go, and opinions change only after time, but you must never give in to doubt! But be careful also of over confidence. Because when confidence becomes an over stuffed ego, there is real trouble at the door! Lord knows we have more blowhards already then we need! So as with everything else in life, you must choose a place in between the two extremes.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tested Truths: The Winds of Change
Tested Truths: The Winds of Change: The winds of change blew heavy across the land, they blustered and they wailed! They sung of a change there in the wind, the change from w...
The Winds of Change
The winds of change blew heavy across the land, they blustered and they wailed! They sung of a change there in the wind, the change from which they had just come! They bluster out strongly so that none can ignore, but as they subside, their memory fades?
But this is a wind that cannot be silenced, for it has come to call the captives home! It is a warm flush to some, but a cold chill to many! It is a wind that cannot be denied, for it comes only to force a choice? It calls to each one of you, and it demands that you make your choice!
There is a terrible storm coming to this land, you can watch it on TV from across the sea! The line between what is right and what is wrong is becoming more blurred all the time. We have little control over the affairs of the world, now less then ever, but we can still control what goes on here!
For you are at a crossroads America, and the choice has never been clearer! You can embrace socialism and it's false utopia, or you can remember your roots and move quickly back to self rule?
As for the people of God, pray the fools vote for self rule! But if the fools do prevail, and the country goes the wrong way, take solace in this, The winds of change will not be denied!
But this is a wind that cannot be silenced, for it has come to call the captives home! It is a warm flush to some, but a cold chill to many! It is a wind that cannot be denied, for it comes only to force a choice? It calls to each one of you, and it demands that you make your choice!
There is a terrible storm coming to this land, you can watch it on TV from across the sea! The line between what is right and what is wrong is becoming more blurred all the time. We have little control over the affairs of the world, now less then ever, but we can still control what goes on here!
For you are at a crossroads America, and the choice has never been clearer! You can embrace socialism and it's false utopia, or you can remember your roots and move quickly back to self rule?
As for the people of God, pray the fools vote for self rule! But if the fools do prevail, and the country goes the wrong way, take solace in this, The winds of change will not be denied!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Tested Truths: Free Will
Tested Truths: Free Will: To understand free will, it is best to consider why the creator of it decided to do it? But how can we know the mind of God, and is it pos...
Free Will
To understand free will, it is best to consider why the creator of it decided to do it? But how can we know the mind of God, and is it possible to understand his thinking? The short answer is that we can't, because who can know the mind of God? But surely, because we were made in his image, it is fair to assume that we should have some insight.
With this in mind, I was thinking about the gift of eternal life! Now I know what we get out of it, but I asked myself, what does God get out of it? A fair question don't you think? God himself has said, Your thoughts are not my thoughts, and certainly this is true. But again, having been made in his image, perhaps the process of considering a problem is done in the same way by Him, and is similar to how we would think about it?
Human beings consider the deeper meanings in life, it is what separates us from the animals. Questions like, Why is there life, what if there wasn't, why are we here and what is our purpose, and what would it be like if I was never born? But again, these questions are all about us. What is it that God wants, and what does he get from all of this? I will tell you my theory, but it is only a theory, for God has not told this to me, in fact, I haven't even asked him?
I believe that God wants a people who choose to honor and love him by their own free will. He could have designed us like the angels and the heavenly hosts who know nothing else but to honor and worship him. The first time humankind exercised this free will was in the garden when they decided to defy God and eat of the forbidden fruit. This defiance was the original sin, and from these first two humans, all are born with sin! So what God wants then, is for that same free will which defied him, to be used to accept his offer of eternal life! The problem with this theory, is that it doesn't make sense when you consider that Lucifer defied him, and he hadn't been created with free will? How was that possible? There are two ways you could go with that question. One being that it happened just as God had planned it, or, that he hadn't anticipated that anyone would defy him? Because it had never happened before, that he had no reason to consider it? The concept of free will was a revelation to God? Certainly, God reacted swiftly by banishing Lucifer to the earth, but if it did happen like this, then this is when the decision was made to design man with a free will, that He would have a race of beings who choose to worship him of their own free will, rather then by design, and in this, man is one of a kind!
With this in mind, I was thinking about the gift of eternal life! Now I know what we get out of it, but I asked myself, what does God get out of it? A fair question don't you think? God himself has said, Your thoughts are not my thoughts, and certainly this is true. But again, having been made in his image, perhaps the process of considering a problem is done in the same way by Him, and is similar to how we would think about it?
Human beings consider the deeper meanings in life, it is what separates us from the animals. Questions like, Why is there life, what if there wasn't, why are we here and what is our purpose, and what would it be like if I was never born? But again, these questions are all about us. What is it that God wants, and what does he get from all of this? I will tell you my theory, but it is only a theory, for God has not told this to me, in fact, I haven't even asked him?
I believe that God wants a people who choose to honor and love him by their own free will. He could have designed us like the angels and the heavenly hosts who know nothing else but to honor and worship him. The first time humankind exercised this free will was in the garden when they decided to defy God and eat of the forbidden fruit. This defiance was the original sin, and from these first two humans, all are born with sin! So what God wants then, is for that same free will which defied him, to be used to accept his offer of eternal life! The problem with this theory, is that it doesn't make sense when you consider that Lucifer defied him, and he hadn't been created with free will? How was that possible? There are two ways you could go with that question. One being that it happened just as God had planned it, or, that he hadn't anticipated that anyone would defy him? Because it had never happened before, that he had no reason to consider it? The concept of free will was a revelation to God? Certainly, God reacted swiftly by banishing Lucifer to the earth, but if it did happen like this, then this is when the decision was made to design man with a free will, that He would have a race of beings who choose to worship him of their own free will, rather then by design, and in this, man is one of a kind!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tested Truths: Socialism
Tested Truths: Socialism: It looks so good on the surface, it has so much promise. And why shouldn't it, as it is fashioned after the system of government used ...
Socialism
It looks so good on the surface, it has so much promise. And why shouldn't it, as it is fashioned after the system of government used in the Kingdom of Heaven! Socialism is man's attempt at replicating heaven on earth. The most glaring of the differences is the fact that in Heaven, it is God who oversees all, whereas here on earth, it would be the government.
Let's consider the differences a little more then, shall we? In the Kingdom of Heaven, everyone is truly equal. All, save one, God himself! Each soul is free to be whoever he or she most wants to be. Afterall, you have an eternity to pursue it! Think of it, there is no need for money, so we are all equal on that front. Each of us will know that we are eternal, and so there is no reason to impress. Perfect peace, wanting for nothing, your every need already provided for! This is Socialism as it is meant to be. All equal in every way, except for the One, God himself!
But back here on earth, the socialism that the Hollywood elitists like Clooney and Redford preach is much different. They mean well, and they may not even be aware that they it is Socialism that they are offering? This kind of uninformed thinking comes from guilt. Though egos are never in short supply in Hollywood, all but the most arrogant among them know that they don't deserve the mega wealth that has come their way. They have reached a point to where they will be rich with whatever form of government is in place, they will not be affected! For them, the country is moving toward a two class system, and the sooner the better. The melding of the middle class with the poor being one, and the uber rich being the other. They see no reason why those in the middle class should resist this, and surely those who do must be racists, or worse?
But the biggest problem for these Hollywood elitists is that they confuse financial elitism with the intellectual? They see themselves as smarter then they are, and certainly smarter then the people who see their movies? Does Mr. Clooney undestand that the rest of us don't want dirty air or water either, or does he stop to consider that God who created this world doesn't want to see it harmed? No, on second thought, he has never considered the things of God!
Let's consider the differences a little more then, shall we? In the Kingdom of Heaven, everyone is truly equal. All, save one, God himself! Each soul is free to be whoever he or she most wants to be. Afterall, you have an eternity to pursue it! Think of it, there is no need for money, so we are all equal on that front. Each of us will know that we are eternal, and so there is no reason to impress. Perfect peace, wanting for nothing, your every need already provided for! This is Socialism as it is meant to be. All equal in every way, except for the One, God himself!
But back here on earth, the socialism that the Hollywood elitists like Clooney and Redford preach is much different. They mean well, and they may not even be aware that they it is Socialism that they are offering? This kind of uninformed thinking comes from guilt. Though egos are never in short supply in Hollywood, all but the most arrogant among them know that they don't deserve the mega wealth that has come their way. They have reached a point to where they will be rich with whatever form of government is in place, they will not be affected! For them, the country is moving toward a two class system, and the sooner the better. The melding of the middle class with the poor being one, and the uber rich being the other. They see no reason why those in the middle class should resist this, and surely those who do must be racists, or worse?
But the biggest problem for these Hollywood elitists is that they confuse financial elitism with the intellectual? They see themselves as smarter then they are, and certainly smarter then the people who see their movies? Does Mr. Clooney undestand that the rest of us don't want dirty air or water either, or does he stop to consider that God who created this world doesn't want to see it harmed? No, on second thought, he has never considered the things of God!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Tested Truths: Truth
Tested Truths: Truth: Sometimes the truth will hit you like a silver bullet between the eyes! The truth is an equal opportunity offender, it doesn't care wh...
Truth
Sometimes the truth will hit you like a silver bullet between the eyes! The truth is an equal opportunity offender, it doesn't care who you are, nor does it care what side of the political fence you are on. It is said about truth that it takes no prisoners, and this is certainly true! For no matter the subject, no matter how complex, when the truth is discovered, all opinions, contrary or not, cease to matter. Only fools and liars will continue to argue once the truth has been discovered. Hard truths are the hardest to accept. These are the ones that are contrary to a strongly held personal belief!
God is Truth, the Bible is truth, life and death is truth, and these are all things that are absolute! Once the truth has been found, the opposite is untruth, and it is now obvious and exposed next to truth! But now that there are only two ways to go, and there are no options other then the two, you are forced to make a decision? You will either except the truth, or you won't? That is what truth is so good at, it forces a decision! By seeking truth, you simplify the matter at hand, by whittling away all that doesn't matter, until there is one obvious choice. White or black, yes or no, one answer true, and the other false, and it is your decision to make. Every major decision that you will make, whether it is about a complex physics equation, or just everyday life, once the truth has been found, then you must decide, but the decision will not be complex.
It is the same with God, and the discussion of whether he exists or not? Obviously, this is a very complex subject, but if you simplify the process, then you will get to the essence of the matter, because the truth is hidden in simple places. To simplify the subject of God, we must start at the beginning. Lets look first at what evolution would have you believe? Two stars, two solar systems, two particles of energy, two whatever, collided, exploded, and this big bang is how life started? Now if you ask where these two participants of this mega-explosion came from, if you press them hard enough, they will tell you that it is a mystery? OK, turnabout is fair play, Where did God come from they ask, and it infuriates them that we have an answer! The answer of course is that God has always existed, for him, there is no beginning, nor will there be an end! The great news is that even though we have a beginning, we too can have no end! Here's a hard truth. In order to join with God in the infinite, you must be born again. It is a simple truth when you think of it. You are born into your family, and it is no different with the family of God, you must be born of the Spirit! All that you must do to receive eternal life is to decide to accept by your free will, that God is real, and that it is by the blood of Jesus Christ that you claim your birthright!
God is Truth, the Bible is truth, life and death is truth, and these are all things that are absolute! Once the truth has been found, the opposite is untruth, and it is now obvious and exposed next to truth! But now that there are only two ways to go, and there are no options other then the two, you are forced to make a decision? You will either except the truth, or you won't? That is what truth is so good at, it forces a decision! By seeking truth, you simplify the matter at hand, by whittling away all that doesn't matter, until there is one obvious choice. White or black, yes or no, one answer true, and the other false, and it is your decision to make. Every major decision that you will make, whether it is about a complex physics equation, or just everyday life, once the truth has been found, then you must decide, but the decision will not be complex.
It is the same with God, and the discussion of whether he exists or not? Obviously, this is a very complex subject, but if you simplify the process, then you will get to the essence of the matter, because the truth is hidden in simple places. To simplify the subject of God, we must start at the beginning. Lets look first at what evolution would have you believe? Two stars, two solar systems, two particles of energy, two whatever, collided, exploded, and this big bang is how life started? Now if you ask where these two participants of this mega-explosion came from, if you press them hard enough, they will tell you that it is a mystery? OK, turnabout is fair play, Where did God come from they ask, and it infuriates them that we have an answer! The answer of course is that God has always existed, for him, there is no beginning, nor will there be an end! The great news is that even though we have a beginning, we too can have no end! Here's a hard truth. In order to join with God in the infinite, you must be born again. It is a simple truth when you think of it. You are born into your family, and it is no different with the family of God, you must be born of the Spirit! All that you must do to receive eternal life is to decide to accept by your free will, that God is real, and that it is by the blood of Jesus Christ that you claim your birthright!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Tested Truths: Trinity
Tested Truths: Trinity: The Holy Spirit and God the Father are one and the same. On its surface, this statement sounds like it is contrary to Christian doctrine, ...
Trinity
The Holy Spirit and God the Father are one and the same. On its surface, this statement sounds like it is contrary to Christian doctrine, but the similarities between God the Father and the Holy Spirit are striking!
In the Holy Trinity, we have God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, who is the link between Holy God and sinful man, and then the third member, the Holy Spirit, or in some teachings, the Holy Ghost. But what of him, what part does he play in all of this? Because he is always spoken of as a spirit or a ghost, calling him a him is interesting in and of itself. Because he is a spiritual being, you could call him an entity, but that would make him sound too clinical? This spirit-entity is the source of all life, and from this source comes all knowledge, there is no wisdom if not from the Holy Spirit! Because the Holy Ghost is spirit, he can be everywhere at anytime. Rather then calling him Holy Spirit, we call him and think of him as a man, because of the power in his words, and in the way that they are delivered.
They are unmistakably masculine!
Because the Holy Spirit is everywhere, his counsel is always right at hand, and so the main thing that his spirit does is teach. From this life source, this entity, comes all wisdom! Afterall, it was God the Father with his son Jesus at his side who created the heavens and the earth, and all the while the Holy Spirit was all around them!
In the Holy Trinity, we have God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, who is the link between Holy God and sinful man, and then the third member, the Holy Spirit, or in some teachings, the Holy Ghost. But what of him, what part does he play in all of this? Because he is always spoken of as a spirit or a ghost, calling him a him is interesting in and of itself. Because he is a spiritual being, you could call him an entity, but that would make him sound too clinical? This spirit-entity is the source of all life, and from this source comes all knowledge, there is no wisdom if not from the Holy Spirit! Because the Holy Ghost is spirit, he can be everywhere at anytime. Rather then calling him Holy Spirit, we call him and think of him as a man, because of the power in his words, and in the way that they are delivered.
They are unmistakably masculine!
Because the Holy Spirit is everywhere, his counsel is always right at hand, and so the main thing that his spirit does is teach. From this life source, this entity, comes all wisdom! Afterall, it was God the Father with his son Jesus at his side who created the heavens and the earth, and all the while the Holy Spirit was all around them!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Tested Truths: Being Broke
Tested Truths: Being Broke: Most of you know that I am writing a book. It has turned out to be more difficult then I had anticipated? Primarily for two reasons, One, ...
Being Broke
Most of you know that I am writing a book. It has turned out to be more difficult then I had anticipated? Primarily for two reasons, One, it calls for a discipline not necessary in writing a blog, and to me, discipline has always been a dirty word? But the second reason is the more compelling of the two, and it is because I have already written it once! The initial writing took place during a 90 day stay at a Christian Rehabilitation center for people with substance abuse problems, in other words, Addicts! During this time, all I wanted to do is write, and so I wrote whenever and wherever I could. I couldn't stop writing! It was as if my mind was purging itself from all of the self inflicted horror? It became my passion, something that I just had to do, and the words seemed to fly onto the paper, my pen seeming like it had a mind of its own?
The really frustrating part for me, is that the initial book is here in this house, spread out all over the place in boxes with other writings! So I figured that it would be easier, if I just wrote it again? Afterall, I still remember the stories quite well. I told myself that it would be better this time, as my grammar had to be much improved from what it was then? That may well be, as I am about three chapters in, and it reads real well!
The process of writing it this time is much different, as this time there is no passion, and it has become like a job? The urgency too that I felt then as now is quite different also. Now my mind is fixed on finishing the manuscript, paying whatever it is to have it be published, and get it on the market!
Not for any lofty goal like making my literary mark, but rather because I am tired of being broke!
The really frustrating part for me, is that the initial book is here in this house, spread out all over the place in boxes with other writings! So I figured that it would be easier, if I just wrote it again? Afterall, I still remember the stories quite well. I told myself that it would be better this time, as my grammar had to be much improved from what it was then? That may well be, as I am about three chapters in, and it reads real well!
The process of writing it this time is much different, as this time there is no passion, and it has become like a job? The urgency too that I felt then as now is quite different also. Now my mind is fixed on finishing the manuscript, paying whatever it is to have it be published, and get it on the market!
Not for any lofty goal like making my literary mark, but rather because I am tired of being broke!
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