SKATING THRU LIFE

SKATING THRU LIFE

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

  Awoke with words and music of I’ve Got A Brand New Pair Of Roller Skates playing in my head. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiM9r_H6sqw / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvIjQSFLb3U )   Then I recalled Look What They’ve Done To My Song. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvIjQSFLb3U )

Then I recalled God Bless Robert E. Lee, the Ballad of Ira Hayes, Love Me Tender ….

  I laugh. I cry. I can’t remember the last time I heard most of these songs, probably when they were popular decades ago.

  Why does my mind work this way, at times bringing forth long forgotten memories? Is it loopy old man’s jukebox brain or does it have to do with we never really forget the fabric of life put together by silver thread and golden needles?

  I think it is stitching. What do you think? 

  One thing I definitely do know is we can’t carelessly mentally roller skate thru life. Mental health requires discipline. How about if instead of weight loss as # 1 resolution again this year, we make Biblical mental health our main goal? After the odes and limericks finally fall silent, which will be of the greatest importance?

  I cease rocking and rolling and bring myself to ponder the eternal truth recorded in Colossians, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your [Some manuscripts read “our”.] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” (NLT 3:1-4) EBB4

Additional verses for the diggers: Pr.29:25; Mt.6:34; Jn.8:32; Rom.12:1-3; 2Cor.10:5; Phil.4:4-9

RUSTING AND ROTTING IN THE MIST OF LIFE

RUSTING AND ROTTING IN MIST OF LIFE

Monday, December 30, 2013

Isaiah [GW] 40:5-8  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 6  The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

James 4:14-16  You don't know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. 15  Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and carry out our plans." 16  However, you brag because you're arrogant. All such bragging is evil.

1Peter 1:3-9; 18-25  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. . . . 18  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

  In a few days I’ll maybe complete my 78^th year and start my 79^th. One of the notable additional experiences of aging is the much increased flow of news of deaths of family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, beloved pets, culture, places, ventures, et al. (I weekly average 2 to 4 obits of coworkers alone.) And sooner than expected it will be my turn or yours.

  It’s not just obits that remind, the media thrives on telling us such news. Then this morning young pal Dave shared a website of photos of 38 once thriving but now lonely abandoned places: http://distractify.com/culture/arts/the-most-spectacular-abandoned-places-in-the-world/

  Even with diligent preventative maintenance, rot, rust, demise are sure events. Everything being and thing ages and deteriorates . . . with the exception of the Word Living (Jn.1:1) and written (Isa.40:8; 1Pet.1:24-25) . . . and thereby those of us enlivened forever by Him (1Pet.1:23).

  Jesus, The Word Living tells us “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Mt.6:19-34)

EBB4

ALL WAS NOT GOOD IN THE BEGINNING

ALL WAS NOT GOOD IN THE BEGINNING

Sunday, December 29, 2013

How was the woman a helper suitable for the man?

Genesis 2:18 ESV  Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.

  In Genesis 2:18, we read of the one thing that was not declared "good" in all of God's creation: "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone.'" The same verse includes God's solution: "I will make him a helper fit for him." Eve was the solution to Adam's deficiency.

  Two Hebrew terms in this verse provide important information to better understand the creation of Eve as the first woman. The word translated "helper" is the Hebrew term 'ezer. This word is even used of God, sometimes, noting that He is our Helper (Psalm 115:9-11). We would certainly not view God, as a Helper, as subservient to humans, nor should we understand the role of "helper" in Genesis 2:18 as a position of subservience. The concept of an "ideal partner" seems to convey the thought best.

  The second important Hebrew word in this verse, translated "fit" is kenegdo. It literally means "according to the opposite of him." In other words, the focus is on an appropriate match. Eve was not created above or below Adam; she was complementary. The animals Adam had named each had an appropriate companion (Genesis 2:20), and Adam was given a fitting companion as well. Eve was "just right" for him.

  Further, God's statement that it was not good for man to be alone implies that Adam was lonely and incomplete by himself. He had been created for relationship, and it is impossible to have relationship alone. With the creation of Eve, Adam experienced the joy of love for another person.

   The Bible is unique in its depiction of women's valued status as a complementary companion. No other ancient text from the Middle East offers commentary on the creation of women. It is in the Bible that we learn of the important role women have had since the beginning of human existence. Both man and woman were made in God's image, according to Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

  The apostle Paul refers to Genesis when he says, "A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31). Husband and wife are to live as one, united in love for God and for one another, modeling the love Christ has for His bride, the Church.

Shea S. Michael Houdmann, Supporter Got Questions Ministries

 

ONLY 363 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

ONLY 363 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 27, 2013

2 Corinthian [NLT] 5:1-21

  For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

  6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

  11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

  16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

  18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

  Just think, only 363 days until Christmas!

  Do I hear a sigh of relief from some of you?

  For those that live in constant stress, anxious preparation for Christmas has moved far down the list. It has been replaced with Returns, Customer Service, bills to be paid, and possibly day-after decompression, blue funk or even depression. And then if and when such business is taken care of, there’s the still with us the troubles of national and world scene.

  It’s a good time to remind ourselves of everyday applicable life facts noted in and by The Word:

·         Be careful in our relationship to others. Ecc.4:9-12; Pr.27:17

·         Life is not about cash and carry. Mt.6:24; 1Tim.6:10

·         God will never leave nor abandon His children. Heb.13:5

·         We can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

·         Remember those that live in Philippians 4:11-13 Pauline contentment. Think about their lives. Imitate their faith.

·         Jesus Christ, The Word, is the same yesterday and today-and forever! We are not to live willy-nilly silly as though God’s Truth is foreign to us. Heb.6:18; 13:8

·         As His children we are different, yet in this world but not to be of this world; accept it, live accordingly. Tit.2:14  “[Jesus] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 1Pet.2:9 

·         Be thankful in word and deed. 1Thes.5:16-19 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.”

·         As His redeemed people, deciding to follow Him will not always result in pleasant experience this side of heaven. Rom.8:17; Phil.1:29; 2Tim.2:12; 1Pet.4:16-19

·         Christmas the holiday is past. Christ-mas is moment by moment every day. Rom.12:1-3

·         His gift is not without serious responsibility. 1Cor.15:58; 2Cor.5:1-21

·         We must think eternal-wise. Rom.12:1-3; 2Cor.10:5

  “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good to do his will, accomplishing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (ISV Heb.13:20-21)  EBB4

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 26, 2013

 Post-Christmas group therapy with professional psychiatrist:
Santa: I no longer believe in myself
Snowman: I think I'm bi-polar.
Rudolph: All the other reindeer call me names.
Elf: I'm trapped in a dead-end job.

Contributed by Diane K. of Nebraska

SPARGANOO

SPARGANOO

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Luke 2:1-12  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our current USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends Mark and Lordina Welch introduced us to both the word and practice.

  Twenty two years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their precious daughter, Aiko. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, you still must go to work the next day(s), rested or not.

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” Aiko slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly we always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.   EBB4

 

ANSWERING CHRISTMAS QUESTION

ANSWERING CHRISTMAS QUESTION

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

  Yesterday I asked “Can one have authentic Christmas without personal resurrection?”

  All responders correctly said No, you cannot.

  Christmas, Christ-mass, means Christ-worship, the worship of Lord Jesus Christ. Unless we are resurrected we can authentically worship Him acceptably. (Mt.7:13-29; Jn.3:3)

  Resurrection of and for those worshipping Christ is indeed a future physical event, but it is also a present spiritual event that should define every aspect of our present life while awaiting completion. This should always involve answering life-questions by investigating and pondering what God tell us through His Word Living and written.

  To aid you during this busy calendar I’ve provided some pertinent Bible passages. Read on. Be blessed. If need be, trust and embrace Christ’ resurrection.  EBB4

Romans 10 [NLT]

  [The Apostle Paul wrote] Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

  Salvation Is for Everyone

  5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.[Lev.18:5] 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.”[Deut.30:12-14]

  And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[Isa.28:16] 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[Joel 2:32]

  14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?

Ephesians 2 [NLT] [True Romans 12:1-3 worshippers are made alive with Christ.]

  [Paul explained] Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

  4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

  8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 5 [NLT] [True 2Corinthians 5:14-21 believers live a resurrected life.]

  [Paul exhorted] 5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

  3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

  6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. [1Thes.5:4-5]

CHRISTMAS QUESTION

CHRISTMAS QUESTION

Monday, December 23, 2013

Can one have authentic Christmas without personal resurrection?

EBB4

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

CHRISTMAS COOKIES VERSUS THE BREAD OF LIFE

Sunday, December 22, 2013

John 6:35-40 And Jesus said to them,” I am the Bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me w ill come to Me and the one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day.”

  There I was watching a program on making Christmas cookies, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting those luscious treats, when I began to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.

  In the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, giving, receiving and complaining, we forget the reason why this holiday exists. We advise children to behave themselves or Santa Claus won’t bring them presents, yet we fail to tell them about the one Person who can save them from their sins.

  That Person is Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. He is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. He came into the world as a helpless infant to identify with man’s vulnerabilities and yet lived a sinless life. (Heb.4:12-16) He did this so He could die on the cross for us, offering our hungry hearts redemption, reconciliation with His Father with the gift of eternal life.

  As we feast on good foods this Christmas, let us remember to thank Jesus for His sacrifice and wish Him a Happy Birthday!

  Heavenly Father, we thank You for allowing Your Son to come into this world to show us the way to way back to You. Enable us to remember His sacrifice and love during the Christmas season. In Jesus, Name, we pray, Amen.  Missy Harmon (12/23/2008)

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY?

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

by Matt Slick

The Bible doesn't speak of homosexuality very often, but when it does, it condemns it as sin.  Let's take a look.

·       Lev. 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."1

·       Lev. 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them"

·       1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

·       Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Homosexuality is clearly condemned in the Bible.  It undermines the basis of God's created order where God made Adam, a man, and Eve, a woman -- not two men, not two women -- to carry out his command to fill and subdue the earth (Gen. 1:28). Homosexuality cannot carry out that command. It also undermines the basic family unit of husband and wife, the God-ordained means of procreation.  It is also dangerous to society. (See, Is homosexuality dangerous?)

Unlike other sins, homosexuality has a heavy judgment administered by God Himself upon those who commit it - and support it. This judgment is simple in that those who practice it are given over to their passions - which means that their hearts are allowed to be hardened by their sins.

"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error," (Rom. 1:26-27).

As a result, they can no longer see the error of what they are doing.  They will not seek forgiveness.  They will die in their sins and face God's holy condemnation.  But, that isn't all.  In addition to the judgment of being given over to their sin, those involved in it also promote it and condemn others who don't approve of their behavior.

"...and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them," (Rom. 1:32).

So, in their hearty approval of homosexuality they encourage others to be trapped in their sinfulness.  This means they will reject Christ's redemptive work on the cross.  Without Jesus, they will have no forgiveness.  Without forgiveness, they will have no salvation. Without salvation, there is only damnation in eternal hell.  We don't want this for anyone.

Is this politically correct?

No, the Bible's view of homosexuality is not politically correct.  The politically correct view is that there is nothing wrong with two people just loving each other.  Who are we Christians to judge them?  But, who are they to say what is morally right and wrong?  Do they have an objective standard of morals that all people should follow?  No, they don't.  They appeal to things like "society" and "common sense" and "basic rights", etc., to promote their opinion of homosexual normality.  Well, societies have been wrong before (Nazi Germany, anyone?).  What is common sense to one person isn't necessarily common sense to another.  And, basic rights?  Well, we all have basic rights.  But, the homosexuals want special rights.  They want laws passed to protect their sexual behavior. They also want to redefine marriage and require everyone else to accept it! (Will the redefinition stop with homosexual marriage? Don't bet on it. Pedophiles are now asking for rights, too, and they are using the same arguments initially presented by the homosexual movement decades ago.)  Think about it. The pro-homosexuals want laws passed to protect a behavior, a behavior!   It is, after all, homoSEXuality. I want to know what right do the politically correct, pro-homosexual minority have to impose their values on the majority? What right do they have to condemn Christians, call us names, and be so very intolerant when say their behavior is a sin? They don't have sound arguments, but they do have liberal dogmatism pushed along by the momentum of the compromising media. They are successfully getting homosexuality promoted in schools, TV, and movies as "normal" and healthy.  As a result, their confidence and successes have pumped up their bravado so much that they even oppress those who oppose homosexuality - a fact blatantly ignored by the double-standard-liberal-media.  But what are we to expect when dogmatism is king and all opposing views are condemned? The pro-homosexuals want everyone to think like them and approve of their "inborn sexual orientation" -- and if you don't?  Well, then you're labeled a bigot!  Yep, they are so tolerant.  That is why they want laws passed to ensure that their behavior of pairing a penis to a penis and a vagina to a vagina is protected as a special legal right even if the majority of people think otherwise!  But hey, its okay if the minority pushes the majority around, redefines marriage, enforces loosening sexual morays, hides the condemning health statistics of homosexual behavior, and not-so-gently forces a change in society as a whole while they arrogantly yell, "This is normal!"

....really?  It is?

But, believe it or not.  We Christians aren't judging them.  We are informing them.  God has declared that homosexuality is a sin.  It isn't our preferences we're declaring.  It is God's.  I know.  I know.  Some will say the Bible isn't true, that it is archaic, sexist, homophobic...blah, blah, blah.  I've heard it all before.  Kill the messenger and let's all jump into bed together and have our fun. Sorry, I'm not interested in freedom without responsibility and the resulting promiscuity and diseases that accompany the politically correct, sexual freedom of aberrant liberal morality.  Instead, I'll follow my Lord who calls all to repentance (Acts 17:30), myself included.

What is the homosexual's hope?

The only hope for the homosexual, and all people who break God's laws, is to realize that God is holy and he will rightfully judge all who have sinned against him by breaking his law (1 Kings 8:32; Ps. 9:8; 1 John 3:4).  If he did not do this, then he would be approving of wrong doing.  However, God is loving (1 John 4:8) patient (Rom. 2:4), wanting people to repent (Acts 17:30) and come a saving knowledge of him so they might be redeemed.  What this means is that the sinner must turn to Christ, who is God the Son in flesh (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9), who bore our sins in his body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24), died and rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4), and made it possible for sinners to be saved from the righteous judgment of God by faith in what Jesus did on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21) and be forgiven of their sins (Eph. 2:8).  This is done receiving Christ (John 1:12), by believing in him and his sacrifice that is a payment for our sins to God the Father.  Like any sinner, the homosexual needs to repent, receive Christ by faith, and be saved from God's righteous judgment by trusting in Christ and the judgment that fell upon him on the cross.  They need to pray and ask the Lord Jesus to save them.

What should be the Christian's response to the Homosexual?

Just because someone is a homosexual does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) or pray for him (her).  Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin it needs to be dealt with in the only way possible.  It needs to be laid at the cross and forsaken.  Homosexuality is not a special practice that is exempt from God's righteous judgment simply because they claim they are born that way, or just want to be free to love, or say that it is normal.  People are born with a tendency to lie.  Does that make it okay?  People want to love each other, but since when is "love" the determiner of what is right and wrong?  If homosexuality is normal, then why is it practiced by so few?  The great majority of people are heterosexual.  Are they "more" normal?

Please understand that I don't hate homosexuals.  I wouldn't care if my neighbor is gay.  I've had homosexual friends and have loved them the same as I would anyone else.  But, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin and the solution to the problem of sin (the breaking of God's Law, 1 John 3:4) is found only in Jesus.  He is the Lord, the Savior, the risen King. Jesus is God in flesh (John 1:1,14) and he died to save sinners.  We are all sinners and we need salvation (Eph. 2:8-9) that is found in receiving Christ (John 1:12-13).

We Christians should pray for the salvation of the homosexual the same as we would for any other person trapped in any other sin.  This is not an issue of arrogance or judgmentalism. We don't want anyone to be lost due to their sin and that includes gays, lesbians, and transgenders.

The homosexual is still made in the image of God -- even though he (or she) is in rebellion.  Therefore, we Christians should show homosexuals the same dignity as anyone else with whom we come in contact.  Don't injure them.  Don't hate them.  Don't judge them.  Inform them that freedom and forgiveness are found in Jesus.  Let them know that God loves us and died for us so that we might be delivered from the consequences of our sin.

But, this does not mean that you are to approve of what they do.  Don't compromise your witness for a socially acceptable opinion that is void of rationality, godliness, and biblical truth.  Instead, stand firm in the word that God has revealed and patiently love him/her biblically, and pray for their salvation.  Be kind to them.  Be loving.  And, when appropriate, tell them the gospel.

Finally, if you are a homosexual, please understand that I do not hate you nor do I judge you.  Sin is sin and the forgiveness of our sins is found in Christ.

(From Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry)

CATTYWAMPUS & WHOPPERJAWED

CATTYWAMPUS & WHOPPERJAWED

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him [Jesus] in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? … [Mk.12:17; Lk.20; also note verses 18-34]

  Biblically, all things being spiritual in the eyes of God, historically politics and religion has always been an olio. It was no different when God-incarnate, Jesus, walked among men. It is no different in this present disunited States of America or any other nation today. Cattywampus whopperjawed mythical freedom of speech is USA case in hand.

  Though I could choose from many, I’ve selected the most current example being focused on by both liberal and conservative media: GQ magazine in interviewing the Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson asked what is sinful.

  Family patriarch Robertson responded with knowledge learned from and personally applied from the Word of God: “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he told GQ, before paraphrasing the Bible in Corinthians. “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

  A&E network management responded with statement that they apparently don’t understand or don’t care that offends a whole segment of our society: “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty,” A&E said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.

  The whopperjawed tried to trap Jesus in the religious-political cacophony of His day. We should expect no less, especially so when it comes to cattywampussed free speech these days.

  We cannot say we are not warned: Jesus explained “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” (Jn.15:18-21)

  Paul notified young Timothy “… all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2Tim.3:12)

  Peter exhorted believers “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” (1Pet.4:1-5)

  Only is it Merry Christmas for Christian. For all others, nothing has changed . . . it is Happy Holidays that will too soon sadly end in terrible judgment regardless of what they say in their defense.  EBB4

GOOD OLD SAINT NICK

GOOD OLD SAINT NICHOLAS

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

  Though I’m long past being a great fan of Santa, it had been an interesting evening. There was the old man completing a day as a volunteer Santa Claus distributing clothes, candy, and gifts to needy children. He energetically joined the 60+ elementary school age children in excited activity. As he helped keep the lid on their youthful exuberance, he united with their boisterous singing of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

  The long day showed in his costume, now rumpled and soiled, with white gloves no longer a sparkling testimony to the virtues of Clorox, with many cups of fortifying coffee obvious on his breath.

  Sitting on gray metal folding chair as impromptu throne, petite elf at elbow holding hard candy ready, the children began to line up, all of them at once jostling in serpentine curving!  Accustomed to the old guy’s presence, their conversation to him and each other was a deluge of words, with normal group pecking-order in evidence; occasionally voiced “Ha! You little baby, you still believe in Santa Claus?!” I did however take notice that all of the naysayer older kids were maneuvering to be first in line to gain something from whom they no longer believed in.

  Listening in, I noted that to some, Good Old Saint Nick was someone to tell troubles, a trusted sympathetic listener that encouraged without reserve. Glancing up at me, Mr. Claus shared a knowing look with twinkling eye and quick nod of his overheated flushed face.

  Beyond candy soon crunched in jaw and carpet (much to the joyless ire of the property committee), was greater gift imparted that cold evening? I think so. For the children, keen attention that should be common to followers of Jesus (Mt.19:13-15), with conviction to spend more time seeking “that good part, which shall not be taken away” (Lk.10:38-42) for which I continue to endeavor.  

  Lord, calm our heart, hone our spiritual hearing, clear our eye, let not the clamor of holiday hokeyness cloud vision of Your holiness ours in presenting Your great gift of loving redemption.  EBB4 (12/24/08)

 

WARM & FUZZY

WARM AND FUZZY

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (Originally 12/21/08)

Deuteronomy MKJV 23:23  That which has gone out of your lips you shall keep and perform, even a free-will offering, according as you have vowed to Jehovah your God, which you have promised with your mouth.

Psalm 63 … I have seen You in the holy place, seeing Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Isaiah 29:13-15  And Jehovah said, Because this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips honor Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the command of men; therefore, behold, I will go on doing among this people, a wonder, even a wonder. For the wisdom of their wise ones shall perish, and the understanding of their intelligent ones shall be hidden. Woe to those who go deep to hide their purpose from Jehovah! And their works are in the dark, and they say, Who sees us? And who knows us?

  Christmas season can be a time of rejoicing in Christ, or it may with dominance of sentimentality all warm and fuzzy, yet be no closer to the babe in the manger that the “3 kings” in the misleading popular carol.

  Worship includes feelings, they most please the Lord when accompanied by our walk.

  Truth is, my feelings this morning as I write are that I’d much rather keyboard tinsel and hot cinnamon cider, but I cannot for I am deeply impressed that our “Christian nation” is already too wrapped in happy holiday; evidenced in conversation, placement, and time investment apart from God.

  How well I remember a large church sponsored Christian school experience of many years ago.

  As in every year, all students and faculty plus parents and otherwise volunteers worked long and hard on the Christmas pageant, a yearly feature that packed the pews with people standing around the walls. Trouble was, early the day of the evening program, one of our infamous destructive Maryland wet snow ice storms necessitated the children being dismissed rather than staying until show time, without possibility of safe returning.

  The next week, electric power and vehicle travel restored, it was discussed as to when to reschedule the pageant. One wise soul suggested surveying a sampling of school staff, students, and regular attendees.

“Why bother, it’s not Christmas now.” sums up the general response, with many people answering that they probably wouldn’t attend if the program was put on.

  For the Christian, is it ever not Christmas?

  Is there a calendar for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, God’s love offered in His incredible redemption through and by Lord Jesus Christ?

  Yes, indeed let us focus on celebrating God’s greatest gift to man, but not forgetting for one day the price, paid in full; God demonstrating His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! (Jn.3:16-17; Rom.5:8)   EBB4

 

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

Monday, December 16, 2013

(Originally 12/23/09)

Psalm 103:1-2 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. … Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

2Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. … All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  In Overcomers In Christ group discussion, the question “When is the best time of the day for devotions?” (i.e. thoughtful Bible reading w/prayer)

  “In the morning. At the start of my day.” was not unexpected answers as we’ve been asking the question for many years.

  Indeed we should have special regular daily set aside uninterrupted undistracted time for this. (A discipline not always the easiest to accomplish, especially for moms with several young children.) But there should be more than an appointed time if we desire to mature to our assigned utmost.

  After 10 days of repeated delays with UPS, my new dandy printer finally arrived at 9:20pm. As has been my experience 90% of my PC history, there was rejection; though not unrecognized hardware or software this time. “It”, after running install process for 16 minutes concluded that the USB cable was not plugged in. It was. Following the manufacturers suggestions, I plugged the cable into a different port, reran the installation procedures, only to be informed again that it was not plugged in. “Try another available port.” I did, with the same results.

  Ann, absolute non-techie that she is, though having considerable experience with sewing machines and large yellow buses, suggested “Maybe it’s not the connection, but the connector.” (Confession: In a fleeting moment I did at first think she was referring to me as problem “connector”.)

  I was about to reply “How could it be the connector … it’s the same one that worked on the old printers?”   

  But, remembering the time decades ago when I complained “I just finished the major tuneup on the blue van and it still runs rough.”

  Ann replying “Sounds like the distributor cap is bad to me.”

  My responding, “It couldn’t be that. It was a cracked distributor cap that is the reason I did the tuneup. Along with all the wiring, plugs and other parts, I replaced it with a new one.”

  Insistent man that I was, I checked all connections and the timing again, to no avail . . . the big V8 continuing to act like a Maytag spin drying bathroom carpets.

  Ann, mature confident (i.e. hard headed) female that she is, stuck to her analysis.

  Grudgingly, off to the parts store I went. Returning, with smirking countenance I replaced the new distributor cap with a new distributor cap. It worked. (Under fluxing with magnification the old new cap showed a hairline crack that allowed electricity to run amok. Rather than return the faulty cap, I had it made into a trophy for Ann, including appropriate inscription on brass plate.)

  Back to the new printer: Visualizing Ann’s trophy I went to my Cords Box and found a new, still in the wrapper, USB cable. I then plugged in the new cable. It worked.

  What does all this have to do with devotion? Everything – Christmas is not to be a season. Christ-celebration connection is to be constant in blessing Him, every day, all day, in every situation.

  Insist on practicing independent attitude non-connected life and we are without power to overcome. (Lk.11:20-23; Jn.16:33; Rom.12:21; Eph.6:10-18)

  Lord, oh how I love your teachings! They are in my thoughts all day long (Ps.119:97), for only in empowering connection am I pleasing to You. You alone truly free, mature us unto deliverance from pride’s smirking.  EBB4