AFTER ALL: COMMONALITY

AFTER ALL: COMMONALITY

Friday, May 30, 2014

  Several of my cousins have done considerable research and compilation of family history. Their efforts were not limited to scholarly for at times it was physical location of cemeteries and probing therein. I greatly appreciate their investment of time, energy, and willingness to share. Reading over the anthology is interesting.

  I learned:

·         Through the centuries our Heinz 57 developed.

·         Surnames were often changed or spelled differently, sometimes seemingly for no other reason than whim.

·         In ye olde days apprentices, and sometimes journeymen, weren’t allow to marry until they qualified as a master. This at times resulted in children at the wedding.

·         There were otherwise lusty lads and lassies that produced illegitimate children, a family writer deeming one female “the little girl that couldn’t say no.” resulting in 5 illegitimate children, with at number 3 the local villagers forming an unsuccessful mob, but with the pastor writing a definite letter of condemnation. And then on June 20, 1807, Anna married Peter.

·         One relation lived his life as an Orangeman in a Catholic family. It’s rumored he was helped out of Ireland by the Constabulary, though more likely it was An Gorta Mor, the potato famine.

·         Some had very large families. Adult and child mortality at younger ages that now.

·         Several lived on the poor side. Most lived average. A few had wealth and education.

·         Some married couples with children lived with relatives. A few all or most of their life.

·         Some loved a good joke, even to perpetrating a family myth based in a bit of truth.

·         During the great European plague one large branch of family survived mysteriously untouched.

·         They had quite a variety of occupations, but at times grouped as cowherders, shepherds, keeper of forest, carpenters of building and ships, railroaders, plumbers, fitters, compounders et al.

  A diverse family history it is. But there is a commonality: As eventually shall also we, they kept their unavoidable Hebrews 9:27 prior arrangement.  EBB4

THINGS LOOK DIFFERENT TODAY

THINGS LOOK DIFFERENT TODAY

Thursday, May 29, 2014

1Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

  Have you yet noticed how different things look from day to day, or even more frequently?

  Oh yes, people, plants, situations, lots of things change all the time.

  Yesterday, Penny, commenting on the matter, wrote "’The only constant we find in any cultural phenomena is change.’"  That's about all I learned in college, Human Geography.  Perhaps it's merely the only thing I took away from college that I thought worth the trouble of carrying.” A major change of vision those decades ago.

  At age 27 I began seeing life-changes, mine and others, increasingly from a Biblical perspective. Repentance, rethinking that produces new and re-doing, is one of the threaded themes embodied in God’s Word.

  Possibly you can beyond much used 1Corinthians 12 & 13 and Romans 12:1-3 share a few other pertinent passages for Saturday DT FORUM?

  Or, better yet, like Penny you will share testimony of historical change in your sight? Please do.

  As you know, I prefer reading KJV. In past it wasn’t just preference, I was “King James only!!!!!” However, as I was introduced to hermeneutics and other useful tools facilitating Bible study, this changed. Consequently I was increasingly edified. One thing I discovered was not that KJV is terribly flawed, but that the very KJV language I love reading contains English and phraseology that has different meaning today.

  One of my first was KJV 1Thessalonians 5:14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” Reading it I thought Paul was exhorting us to be loving and compassionate toward the educable slow et al, which of course we should. But it is not the emphasis.

  Now read same verse in today’s English, God’s Word (GW) version: “We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.”

  Then there is Luke 13:1-5 “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Easily enough understood if knowing the Greek meaning of “repent””, but if not left believing it means “I better stop boozing etc.!”; This being interpretation I heard years ago.

  Now read GW contemporary English: “At that time some people reported to Jesus about some Galileans whom Pilate had executed while they were sacrificing animals. Jesus replied to them, "Do you think that this happened to them because they were more sinful than other people from Galilee? No! I can guarantee that they weren't. But if you don't turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die. What about those 18 people who died when the tower at Siloam fell on them? Do you think that they were more sinful than other people living in Jerusalem? No! I can guarantee that they weren't. But if you don't turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die."

  What with the many other new insights this day, this lesson is enough to digest this day. While I’m waiting I’m going to have the same old comfortable familiar breakfast.  EBB4

SKATING WITH ZAMBONI

SKATING WITH ZAMBONI

Thursday, June 28, 2014

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Jesus

  We had an icebox. It fascinated me. It was wood on the outside and zinc lined on the inside. The top compartment is where the iceman put the blocks of ice. He too fascinated me, but not Grandmother McGee as she feared my admiration would lead to my following in his footsteps. Also, as I remember it, once while watching the trash men collecting, throwing trash cans high in the air with helper in truck snatching, dumping, and throwing back in yard, and stomping trash as they moved on . . . I expressed great admiration with result she forbid my watching them anymore.

   Starting about age 6, with brother Jim, age 4, we were given the responsibility going for ice from the local icehouse, this needing to be done on especially hot and/or non-delivery days. (You never missed delivery as when away homes were left unlocked for icemen et al.)

  Off we went with our little red wagon, but not before ice coin was secured in my pocket. (Jim forever asking “When my turn for money?!”) The dime was knotted in a hanky and safety pinned in pocket with warning to not touch until time to put in slot; the wonderful mystical slot that produced rumbling sound followed by block of ice popping down zinc lined chute, flipping rubber door flaps up, and booming against the stop. (Jim and I always made “Gentlemen’s bet.” On exact moment block would exit.)

  After heavily wrapping in burlap to prevent excessive melting, I pulled and Jim pushed the 10-12 blocks including Evergreen Avenue hill. Arriving home an adult quickly deposited the ice in top compartment of the icebox as even Jim and I together could not life it.

  Then people began buying refrigerators and the icemen with burlap on shoulder and tongs in hand disappeared. I asked Grandmother what happened to ours. She said “Maybe he became a trashman.” which I didn’t get the deeper meaning of at the time. Fact is I remember thinking “How wonderful . . . you could do two exciting things in a lifetime.”

  My understanding has increased exponentially since those days of friendly icemen and trashmen singing harmoniously. (Though I am left with question when did trashmen stop singing?)

  What does the Zamboni family have to do with all this? Lesson wise, very much.

  When in the late 40’s the ice business quickly collapsed all over the USA, they didn’t suffer bankruptcy as many others did. They made a radical shift, building an ice-skating rink and developing the ice-leveing machine still in use today.

  What does all of this have to do with us as followers of Christ?

  Things change, sometimes drastically. I believe we are in such a historical period presently. We must again adjust to cultural changes. Using flannel graph in Sunday School just may have run its course.

  As recorded in John 14:12, Jesus promised we would accomplish as did He, and even do greater things. His statement is absolutely credible, but not without problem on Christians’ end; for facilitating His promise requires trust and action on our part. Action that may involve change that entails leaving our old familiar comfortable ways.

  Our change won’t likely be to design and invent a better ice scraper or the fascinating Bobcat breaking my neighbor’s driveway while I sit here thinking and typing. It may be so radically simple as befriending the new visitor at church, or changing the way Sunday School is done (Our church is.), or ___________.  EBB4

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: THE LIST OF THESE

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY – THE LIST OF THESE

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The following is from notes taken and thoughts provoked from Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon.

Matthew [MKJV] 25:31-45  But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He shall sit on the throne of His glory. 32 And all nations shall be gathered before Him. And He shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. 33 And indeed He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats off the left. 34 Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; 36 I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. 37 Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You? Or thirsty, and gave You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger, and took You in? Or naked, and clothed You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You? 40 And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me. 41 Then He also shall say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry, and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; I was naked, and you did not clothe Me; I was sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me. 44 Then they will also answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You? 45 Then He shall answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.

  For others shouldn’t be emotionally spelled “For me.”

  As it is Memorial Day, let us note that our military “serve” their country. That’s us! Let us not forget that soldiers are focused on the mission set before them. Paul explained this as recorded in 2Timothy 2:1-7. Dear Christian, that is us!!

  Jesus often used parables, stories containing important life lessons for His followers. Matthew records a number of these parables. In them and parables recorded elsewhere in Scripture, we also see a common thread; God does not judge by knowledge, but by our response to and within knowledge. Matthew 25:31-45 is perfect example of this.  Jesus gives list of how and what to, and why to.

  Many of us need instruction, self included, for uncomfortable areas of service don’t come natural to us.   

  This past week a man did something unnatural in response to last week’s challenge at the end of Sunday sermon. He was thinking “What can I do to serve in abnormal way without public conspicuous success?” Then he heard the trash truck roaring as it compressed waste. He quickly walked out and thanked them for serving the community and handed them 20 dollars to buy their lunch. (For some reason they don’t carry their lunch on the garbage truck.

  Another incident: One of our dear elderly women died this week. Eight ladies showed up and prepared food for the reception following her Celebration of Life. As it sometimes turns out, the crowd was not as large as expected. Consequently there was much food left over. What to do with the excess was discussed. Several ideas were presented but weren’t feasible at the moment. Then a battered old vehicle with a mom and children pulled up and the lady explained her husband had been out of work, finally got a job but had yet to receive his first paycheck and their cupboards were bare.

  But let’s not wait for opportunity to come to us. We know to serve. We have knowledge of how to serve. Let’s pray for specifics to initiate or involve in. Want to . . . and God will direct!

EBB4

LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET

Monday, May 26, 2014

Joshua 6:21-27 … they completely destroyed all in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. And Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring the woman out from there, and all that she has, as you swore to her. And the young men who were spies went in and brought Rahab out, and her father and her mother, and her brothers, and all that she had. And they brought out all her kindred and set them outside the camp of Israel. And they burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only the silver and the gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of Jehovah. And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had. And she lives in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. And Joshua charged them at that time, saying, Cursed before Jehovah is the man who rises up and builds this city of Jericho. He shall lay the foundation of it in his first-born, and in his youngest son he shall set up the gates of it. And Jehovah was with Joshua. And his fame was in all the country. t them away by night. [later] So Joshua and all the people of war arose to go up against Ai. And Joshua chose out thirty thousand men, mighty warriors, and sent them away by night.

"I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, become honorable by being necessary." --Nathan Hale, remark to Captain William Hull, who had attempted to dissuade him from volunteering for a spy mission for General Washington, 1776.

EBB4

THE BIBLE IS MYTHOLOGY?

Question: "How do I know the Bible is not just mythology?"

Answer: That the Bible originated in the mind of God makes it not only unique among all books, it is unique among all the treasures on earth. President Abraham Lincoln appropriately referred to the Bible as “the best gift God has given to man.” Indeed it is. It reveals God’s eternal plan of redeeming the fallen human race. Yet even though billions of copies of it have been distributed throughout the world, many continue to question its truth. Is the Bible a book of mythology, or is it the true, inspired Word of God? This question is of the greatest importance to every person, whether they know it or not.

Many religious texts claim to convey a divine message. The Bible, however, stands alone in that God left absolutely no room for doubt as to whether or not this is His written Word. If anyone undertakes an honest effort to examine the facts, he will find the Bible most assuredly has God’s signature all through it. The very same mouth that spoke all of creation into existence also gave us the Bible.

Unlike mythology, the Bible has a historical framework. Its characters are real people living in verifiable locations during historical events. The Bible mentions Nebuchadnezzar, Sennacherib, Cyrus, Herod, Felix, Pilate, and many other historical figures. Its history coincides with that of many nations, including the Egyptian, Hittite, Persian, Babylonian, and Roman empires. The events of the Bible take place in geographical areas such as Canaan, Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and others. All this certifiable detail refutes the idea that the Bible is mere mythology.

Unlike mythology, the Bible has many confirmations in sciences such as biology, geology, astronomy, and archaeology. The field of biblical archaeology has absolutely exploded in the last century and a half, during which time hundreds of thousands of artifacts have been discovered. Just one example: at one time, skeptics used the Bible’s references to the Hittite civilization as “proof” that the Bible was a myth. There was never any such people as the “Hittites,” according to the science of the day. However, in 1876, the first of a series of discoveries was made, and now the existence of the ancient Hittite civilization is well documented. Archaeology continues to bolster the Bible’s historicity. As Dr. Henry M. Morris has remarked, “There exists today not one unquestionable find of archaeology that proves the Bible to be in error at any point.”

Unlike mythology, the Bible is written as history. Luke wrote his Gospel as “an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us . . . just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses.” Luke claims that he had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” and so wrote “an orderly account . . . so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (see Luke 1:1-4). Did Luke include miracles in his account? Yes, many of them. But they were miracles verified by eyewitnesses. Two thousand years later, a skeptic might call Luke’s account a “myth,” but the burden of proof rests with the skeptic. The account itself is a carefully investigated historical document.

Unlike mythology, the Bible contains an astounding number of fulfilled prophecies. Myths do not bother with prophecy, but fully one third of the Bible is prophecy. The Bible contains over 1,800 predictions concerning more than 700 separate subjects found in over 8,300 verses. The Old Testament contains more than 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ alone, many with amazing specificity. Numerous prophecies have already been fulfilled, and they have come to pass precisely as foretold. The mathematical odds of someone making this number of predictions and having every one of them come to pass are light-years beyond the realm of human possibility. These miraculous prophecies could only be accomplished with the supernatural guidance of Him who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Unlike mythology, the Bible has transformed a countless number of lives. Yet many people allow the views of others—who have never seriously studied the Bible—to shape their own opinions. Each of us needs study it for ourselves. Put it to the test. Live by the Bible’s precepts and experience for yourself the dynamic and transforming power of this amazing Book. Apply its teachings on forgiveness and see how it can mend a broken relationship. Apply its principles of stewardship and watch your financial situation improve. Apply its teaching on faith and feel a calming presence in your heart even as you navigate through a difficult trial in your life. The Bible works. There is a reason Christians in various countries around the world risk their lives daily to expose others to the life-giving truth of this remarkable Book.

Ultimately, many who reject God and His revealed Word do so because of pride. They are so invested in their personal beliefs that they refuse to honestly weigh the evidence. To accept the Bible as true would require them to think seriously about God and their responsibility to Him. To accept the Bible as true might require a change of lifestyle. As Erwin Lutzer stated, “The truth is, few people have an open mind, especially about matters of religion. . . . Thus, perverted doctrines and prejudices are easily perpetuated from one generation to another.”

Millions die every year having bet their eternal souls that the Bible is not true, hoping against hope that it is nothing but a book of mythology, and that God does not exist. It is a risky gamble, and the stakes are very high. We urge everyone to read the Bible with an open mind; let it speak for itself, and may you find that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
Recommended Resources: The Quest Study Bible and Logos Bible Software.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-mythology.html#ixzz32jRUvetL

DELIVERED TO RESPONSIBILITY

DELIVERED TO RESPONSIBILITY

Friday, May 23, 2014

John [NLT] 5:1-9a [While in Galilee He performed miracles.] Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

  The above passage of Scripture puzzled me for years. Then Mark Welch introduced me to e-Sword.

  The thing that puzzled me is why would any person, especially Jesus ask “Would you like to get well?” After being incapacitated for 38 years, why might a person not want to get well?

  Using e-Sword to conveniently access Strong’s and other resources I understood, and then considered some cases of deliverance I’ve observed.

  The word “walk” in verse 8 opened my eyes. Whereas I typically think in English, I believed Jesus was referring to physical movement, putting one foot in front of the other. A core meaning in Greek is “to deport oneself”, which is a whole different story far beyond podiatric plodding.

  Understanding this one word changed how I saw the account recorded in John 5:1-9. It no longer was story of Jesus’ only exercising love by omnipotence. It is largely about His omniscience.

  Deporting oneself can be scary business. Have we not all seen individuals draw back from accepting the responsibilities of deporting oneself? Have you ever been faced with increased mobility and felt like laying back down on familiar bed, or actually done so? I have. (Just this week a sister a few months younger than me reported that she finally deported herself and took open mike in hand and gave testimony at a Celebration of Life.)

  I’ve seen men long for the deliverance of sobriety, but once free, when confronted with expectation and responsibility of deportment, soon go back to bottle and/or needle, or deliberately go back to the safety of incarceration.

  My mind now turns to a favorite verse that both comforts and frightens me: “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” (NLT 1Cor.13:11) Comforts when I consider progress away from pallet. Frightening if I angst over the hints of future deportment.

  My final thought before breakfast, a bit of enjoyment in planting tomatoes, and then off to the Amazing Pizza Machine (Peetsa, games, machines, & rides) with grandson Michael and his buddy Titus: “… look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” NLT Jam.1:25)

EBB4

 

RIGHT FROM WRONG

RIGHT FROM WRONG

Thursday, May 22, 2014

  In the 60’s Pastor Don McKnight was the first person I heard talk about “situation ethics”; deciding what is right or wrong action to take depending on present circumstances. This meaning decisions and action depends to a great extent on personal or group risk, potential or probable gain or loss, and the matter of current convenience versus inconvenience. Of course the practice very much having to do with “The end justifying the means.”

  Never one to take you into the forest without showing the way out, he always explained that the Bible, God’s Word, is the only absolute complete guide for truth in living.

  About a hundred years prior to Pastor Don’s words another great man commented on the topic, saying, "In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it."

  Most of us haven’t pulpit, will never pronounce from place in or associated with White House, but nonetheless we too have sphere of ears and degree of influence. Though we may deny or downplay quibble this personal truth, it is fact leaving us with challenge to exercise rightly or wrongly in our arena of effect.

  Joshua, during a time of situational ethics some 3,400 years earlier than Honest Abe, exercised rightly when he publicly announced “…as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.” (Jos.24)

  Centuries later, psalmists, using different wording, stated the same position, “Blessed are the upright in the way, who walk in the Law of Jehovah. Blessed are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek Him with all the heart. They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your Commandments carefully. O that my ways were fixed to keep Your Precepts! Then I shall not be ashamed, when I have respect to all Your Commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart when I have learned Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your Precepts; do not forsake me completely. With what shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your Commandments. I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You.” (Ps.119)

  Later a writer of Proverbs penned with clarity “There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.” (14:12; 16:25)

  Since Eden’s situation, we are constantly faced with the same choice of doing right or wrong in the midst of challenging situations. As I consider my past history I clearly see inconsistency. I also see considerable progress in living true. Again, I know I in myself will always be flawed until death and resurrection are complete. Until then I’ve decided to continue endeavoring to increasingly hide His Word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him . . . or those I love . . . or my fellow man, including you.

  Are you with Him in this?  EBB4

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Isaiah [GW] 50:4-5 The Almighty LORD will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student. 5 The Almighty LORD will open my ears. I will not rebel, nor will I turn away from him.

2Timothy [GW] 4:1-5 I solemnly call on you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead. I do this because Christ Jesus will come to rule the world. 2 Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach. 3 A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. 4 People will refuse to listen to the truth and turn to myths. 5 But you must keep a clear head in everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of a missionary. Devote yourself completely to your work.

  Recently again I heard “You Christians say the Bible has answers, but when I ask a question they answer otherwise.”

  In decades of delving and listening to such conversations cited I’ve found this often true. These inquirers were not asking about how many toes does the beast have or if Jonah was green the rest of his life or if that whale died of indigestion. There questions were about matters pertaining to life.

  Candidly thinking about this issue I confess I am not guiltless. There are times when answering questions I go to shelves other than Biblical.

  So, let’s do an exercise from a recent inquiry asking me to “Please define addiction.”

EBB4

BATHROOM IRE

BATHROOM IRE               

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

  How many bathrooms does a teenage girl require for her stuff and personal domain?

  Those of you with one or more young maidens can readily answer the question with a question: How many bathrooms are in your home?

  This situation may result in household male ire - he who uses a single bar of soap to shampoo and cleanse, especially men that don’t treasure counters and cabinets full of solutions and instruments soft (washcloths etc.) and hard (pumice stones etc.).

  OK, so you may not have or ever had a normal teenage daughter, niece, or granddaughter in your home. But you do know, have observed, and probably experienced the unavoidable fact of human emotions.  Emotional quotient varies from individuals to individual, family to family, culture to culture; ranging from impassive stoic to drama kings and queens and those in tween’.  But you do know, have observed, and certainly experienced the unavoidable fact of human emotions. 

  Peeved, consternation, ire, anger, fury, lust, joy are human emotions that effect, sometimes wonderfully, other times disastrously.

  Emotional quotient varies from individuals to individual, family to family, culture to culture; from impassive stoic to drama kings and queens and those in tween’. 

  Emotions can be sinful; displeasing to God.

  How can we know when sinful, when not?

  In some cases we can find clear definition in God’s Word, lust being a perfect contrastive example of this: Lots of verses spell out when lust is sinful. Then there is acceptable Hebrews 13:4.

  Some others seem ambiguous, but are clearly understood when framed in larger Biblical text. Anger being a case in point.

  In Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (4:26) he tells that we can be angry without sinning and encourages not going to bed furious, explaining primary reason why going to bed angry is a bad practice . . . but does not in those two verses give formula for succeeding. But as we read other Scripture like 1Corinthians 13 we see the discipline of love is to supersede anger. Put in my words for self: Is my anger all about me?

  Enough for today! Plus I must go see if there’s enough hot water for my shave and shower.  EBB4

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: UNSELFISH SERVICE

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: UNSELFISH SERVICE

Monday, May 19, 2014

The following is written from notes taken and thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon. 

Philippians 2:1-11 If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, 2 then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. 4 Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others. 5 For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth; 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  A favorite letter in recorded Scripture is the one to the Corinthians as it sometimes sounds like the corner congregation, with the wonderful encouragement to overcome all friction by unselfish service in “… whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

  I well remember the immaturity of peevishness at lack of recognition and/or recompense, and particularly so when someone else took or was given credit for something I did. (I also remember rejoicing when someone else received credit for something I did wrong, especially if they’d done me wrong to begin with or stole good credit earlier.)

  Moving away from this troublesome anxiety was a gradual process. Then one day Bill Harrington mentioned to me “It’s surprising how much more can be accomplished if you don’t expect credit.”

  At this point Pastor Paul had us look around at our fellow parishioners and consider opportunities for unselfish service . . . and I thought of those I saw that without applause did and continue to do much unselfish service.

  My thoughts then wandered back to Pastor Josh last week in his sermon talking about “male posturing” recorded in Mark 10:35-45, Jesus’ response that we can learn much from.

  “Life isn’t all about you!” said Pastor Paul. (Was it my imagination or did he say it to me? At any rate I started taking notes again.)

  With this Pastor went over Philippians 2:1-11. (I now stop typing and reread the passage carefully and am impressed with my needing to forfeit more of self.)

  “What is our attitude compared to Jesus?!” Pastor asks and encourages us to also consider the many ways God the Father has and continues to serve His creation.

  Then he illustrates: Man continually strives to climb the ladder of life, whereas Jesus came down the ladder. (Heb.2:9)

  I silently ask myself which way are my feet on the rungs?

  Pastor leaves us with the constant challenge to live unselfishly, and do so with conscious effort this week.  EBB4

OUR DAILY BREAD

OUR DAILY BREAD

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Psalm 32:8-9 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

  “Our Daily Bread is a devotional calendar-style booklet published by RBC [Radio Bible Class] Ministries in nearly 40 languages. The booklet is one of the most widely read Christian devotionals in circulation today. The booklet was first published in April 1956, and includes writing about the Bible and insights into Christian living. The booklet's title originates from a line of the Lord's Prayer, a popular Christian prayer.

  The contents include a Bible passage, and a relevant article for each day of the year. It is written by a different author each day, and also features an additional bible passages for people following RBC's "Bible In One Year" reading program.”

  “RBC is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 300 employees. It produces several devotional publications, radio and television programs.”  Source: Wikipedia.org

  Jesus taught “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Mt.4:4; Lk.4:4)

  Bud Bond, my first Christian mentor, emphasized the essentiality of reading and studying and then applying the Word of God. In kindly fashion he was relentless in doing so. (Bud also lived example in less than genteel rough and tumble foundry we worked in.) One of his primary tools was daily questions on what I had read, what I understood it to mean, and what I was personally doing to make it relevant in all areas of my life.

  Immediately after I initially agreed with the Lord Bud started me listening to RBC, reading and discussing OUR DAILY BREAD subject matter and the many wonderful RBC condensed booklets on a variety of Bible topics.

  Another thing Bud taught me in my infancy is “You need a life verse.”

  I explained to him I was not proficient at memorization, in fact failing in rote elementary schooling. (A popular methodology when I was a boy.) He again emphasized that edification is more important than simply knowing something, and then humorously from memory quoted 2Timothy 3:7 with the charge that the Lord doesn’t just want us to just know, but be nourished and grow.

  My first life verse, Romans 5:8, lay emphasis on God loves me. I didn’t memorize it, but I did remember it verbatim from first reading. Acceptance of this truth was wonderful. Waking up to the relevance in daily life was more of a chore, still is at times.

  Then, as some do after first bloom, I became resistant to a few things God expects of us. Then one day as I was reluctantly reading Psalms, 32:8 & 9, my much-needed life verses jumped out at me. For the KJV challenged, remembering that understanding is more important than James’ patois, I present NLT version: The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

  Irving “Bud” Garfield Bond emulated His Lord those many decades ago. As an impassioned obedient disciple, Bud instilled in me a 2Timothy 2:1-2 attitude to do the same. I am thankful for Bud and my other mentors and all God has given and continues to give. Will there be anyone to remember you in the same way?  EBB4

ADVERSITY SHOULD INVOLVE ASSURANCE

ADVERSITY SHOULD INVOLVE ASSURANCE

Friday, May 16, 2014

Hebrews [MKJV] 12:1-14 Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and faint in your minds. 4 You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons, "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him; 6 for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then you are bastards and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For truly they chastened us for a few days according to their own pleasure, but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now chastening for the present does not seem to be joyous, but grievous. Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it. 12 Because of this, straighten up the hands which hang down and the enfeebled knees. 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord; 15 looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled,…

  Far too much credit for adversity is given to Satan, the reason thought “God loves me. Satan does not.”

  Satan delights in trying to or actually convincing us that he is behind all adversity in our lives when he is not. Believing Satan . . . isn’t believing God and what He says.

  In order, here is my recognition of causes of adversity.

1.     Since original sin life here is adverse. (Gen.3:14-19)

2.     Because of my sinfulness I contribute to my and community adverse conditions. (Jer.17:9; Mk.10:18; Rom.3:10, 23)

3.     Because of sinful nature of all others, Christian or not, there is incalculable combined (synergy) adverse action and function. (Rom.3:10, 23; Jam.4:1-3)

4.     God allows and/or makes adversity as it may suit His purpose and because He loves us. (Job chapter 1; Heb.12:1-17)

5.     Satan does what he can to contribute adversity. (Job 1:6-12; 1Pet.5:8; also note Pr.28:15)

6.     Rather than wasting ourselves fretting over adversity, we should seek and implement godly exercising; for godliness with contentment is the greatest gain. (1Tim.6:6; 2Pet.1:3-7; 3:11)

  Knowing the above list, we must consider diversity as clarion call for self-examination. (1Cor.11:28-32; Heb.12:12-13) Knowing the truth about adversity, we should practice proper accountability.

  Self-examination may be easily misconstrued by emphasis on improper unhealthy examination and blame shifting, including the ever popular mindset “The Devil made me do it!”

  Self-examination must be primarily centered on The Word (Jn.1:1; 2Tim.3:15-16) in our relationship to God, He who loves us above all others. (Rom.5:8)

  Self-examination for Christian is never about score, but always about maturation; correction of active life-view and lifestyle rectification.

  Let us know and appreciate adversity in correct perspective.

EBB4

OUR EMOTIONAL STATE

www.GotQuestions.org

Question: "What does the Bible say about managing/controlling emotions?"

Answer: What would humans be like if we never became emotional? Perhaps we would be like Mr. Spock on Star Trek, as his responses to all situations seem to be purely logical, never emotional. But God created us in His image and God’s emotions are revealed in the Scriptures; therefore, God created us emotional beings. We feel love, joy, happiness, guilt, anger, disappointment, and fear, and sometimes these can be “false” feelings if they are based upon false premises. For example, if we falsely believe that God is not in control of the circumstances of our lives, we may experience the emotions of fear or despair or anger based on that false belief. True or not, emotions are very powerful and real to the one feeling them.
  The Bible has much to say about the emotions we experience. Our emotions, like our minds and bodies, are influenced greatly by the fall of man into sin. As such, they are tainted by our sin natures. For the Christian, however, the Spirit of God who resides within us is capable of controlling our emotions and not allowing them to control us (Romans 8:9-11). From within believers, He directs, guides, comforts, and influences us, as well as produces in us the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The emotions we experience are then His emotions, produced in us so that we exhibit the benefits of His presence in our hearts—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
  Out-of-control emotions are the product of a heart which is not saturated with Scripture. The way to control our emotions is to control our minds, renewing them by the daily input of scriptural principles, the knowledge of God, and meditation on His attributes. Then the Holy Spirit, along with the Word of God, will bring about appropriate emotions based on truth. When we immerse ourselves in the only means of our sanctification—the Bible—we arm ourselves with the only effective weapon against out-of-control emotions. Then we can control our emotions instead of them controlling us. In themselves, emotions are not unbiblical, but they are indications of what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45).

Recommended Resources: How to Handle Your Emotions: Anger, Depression, Fear, Grief, Rejection, Self-Worth by June Hunt and Logos Bible Software.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/managing-emotions.html#ixzz31mYwn9RJ

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ADVERSITY IN PERSPECTIVE

ADVERSITY IN PERSPECTIVE

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Psalm 25:1-4 [A Psalm of David.] To You, O Jehovah, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in You; do not let me be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none who wait on You be ashamed; let them be ashamed who sin without cause. 4 Make me know Your ways, O Jehovah; teach me Your paths.

Romans 8:14-18 [Paul explaining] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father! 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. 17 And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us.

  Worldview of adversity (difficulties, hardships, danger, misfortune, harsh conditions) is typically negative, in one of or set of several ways.

·         As calamity, catastrophe, tragedy . . . disastrous.

·         UGH! Why me??!!

·         Always about me.

·         Puzzling.

·         Something other individuals and groups deserve.

·         Sorrowfully when happening to loved ones . . . or those we idolize.

·         Gleefully when happening to enemies or those we’re not exactly fond of.

·         Always stressful.

·         Nonchalant, detached, indifferent, unflappable: “Whatever.” “S­­­___ happens.”

·         If not stressed by, person is considered weird

·         As opposition.

·         Always coming in threes. (My familial education from Grandmother McGee.)

·         Always from Satan.

·         Always as chastening from God.

·         Investing considerable worry as to whether from Satan, or God.

·         Destructive.

·         Highlighting manner or environment needing more law and regulation.

·         Ruination.

·         The common rule.

·         A fun challenge to be met and overcome.

·         A number of other gloomy points that I’m sure others can add. (Please do!)

  My negative viewpoints changed wonderfully in and by God’s maturation through reading, studying, and application of His Word.

  I think the first lessons were understanding and accepting that all adversity as not aimed at me. God makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Mt.5:45) This includes warm delightful sunshine on a cold day, and instances of scorching heat while working on broken hot machinery in shade-less dry dusty field. And then there are rain storms that I didn’t dance in but hunkered down in boat while on the Chesapeake Bay.
  Next came accepting the truth that if I’m going to grow it will not happen on flowery beds of ease or mirror smooth waters; my Lord’s training grounds often include adversity.

  How else shall we ever meet our appointment to conform to the image of Christ? (Rom.8:13-29; 12:1-3)

  Please know this: Conforming to worldly wrong-headed perspective is the more serious adversity.   EBB4

DECISIONS

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Colossians 3:15-25 … in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men; 24 knowing that from the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong shall receive justice for the wrong which he did, and there is no respect of persons.

Psalm 119:104-105 Through Your Commandments I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

Proverbs 3:3-7; 15:21-22 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; 4 and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and depart from evil. … 15:21 Folly is joy to him who is without any wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without wisdom, purposes are defeated, but by many wise men they are established. 

  “’My parents, for many years have been telling me “You should be a corrections officer. I bet you’d love it and you’d get to do your specialty, boss people around.”  I just let it go in one ear and out the other.   

  For several years the closest thing I could legally do is grade inmate’s Bible lessons. It’s a neat way to experience how they feel, what they are going through, what they say about how their lives were before they truly knew God and how they plan to change their ways for the better. I correct any wrong answers and add some encouraging words to keep then going, not just feeling like a complete failure. When they do get all the answers right, I make sure to praise them for their hard work.

  When I was 15 my grandmother came to visit us. My father scheduled a jail tour to show his mother where he works as a corrections officer. My mother and 18 year old brother also tagged along. I on the other hand had to stay behind because you had to be at least 16.

  My 16^th birthday came. I was more than eager to go on tour to see where my daddy worked. I asked my dad at least once a week, “When will I get to go on my tour? You told me that when I turned 16 you’d take me. Well here I am 16 and ready to go!” He would always have the same reply “I have to put in that I have a request to give a tour, and then it needs to get accepted.”

  Finally, two months before my 17^th birthday, I got my tour! My mother’s lady friend and my best friend went with us. We got inside and my friend had a rip in his pants right at the knee, so they almost didn’t let him in. We said there’s a stapler on the desk. They let it slide since it wasn’t too big of a deal and it was below the knee. Our lady friend was wearing a white suit and to avoid exclusion for violating dress code I was wearing the biggest baggiest sweat pants I own. The tour begins.

  Dad takes us on 3 levels of the building. We pass 4 of the bathrooms; dozens of jail cells, unused housing, staff break room and gym, two basketball courts and the kitchen where the trustees, who get paid a very small amount to work there, make the inmate meals every day. Every time we passed by the cells, all the inmates would stare out at me. Our male friend kept saying it was him they were staring at, but we both knew it was me. Once the tour was over I was happy. I had finally gotten my tour and was able to say “The jail would not be a good job for me.” I jumped way too easily.’” August 2012 Omaha’s Douglas County Jail can without crowding house over 1200 inmates. It is a high security facility larger than many prisons.’”   Written per a homeschool assignment given by Granpa on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Made any life decisions lately?  EBB4