HAVING FUN IN JIHAD

“having fun in Jihad.”

Monday, May 25, 2015

  Reading the Associated Press report about Abdifatah Ahmed describes a man that struggled for years trying make ends meet.  The article also informs that Ahmed loved drinking and clubbing. He dressed sharp, enjoyed rap music, flirting with women, playing basketball, lifting weights . . . and that he is the father of nine children by more than one woman.

 Then he lost his 15 dollar an hour job and thereafter survived on low wage employment and public assistance. A friend noted “He complained about working hard but never having enough money.”

  Then the court hit him with $700 a month child support payment.

  Then he disappeared and soon after showed up in the ranks of Islamic State fighters in Syria, posting on Facebook “having fun in Jihad.”

  He was not evidently seriously religious or political, then why did he run to ISIS, in reaction to his situation?

  Some say the force of his situation led him to escape.

  From a worldly point of view, yes, circumstance was too much for Ahmed and he escaped to new life-purpose that for him is fun.

  From a Biblical point of view the whole wretched business started being far from Lord God Almighty’s guidance, His “… thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.“ (KJV Mk.12:30-31)

  But then Ahmed is not a Christian, so how can he be expected to do right by submitting to the will of the Lord?

EBB4

 

 

  

WORSHIP INCLUDES LIFE VERSES

WORSHIP INCLUDES LIFE VERSES

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Psalm MKJV 32:1-11  A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom Jehovah does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones became old through my roaring all the day long. For by day and by night Your hand was heavy on me; my sap is turned into the droughts of summer. Selah. I confessed my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgression to Jehovah; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this let every godly one pray to You, in a time when You may be found; surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall circle me with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you. Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you. The wicked has many sorrows, but mercy embraces him who trusts in Jehovah. Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

  When, the next day after trusting Christ as personal Savior, I told Bud Bond, he then said, “Now you need to be thinking about a ‘life verse’.” . . . without explaining why. (Bud was he who faithfully witnessed to me and answered my questions.)

  I liked Romans 5:8 because what with me never being good at memorizing, I remembered it verbatim the first time I read it and still do: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” As I pondered this wonderful truth of God’s great love and new beginnings, I was reading Psalms, and because it is a better fit finally decided on 32:8-9: “The LORD says, "I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you.

Don't be stubborn like a horse or mule. They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you." (GW)

  Little did I know, though now certain Bud did then, how much a life verse would contribute to my growth, and, that it would and still does engender Romans 12:1-3 worship in all circumstance wherever I may be.

  A life verse can and will do the same for you.

  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to choose a life verse, or verses. You too may decide on Psalm 32:8-9 as I do not hold the original patent on it. Or, possibly you will opt for the entire Psalm if as stubborn a mule as I? J L 

  Please do pray about the taking of a personal Scripture guidon; a pennant to aid in fellowship, followship, and constant worship. May God bless you richly as you draw nearer to Him.  EBB4

WHY BOYOES ABSENCE?

WHY BOYOES ABSENCE?

Friday, May 22, 2015

Hebrews 10:22-27 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

James 4:17 … to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

  On Monday, May 18, I posed several questions to you have to do with why are there so few men in church. Though I had hoped for more, not many responded, a reaction that may be indicative in itself. Read on …  EBB4

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I think all America has become feminized, and the church is sadly more influenced by, than it influences, the rest of all America. 

"Why do I go to church?"  I go to church because:

I believe God wants me & my family to go to church.

I desire for me & my family to be healthy, growing Christians.  

My fellow believers in my local church provide me & my family with encouragement and accountability to be healthy & growing, and God uses me to encourage & provide accountability to my fellow believers.  

I am able to worship in a more thorough way in the local church setting.  

God equips me to be a better ambassador for Christ, a better husband, a better Dad, and just a better man through my involvement in my local church.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD ATTEND CHURCH:

10. It is sin to not go to church.(Jas. 4:17)

9. It’s the right choice.  (Joshua 24:15)

8. It’s the soul-winner’s responsibility.  (Luke 14:23)

7. To have a better life.  (Matt. 11:28)

6. To follow the Bible pattern.   Acts 2:47)

5. To confess Christ.  (Luke 12:9)

4. To have fellowship with other Christians.  (Acts 2:42)

3. To have a healthy Christian life. (1 Peter 2:2)

3. To express thankfulness (Luke 17:16)

1. To obey Christ’s commandment  (Heb. 10:25)

TOP TEN REASONS WHY SOME CHRISTIANS DON’T ATTEND CHURCH:

(from the same Scripture verses as above)

10. Don’t care that it’s sin.

9. Don’t care if they make bad choices.

8. No desire to see others get saved.

7. Desire a sinful life over a better life.

6. Don’t want God’s pattern.

5. Don’t care to confess Christ.

4. Don’t care to fellowship.

3. Prefer to neglect spiritual health.

2. Ungrateful.

1. Disobedient.

Tom  (IL)

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I stopped going to church at least my church because of Pastor Derik Hines at the Community church of Joy in Glendale Arizona. I had been attending this church for nine years. I have served and volunteered in every capacity there is in this church. Before I was suspended and kicked out by Pastor Derik Hines, I has taken over as manager the Sunday snack bar we call the Taste Of JOY. I had many doubts and concerns about assuming this position because of my background. I expressed this to the Pastor along with another pastor in a meeting with the woman I was to replace. They both knew my background and knew my concern but told me in front of her it was no issue as long as I wanted to serve. So I accepted the position and trained and took over. I ran this group of volunteers for six months including the holidays and special events including Kenny luck. During March I was wrongly accused on hugging one of my staff members inappropriately. I was devastated. I talked to the person involved and another member who both stated in no certain terms I had never did a thing wrong to either of them They even called the pastor on this. I met with him and brought along a retired superior court judge as my witness and assistant. The pastor explained that his security guard over reacted to the situation but never apologized. Instead two weeks later he called a meeting of all the volunteers to discuss background checks which had been brought up in my meeting. In front of 15 witnesses he told everyone that there was NO ONE in that meeting that had anything to worry about as far as background problems. I was very reluctant to fill it out since he was all ready aware of my problem. I have a felony from seven years ago. I trusted him to be fair and honest with me. After a week of deciding on Palm Sunday I turned it in. Sure enough on good Tuesday he suspended me pending further investigation. Then it became I was accused of harassing some woman at church. The story kept changing and the lies kept piling up. A pastor who deliberately lied because he needed to protect some person who is not even a member of the church yet blew me off like I never mattered. As it turned out He never lifted the suspension and I never went back. No one from the church not even the few friends I had left have even bothered to contact me or even care about me.. I cant attend my church home of nine years because of a series of lies and inconsistencies. I have NO church home and any church I have attended once they know my background have ostracized me  There is NO point being in a place or a church YOU are not welcomed. The least of these does not apply in modern society especially if you are a felon. … I am not sure courage [in sharing his experience] is the right word. I have no home church or otherwise. I have nothing to lose and I doubt there will be any reaction. I just feel as though I was made a scapegoat for nothing after nine years of service to this church. Which meant nothing. Now I am nothing. Joseph Inserra (AZ)

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http://www.christianpost.com/news/young-leaving-churches-that-abandoned-belief-in-authority-of-scripture-says-head-of-worlds-largest-pentecostal-denomination-139389/

  The Pew Report said about the same.  A left progressive reporter for the New York Times wrote a story that the young people are leaving the Church, but Fox News said it is not true...only in the churches that are watering down God's Word are they seeing young people leave.  

  First Lutheran's attendance is fully recovered from the rift we had when our junior pastor left and took one third of our congregation.  We picked up many young people (with small kids) from the ELCA congregations over the "homosexual can be pastors because we have grace" doctrine they adopted.  Our congregation was mostly gray until the last ten years.  Praise Jesus!

  Then the other day, Kevin Steele (a left leaning reporter from Texas) got an earful from Ted Cruz.  The reporter was asking Ted why he hated gays.  So Ted asked him why he hated Christians.  I Pray that the other Republican candidates follow suit.

DJK (NE)

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  Make church more attractive to men?

  Wouldn’t this draw such men that are drawn to or marry women for their attractiveness, then depart if she begins to look like a sagging bag lady?

CL (MD)

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  Jesus said He would draw all men to Him. (Jn.12:32) All men will not come. (Mt.7:13-14; Jn.3:15-21)

  I believe there are underlying reasons why people forsake gathering together in His name. (Heb.10:25 )   

  The reasons have to do with unbelief on the part of the unsaved and saved alike; attitude toward The Word living (Jn.1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Also note 1Jn.5:20.) and written (2Tim.3:16-17 “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 [completely] furnished unto all good works.”)

  The two greatest motivators in life are fear and love. They are behind all that we do or don’t do, at times contrarily so. A man fears not being responsible. He loves family and friend. A man fears responsibility. He expensively loves himself above all others. There are many more examples that may be given. No need to, just look around.

  The Word says that exceedingly moral reverence of God is of utmost importance to and in life. (Contextually “fear” is commonly used in Bible translations and versions. Deut.10:12, 20-21; Pr.1:7, 29; 2:5; 9:10; Isa.11:2; 33:6; Heb.10:31; 12:28-29) God’s Word says gathering together as His family for worship, synergy, and mutual support. Many do not consider this knowledge and practice to be important, setting other life matters higher on priority list. This is understandable when it comes to those that know Him not, but professing Christians that say they believe, trust in, His Word?!

  The Word says that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. (Jn.14:15, 21; 15:10) Does this include only submission to the morality of The Ten in the Old and New Testament? No. It includes fellowship with family “reasonable service” (Rom.12:1-3) worship and discipleship (Jn.8:31; Heb.10:25-26).

  Men, and women, do not participate in church because they don’t fear and love God.

  I am churched because I fear and love God.

Ed Bullock (NE)

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Any further responses to the question will be published in Saturday DT FORUM.  EBB4

KERRIE OROZCO, 29

KERRIE OROZCO, 29

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Hebrews [GW] 9:24-28  Christ didn't go into a holy place made by human hands. He didn't go into a model of the real thing. Instead, he went into heaven to appear in God's presence on our behalf. Every year the chief priest went into the holy place to make a sacrifice with blood that isn't his own. However, Christ didn't go into heaven to sacrifice himself again and again. Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the world was created. But now, at the end of the ages, he has appeared once to remove sin by his sacrifice. People die once, and after that they are judged. Likewise, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time. This time he will not deal with sin, but he will save those who eagerly wait for him.

  Both in and out of uniform she served family and Omaha community. A wife and mother of 2 step-children, she gave birth prematurely in February. Their baby was scheduled to come home this week.

She had postponed her maternity leave so as to be with the baby.

  Kerrie was bilingual, serving as an interpreter. She made a video highlighting work to help children. At North Omaha Boys & Girls Club she coached baseball was a regular pizza party hostess.

  Kerrie was president of the Police Ball benefit for Special Olympics, serving as a volunteer for SO. She was active in Girl Scouts and often spoke at Girls Inc. She kept rescued dogs at home waiting for adoption. She helped with the Latino Officers Easter Egg Hunt. She boxed in a police/firefighters charity event. And more.

  Kerrie Orozco was full of the joy of life and spread it liberally.

  This truth of her life mattered not as a criminal killed Kerrie Orozco, age 29, 7 year OPD veteran, as she assisted in serving a felony warrant for his arrest.

  “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” (Signage in North Omaha.)

EBB4

  

WITHOUT MEANS WITHERING

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PEE-BACK

PEE-BACK

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

  Public peeing is a problem in many major cities in the world. I remember walking some streets on a lovely sunshiny day and having sense stimulated by stench. Officials in some towns added No Public Urination signs to the Drug Free Zone and No Weapons ones, and they were just as effective.

  Tadah, capitalists smelled the flow of public money, and they innovated to profit.

  I’m sure none of the above facts about scofflaws or entrepreneurs is new news to you, but what may be is new state of the art paint, actually a super-hydrophobic nano-coating that is remarkably fluid repellent. So much so that not honoring the adjacent sign results in a shoe-wetting trouser-soaking event.

  What has this to do with Christian discipleship, the embarrassment of damp smelly footwear and pants?

  For me when reading the above news bit in WORLD magazine, it was being reminded of the splashback warnings in Scripture:

·          "Be certain of this, that your sin will catch up to you!” (ISV Num.32:23b)

·          Jesus’ warning to His listeners: “There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing kept secret that will not come to light.” (GW Lk.8:17)

·         Paul’s words to young Timothy: “The sins of some people are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment. The sins of others follow them there. In the same way, the good things that people do are obvious, and those that aren't obvious can't remain hidden.” (GW 1Tim.5:24-25)

EBB4

WHERE THE BOYOES?

WHERE THE BOYOES?

Monday, May 18, 2015

  After reading the following essay provided by GotQuestions.org, I decided to solicit your opinion and present experience on the matter. I especially want to hear what the men have to say on the topic;

·         Why you do go to church?

·         Why you don’t go to church?

Your responses will be published on Friday of this week.  EBB4

Question: "Why are there so few men in the church?"
  On any given Sunday, all across the world, churches are likely to have more women in the pews than men. Some estimates place the so-called “gender gap” in America at 61 percent women versus 39 percent men (www.uscongregations.org). That means that every Sunday there are millions more women attending church than men.
  There are several theories put forward for why, comparatively, there are so few men attending church. One theory is that the church’s teachings, emphasizing humility, holiness, and introspection, are seen by some men as “weak” or somehow less than masculine. Men are looking to be challenged with a “bold” message of adventure, danger, and aggressiveness.
  Finding the right activities to attract men is also a challenge for many churches. Some congregations make an extra effort to provide times of fellowship and bonding for men by adding hunting expeditions, fishing trips, sports, etc., to their schedules.
  Another theory is that many churches, knowingly or unknowingly, create a feminine atmosphere with their décor. Floral arrangements, pastel colors, frilly curtains, and pictures of passive, pastoral scenes make for a peaceful ambiance, but they tend to make men feel a disconnect. Some churches attempt to appeal to masculine sensibilities by changing their décor to something edgier, darker, more robust, and less nurturing.
  Another explanation for why there are so few men in church has to do with the stereotypical masculine ego. Men are naturally self-reliant, headstrong, and proud, the theory goes, and are therefore naturally more resistant to the divine call to humility and submission. The gospel confronts our need, and men are often averse to admitting neediness.
  There are other hypotheses, such as upbringing. Most men were reared by fathers who did not attend church services and so have no role model for masculine involvement in a church. There is the suggestion that men, the traditional breadwinners, are too busy working—or enjoying their day off work—to commit to a church. And overly sentimental church music is sometimes mentioned as something that keeps men away, too.
  There might be a grain of truth in each of these theories, but none of them fully explain the gender gap in modern churches. No one rejects church simply because of frilly curtains or a sappy song; there is most likely a deeper problem.
  Truth be told, followers of Christ have always included a large percentage of women. Luke 8:3 says there were “many” women who supported Jesus and His disciples during their ministry. At Jesus’ crucifixion, “many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs” (Matthew 27:55). And, of course, it was a group of women who first found the empty tomb (Luke 24:22).
  The message of Christ is universal. Following Christ includes adventure, risk, and purpose. Churches should preach the Word and challenge, nurture, and encourage all their members, male and female. Any church that turns the gospel into a soft, congenial message; minimizes the cost of discipleship; or imputes weakness to Christ does its people a disservice. Charles Spurgeon decried such a watered-down message in his day: “There has got abroad a notion, somehow, that if you become a Christian you must sink your manliness and turn milksop.”
  Men avoid church for a variety of reasons, and church leaders should be aware of those possible reasons as they reach out to young men, husbands, and fathers. Men should be challenged to emulate the heroes of the faith—robust men such as Moses, Elijah, and Peter. The Christian life should be presented as the adventure it truly is. And we should pray that God would increase the number of men who recognize their God-given responsibilities and who are unafraid to commit their talents and service to a local church.

Recommended Resources: Why Church Matters: Discovering Your Place in the Family of God by Joshua Harris and Logos Bible Software. Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org

SET TOGETHER

SET TOGETHER

Sunday, May 17, 2015

  “makers” are individuals and groups of various age that create useful things. Things that sometimes change lives, a culture, a nation, the world. Garage and basement tinkerers fit the category. And there are big time Edison types. In case you haven’t noticed it is now a surging movement gone beyond garage and backyard to large spaces with spot and shared shop equipment; metal and/or woodworking, electronic, plastic, science, plasma, et al. A new High School in Philadelphia includes a makerspace for 10 creative girls. Omaha has several and another on the horizon.

  Several articles I’ve read this year on the topic present the premise that the USA is great because of makers then and now.

  Yes, true, but didn’t it begin and with and continue in space by the Maker?

“… thanks to the Father, who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins. who is the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation. For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” MKJV Colossians chapter 1

EBB4

QUOTING FOR THE RECORD

QUOTING FOR THE RECORD

Friday, May 15, 2015

Matthew [ESV] 12:33-37 [Jesus explaining to the Pharisees within hearing of others.] "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

“Matthew 12:37

By thy words thou shalt be justified ... - That is, “words” are the indication of the true principles of the heart; by “words” the heart shall be known, as the tree is by its fruit. If they are true, proper, chaste, instructive, pious, they will prove that the heart is right. If false, envious, malignant, and impious, they will prove that the heart is wrong, and will therefore be among the causes of condemnation. It is not meant that words will be the only thing that will condemn man, but that they will be an important part of the things for which he shall be condemned. See James 3:3-12. ” (From: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible.)

  “Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons“ (Acts 10:34) And the ignorant fisherman then held forth with wonderfully eloquent concise sermon.

  St. Augustine (354-430) “The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home.”

  Martin Luther (1483-1546) “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

  George Mueller (1805-1898) “The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.”

  Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

  Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.”

  Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are all indebted for all the true progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”

  Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) “”I never had any doubt about it being of divine origin …. Point out to me any similar collection of writings that has lasted for as many thousands of years and is still a bestseller, worldwide. It had to be of divine origin.”

  All of us do not have vast listening crowds listening to or reading our words on the Word. We do however, each and every one of us, have audience of children, adults, and Lord God Almighty.

  What are they hearing from our voice?

EBB4

JOURNEYING TO FOUR THIRTEEN

JOURNEYING TO FOUR THIRTEEN

Thursday, May 14, 2015

1Corinthians [ESV] 13:11-13 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love [KJV “charity”].

Philippians [NLT] 4:11b-13 … I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how

        to live        on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation,    

        whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through  

        Christ, who gives me strength. [I again encourage reading all referenced Scripture in context in a  

        translation/version of your choice.]

  For some, stating 4:13 may be a decisive point of embarkation (getting on board) by claiming that which is alone possible through reliance on Christ. For Paul this was not the case. He is making a definite conclusive statement of ultimate arrival as he nears the end of his journey among men.

  4:13 can be arrived at only by those mature in charity, no longer thinking or acting in childish ways. (1Cor.13:1-13)

  Non-compliance due to uncharitable attitude, being anchored in past history with regrets, guilt, and/or the opposing onus of personal glory, identifying self with position and/or paraphernalia; baggage with contrary lifestyle smothering God’s Holy Spirit within . . . does not allow for standing on Pauline 4:13 platform.

EBB4

MR. COFFEE HAS EYES

MR. COFFEE HAS EYES

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Matthew [GW today] 10:29-31 "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's permission. Every hair on your head has been counted. Don't be afraid! You are worth more than many sparrows.

Philippians 4:4-7 Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.

   Are you familiar with the descriptive term The Internet of Things?

  Please be, for it involves contemporary and developing individual and collective intrusiveness.

  Fact is, Mr. Coffee and a number of current popular devices are a lot smarter than many folks realize. And they are being developed with more internet things on the way.

  Here’s how The Internet of Things goes beyond hot coffee and cool home by the time you park your vehicle equipped with OnStar in your garage with smartphone in hand sending additional commands hither and yon: The Wi-Fi network and/or apps that connect you to Mr. Coffee, HVAC, et al is designed to be read real-time by designers and manufacturers, the info compiled and used by them for business purposes. Some may share with or sell said info to other interested parties.

  The honest Mr. Coffees simply keep track of usage, equipment bugs and failures, product improvements possible, and fields of marketing. Unethical companies or employees therein may act far beyond. Does anybody remember the outrage from 2 women at SS Administration in Maryland living richly from proceeds from selling long paper lists of SS numbers and info? Their behavior was playground activity compared to potential and actual today.

  Candid Wuest has red hair. He’s one of the good white hats that researches security for Symantec (Norton). Prior to the 41,000 participant Dublin Women’s Mini (??) Marathon he invested $75 for parts and a few hours assembling an easily made device. Standing in the crowd as the mass of runners streamed by he covertly scanned personal data from activity trackers worn by runners -- 563 racers’ names, addresses, passwords, unique IDs of devices they carried. (With the right equipment Wuest could easily detect my pacemaker and history contained therein.)

  The Mr. Coffee family of snoops includes thermostats, refrigerators, light switches, TVs, door locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, vehicles, baby monitors, other household appliances, and more . . . and the list is growing as value is realized.

  USA Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass. and others are alarmed after reviewing and releasing a report on automotive privacy this past winter. What will be done? And if done will it be like specific drug laws with perpetrators simply redesigning/reformulating outside parameters of laws?

  This news gives a whole new meaning to the old advice “If you don’t do anything wrong you don’t have anything to worry about.” doesn’t it?

  I’m taking a break for breakfast. Along with Cheerios with skimmed milk, a big mug of coffee is ready thanks to Black & Decker. While enjoying I’ll check for cellphone texts. Until later ……

EBB4

PS. For much more complete info, including protective measures, acquire June ConsumerReports magazine. And please remember, awareness need not automatically result in angst!

FLIPPING PHILIPPIANS 4:13

FLIPPING PHILIPPIANS 4:13

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Philippians chapters 1 thru 4

  Too often Philippians 4:13 is quoted singularly as deliverance just as some misappropriate Psalm 23:1; the saying thereof not necessarily making us superbly capable or composing the Lord as personal Shepherd.

  In my novice period as a follower of Christ I named and claimed “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” After course in Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics at Maryland Bible Institute resulting in more studious examination of Scripture I discovered that I shouldn’t be so flippant.  

  Using NLT Bible version I review again for your edification:

Paul states his desire for those listening. “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God…. Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. … standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.” (1:9-11, 27-28a)

Paul then explains his discovery of and decision for what really matters in this life. “I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (3:5-14)

Paul next gives details of personally realized results of living out his decision: “… I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (4:11b-12)

Paul then makes his qualified declaration: “…I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (4:13)

 

  What may we say?

EBB4

WHAT'S ON OUR TRAY

WHAT’S ON OUR TRAY?

Monday, May 11, 2015

Proverbs [ESV today] 1:7, 22-23; 9:9-11 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. … How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. … Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  Cafeteria styled Christianity is Jefferson-like picking what to believe from God’s Word (Jn.1:1). As with Thomas, it is a practice of exalting lesser self over Omniscient Sovereign Jehovah God. Such selectivity is rejection of God’s complete beneficial menu that includes submission, repentance, 1Corinthians 13 love and else that is distasteful to our ego-centric self. It is a damming practice now and forevermore.

  By God, free will is ours. Angel, Adam or Eve it is individual choice to decide for or against His nourishment; sustenance whole in diet resulting in wellbeing present and eternal.

  Let us stop and carefully take note of what’s on our tray every day in this day of salvation. (2Cor.6:2) 

EBB4 (9/19/2012)

GARAGE SAILING

GARAGE SAILING

Sunday, May 10, 2015

  I’m an introvert proven by every personality test I've taken. But I do love people.

  Yesterday I agreeably was 8+ hours navigator . . . with only stopping for lunch at Jimmy John’s . . . for middle daughter and only granddaughter. Granddaughter pregnant with first child, Daughter's first grandchild, my third greatgrandchild.

  The secondary order of the day was shopping for baby clothes, toys, and other paraphernalia. This was accomplished with great gusto and wonderful savings.

  First stop was highly organized wall to wall used children’s stuff at Bethany Church Fieldhouse in Elkhorn. We were delighted that their clock had run to half price. After nearly 2 hours there it was sandwich & vinegar chips time.

  Then we docked at a parking lot filled with a sea of tailgate vendors eagerly reducing prices as it was their time to pack out. I found a pair of little guy like-new cami Oshkosh bib overalls.

  Next we cruised organized neighborhood wide garage sale’rs. They too were in reduction time zone. The little man will be wearing 25 cents per wardrobe of cool clothes!

  Following the His first order for every tide I enjoyed “Go ye” conversations with various ages, men, women, children, combat veterans from various wars, “out of work, job hunting”, “divorced, miss being married”, “you #&*^+!”, “selling out and moving to Sun City Arizona”, “Bless you too”, “I’m 7 years old!”, “I miss _______”, “See my puppy”, and many more 5 to 30 minute dockings.

  Finally, after dropping off the women, back to the quiet of the old sailor’s home.

EBB4

LIVING KARDASHIANISM

LIVING KARDASHIAN

Friday, May 08, 2015

  The queen of selfies, Kim Kardashian, has written a new book on selfies. It’s called SELFISH.

  Janie B. Cheaney wrote “Personal ‘drama’ rules the lives of young and not-so-young people who see themselves as stars of their own soap opera. Most are women, but men frequently and dramatically swear off drama, only to come back for more of it.” (WORLD, April 4, 2015. YEAR-ROUND SILLY SEASON)

  An acquaintance that for some reason asked to remain anonymous, commented “Yeah, it’s one of the problems with troubled marriages today. One or both expect drama, high adventure every day and night. They are broken and it breaks them!”

  While people in Africa and the Middle East are shredded, the internet is explodes for hours at a time with comments, yea arguments, over a dress, a puppy, whatever.

  Why do people reject God’s present and eternal redemption?

  The general reason is mankind though the Light is very much available darkness is preferred and chosen with great frequency. (Jn.3:19; Mt.7:13-14)

  One of the specific reasons is stated in Psalms, “You hate discipline. You toss my words behind you.” (GW 50:17)

  The Apostle Paul warned of Kardashianism, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors [untrustworthy betrayers], heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (KJV 2Tim.3:1-5)

  What do you say this day?

EBB4

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Thursday, May 7, 2015

John [ESV today] 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

  Habitat For Humanity does a wonderful thing helping families gain physical housing.

  Jesus, God Incarnate, Logos, Word in the flesh, provides the utmost present and eternal abode.

Colossians [Apostle Paul exhorting] 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

  The word “dwell” meaning “to abide, remain, to simply feel at home”.

  Studying Colossians 3:16 in context we see this “dwelling” is indeed meaning in heart and mind, but also in definitively highly productive manners; very much in application in all relationships, spousal, family, friends, acquaintances et al.

  Which leaves you and me with question “Am I truly His habitat for humanity?”

EBB4 

THEONOMY VIA NAR

THEONOMY VIA NAR

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

  The topic THEONOMY AS A RULE? On Friday, April 3, 2015 was challenged as a fizzled religious movement. I responded “Not so.” Read the following essay from Gotquestions and see what you think. Or possibly you’re already on the ride?  EBB4

Question: "What is the New Apostolic Reformation?"

  The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is a loose collection of non-denominational and independent churches rallying around a particular set of biblical interpretations. The New Apostolic Reformation approaches church leadership and biblical interpretation differently from mainstream Protestant denominations. Of particular distinction are the role and power of spiritual leaders, a literalist approach to spiritual warfare, and an overt interest in cultural and political control. Unfortunately, this has led to some unscriptural approaches to faith and spirituality.
  Growth in the New Apostolic Reformation is driven primarily through small groups and church planting, often completely independent of a parent congregation. The movement is not centrally controlled, and many of its followers will not self-identify as part of it or even recognize the name. All the same, thousands of churches and millions of believers adhere to the teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation. Popular teachers associated with the New Apostolic Reformation include C. Peter Wagner, Rick Joyner, and Kim Clement.
  The New Apostolic Reformation teaches that God’s intended form of church governance is apostles and prophets, holding leadership over evangelists, pastors, and teachers. However, this has not been the case for the vast majority of Christian history. So, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, God began to restore prophets and apostles over the last thirty to forty years. Only now, as the church is properly guided by the appropriate spiritual leaders, can it fulfill its commission. This commission is seen as more than spiritual, as it includes cultural and political control.
  In the New Apostolic Reformation, apostles are seen as the highest of all spiritual leaders, being specially empowered by God. True maturity and unity, per the New Apostolic Reformation, is only found in those who submit to the leadership of their apostles. According to this teaching, as the church unifies behind the apostles, these leaders will develop greater and greater supernatural powers. Eventually, this will include the ability to perform mass healings and suspend the laws of physics. These signs are meant to encourage a massive wave of converts to Christianity. These apostles are also destined to be recipients of a great wealth transfer (in the end times), which will enable the church to establish God’s kingdom on earth.
  Prophets in the New Apostolic Reformation are almost as important as apostles. These people have been empowered to receive “new” revelations from God that will aid the church in establishing dominion. According to the New Apostolic Reformation, only prophets, and occasionally apostles, can obtain new revelations. Evangelists, pastors, and teachers cannot. The prophets’ new revelations are crucial to overcoming the world, and the success of the church depends on the apostles following through on the information prophets provide. Most of their prophecies are extremely vague and easy to re-interpret, and the New Apostolic Reformation is willing to modify them, since they set no standard of infallibility for themselves.
  According to New Apostolic thinking, mankind lost its dominion over earth as part of the fall of Adam. So Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross not only resolved our sin debt, but it empowered mankind—specifically, Christians—to retake control of the earth. The New Apostolic Reformation sees seven areas in which believers are supposedly empowered and expected to dominate: government, arts, finances, education, religion, family, and media. Of these, the New Apostolic Reformation sees government as the most important because of its ability to influence all of the other facets of life. As a result, the New Apostolic Reformation overtly encourages Christian control over politics, culture, and business. In some ways, this is nothing unusual, as people should be expected to vote and lobby according to their convictions. The New Apostolic Reformation, however, is often accused of pushing for outright theocracy.
  Spiritual warfare, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, is meant to resolve worldly concerns. For example, economic troubles or health problems in a particular city are seen as the result of a demonic spirit’s influence. Prayer, research into the specific name of that demon, and other spiritual disciplines are then applied in an effort to combat this presence. This is necessary not only for the health of the region, but also because the church cannot take “dominion” over that area until the demonic control has been lifted.
  Biblically, there are major problems with the New Apostolic Reformation. Claiming that Christians have access to certain spiritual gifts is one thing, but their distinctive approach to the role of apostles and prophets is a stretch from what is found in the Bible. More to the point, the office of apostle requires traits which are impossible today. For example, true apostles must be personal eyewitnesses of the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:7–8), specifically designated as apostles by Jesus (Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:2; Luke 6:13), and already verified by miraculous signs (Matthew 10:1; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Acts 5:12).

  The idea of new revelations from God, especially those that come in the form of vague, easily reinterpreted mysteries, runs counter to the idea of a faith delivered “once for all” to mankind (Jude 1:3). The fact that New Apostolic Reformation prophecies frequently turn out to be false suggests a false spirit behind those predictions (Deuteronomy 18:22).
  The same holds true for miracles: the ideological father of the movement, C. Peter Wagner, decreed the end of European Mad Cow disease in 2001—and the disease is still being diagnosed and treated some fourteen years later. The tendency of the New Apostolic Reformation to treat spiritual warfare as a type of Christianized voodoo is not only unbiblical, but dangerous.
  Likewise, the emphasis on an earthly kingdom contradicts Jesus’ own declaration that the Kingdom of God was spiritual, not political (John 18:36). It places an unhealthy emphasis on political and worldly approval, rather than Christlike influence.
  Though it uses the word new, the New Apostolic Reformation is actually a reworking of a very common, very old approach. Since the beginning of Christianity, various groups have claimed to have a “new revelation” from God to correct all of the errors of the present world. These movements contend that “real” spirituality or maturity or truth is found only by those who listen to their leadership. Some of these sects, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism, endure and become religions in their own right. Others fade away.
  Much of what the New Apostolic Reformation teaches has at least some basis in Scripture, albeit carried much further than the Bible intends. That, however, still makes those doctrines unbiblical, and Christians should flatly reject the New Apostolic Reformation’s teachings and those who choose to be associated with it.

Recommended Resources: A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement by Geivett & Pivec and Logos Bible Software.

http://www.gotquestions.org

THE ONE WHO INTERVENES

THE ONE WHO INTERVENES AND CALMS THE STORMS OF LIFE

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

John [KJV today] 8:36; 14:27 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. …       

       Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let

       not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 8:26-34 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Hebrews 7:25-26  Wherefore he [Jesus] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

1Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1John 1:6-9  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  Recent period of nighttime thunderstorms woke me not. Allergy’s coughing gales and nasal pouring did. Last night was yet another feat of clime, but woke me not as I calmly slept.

  Awakened suddenly at five weighted with dark guilt from despicable action 62 years ago.

  Once again gave it to my Redeemer and rejoiced in the peaceful freedom only He does provide.

EBB4

ZOOPHILIA

ZOOPHILIA

Monday, May 4, 2015

Genesis [MKJV today] 2:18-22 And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. And out of the ground Jehovah God formed every animal of the field and every fowl of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. And Adam gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field. But there was not found a suitable helper for Adam. And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept. And He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh underneath. And Jehovah God made the rib (which He had taken from the man) into a woman. And He brought her to the man.

  Zoophilia is not about the love of family fun days at the zoo. It is sexual persuasion/sexual perversion  involving sexual obsession on animals. Practitioners are called zoophiliacs. Sex involving men, women, and various animals is not illegal is some countries and therefore not only practiced behind closed doors and but openly in public venues. In nations where it is illegal, it is still practiced secretly.

  Zoophilia (bestiality) was legal in Denmark until recent law against was passed, but not unanimously, by Danish legislature. As goes these days, local law-abiding zoophiliacs think themselves oppressed and inconvenienced at having to vacation in Hungary, Finland, or Romania.

  God’s Word not only speaks of the performance, He harshly speaks to the practice.

Exodus 22:19 Anyone lying with an animal shall surely be put to death.

Leviticus 18:23-26; 20:15-16 And you shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it. And a woman shall not stand before an animal to lie down to it. It is a perversion. Do not defile yourselves in any of these things. For in all these the nations are defiled, which I cast out before you. And the land is defiled. Therefore I visit its wickedness on it, and the land itself vomits out those who live in it. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations, neither the native, nor any stranger that lives among you. … And if a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death. And you shall kill the animal. And if a woman goes up to any animal and lies down with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them.

Deuteronomy 27:21 Cursed is he who lies with any kind of animal. And all the people shall say, Amen.

   Think not that Danish legislators are taking a stand for Biblical morality. The vote is all about animal rights, national image, and family tourism euros, dollars, and yen. And there’s also further active effort by PETA to put a stop to Jewish kosher butchering.

  What next, PETA against sexual revolutionaries that want to openly marry their pets? Or maybe even an internal PETA/ACLU civil war over human versus animal rights?

  I don’t know but strongly expect that however whatever . . . Christians will be framed as the real beasts in the scenario.

EBB4

For those interested in more info: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/10/14/denmark-s-bestiality-problem-it-s-legal.html and http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Jewish-groups-excoriate-Denmark-over-legalized-bestiality-347467 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoophilia_and_the_law_in_the_United_States

A.C.T.s

A.C.T.s

Sunday, May 03, 2015

2Timothy [MKJV] 2:1-5 Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one who wars tangles with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.  And also if anyone competes, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully.

  Behind the wheel of a behemoth DeSoto 4 door sedan, the Driver Training class at North Harford High School was basic peddle and point *stuff.

  I’m fortunate in having my Dad teach me to drive. Dad went beyond the basics. His style of driving instruction later became popularly known as defensive driving. Though never a Boy Scout (I was) he was definitely all about Be Prepared. My uncles reinforced, especially Gordon Bevan, always said “It’s better to have it when you don’t need it . . . then to need it and not have it!” Later when I was privileged to spend considerable time with many Christians that were in the military, they spoke of it as ACT, Advance Combat Training; “Playing in the sandbox.”

  I’m convinced drivers should mentally rehearse and wherever feasible physically practice a variety of safety drills. I even go so far, our society now with the knowledge of numerous collisions as the result of distracted driving, to suggest blindfolded training. Not while in motion of course, but while vehicle is immobile. Do so yourself first, then urge your spouse and teens definitely do so until radio, heater & AC, and all other dashboard controls can be operated without looking at the switches . . . without taking your eyes off the road. (In the military soldiers are blindfolded and required to disassemble and reassemble equipment.)

  What does this have to do with believers though? Since Eden we are in combat. (Rom.12:21; 2Cor.10:3)

  As Christians at war, we should not neglect or fumble equipping, but are to be knowledgeable of and skilled in the use of the provision of our Master. (1Cor.3:2; 2Tim.2:15; Heb.5:12),

  Hear our order of preparation: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Eph.6:10-20)

  Heed our main weapon: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb.4:12)

  It is imperative that we study, practice, drill, restudy, keep at hand and be honed by, or when sudden challenge comes we will not be able to meet the requirement of sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts. It is our responsibility to be prepared whether in calm or storming, always able to give answer to every man that asks us for the reason of the confident anticipation that is in us; humbly pointing out sin, patiently warning and encouraging people. (1Pet.3:15; 2Tim.4:1-2) 

  Whether to agreeably ACT or not is always our personal decision. (1Cor.3:11-15)

 EBB4 (Originally written Friday, October 28, 2011)

*Parked or mobile we weren’t allowed to touch switches or auxiliary controls.

WORSHIP INCLUDES ENEMIES

WORSHIP INCLUDES ENEMIES

Friday, May 01, 2015

Matthew [ESV today] 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. [also Lk.6:28]

Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1Corinthians 13:1-13  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

  Is it an act of worship to bless others as God and they have blessed us? Yes.

  Is it an act of worship to bless our enemies, even those who hate us or despitefully use us? Again, yes.

  Our worship is limited and unreasonably immature if we only love those who love us.

  Truly worshipping God involves a yieldedness to Jesus’ direction and example.

  Without Christ-likeness, our emulating He that lived, died, rose again, and now sits on the right hand of God – for our friend and foe alike, and then we love not as He loves.

  I confess the difficulty of praying for my enemies, those beings that harm those and that which I love.

  Lord, convict and help me worship You as I should! (Rom.12:1-3) 

2Corinthians 5:14-20 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

EBB4