I am not in favor of a manned expedition to the moon. There are many reasons the foremost of which is the enormous national cost. What will be the cost-to-benefit ratio for having humans on the moon? Unmanned machines can safely accomplish almost all tasks required for scientific or economic purposes as humans could do.
What advantage will there be? Do we want to identify and mine materials there? The cost to bring such material to earth would equal or exceed the cost to establish equipment on the moon’s surface. The cost to establish humans there would be even greater.
The money could be spent on near-earth orbit projects such as Space Lab, Satellites, medical experiments. Florida’s "Space Coast" will continue to thrive as it presently is without a moon program.
I believe we should fund the exploration of our own oceans. They are readily accessible; they are right on our coastlines. We already have extensive experience working in that environment. We could further develop the vehicles to enter that environment by modifying or re-designing them or inventing new types. We can expand our knowledge of the living organisms that live there, many thousands of which we may not yet know. There are no living organisms on the moon. If there were, they could not be kept alive on earth except at great expense. We can develop new concepts of ocean exploration and material retrieval. Any material that can be retrieved will be cheaper to retrieve from the ocean than from an object 238,900 miles away.
Ocean exploration will more directly and cheaply benefit all citizens in the United States. Explore space but limit manned exploration to near orbit ventures.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Friday, July 26, 2019
SOMETHING FROM NOTHING
Sometimes we are not even aware of what the long view should be. Most of the time, and most of what we think or do, we do not consider the long view or big picture. The only think about what we need or what right now.
Since the writer in Psalm 63 is writing from a "dry and worn out land" this may suggest a-frame of mind of trying to endure through hard times because better times are coming. An example is exercising when I do not want to because I know I will be better off if I do. And it's not because I can "feel Noble" that I've done the exercise; it is better because it really does have a different, and more gratifying reward. Perhaps every spiritual discipline will be the same way.
Psalm 33:9 speaks of God creating something from nothing. Having this in mind, maybe it is acceptable to ask God to do what seems impossible. We ask him during what seems to us an impossible situation, to create something from nothing, to supply resources where there are none. We ask God to give us that desire. In our asking God to establish our desires for us, we should not lose sight of the long view - what is God's will in this the matter and how will this have meaning in God's Kingdom in the future.
Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”
Since the writer in Psalm 63 is writing from a "dry and worn out land" this may suggest a-frame of mind of trying to endure through hard times because better times are coming. An example is exercising when I do not want to because I know I will be better off if I do. And it's not because I can "feel Noble" that I've done the exercise; it is better because it really does have a different, and more gratifying reward. Perhaps every spiritual discipline will be the same way.
Psalm 33:9 speaks of God creating something from nothing. Having this in mind, maybe it is acceptable to ask God to do what seems impossible. We ask him during what seems to us an impossible situation, to create something from nothing, to supply resources where there are none. We ask God to give us that desire. In our asking God to establish our desires for us, we should not lose sight of the long view - what is God's will in this the matter and how will this have meaning in God's Kingdom in the future.
Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”
Monday, July 22, 2019
SAY IT, MAKE IT
I've read how a person, call him Leroy, writes down what he wants to accomplish repeatedly many times a day. He says that he has attained things, even things over which he could not have control. My question is, is this a good technique, or is it something “New Age” that I should avoid? Does it really provide power over the uncontrollable? More important, is it a technique God would want me to use, or want me to avoid?
The act of writing, "Leroy will become a dedicated Christian", and believing that the writing of the phrase over and over will make it come to pass seems to border on faith theology. "I write, I believe, therefore it will happen." Where is God in all this? If we can write and make it happen who needs God? What if someone else writes, "Leroy will become a dedicated Satanist", will it cancel out what the Christian writes? What if there are 10 Satanists and 2 Christians writing, but the Christians are writing in fervent belief? What will happen to Leroy? It seems to me that if either thinks that the writing itself will accomplish the task they have made the step of using this technique as faith theology. They have attributed to this technique a power in, and of, itself. The man does not have the power, God does not have the power, Satin does not have the power; the technique has the power.
A positive reason for the technique is it would keep important things before the consciousness. I could use it for my planning for the day. Or is this crowding out some thinking or method of doing something that God would rather me do? I should always direct my life according to God’s view. As I make my plans I should ask, "Is this according to God's will"? If written, these things must be in harmony with the Kingdom of God. I should pray, “Lord, if there is any power in this technique please let it be your power, or at least let it be a power that you will use for your benefit in My life. Please protect me from harming either you, or my family, or myself.”
So how should a Christian use the technique? He should use it to refresh his mind about items of real worth. He could concentrate his mind on the details of the items. The technique could rise the items as matters of prayer: both to bring before the Lord and to hear from the Lord.
If one would pick up a paper upon which I had written, would he be able to say, "These are noble and godly things that are helpful and promote God’s Kingdom"?
The act of writing, "Leroy will become a dedicated Christian", and believing that the writing of the phrase over and over will make it come to pass seems to border on faith theology. "I write, I believe, therefore it will happen." Where is God in all this? If we can write and make it happen who needs God? What if someone else writes, "Leroy will become a dedicated Satanist", will it cancel out what the Christian writes? What if there are 10 Satanists and 2 Christians writing, but the Christians are writing in fervent belief? What will happen to Leroy? It seems to me that if either thinks that the writing itself will accomplish the task they have made the step of using this technique as faith theology. They have attributed to this technique a power in, and of, itself. The man does not have the power, God does not have the power, Satin does not have the power; the technique has the power.
A positive reason for the technique is it would keep important things before the consciousness. I could use it for my planning for the day. Or is this crowding out some thinking or method of doing something that God would rather me do? I should always direct my life according to God’s view. As I make my plans I should ask, "Is this according to God's will"? If written, these things must be in harmony with the Kingdom of God. I should pray, “Lord, if there is any power in this technique please let it be your power, or at least let it be a power that you will use for your benefit in My life. Please protect me from harming either you, or my family, or myself.”
So how should a Christian use the technique? He should use it to refresh his mind about items of real worth. He could concentrate his mind on the details of the items. The technique could rise the items as matters of prayer: both to bring before the Lord and to hear from the Lord.
If one would pick up a paper upon which I had written, would he be able to say, "These are noble and godly things that are helpful and promote God’s Kingdom"?
Thursday, July 18, 2019
IF JESUS IS LORD
Many people use the expression "Jesus is Lord". They understand the use of that phrase as proof their Christianity or of another person’s Christianity if he uses that phrase. It "proves" they are a Christian.
Yet what is more important is that he really treats Jesus as Lord in his life. Does that person actually control his actions and thinking according to what Jesus prescribes? If he does not, all he is showing is he is merely capable of voicing the phrase. The phrase is meaningful if he says the phrase because, in fact, Jesus tells him what to think, where to go, who to see, what to say, what to buy.
The phrase "Jesus is Lord" is not like a magic word such as "abracadabra". The voicing of the phrase does not cause unseen events and conditions to be true and does not show they are true. If one voices the phrase this does not necessarily demonstrate he is saved or that Jesus is really the lord of his life.
Yet what is more important is that he really treats Jesus as Lord in his life. Does that person actually control his actions and thinking according to what Jesus prescribes? If he does not, all he is showing is he is merely capable of voicing the phrase. The phrase is meaningful if he says the phrase because, in fact, Jesus tells him what to think, where to go, who to see, what to say, what to buy.
The phrase "Jesus is Lord" is not like a magic word such as "abracadabra". The voicing of the phrase does not cause unseen events and conditions to be true and does not show they are true. If one voices the phrase this does not necessarily demonstrate he is saved or that Jesus is really the lord of his life.
Monday, July 15, 2019
BEING SEEKERS
Proverbs 2
Man can seek God through experience: speaking in tongues, prophecies, healings. Man can seek God’s thoughts through the scriptures: reading the Bible, Bible classes, seminaries. Proverbs 2:5 says that after you seek wisdom, understanding, knowledge you will get to the fear of God and the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:6 says God gives wisdom; "out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding" . Maybe this is a combination of experiential man and the studying man: the "heart" man and the "head" man. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us in our heads.
Men are the thinkers, the rational ones, and woman are the feelers, the emotional ones. Both can miss God. Proverbs 2 shows that there are two types of sinners each characterized by a sex. Verse12 tells us of the evil man, the one who thinks his way away from God. Verse 16 tells us of the strange woman, the one who falls away from God through experience.
God gives wisdom. It's something we experience when we are in the right setting. God proclaims knowledge and understanding. We do not acquire understanding or knowledge unless we work for them. We cannot know if we do not read or hear. We cannot understand unless we think and meditate about what we know.
Man can seek God through experience: speaking in tongues, prophecies, healings. Man can seek God’s thoughts through the scriptures: reading the Bible, Bible classes, seminaries. Proverbs 2:5 says that after you seek wisdom, understanding, knowledge you will get to the fear of God and the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:6 says God gives wisdom; "out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding" . Maybe this is a combination of experiential man and the studying man: the "heart" man and the "head" man. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us in our heads.
Men are the thinkers, the rational ones, and woman are the feelers, the emotional ones. Both can miss God. Proverbs 2 shows that there are two types of sinners each characterized by a sex. Verse12 tells us of the evil man, the one who thinks his way away from God. Verse 16 tells us of the strange woman, the one who falls away from God through experience.
God gives wisdom. It's something we experience when we are in the right setting. God proclaims knowledge and understanding. We do not acquire understanding or knowledge unless we work for them. We cannot know if we do not read or hear. We cannot understand unless we think and meditate about what we know.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES
Psalm 23 says God restores our souls (sets back to the original condition). He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.
Psalm 53 says God despises our enemies
Psalm 83 says the enemies take counsel together against God’s people. The psalmist asks for their shame and destruction.
The Church is the house of faith, it is the set of believers. Some conspire to rid themselves of the Church. For those of us in the Church, the conspirators are the enemies. Yet God will preserve us an provide for us in the face of our enemies. He will restore things we may have lost, some through our own fault as well as those that are the fault of others.
Who are my enemies? Some, like Edom and Moab, are related. Perhaps these are they who are in the church but not of the church. Others would be those who do not want God's principles to govern. These days they could be those on the extreme liberal or those on the extreme conservative margins. These are the ones who want to do away with God's order. It is not enough to throw off restraint, they must also eradicate the old system and the people (God's people) who uphold it. These are the ones who God despises. In front of these God prepares us a table. These are the ones for whom we may request destruction.
TV or Facebook or the Internet can be an official voice of the enemy if we are not careful about how we listen. They do not teach, they impress. They can leave isolated thoughts and feelings. They leave the unprepared viewer with the emotion of the enemy worldview, but not the rational back up. Viewers may have vague opinions about the proposed worldview, and they may have strong emotion about it, but they may not have been provided the reasoning behind it.
The unmovable proponents of a destructive worldview are the ones who say, “there is no God” AND would thrust believers aside to powerlessness or destruction.
We who believe, have read the Bible, and who have reasoned out our view, could reason with them but we cannot know if they would listen to our views, or even want to.
Psalm 53 says God despises our enemies
Psalm 83 says the enemies take counsel together against God’s people. The psalmist asks for their shame and destruction.
The Church is the house of faith, it is the set of believers. Some conspire to rid themselves of the Church. For those of us in the Church, the conspirators are the enemies. Yet God will preserve us an provide for us in the face of our enemies. He will restore things we may have lost, some through our own fault as well as those that are the fault of others.
Who are my enemies? Some, like Edom and Moab, are related. Perhaps these are they who are in the church but not of the church. Others would be those who do not want God's principles to govern. These days they could be those on the extreme liberal or those on the extreme conservative margins. These are the ones who want to do away with God's order. It is not enough to throw off restraint, they must also eradicate the old system and the people (God's people) who uphold it. These are the ones who God despises. In front of these God prepares us a table. These are the ones for whom we may request destruction.
TV or Facebook or the Internet can be an official voice of the enemy if we are not careful about how we listen. They do not teach, they impress. They can leave isolated thoughts and feelings. They leave the unprepared viewer with the emotion of the enemy worldview, but not the rational back up. Viewers may have vague opinions about the proposed worldview, and they may have strong emotion about it, but they may not have been provided the reasoning behind it.
The unmovable proponents of a destructive worldview are the ones who say, “there is no God” AND would thrust believers aside to powerlessness or destruction.
We who believe, have read the Bible, and who have reasoned out our view, could reason with them but we cannot know if they would listen to our views, or even want to.
Monday, July 8, 2019
THE SEEKING OF SIGNS
The Pharisees asked for a sign. Jesus says no sign will be given but that of Jonah.
The Pharisees’ generation was wicked because they asked for a sign. They wanted Jesus to prove himself to them. They would get no sign to prove who Jesus was other then his resurrection, which they would not believe anyway. Are there things about Jesus that we would not believe even though he demonstrates them to us? Are there things we are asking Jesus to prove to us by showing a sign? We might think: “you say you are this or that, Jesus; prove it by doing [fill in the blank]”. How about that thing where we have decided that he will not do it, or he is incapable, or his nature his of another sort? Are there ways we want Jesus to be and we will not accept any other way? Are we like the Pharisees, and we already have made up our minds?
Jesus gives examples showing people who did respond. The city Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah. The queen of the Sheba traveled to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Neither one of these had a sign, but responded to what God was doing, and the way God was doing it. The Ninevites did not have a sign and responded to Jonah’s preaching; the Queen did not have a sign yet she traveled to seek the wisdom.
The pharisees seemed to want a sign before they did something. Do what? Jesus spoke of an evil spirit who goes out of a man and comes back bringing other, more evil spirits. The spirit leaves and while he is gone the house is cleaned up. When he comes back, he finds it clean and goes out to gather other spirits to the house. The state of the house is worse than it was the first time. How might this story of the spirit relate to the Pharisees? Leaving the house to seek rest equals "give us a sign to make us comfortable with you" . Finding no rest equals "nothing you do satisfies us" . Gathering others equals "let's commiserate with others who also do not except Jesus" . The house equals physical bodies in which they live, the organization which they run.
The wickedness of “this generation” must be in the attitude that is seeking Jesus to perform a sign. They might say “Jesus you really need to conform to the way we conceive of you, and you need to prove that you do conform. Until you do, we have no use for you.“ The wickedness is in the attitude of “we are right, Jesus has to prove himself to us.”
The Pharisees’ generation was wicked because they asked for a sign. They wanted Jesus to prove himself to them. They would get no sign to prove who Jesus was other then his resurrection, which they would not believe anyway. Are there things about Jesus that we would not believe even though he demonstrates them to us? Are there things we are asking Jesus to prove to us by showing a sign? We might think: “you say you are this or that, Jesus; prove it by doing [fill in the blank]”. How about that thing where we have decided that he will not do it, or he is incapable, or his nature his of another sort? Are there ways we want Jesus to be and we will not accept any other way? Are we like the Pharisees, and we already have made up our minds?
Jesus gives examples showing people who did respond. The city Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah. The queen of the Sheba traveled to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Neither one of these had a sign, but responded to what God was doing, and the way God was doing it. The Ninevites did not have a sign and responded to Jonah’s preaching; the Queen did not have a sign yet she traveled to seek the wisdom.
The pharisees seemed to want a sign before they did something. Do what? Jesus spoke of an evil spirit who goes out of a man and comes back bringing other, more evil spirits. The spirit leaves and while he is gone the house is cleaned up. When he comes back, he finds it clean and goes out to gather other spirits to the house. The state of the house is worse than it was the first time. How might this story of the spirit relate to the Pharisees? Leaving the house to seek rest equals "give us a sign to make us comfortable with you" . Finding no rest equals "nothing you do satisfies us" . Gathering others equals "let's commiserate with others who also do not except Jesus" . The house equals physical bodies in which they live, the organization which they run.
The wickedness of “this generation” must be in the attitude that is seeking Jesus to perform a sign. They might say “Jesus you really need to conform to the way we conceive of you, and you need to prove that you do conform. Until you do, we have no use for you.“ The wickedness is in the attitude of “we are right, Jesus has to prove himself to us.”
Monday, July 1, 2019
INSIDE HIS MIND
Psalm 110
This is a psalm about the messiah, about Jesus. Verse 1: “sit at my right hand”; verse 5: “the lord is at your right hand”. From verse one we see the Father talking to the Son. From verse five we see the Son talking to the Father. This psalm is about ruling, power and judgment. It talks of ruling in the present: "in the midst of your enemies"; and later, at the judgment and destruction of the enemies (vs 5-7). It shows that the Father chooses to rule through the Son and the Son rules to bring about the Father's purposes: “I and my Father are one” because he speaks of himself as ”the lord at thy right hand”
This psalm clearly shows the Father-Son aspect of the Trinity. Perhaps it does not show the Holy Spirit part because God doesn't want us direct our praise to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s function (at least one function) is to guide us to all truth, to guide us to the Father and Son.
This psalm shows us the inside personal thinking that God does within himself. What a privilege that he shows it to us.
This is a psalm about the messiah, about Jesus. Verse 1: “sit at my right hand”; verse 5: “the lord is at your right hand”. From verse one we see the Father talking to the Son. From verse five we see the Son talking to the Father. This psalm is about ruling, power and judgment. It talks of ruling in the present: "in the midst of your enemies"; and later, at the judgment and destruction of the enemies (vs 5-7). It shows that the Father chooses to rule through the Son and the Son rules to bring about the Father's purposes: “I and my Father are one” because he speaks of himself as ”the lord at thy right hand”
This psalm clearly shows the Father-Son aspect of the Trinity. Perhaps it does not show the Holy Spirit part because God doesn't want us direct our praise to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s function (at least one function) is to guide us to all truth, to guide us to the Father and Son.
This psalm shows us the inside personal thinking that God does within himself. What a privilege that he shows it to us.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
ARE YOU QUALIFIED
Learning my wife had written a book someone asked, "what are her qualifications?” I wondered why she would ask that? What were her reasons for asking this question? Did she really want to know? Did she want to be assured she could safely consider what my wife wrote? Was she jealous? Did she wonder why my wife should have any valid point? Did she want to block out my wife’s ideas? Was my wife in opposition to her own views?
What has to happen to establish a qualification? Does it take a higher authority to bless you and therefore qualify you? Must the entity that qualifies also to have been qualified? Who has qualified the qualifier and who has qualified him? How far back must the chain of qualification go?
There are some legitimate qualifiers. The state establishes laws and agencies to test if you can safely drive a car. If you prove you can via some testing the state will therefore issue you a driver's license. Your license is a certificate thereby signifying your qualification to operate an automobile on the public roadways.
A seminary can offer training to certify that you have learned certain skills like church administration and ancient languages.
What if you do not meet the expectations of the one who asks for qualifications? If you read an English version of the Bible can you understand it for yourself, or must you be qualified to understand it by a seminary professor or by a pastor or elder? Did not the Translators to English have the qualifications to properly render a good meaning in English? Who is judging the qualification of the translators?
Does not God have the power to place in your mind the meaning and intent he has for you in the way you understand the English? Does he expect you to know Hebrew and Greek? Does not God say he places his spirit in you as he said he would do? If he did that than he can speak to you personally, individually, directly. God does not ask you to produce a license or diploma or certificate before you can read or teach the Bible. I believe God is happy for you to share with others what you believe he has told you.
What has to happen to establish a qualification? Does it take a higher authority to bless you and therefore qualify you? Must the entity that qualifies also to have been qualified? Who has qualified the qualifier and who has qualified him? How far back must the chain of qualification go?
There are some legitimate qualifiers. The state establishes laws and agencies to test if you can safely drive a car. If you prove you can via some testing the state will therefore issue you a driver's license. Your license is a certificate thereby signifying your qualification to operate an automobile on the public roadways.
A seminary can offer training to certify that you have learned certain skills like church administration and ancient languages.
What if you do not meet the expectations of the one who asks for qualifications? If you read an English version of the Bible can you understand it for yourself, or must you be qualified to understand it by a seminary professor or by a pastor or elder? Did not the Translators to English have the qualifications to properly render a good meaning in English? Who is judging the qualification of the translators?
Does not God have the power to place in your mind the meaning and intent he has for you in the way you understand the English? Does he expect you to know Hebrew and Greek? Does not God say he places his spirit in you as he said he would do? If he did that than he can speak to you personally, individually, directly. God does not ask you to produce a license or diploma or certificate before you can read or teach the Bible. I believe God is happy for you to share with others what you believe he has told you.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
ALL SINS ARE EQUAL
In Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus remarks about the miracles were done in Chorazin and Bethsaida and, yet they did not believe. Had the same miracles been done in cities which are known for their sinfulness, Tire, Sidon and Sodom, they would have repented. Jesus comments that Bethsaida and Co. will not receive reward because they ignored the miracles performed in them. As he walks, he says he reveals the father to the “children” whom he chooses.
A main point of the scripture is to show mercies were extended to a few amongst a people, though outwardly righteous, refused to repent and accept the Lord. This account is to stress that some sinners will repent whereas the self-righteous will not. Jesus chooses who he will be saved, and they are the ones that choose to walk with him.
The use of the city Sodom as in illustration (Gen 19) shows that God does not exclude the sodomite, the homosexual, from mercy and Salvation. Had the city repented it would not have been destroyed. That sodomy is a sin hateful to God is clearly defined by scripture - - the destruction of the city of Sodom being a good example. But we must remember sodomy is a sin among an array of sins. All unrepentant sinners: sodomites, adulterous, thieves, murderers, liars and thieves alike will be burn in hell's fire.
And God wants ALL sinners to repent and come as children - - to take his yoke upon them. The adulterer and sodomite and gossiper must control their tendency toward sin. For the not-yet-saved it is especially important to come “as they are”. In fact, they must be as children, at the most basic entry level. Jesus wants them that way. They should not be put off by the existence of “religious” people. Everyone has a starting point and a way to travel yet.
A main point of the scripture is to show mercies were extended to a few amongst a people, though outwardly righteous, refused to repent and accept the Lord. This account is to stress that some sinners will repent whereas the self-righteous will not. Jesus chooses who he will be saved, and they are the ones that choose to walk with him.
The use of the city Sodom as in illustration (Gen 19) shows that God does not exclude the sodomite, the homosexual, from mercy and Salvation. Had the city repented it would not have been destroyed. That sodomy is a sin hateful to God is clearly defined by scripture - - the destruction of the city of Sodom being a good example. But we must remember sodomy is a sin among an array of sins. All unrepentant sinners: sodomites, adulterous, thieves, murderers, liars and thieves alike will be burn in hell's fire.
And God wants ALL sinners to repent and come as children - - to take his yoke upon them. The adulterer and sodomite and gossiper must control their tendency toward sin. For the not-yet-saved it is especially important to come “as they are”. In fact, they must be as children, at the most basic entry level. Jesus wants them that way. They should not be put off by the existence of “religious” people. Everyone has a starting point and a way to travel yet.
Monday, June 17, 2019
BRINGING THEM OUTDOORS
Jesus speaking to his disciples in Mat 10:27 says: "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light". Maybe today when God speaks to you “in the dark” he refers to the Spirit speaking to you. Or, you think, is it only you getting an impression in your mind? You wonder, “is this God speaking to me, or is it just my own mind that is coming up with this?” Is it God “whispering in your ear” via a recollection of an idea you got out of private study of God's word?
In any case, it can help to make these things public. Sometimes others can help us know whether something is from God. Maybe someone can help us get a better understanding of what we heard. Maybe someone has a caution about what we heard and can back it up with a Scripture reference. Anything truly beneficial God tells us should be told to others
In any case, we know it must conform to God's word. We cannot change the meaning of God's commandments for our own convenience as did the Pharisees when they said, “It is corban [a gift to God] by whatsoever you may be profited by me.” Instead of giving a gift for the intent of making another’s life easier, they were using this act as a bribe to God to make themselves appear somehow pious.
What was happening with the disciples in private would indeed be made public. For example: the Last Supper, the Mount of transfiguration, the fishing scene of John 21, Peter's betrayal, the widow’s two mites. “There is nothing hidden that will not be made known” demonstrates that God is open and upfront.
In any case, it can help to make these things public. Sometimes others can help us know whether something is from God. Maybe someone can help us get a better understanding of what we heard. Maybe someone has a caution about what we heard and can back it up with a Scripture reference. Anything truly beneficial God tells us should be told to others
In any case, we know it must conform to God's word. We cannot change the meaning of God's commandments for our own convenience as did the Pharisees when they said, “It is corban [a gift to God] by whatsoever you may be profited by me.” Instead of giving a gift for the intent of making another’s life easier, they were using this act as a bribe to God to make themselves appear somehow pious.
What was happening with the disciples in private would indeed be made public. For example: the Last Supper, the Mount of transfiguration, the fishing scene of John 21, Peter's betrayal, the widow’s two mites. “There is nothing hidden that will not be made known” demonstrates that God is open and upfront.
Friday, June 14, 2019
DIFFICULTY WILL COME
In Matthew 10 Jesus is sending the disciples out and they are to do great works and preach “the Kingdom of God is near”. They are not too prepare themselves; either with things, or places to stay, or with weapons of self-defense. Their mission is noble and great, yet they will encounter persecution and rejection.
In the midst of this rejection they are to remember and hold on to what God has taught them. Certainly, if they are to hold on during prosecutions, jailing, beatings; then we can hold on during our short bouts of doubt or the oppression or uncertainty. God has told us there will be dark times and we are to hold on. We must remember: our hairs are numbered; we are worth more than many sparrows.
They were to go out, yet they would experience these hard things. God intended that the they should experience the hard things. It should not be a surprise to us when difficulty comes our way. We can only trust God will not allow us to be buried so deep in them that we despair there will never be any relief.
In times of trouble we can ask for advice and comfort from other Christians. The body of Christ is good place to seek counsel. But even with Christians we must be discerning of which people we seek, for some are so opinionated they cannot provide a balanced solution. Such people can sometimes be a part of the problem. You may feel so oppressed by their opinions that you cannot talk freely. You must seek a competent believer who listens and can add a good perspective to yours - - as long as both perspectives are formed on the word of God. You can know who has good advice if you read your Bible.
In the midst of this rejection they are to remember and hold on to what God has taught them. Certainly, if they are to hold on during prosecutions, jailing, beatings; then we can hold on during our short bouts of doubt or the oppression or uncertainty. God has told us there will be dark times and we are to hold on. We must remember: our hairs are numbered; we are worth more than many sparrows.
They were to go out, yet they would experience these hard things. God intended that the they should experience the hard things. It should not be a surprise to us when difficulty comes our way. We can only trust God will not allow us to be buried so deep in them that we despair there will never be any relief.
In times of trouble we can ask for advice and comfort from other Christians. The body of Christ is good place to seek counsel. But even with Christians we must be discerning of which people we seek, for some are so opinionated they cannot provide a balanced solution. Such people can sometimes be a part of the problem. You may feel so oppressed by their opinions that you cannot talk freely. You must seek a competent believer who listens and can add a good perspective to yours - - as long as both perspectives are formed on the word of God. You can know who has good advice if you read your Bible.
Monday, June 10, 2019
IN PLAIN SIGHT
Matthew 8:29
Two demon possessed men knew who Jesus was, but the others around Jesus did not. Jesus did things and explained things that plainly showed who he was. When he healed the paralytic, he did it for the purpose of showing them he had the authority to forgive sins. The Pharisees’ statement, “who but God can forgive sins” is true, so we can know Jesus is God. Jesus uses the term "Son of Man" which refers to the second person of the Trinity, the one who became flesh and dwelt among us – the one who can forgive sins.
They found it difficult to believe what was right in front of them, and we also find it difficult. Maybe knowing this – that it is difficult - will help us to get along during our own times. Others, after all, have had difficulties grasping the truth that was plain before them. Knowing this, we can work a little harder, try harder, be a little more patient, dig a little deeper, look more closely, balancing the concept of eternity with the present time. We can also know, and not be distressed, at the existence of others who do not, cannot, will not, believe what is set before them. That others will insist on their own version of who God is in the face of what God shows them should not keep us from being locked onto the truth.
Two demon possessed men knew who Jesus was, but the others around Jesus did not. Jesus did things and explained things that plainly showed who he was. When he healed the paralytic, he did it for the purpose of showing them he had the authority to forgive sins. The Pharisees’ statement, “who but God can forgive sins” is true, so we can know Jesus is God. Jesus uses the term "Son of Man" which refers to the second person of the Trinity, the one who became flesh and dwelt among us – the one who can forgive sins.
They found it difficult to believe what was right in front of them, and we also find it difficult. Maybe knowing this – that it is difficult - will help us to get along during our own times. Others, after all, have had difficulties grasping the truth that was plain before them. Knowing this, we can work a little harder, try harder, be a little more patient, dig a little deeper, look more closely, balancing the concept of eternity with the present time. We can also know, and not be distressed, at the existence of others who do not, cannot, will not, believe what is set before them. That others will insist on their own version of who God is in the face of what God shows them should not keep us from being locked onto the truth.
Friday, June 7, 2019
BEHIND THE LEADER
In the book of Matthew Jesus said, “follow me”. Jesus was the leader. Any time we see a leader we should also realize there is much involvement by those he leads to establish him as the leader. For example, as "the leader" he dined at Matthew’s house. While at Matthew’s house there must have been involvement of Matthew, his wife, his food, his servants, his table, his plates, etc. There would not have been a meal at Matthew’s house without a Matthew and the work and provision of the others.
We would prefer to take a back seat and let the leader do all the work. It is as if he were driving the car and we are the passengers. He does the driving, spending his gas and wearing out his tires. When Jesus is leading should it not be, he is like the foreman and we are like the ditch diggers? We should be getting sweaty, and sore. He tells us where, what direction, and how deep to dig from the ditch. We like to be ministered to but sometimes grudge the ministry tasks.
The centurion came to Jesus and was known for his great faith. This shows that gentiles have their place in the Kingdom of God. They will feast with Abraham and Jacob. Our place with God depends on our faith and commitment, not upon our people-group or status.
Someone said I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the son of man does not have any place to lay his head." Jesus did not have a hole or a nest to sleep in. Lesser created beings, like birds and foxes, have “homes”, dwellings; but not the son of man. We should not over-worry about our physical sustenance. There is a cost and a giving up of some physical elements that must occur when we follow Jesus.
We say, “I will follow you first “but”. You say you will, but you must disengage yourself from entanglement of the world. Do not worry over the tangled affairs the world makes for itself. There are some elements of the world expected of us by the world that we must disengage ourselves from when we follow Jesus.
We would prefer to take a back seat and let the leader do all the work. It is as if he were driving the car and we are the passengers. He does the driving, spending his gas and wearing out his tires. When Jesus is leading should it not be, he is like the foreman and we are like the ditch diggers? We should be getting sweaty, and sore. He tells us where, what direction, and how deep to dig from the ditch. We like to be ministered to but sometimes grudge the ministry tasks.
The centurion came to Jesus and was known for his great faith. This shows that gentiles have their place in the Kingdom of God. They will feast with Abraham and Jacob. Our place with God depends on our faith and commitment, not upon our people-group or status.
Someone said I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the son of man does not have any place to lay his head." Jesus did not have a hole or a nest to sleep in. Lesser created beings, like birds and foxes, have “homes”, dwellings; but not the son of man. We should not over-worry about our physical sustenance. There is a cost and a giving up of some physical elements that must occur when we follow Jesus.
We say, “I will follow you first “but”. You say you will, but you must disengage yourself from entanglement of the world. Do not worry over the tangled affairs the world makes for itself. There are some elements of the world expected of us by the world that we must disengage ourselves from when we follow Jesus.
Monday, June 3, 2019
DISCERNING PROPHETS
Speaking of the false prophets Jesus says “by their fruit you will recognize them.” Then he goes on to say that some that appear good will be rejected by him. Only the ones that do the will of the Father in heaven will be accepted.
If one has an experience, and the word says something that conflicts with the experience, which do we accept? The word of God, of course. But we know that some false prophets will have worked the same sort of miracles that Jesus worked, as in the casting out of demons. How is it then that we can tell them by their fruit?
If there is a person who we see casting out demons, or healing the sick, we must reserve our judgment about them until we can know more about the fruit of the rest of their life. Does not the warning “you will know if they are my prophets if what they say comes to pass” imply a wait-and-see attitude? When a foretold event comes to pass, then we will know the one who foretold it is a prophet. The warning “try the profits to see whether they be from God” and “by their fruits you shall know them” implies a waiting. We will wait, then we will judge the fruit, whether it is good or bad.
None of this suggests we go along with what is happening assuming it is good. If someone prophesizes we do not automatically assume it is from God. If someone is “slain in the spirit” we do not automatically assume God occupied them. We wait, we observe, we compare with what we already know about God. We compare with the word. We compare with those who we know from experience have good fruit. We compare with our own good fruit. We compare with the history (tradition) of men we have known to be good.
When we hear someone speaking what is supposed to be the word of God, or healing, or casting out demons, he is either a Daniel or a Balaam, a Jeremiah or a Hananiah. From our position and the situation at the time we will have to decide, or wait and see.
If one has an experience, and the word says something that conflicts with the experience, which do we accept? The word of God, of course. But we know that some false prophets will have worked the same sort of miracles that Jesus worked, as in the casting out of demons. How is it then that we can tell them by their fruit?
If there is a person who we see casting out demons, or healing the sick, we must reserve our judgment about them until we can know more about the fruit of the rest of their life. Does not the warning “you will know if they are my prophets if what they say comes to pass” imply a wait-and-see attitude? When a foretold event comes to pass, then we will know the one who foretold it is a prophet. The warning “try the profits to see whether they be from God” and “by their fruits you shall know them” implies a waiting. We will wait, then we will judge the fruit, whether it is good or bad.
None of this suggests we go along with what is happening assuming it is good. If someone prophesizes we do not automatically assume it is from God. If someone is “slain in the spirit” we do not automatically assume God occupied them. We wait, we observe, we compare with what we already know about God. We compare with the word. We compare with those who we know from experience have good fruit. We compare with our own good fruit. We compare with the history (tradition) of men we have known to be good.
When we hear someone speaking what is supposed to be the word of God, or healing, or casting out demons, he is either a Daniel or a Balaam, a Jeremiah or a Hananiah. From our position and the situation at the time we will have to decide, or wait and see.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
BUILDING A HOUSE
What proverbs 24 says about building a house:
- - We should know how all things work together for a house: how the house fits into God's Kingdom and how it will be used.
- - The site must be made fit or ready. Before we build the house, the site must be prepared; similar to clearing trees, providing drainage, leveling the foundation area, etc.
- - It is built by wisdom. We should know and appreciate what is important for every basic purpose and function of the house.
- - It is established by understanding. It is a place where we and others will live.
- - Its chambers are filled with knowledge. The rooms should ready for knowledge so the things acquired by knowledge will find their places in the rooms.
Whatever we think of a house (building) or a household (parents and family), the beginning, and most important aspects are: spiritual, mental, understanding, common knowledge, preparation.
How we live determines where we live.
- - We should know how all things work together for a house: how the house fits into God's Kingdom and how it will be used.
- - The site must be made fit or ready. Before we build the house, the site must be prepared; similar to clearing trees, providing drainage, leveling the foundation area, etc.
- - It is built by wisdom. We should know and appreciate what is important for every basic purpose and function of the house.
- - It is established by understanding. It is a place where we and others will live.
- - Its chambers are filled with knowledge. The rooms should ready for knowledge so the things acquired by knowledge will find their places in the rooms.
Whatever we think of a house (building) or a household (parents and family), the beginning, and most important aspects are: spiritual, mental, understanding, common knowledge, preparation.
How we live determines where we live.
Monday, May 27, 2019
THE WAY WE JUDGE
The way we judge others is the way that we will be judged. We are quick to judge others, never thinking of judging ourselves to see if fault maybe within us. We judge others knowing the barest of obvious facts. Sometimes our judgement is based upon nothing but suspicions originating only form our imaginations. We have no real evidence to on which to base our judgements. If we judge others from our own inward suspicions, how do we know the others are not judging us the same way? They will not form opinions based upon what we do, but upon feelings arising within themselves. We do not want them to do that, so we should not be that way.
God never does that.
God judges us, he knows even our most minor sins. Some of these sins we are not even aware of as being sin. Yet God is full of loving kindness and patience, he is long suffering. But there will be a day when his patience will end.
We are willing to correct others but will not try to correct ourselves. Before the Final Day comes let us use God’s help correcting our own errors.
God never does that.
God judges us, he knows even our most minor sins. Some of these sins we are not even aware of as being sin. Yet God is full of loving kindness and patience, he is long suffering. But there will be a day when his patience will end.
We are willing to correct others but will not try to correct ourselves. Before the Final Day comes let us use God’s help correcting our own errors.
Friday, May 24, 2019
FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE?
Jesus tells us to simply say “yes” and “no” rather than swear by oaths. In effect this means all our indications of intent should be as strong as if we were to put an oath to them. It is as if we were signing a contract.
Apparently, in the old days, something said did not take any real effect until the speaker put an oath to it. Did that mean you did not have to stand behind anything that you said without an oath?
James 1:6 says a wavering person “. . . is like a wave of the sea driven of the wind and tossed. . .” Waves develop because of the wind; they go where the wind goes. But one who does what God's word says goes where God's word directs: This direction may be against the waves. One driven by the wind is motivated, maybe even forced, from the outside. One driven by God is motivated from the inside. When we say yes or no today, we should intend that no one should ever doubt it.
Matthew 6:1-15: God not only cares about what we do “in secret” (what is done within our own person, that which cannot be seen by others) - he desires to be a part of it. He does not want us to keep unwanted things inside like sin and unforgiveness. Our personal activity is important to God. Our corporate activity (giving, going to church, how we work) is really governed by how we are inside.
Apparently, in the old days, something said did not take any real effect until the speaker put an oath to it. Did that mean you did not have to stand behind anything that you said without an oath?
James 1:6 says a wavering person “. . . is like a wave of the sea driven of the wind and tossed. . .” Waves develop because of the wind; they go where the wind goes. But one who does what God's word says goes where God's word directs: This direction may be against the waves. One driven by the wind is motivated, maybe even forced, from the outside. One driven by God is motivated from the inside. When we say yes or no today, we should intend that no one should ever doubt it.
Matthew 6:1-15: God not only cares about what we do “in secret” (what is done within our own person, that which cannot be seen by others) - he desires to be a part of it. He does not want us to keep unwanted things inside like sin and unforgiveness. Our personal activity is important to God. Our corporate activity (giving, going to church, how we work) is really governed by how we are inside.
Monday, May 20, 2019
FALSE JUDGES
Psalm 27:12 says, “for false witnesses have risen against me, an such as breathe out violence.” In the real world there are real people, accused and accusers, testifying before a judge. In these cases, real injustice is done. But inwardly these might represent elements of ourselves: the, the accused (us), accusers (false witnesses) and the judge (the decision renderer). Hence (in our imagination) the witnesses are presenting their case before a judge about us. Sometimes this whole judgmental system can be corrupt.
What if the “corrupt judge” is part of our inward selves? The part that is deciding what to do or think? Sometimes we sit a corrupt judge at the bench. What if these "false witnesses" are wicked forces trying to get us to think or to do bad things? The courtroom is our own mind and the verdict will be just or unjust according to what our inward judge decrees. The “false witnesses” are trying to move the judgment in their favor: “watch pornography”, “think that someone hates you (even though there is no evidence of it)”
We have set up false judicial systems that render the decisions we dictate and thus build up a violent society. The only hope is to be honest within ourselves, hire only upright lawyers, seek honest judges and put the false judges out on their ears.
What if the “corrupt judge” is part of our inward selves? The part that is deciding what to do or think? Sometimes we sit a corrupt judge at the bench. What if these "false witnesses" are wicked forces trying to get us to think or to do bad things? The courtroom is our own mind and the verdict will be just or unjust according to what our inward judge decrees. The “false witnesses” are trying to move the judgment in their favor: “watch pornography”, “think that someone hates you (even though there is no evidence of it)”
We have set up false judicial systems that render the decisions we dictate and thus build up a violent society. The only hope is to be honest within ourselves, hire only upright lawyers, seek honest judges and put the false judges out on their ears.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
THE FRIENDLY COMMANDER
The Lord does not need our help, but he does want our effort, company, attention, our requests, our dependence and presence. All these and more we do through reading, prayer, listening and being with people. I think of God as Jesus – the man with us, present with us. He is the one who said, “. . . you are my friends. . .”, “. . . a friend that sticks closer than a brother . . .” He wants to know what we need, what we want, what is troubling us.
Of course, he is also the one who created all, the one that sits on the throne, the one we bow down to. He is the severe but fair judge. We stand up at attention when he comes into the room. When he commands something, we do it. While we may question the purpose and timing, we do it.
He always appreciates thankfulness.
Of course, he is also the one who created all, the one that sits on the throne, the one we bow down to. He is the severe but fair judge. We stand up at attention when he comes into the room. When he commands something, we do it. While we may question the purpose and timing, we do it.
He always appreciates thankfulness.
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