Bee Paws' Place

Pizza

2019-06-26T15:30:00.001-04:00

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2014-12-10T15:29:00.001-05:00

We Lose Our Fathers Much Too Soon

2013-10-02T13:20:00.001-04:00

Fathers are our rock, our support, and is frequently the issuer of stern punishment. We may have grown up resenting our fathers. We may have grown up never acknowledging his support. We may have grown up fearing our fathers. We may have grown up feeling our fathers are absent from our lives. We may have grown up taking our fathers for granted. Most of all we may have grown up never really knowing how much they really mean to us and even more tragically, we never get the chance to really know him.

I offer this story. There is a tragic relationship between a father and his son. Growing up there were many arguments, hurtful words, and hard feelings between them. The basis of the tension is hard to nail down. Did the father resent the son because the father had to marry? Did he feel robbed of his youth, made to make a living? Did the father feel like an outsider; always ganged up on by his son and wife? Was he a little jealous of his son? Did the son resent his father for never trying to be close? Did the son feel his father didn’t understand him and didn’t even try? Did he feel his father would much rather hide in the basement workshop than to spend time with his family? Did the son hate the father and didn’t care to know his father.

Their lives took one unforeseen event that turned their relationship around; the sudden death of the mother. The son started to realize how such a short time we have with those we love. From that point on the son didn’t miss the opportunity to say “I love you” to his father and the father said “I love you” back to his son. I think both were sorry it had taken so long and it took a tragic turn of events to finally have a father and son relationship. They spoke almost daily on the phone (the 2 lived on opposite ends of the east coast). The father stayed with his son every summer. They never missed an opportunity to tell the other that he loved him. They had the next five years in a close father/son relationship. One evening, after a long phone call, the son thought his father sounded better and stronger than he had in the past. He sounded forty years younger to the son. They ended the call with their usual parting “love you, bye” (which sounded like one word loveyoubye). The next morning the son received the call his father had passed away during the night. The son was grief-stricken but was comforted in the knowledge that the rift between father and son had been mended.

Now the son finds himself as the father with a daughter that has pulled away from him. The distance was the result of a petty disagreement. She will not return any texts or emails from her father. The father has reached out time after time but the daughter ignores him. Will she put aside the disagreement? Will she return his texts and emails? Will she call her father? Will she make the call to her father? One would hope the father and daughter can reconnect before he is gone.

The time passes much quicker than we realize. We always think we have more time. We forget to make connections to our loved ones. Before we know it, time passes, loved ones die, and opportunities missed. Don’t put off telling one another how you feel about your family. Open lines of communication to mend whatever comes between you and your love ones or you may find out that time has passed and your loved ones are gone. Let bygones be bygones; make the call and surprise your love ones and yourself.

Many may think this story is not real life but is just a dramatic story to make a point and could never happen to me. It can without you even aware of it. You see, I am that son who repaired his relationship with his father and the father trying to patch up the relationship with his daughter.

Gay Marriage and the Church or Why Do You Care?

2013-07-13T11:48:00.000-04:00

Gay Marriage and the Church

Why Do You Care?

It has been a source of struggle for me to understand separation of church and state. The church, according to "separation of church and state" is not to be taxed, the state cannot regulate the church, and a bevy of other perks. In return, the church is separate from the state and cannot be involved in the state's business.

Ok, the state stays out of church and the church should stay out if the state's business. That is the deal; too bad the church doesn't live up to its end of the deal. The church actively campaigns their agenda. Most recently the issue of gay marriage. The state makes it legal so same sex partners can have the same marriage laws that the state affords to heterosexual couple enjoy.

How is it that the church keeps violating the "separation of church and state". How is it the church isn't taxed and regulated as restitution to the state? Gay couples aren't looking for any religious sanctions (although it would be nice) so why does the church care?

The word "love" is used in the King James Version of the Holy Bible 429 times; yet so many pious church goers love only when it favors them. To smite another because of who they are and who love is a; for He smite against God. We are His creation and He loves all of us and all He asks is to love Him and believe.

Matthew 22:39 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. No where does it say love your neighbor as long as they think like you.

Finally MATTHEW 7:1-5 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Crossway Bibles (2011-02-09). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Kindle Locations 37822-37828). Good News Publishers/Crossway Books. Kindle Edition.

Does the Qur'an Teach Violence?

2013-07-04T22:11:00.002-04:00

Does the Qur'an Teach Violence?

By Anonymous

Let me explain before I am accused of being a sympathizer, I am a non-denominational minister, and as such, I must not exclude but include them whether or not I practice. I do not follow or condone evil based religions like devil worshipers. Read the entire posting and draw your own conclusions.

Q: Does Islam really teach peace? I am a Christian and I do not hate Muslims, but I read in the Qur’an verses like, “And slay them wherever ye catch them..” (2:191) and “..But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks.” (4:89). How can a peaceful religion teach these things? How do you explain these verses? These quotations from your Holy Book do really make us very uneasy with your faith. I would appreciate your reply.

A: Thank you very much for your kind words that you do not hate Muslims. Hate is not good for any person. I want to assure you that we Muslims also do not hate non-Muslims, be they Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist or followers of any religion or no religion. Our religion does not allow killing any innocent person regardless of his or her religion. The life of all human beings is sacrosanct according to the teachings of the Qur’an and the guidance of our blessed Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him and upon all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.

The Qur’an says about the prohibition of murder:

وَلاَ تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

“..Take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.” (al-An’am 6:151)

and Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَلاَ تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ وَمَنْ قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِ سُلْطَانًا فَلاَ يُسْرِفْ فِي الْقَتْلِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنصُورًا

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)” (al-Isra’ 17:33)

According to the Qur’an, killing any person without a just cause is as big a sin as killing the whole humanity and saving the life of one person is as good deed as saving the whole humanity. (See al-Ma’idah 5:32)

However, your question is valid then how come the Qur’an says:

“kill them wherever you find them…”as it is mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah 2:191 and Surah al-Nisa’ 4:89. The answer is simple and that is you should read these verses in their textual and historical context. You should read the whole verse and it is better that you read few verses before and few after. Read the full text and see what is said:

وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلاَ تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ ثَقِفْتُمُوهُمْ وَأَخْرِجُوهُمْ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَخْرَجُوكُمْ وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنْ الْقَتْلِ وَلاَ تُقَاتِلُوهُمْ عِنْدَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ حَتَّى يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِيهِ فَإِنْ قَاتَلُوكُمْ فَاقْتُلُوهُمْ كَذَلِكَ جَزَاءُ الْكَافِرِينَ فَإِنْ انتَهَوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّى لاَ تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ لِلَّهِ فَإِنْ انتَهَوْا فَلاَ عُدْوَانَ إِلاَّ عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ الشَّهْرُ الْحَرَامُ بِالشَّهْرِ الْحَرَامِ وَالْحُرُمَاتُ قِصَاصٌ فَمَنْ اعْتَدَى عَلَيْكُمْ فَاعْتَدُوا عَلَيْهِ بِمِثْلِ مَا اعْتَدَى عَلَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.” (al-Baqarah 2:190-194)

For your second quotation also read the full text:

وَدُّوا لَوْ تَكْفُرُونَ كَمَا كَفَرُوا فَتَكُونُونَ سَوَاءً فَلاَ تَتَّخِذُوا مِنْهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ حَتَّى يُهَاجِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَخُذُوهُمْ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ وَجَدْتُمُوهُمْ وَلاَ تَتَّخِذُوا مِنْهُمْ وَلِيًّا وَلاَ نَصِيرًا إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ إِلَى قَوْمٍ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُمْ مِيثَاقٌ أَوْ جَاءُوكُمْ حَصِرَتْ صُدُورُهُمْ أَنْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ أَوْ يُقَاتِلُوا قَوْمَهُمْ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَسَلَّطَهُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ فَلَقَاتَلُوكُمْ فَإِنْ اعْتَزَلُوكُمْ فَلَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ وَأَلْقَوْا إِلَيْكُمْ السَّلَمَ فَمَا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ سَبِيلاً سَتَجِدُونَ آخَرِينَ يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يَأْمَنُوكُمْ وَيَأْمَنُوا قَوْمَهُمْ كُلَّ مَا رُدُّوا إِلَى الْفِتْنَةِ أُرْكِسُوا فِيهَا فَإِنْ لَمْ يَعْتَزِلُوكُمْ وَيُلْقُوا إِلَيْكُمْ السَّلَمَ وَيَكُفُّوا أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَخُذُوهُمْ وَاقْتُلُوهُمْ حَيْثُ ثَقِفْتُمُوهُمْ وَأُوْلَئِكُمْ جَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانًا مُبِينًا

“They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (Of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them. (Al-Nisa’ 4:89-91)

Now tell me honestly, do these verses give a free permission to kill anyone anywhere? These verses were revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allah Ta’ala Alaihi Wa Salam) at the time when Muslims were attacked by the non-Muslims of Makkah on a regular basis. They were frightening the Muslim community of Madinah. One may say using the contemporary jargon that there were constant terrorist attacks on Madinah and in this situation Muslims were given permission to fight back the “terrorist”. These verses are not a permission for “terrorism” but they are a warning against the “terrorists.” But even in these warnings you can see how much restraint and care is emphasized.

It is important that we study the religious texts in their proper context. When these texts are not read in their proper textual and historical contexts they are manipulated and distorted. It is true that some Muslims manipulate these verses for their own goals. But this is not only with Islamic texts, it is also true with the texts of other religions. I can quote dozens of verses from the Bible which seem very violent, if taken out from their historical context. These Biblical texts have been used by many violent Jewish and Christian groups. Crusaders used them against Muslims and Jews. Nazis used them against Jews. Recently Serbian Christians used them against Bosnian Muslims. Zionists are using them regularly against Palestinians.

Let me mention just a few verses from the Old Testament and New Testament and tell me what do you say about them:

“When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and stronger than you. And when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them. (Deutronomy 7:1-2)

“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. When the LORD your God gives it into your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword. Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you… Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes (Deutronomy 20:10-17)

Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately. But all the girls who have not known man intimately, sparefor yourselves. (Numbers 31:17-18)

Even in the New Testament we read the following statement attributed to Jesus saying to his disciples:

“I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence. (Luke 19:26-27)

Source: http://www.pakistanlink.com/religion/2001/1012.html

See this article on the concept of Just War in the Qur’an.

For more details about the concepts of “jihad,” “war,” and “peace” in the Qur’an, see Jihad in the Qur’an.

Reposting courteously from http://www.islamicwritings.org/Thank you.

For more of this post http://www.islamicwritings.org/quran/peace/does-the-quran-teach-violence/

Married For the Long Haul

2013-06-19T15:59:00.001-04:00

Married For the Long Haul

Before we get started let us pray:

Loving heavenly Father we come to you this hour asking for your blessing and help as we are gathered together. We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. Help us to work together and encourage each other to excellence. We ask that we would challenge each other to reach higher and farther to be the best we can be. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Today we attempt to answer the question if DIVORCE is ever acceptable to God. Is there ever a reason to divorce and what are the reasons?

v I was once married. In 1983 the secular courts divorced us. I never remarried because I had taken an oath to God that I would marry only once. I took my pledge to God seriously and did not consider myself as divorced in the eyes of the Lord but I do consider myself divorced in the eyes of man. God would have granted me to marry again because my wife has married another man, thus guilty of adultery.

Ø Matt 5:32; 19:9

Ø You can get a court to call you divorced, you can call yourself divorced, but in God’s eyes a couple is only truly “unbound” by two things: death or adultery. Consequently, if a “divorced” person gets remarried, the Bible calls that adultery.

v “Marriage is not a human invention, it is the creation of God; it did not originate in the mind of man, but in the mind of God. This being the case, man cannot change the definition or purpose of marriage to suit him. The redefinition of marriage is the negation of marriage.”

v Your wedding vows included some version of this pledge made to your partner and God: Minister: (First to the groom then to bride) “wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?” After which you all said “I do.”

v Soon after the ceremony, the pledge made to God is forgotten. What remains is the secular definition marriage and they are bound to, legality. There are more reasons people use to divorce than to stay together. Some of the reasons are bored, no longer in love, drifted apart, etc. In addition, the Bible’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, while encouraging marriage mates to stay together, allow for separation. Some, after trying very hard to preserve their marriage, feel they have no choice but to separate. What can be acceptable Scriptural grounds for such a step?

v One is willful nonsupport. When getting married, a husband assumes the responsibility of providing for his wife and children. The man who willfully fails to provide the material necessities of life “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) So separation is possible.

v Another is willful nonsupport, emphasis on willful. When getting married, a husband assumes the responsibility of providing for his wife and children. The man who willfully fails to provide the material necessities of life “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) So separation is possible.

v Another is extreme physical abuse. So then, if a mate physically abuses his wife, the victim may separate. (Galatians 5:19-21; Titus 1:7)

v Another ground for separation is the absolute endangerment of a believer’s spirituality, one’s relationship with God. When a mate’s opposition, perhaps including physical restraint, has made it impossible to pursue true worship and has imperiled the believer’s spirituality, then some believers have found it necessary to separate. Matthew 22:37; Acts 5:27-32.

v However, if divorce is pursued under such circumstances, one would not be free to enter a new marriage. According to the Bible, the only legitimate ground for divorce that permits remarriage is adultery or “fornication.” Matthew 5:32.

v The Bible allows only one reason for getting a divorce that frees a person to remarry, and that is fornication, gross sexual immorality). If fornication is committed (extra marital sex), then the innocent mate may decide whether to get a divorce or not. Matthew 5:32.

v After telling the Pharisees that the Mosaic concession of divorcing their wives was not the arrangement that had prevailed “from the beginning,” Jesus said: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another has committed adultery.”

v “It is clear that divorce is like a person cutting off an arm or leg because he has a splinter in it. Instead of dealing with whatever trouble arises between a husband and wife, divorce tries to solve the problem by destroying the union. On a deeper level, divorce destroys a union that God Himself has made. That is why Jesus said unequivocally, “What therefore God has joined together let no man separate” (Matt. 19: 6). The union of marriage is one which God, as its Creator, never desires to be broken. Divorce is a denial of His will and a destruction of His work.

Ø ‘To paraphrase (Jer. 16: 12; Luke. 12: 1; Rom. 12: 18; 14: 19; 1 Cor. 7: 12-16; Ephesians. 4: 3; 6: 4; 1; 1 Tim. 4: 12; Heb. 12: 25.

Ø It is not good for the children to have to live in a home with so much conflict, hatred, and disharmony’).

v Many divorcing Christians use these passages to justify that it is better for the children of an unhappy couple to divorce than to raise their children in the atmosphere of an unhappy marriage.

v “In hard, cold reality, a person rarely seeks divorce for the well-being of the children. What is distressing about this myth is not so much the fallacy of it as its blatant hypocrisy. If people were really concerned for the well-being of their children, I would think they would move heaven and earth to transcend their false dilemma and move in the direction of responsible parenthood. With the use of this myth as a justification for divorce, humankind exposes its capacity for calling good evil and evil good. Here an act of selfishness is painted or portrayed as a noble act of self-sacrifice for the good of the children.”

v “Marriage is not a mere civil thing, but is partly spiritual and divine, and therefore God alone has the power to appoint the beginning, the continuance, and the end thereof.”

v “In every marriage that ends in disaster, some stupid decisions were made with respect to God’s regulations. If God’s regulations were followed diligently, thoroughly, and extremely attentive to details, not only would there be no divorces; there would be no unhappy marriages. To violate the regulations of God is not only an exercise in disobedience but also an exercise in foolishness. If you want a happy marriage, the most intelligent thing you can do is to submit to God’s regulations. They are designed to promote and protect your full happiness.”

§ Luke 16: 18

Ø “For example, a man who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery. And anyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”

Ø I can’t stress this enough! Extra marital sex. Not irreconcilable differences, grew apart, no longer in love. These are not anything that God would view as reasons for divorce reasons.

Ø In many countries, divorce is not difficult to obtain, but in the eyes of a Christian, the marriage relationship is sacred. It is ended only for a very serious reason. (Matt. 19:9) Christian spouses can avail themselves of wise counsel from the Bible, support from fellow Christians, and a close, prayerful relationship with God. A successful marriage endures, and over the years, it brings happiness and contentment to husband and wife. More important, it brings honor to God, the Originator of marriage.

v One final thought: The marriage vows; you either already took or will take this vow in the future something similar:

I, [bride’s/groom’s name], take thee, [bride’s/groom’s name]to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto do I give thee my pledge.

v Don’t take these vows lightly. Be sure you can live up to your vows.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father as we come to the end of our time together we thank you for what has been accomplished here today. May the matters discussed serve as a catalyst to move us forward and cause us to advance and see growth in all areas of our lives. May we leave here recognizing You are the God of all wisdom and You are willing to lead us forward. This we pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen

God Bless

Random Thought

2013-06-19T15:13:00.003-04:00

Random Thoughts

The morning after pill? How about the night before restraint.

Language Murder:

It's Ask a question not Ax a question.
It's both not bof
Literally is used too frequently and incorrectly; literally

Road Rage

2013-06-19T14:56:00.000-04:00

Road Rage

A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that some adults with ADHD aren’t skilled at reining in their emotions. This means that you may have really poor impulse control and can quickly become angry, frustrated, and impatient because of minor delays or annoyances. If you frequently find yourself pounding the steering wheel or screaming at the driver in front of you, adult ADHD www.everydayhealth.com Instead of getting angry, you should learn to harness your rage and redirect it to prayer to avoid falling in the pitfalls of rage. If you are unfamiliar on how to compose your own prayer, say any prayer you know like the Lord’s Prayer, A prayer to Saint Michael, or even:

“Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I shall die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.” Amen.

This prayer is obviously a prayer that children recite at bedtime but it does make a connection to God. And, although this does not address your issues, it does open up a dialogue with God. The more you speak with God the better you will be at it and the better you get at it the more bountiful spirit you’ll have and the more bountiful your spirit you have the better your life will be. Don’t mix up a better life and monetary riches.

Prayer is the best suit of armor against all trials. Learn to identify the feelings of rage. Once identified when you start feeling angry, learn to focus that energy back to God and ask for deliverance from the rage. If you do, you will see how quickly the rage is eased and won’t escalate out of control. Prayer is the best suit of armor against the things that we all go through on a daily basis in our lives because it is not just asking for what we desire, but when we pray we obtain closeness with God that we wouldn't be otherwise able to obtain. When we pray and when we really believe in the things that we pray; we establish a rapport with God that symbolizes us giving away our weaknesses, and taking in his strength to cover where we may lack. It is much better to offer a pray to God then spout profanity at the world. The prayer doesn’t have to be filled with thee and thou, hath and hither as long as you offer up some heart-felt words to God.

A woman was out driving when she stalled at a red light. Hard though she tried, she was unable to restart the engine and soon a long line began to form. The male driver immediately behind her was particularly impatient, honking his horn continuously. Finally she got out, went up to the driver behind and said: "I can't seem to get my car started. Would you be a sweetheart and see if you can get it started for me? I'll stay here in your car and lean on your horn for you!"

A real story; 3 vehicles are traveling one behind the other on a two lane road, one lane for each direction. I will name these drivers as A, B, and C. A little back story; A lost his job today, B was notified his identity was stolen, and C had been thrown out of the house. The first 2 cars (A & B) are driving 5 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. Car C is in an obviously rushed mood. He drives right up to car B’s bumper, blaring on his horn, flashing his lights, and can be seen mouthing rants. Car A & B have no way to pull over, this country road has no turn outs. Passing the car in front is out of the question, the road has double lines. B can see that C is getting angrier at each second. Finally there is a place to pass both cars and C took it. As C was beside B, C flashes a hand gesture and screaming something at B. B said a little prayer as C swerved in an attempt to intimidate. C did the same to A as he tried to pass him. The classic hand gesture, profane words and swerves at A. Well now A was not going to take that so he sped up, returned the gesture, and screamed back. This went on until both cars rounded a corner and out of sight. I bet you can guess what happened….Think about it….you probably think that the cars A and C crashed into each other. Well you’re wrong…they hit a semi and both died… B could have bought in to the rage but he knows how to center himself with a deep breath and a prayer he recites to himself. Too bad that more people wouldn’t take a second and step back to cool off.

Statistics tell us that most all of us have been involved in an aggressive driving experience either as the victim or the aggressor at some point in our lives.

Aggressive driving and road rage is on the rise and according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety it is one, if not the top concern for many drivers today. AAA reported that, "at least 1,500 people a year are seriously injured or killed in senseless traffic disputes."

There are many more forms of rage, away from the road, that are just as dangerous. Rage is triggered when we are negatively challenged by the unknown, limited by ego, and striking out in fear. The perfect time to say a small prayer would be when we are faced with a challenge, it would still be good to pray when your ego starts to inflate, and it can still work when you are striking out in fear although you may have some mending to do if you wait this long. You may be saying to yourself, “Dang, I don’t have that much time to say a prayer every time someone throws something at me”. Prayers can be short and said internally. Let me show you one:

“Dear Lord, I do not pray for an easy life, I pray for the strength to endure the one you blessed me with. Amen”

Now I just said this in my head and it took only 3 seconds. As I was reciting this, I also took a deep breath.

We all have things in our lives that challenges us like,… having problems with a teen. We need to take a deep breath say a quick prayer and calmly guide your teen. Rage is not the way to guide the child, yet many parents lose sight and scream at their teen then wonder why the teen never listens. HINT: The louder you yell, the less they hear. A good prayer when you have more time (like 10 seconds) you can say this prayer:

Lord Jesus, there is anger in my heart and I cannot root it out.
I know that I should calm down and offer the hurt and disappointment to You
but my emotion is running away with me.
Help me to overcome this weakness and give me peace of heart as well as mind.
Let me learn from this experience and grow into a better human being. Amen.

And if you aren’t the kind of person who drops a prayer at all life’s challenges then I say to you, take a deep breath, hold, and let it out slowly while thinking about Jesus. This won’t make your teen behave, after all teens will be teens, but it will calm you down and make it is easier to parent the teen or whoever; calmly, thoughtfully, and free of ulcers. Try it…it will work. If you give in to the rage then the rage takes you over it.

Let me show you what I mean.

You leave the house, still fuming from the run in with your teen. Here is the good time to take a few seconds and recite a personal prayer. Don’t worry about a structured prayer as long as you take a beat and offer up your heart to God. But eh you decide to just head out for work. The teen gave you such angst; you didn’t set aside a couple of moments to say a little prayer for all that you have in your life and calm yourself.

On the drive in there seemed to be one slow-poke after another. You blew your horn and got more worked up with every “idiot” you saw. Work was no better. You had one “stupid” person after another. Now you can’t take a lunch break? Too much work to do and the boss wanted it like yesterday. The afternoon wasn’t any better and now you have to work late again. You already know there will be a big argument when you get home. Of course it seems like all the idiots you had to suffer on the way in to work were waiting for you to make your drive home as stressful as the drive in was. You pull in to your driveway and run over one of the kids’ new bike. Great, another scratch on your car. Those little brats need to be punished so they will never leave bikes in the driveway, again. Boy will they get it and you will be taking their allowance to pay to buff the scratches out of the finish. You come in the house ranting and raving, you forgot to say that little prayer first and detox. The spouse is yelling at you because you are late again and didn’t call. Your dinner is dried out and ruined. Now you are really worked up and still haven’t said a little prayer and a deep breath to let go of the stress. You walk in. The kids are hitting each other and screaming. You start yelling at the kids for fighting each other and for leaving their bike in the driveway. You make a move to slap the children but the spouse steps in and takes the hit. More screaming and yelling at everyone to everyone, you can’t understand why everyone is ganging up on you, after all shouldn’t everyone see the bad day you’ve had? You should be treated like royalty for everything you do except you are treated like the advancing enemy. In the fury of the moment you are thrown out of the house. Oh great, the universe is still against you. You throw some clothes into the car and scream out of the driveway. Still you haven’t gathered yourself in prayer and took a breath. Wouldn’t you know; you end up behind two slow-pokes. More stress!

Another example:

You have had a rough week. Nothing was done right. Everything you touch had to be done again. The office had been in a tizzy all week. The company was sold and the new owners were watching everyone. Just the extra tension you didn’t need but you keep telling yourself that they need you and your knowledge, even with all your mistakes. After all, you have worked there for 8 years. Your on-the-job experience is invaluable. Still you have stress because in the back of your mind you know that no one can ever be safe. The old owner had assured everyone that the new owners had to keep all the employees for 3 months at the least. The sale is official the next day. One of the new owners takes you aside and picks your brain for what may be the problems. He sounds and looks happy with you. You feel safe for now. Your stress level is still elevated so when one of the employees you supervise has a major screw up, you yell, rant, and rave. It was not good timing because another new owner was right behind you. You couldn’t read his face but it seemed he appreciated you direct approach and reprimanded the offender on the spot. But that was in the morning now it is a very late day PLUS a meeting with the new owners, hopefully your pay grade will go up enough to finally get that house you’ve been dreaming about. This would be the perfect way to let go of all the mounting stress. Without taking 4 seconds to say a little prayer, you walk in to the office. The new owners didn’t try to sugar coat it; they just said they weren’t going to pick up your contract. And to make matters worse, you were escorted off the property; how humiliating. You get to your car and realize you keys are on your desk. So you turn around and drag yourself back to the office but, security won’t let you in. You have to ask them to get your keys. They bring them back to you but they look at you as if you were a crook. Now you are fuming. Being treated like a criminal. Embarrassment has morphed into a strange type of oblivious rage. The type of rage that could have been erased had you took that time to pray. You get in your car and you are going to get back at everyone by not giving anything up on the way home. You look in your mirror and see two cars coming up behind you so; you drive 35 mph on a 45 mph road. There! You are not going to let them push you and have to stay behind you. Getting even did quiet the rage; in fact it focused your anger. The last car seems to be really peeved. He is blowing his horn and flashing his lights. “How do you like it now?” You are taking delight by bugging other people. It doesn’t quiet the rage you feel. The last car back is making a move. Hell, no! You are not going to let that blanket blank take the lead from you. You accelerate.

Now one final example, I’ll show you how a highly stressed individual remains peaceful simply by being grounded in prayer; and no he isn’t a “Bible Thumper”.

The day started out like any other day. Nothing unusual about it until he went to the ATM in the lobby of his office. The machine said me didn’t have any funds available. Strange, his paycheck should have been deposited and if it hasn’t he knew there was in excess of $1,000.00. He starts to get angry but instead he says a little prayer. “

Lord, you are Holy above all others, and all of the strength that I need is in your hands.”

Better. This must obviously be just a computer error. He would check again at lunch. The morning work day was unusually busy with more reports given to him to analyze and put into a graph. To top it all off, his phone was ringing constantly. There were several times he said a little prayer during the morning of stress.

“I am not asking, Lord, that you take this trial away. Instead, I simply ask that Your will be done in my life. Whatever that means, that is what I want.”

Each time he had the strength to cope. At last, it was lunch time. He had to stop again at the ATM and get some cash for lunch. What is this? Still insufficient funds! OK he has had it now! He has stormed back to his office to call his bank and give them hell. He gets back to his desk that now has 10 more reports in his IN box. He only was gone for a couple of minutes. Now the bank is going to hear it. Before he picks up the phone, he takes a deep breath then recites to himself the “Serenity Prayer”:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

There now, much better. He is cool, calm, and collected. He is now ready to work with the bank to solve this problem with his account. He calls his bank and they tell him that he had booked a flight to Hamburg Germany, bought $2700.00 in an online woman’s clothing store and $600.00 set of matching suitcases from one of those TV stores; and this was all since 3:00 am this morning. Before that, his account had been drained. It would appear that his identity had been stolen. This was confirmed when he called his credit cards. They are all maxed out and someone had even applied for several other cards. Well there is a mountain of calls, forms to report his identity stolen, supply these police forms to the banks, cancel all credit cards that were his and cancel the other cards that he didn’t apply for and file a copy of the police report to prove he has reported this to the police. What a way to spend a lunch time and beyond. His afternoon was surely going to be long and fraught with trying moments. More than once he has taken a deep breath and say a quiet prayer:

“Keep me from sinning during this trial. Instead, help me to keep my eyes on you. You are the Holy Lord, and all of my hope rests in you.”

The calls and police reports have taken most of the afternoon and it won’t end at this point, it will take years to straighten this out. His office is closing but he has to stay after to catch up the files he couldn’t get to. Another deep breath, and a prayer and he dove right in. A couple of times he had to say a prayer to keep him safe in God’s warmth. Finally he is now on his way home. He notices his gas tank is running low. Great the new bank accounts won’t be set up until they get the police records in hand. The rage at the string of hard issues he has had to deal with is about to boil over. Another prayer to God;

“Sometimes I feel like I can’t go on. The pain and the fear are too much for me, and I know that I don’t have the strength on my own to get through this. Please, Lord, give me the strength. ”

With his mind clear he remembers he throws his loose change into the ashtray. He has $4.00 in quarters and 3 dimes, 1 nickel, and 2 pennies in his car. Well that will have to do. He puts $4.27 of gas in his tank. A deep breath and he is on his way. He filed in behind a guy doing 35 in a 40 mph zone. He didn’t care if it took a little longer to get home. Driving had always had a calming effect. Shortly a car appears and is right up on his bumper, blowing his horn and flashing his lights. What’s up with this other guy? Can’t he see that he is behind the car that is doing 35mph? There is no place to turn out. What is this guy’s problem? OOPS, feeling angry, another deep breath and the other guy no longer gets under his skin. He remembers that just ahead there is a stretch of road that affords a great chance for him to pass. He takes another long breath then a sigh. The drive seems to be melting away the trials of his day. At long last they are now on the stretch of road that allows one car to pass another. Our driver slows a bit so the angry guy behind can pass him easier. The angry guy was in no hurry to pass. The angry man lingered beside him and offer up a hand gesture and yelling something at him. He is unfazed because he has put his day into proper prospection. The other guy has passed but it looks as if the guy in front is speeding up. Now it seems that they are yelling at each other and exchanging the same hand gestures. Our guy decides to fall even further back. The two cars ahead have rounded a slight corner and out of sight. We find ourselves now at the end of our first story about car A, car B, and car C that ended with A and C crashing into a semi, all because they were unable to release their rage. The calm man was able to manage his stress so much better and probably saved his life. Stress can be very difficult for us to manage on our own. One of the things we can do to manage stress is to say a simple prayer to ask God to help us get through those times when parents, friends, exams, and more are making us stressed out. The prayer doesn’t need to be flowery and complicated. The prayers said by our calm man were simple and direct.

Not all rages end up in cars. Sadly rage ends up on the road that is life. It can end up in the one place you should be free of rage, at home. Carried out by those who should protect you, hated by those who should love you, resented by those who should lift you up, and beaten down by those who should encourage you. Domestic violence is on the rise in America with no clear answers how to stop the violence. If it were only as easy as to say a quick prayer so you wouldn’t beat the wife or a deep breath and a thought of God to keep from throwing the baby to the floor. Since there is no way to make the offender aware of the offence before they hurt their intended. We often wonder why the hurt ones don’t just leave. In most cases they can’t; no money, feeling worthless, feeling embarrassed, and telling themselves he/she will change.

Rage in the workplace is not uncommon. We all have heard the phrase “going postal”. Imagine you are at your desk, busy with the day when you hear gunshots and screaming. A former employee, feeling wronged, decides to get even with the bosses and takes revenge on their former work-mates. Just another lead story for the evening news.

Rage even has found its way in to the halls of learning. Shots ring out during classes and focus on killing innocent children. One of the places we should feel safe leaving our children and the rage of another can shatter our trust. Seldom is their focus on schools known but the results are horrifyingly clear.

We are not free from the rage of others when we are a night out enjoying a movie, participating in road races, or studying in the open air mall of a college campus. What is going on with the world that rage finds us everywhere and on an ever increasing frequency? What is the cause and why do I include this in a piece about “Road Rage”? Like the song says, “Life Is a Highway”.

It certainly seems to me that the further humanity wanders away from God, the closer evil comes to fill the void. We need to go out in to the world and turn up the lamp of God. We don’t have to go door to door handing out Bible Tracks (although couldn’t hurt). We need to live by example. The light in our eyes can light a flame in others. Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

A man was being tailgated by a woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her, in handcuffs, to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' window sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.

Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

Road Rage top 10

Number 10. Using your bad driving as a crutch

Number 9. Don’t anger your dentist

Number 8. Damaging the bottom of his car, that will show him

Number 7. We pride ourselves on our speedy deliveries….in your face

Number 6. I just can’t let you go!

Number 5. Sure they make you late for work, but do you need to attack their genitalia?

Number 4. Shoving matches end in running overage

Number 3. Cop pulls you over;… you pull over… on his car

Number 2. The only good thing about NASCAR

And number 1.…. Amish road rage

From Newser – An 11-year-old is suing her father after he was shot in a road-rage clash—while she was in the car. At issue: Dad gave another man the finger after the man cut him off while driving. That “escalated the situation” and ultimately led to the four shots being fired at the vehicle, says the daughter’s lawyer. “He cannot provoke other drivers, especially when he has his kid in the car.” The incident left the dad with brain damage and a large scar; the daughter was physically unhurt, but she hasn’t been the same since, says her mother.

The once-outgoing girl “went into a shell,” her mother tells ABC News. The man who fired the gun—a schizophrenic ex-Marine—isn’t named in the suit at all, and the dad’s lawyer says his daughter is targeting the wrong guy. The shooter “is the proximate cause of her alleged emotional distress, not her own father,” the lawyer says. The lawsuit doesn’t accuse the dad of bad driving or parenting, however. Instead, aims at his insurance company, calling on the firm to cover the daughter’s therapy costs.

Thank you, Lord, for being there for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need.

It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say.

God, there are things happening around me right now that I do not understand. Some of these things make me feel weak, helpless and afraid.

Even in the midst of this, I know that you are the Lord.

I know that the situation is in Your hand, and I trust You. I beseech you for strength and for wisdom that I would be able to endure this situation and be able to handle it in a way that would bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus name. Amen.

The Holy Spirit, Fact or Fiction

2013-06-19T08:00:00.006-04:00

The Holy Spirit, Fact or Fiction

The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit….We all have a pretty good understanding of the Father and of the Son but we hardly know anything about the Holy Spirit. Many people are confused about and believe He is nothing but an unseen force, certainly not a person. I offer up the four following passages in the hopes they will clarify Him for you.

Matt. 28: 18-20

18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mat. 12: 28-29

28But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.

Luke 4:18-19

18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

Gen. 6:3.

God tells Noah: "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years." Here the work of the Spirit passes from the form of omnipotence to one of pleading or striving. The Spirit no more impresses his will upon the material universe, but expresses (rolls it out) to a rational creature. By the preaching of the faithful Noah the Spirit plead with the antediluvians to do right and escape the destruction that was coming upon a corrupt and wicked world. From this time onward the Spirit comes on men in various ways, qualifying them with supernatural power for the performance of special duties.

So, can you answer the question “Is the Holy Spirit a force or a tangible entity?” What, no? I guess we’ll have to look further. Christianity is differentiated from all the other religions by the fact that it offers its followers a spiritual dynamic in living up to its precepts. That dynamic is the Holy Spirit, that sets the word of God on fire, warms the church from coldness to enthusiasm, and strengthens the Christian with a power not his own in the great battle between the flesh and the spirit.

Not only is the Holy Spirit God, the Spirit is a full person of the Trinity. What is meant by that? The Spirit is an “I”, able to take action and cause action. The Spirit is able to be a “we” with other “I's”. The Spirit can be addressed as “you” by other “I's”, and can respond as an “I”. Thus, when we say, "Come, Holy Spirit", the Spirit can come, not as if on command, but as promised.

Still confused? So am I. Let’s try this: What did Jesus, the Son of God, say about Him? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has been given all authority in matters of salvation, Christianity and religion (Matt. 28: 18). In view of that fact it is very appropriate, even essential, that He be heard with reference to the subject of the third person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 12: 31: 10 Jesus Warned That Blasphemy against The Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven to men "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men"

The Holy Spirit is not a “force” or energy or an “it,” but He’s a person. How do we know? The Bible gives us a clear picture of who He is: He’s intelligent and has an intellect. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 says, “No one knows the mind of God except the Spirit of God who searches all things.” He has feelings. Just like when someone does something that causes us sadness and grief, so we also produce a similar emotional response in the Holy Spirit when we hurt others or reject Him. Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” He has a will. In 1 Cor. 12:11, the Apostle Paul describes the Holy Spirit as someone who wills, or determines, how He distributes certain spiritual gifts to the church. The Holy Spirit has the attributes of God. He is all-powerful, all present, and all-knowing. He has the very mind of Christ. He is truth. The Holy Spirit is God because He is co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. (1 John 5) In I Corinthians 3:17 the word “Lord” is used to reference Yahweh. It says, “The Lord is the Spirit.” So the Holy Spirit is a person and He is God.

What have we learned? The Holy Spirit is both an invisible force and a tangible being? There are some that will be in the tangible being, those who will be in the force corner, another group that believes the Holy Spirit is both, and the final corner will be those who just don’t know. I guess we just have to wait until we are called to our heavenly home to get the answer to this duality of the Holy Ghost. As Yoda said “May the force be with you.” Ok a little cheeky, I know.

GOD LOVES YOU!

GOD CARES ABOUT YOU!

Bible Study (a quick test)

2013-06-19T07:53:00.004-04:00

Bible Study

Not very hard. Test your knowledge.

1.Who spent three days and three nights inside a big fish?

a)Amos
b)Azariah
c)Jonah

2.Who was his mother's favorite son that tricked his dad into giving him what belonged to his brother?

a)Jacob
b)Joseph
c)Shadrach

3.Who was the leader of Israel after Moses died?
a)Aaron.
b)Joshua
c)Simeon

4.Name the judge of Israel that was a woman.

a)Deborah
b)Mary
c)Oprah

5.Who lived to be 969 years old
a)Melchizedek
b)Methuselah
c)Noah

6.Whose name means "mother of all living"?
a)Eve
b)Lilith
c)Mary

7.Who didn't want to listen to God, so God made him listen to Him through a donkey's mouth?
a)Balaam
b)Benjamin
c)Samson

8.Who was the mother of Mahlon and Kilion and Ruth's mother-in-law?
a)Naomi
b)Rachel
c)Sarah

9.Who was the first king of Israel?
a)David
b)Ezekiel
c)Saul

10.Who was called "a friend of God"?
a)Abraham
b)Adam
c)Laban

1. C-Jonah

2. A-Jacob

3. C-Joshua

4. A-Deborah

5. B-Methuselah

6. A-Eve

7. B-Balaam

8. A-Naomi

9. C-Saul

10. A-Abraham

Wisdom

2013-06-19T07:49:00.000-04:00

Wisdom

James 3: 17 NLT

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

We all believe we are wise but the truth is we are not as wise as we think we are. We are not as willing to yield to those who are different as we should. I could dispel your wisdom proclamation but you wouldn’t agree with me. I will, instead, offer this “Wisdom Self-Test”. Please be honest, no one else need to know your results.

1. Should gay persons marry?

2. Should Muslim immigrants to America forget their religion of Islam and be American with our Christian beliefs?

3. Is Scientology a legitimate religion?

4. Should women be able to choose abortion?

5. Should couples be able to cohabitate?

To score the 5 question above, simply refer to James 3: 17 NLT. How did you do? Did you hold your answers to James 3:17? Did they reflect the wisdom of James 3:17? Are you at least loving, gentle, and willing to yield to others? Were your answers full of mercy and good deeds? Did you show no favoritism and always sincere. Now I do not profess to be wiser than anyone else, I leave that to Jesus. If nothing else, the test should be provoking. Even though we don’t agree with everyone and everything, we should remember that we are not their judge and jury. We don’t have to like it but be full of mercy. God will judge each of us in turn, we should not. We should not deny others’ their right

to enjoy the very same ones we enjoy. We do not know what is in their heart so we are commanded by God to allowing them peace, love, and to be gentle at all times. To deny someone in the name of God is to be denied the wisdom of God.

Psalm 25: 5 ESV

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Do you know His truth? His truth on all things? Are you willing to wager your salvation under the perceived knowledge that you know all God’s plans? Would it be wise to second guess God? As a Christian, we are appointed as good stewards of Christ. And so being, we need to witness with humility, teach by learning, and love by loving all.

“The greatest test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it produces an increasing humility in us. In man, humility is the one thing needed to allow God's holiness to dwell in him and shine through him. The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is lack of humility. The holiest will be the humblest.”-Andrew Murray

Proverbs 4: 5-7 NASB

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Job 12: 12 NIV

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

Job 28: 28 NASB

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’”

Psalm 111: 10 NASB

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

Proverbs 1: 7 ESV

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 3: 7 ESV

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Only Christians Go to Heaven?

2013-06-19T07:40:00.000-04:00

Only Christians Go to Heaven?

Please read all the way through

“Only Christians Go to Heaven.” I’ve pondered, at times, why God’s love and rewards are so exclusive. We all have heard this when listening to sermons, when witnessing, and in Bible passages like:

Mark 16: 16 ESV

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 1: 16-17 NLT

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes— the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

What about the tribes in the rain forest who have never seen any outsiders? Are they condemned to the pits of Hell, because they were born in the Amazon? What about those who were born in a country that has other God(s)? Hell will be full of Taoist, Hindi, Buddhists, Islamists, and, well you get the idea. The conception that a loving God would condemn the majority of his creations to the “Pits of Damnation” just because they were born at a time and place where they were never exposed to the Christian mantra just didn’t make sense at all. I had to stifle those thoughts and focus on His messages of unconditional love.

Luke 11: 28 NLT

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

The questions were never really quiet and returned every now and then. What about those who believe in a forest god, a sun god, or a hippo god named Tawaret? I struggled again to understand the word of God and those without the good fortune to be born to a Christian society. I brought my struggle with me to church one Sunday morning. The answer I got from my Pastor was: “That would be the missionaries’ job to covert those who didn’t know the Grace of God.” I accepted that explanation, but not completely. Then one day, even though I knew it, I read Genesis 11: 1-8 and stumbled on the answer to my question.

Genesis 11: KJV

¹And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. ²And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. ³And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. ⁴And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. ⁵And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. ⁶And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. ⁷Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. ⁸So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

Wham! The answer was right there. God gave the masses different languages and sent them off into different lands. If God scrambled the languages, might he also have scrambled His massage and give some of the truth to one group and other groups received other bits of the religion. At the center of each piece given was the truth. The truths are to believe, to honor, and be true and be diligent to be devoted to their god(s). The answer to why the masses from the time of Babel to present have different beliefs as Christians and just as devoted to their god(s). Everyone received pieces and different versions of God’s words but all received His love. They need only devote themselves to their convictions. God is God no matter which piece of His words were received. They only need to believe and love. They need be true to their beliefs, their god(s), and be good stewards of their religion. This hypothesis studied with the passages of the Tower of Babel would add another layer to the disbursement of the people to different lands and different languages.

It was so simple and it was in front of me all the time. I needed just to connect that ancient tower and those who have never been exposed to the ancient Hebrews God or, later, the Christ’s passion. Oh no! How could my hypothesis on Babel explain all peoples, even the remote Amazonians, have the same and equal path to heaven? Could it be that not all His children are exposed to God’s witness and thus be condemned? How is it that my Lord is an elitist? How could He allow so many people from all the ages and all the locations unworthy to receive His message? How could my loving God play such a cruel prank on those without contact with His love? All these questions, I had to remove from my attention because such questioning or my walk with Him should falter. I had to let go and return it to God’s hands. It is just that type of question Satan uses to fracture your faith. Let go of such doubts, they are only trappings from Satan. Stay true to your path to God and host nothing that may divert you from His Kingdom. Maintain the straight and narrow way.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Amen

Where We Shepherd

2013-06-19T07:34:00.004-04:00

Where We Shepherd

The dictionary defines shepherd or sheepherder, is a person who tends, feeds, or guards flocks of sheep.

Matthew 18:12-14

12 What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won't he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? 13 And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. 14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

It is all well and good to shepherd the flock gathered in the church, but shouldn’t we reach out and find the lost. Whether Christians who have not kept up with God’s words, someone who is down and out, or anyone else who is lost; we see them every day but we fail to make an effort to lead them back to the fold. Sometimes all we need to do is offer a warm smile and coffee.

I am reminded of the NYPD, who was on counterterrorism duty in Times Square, and saw an older homeless man without shoes sitting on 42nd Street. It was freezing out, and you could see the blisters on the man's feet. The officer left and then returned with a pair of $100 boots he bought at a nearby Skechers store. He didn’t do it for notoriety, he simply said: “'I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you.”

What a selfless thing to do. We need to take a lesson from that officer. I am not implying that you go out and buy boots for everyone, but get a cup of coffee to one who is cold. Give a homeless man a ride to the nearest shelter. Bring nonperishables to your local pantry. Where it is practical, witness to ones that need and want it.

1 Peter 5: 5 NIV In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Change

2013-06-19T03:11:00.000-04:00

Change

For most of my life I have been ridiculed, laughed at, pranked, and yes, beaten. Bullies loomed large in my young life. I would tell my mother and was told to “change. There is something they don’t like about you. It must be your fault they bully, just walk away from them. Learn to defend yourself and all bullies are just cowards.” This was not what I was looking for; adding insult to injury. I already knew I should not defend myself and I had been walking away. If I defended myself, it only added more bullies to the mix; walking away only incited more bullying. I prayed I would change.

I remember my middle school years. We had to line up to go out for recess and form another line to go back inside. The teasing didn’t stop, even there; under the gazes of the teachers. During warmer days the bullies would jostle for a position behind me. One might think they liked me and wanted to be close. What you don’t know is they would tweak my ears until they were red and sore. For all those who unfamiliar with the act of tweaking ears, form a circle with your thumb and index finger and flick your finger like you were flicking a bug off yourself. Now substitute the bug with the back of the ear of the person in front of you. That would be done so frequently that my ears would be red all day long. The colder weather didn’t help either. The kids still swapped places in line so more could be behind me and steal my hat, tweak my ears, and laugh with glee for they were delighted with themselves. I told the teachers and all they would say was “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”. No help, no help at all. One winter my grandmother thought she had a solution to the hat stealing, she crocheted a long chain on the top of my hat and put a pom-pom at the end. I threaded the pom-pom through a button hole. I had hoped that would deter the hat stealing but all it did was give them something else to do. They pulled the pom-pom apart then stole my hat. I always got my hats back after the teacher retrieved it and would tell me to hold onto my hat and stop being disruptive. I was not a victim in their eyes. The teacher saw me as the instigator because I allowed myself to be bullied. The bullies would laugh all the louder. Back then bullying was not seen as it is now. It was seen as a joke and not damage to a child’s self-image. I prayed I could change.

Junior high was no better, just more intense. We were no longer herded in to a line so they fought for a desk behind and beside me. Oh how I hate being “popular” in that way. The ear tweaking remained but they added vocal and physical abuse. The teachers here were of no better help than before. There was an added abuse; it came from my gym teacher. I have a slight anomaly with my back. I can only bend at the hip where legs meet the hip, I can’t bend my back at all. Touching my toes was never a possibility. My gym teacher saw that I wasn’t bending enough to reach my toes so he came over to my , grabbed the back of my neck and tried to force me down to touch my toes. I crumpled to the gym floor. He made some derogatory remark and walked away. After that he treated me worse than he did any other student. The bullies took notice of his behavior and intensified the taunting. The bullying was no longer only my class mates but some of the teachers have now jumped in. I was told they did it to “toughen me up”. I prayed I could change.

I told myself that high school years have to be better! Oh God was I ever wrong. I figured the bullies would have matured and taunts would stop, NOT! One of the worse classes I had to put up with the bullying was biology class. I thought by picking a desk in the very back and on the outside corner would be safer. I figured no one can sit behind me or to my left. The bullies made good use of the desk in front and to my right. One day they kept hounding me with one question after another. These weren’t questions because they wanted to know the answer to; they were designed to embarrass me. One question that sticks out in my mind is: “Do you know what a Kotex is?” They asked me that question day after day. I was not naïve, I was aware what they were, I just didn’t know what the name was. Finally I asked my mother what it is and she said: “a sanitary napkin”. Not really understanding her response, I went back to school, armed with a definition but not prepared. I still really didn’t know what it was. The bell rang, off to biology class through a hall full of taunts. I make my way to my desk and 2 bullies sat in their desks and started in. They thought it funny to mispronounce my name, Peter. They would say “poin-tah” and laugh and try to make up some other mispronunciations. Then they taunted me with the question again: “Do you know what a Kotex is?” I responded: When you were born, you were wrapped up in one.” Once I knew exactly what the name was, the answer took on a different prolific light. I had answered under the assumption that they would want babies wrapped up in something without germs - sanitary. Now I know just how satirical that answer was. I didn’t even bother reporting the bullying to teachers anymore; they have demonstrated a lack of concern. Finally, graduation came and the school bulling is over. I still prayed I could change.

For the most part the buying was over, for a while. College was great. I made several good friends and had good times with them (Oh, and a little studying too). I worked and was made a manager of my own store. Life was good and then I met my wife. We were happy at the start and had even belonged to a church. I started the process of joining a pastor but that never happened. Having children, one behind the other, took its toll on a home alone mother. We divorced after 3 years of marriage. The pastor suggested I no continue to my goal as pastor. He was afraid that I may be under too much stress and should wait a while until my head cleared and could make a heartfelt decision. I wandered away from organized religion for the next few years. After the divorce I finally acknowledged who I really am. I am a gay male; surprise, surprise, surprise! I guess, on some level I knew I was gay from before I can remember. I had no one to talk to and dismissed these feelings as just a phase and Ill grow out of it. When I did not grow out of it, I would have sex with a close friend who was wrestling with the same feelings. Before we had sex and after we would be the biggest homo-phobes around. I guess we were over compensating. Oh, I had sexual relations with a man or two before and while I was married. I would always wonder why I am doing this and after the act I would beat myself up for having sex with a man. The divorce “outed” me to my family. Everyone said this is just a phase and I would grow out of but getting married didn’t remove gay feelings. I wrestled with gay feelings. I even used my religious training. I had prayed and prayed though out the years to change now I just gave up. I prayed to Jesus and God saying this I cross I bear is too much for me, I give it all up to you.

Years pass and I’m still gay. I prayed for years for God to change me and God said (or maybe I finally heard) “I see nothing to change”. And it all was so clear (a little less foggy) God made me who I am and God doesn’t make mistakes. Finally, someone who doesn’t want me to change and loves me like a father loves a son. As I aged sex seems less and less important to the point I am now, celibate for years. I really have little interest in gay sex and I have really never any real interest in straight sex, I did it to try to fit in and maybe get through this “phase. I am so happy God knows I am perfect just the way I am. No need to pray for change.

Now present day. I wanted to continue with my calling my Lord had made and finally become a pastor. I stumbled across an organization that seemed to be above board and Christ driven. So I was surprised to find out they are a so-called Christian group that subscribes to only portion of doctrine that suits them to the exclusion of others. A group that passes judgment on other religions because of the acts of a few extremists that terrorizes others in the name of their god. They don’t follow the doctrine: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:1”, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. Matthew 7:2”, “Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Matthew 7:5”, “But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him. Matthew 12:14”

I can’t say that I was not upset; I was for a minute or two. I prayed for them that their hearts may be healed and their eyes see the measure of a man and not what is different; for we are all children of God and if one hates the child, does it not reflect back on to the father?. I prayed that their hearts be filled with love and joy to push out the hate and fear. For Jesus taught: “But go ye and learn what [this] meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

God Bless

THE FAITHFUL BEWARE or They only want your money

2013-06-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

The Faithful BEWARE

or

They only want your money

I recently had the extremely eye opening and wallet draining experience becoming a minister in one of those online ordination sites. I was asked to officiate at my daughter's wedding and perform a ceremony at death for another person, I was warned by my daughter that if they charge, they are most likely a fraud designed to bleed you dry in the name of religion. I found one that lists "Some folks want to get ordained to be just wedding ministers and that is totally acceptable". (I found out later that was not exactly true. Soon after joining there was a newsletter sent out saying that if you were not being an active minister, performing a minister's duty then they should quit.) Even though I did research I was still unprepared for the bank-draining slippery slope. I should have realized the scam when the "leader" made sure I stayed away from the other organizations with similar names to their organization. I was told those others were not "real" religions and if I should associate at all with them I would be "terminated." It set me aback; terminated? I was not an employee but a nondenominational independent minister. I let that slip by unchallenged. Maybe it was thought I wouldn't understand any other description of why I shouldn't associate with them. That was warning sign # 1. Don't compare EVER! You may find out the scam

The first charge was for my ordination packet. The ordination was free but I had to purchase the "Required To Purchase Their Ministerial Credentials. Credentials of Ministry Are Required By Law. " OK, there is a charge but hey, they are supposedly a not for profit organization and the printing and filing and mailing should be covered by me. I should have known that, holding my ordination hostage and worthless until paying for the "required documentation", was warning sign # 2. Pay or not official

I received my documents after paying for them and HEY! A free Doctorate of Divinity. Say What?! Why do so many attend Christian colleges and invest so much money and time when they can get it for free and then can use the prefix Dr. and suffix D.D.? I was thrilled that a life long calling to Christ was finally coming true. I had no real plans for anything beside performing a wedding or two but, back to previously mentioned newsletter, it was expected that I do more than just the occasional wedding. Warning #3. Pressured to do something that was not as first advertised

OK, that is 3 warnings I passed by but I did have a calling so, I decided to start a "The Digital Ministry" church. I am on some medications that can affect my memory if I don't write it down or need reminding. I started a website to minister through blogs and video sermons. In addition, I listed information on weddings, funerals, etc. on the website. I even lined up a fund raising campaign. The only thing I had active was the blog. The fund raising and video sermons had to wait. I was waiting for the ability to purchase (I know more $) my bishop certificate and my church charter. These were needed to be an official church. $10.00 to become a bishop and $50.00 for the church charter. Warning # 4. Money buys anything these days

On what I had to buy, there seemed to be an extremely expensive mailing costs that I was charged. It was explained to me as "In accord with our phone conversation, order totals cannot exceed 25 items, the system only calculates shipping of $9.95 for the first item ordered and $4.95 for each additional item ordered up to 25." There has to be a more cost effective way to send these out. I did email the "leader" once because I wasn't sure if I had received all items. The tracking numbers didn't include items associated with it. To add to the confusion on my part, items showed up in separate mailings. One conversation with the "leader" and all items were verified as received. Little did I know that a few weeks after, this was thrown back in my face and implied I was trying to pull something over on them. Warning #5. Vengeance is mine sayeth the "leader"

I had been asked to contribute blogs to their web page. I jumped right in and was sending a blog every week. The "leader" told me to back off and send one a month or so. I complied and didn't send any for three or four weeks. I was reprimanded by the "leader" for not submitting any more blogs. He didn't seem to care that he told me to cut back, plus I had been working several hours a day on the upcoming radio show. He kept saying that I was not doing as I had said I would. Warning #6. Don't do as I say, do as is convenient to me even if I don't know it

Now for the kicker; the "leader" had asked for people to host a weekly spot on their radio show. I agreed as it was said "$25 monthly donation on or around the 15th". Indulge me a moment while I add the definition of donation: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

do·na·tion

noun \dō-ˈnā-shən\

Definition of DONATION

: the act or an instance of donating: as

a : the making of a gift especially to a charity or public institution

b : a free contribution : gift

Correct me if I am wrong but, if a specified amount is required, isn't that a fee? Donations are gifts.

Warning # 7. Words are twisted and redefined to sound better

I worked tirelessly on the blogs and the first radio program and was quite disappointed that I might not be able to broadcast my piece because the $25.00 monthly fee (donation) may be more than I can manage. I am a disabled American living on a fixed income. I spent any savings, however meager, on certificates, titles, charters, etc. I contacted the "leader" to say I am having a hard time fitting in the $25.00 monthly donation (fee) and I was going to take the night to pray and figure anything out. I told him I was not backing away from the program as of yet; I will see what I can come up with. That was when I received the wrath of God, err, I mean, the "leader". He even accused me of not composing my clogs, that I had copied other people's blogs. I can assure you, with certainty, the only copying done were Bible writings and those were identified with book and chapter identification. His premise was my blogs were composed better than my emails. The two are separate and different styles. I worked hours on the blogs and minutes on emails. Of course the styles are different. I use spell check and grammar check on my blogs, nothing on emails. Warning #8. What's up with this guy

The following are the emails that were written between myself and "leader". The only editing done was to remove the "leader's" name and affiliation. My emails are black text and in italics, "leader's"

text is red and bold. You be the judge......

Bro. “leader”,

Do you know whet time slot my radio program will be scheduled for?
I will be submitting a recorded show.
When I upload the piece, how does it know when to broadcast?
I don’t want to upload it and have it go on the air in the wrong time slot.

Peter:

You record through the studio. You will be on Monday at 7PM. we will forward instructions after we get payment of the $25 monthly donation on or around the 15th

I didn’t realize there is a $25.00 monthly donations. I can’t swing that, not just yet. My ministry has, as of yet, not brought in any funds. To date it has been totally out of my pocket. I am sure you remember my income is through disability and it isn’t that much. I need to focus my monetary limitations into building my home and digital ministry. For now, I guess I will have to withdraw from radio participation. Once my ministry costs lighten up, charter costs et al, I will reconsider the radio participation. I do apologize but I do not want to enter into a program that I may not be able to maintain. I am sure you would prefer a sustainable participation and not one that may or may not be able to commit.

I am so sorry and promise I will reconsider once funds allow.

Peter:

We made that very clear. Peter if your money is that tight? Perhaps you shouldn't consider doing this kind of work. Why would you order a Charter if you are that hard up where you can't afford $25.00? Than the day after you order a decal and a rosary?
You spend money you don't have on three things you really didn't need, but here is something that can help others and cause you to become active and you change your mind. Plus last month your purchased stuff you really did need.
I asked you for long term commitment, Peter this is just not going to work. I think you need to give it up.

Br “leader”

You may be right. I heard the $25.00 but didn’t realize it was monthly. As far as giving it up, it wouldn’t surprise me. Every time I have answered my calling, something comes along and derails it. I had hoped that this time would be different. I am going to do some heavy praying and reflecting before making any final decisions. The negative powers are still after me. I pray there is points for trying over and over again.

Peter:

It is not your decision, but it is our decision. You can purchase all these other items, but when it comes down to doing it, you choose to back off. You are not in this for just recognition as a Minister or Bishop, you are in this to be active and to take action as a disciple of Christ. You are the one who derails it by refusing to perform duties, you simply want the recognition for what it is you do not deserve. Do you really want to be Minister or do you just want others looking at you as a Minister?

Brother “leader”

Actually I am not backing off the radio by choice. God knows the hours of research and writing I have done for the first show. I have spent hours on the blogs. I have a nursing home that I planned on visiting on a regular basis and they have my contact if they needed a minister late at night or anytime. I have a web page I have set up and a couple of campaigns and organizing a small home ministry besides the video ministry to go on line. So, I do not think I have refused to perform duties, I just can’t commit to $25.00 each and every month without knowing if I will be able to raise the funds through the ministry to afford $25.00 a month. July was budgeted but I can’t count on that every month. I felt it best to be up front once I realized the monthly monetary. As far as the rosary, decal, and charter I do not have a rosary so, if I am to minister to any religion, I would need it, especially visiting nursing homes. The charter is so I can get the home and digital ministries up and running so that my personal money won’t have to support the ministry on its own. Donations and tithing to a chartered ministry was to fund itself after my initial personal money. THIS is what I really need to pray about. I have had the calling for 30 plus years and something always comes up to derail it. I would have said prior to this that Satan’s minions were the derailers but now? I don’t know. I need to ask for God’s will to be done.

Peter:

If you do not do the radio show, you will be terminated for breach of agreement and you will be lucky if we do not seek damages. I was emphatically clear to you we needed long term commitment. There is no excuse.

Brother “leader”

I had every intention of trying to work out the monthly 25.00 you demand from me to do your radio program. I don’t do well with threats and accusations. I had asked that I be given the night to think and pray on my ability to maintain 25.00 monthly. I hope it is not your intent to drive me away, look at my prior email below! And, how dare you say I am only doing this as recognition and not do ministerial duties! Shame on you and you unchristian-like accusations and bullying tactics. The bit about taking down the image of my Bishop Appointment was due to one of YOUR prior emails accusing me of wanting to make people believe I am a minister and not wanting to do the work. I took it down because you perceived it to be a bragging and status showing off. I humbly removed it out of humility and what becomes of it? Your nasty voice mail. Each time I come to the decision to complete my mission, nay my calling, you show me nothing but high-pressured bullying.

Stop bullying me while I pray for guidance. Each time you do, I start writing a resignation but stop because I am called. Please BACK OFF! while I pray.

Peter:

The time for prayer should of been before you agreed to do this, not after you submit a title, description and your promise to do the show.

This is not bullying, you already committed, we promoted it and you are backing out. You came to us, we set everything up and than you dropped the ball. You can attempt to put whatever spin you want on this, but it is you taking the path of a coward, leaving us high and dry and causing our good name great harm, not to mention it is a slap in the face toward Christians and Jesus Christ.

One thing I absolutely will not tolerate is someone who makes a promise and than pulls the plug making this institution look bad in the public eye. It will not happen without severe consequences to the individual I assure you.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it Peter, Ministers do not lie, cheat and attempt to steal recognition that is not due.

~ Brother “leader”

What is your PROBLEM! I said I was tying to work this out YET you say things like “Put that in your pipe and smoke it Peter, Ministers do not lie, cheat and attempt to steal recognition that is not due.”

Stop bullying me! Please BACK OFF! while I pray.? Are you trying to force me out?

What do you mean force you out? We are going to proceed with fraud and misrepresentation charges? You will not get a way with this. You came to us, you gave to us a title and description. We will do everything we can to seek damages and to insure you will not do this to anyone ever again.

Brother “leader”

You have made this a hostile environment. I had said, all along I must have misunderstood the 25.00 monthly commitment to pay you for my services on the radio. I said I would need a night to pray and work things out. YOU HAVE TAKEN THE POSITION OF HOSTILITY AND AN ATTEMPT AT DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER. You have made my decision for me. I will no longer avail myself to an organization that represents itself with Christian virtue yet displays anything but Christian. I did not misrepresent myself OR commit fraud. I said all along I misunderstood and needed a night to work through. I had intended to email you that I would do the shows but you have made that impossible to continue. I am truly devastated by your insensibility and not waiting for me to figure out a way to make the finances work. IT IS YOU that have made this choice, I tried to work it through and was all set to send you an email with the assurance I would continue with the broadcast. Too bad you beat it to me and berated me and try to defame my faith. I assure there is nothing I am trying to get away with. You have made it impossible to tell you I would continue with plans for the radio. Use the 50.00 I sent you for Church Charter to ease my conscience. I hope you the best, and God bless

Furthermore you lied when you became ordained with us. You are a homosexual. The Christian Doctrine strictly forbids such behavior especially by Ministers. You are a Big Liar. Ascertainining a Christian ordination when you do not adhere to the Christian Doctrine of Faith is another act of fraud and misrepresentation.

Brother “leader”

What? now I am a homosexual? What proof have you of my sexual orientation, remembering I am a father of 2 and grandfather. I stopped with the blogs for a few weeks YOU said I was submitting too many and people would not read through them. And as far as Christian Doctrine, I am a Christian! PERIOD! I take medication that does play with memories, ask my daughter. (oh yeah, You think I am gay). Please cease communications to me. Instead, address them to my lawyer. He is in the Cc section. Again, I am sorry you couldn’t wait the night for me to figure things out.

Again, God bless

Good than your lawyer is a witness, regarding proof of your self proclaimed homosexual behavior.....Your Facebook page (See attachment). Those blogs are copied and pasted without citations, that is plagiarism - They are not your blogs.

Since your lawyer is present this is a Cease and Desist, future correspondence will be deemed harassment. You know where we stand, we know where you stand. You brought this on yourself.

~ Brother “leader”

I don't know what your take on the email string but I kept trying to work through and honor the commitment and told "leader" to give me the night to work it out. Each time he became more and more belligerent. Oh and the Facebook attachment, he neglected to copy the next section that said I checked men because there wasn't anything that said mankind. I have a clear conscience and still secure in my walk with Christ.

Now his threatening voicemail:

Thank you for reading and God Bless.

ONIONS do more than make you cry

2011-04-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

Onions
Nutrition Information, Health Benefits of Onions

A very good source of vitamins B6 and C, biotin, chromium, and fiber are onions. They are also a good source of folic acid and vitamins B1 and K.

The health benefits provided by onions are mostly due to their content of several organic sulfur compounds. Like garlic, onions also have the enzyme alliinase (released when an onion is cut or crushed). Other ingredients that are found in onions include flavonoids (primarily quercetin); phenolic acids (such as ellagic, caffeic, sinapic, and p-coumaric), pectin, sterols, saponins, and volatile oils.

Studies show that, like garlic, onions and onion extracts decrease blood lipid levels, prevent clot formation, and lower blood pressure. Studies have also revealed that onions have a significant effect in lowering blood sugar levels. Throughout history, onions have also been used to treat asthma. Their action in asthma is mostly due to their ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscle to spasm, which then causes the muscle to relax.

One Pot Chicken Onion Soup

1 Large Onion, finely chopped

1Teaspoon vegetable oil or olive oil
2 cups of water
Dash of salt (optional)
Dash of pepper (optional)
Two scoops of UNJURY chicken flavor

Chop up the large onion into small pieces. In a 2 quart pot add the chopped up onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Over medium heat sweat the onions until clear and soft. Once the onion is clear and soft add the water. Let the water comes to a boil, cover and remove from heat. When the temperature of the onion broth is below 135°F, stir in two scoops of UNJURY chicken soup. If you would like your body to assimilate more nutrition from the onions, use an immersion blender in the plot and blend to your liking. Enjoy

Sources
Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention-5 A Day.
National Agricultural Library-USDA. usda.gov

I'll Have A Green Christmas

2011-02-07T17:24:00.001-05:00

I was sitting in the afterglow of Christmas surrounded by a mountain of used Christmas paper. As I looked at the mountain of paper destined for the trash bin, I wondered what could I do next year to be greener.
I really am trying to shrink my carbon footprint and be as green as possible. The holidays would not be the holidays (arguably) without brightly wrapped packages under the tree. There must be a better solution than wrapping next year’s gifts in this year’s used wrappings. Besides, people think you are just being cheap.

When I need to pack gifts to mail I use corn starch peanuts that biodegrade in water. I made my tree as green as possible by using a live potted tree to plant outside, LED lights, biodegradable ornaments to replace last year’s broken ornaments. The discarded mound of wrapping paper was a stickler, what to do? I was about to resign myself to the inevitable “discarding the used paper to the trash ritual” when a last minute gift arrived, a personalized basket. The giver of the gift told how they selected a basket and its contents, brought it to the counter where the counter person added grass and arranged the basket.

What was that? They added grass made for the exclusive use or adding color and propping up the contents? And it hit me! I can re-use that mound of paper to line the insides of gift baskets or to cradle a gift that I am mailing. The Christmas paper is already colorful. With just a quick pass through the paper shredder, and viola, we have reused that paper by making almost instant Christmas packing paper! Doesn’t matter that the paper is torn or wrinkled, it still makes great packing material.

Let the kids tear into their gifts and rip the paper off their gifts and be happy in the knowledge that you found a use for used Christmas paper and will pack your gifts with a smaller foot print next year.

A Father’s Pride

2011-01-23T13:16:00.005-05:00

I have to admit that my daughter's wedding wasn't as good as I had hoped it would;

it was much better. As the Bride's father at the wedding of his first born, I was the typical father-of-the-bride; nervous, happy, melancholy.

Come; share some of the day with me through pictures:

I don't have to tell anyone how stressful that day was. Just imagine being lined up for a family picture with the bride and groom and having your ex-wife say: "Should he be in these pictures?" I was so hurt all I could say is "What, I'm no longer her father?" That was just a little humor to cover a whole lot of hurt.

I felt such joy when I saw her take her first steps, the tears I spent when she said the word daddy for the first time, the pride I felt when I saw her dance and sing in her first play, the joy, pride, and tears I enjoyed when she marched in at her high school graduation and my flood of emotions I had on her wedding day. These are

the moments that all dads know as defining times, magical times.

What is a father's great task?

To bring himself and his family to God.

That task requires self-discipline, wisdom, patience,

strength and understanding.

Small minds and hearts of children are not easy to guide;

adolescent minds and hearts are bewildered and battered at times;

the minds and hearts of young adults are often lost

or too embarrassed to seek guidance.

For them a father is a steady example

of perseverance and good,
a beacon for wondering and wandering minds.

How could a father's task be done

unless he remembered his children were created
by a loving, wise and merciful God
who is with his children - and with him?

Relax don’t do it

When you want to go to it

Relax don’t do it

When you want to come