Not only do we only know God through Jesus Christ, but we only know ourselves through Jesus Christ; we only know life and death through Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus Christ we cannot know the meaning of our life or our death, of God or of ourselves.

Thus without scripture, whose only subject is Christ, we know nothing, and can see nothing but obscurity and confusion in the nature of God and in nature itself.

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If love is not a feeling, then what is it? A love that is true and consistent is detailed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (English Standard Version used throughout). That list can be simplified and applied in a practical way when one considers what Jesus said, “As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31). The love that is explained in 1 Corinthians 13 is a result of the command of Jesus. If a husband treats his wife as he would like to be treated, then he will invariably perform the acts of love in 1 Corinthians 13. This takes a real empathy. It is not something that one can decide to do and immediately do it perfectly. This is the result of continuing when one falls and trying to place oneself in the other person’s situation to understand the best approach to take. This is further commanded in Ephesians 5:28, “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Note that this verse takes empathy to a physical level. It indicates that empathizing with one’s spouse is not merely attempting to understand what the other person thinks, but also to feel their pain. Paul further says in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Part of the mystery of marriage is the union between wife, husband, and God. The man and woman become one person and no longer two. That is why complete empathy is not only possible, it is expected. When empathy is established, the examples of love that 1 Corinthians 13 points out become exemplified in daily living.

As with any relationship arguments do happen, and often for reasons that cannot be later explained. When one lives with another person, small situations can provoke a careless word which becomes much larger than it was intended and an argument ensues. This can harm the relationship and cause problems later if it is not dealt with properly and immediately. The best remedy for this possible situation is prevention. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” ( James 1:19). This verse encourages one to exhibit the characteristic of love that is patience. If one is loving and patient with one’s spouse, then many of the potential arguments can be avoided. 1Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” This indicates that not showing love and patience can not only harm one’s relationship with one’s spouse, but also with God. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” That is to say that there are situations beyond one’s control, but if it is possible, live in peace and not conflict. This may mean apologizing for things that are not one’s fault. It will be far better to do so than to live in conflict. It is best to keep in mind what Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” No one is perfect. It requires more than one person to argue. Though an argument may not completely be one’s fault, it is better to end it quickly than to prolong the unloving atmosphere. After all, love “does not insist on its own way” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

photo credit: asalexander

When one’s spouse has done something that could be hurtful, it is best to act in a loving, kind way and bear the burden of forgiveness. It is far better to follow Christ’s example and “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Imagine how Christ could forgive His accusers and torturers. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). At times it may be unimaginable to forgive one’s spouse. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Believing that all things are actually possible through God can potentially save one’s marriage when it seems one is harmed beyond repair. At those moments the unity of of husband and wife is crucial. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 18:19, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” This emphasizes healing through agreement and love. It is best to forgive so that unity can be had and relational healing can happen. There must be a mutual desire to love and have a strong marriage, because “if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (Mark 3:25).

Marriages are often challenged by external circumstances such as finances. These challenges can cause a rift to exist between the husband and wife. Though these situations arise, God has intended for there to be trust in each other and in God. Remember that “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Also, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). God will assist in sorting out external problems just like He transforms internal problems. Since Jesus is the perfect example of how to love, it is important to consider that He trusted the Father’s plan to the point of death. It is important to remember that trust is very important in marriage. Without trust there can be no basis for a strong relationship. By trusting one can know that “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:29). Though one may begin to be afraid of what could happen, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1John 4:18).

One should consider either when entering into marriage or while already married what true love is, as exemplified through Christ. Jesus “shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Though one will most likely never have to love to the point of death, the extreme devotion that Jesus had is something that should be lived out in marriage. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” This is an example of true love, beyond the emotions and the physiological responses. To rely on the emotions and physiological responses can lead to extramarital affairs, which are not appropriate. Instead, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4). The way to best do this is to follow the advice given in Philippians 4:8, which says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This will ensure that love is pure and true and one’s marriage is as strong as it can be.

Though I do not typically listen to much hip-hop, I think this is an incredible idea. I can definitely appreciate a good beat, and the Word of God presented in a way that makes it memorable and accessible to many who do enjoy hip-hop styles.

I have listened to several of the tracks and highly recommend everyone checking it out. Even if you may not personally enjoy the music, the message is penetrating. You may also know someone who will benefit from the unique combination.

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The beatitudes found in Matthew begin with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v.3, English Standard Version will be used throughout). The poor of the earth do not have opportunity to be haughty. If one is poor one must learn to be content with what one has. By making reference to the “poor in spirit,” Jesus indicated that there must be a reliance on God, the spiritual Father. Spiritual poverty does not indicate a lack of spiritual satisfaction, but rather obedience and reliance on the generosity of the Father. The kingdom of heaven is in itself the obedience to God. As a beggar cries out for alms, so should a follower of Christ consistently and obediently beg for God’s kindness to be imparted to him. The blessing is within the obedience. If one posses the character trait of obedient, then one follows the requests of the one to which one is obedient. The willingness to follow the requests of God leaves open the possibility for the kingdom of heaven to exist on earth through the obedience. Once the kingdom has been established on earth, other blessings may easily follow. A willingness to be reliant on and obedient to the will of the Father, just as a beggar is reliant on the kindness and generosity of the passersby, is therefore a proper beginning to the beatitudes of Matthew since it lays the foundation for the rest.

How is it a blessing to mourn and be sorrowful? Is the mere promise of comfort enough to make the emotional tension of mourning bearable? It is if the comfort is coupled with a promise. When Jesus states in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” He is not indicating a typical sadness that causes mourning. The comfort He is referring to is for those who mourn because of the deep ungodliness of the world. They realize that there is a possibility for a better existence through Christ, if only people would submit their will to the Father’s will. This is the same type of burden that Jesus bore when he faced the unbelief of those to which He sought to bring the good news. The comfort that is promised is comfort from God in the knowledge that there is still hope. Jesus is the giver of joy, and for those who believe, His joy is enough to comfort those who mourn. The world may be full of terrible happenings, but God will comfort those who understand that God is still in control of what is happening. Truth and goodness will inevitably win in the end.

The meek are not typically considered to be great warriors. What could Jesus have meant when He said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (v.5). After all, the meek are not apt to take the earth by force. It is important to note two important pieces of this verse. The meek shall inherit the earth. They will not take the earth by force, but will inherit it. It will be passed down to them as an inheritance, just as a father passes down an inheritance to his children. No father could possibly be wealthy enough to own the entire earth except the Heavenly Father. Another thing that is important to note is that it is the meek who share be the inheritors. Why the meek? Jesus wants us to realize one very important characteristic of those who are meek. The meek are teachable. It is precisely the humility and gentleness of the meek person that makes him the perfect person to be taught. This is doubly fitting that Jesus has included this characteristic so early in His sermon. He wants to teach us how to be righteous. A loose paraphrase of the meaning of this verse could read, “Those who are so humble that they can be taught righteousness will have everything they need, since God their heavenly Father owns it all anyway.” Jesus wanted to impress upon those who listened to Him that it is important not to insist that they are right, but to know that only God knows all things. God is much greater in wealth and knowledge than any human, so the best one can hope for is to listen to His teaching and hope that, as a loving Father, He will pass down His blessings as an inheritance.

Hunger and thirst are not in themselves the body’s need for food and drink, but the body relaying the message of its need for food and drink. Hunger and thirst are physical signs of a deeper need. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (v.6). Jesus is saying that when one desires to be righteous, or in right standing with God, to the point where one physically feels the need within oneself, then God will look at that need and satisfy it. Those who do not feel the need often do not realize that it is there. Those who feel the need want to satisfy it, so they will do whatever it takes to feed their hunger and quench their thirst. When someone is put in a situation where they need to fulfill a desired outcome, they are more likely to be obedient to the one who can satisfy the need. The obedience is what God desires, and where it is done the kingdom of God is present. God will satisfy those who have a strong desire to be obedient to Him.

Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts throughout His ministry. He frequently spent time with those that were rejected in traditional Jewish social circles. Jesus told His followers to show the same type of mercy He did when He said “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (v.7). God always wants to show mercy, it is merely a matter of whether it is accepted or not. One cannot accept the mercy that God has to offer if one is not open to receiving the mercy. Since it takes a merciful attitude to receive God’s mercy, only those who are merciful will be blessed with the gift of God’s mercy.

If one looks to oneself, one cannot also simultaneously look to God. If one builds up pride and other forms of self-reliance, it makes it difficult to be God-reliant. When one is God-reliant one’s own interests are not of the highest importance, God’s will is. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (v.8). The pure in heart are those who have not allowed themselves to be weighed down by pride and other temporal concerns. If one is truly reliant upon God, then the cares of this world will not cause one to lose a righteous focus on God’s will. The reason that some cannot see God is not that they do not want to see God, but that they will not look away from their own selfish desires long enough to see Him. God desires to have a relationship with everyone, but only those who keep their focus on His will have the ability to see God for what He is and to understand His will. Once again, it is to be understood in terms of obedience to God. If one is obedient to God’s will, one will be pure in heart.

Jesus is the Son of God. The quality of being a son of God is exemplified by Jesus’ obedience at the cross. Through the torture and death He went through He was able to reconcile the world to God. Since he created a type of bridge to God where there was not one before, He was able to make peace between people and God. One has the peace of Jesus when one accepts Him as the Son of God. In making peace between man and God through the cross, He is to be considered the exemplar peacemaker. Followers of Christ are to continue with the pattern He began and also be peacemakers. This is the reason why Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (v.9). To be a son of God is to be like Jesus, and to be like Him is to bridge the gap between God and man. One can no longer die for the sins of humanity as Jesus did, but one can lead others to the realization of the peace that exists for them through what Jesus did. Ultimately this is the important mandate of the peacemaker. Peace apart from Christ is transient. Peace through Christ, and through the reconciliation to God the Father, is permanent peace. Anyone who wishes to impart peace must then attempt to impart the perfect, lasting peace, rather than a temporary peace that only lasts for a moment before leaving.

The ultimate test of dedication is that of endurance. Many will never have to endure persecution for their beliefs, but for those who do Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v.10). Once again the kingdom of heaven referenced here is God’s presence through the absolute obedience to the will of God. It is not God’s will that anyone should suffer persecution, but persecution continues to occur as a result of the rejection of the mystery of God’s truth. Experiencing persecution is a way of life for many who do choose to accept the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The hope that one has in Jesus, and the desire to do what is right through that hope is something that can be too much for some to understand. People tend to be afraid of what they do not understand, so it naturally follows that they persecute those who initially have the hope. If that hope is not forfeited, but kept while enduring persecution, then the presence of God will exist on earth through the very obedience that the persecuted believer exhibits.

Those who endure persecution for righteousness sake and for their belief in God have hope, not only through the kingdom of God being fulfilled on earth though their obedience, but also the hope of an eternal reward beyond the end of their life. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (v.11-12). Heaven can be a very real existence while still on earth, but is also a reality after they leave this life for the believer who endures hardships while still living. Those who have the hope and peace that righteousness and obedience to God brings have the promise of the kingdom of God existing through their obedience on earth. They also have the promise of an eternal heaven in which they will spend their time with the prophets whom they admired and learned from.

Those who are obedient, teachable, and desire God despite all obstacles are those whom God desires to use and give the right to be called sons of God. The beatitudes, though seemingly simple, reveal a complete mindset that believers in Christ are to possess. The beatitudes reveal that one is to follow Christ’s perfect example, even through persecution, since the manifestation of obedience is the kingdom of God in one’s daily life. Living a pure life and bringing the peace of Christ to others will inevitably bless those who do it. One must first embed the desire for God so deeply in oneself, that it is the pervading characteristic in all of one’s actions. Only then will one display the full life that is described within the beatitudes.

photo credit: c h e e s e roc

Trust is the basis of marriage, but to what extent is trust measured when dealing with a potentially risqué situation? If one intends to open communications because of work-related interests, that is something that could be considered neutral. Contacting an ex-lover in an attempt to just see how they are can be a very tricky situation. It implies maintained interest in the person and relationship. It raises the question, if but subconsciously, of whether you are still interested in the other person on a sexual level. The implied sexual tension drawn from past experiences can force a bond that did not exist, at least as strongly, before the contact was made. Even if your marriage is strong, if you open yourself up to sexual tension outside of your marriage, it leaves open the possibility of questioning the strength of the marriage. Heightened scrutiny comes into being. The small things that merely bothered you about your spouse before aggravates you to the point of thinking that perhaps a brief meeting with your ex-lover to discuss what is bothering you could be helpful. Before you opened yourself up for these possibilities the idea of meeting your ex-lover would have been the last thing on your mind, but you made contact and changed the dynamics of not only your relationship with your ex-lover, but also your relationship with your spouse. A comforting hug from your ex-lover is the touch that you desired since you have shunned physical contact from your spouse and began scrutinizing your marriage. There is no need to get into details of further possibilities of where this can lead. It is apparent that when you open yourself up to simple questionable aspects such as this scenario, more can potentially follow.

There are many variables that should be considered in situations such as these. This may not happen with the bulk majority of social networkers, but the fact that is does happen should make each of us question the value of such increased contact. If one chooses to make such contact, it is something that should be discussed with one’s spouse. In a loving relationship there is trust, after all. Though you may not be as vulnerable as some, I believe it is right to air on the side of caution when entering the ease of social networking. Keep your mind on the love of your marriage and reject the possibility that comfort may come from another. Your marriage will be strengthened in the end.

photo credit: tinali778

When Jesus spoke of living abundantly, He put it as such,”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus also said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” To live an abundant life with things that cannot be stolen or destroyed, one must live a life of spiritual richness and physical poorness. By this I am not advocating complete poverty, but giving up the physical comforts of wealth (and compared to the truly poor countries in the world, most Americans are wealthy) to live in spiritual abundance. This is not merely what I am advocating, but what Jesus commanded.

In reference to the rich young man who wishes to inherit eternal life Mark 10:21 says, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” This verse indicates that physical poverty for the sake of physical poverty is not what Jesus was after. He wants us to sell our excesses to give to those who have none. Jesus had compassion, we are to follow in His likeness and be compassionate individuals ourselves. If we see someone in need and cloud our mind with thoughts of something we want to buy for ourselves, we are not acting as Jesus commanded us to. Jesus would have us sacrifice our own desires to help others. Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrifice, and He is not asking us for the same sacrifice He made for us.

In the book of Acts, an account of how the early church operated includes that “they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45). Wealth was emphasized as unimportant and contrary to the beatitudinal blessing of poverty in the early church. The community of believers were given funds “as any had need.” This indicates that no one had wealth to the point of excess, but only as was fitting for their needs. It is very easy to exaggerate our wants into needs, but the truth is that God will provide for our needs with his promise of abundant life. The problem arises when we think God should supply all our wants as well. A lack of contentment leads to being ungrateful for what we already have. We should continually thank God for what He has given us.

1John 2:16 tells us that “all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” We should remember that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1Tim. 6:10). Money is good when it is needed, but to love money will lead to all kinds of evils. It is best to keep in mind that loving money is not from the Father but the world and will only lead to evil. If we let evil have any root in our lives it will begin to take over other areas of our lives as well. Instead we should thank God for the spiritual blessing we receive from poorness.

So many of the biblical truths occur in ways that seem contradictory to those who think about it apart from spiritual understanding. That is why it is important to understand that poverty is wealth when it comes to the kingdom of God. If we are open to receiving as a beggar does in the physical world, we will receive spiritual blessings beyond what we could ever know or understand. The poor are blessed. Let us not strive for wealth, but for the kingdom of God. How many starving children can be fed by the cost of an Armani suit? How many people can have clean water with the amount of money you spent on the sports car over the fuel efficient, used car? How many people could stop fearing disease because of the money they received from your cable or satellite television? Did you ignore the homeless man on your drive home today because you were too busy listening to Christian XM radio? How many families on your street went hungry due to the economic downturn while you threw away plenty of leftover Thanksgiving food? How thankful are you? I think that it is time that we start living more abundantly the way Jesus did, by feeding thousands on what wasn’t thought to be much in the first place. We should reconsider the purchases we make and ask ourselves if we want to love things and be rich against what the bible teaches, or poor and blessed.

I think that a more accurate representation of that feeling is to say that it is when I have allowed myself to partake in the creative nature of God. He has given everyone a free channel of inspiration to be used as desired.

That is why I am here. I want to share my thoughts about this. To be a better human being, one must align oneself with the greater good, that is to say, the will of God. In my search for ultimate creative force, that momentum that pushes me on to greater things, I know that God must be in it before anything truly remarkable can happen.

I am here publicly sharing pieces of my journey to that greater state or awareness and inspiration. This is explored in theology, philosophy, writing of all kinds, thoughts, and whatever else that might present itself.

Please subscribe to the RSS feed on the right of this page. It will keep you up to date on what is happening. Also, please comment on the entries. I would love for many conversations to arise from this.

I hope you will enjoy what you find here. After all, you have found this Web site for a reason.