Happy Hanukkah (a few months late)

There’s been so much conversation lately about the “Justice” of God… What He allows, what He permits… What is Godly… What’s the difference between the god of the Muslims and our God if they both permit "war", etc… When we think about the flood, or the complete annihilation of the Canaanite people (man, women, and infant) or how the Levites were told to go kill there friends and brothers as sort of their initiation into the priesthood, along with other examples... our first response as believers is to excuse it somehow (CONTEXT!!), say it wasn’t actually permitted by our God, or that He was the God of the Old Testament, but now we have Jesus... They’re not at all things we as 21st century westerners like to think fit the resume for an all loving, all knowing, creator God… I’m reminded of an image from the HBO John Adams series where John Adams has gone to France and is trying to argue a just, real world cause with these people who are made up from head to toe in ridiculous outfits and makeup, sitting their all-too-fragile bums and egos on the finest puffed furniture… You can sense the irritation of the John Adams character as he’s trying to establish a thought into the minds of these colorful peacocks who seemingly have no concept of a real world struggle… Now am I suggesting that our culture/society hasn’t seen enough difficulties and trials and strife to be able to conceive in all our wisdom the image of a just God who enacts justice in ways that we would not deem appropriate? Yes. Yes, my fellow peacocks, I am suggesting just that. The argument boils down to - would an all-loving God permit violence? But then with the same brain we all scream - "justice must be served on the white bigots who permitted slavery!!” The American Civil War ring a bell to anyone? A war where the country was washed in blood, brother against brother, and then the heart of the nation was turned… "Well, God didn’t want that, He didn’t want justice served that way it’s just how our feeble brains constructed a solution", you may say. Of course He didn’t WANT war, but He DID want the abuse of a race to stop ...and mind control wasn’t an option. I know slavery was not the only issue fought over in the Civil war, but perhaps you can see my point. See, it’s not God who has an egotistical, bloodthirsty agenda, crushing the weak… it’s humans who have that problem. I can hear a great number of you yelling “YES! A conservative finally admits that the US is war hungry, clinging to guns and violence”. Um. No. There are US citizens who eerily stereotype and pledge violence on anyone who threatens them, no doubt about it. There’s people all over the world who stereotype, and pledge destruction toward persons whom they find inadequate to deserve life. It’s a human nature problem caused by greed and pride and it has plagued the human race from the beginning of time. This very problem is what brought about God’s Law in the first place. There were those that would not follow the Law… the call for humanity to be the best version of itself… many wouldn’t concede to it, they wanted what they wanted, they wanted to be their own god. They died. What an egotistical, blood thirsty monster of a deity, preserving the humble and the weak like that… Right? If God doesn’t permit the death and suffering of people all over the world, then our God is quite the weakling losing against whomever IS permitting it… OR every life who suffers and/or dies or any life who is blessed, free of conflict, both innocent and guilty, brings about the will of God. Why? Because He loves us that much. Who is guiltless? Who is holy? Who is just? Who is all-loving? Who is all-powerful? Who is all-knowing? Who is everywhere at all times? When you meet those qualifications, you can say what is permitted and what is not. So here’s the bad thing about throwing out the Law of God - you’re left to your own inclinations. Yes, God permits war and justice against those who murder, and oppress, and preform every act of evil against others… You know what that understanding does to me? It makes me not want to murder and oppress or preform any act of evil against another… because I’m so terrified of an all-powerful God? No - but because I am aware that He is just, and that He abides by a code of ethics so holy that I will not be permitted to hurt another person without reaping the consequences. And I am pretty ok with that. Therefore am I a person clinging to my guns and religion? Are you asking if I am a murderous villain who hasn’t perpetrated my offense as of yet, but feel I am justified in doing so by the will of a god? Then my answer is “No”. Do I believe in the Law and the Justice of the Creator God - Yes. Do I believe that if I in any way violate that law whereby hurting or violating another person unjustly, that I am then subject to possibly punishment to the full extent of that Law and the only Being completely in control of my sentencing is God - Yes. Do you know what identified a group of people as being "just and civilized" all throughout the scriptures? It was nations of peoples who had “the fear of God” in them. Can you see a difference between that, and a people who perpetrates violence or acts of terror in the name of a god including ALL peoples throughout the generations who fit that description? Why would the just and civilized fear God if they didn’t think justice would pertain to their actions? Does perfect love cast out fear? YES! Because I don’t have to fear anyone who fears God! And neither do you. "What of God’s laws which permit stoning of the adulterous or sexually immoral, etc" you may ask. What keeps me from throwing the stones or killing the abortionists? Let me ask you this - can you see a difference between an “honor killing (a killing enacted upon a person said to have brought disgrace to a family - the family wants retribution - to look good in society again)" and the killing of someone who is hurting someone else? Because there is a HUGE difference. Let me ask you another question - do you see people who do abide by the Torah or God’s Law killing in mass numbers adulterers or murderers? No, you don’t. There’s not stoning in the streets of Israel or in the Jewish communities throughout the US or ANYWHERE around the world. Why not? It would be fully justified by God who is the only One who in the end matters anyway… Here’s why - it only took a few generations for them to realize that their actions had consequences…. and for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction… You can stone someone for their transgression of the law and then you will be stoned for your transgression of the law. So in the end we all die. A truce basically is drawn. That’s how it ends for those who don’t believe in a Savior or a Messiah. When you DO believe in a Messiah, you know He sees you no less guilty then the vilest of vile and He covers you and He covers them - no need for stoning. Ah, then we should just let terrorists kill everyone because God loves them just as much, right? Or we could realize the devastation that is caused when humans become their own self-serving god, and end their ability of further devastation and destruction in accordance to God’s law - in essence it's self-defense fully justified by the Law. We as a nation can lay down and die or we can defend ourselves… both examples given in the scriptures, both acceptable under the law. What we pray for is that God’s will be done.  
So here we are at the yearly celebration of Hanukkah, a celebration of a military victory ordained and blessed by Yahweh which brought about the reclamation and the rededication of His Temple so that He could be born into the Jewish seed proudly proclaiming the righteousness and justice of a loving God emphasizing His unbroken code of conduct. And that also is pretty ok with me. Happy Hanukkah;)

The Groom

Once upon a time... there was a fair maiden who was in love with a handsome young man and this young man was in love with this fair maiden... They were so in love with each other that he decided to ask her to marry him... So on a hillside, one spring day, as a beautiful thunderstorm was rolling in, he asked her to be his wife. She was delighted to picture herself as the wife of this courageously humble and gentle soul; so without hesitation and with overflowing joy she said, "Yes! I will marry you!" And with that, the young man knew that he was to go and prepare for them a place to grow old together... "Somewhere beautiful with green meadows, and cascading mountain sides... Sprawling trees and babbling brooks... I will build a house for you there," he promised, "I will build it with your every joy as my instructions. The promise of your love will keep me steadily on. As my journey may take some time I wish to leave with you my most faithful comrades and companions: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. They will be your comfort as I am away." He left that same hour, for he knew the sooner he started his quest the sooner he would return for his radiant bride.
Nearly 2 months had passed, 7 weeks to be exact... The young woman was growing anxious for her betrothal's return. As she meandered about the courtyard, she started to notice the trades and skills of the
companions her husband-to-be had left with her... Suddenly as if by a rushing wind - a thought came to her - "I will study the skills and trades of these comrades and daily they will teach me...and when my love returns I will be an accomplished maiden, adorned as his bride." So early every morning as the warmth from the first ray of sunshine bathed her beautiful face, she would begin her studies of these nine skilled tradesman... Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control poured into her their seemingly endless knowledge... Until one morning just as she was crossing the threshold to the beginning of her day, a figure in the distance, shadowed by the beaming sun, caught her eye... Was it him? Had he finally returned? At full speed, the valiant creature's feature became ever clearer - he was here! He had returned for his bride! Just as a thief in the night, he whisked her away on his mighty steed for he could not wait a moment longer to have her for his bride and show her the place he had prepared for her. As they galloped over the horizon it became abundantly apparent that they were to live happily...ever... after. The end.

Let's talk - Porn

Porn is one of those topics that people’s beliefs differ from one end of the spectrum to the other… On one side – everybody uses it, it’s a natural need, if you want your partner to abstain from it you’re being completely ridiculous and unfair… On the other side – It’s destructive, it’s an addiction, it’s cheating. Porn use is normal in secular society, and is sin in Christian society. Something to remember as Christians is that when we call 'sin' sin and are absolutely repulsed by something we isolate and discriminate against someone who is an addict of whatever it is especially someone who is a Christian. Stand your ground, be unmovable, but always and only be motivated by GRACE. Sin is sin. Your whitest sin is equal to the blackest of sins… There’s no differentiation between any sins, they’re all equally deadly.  

A common misconception made is that only a few people are addicted to porn. I wouldn’t hesitate to guess that 97%(or higher) of EVERYONE I know is effected by porn one way or another, either addicted themselves or someone very close to them is addicted.  And yet it’s rarely discussed, understandably so, it is an embarrassing topic, but an undeniably important one -  

If you are affected by porn (you’re addicted, someone close to you is addicted)-

You’re not alone.

It IS destructive. If you are a young single person using porn, know this – you won’t be able to simply stop once in a relationship or married. Single or married, you are in the process of killing your ability to have a real sexual experience with your future or current mate. A recent study shows that porn use is one of the leading causes for E.D. Your porn use is not only affecting one aspect of your life but the ENTIRE thing… You won’t be able to know how much it is affecting you until you accept the challenge to abstain from it.    

You need to find someone to talk to, remember the truth will set you free… this is the most difficult step to be sure -it’s painful and embarrassing to talk about… who can you trust…  Don’t let this stop you, more than likely ANYONE you talk to has had a similar experience and wouldn’t mind a confidant themselves. Be careful though, if the person you confide in tells you pornography doesn’t hurt anything or anyone… run, RUN from their counsel, they are severely mistaking. If you are addicted to porn you CAN NOT SKIP this step^, the empowerment you will receive by confiding in someone is not only helpful, but your ONLY way out.  

If you use porn, you are an addict, and should treat this ‘need’ as an addiction. You will not be able to avoid pornography on your own EVER. There will never be a time you are ‘cured’ from this addiction, you will ALWAYS be tempted.  If you would like to stop your use, you will ALWAYS need the support of a confidant. You need to be accountable to your confidant daily. When you’ve gone a few days without struggle beware, this is your most vulnerable time…  you may think you’ve gotten stronger, but in actuality it has only gotten 1000 times more difficult to tell someone the next time you are struggling. Know your limitations as an addict. An alcoholic cannot go into a bar and be expected not to struggle. Unfortunately, porn is EVERYWHERE, but you can make it easier on yourself by avoiding movies, websites, stores, books… with erotic images. Avoid the friends who by what they wear and/or do make you struggle as well.

Don’t beat yourself up, simply MOVE FORWARD. Don’t allow Satan the satisfaction of keeping you down. You are in Christ, Christ is in you, you are one with Christ - nonnegotiable - everything else is Satan’s lies. MOVE FORWARD.   

Porn – it’s everywhere, hurting everyone, killing relationships and marriages, and weakening the souls of those affected – let’s talk about it.

 

Would this be possible; does it already exist?

I dreamt last night I was explaining this to someone and woke up thinking - that'd be pretty cool.........
Would it be possible to have a tv channel whose sole purpose was to display 'prayer requests'? It could be a blue screen or pretty pictures, etc... with prayer requests scrolling across it and a voice reading them aloud for people who couldn't read the words; looped for however long it took to say the prayer requests. Wouldn't that be neat? I think it would be really special for... well, anybody and everybody but especially for older people who are mostly housebound/in a nursing home... rather than watching cnn 24/7 they could watch/listen to prayer requests and pray for people. How fulfilling would it be to dedicate your days/time interceding for the needs of others? After the loop of requests finished there could be a loop of praises. There could be a number to call and a website to post a request. Would that be possible; does it already exist?

"Prayer not only connects us to God, but connects us to each other." - guidepost  

Custom Fit

Do you ever get the feeling the trials in your life were made custom fit just for you? As if God thoroughly examined our weaknesses and designed a blueprint for our life fully fitted to expound on every fault.

 I imagine myself looking over those blueprints as I stand in the throne room before God. I look up at Him and say: Really?? In all your benevolent wisdom you couldn’t have come up with aaaaaaaaany other way of teaching me this? I imagine that He then looks down at me with a stifled smile and look that seems to say ‘trust me, I got this’. As I with shoulders slouching and feet dragging head for the door, I hear Him say “You’ll thank me later”. And my reply under my breath is something along the lines of ‘Don’t count on it’ and ‘Not in this lifetime’.  Of course though as He predicted, I am always grateful for every trial and every grief and every pain when it finally comes to an end. The end of a learning trial is in some ways like the warmth of the sun after a cold and dreary rain. And I find myself being thankful for the figurative moisture.

I am engaged in a few learning trails at the moment, some I know won’t come to an end until hope gives in to glory and my soul is no longer a resident of this world. Therefore on easier days I say ‘Thank you for the moisture’ on the rest of them I say ‘I’ll thank you later’. If you are privileged enough to be enduring a custom fit learning trail, compliments of your creator, and today is not one of those days that you’re thankful for the moisture, it may help to envision yourself in His throne room and listen to Him say ‘It’s my design, I got this’.     

The Tribulation in Trumpets

And  I  saw  the  seven  messengers  who stand  before  Elohim,  and  to  them  were given seven trumpets.

Revelation
8:7 - And the first messenger sounded, and there came to be hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, an all green grass was burned up.
8:8 - And the second messenger sounded like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
8:10 - And the third messenger sounded, and a great star fell from the heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the fountains of water, and the name of the star is called Wormwood. And a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
8:12 - And the fourth messenger sounded, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. And a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
9:1 - And the fifth messenger sounded, and I saw a star from the heaven which had fallen to the earth. And the key to the pit of the deep was given to it. And he opened the pit of the deep, and smoke went up out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun was darkeneed, also the air, because of the smoke of the pit. And out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth, and authority was given to them as the scorpions of the earth possess authority. And it was said to them that they shall not harm the grass of the earth, or any green matter, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of Elohim upon their foreheads. And it was given to them that they should not kill them, but to torture them for five months. And their torture was like the torture of a scorpion when it stings a man. And in those days men shall seek death and shall not find it. And they shall long to die, but death shall flee from them.
9:13 - And the sixth messenger sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before Elohim, saying to the sixth messenger who had the trumpet, “Release the four messengers, those having been bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four messengers, those having been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. And the number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them. 
11:15 - And the seventh messenger sounded, and there came to be loud voices in the heaven, saying, “The reign of this world has become the reign of our Master, and of His Messiah, and He shall reign forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders sitting before Elohim on their thrones fell on their faces and worshipped Elohim, saying, “We give You thanks, O El Shaddai, the One who is and who was and who is coming, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. “And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead to be judged, and to give the reward to Your servants the prophets and to the set-apart ones, and to those who fear Your Name, small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” And the Dwelling Place of Elohim was opened in the heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His Dwelling Place. And there came to be lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail.


12:17 - And  the  dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim and possessing the witness of  Messiah.

14:14 - And I looked and saw a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was One like the Son of Adam, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another messenger came out of the Dwelling Place, crying with a loud voice to the One sitting on the cloud, “Send Your sickle and reap, because the hour has come for You to reap, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” And the One sitting on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.  

See the rainbow?

Stopping suddenly, she clutches the arm of her fellow sojourner, "Oh, wow!" she gasped. "Do you see that?" 

          "See what?" was the reply. 

"That beautiful rainbow," said the women, still in awe.

          "I see the blackness of the storm..." spoken slightly as a question.

"Oh, it's beautiful - all of the radiant colors!"

          "I see several shades of gray, is that what you're referring to?"

"No! The colors! See the sun beaming through the darkness; its light is reflecting through any particle able to absorb it. See the spectrum it's producing?"

           The answer only consisting as a look of puzzled suspicion.

"And look, it's even a full bow - complete from one end to the other!"

          "All I see is broken storm clouds..."

"Exactly! The storm - there'd be no rainbow without the storm. But look what the sun does with all those 'would be' destructive molecules - it's beautiful!"

          "I'm still - it's just not there for me. It seems to be clearing though, that's good."

"No, No! Look at the sun! See its rays? Now look at the storm -
                            see the rainbow?"