Jesus

The Two Greatest Commandments revisited

Christian, General, Guide, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , One comment

In one of my other posts, I mentioned two great commandments given to us by Jesus. To love God with all your heart and all the time. The other was to love your neighbor as you love yourself. These two things Christ stated was above the Ten Commandments and yet if you look at it they are part of the Ten Commandments.
Like the Ten Commandments it is something that is ignored by most, be they non-Christian or even Christian. This is a sad statement when you ponder upon it some, but true. Could it be the times we live in? Possibly, but it does not need to be this way.
Also as I have stated in other posts is the need to be truly humble.

Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Humble is: not proud: not thinking of yourself as better than other people;: given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people;: showing that you do not think of yourself as better than other people

This is the building blocks on which loving your neighbor as you would yourself is built upon. In love of God first, placing Him first in all you do and being a humble person. Placing the actions and feelings of all others before yourself allows you to love them like yourself.
In Christianity there are many groups. All think that their vision of God is better than the other persons version. In reality the only vision we have of God is found within the entire Bible. It shows God is all knowing. It shows God as creator and Father. Yet many that call themselves Christian think of Him as some magical genie that will grant their wishes to become rich, a celebrity, important.
This is not what the Bible teaches and the mere fact that there are people that believe otherwise shows they have not truly read the Bible and understand it. As a result, they find it impossible to follow the two greatest commandments.

The world is full of pitfalls and potholes.

Christian, General, Life, Memories, Thoughts, , , , , One comment

As we go about our daily tasks, we are given days of joy and happiness. We are given days when nearly the same thing happens that had happened the day before. Then we are given trials. Most are minor, some are more painful, and some are soul rending.
The thing is there is always someone there waiting to help us. Many call out to Him, but many times, they do not believe he listens. Well He does. The answer you seek to see may not be the answer He wishes you to learn, but you must endure.
I had an encounter that took place in 1996. The details are unimportant, what is important though is that it took more than ten years to finally open my mind and heart to the lesson that God was trying to teach me. In those ten years I carried bitterness and anger within, which is opposite what God wants us to carry within us.
This anger and bitterness left me depressed and despondent. It led me to doubt my place with God. It led me down a path in which feel I could have been an unfruitful branch for God and so broken off of the tree and cast to the world.
I came close, but then I realized the truth and beauty of God and His Son Jesus Christ. It took an experience that was an echo of Job for me to turn my path back to God. Trials and tribulations I do not wish any to have to go through, but I know, as with me, that may be the only way for people to come to understand that Jesus in the answer.
That is the reason there are pitfalls and potholes in life.

When writing letters to those out there in the world

Christian, General, Life, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

As one who in essence is writing letters, I come to understand what made those that wrote the letters to the churches do what they did. Mainly they were separated by distance. In at least two cases the one writing the letters was imprisoned and unable to go to those they were writing these letters that later become the New Testament.
In my case I am unable to travel to those that have read my post due to obligations that require me to stay where I am. In several cases I am incapable of travel to them since at this time I have reached fifty two nations; one or two of them I never thought I would ever see that they have bothered to read that I have written but they have. Some come back time to time and look once again at what has been added. Most likely, many never return, but that is ok. At least once they read something that may have impressed upon them something that will come back to them in some other way. This is how God works at times. Planting little tidbits here and there, within their minds, till one day one of these seeds sprout and spread the love and joy of God throughout them. They realize that if not me than someone or something made them understand and accept God. Then they turn to His Son Jesus Christ and become saved.
I encourage and challenge those that are reading at this very moment to go pick up and Bible and read it. Learn the teaching of Jesus. Try to understand that they are still as relevant as they were when He first spoke them. Yes start with the New Testament but then turn to the Old and read it as well. For everything within the Old points to the New and to Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Confessions of a screwed up middle aged man: the comeback

Christian, General, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

I find it funny how even I forget time to time. I see my own blog posts coming to my aide as I go through the rough spots on my journey toward the eternal life to come that is promised unto us by the teachings within the Bible, which once again makes me think that even though penned and or type by me they were inspired by the Holy Ghost.
The last forty-eight hours have been rough upon me. I let my guard down and forgot where it was I worked and how things usually go. I also forgot in my moment of happiness in finding that one person that I know I will willing spend all eternity with in a perfect immortal body, that we are not promised all our rewards upon this earth and in this temporal life. That our greater reward, especially for those that are not rich is a greater in the future to come beyond this life.
I should have known that one in charge of this planet would throw some debris upon the already thin and rough road before me, but as I said, I took my eyes off the road for a moment and hit the debris head on.
I have gone through the usual turmoil that occurs when something bad happens. Shock, depression, anger, but has my better half reminded me only a short time ago with some verses from the Bible

Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Therefore, I am on my comeback to my place of joy and whom that joy is for. Jesus.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Christian, General, Life, Thoughts, , , Leave a comment

Life is chaos. Each day is different. Each hour is something that never happened before. Some days will be good, Most will be mundane. Others will be filled with pain and sorrow. It is these last days that are the hardest to make it through.

There is order in the chaos. The yin for the yang. This order is always there, but forgotten and missed by most for it does not show itself boldly to the world. For it seeks to have you understand it that is there just out of site, but just as real as everything else about you is.

When pain strikes most seek it out pleading and scream “WHY?” “WHY ME?” Or other such statements, but that is not what the order seeks. It seeks to strengthen you in these times of strive. It seeks to guide you and let you know that there is always light at the end of the darkness that for this time of trial and tribulation you have just enough strength within you to make it through.

You protest and say no you do not, but the order says, “Yes there is for I am with you.”

Then you realize what is the truth and you know that you can make it to the light, for what is the light is Jesus Christ and He is that order.

What do you do with the other 313?

Christian, General, Life, Thoughts, , , , , One comment

Why I say this is too many go to church on Sunday and then they leave God behind inside the church.
They speed to church and then they speed home. Then the rest of the week they speed about for are they even aware they are defying God as they do so. (Titus 3:1).
Being a faithful Christian is a daily way of the life. Your behavior and actions are a constant and never ending reflection of what we commit ourselves too, God.
I do not see Christ running around in a sports shirt, promoting this team or that. When I see a sporting coliseum, I see a building that reflects where thousands of Christians died nearly two thousand years ago. I do not support sports in fact they repel me, because I see them as a distraction from the goals and glories of God.
When I work, I work to do my best and make something of quality. Why? Because Jesus wants me to reflect Him. One of Christ’s greatest teachings is humility, to place all others before yourself and placing God at the center, and only God. When you live like this all you do is seek to make what is the best you can do for it is not for you, but God you are making it for.
Every day you spend within this temporal life is a test given to you by God. Each day He asks anew: “Are you going to reflect My Son today?”
And each day most fail this test.
Each day you awaken and you do not think about God’s calendar of events for you, you let Him down.
Being truly Christian is a 365 days a year task, not 52 days. Just think on that a second. 313 days you leave God and His Son Jesus behind. Is that really how you want to have to explain to God why 52 days you were willing to be His servant, but 313 days you told Him to get lost?

Each person is responsible for their own sins, not those of others

Christian, General, Life, Thoughts, , , , , , Leave a comment

In Galatians 6:5 it states that each person is responsible for their own burdens. What this boils down to is you are responsible for your own sins. Not your father’s sins, not your mother’s not your wife’s sins, only your own sins.
Yet there are those that in many communities and cultures that have ignored this verse or do not realize its true meaning. It is even mentioned in the Quran and the Torah. Yet there are those that say to blame all whites for the slavery that their ancestors did over a hundred years ago.
Those that teach this are teaching hate. Those that teach this are teaching prejudice. Those that teach this are not following the teaching of Christ, which is to forgive and love your neighbor. But who is your neighbor? Per Jesus….. everyone.
When you teach hate, you teach the total opposite of the teachings of Christ. When you teach only to seek self-glorification, you teach the opposite of the teachings of the Messiah.
It is this incorrect teaching that has resulted in the divisions and strife that is now tearing this nation apart. It not only tears apart those that live within this nation on a national level, but also those at the family level.
If you know that, someone is committing sin and do nothing when you have the ability to stop them, it does become a burden you must carry before the presents of God. For if you could have stopped it and did nothing you are saying that it is ok to sin, which is opposite the teachings of Jesus.
So to clarify; you are responsibly for your actions. If you hate someone because of what their ancestor did to your ancestors. You are committing the sin not them, if you do not honor your father because he did not raise you right. That is your sin not his.
I have accepted my sins and turned them over to Christ. As a result He has taught me humility and self-sacrifice, which results in love for all and a caring for them which causes me to write these blogs in an effort to enlighten them to God’s glory and love

Luke 10: 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Mark 12: 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

True faith in God results in Love

Christian, General, Guide, Life, Thoughts, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The true message of the Bible. The true message of Jesus. The true message of the Bible is truly love.
The theme of Christ’s teachings was to love all. This is not the teaching others say. This is not the teachings even those within the church teach.
Many teach that self-glorification and self-satisfaction is the road to God. However, this is not the truth at all.
To truly love you must be willing to place all others before yourself. If you do not or cannot do this, than is what you believe really of God? The answer is no.
Do you take what men say the Bible says to be real? Have you truly read the Bible yourself?
Then how can you tell who is telling you the truth. I challenge you to pick up a Bible and read it. I challenge you to see that the words I now type are those based upon the teaching of the true Bible. I encourage you to see that what I say is true. That it is filled with the love of God and His Son Jesus Christ the living Savior of all that come to understand and accept the true. That to truly love yourself means to place ALL others before yourself and to love them no matter what they say or do.
Start with the New Testament. Once you read that then expand to the rest of the Bible. For the entire Bible aims you toward Jesus Christ.

The true goal of life to seek after and pass on.

Christian, General, Life, Relationship, Thoughts, , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of the things that I have had the hardest time doing was striving to be the head of a household. There are many reasons why this has been difficult. Primarily in today’s society has placed within women that they should dominate their men. There is also the fact that a true Biblical understanding of the rolls for both the husband and the wife within the marriage. In addition, the overall change in society as a whole because the society that existed when the Bible was originally written has changed. Also, I had a poor role model to learn from. Who in turn had a poor role model to learn from. This resulted in me being a poor role model and I do not deny this in anyway shape or form.
One thing I have always known is that being the head of the household does not mean to dominate and rule. You do not boss those in your home about like slaves. In fact, per the Bible the head of the household is the true servant. This does not mean you wait upon them as if you are a slave. As the head of the household, we are to team with your chosen partner when rearing the children we have been blessed with by God.
As the head of the household, we are to make sure that those in our care are fed, clothed and sheltered. We are to encourage them in their growth and cause them to love and honor God. This so they can be ready to pass on what is found pleasing the in the eyes of the Lord.
Too many generations, especially within the United States, have been told to know that you have done well is if your children exceed and prosper better then you had in your journey through life. This in turn has turned people away for what is truly worth pursuing. Instead they toward seeking after money and bigger and better houses. A race for an ever more distant goal that can never be truly reached has turned people to business, stores, and sports instead of what is truly good and glorious. What is this true goal? It is found within the teaching of the Bible. But what is it called? Love.
Who taught us to love in the Bible? Jesus Christ the living Messiah.

The blessing called life.

Christian, General, Life, Thoughts, , , , , Leave a comment

Jesus said we should live our life’s as He does. We do not, for only He was perfect. Should we stop trying? No.
The commandments say not to commit murder, yet many support those that have legalized a version of murder. This alone should be enough to not vote for anyone that support this type of murder.
It is stated in the Bible that God knows us all within the womb of our mothers. That means we are human beings before we are born. We are humans the moment we are conceived for we are all a creation of God.
God placed our parents into a situation that allowed them to love one another then to want children and make strides to do so. Animals do not suffer from miscarriages. Animals give birth in their season and time to do so. Human beings do not. Why?
Because we work under God’s timetable, if we acknowledge He is real or not, not natures. Each child is a blessing by God to that couple. Which is why God desires people to be married before pursuing children. All children are a responsibility given to us by God and so need to be given love and respect.
Allow all that God gives us to live and not become a sacrifice to sin. If you feel you are not ready to be a parent, allow the child the privilege of life and allow them to be adopted by those that have not been given the blessing of carrying a child within them.