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By from on 12/15/2010
(legalese)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Have we already accepted the Mark of the Beast?
"He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except on who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
Rev. 13:16&17
It's almost difficult not to draw parallels between what's going on the world these days and the events described in Revelation. I'm not saying that the end is near...it is, relatively speaking... or...at least I hope so, but I'm not well-schooled enough or sure enough to suggest that we're nearing the end of the world as we know it. We might be, but only God knows for sure. (Matthew 24:36-44) All I'm saying is that thing are getting pretty bad. In fact, sometimes it's hard to imagine that things could get worse, but they can and they will, despite what the secular humanists would have us all believe.
So have we already accepted the Mark? I'd submit that it's at least possible. One could make the argument that Social Security is a manifestation of the mark. Think about it. Without providing your SSN, you can't buy a house, a car, or almost anything on credit, nor can you get a credit card. Your bank probably has your SSN, and required you give it to them even to get a debit card to spend money you have in "your" account. Your cell phone company, your cable or sattelite provider, and your telephone company probably have your SSN, as does your employer.
There are (increasingly frequent) periods of time when I really feel like "chucking it all" and rejecting most of what the world has to offer. Sometimes, I think the Amish have the right idea. If I had the money to buy a piece of ground and build a home, barn and outbuildings, and support my family by growing and raising my own food, I'd like to think I would do it.
...But great is the temptation to remain a 'friend' of this world. I am writing this on a computer that I bought on time. Yes, I paid it off quickly, but didn't pay for it all up front. I 'own' three cars-only one of which I 'own' outright. I have two mortgages on 'my' home. I am accessing the internet via a fairly expensive high-speed connection. I have a SSN, so does my wife, so do my kids and almost everyone I have ever known. Are we all marked? I hope not.
The Scriptures seem to identify only one 'unpardonable sin' and that is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. I interpret that to mean denying God. In a sense, we do that every day in the choices we make. It's important that we prayerfully consider all of our choices. God knows our hearts, so we must keep our hearts soft and turned toward Him at all times-even when it means going without and enduring "hardship." I hope I am strong enough to someday say "Enough!" and truly live for the Lord. In the meantime, I hope His mercy and grace extend and that somehow, He is working all bad things for our good, as He has done so often.
Rev. 13:16&17
It's almost difficult not to draw parallels between what's going on the world these days and the events described in Revelation. I'm not saying that the end is near...it is, relatively speaking... or...at least I hope so, but I'm not well-schooled enough or sure enough to suggest that we're nearing the end of the world as we know it. We might be, but only God knows for sure. (Matthew 24:36-44) All I'm saying is that thing are getting pretty bad. In fact, sometimes it's hard to imagine that things could get worse, but they can and they will, despite what the secular humanists would have us all believe.
So have we already accepted the Mark? I'd submit that it's at least possible. One could make the argument that Social Security is a manifestation of the mark. Think about it. Without providing your SSN, you can't buy a house, a car, or almost anything on credit, nor can you get a credit card. Your bank probably has your SSN, and required you give it to them even to get a debit card to spend money you have in "your" account. Your cell phone company, your cable or sattelite provider, and your telephone company probably have your SSN, as does your employer.
There are (increasingly frequent) periods of time when I really feel like "chucking it all" and rejecting most of what the world has to offer. Sometimes, I think the Amish have the right idea. If I had the money to buy a piece of ground and build a home, barn and outbuildings, and support my family by growing and raising my own food, I'd like to think I would do it.
...But great is the temptation to remain a 'friend' of this world. I am writing this on a computer that I bought on time. Yes, I paid it off quickly, but didn't pay for it all up front. I 'own' three cars-only one of which I 'own' outright. I have two mortgages on 'my' home. I am accessing the internet via a fairly expensive high-speed connection. I have a SSN, so does my wife, so do my kids and almost everyone I have ever known. Are we all marked? I hope not.
The Scriptures seem to identify only one 'unpardonable sin' and that is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. I interpret that to mean denying God. In a sense, we do that every day in the choices we make. It's important that we prayerfully consider all of our choices. God knows our hearts, so we must keep our hearts soft and turned toward Him at all times-even when it means going without and enduring "hardship." I hope I am strong enough to someday say "Enough!" and truly live for the Lord. In the meantime, I hope His mercy and grace extend and that somehow, He is working all bad things for our good, as He has done so often.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Farewell 2009
Another year has come and gone. The Lord has given us a little more time to get things right here on Earth. How much more? Who knows? The Mayans gave us two more years, but despite their predictions, and the fact that things are getting pretty bad, I don't think that's it. The scriptures tell us that no man shall know the hour of the Lord's return. Bottom line: People get ready.
What if 2000 had been the beginning of the end? What if there will be some cataclysmic Thundarr the Barbarian/Armageddon/Deep Impact kind of cosmic event? Will you be ready for what comes next?
There's a bumper sticker that says: "If you've been living like there's no God - You'd better be right!" For many people, that's exactly it. They are sure they're right. Their intellect, their 'wisdom' gets in the way of their faith. No, that's not really it. Their 'wisdom' supplants their faith. They have faith only in that which they can touch, see, and hold in their hands. If that last statement calls to mind the attitude of those who created graven images, well...good. We may not have "idle hands" but in a sense, we have "idol hands." In fact, I think perhaps there is something to the YouTube video entitled "Satan's plan." In a nutshell, the enemy wants to keep us busy. Too busy to have a real relationship with Christ. Too busy to spread the Word. Too busy to realize that the world is quite literally going to hell. Too busy to get ready. Another bumper sticker comes to mind:
R U E
Are you (red 'e') ready?
What if 2000 had been the beginning of the end? What if there will be some cataclysmic Thundarr the Barbarian/Armageddon/Deep Impact kind of cosmic event? Will you be ready for what comes next?
There's a bumper sticker that says: "If you've been living like there's no God - You'd better be right!" For many people, that's exactly it. They are sure they're right. Their intellect, their 'wisdom' gets in the way of their faith. No, that's not really it. Their 'wisdom' supplants their faith. They have faith only in that which they can touch, see, and hold in their hands. If that last statement calls to mind the attitude of those who created graven images, well...good. We may not have "idle hands" but in a sense, we have "idol hands." In fact, I think perhaps there is something to the YouTube video entitled "Satan's plan." In a nutshell, the enemy wants to keep us busy. Too busy to have a real relationship with Christ. Too busy to spread the Word. Too busy to realize that the world is quite literally going to hell. Too busy to get ready. Another bumper sticker comes to mind:
R U E
Are you (red 'e') ready?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
(Holy) Ghost in the Machine?
The Hadron Super Collider is, I believe, the most expensive machine of its kind, with a price tag of over 10 billion dollars, so far. Scientists at CERN hope to use the device to recreate the "Big Bang" (in scale, I suppose) and reveal the Higgs-Bosen particle or "God particle" as it is sometimes called. I don't know if I prefer the term "God particle" to Higgs-Bosen, but I would say it's far more appropriate. After all, if there ever was a Big Bang, God caused it, not these scientists who theorize that this particle exists.
The super collider broke down about a year ago, and after repairs, it seems it's ready to go again. The problem? A leak in the cooling system. The suspected source of the problem? Bread.
Apparently, somehow a small loaf of bread, like a baguette, found its way into the works.
Bread.
Fascinating isn't it?
Bread.
This 10 billion dollar machine, designed to reveal THE secret of the universe, shut down by... bread.
In search of the "God particle" scientists find...bread. Bread, where they expected to be able to see a replication of the Big Bang.
The Lord definitely works in mysterious, wonderful, and downright funny ways. God has a sense of humor, folks. It's as if He's saying:
"Okay, so you want to know how I created the universe? Bread. There ya go."
Makes sense to me. Jesus: Maker of worlds (read Hebrews;) the Bread of Life; the Word of God to man; is the reason for creation. By whom all things were made and without whom nothing was made. At the end of our search for the beginning of everything, we can see...bread. Jesus, the Bread of Life. To paraphrase Scripture: Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus was and is the Word. The Bread. Amen.
The super collider broke down about a year ago, and after repairs, it seems it's ready to go again. The problem? A leak in the cooling system. The suspected source of the problem? Bread.
Apparently, somehow a small loaf of bread, like a baguette, found its way into the works.
Bread.
Fascinating isn't it?
Bread.
This 10 billion dollar machine, designed to reveal THE secret of the universe, shut down by... bread.
In search of the "God particle" scientists find...bread. Bread, where they expected to be able to see a replication of the Big Bang.
The Lord definitely works in mysterious, wonderful, and downright funny ways. God has a sense of humor, folks. It's as if He's saying:
"Okay, so you want to know how I created the universe? Bread. There ya go."
Makes sense to me. Jesus: Maker of worlds (read Hebrews;) the Bread of Life; the Word of God to man; is the reason for creation. By whom all things were made and without whom nothing was made. At the end of our search for the beginning of everything, we can see...bread. Jesus, the Bread of Life. To paraphrase Scripture: Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus was and is the Word. The Bread. Amen.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cause for Concern
Our president said he would not participate in the National Day of Prayer earlier this year. I found it odd. I found it disturbing. I found it all the more reason to pray. Oh, I understand the whole "separation of church and state" thing, but why does this man have to take this stand when dozens of presidents before him did not? If he were a Muslim, or held any other beliefs for that matter, could he not have simply and quietly prayed to whatever god he does believe in if in fact he believes in a god at all? If he were praying to Allah, would anyone really know but him? God would, yes, but the rest of us? I suppose if he removed his shoes and laid on a prayer mat facing Mecca, then we might draw that conclusion, but without visible signs we wouldn't know. Where would the harm been in that? If he doesn't believe in God or any god, then I can understand and although I would strongly disagree with him on the issue, I can respect his integrity for not faking it. There are some who say that Barack Obama is a Muslim. I don't know if he is or if he isn't. I don't know if I could believe that he considers himself a practicing Christian either. He doesn't act like one. For a time, he did belong to the church headed by Rev. Jeremiah Wright but apparently, they had a falling out. I remember the "...God damn America..." video snippet of Rev. Wright. He should be glad he lives in a country that allows him to say such things. Try expressing those kinds of sentiments in Indonesia. If you stood up in Jakarta and said "Allah damn Indonesia." you probably would have signed your death warrant. You might not live out the day. You might not make it down from the podium.
Although Barack Obama did not want to participate in the National Day of Prayer, he is apparently willing to allow a celebration of Islamic unity to take place on Capitol Hill. Interesting.
I sincerely doubt any other religion would get such consideration. Please correct me if I 'm wrong. When was the last time the White House (under any President) hosted a day of Christian unity?
Although Barack Obama did not want to participate in the National Day of Prayer, he is apparently willing to allow a celebration of Islamic unity to take place on Capitol Hill. Interesting.
I sincerely doubt any other religion would get such consideration. Please correct me if I 'm wrong. When was the last time the White House (under any President) hosted a day of Christian unity?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The first day of school
NOTE: Obviously, this was written a couple of months back. Sorry for the delay in posting this. Hopefully, you'll get the point anyway.
Our children started school today. Overall, things went really well. Everybody got up, got ready and got going. They knew what they had to do.
Can you imagine what it must have been like for the apostles meeting with the Lord for the first time? When Christ called the first disciples, they were busy getting on with the business of their daily lives... but they got up, got ready and got going. They knew what they had to do. School was in session. Their education had begun.
They met Christ and went with him immediately. They followed him right away. If only we all had the same will to follow. If only we did what we know we must do. That, more than anything would speed the coming of the Kingdom. Scripture tells us that Jesus will return when everyone has had a chance to hear the Good News, when the Gospel is preached to all nations. Let's get crackin' folks.
It must have been a devastating blow for the disciples to watch and/or learn of the Lord's crucifixion. They must have felt completely lost. Yet Jesus would return to them and remain with them for many days before His Ascension. How confusing and bittersweet this moment must have been. The Lord was leaving them again. This time, with instructions, a mission, a purpose, and a promise to not only be with them, but to return again.
It was kind of like dropping my son off at school. No doubt it was a bittersweet moment for both of us - probably more bitter than sweet to hear either of us tell it. Still, there was a purpose and a promise to return. School is in session. We are both teachers and students. What can we learn from Jesus today? What will we do to educate the rest of the world, until our Father comes to pick us up?
Our children started school today. Overall, things went really well. Everybody got up, got ready and got going. They knew what they had to do.
Can you imagine what it must have been like for the apostles meeting with the Lord for the first time? When Christ called the first disciples, they were busy getting on with the business of their daily lives... but they got up, got ready and got going. They knew what they had to do. School was in session. Their education had begun.
They met Christ and went with him immediately. They followed him right away. If only we all had the same will to follow. If only we did what we know we must do. That, more than anything would speed the coming of the Kingdom. Scripture tells us that Jesus will return when everyone has had a chance to hear the Good News, when the Gospel is preached to all nations. Let's get crackin' folks.
It must have been a devastating blow for the disciples to watch and/or learn of the Lord's crucifixion. They must have felt completely lost. Yet Jesus would return to them and remain with them for many days before His Ascension. How confusing and bittersweet this moment must have been. The Lord was leaving them again. This time, with instructions, a mission, a purpose, and a promise to not only be with them, but to return again.
It was kind of like dropping my son off at school. No doubt it was a bittersweet moment for both of us - probably more bitter than sweet to hear either of us tell it. Still, there was a purpose and a promise to return. School is in session. We are both teachers and students. What can we learn from Jesus today? What will we do to educate the rest of the world, until our Father comes to pick us up?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
One little mistake...
I like mahjong. I find it interesting and challenging. A friend of mine introduced me to the game years ago. I played it for hours on his computer, long after he had turned in for the night. I play it when I can. It can be a nice diversion from the stress of my day, and yet, it can often add to the stress of my day.
At any rate, I finally got sick of my old computer and upgraded to a newer one which, to my delight, came with a very nice mahjong game. I've had the new computer for a couple of weeks now, and I've played mahjong at least a half a dozen times so far, yet I have only beaten the game once. Tonight, in fact. This was the catalyst for my post.
When you lose this game a window pops up and asks you whether you would like to simply quit or go back to the game and try to win again. Up until tonight, I've always just quit. Tonight, however, I decided to try to figure out how to win. I returned to the game and backed up move by move to see where I went wrong. Some of you can see where I'm headed with this already...aren't you clever!
Anyway, I found an interesting parallel. There was essentially ONE wrong move that prohibited me from winning the game. One little mistake and that was it. I had virtually no chance of succeeding from that point on. Life is like that for many people. If they go back far enough, they'll be able to identify that one step that led them down the wrong path to failure. Unlike mahjong, however, life doesn't come with a reset button...or does it?
God's grace is available to all who confess their sins (mistakes, wrong moves) and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus is the ultimate reset button. The great "do-over" when it seems like "game over." Thankfully, God is not waiting for us to slip up and say "Aha! Now I gotcha!" That's the enemy's game. And he does have us in his trap unless we choose the only way out. THE way, THE truth, THE life, and THE light: Christ Jesus. God has given us a way out because He loves us that much. Yes, he expects us to get right and put off the old man and put on the new. You can't have it both ways, folks. Still, once you live in the light you'll begin to wonder how you ever got around in the darkness.
Retrace your steps. Find out where and when you went wrong and get right with God. You'll be glad you did. It's the only way to play to win.
At any rate, I finally got sick of my old computer and upgraded to a newer one which, to my delight, came with a very nice mahjong game. I've had the new computer for a couple of weeks now, and I've played mahjong at least a half a dozen times so far, yet I have only beaten the game once. Tonight, in fact. This was the catalyst for my post.
When you lose this game a window pops up and asks you whether you would like to simply quit or go back to the game and try to win again. Up until tonight, I've always just quit. Tonight, however, I decided to try to figure out how to win. I returned to the game and backed up move by move to see where I went wrong. Some of you can see where I'm headed with this already...aren't you clever!
Anyway, I found an interesting parallel. There was essentially ONE wrong move that prohibited me from winning the game. One little mistake and that was it. I had virtually no chance of succeeding from that point on. Life is like that for many people. If they go back far enough, they'll be able to identify that one step that led them down the wrong path to failure. Unlike mahjong, however, life doesn't come with a reset button...or does it?
God's grace is available to all who confess their sins (mistakes, wrong moves) and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus is the ultimate reset button. The great "do-over" when it seems like "game over." Thankfully, God is not waiting for us to slip up and say "Aha! Now I gotcha!" That's the enemy's game. And he does have us in his trap unless we choose the only way out. THE way, THE truth, THE life, and THE light: Christ Jesus. God has given us a way out because He loves us that much. Yes, he expects us to get right and put off the old man and put on the new. You can't have it both ways, folks. Still, once you live in the light you'll begin to wonder how you ever got around in the darkness.
Retrace your steps. Find out where and when you went wrong and get right with God. You'll be glad you did. It's the only way to play to win.
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