What Do You Think About This?
1 hour ago
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association has its associates excited about defining and diagnosing a 'new' mental illness. This will undoubtedly lead to a windfall of profits for the drug companies poised to send their minions to the bought-and-paid-for doctor's offices all over the nation.
This new illness announced at a San Fransisco meeting is called Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder or PTED.
Don't get me wrong...it is good that the field of psychiatry is recognizing the destructiveness of embitterment. But it is hardly a new diagnosis as the Bible is full examples of embittered individuals.
Lucifer was the first being to suffer from PTED. Other examples that come to mind are Cain, Baalam, Jezebel and Simon Magus.
What follows is a few working definitions of embitterment or bitterness. Then we will look at one man's pathway into bitterness and its effects. And finally, we will look at the Biblical prescription or anecdote for bitterness.
PTED occurs when after a person suffers from a loss, they cannot break free from the anger and depression naturally experienced in the grieving process. Paul warns us in Ephesians to, "Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." We can be angry but we are not to entertain it to the point of sin. For example, David was angry at God after He struck dead, the ark-bearers but this did not lead to sin.
Here are four definitions of bitterness:
1. Bitterness is intense anger and desire for revenge coupled with the helpless inability to do anything about it.
2. Bitterness is an obsessive occupation with self,life, and its many problems.
3. Bitter individuals defend their grudges and believe their intense pain exempts them from the need to forgive and forget.
4. Simon Magus is described by Peter as 'bitter'. This Greek word used for bitter in Strong's is 'poison'. What follows is what I believe to be the best definition. Bitterness is drinking poison while hoping the other person will die from it. This touches on the irrational thought process of the bitter mind.
Bitterness can occur when there is a sin un-repented of. Bitterness can also occur when there is a sin or circumstance that happens to the one who becomes bitter because they are unwilling to forgive and forget and reach acceptance.
Lets follow the example of King Saul in his pathway to bitterness and see where it leads.
In I Samuel 15, Saul returns from a great victory over the Amalekites. His instructions were to destroy every man, woman, child and animal.Saul returns with King Agag and his soldiers return with much spoil. Samuel is furious with Saul for his disobedience and tells him he has committed a grevious sin against the Lord.
1Sa 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel: 'I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words; because I feared the people, and hearkened to their voice.
1Sa 15:25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.'
1Sa 15:26 And Samuel said unto Saul: 'I will not return with thee; for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.'
1Sa 15:27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his robe, and it rent.
1Sa 15:28 And Samuel said unto him: 'The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
1Sa 15:29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie nor repent; for He is not a man, that He should repent.'
1Sa 15:30 Then he said: 'I have sinned; yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.'
Because of his disobedience, Saul was to suffer a traumatic loss; the Kingdom of Israel was to be taken from him and given to someone better than him. Saul's response was not one of repentance. He blames the people for his sin and then is only concerned with appearances by begging that Samuel return with him. Saul's refusal to repent leads to torment from a vexing spirit. This spirit is there to influence and promote the fruits of bitterness. Saul begins to wallow in guilt, depression and self-pity.
David is that 'better' man chosen to replace Saul as king over Israel. David is the champion who kills Goliath and gains instant reknown in Israel.
1Sa 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments.
1Sa 18:7 And the women sang one to another in their play, and said: Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
1Sa 18:8 And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said: 'They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and all he lacketh is the kingdom!'
1Sa 18:9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
1Sa 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house; and David played with his hand, as he did day by day; and Saul had his spear in his hand.
1Sa 18:11 And Saul cast the spear; for he said: 'I will smite David even to the wall.' And David stepped aside out of his presence twice.
1Sa 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
1Sa 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
1Sa 18:14 And David had great success in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
1Sa 18:15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe [great fear] of him.
Now we see the embittered Saul moving into intense feelings of jealousy, fear and resentment. Saul now wants to murder David and this leads to more than a decade-long pursuit.
As we get into I Samuel 28, Samuel is now dead and there are no prophets able to give Saul access to the Word of God. In his bitter desperation, Saul seeks the aid of a medium. A demon is conjured up and is given to prophesy to Saul one last time.
1Sa 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that divined by a ghost or a familiar spirit out of the land.
1Sa 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
1Sa 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
1Sa 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
1Sa 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants: 'Seek me a woman that divineth by a ghost, that I may go to her, and inquire of her.' And his servants said to him: 'Behold, there is a woman that divineth by a ghost at En-dor.'
1Sa 28:8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said: 'Divine unto me, I pray thee, by a ghost, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee.'
1Sa 28:9 And the woman said unto him: 'Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that divine by a ghost or a familiar spirit out of the land; wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?'
1Sa 28:10 And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying: 'As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.'
1Sa 28:11 Then said the woman: 'Whom shall I bring up unto thee?' And he said: 'Bring me up Samuel.'
1Sa 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying: 'Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.'
1Sa 28:13 And the king said unto her: 'Be not afraid; for what seest thou?' And the woman said unto Saul: 'I see a godlike being coming up out of the earth.'
1Sa 28:14 And he said unto her: 'What form is he of?' And she said: 'An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe.' And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and prostrated himself.
1Sa 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul: 'Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?' And Saul answered: 'I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams; therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.'
1Sa 28:16 And Samuel said: 'Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?
1Sa 28:17 And the LORD hath wrought for Himself; as He spoke by me; and the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David.
1Sa 28:18 Because thou didst not hearken to the voice of the LORD, and didst not execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
1Sa 28:19 Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me; the LORD will deliver the host of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.'
1Sa 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
And yet the very next day, Saul went out to be killed just as the demon had prophesied would happen to him. Saul's embitterment led him to complete irrationality and self-destructiveness. His road to bitterness ended where sin always leads...to death.
So what is the anecdote to bitterness? Dr. Paul the Apostle outlines a prescription in Philippians 4:6-9.
Php 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing"
Don't be anxious and stressed out. Don't dwell on the loss and the pain. Don't coddle your suffering and wallow in self-pity. Be angry and sin not. Repent and/or forgive and forget, which ever is necessary to move on.
Php 4:6, "...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Pray. Speak to God with thanksgiving. Focus on your blessings and what God has in store for those who love and obey His word.
Php 4:8, "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."
Meditate on what is good. Purify your thoughts. Mind-set is a choice. Choose that which is good and gives life.
Php 4:9, "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."
Follow the good examples of those around you. If there are none, then it is time to find new friends. Paul was a servant-leader who urges us all to pattern our behaviors and actions after him. Put your time and efforts in serving others and you will more quickly and easily forgive and forget your own sufferings.
As Saul was a type of Satan in many instances, so was David a type of Christ. There are many Psalms written by David that illustrate his ability to apply the remedy of bitterness. Psalm 57 was written in exile, hiding in a cave from the threat of destruction from Saul. Again, recall that this went on for more than 10 years! How much of this would you have been able to endure before becoming bitter? Read this psalm very carefully and appreciate David's faith, fore-sight and perseverance in choosing to be positive and uplifting even unto us. This remedy is eternally greater than any drug millions will soon be taking for post traumatic embitterment disorder.
Psa 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Psa 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
Psa 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
Psa 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Psa 57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psa 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
Psa 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Psa 57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Psa 57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Psa 57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Psa 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
This new illness announced at a San Fransisco meeting is called Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder or PTED.
Don't get me wrong...it is good that the field of psychiatry is recognizing the destructiveness of embitterment. But it is hardly a new diagnosis as the Bible is full examples of embittered individuals.
Lucifer was the first being to suffer from PTED. Other examples that come to mind are Cain, Baalam, Jezebel and Simon Magus.
What follows is a few working definitions of embitterment or bitterness. Then we will look at one man's pathway into bitterness and its effects. And finally, we will look at the Biblical prescription or anecdote for bitterness.
PTED occurs when after a person suffers from a loss, they cannot break free from the anger and depression naturally experienced in the grieving process. Paul warns us in Ephesians to, "Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." We can be angry but we are not to entertain it to the point of sin. For example, David was angry at God after He struck dead, the ark-bearers but this did not lead to sin.
Here are four definitions of bitterness:
1. Bitterness is intense anger and desire for revenge coupled with the helpless inability to do anything about it.
2. Bitterness is an obsessive occupation with self,life, and its many problems.
3. Bitter individuals defend their grudges and believe their intense pain exempts them from the need to forgive and forget.
4. Simon Magus is described by Peter as 'bitter'. This Greek word used for bitter in Strong's is 'poison'. What follows is what I believe to be the best definition. Bitterness is drinking poison while hoping the other person will die from it. This touches on the irrational thought process of the bitter mind.
Bitterness can occur when there is a sin un-repented of. Bitterness can also occur when there is a sin or circumstance that happens to the one who becomes bitter because they are unwilling to forgive and forget and reach acceptance.
Lets follow the example of King Saul in his pathway to bitterness and see where it leads.
In I Samuel 15, Saul returns from a great victory over the Amalekites. His instructions were to destroy every man, woman, child and animal.Saul returns with King Agag and his soldiers return with much spoil. Samuel is furious with Saul for his disobedience and tells him he has committed a grevious sin against the Lord.
1Sa 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel: 'I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words; because I feared the people, and hearkened to their voice.
1Sa 15:25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD.'
1Sa 15:26 And Samuel said unto Saul: 'I will not return with thee; for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.'
1Sa 15:27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his robe, and it rent.
1Sa 15:28 And Samuel said unto him: 'The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
1Sa 15:29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie nor repent; for He is not a man, that He should repent.'
1Sa 15:30 Then he said: 'I have sinned; yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.'
Because of his disobedience, Saul was to suffer a traumatic loss; the Kingdom of Israel was to be taken from him and given to someone better than him. Saul's response was not one of repentance. He blames the people for his sin and then is only concerned with appearances by begging that Samuel return with him. Saul's refusal to repent leads to torment from a vexing spirit. This spirit is there to influence and promote the fruits of bitterness. Saul begins to wallow in guilt, depression and self-pity.
David is that 'better' man chosen to replace Saul as king over Israel. David is the champion who kills Goliath and gains instant reknown in Israel.
1Sa 18:6 And it came to pass as they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with three-stringed instruments.
1Sa 18:7 And the women sang one to another in their play, and said: Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
1Sa 18:8 And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased him; and he said: 'They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and all he lacketh is the kingdom!'
1Sa 18:9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
1Sa 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house; and David played with his hand, as he did day by day; and Saul had his spear in his hand.
1Sa 18:11 And Saul cast the spear; for he said: 'I will smite David even to the wall.' And David stepped aside out of his presence twice.
1Sa 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
1Sa 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
1Sa 18:14 And David had great success in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.
1Sa 18:15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe [great fear] of him.
Now we see the embittered Saul moving into intense feelings of jealousy, fear and resentment. Saul now wants to murder David and this leads to more than a decade-long pursuit.
As we get into I Samuel 28, Samuel is now dead and there are no prophets able to give Saul access to the Word of God. In his bitter desperation, Saul seeks the aid of a medium. A demon is conjured up and is given to prophesy to Saul one last time.
1Sa 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that divined by a ghost or a familiar spirit out of the land.
1Sa 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
1Sa 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
1Sa 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
1Sa 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants: 'Seek me a woman that divineth by a ghost, that I may go to her, and inquire of her.' And his servants said to him: 'Behold, there is a woman that divineth by a ghost at En-dor.'
1Sa 28:8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said: 'Divine unto me, I pray thee, by a ghost, and bring me up whomsoever I shall name unto thee.'
1Sa 28:9 And the woman said unto him: 'Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that divine by a ghost or a familiar spirit out of the land; wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?'
1Sa 28:10 And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying: 'As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.'
1Sa 28:11 Then said the woman: 'Whom shall I bring up unto thee?' And he said: 'Bring me up Samuel.'
1Sa 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying: 'Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.'
1Sa 28:13 And the king said unto her: 'Be not afraid; for what seest thou?' And the woman said unto Saul: 'I see a godlike being coming up out of the earth.'
1Sa 28:14 And he said unto her: 'What form is he of?' And she said: 'An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe.' And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and prostrated himself.
1Sa 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul: 'Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up?' And Saul answered: 'I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams; therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.'
1Sa 28:16 And Samuel said: 'Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine adversary?
1Sa 28:17 And the LORD hath wrought for Himself; as He spoke by me; and the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David.
1Sa 28:18 Because thou didst not hearken to the voice of the LORD, and didst not execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
1Sa 28:19 Moreover the LORD will deliver Israel also with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me; the LORD will deliver the host of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.'
1Sa 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway his full length upon the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel; and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
And yet the very next day, Saul went out to be killed just as the demon had prophesied would happen to him. Saul's embitterment led him to complete irrationality and self-destructiveness. His road to bitterness ended where sin always leads...to death.
So what is the anecdote to bitterness? Dr. Paul the Apostle outlines a prescription in Philippians 4:6-9.
Php 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing"
Don't be anxious and stressed out. Don't dwell on the loss and the pain. Don't coddle your suffering and wallow in self-pity. Be angry and sin not. Repent and/or forgive and forget, which ever is necessary to move on.
Php 4:6, "...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Pray. Speak to God with thanksgiving. Focus on your blessings and what God has in store for those who love and obey His word.
Php 4:8, "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."
Meditate on what is good. Purify your thoughts. Mind-set is a choice. Choose that which is good and gives life.
Php 4:9, "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."
Follow the good examples of those around you. If there are none, then it is time to find new friends. Paul was a servant-leader who urges us all to pattern our behaviors and actions after him. Put your time and efforts in serving others and you will more quickly and easily forgive and forget your own sufferings.
As Saul was a type of Satan in many instances, so was David a type of Christ. There are many Psalms written by David that illustrate his ability to apply the remedy of bitterness. Psalm 57 was written in exile, hiding in a cave from the threat of destruction from Saul. Again, recall that this went on for more than 10 years! How much of this would you have been able to endure before becoming bitter? Read this psalm very carefully and appreciate David's faith, fore-sight and perseverance in choosing to be positive and uplifting even unto us. This remedy is eternally greater than any drug millions will soon be taking for post traumatic embitterment disorder.
Psa 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Psa 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
Psa 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
Psa 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Psa 57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psa 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
Psa 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Psa 57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Psa 57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Psa 57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Psa 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Killing Christ In America
This is an article I am cross-posting from our flag-ship magazine of the Grizzly Groundswell, TEMERITY. The author is my beautiful and brilliant wife. If you like conservative articles like this, be sure to visit www.temeritymagazine.com We are working hard to highlight the very best Grizzly Groundswell authors we have to offer. If you are a blogger and want to be a part of our growing network of grass-roots conservatives, come register as an author at www.grizzlygroundswell.com
I am also the host of Grizzly Religion. If your blogging is religious in nature and you would like to cross-post at Grizzly Religion, just send me your e-mail and username you want to use. If you want to submit to Temerity Magazine, be sure to read the ABOUT page, SUBMISSIONS SPECS page and the THEMES page. Also, any feed-back would be greatly appreciated from readers. Thank you in advance for reading Temerity Magazine. Get Grizzly!
Killing Christ in America
When I read the news of politicians writing bills to expand liberal ideas and values in areas of abortion, gay marriage, and the expansion of government in the lives of all Americans, I look around me and wonder who these elected officials represent. I see my friends and neighbors shake their heads in disbelief at where our country is headed. Everyone around me seems to have a much more conservative view regarding these issues. Then I read the news online apart from the mainstream media and see the outrage concerning our deep spiral into the abyss of socialism. Over one million Americans made their voices of opposition heard on April 15th all across the land, inspired by Rick Santelli and dubbed, Tea Parties. So I ask the question, who do these politicians represent? How did they get elected? Be sure, those elected do have their supporters.
John 15:18 reads, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” The gospels illustrate how the common man accepted and followed Christ. John 12:9-19 paints a picture of belief and great respect for Christ on his last trip into Jerusalem. Many Jews believed in Him (v.11), a multitude gathered as He entered the city, they took palm branches and sang praise to Him (v.13). The Pharisees said, “the whole world has gone after Him”. So who hated Him?
The leaders hated Him. The lawyers, Pharisees, Sadducees, Chief Priests and elders despised Him because He was an affront to their power and prestige. These leaders were constantly plotting to incriminate Christ through trick questions. Their envy and hatred for Him eventually lead to His murder.
So, we find, that a few days after the multitudes were singing praise and adoration to the Messiah, the same multitudes were screaming, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” (Matt 27:22-24/Mark 15:12-15)…………………………………. What changed?
Matt. 27:20 and Mark 15:11 tell us that these leaders stirred up and persuaded the people to ask for a murderer to be released and Christ, who did nothing but make the leaders uncomfortable with what He said, to be crucified. If these common folks were adoring Christ just mere days before, these leaders of the people must have been very convincing in their arguments. From the use of the phrase, “stirred up the people”, it seems that the leaders were able to illicit a strong emotional response from the people. The leaders must have kept hammering away at the people until they lost all good sense.
There is another aspect to consider. At the time of Christ, the common folks feared the leadership. When a blind man was healed, the Jewish leaders asked his parents if this man was blind from birth (John 9). The parents answered that he indeed was their son, blind from birth. But when the leaders asked how he received his sight, the parents’ response was, “He is of age; ask him.” Verse 22 reveals that they were afraid of the leaders because if anyone confessed that Jesus was the Christ, they would be put out of the synagogue. John 7:13 states that everyone had an opinion concerning Christ but they dared not speak openly about Him because they were afraid of the leadership. And the people had reason to fear. Those in authority had legal right to make their lives difficult and give them trouble.
In general, we do not live in fear of those in authority today. But will laws and mandates be passed tomorrow that put us in fear of doing what we believe is right? Can conservative voices be silenced and imprisoned for confessing Christian values? Is there a time coming when the State can rob us of our own children because we want to teach them in the way that they should go according to the Holy Scriptures?
Today, in America, I see around me, many people with good American sense that want to keep our country free, moralistic, and unchained by Socialism. But we have these leaders who want to change our values. These are people in political office. But politicians are not our only leaders. The mainstream media tells us how to think —they are our leaders. Our celebrities tell us, and especially our children, what is politically correct and reinforce that if you don’t agree with their liberal values, you are an unfeeling bigot—these are our leaders. The Public education system in America and the Universities that are openly teaching socialism and false versions of American history—they are our leaders. So-called pastors of Jesus Christ that support and in some cases practice homosexuality and endorse pro-choice candidates—they are our leaders. As time passes, more people are being convinced of the idea that there is no right and wrong. Everything is acceptable and equal. Or they are simply being silenced out of fear to avoid being called unfeeling, judgmental, racist, or spreading hate. The leaders want to eliminate Judeo-Christian values out of all aspects of our society. If we the people continue to go along with this agenda either willingly or silently out of fear, we reject Christ. And in effect we are joining in the chorus of the multitudes growing louder …
“CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!”
Cameron R Brown is a Registered Nurse, homeschooling mother of three, and sole proprietor of The Proverbial Garden, a home based landscape plant propagation business in central Ohio. All that said, I am very thankful for my husband of 11 years who is very supportive in all my endeavors.
I am also the host of Grizzly Religion. If your blogging is religious in nature and you would like to cross-post at Grizzly Religion, just send me your e-mail and username you want to use. If you want to submit to Temerity Magazine, be sure to read the ABOUT page, SUBMISSIONS SPECS page and the THEMES page. Also, any feed-back would be greatly appreciated from readers. Thank you in advance for reading Temerity Magazine. Get Grizzly!
Killing Christ in America
When I read the news of politicians writing bills to expand liberal ideas and values in areas of abortion, gay marriage, and the expansion of government in the lives of all Americans, I look around me and wonder who these elected officials represent. I see my friends and neighbors shake their heads in disbelief at where our country is headed. Everyone around me seems to have a much more conservative view regarding these issues. Then I read the news online apart from the mainstream media and see the outrage concerning our deep spiral into the abyss of socialism. Over one million Americans made their voices of opposition heard on April 15th all across the land, inspired by Rick Santelli and dubbed, Tea Parties. So I ask the question, who do these politicians represent? How did they get elected? Be sure, those elected do have their supporters.
John 15:18 reads, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” The gospels illustrate how the common man accepted and followed Christ. John 12:9-19 paints a picture of belief and great respect for Christ on his last trip into Jerusalem. Many Jews believed in Him (v.11), a multitude gathered as He entered the city, they took palm branches and sang praise to Him (v.13). The Pharisees said, “the whole world has gone after Him”. So who hated Him?
The leaders hated Him. The lawyers, Pharisees, Sadducees, Chief Priests and elders despised Him because He was an affront to their power and prestige. These leaders were constantly plotting to incriminate Christ through trick questions. Their envy and hatred for Him eventually lead to His murder.
So, we find, that a few days after the multitudes were singing praise and adoration to the Messiah, the same multitudes were screaming, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” (Matt 27:22-24/Mark 15:12-15)…………………………………. What changed?
Matt. 27:20 and Mark 15:11 tell us that these leaders stirred up and persuaded the people to ask for a murderer to be released and Christ, who did nothing but make the leaders uncomfortable with what He said, to be crucified. If these common folks were adoring Christ just mere days before, these leaders of the people must have been very convincing in their arguments. From the use of the phrase, “stirred up the people”, it seems that the leaders were able to illicit a strong emotional response from the people. The leaders must have kept hammering away at the people until they lost all good sense.
There is another aspect to consider. At the time of Christ, the common folks feared the leadership. When a blind man was healed, the Jewish leaders asked his parents if this man was blind from birth (John 9). The parents answered that he indeed was their son, blind from birth. But when the leaders asked how he received his sight, the parents’ response was, “He is of age; ask him.” Verse 22 reveals that they were afraid of the leaders because if anyone confessed that Jesus was the Christ, they would be put out of the synagogue. John 7:13 states that everyone had an opinion concerning Christ but they dared not speak openly about Him because they were afraid of the leadership. And the people had reason to fear. Those in authority had legal right to make their lives difficult and give them trouble.
In general, we do not live in fear of those in authority today. But will laws and mandates be passed tomorrow that put us in fear of doing what we believe is right? Can conservative voices be silenced and imprisoned for confessing Christian values? Is there a time coming when the State can rob us of our own children because we want to teach them in the way that they should go according to the Holy Scriptures?
Today, in America, I see around me, many people with good American sense that want to keep our country free, moralistic, and unchained by Socialism. But we have these leaders who want to change our values. These are people in political office. But politicians are not our only leaders. The mainstream media tells us how to think —they are our leaders. Our celebrities tell us, and especially our children, what is politically correct and reinforce that if you don’t agree with their liberal values, you are an unfeeling bigot—these are our leaders. The Public education system in America and the Universities that are openly teaching socialism and false versions of American history—they are our leaders. So-called pastors of Jesus Christ that support and in some cases practice homosexuality and endorse pro-choice candidates—they are our leaders. As time passes, more people are being convinced of the idea that there is no right and wrong. Everything is acceptable and equal. Or they are simply being silenced out of fear to avoid being called unfeeling, judgmental, racist, or spreading hate. The leaders want to eliminate Judeo-Christian values out of all aspects of our society. If we the people continue to go along with this agenda either willingly or silently out of fear, we reject Christ. And in effect we are joining in the chorus of the multitudes growing louder …
“CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!”
Cameron R Brown is a Registered Nurse, homeschooling mother of three, and sole proprietor of The Proverbial Garden, a home based landscape plant propagation business in central Ohio. All that said, I am very thankful for my husband of 11 years who is very supportive in all my endeavors.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Intercessory Prayer and Fasting
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Christians make up a holy priesthood that are given to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God. Two ways that we do this is by intercessory prayer and fasting.
Intercessory means to petition God for His favor or action on behalf of another.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
It is easy to rejoice with one another but not so when it comes to mourning. But it is vital that we do both and not shy away from our complete Christian duty to one another. This is important if we truly are one body.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Paul, again, admonishes us that we are to suffer with and for one another. Setting aside time to beseech God with prayers and supplications, and certainly fasting, are not things we naturally want to do.
When a brother or sister is sick, that person is to be anointed by an elder in the church and it says that the prayer of faith will make them well. Certainly, we understand that, if not in this life, then at the resurrection of the dead when death and the grave are swallowed up forever.
How can we clear our own conscious and know for certain what is God’s will in such matters of restoring one from sickness?
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus laid down His life for all mankind even while we were still sinners. His was the ultimate in that there is no greater expression of love.
Do we REALLY lay down our own lives for one another? Are we sacrificing our time and efforts and physical needs for one another through prayer, supplications and fasting when one in the body is sick?
1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1Jn 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jn 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
John says when we go ‘all out’ for one another, we can then have confidence toward God, knowing that we did our part on behalf of another.
Do we love in word only when we express our sympathies for a brother or sister but do not take action beyond?
How do we know it is really God’s will that He not heal someone right now instead of waiting until the resurrection unless we have not taken the action necessary to express that love of one another…the laying down of our own lives, even for a day, for one another, in heartfelt prayer and fasting? Do we avail our hearts before Him, DOING what is pleasing in His sight?
Joe 2:12 Yet even now, saith the LORD, turn ye unto Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with lamentation;
Joe 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God; for He is gracious and compassionate, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy, and repenteth Him of the evil.
Joe 2:14 Who knoweth whether He will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him…
Who knows? Do we utilize the spiritual tools made available to us to do hard work? Do we lay down our lives for one another according to scripture so that we atleast can know that after we have done our part, it truly is God’s will as to when He will act on a brother or sister’s behalf?
I met Chris and Margie Carothers when I first started attending church 16 years ago. They took me under their wings and have become a couple of my dearest friends. We have been through a lot together, sometimes yelling at one another, sometimes mourning together, and certainly much laughing together. But one thing our friendship gives testament to is the fact that no matter what comes our way to destroy our friendship and love for one another, Satan has failed every time. Over the years, even when we vehemently disagree on something, we give it no place to disrupt the love we have as brothers and sisters in Christ.
So the news has crushed my spirit to learn that Margie has been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). This is a debilitating disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. There is no known cure. Only Divine intervention can eradicate this condition from the human body.I refuse to accept this quietly in prayer only, hoping for the best but going on with my own busy schedule. I have discussed this with Chris and he has agreed to let friends and family know that we are setting aside Saturday, May 16, to beseech God in prayer, supplication and fasting on behalf of Margie. We know that God is our healer and His will be done. And we can be sure of that will once we have done our part in going all the way, utilizing the tools given us, to really know His will in this matter.
Some illness is given and is not lifted,for the spiritual benefit even unto salvation of those involved. But we know this…
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Those who know and love the Carothers, join us in this day of prayer and fasting, of laying down our lives for a day for another. Those of you who do not know them, keep them in your prayers and do so according to what God impresses upon your heart. Don’t just think about it…do it.
I believe it is opportunities like this that give answer to Jesus Christ when He asked the question with uncertainty of the answer…
Luk 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luk 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luk 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luk 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luk 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Christians make up a holy priesthood that are given to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God. Two ways that we do this is by intercessory prayer and fasting.
Intercessory means to petition God for His favor or action on behalf of another.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
It is easy to rejoice with one another but not so when it comes to mourning. But it is vital that we do both and not shy away from our complete Christian duty to one another. This is important if we truly are one body.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Paul, again, admonishes us that we are to suffer with and for one another. Setting aside time to beseech God with prayers and supplications, and certainly fasting, are not things we naturally want to do.
When a brother or sister is sick, that person is to be anointed by an elder in the church and it says that the prayer of faith will make them well. Certainly, we understand that, if not in this life, then at the resurrection of the dead when death and the grave are swallowed up forever.
How can we clear our own conscious and know for certain what is God’s will in such matters of restoring one from sickness?
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus laid down His life for all mankind even while we were still sinners. His was the ultimate in that there is no greater expression of love.
Do we REALLY lay down our own lives for one another? Are we sacrificing our time and efforts and physical needs for one another through prayer, supplications and fasting when one in the body is sick?
1Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1Jn 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jn 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
John says when we go ‘all out’ for one another, we can then have confidence toward God, knowing that we did our part on behalf of another.
Do we love in word only when we express our sympathies for a brother or sister but do not take action beyond?
How do we know it is really God’s will that He not heal someone right now instead of waiting until the resurrection unless we have not taken the action necessary to express that love of one another…the laying down of our own lives, even for a day, for one another, in heartfelt prayer and fasting? Do we avail our hearts before Him, DOING what is pleasing in His sight?
Joe 2:12 Yet even now, saith the LORD, turn ye unto Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with lamentation;
Joe 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God; for He is gracious and compassionate, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy, and repenteth Him of the evil.
Joe 2:14 Who knoweth whether He will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him…
Who knows? Do we utilize the spiritual tools made available to us to do hard work? Do we lay down our lives for one another according to scripture so that we atleast can know that after we have done our part, it truly is God’s will as to when He will act on a brother or sister’s behalf?
I met Chris and Margie Carothers when I first started attending church 16 years ago. They took me under their wings and have become a couple of my dearest friends. We have been through a lot together, sometimes yelling at one another, sometimes mourning together, and certainly much laughing together. But one thing our friendship gives testament to is the fact that no matter what comes our way to destroy our friendship and love for one another, Satan has failed every time. Over the years, even when we vehemently disagree on something, we give it no place to disrupt the love we have as brothers and sisters in Christ.
So the news has crushed my spirit to learn that Margie has been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). This is a debilitating disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. There is no known cure. Only Divine intervention can eradicate this condition from the human body.I refuse to accept this quietly in prayer only, hoping for the best but going on with my own busy schedule. I have discussed this with Chris and he has agreed to let friends and family know that we are setting aside Saturday, May 16, to beseech God in prayer, supplication and fasting on behalf of Margie. We know that God is our healer and His will be done. And we can be sure of that will once we have done our part in going all the way, utilizing the tools given us, to really know His will in this matter.
Some illness is given and is not lifted,for the spiritual benefit even unto salvation of those involved. But we know this…
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Those who know and love the Carothers, join us in this day of prayer and fasting, of laying down our lives for a day for another. Those of you who do not know them, keep them in your prayers and do so according to what God impresses upon your heart. Don’t just think about it…do it.
I believe it is opportunities like this that give answer to Jesus Christ when He asked the question with uncertainty of the answer…
Luk 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luk 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luk 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luk 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luk 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to my Proverbs 31 wife and mother to 4 precious olive plants. I know she will be enjoying her day working hard outside with her business that just launched thursday...The Proverbial Garden. Thank you, Cameron, for appreciating the importance of being home with our children.
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Temerity Magazine is Live
A new magazine has been born. After several hours of brain-storming sessions over the phone with my new friend, Chad "Teddy Bear" Everson, one of our ideas was to launch Temerity Magazine. This is a conservartive magazine BY the common man FOR the common man; another extension of what Grizzly Groundswell is trying to accomplish among conservative thinkers striving for the American dream realized by our founding fathers.
Be sure to visit the magazine at www.temeritymagazine.com If you wish to be a contributor, read the about page, the submissions specs page and the themes page.
We are also looking for feedback, both positive and negative, so by all means, let us have it!
I can always be reached quickly through my gmail at edanielintheden@gmail.com
I apologize to my regular readers for not blogging on a consistent basis. Temerity has taken up more time than I anticipated but it has been well worth it. I will always at the very least, post my sermons so that will ensure a post atleast every two weeks. Thank you so much for reading my blog and thank you in advance for checking out Temerity magazine.
Be sure to visit the magazine at www.temeritymagazine.com If you wish to be a contributor, read the about page, the submissions specs page and the themes page.
We are also looking for feedback, both positive and negative, so by all means, let us have it!
I can always be reached quickly through my gmail at edanielintheden@gmail.com
I apologize to my regular readers for not blogging on a consistent basis. Temerity has taken up more time than I anticipated but it has been well worth it. I will always at the very least, post my sermons so that will ensure a post atleast every two weeks. Thank you so much for reading my blog and thank you in advance for checking out Temerity magazine.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Judge Not?
Neale Walsch, a favorite author of Oprah, wrote a series called, “Conversations with God”. Here is a clip from one of his books, used to set the stage for an article written by Alan Keyes quoted from below.
God's reply: "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is 'judge not lest ye be judged.'"
I wanted to know more about this 'genius' so I googled him.
Wikipedia says, "Walsch's vision is an expansion and unification of all present theologies to render them more relevant to our present day and time. He created Humanity's Team as a spiritual movement whose purpose is to communicate and implement his New Spirituality beliefs, particularly that we are all one with God and one with life, in a shared global state of being".
‘New Spirituality beliefs’? I thought all the hippies were dead or in nursing homes suffering from various STD's and drug enduced dimensia. Apperantly, there are still a few around making a buck on Old Eastern Mysticism.
Walsch quoted Matthew 7:1 and were going to determine what it means but lets first look at I Corinthians 6:1-5.
1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1Co 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
The Bible is very clear that we are to make judgments and making judgments is tied to being wise.
Here is an extensive quote from an article by Alan Keyes, a long time supporter and promoter of conservatism in American society and government. The title is, “Importance of Being Judgmental”.
“I was struck by the self-evident contradiction that has Walsch's god saying, "There is no such thing as right or wrong" in one breath, and "this is wrong" in the next. Obviously Walsh's god has no problem applying a concept while declaring that it doesn't exist.
I'd be tempted to think Walsch meant this as a joke, but this kind of silliness is typical of the shallow nonsense that passes for spirituality with the Oprah/Obama set. Mere mortals such as I have a hard time understanding how it's possible to recognize something as wrong when there's no such thing as right or wrong. Like eating a cake that's no longer there, it's a trick that can apparently be mastered only by the glamorous few.
Anyone who asserts that people should not be "judgmental" and then decries racism or "homophobia" is guilty of the same illogic. The word "judgment" traces its roots to Latin, jus dicare, meaning to say or pronounce what is right. Judgment assumes that right exists and can be recognized as such. If someone decries racism as an injustice (a word that also includes the reference to right or jus), they are invoking a concept or standard of right that makes it so. If "there is no such thing as right or wrong," this standard cannot exist. Their opposition to racism (or any other injustice) is groundless emotionalism. It has no more claim to respect than the opposite view – that racial superiority legitimizes oppression of those who are inferior.
This careless illogic barely disguises the reassertion of the law of the jungle (might makes right; superior force creates legitimacy), a form of fatalism that encourages submission to whomever happens to enjoy success at the moment, with no standard to inspire opposition to their will except the promise of superior power. Though the Oprah/Obama crowd poses as compassionate people who care about the weak, it represents the reassertion of a purely power-based order in human society, a concept of law and government most fully codified under ancient Roman rule.”
I thought Alan Keyes really nailed it.
When you reject Empirical Truth from a Supreme Being mightier than man, the alternative is the ‘Law of the Jungle’—superior human force creates legitimacy—the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
The existence of God and His Law dictates that judgment and the ability to judge must follow.
So what does Christ mean in Matthew 7:1?
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
‘Judge’ and ‘Judgment’ used here is the same Greek used in I Corinthians 6 BUT the context eliminates any seeming contradiction.
The context is hypocrisy. Christ is not condemning the act of making judgments. He is condemning the act of making judgments as a hypocrite.
Clark’s Commentary reveals what is wrong with the hypocrite’s judgment:
“...By a secret and criminal disposition of nature, man endeavors to elevate himself above others, and, to do it more effectually, depresses them. His jealous and envious heart wishes that there may be no good quality found but in himself, that he alone may be esteemed. Such is the state of every unconverted man; and it is from this criminal disposition, that evil surmises, rash judgments, precipitate decisions, and all other unjust procedures against our neighbor, flow.”
Look at one final incident that encapsulates this:
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Joh 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
It has been speculated that Christ was writing the names of her accusers on the ground who were also guilty of adultery. As hypocrites, they had no right to condemn her.
Another problem with this scene is that there are two guilty parties in the sin of adultery. Where was the man? This was a kangaroo court of hypocrites prepared to pass harsh and rash judgment without proper recourse or evidence.
Jesus, on the other hand, was her righteous judge and in balancing mercy with judgment, he chose not to condemn her but commanded her not to commit such sin anymore.
Judging is something all human beings do and it is an impossibility to not exercise judgment.
Matthew 7:1 does not forbid the exercise of making judgments. It does forbid evil and hypocritical judgment.
We are called to judge righteously, tempered with mercy, without malice and hypocrisy.
God's reply: "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is 'judge not lest ye be judged.'"
I wanted to know more about this 'genius' so I googled him.
Wikipedia says, "Walsch's vision is an expansion and unification of all present theologies to render them more relevant to our present day and time. He created Humanity's Team as a spiritual movement whose purpose is to communicate and implement his New Spirituality beliefs, particularly that we are all one with God and one with life, in a shared global state of being".
‘New Spirituality beliefs’? I thought all the hippies were dead or in nursing homes suffering from various STD's and drug enduced dimensia. Apperantly, there are still a few around making a buck on Old Eastern Mysticism.
Walsch quoted Matthew 7:1 and were going to determine what it means but lets first look at I Corinthians 6:1-5.
1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1Co 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
The Bible is very clear that we are to make judgments and making judgments is tied to being wise.
Here is an extensive quote from an article by Alan Keyes, a long time supporter and promoter of conservatism in American society and government. The title is, “Importance of Being Judgmental”.
“I was struck by the self-evident contradiction that has Walsch's god saying, "There is no such thing as right or wrong" in one breath, and "this is wrong" in the next. Obviously Walsh's god has no problem applying a concept while declaring that it doesn't exist.
I'd be tempted to think Walsch meant this as a joke, but this kind of silliness is typical of the shallow nonsense that passes for spirituality with the Oprah/Obama set. Mere mortals such as I have a hard time understanding how it's possible to recognize something as wrong when there's no such thing as right or wrong. Like eating a cake that's no longer there, it's a trick that can apparently be mastered only by the glamorous few.
Anyone who asserts that people should not be "judgmental" and then decries racism or "homophobia" is guilty of the same illogic. The word "judgment" traces its roots to Latin, jus dicare, meaning to say or pronounce what is right. Judgment assumes that right exists and can be recognized as such. If someone decries racism as an injustice (a word that also includes the reference to right or jus), they are invoking a concept or standard of right that makes it so. If "there is no such thing as right or wrong," this standard cannot exist. Their opposition to racism (or any other injustice) is groundless emotionalism. It has no more claim to respect than the opposite view – that racial superiority legitimizes oppression of those who are inferior.
This careless illogic barely disguises the reassertion of the law of the jungle (might makes right; superior force creates legitimacy), a form of fatalism that encourages submission to whomever happens to enjoy success at the moment, with no standard to inspire opposition to their will except the promise of superior power. Though the Oprah/Obama crowd poses as compassionate people who care about the weak, it represents the reassertion of a purely power-based order in human society, a concept of law and government most fully codified under ancient Roman rule.”
I thought Alan Keyes really nailed it.
When you reject Empirical Truth from a Supreme Being mightier than man, the alternative is the ‘Law of the Jungle’—superior human force creates legitimacy—the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
The existence of God and His Law dictates that judgment and the ability to judge must follow.
So what does Christ mean in Matthew 7:1?
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
‘Judge’ and ‘Judgment’ used here is the same Greek used in I Corinthians 6 BUT the context eliminates any seeming contradiction.
The context is hypocrisy. Christ is not condemning the act of making judgments. He is condemning the act of making judgments as a hypocrite.
Clark’s Commentary reveals what is wrong with the hypocrite’s judgment:
“...By a secret and criminal disposition of nature, man endeavors to elevate himself above others, and, to do it more effectually, depresses them. His jealous and envious heart wishes that there may be no good quality found but in himself, that he alone may be esteemed. Such is the state of every unconverted man; and it is from this criminal disposition, that evil surmises, rash judgments, precipitate decisions, and all other unjust procedures against our neighbor, flow.”
Look at one final incident that encapsulates this:
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Joh 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
It has been speculated that Christ was writing the names of her accusers on the ground who were also guilty of adultery. As hypocrites, they had no right to condemn her.
Another problem with this scene is that there are two guilty parties in the sin of adultery. Where was the man? This was a kangaroo court of hypocrites prepared to pass harsh and rash judgment without proper recourse or evidence.
Jesus, on the other hand, was her righteous judge and in balancing mercy with judgment, he chose not to condemn her but commanded her not to commit such sin anymore.
Judging is something all human beings do and it is an impossibility to not exercise judgment.
Matthew 7:1 does not forbid the exercise of making judgments. It does forbid evil and hypocritical judgment.
We are called to judge righteously, tempered with mercy, without malice and hypocrisy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
