People are Hungry and Being Fed Junk Food

Many people are starving and desperately seeking nourishment. They do not know where to turn so some turn to things such as drugs and alcohol while others are turning to ministers and people within the church. Many times, all of these people whether on drugs or in church are being fed junk food when healthy food is needed. Yes, junk food may look real good and taste even better. It may even lesson or eliminate ones hunger. Yet, it is not good for the body and often makes one’s health worse.


Let us examine the matter further. How many times have we longed for this or that? When we receive it, sometimes it may initially bring joy but later we find ourselves wanting something similar or something else to bring us more happiness. John 4:1-42 (which I know is long, but I hope you read) states,

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John — 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.


7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)


9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

17 “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.

42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

The Samaritan’s life was unfulfilled even though she had many husbands. Yet when she meant Jesus her life changed. My words will be few because I am using a lot of scripture. However, I will convey that if your life is unfulfilled, maybe you are going to the wrong sources (sources other than God and God’s word) to get filled. The outfit one bought may look good today, but I believe in maybe less than a month he/she will probably want another one. Even the TV one has or may want cannot bring fulfillment. Can that TV help when a love one is in pain or has past? Can it get one through traffic, temptations he/she may face and the many trials of life in the manner that he/she should? I know it cannot. 1 Timothy 6:7 states, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

Also, as a result of being hungry many are relying on people. Psalms 146:3 states “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.” Churches, pastors and even one’s father and mother can led some astray. Matthew 7:15-20 states,

15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.


Beware!

I do not believe all churches and pastors are bad. I also think it is good to find a church to go to and pastors to listen to. However, I do not think we can rely on them and must study and mediate on our own.

I will close on John 15 (which I also know is long but I hope you read it).


John 15

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen youout of the world. That is why the world hates you.20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father —the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Two Are Better Than One if They Are Working Towards the Same Goals

My grandfather who was a preacher told his 11 children that a single branch off a tree may be easily broken. But the more branches that one puts together, the harder it will be for him/her to break them. I then heard the story through my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Afterwards, I heard and seen the same story told in various movies and TV programs.  I wondered where the initial saying originated. In reading the Bible I came across Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 which states, 

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 

In examining the scripture, I noticed five examples are being given; A man without a son or brother, two people working together towards common goals, two people keeping each other warm when lying down, two defending themselves, and a cord of three stands being hard to break. Each example with the exception of the first speaks on having a common goal. The first example is unknown as to whether or not the brother or son may have the same goal as the man. Therefore, in my understanding the scripture is stating the two or more people who are working, has to work together towards a common goal in order for there to be a benefit. If two are together yet working towards uncommon goals and are not helping each of with their individual goals where is the benefit?

Here is a story called The Mouse Trap.

The Mouse Trap

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. “What food might this contain?” the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning: “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!”

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said “Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it.”

The mouse turned to the pig and told him “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!” The pig sympathized, but said “I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers.”

The mouse turned to the cow and said “There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!” The cow said “Wow, Mr. Mouse. I’m sorry for you, but it’s no skin off my nose.”

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer’s mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house – like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer’s wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup’s main ingredient. But his wife’s sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer’s wife did not get well; she died. So many! people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn’t concern you, remember: when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. Each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry

Christians are supposed to be taught to love one another which includes enemies. Christians are also taught that we should encourage and strengthen one another through faith, actions and love. Matthew 18:19-20 states,

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Working together towards a common goal, as stated by scripture is better than working towards that goal alone. Therefore, let us help one another towards the common goal to gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of our own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. The goal to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Reference Philippians 3:8-12)

Does the Bible Justify Slavery?

 In Harrisburg, PA, a billboard was raised in one of the most diverse neighborhoods which featured an African slave with the biblical quote, “Slaves, obey your masters. It lasted less than a day before someone tore it down. The atheists behind the sign said they were trying to draw attention to the state House's recent designation of 2012 as "The Year of the Bible" -- an action by lawmakers that the atheists have called offensive.

Atheists as well as many others including some so called Christians use the Bible to justify many controversial things which have been argued about for years. Since God nor God's Word need to be defended, I do not plan to try to defend God or God's Word. However, I would like to explore the question, Does the Bible Justify Slavery? I welcome thoughts and ideas relating to the topic.

Genesis 9:24-27states, 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers. ”26 He also said, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem. 27 May God extend Japheth’s territory; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be the slave of Japheth.”

Also in Colossians 3:22 it states,

Colossians 3:22

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.


There are many other scripture that deals with this topic as well;

Deuteronomy 15:12-15

Ephesians 6:9

Colossians 4:1

Proverbs 12:24

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/index.php?search=slave&version1=NIV&searchtype=all&limit=none&wholewordsonly=no&startnumber=1

If I am correct, some people believe that Ham, the father of Canaan was dark skin or eventually went to Africa where blacks are believed to come from. (Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_Ham) Shem was believed to be white by some or to have gone to Europe where white/Caucasians are believed to come from. (Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shem) I am not going to get in that debate but I welcome anyone to share their research and thoughts on the matter. As a result of many people reading Genesis 9:24-27 and believing that Canaan was dark and Shem was white, they believe that slavery is and was justified.

Slavery is define;

1. (Law) the state or condition of being a slave; a civil relationship whereby one person has absolute power over another and controls his life, liberty, and fortune

2. the subjection of a person to another person, esp in being forced into work

3. the condition of being subject to some influence or habit

4. (Business / Industrial Relations & HR Terms) work done in harsh conditions for low pay

Now for most, people agree that slavery is unwanted especially if people are treated harshly. However, for some, slavery is welcomed and wanted. Regardless of whether or not it is wanted or unwanted, does the Bible justify it is what I wish to examine.

Slavery and a people or nations being subject to another is not a rare occurrence in the Bible. The people of God, the Israelites were permitted to have slaves but not slaves of their own fellow Israelites. Reference Leviticus 25:39, 42, 44, and 46 to get more information. If God allowed slavery within his own people, how then could it be wrong? Was slavery thought of and define the same as it is now?

Below is a website that attempts to explore the different types of slavery within the Bible.

http://bibleapologetics.wordpress.com/category/slavery/

Below is scripture that I think relates to the topic of slavery.

Luke 10:7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house

Proverbs 11: 1 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.

Acts 10: 34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him

The mistreatment or unfairness of anyone I do not think is condoned by the Bible. As Proverbs 11:1 states, the Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but delights in accurate weights and within Luke 10:7 it is stated that a worker deserves his wages. John 15:12 Jesus states, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Jesus although Lord, washed the feet of His disciples. Reference John 13:1-17. Jesus being God in the flesh, love us and came to save many from death. Jesus humbled himself for the world. How much more should we humble ourselves for each other? Forcing another to serve us for our own selfish gain is not justified within the Bible from how I see it. Love our God with all of our heart, soul and mind is our greatest commandment. Love our neighbor as ourselves is the second. Reference Matthew 22:37-40. I do see how being subject to force labor is justified through these two commands.

Many use bits and pieces of the Bible to push a belief or notion of what is right/moral or wrong/immoral. Although I think various scripture can be used for good, I think it also can be used to misrepresent the truth. Various writers of the Bible including Jesus referenced scripture/the Word when talking with people. However, Satan also misused some pieces of scripture in an attempt to persuade and influence many. As a result, we should do the following;

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

1 Timothy 1:8-10 states,

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

Does the Bible justify slavery? In my view it does not. Does anyone have any thoughts or input?

A view from the web

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-slavery.html

Reference Scripture in Billboard

Ephesians 6

New International Version (NIV)

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. 9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Remember and Renew Your Faith

I am a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, a TV show that tells fictional stories about a group of doctors. :) Don’t judge me. I am man enough to admit that I like it. Anyway, in Grey’s Anatomy there was this character named Dr. Lexie Grey. Lexie was described as having a photographic memory. Due to this gift, she was able to help solve a variety of medical cases. Not having a great memory myself, I admired her gift. I believe having a good memory is beneficial because it utilizes our experiences and communication of the past to help (if we have learned) deal with current situations. I believe having a good memory can help many of us, yet it often seems as though we are very forgetful.


God’s chosen people the Israelites at times seem to have had amazingly bad memories. After being shown wondrous things never before seen by humankind (the 10 plagues and the splitting of the sea), they rebelled against God. Wait. Before we are so judgmental of them, how many times have we been lead out of a situation (bad relationship, wrong place at the wrong time, being supplied with something we needed when we did not have it and etc.) then shortly after wonder if God loves or is going to be there for us? “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” (Isaiah 59:1)


The forgetful Israelites that I talked about were told to celebrate and have festivals to commemorate their salvation from Egypt and slavery. (Reference Exodus 13:3-10) As with the Israelites I believe we should also celebrate our salvation through whatever we have been saved from. If you have dealt with debt and worked your way out realizing that it was through God’s grace and mercy, take a day to celebrate not only it but God as well. Do not just do it for a year, but each year so that if you do have to deal with the same or similar situation, you will know what God has done and what God can do.


The Israelites were also told to tell and teach their children what they saw and experienced. (Reference Deuteronomy) Children seem to have good but selective memories. Never-the-less, not only should parents teach and sit down with their children to go over school work, but life work as well. Is it enough to just tell a child that God is good and about baby Jesus? I believe more need and should be done with teaching children about God and our experiences with God. As a result, maybe less suicides, depression and a feeling of loneliness would occur.


Like I stated, I believe my memory is not the best. As a result, I have kept various scripture on a flash drive that relates to numerous subjects such as anger, forgiveness, faith, patience, worrying, and etc. I also plan to document various trying situations within my life and the life of others I see to remind myself of God’s love, grace and mercy. It may also be a good thing if I attempt to document various promises God has made.


It is understood that some people’s life may have been filled with turmoil, pain and suffering. Having been raped, abused and mistreated is imaginable to me. Job’s experience in the Bible is still not understood by me. However, as with Job my lack of understanding does not outweigh my faith in the goodness and fairness of God. King David had not only Saul trying to kill him but eventually Absalom his son trying to do the same without cause. Yet, David loved, humbled himself before God and trusted in God. 2 Samuel 24:14 states, David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men." David knew God and so should we better get to know God.


Although we may not always understand why things occur in various situations, later in life we may have insight that can shed some knowledge. Even if things are never understood, we are encouraged through our faith that God can and will wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). Also if you believe God has never done anything for you remember John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Also, Romans 5:6-8 states, You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I will close with Psalms 77. I hope it encourages you as it does me.


Psalm 77

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. 3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: 7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? ” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 16 The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Wearing the Wrong Clothes

I am convinced that many are wearing the wrong clothes. Yeah, I said it. People are wearing the wrong clothes. Daily people are leaving their houses and putting on clothes that do not suit or prepares them for their day. Let me try to be more detailed. Many leave the house and just throw on anything then have to deal with jealous, envious and people or forces who mean to harm or lead them astray. How can clothes help someone one may ask? Well, clothes cannot really help, but covering/clothing oneself with the full armor of God can.


Ephesians 6:10-17 states,


Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with thebreastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and thesword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


As we know wearing the wrong belt can mess up an entire outfit. Therefore, we have to ensure our belt goes along with everything else. What is the belt of truth and where can one find one? John 14:6 states, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus supplies the belt. Jesus is the belt. We need to wrap Jesus around not only our waist, but our hearts, mind and spirit as well. A Jesus belt is a good place to start I think.


Next, to cover and protect what is inside us, we need a breastplate. A breastplate covers some of the most vital origins such as the heart. We cover ourselves with righteousness not through our actions but allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell and move us to the right actions. Romans 8:5-8 states,


5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.


Also Romans 8:26 states,


26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.


Let us live by the Spirit and not by the flesh.


Now we know our shoes or whatever we choose to cover our feet need to not only be clean/good looking but allow us the ability move. Often (am I am not only talking to the women here) we wear shoes (fear, anger, hate, anxiety and etc.) that keeps us from moving around. Look at Ephesians 6:15,


“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”


Feet are made for stability, walking and sometimes running. Through the gospel of peace we are ready and able to move in the direction towards God. Without it we are often stagnate or led astray.


Next we need to accessorize. What better than the shield of faith. Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1 We have evidence some may ask? Yes we have evidence. It is our faith! Our faith is that evidence that people often look and ask God for.


Faith shields us from things we often do not understand. Faith enables us to wait in anticipation but with patience. Continued and true faith in God never disappoints.


Now some outfits just will not be right without a hat. Also, if you are looking good, you may need some protection to keep the haters away. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Matthew 24:35 states, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. It is good to have things that do not fade or diminish with time. Turn the other cheek, do not worry about earthly needs, forgive, pray, trust, love and etc. are all weapons to fend off the enemy. Proverbs 37:14 states,

The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. 15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.


By evil doers own hands will they be destroyed. Therefore, let us not put on the clothes that others wear. Some clothes just do not fit or look good on us.


I will close with 2 Corinthians 5 which states,


For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjVgm9-XTqQ

Be Careful of Who You Share Your Dreams With

Genesis 37
19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”


The story of Joseph the Dreamer is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It is a story of God’s grace, protection, favor, power and so many other things. It is a story of a dreamer named Joseph who starts off as one with a dream who experiences much before that dream is realized. In a sense, I believe it shows how dreams are great to have but also how sharing dreams can be dangerous.

I often tell my nephew that he doesn’t have to always brag/tell people what he has or what he has accomplished. Do not get me wrong, I want him to tell me about these things and what good things he has done. Never-the-less, I care about him, want the best for him, am not jealous and want him to accomplish more than I do. But there are many other who do not care about him in the way I do and because of jealousy and/or various other reasons, may wish harm rather than good.

As with telling people about what one has I believe it is also vital to be cautions to tell people about dreams/goals. As a result of Joseph telling his family (yes his family) about his dreams, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph was taking care of in spite of his brothers selling him into slavery. Never-the-less, would he have had to endure what he did if he had not? What Joseph brothers did through their evil desires, God allowed it and turned it for good. For those who do not know the story, if you read it you will see what I mean.

Any thoughts?

A Time to Serve and a Time to Listen/Enjoy One’s Company

Luke 10

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

My mother reminds me of Martha because she is always trying to serve and tend to others needs. My mother rarely seats and enjoys her company. As a result, she often misses out on the time she has with her loved ones.

I recently read Luke 10 and the above passage stood out. Jesus said he did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Although, I believe it is important for people to serve God, I believe it is very important to also take the time to enjoy his company. How can we enjoy Jesus company? Well, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We have God’s words at our finger tips yet many of us often do not take the time to read and/or listen to those words. Others often consume themselves with work, family and in things such as church activities. However, I believe there is a time to serve and a time to listen/enjoy one’s company.