Posts Tagged ‘Bible’
Posted by Shirley Anne on June 1, 2012
There is a war going on in the ranks of human beings and especially those who are Christians. The greatest problems we face as Christians in trying to witness to the unbeliever are generated by ourselves………….
The offices of The Gazette newspaper on Saint Catherine Street, Montreal, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18 NIV1984
Christianity in Transition and Karma (an article written in The Montreal Gazette recently by a friend of mine…..I pray for her daily)
With more than 1,000 people protesting in a demonstration on Sunday against a North Carolina pastor who made anti-gay comments last week, some of his 100 or so congregants applauded him in church, according to a report on msnbc.com. Apparently, though, leaders of other churches are trying to distance themselves from him, feeling that his outrageous statements will hurt their more moderate anti-gay efforts.
Sigh . . . When will all these folks understand that not everybody believes their Bible is the inspired work of a god and that their interpretations of it are relevant or realistic? Really, where do these folks get off thinking that they can impose their superstitious belief system on everybody else? Of course they have a right to believe what they want, but they simply should not have a right to use their beliefs to spread hate and discrimination. It’s obvious to me that much of Western society is in transition (there’s that word again). Many people have moved on from the superstitious belief system expounded by people like the North Carolina pastor who preaches fire and brimstone if you don’t believe what he does. But some haven’t moved on. Still, fundamentalists are not united on these issues — some are far more liberal than others. Those with extreme views are becoming more and more isolated, which is probably why their extreme comments go viral sometimes. Which is not to say the essential message of Christianity is lost or irrelevant. The bottom line has always been to love thy neighbours, regardless of who they might be. It’s the bottom line in most spiritual schools of thought — and those religious institutions that lose sight of it ultimately lose followers. Which explains why only 100 people are showing up in that North Carolina church while more than 1,000 were protesting against the pastor outside the Justice Center . . . Sounds like karmic justice to me.
Jillian
The great lost chord of modern civilization is forgetfulness of the fact in nature of universal brotherhood, which means not merely a sentimental or political brotherhood; it means that we are all of one common cosmic or spiritual origin, and that what affects one affects all . . . – G. de Purucker (end of article)
Whilst in some respects I understand what Jillian is saying I feel she is missing the point somewhat. Many of us will have heard about the North Carolina pastor who voiced such an unloving sermon and as a result will now thinking his opinions are those of the true Christian Church. They are most emphatically not! In her article Jillian agrees that and indicates that the main anti-gay movement within the Church has been harmed by what this pastor has said and I agree with her on that point. However the Christian message has never been one of hate thy neighbour, whether gay or not. Many Christians think that just because Scripture shows us that homosexuality is a sinful way of life that it gives them the right to judge and condemn participants. It doesn’t! Neither is it appropriate to marginalize people for believing in other things or making a stand against their rights to behave as they wish. A true Christian does not do these things. A true Christian reaches out in love whilst being a faithful witness for Christ Jesus. This means pointing people to what God is saying and what God is commanding from us all. Decisions on lifestyle and belief always should rest with the individual. Being a witness does not mean pushing the faith down the throats of unbelievers but it is a duty and a commandment to explain and deliver the Gospel message to non-believers. From a Christians point of view it should be as an encouragement for sinners to repent, not something to turn them further away!
Jillian mentions (quite correctly) that not everyone believes that The Bible is the inspired Word of God but what she should have said is that non-believers in God think that way. Christians believe it is, or SHOULD do. I read Jillian’s posts quite frequently and I have found her to be very caustic sometimes when writing some of her articles. Firstly, in this article, she appears to accuse all Christians of being ‘fundamentalists’ as if being a fundamentalist was wrong. It isn’t wrong for Christians cannot turn away from the fundamental teachings encompassed in Scripture, they either have to believe it is God’s Word or not. Some conflicts do arise in interpretation sometimes but the tenet of content is unaffected. Remember, fundamentalism isn’t an invitation nor a free ticket to stir up hatred and discord with non-believers. Secondly, Jillian renders Scripture and belief in the Faith as all superstitious nonsense. This is a personal and direct attack on the Christian faith and ultimately God. Personal opinions should be kept out of good journalism. Present the facts and let the people choose one way or the other. This should be the case in presenting The Gospel too and it would be wiser for all those ‘fundamentalists’ to consider that fact.
Jillian redeemed herself in her concluding remarks though recognising that what has been voiced by an over-zealous pastor is not what the Christian message is all about nor is it the same opinion of all people of the faith or anyone with an inkling of common sense and humanity. Love thy neighbour even if he has six heads four arms and is green-skinned!
The war is not between human beings. It is a spiritual war being waged out of our sight and it is a war for souls, lost souls who need redemption.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103: 17-18 (NIV 1984). I just wish Christians would remember to obey his precepts and do all things in love as He commands, maybe then the unbeliever will respond to the Gospel.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
4 bloggers like this post.
Posted in Christianity, God, Gods love, Gods love through Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, Lifestyle, Religion, Wisdom, Writing | Tagged: Bible, Christian, Christian Church, Christianity, God, Jesus, Love, North Carolina | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on May 16, 2012
Getup Get God (Photo credit: prettywar-stl)
Psalm 14:1-3
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
For the director of music. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven
on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
From United Christian Broadcasting (UCB) http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today
10 May 2012
Don’t Be a Fool (1)
The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God…’ Psalm 14:1
The atheistic fool. It’s said, ‘An atheist can’t find God for the same reason a thief can’t find a policeman.’ Sometimes pride is at the core of atheism. Without God, you become your own god, which means there’s no higher power than yourself! But the God of the Bible proves His existence in three ways: 1) Creation. Many people are in prison today who weren’t caught at the scene of the crime, and no one actually witnessed the crime. What proved they did it? Fingerprints! DNA! Creation carries God’s fingerprints and DNA. ‘Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name…’ (Isaiah 40:26 NLT). 2) Calvary. In creation you see God’s power, at the cross you see His love for you. In creation you see His hand, at the cross you see His heart. 3) Conscience. ‘Gentiles…even without having heard it…demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right’ (Romans 2:14-15 NLT). Conscience is like having a Bible in your soul; no one was born without one. Voltaire, the French atheist, said, ‘It took twelve fishermen to build Christianity. I will show the world how one Frenchman can destroy it.’ After Voltaire died, the home in which he had lived became Europe‘s most famous Bible distribution centre. Bottom line: Voltaire is dead; our God lives! Atheism is the greatest gamble of all. After all, what if there is a God and you stand before Him one day?
11 May 2012
Don’t Be a Fool (2)
‘…Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…’ Luke 12:20
The ambitious fool. Jesus told the story of a successful farmer who said, ‘…I will pull down my barns, and build greater…’ (v. 18). Evidently he was a good businessman and planner. But then he said: ‘I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’ (vv. 19-21). This man had a plan for time, but none for eternity. He thought about himself, but not God. He paid attention to his body, but not his soul. It’s said that the average body has enough phosphorus to make eight hundred thousand match heads, enough sugar to go into sixty cubes, enough salt to cover twenty spoons, and enough iron to make about ten dollars’ worth of nails. The rest is just dust and water. When you pamper, promote and protect the part of you that will only live seventy or eighty years and neglect the part of you that will live on in either heaven or hell, God says you’re a fool. This man told himself he had ‘many years,’ but God said, ‘This night thy soul shall be required of thee.’ Don’t you realise that an accident, a blocked artery, a stray bullet, a plane with engine failure or a drunk driver could take you out in an instant? Wise up! The question is not will you die, but when? And are you ready to stand before God?
12 May 2012
Don’t Be a Fool (3)
…Died Abner as a fool dieth. 2 Samuel 3:33
The absolute fool. Abner slew a man called Asahel, whose brother happened to be Joab, King David’s number one general. So Joab was out to take Abner’s life. The tragedy of this story is that Abner was within reach of Hebron, one of the six cities of refuge. But instead of running into that city and enjoying its protection, he allowed the enemy to catch him outside the gates and kill him. ‘They buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept…and said, ‘Died Abner as a fool dieth?’ (vv. 32-33). Abner was the absolute fool. Why? Because unlike the atheistic fool who did not believe in God, or the ambitious fool who had no time for God, he knew what to do-but didn’t do it. There were no rivers to cross, no mountains to climb, and no price to be paid. The gates of Hebron were open; all he had to do was go in and stay there. Imagine being given a gospel tract with these words on the cover: ‘What must I do to be lost?’ Then opening it and finding that page is-blank. You don’t have to do anything to be lost! But you must do something to be saved: ‘…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…’ (Acts 16:31). When Mary brought the newborn Christ to the temple, an old priest named Simeon held Him in his arms and said: ‘Now I’m ready to die, because I have seen the Saviour of the world…’ (Luke 2:25-32). In order to die right you must meet Christ, embrace Him, and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour. Why don’t you do it today?
People today, as in days of old, refuse to turn to God. Their minds have become corrupt and they follow after falsehood and lies. They worship other gods, which are not gods at all and forget the creator who is God. Believing that all they need to do is be ‘good’ and that will be enough. Believing that their ways are best, rejecting what God actually says and expecting Him to ignore it. They will have no excuse, they will have no-one to intercede on their behalf because they reject the only one who can, Jesus! The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, get wise before it is too late.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Christianity, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Wisdom | Tagged: Atheism, Bible, Christianity, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Voltaire, Wisdom | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on May 11, 2012
A woman spying on a pair of male lovers. China, Qing dynasty. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
How often I read about people condemning those of the faith for being outspoken, for standing up for Jesus, for upholding the truth that is contained in The Bible, for adhering to God‘s word. They are ridiculed and mocked whenever they open their mouths. Recently, and many times in the past too, I read an article whereby a Christian was being mocked for speaking out against homosexuality, that is the practice of it rather than the condition itself. God tells us in several places in His word that He abhors homosexuality but it falls on deaf ears for some. It isn’t just homosexuality either, it is many things that people do against the will of God. Rather than admit to God’s truth being right they will either simply deny His existence and thus nullify whatever is written in Scripture or they will try to twist the truth to suit themselves. They wish only to hear what they want to hear and disregard everything else. It is to be expected for it says as much in Scripture that people will act this way. They will read this passage too yet it will fail to register with them because there is a veil over their eyes preventing them from seeing the truth of Gods word…..here is a passage from Scripture describing this very attitude. Remember, The Bible is a prophetic collection of writings too……….
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
People turn to other faiths and religions because these religions often present them with no challenges. They turn to speaking in the name of love but that love is of the human kind, it isn’t the love for and of God. If it were they would be obedient to His will. ‘Let there be peace on earth and goodwill toward all men, let us live together in harmony, let us tolerate the behaviour of others’ is a recipe for coming against the wrath of God. Do your own thing, deny your Maker, make up your own rules, believe in falsehood and lies for God has even given you that choice but it is to Him that you will have to answer. Do you really want to be facing God’s wrath? It is of no use trying to put your own interpretation to Scripture or accuse anyone who knows God’s word to be the truth to be doing so. What you need to be doing is getting into God’s word yourself, turning away from all that is unrighteous and inviting Jesus into your heart. Then you will be able to see, the veil will be lifted from you eyes and those itching ears will no longer need scratching!
Shirley Anne
Follow me to http://wwwminkyweaselsmusings.blogspot.co.uk/
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Behaviour, Christianity, God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, Religion | Tagged: Bible, Christian, God, Homosexuality, Itching ears, Jesus, Second Epistle to Timothy, Sin | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on April 22, 2012
me and my friend (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A couple of years ago my ex. and I met for the first time with a person I had only previously known via the Internet. Initially we were treated very well but as the time we shared together passed by I could sense some friction between us. It is hard to live with some people even for a short time and I guess she saw us, that is E and myself as being difficult at times. I also sensed it was more to do with E than it was to do with me. When we visited with her she had only two bedrooms and only two beds. This made the sleeping arrangements rather difficult as E and I could not share a bed and E needed the spare bed more than I did. That meant I either had to share the other bed with our host or sleep on the sofa. I chose the sofa. I could not share a bed with my host no matter how innocent the invitation, it just didn’t feel right. I was left therefore to fend for myself. Not very good hosting on the part of my friend I thought however I managed to find some blankets and settled down on the sofa. I spent three nights on that sofa and each night I was disturbed by the cat who wanted to share my sleeping arrangements. E required to eat something in order to take some of her medication which did make it awkward sometimes. I felt my friend found it difficult to accommodate E’s needs at times and it showed in her reactions. My friend, our host, slept in until almost lunchtime each day leaving us to fend for ourselves with nothing to do to wile away the hours. I found an old guitar, tuned it and sat on the veranda playing quietly to kill the time but was scolded later by my friend for disturbing her sleep-in. Some host! It is fair to say that we had some great times together despite all of this. Our visit only lasted three days and my friend had to return to work whilst we continued our holiday from the hotel we had booked. My friend brought us back to the city but not to our hotel, she decided to drop us off on the opposite side of the square from where the hotel was situated which meant that we had to struggle a little with getting back to the hotel with our luggage. I knew from that moment that our friendship had ended but I still love her and she will always be my friend. I still think about her and I do not hold anything against her, in fact she figures in my prayers every day along with all others I know who are not Christians. She ranks amongst those, especially some of my friends and acquaintances, who won’t or don’t accept Christ as their saviour preferring as they do to trust in their own understanding of who God is or believing in some strange philosophy that has nothing to do with God. What they fail to understand is that God says differently for there is no other name under heaven by which we can be reconciled to God other than through Jesus. It is so simple and yet people cannot see it. It isn’t surprising though as these things are recorded in the Bible but we pray nevertheless. God acts when we pray in accordance with His wishes. My hope is that all those I pray for will eventually realise their need in Christ and turn to him one day.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
2 bloggers like this post.
Posted in God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged: Bible, Christ, Christian, Couch, Friendship, God, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on April 15, 2012
Go to the Future (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Where is this world headed? The future of mankind is often the subject of debate with many different views on offer. Some place our future in the hands of science and technology and our own abilities as human beings, others may say it is all in the hands of God, some even think we might be overtaken by aliens and yet others have no real opinion regarding our future or how it will pan out. The secularist will say that our future is entirely in our own hands and in a way that is perfectly true, we do determine our own fate, we are free agents. However, with all the unrest that’s going on throughout the world it seems to me that we do not learn by our mistakes. The idealised ‘utopia’ many consider to be the goal we are aiming for can never be achieved by our own efforts, history shows that we constantly keep making the same mistakes. There is war of one kind or another in many diverse places and according to a report I read a few years ago there are around 34 skirmishes in the world at any one time. We talk about brotherly love and goodwill to all others but we never seem to achieve it. Mankind is inherently sinful, we just cannot help ourselves. We simply find it difficult to live in harmony. Disputes often arise based upon race, religion, ethical standards, lifestyles and a host of other things simply because we are so diverse in our outlook and we are often reluctant to accept our differences. Everyone wants to have their say, promote their views but not everyone wants to leave it there. If we are seen to be different from those around us it can lead to friction, rejection even hatred. There is a future for mankind but it may not be the one we expect. For believers in God and Jesus Christ there is a future that non-believers want to believe, favouring their own but that is to be expected. The Bible is a collection of books covering many things but around one-third of it is prophecy, things that have been foretold before they happened and things yet to come to pass. For instance many of the prophecies have already been fulfilled long after they were written down and based on this fact we can assume with confidence that the remainder of the prophecies will, one day, be fulfilled. Even so just knowing this won’t make a skeptic believe until it actually happens by which time it will be too late to do anything about it. It’s like we have the knowledge that there is a bomb somewhere that is going to explode one day but we turn a blind eye to it and hope everything will be alright. The bomb could explode tomorrow, next year, twenty years into the future but for those who doubt or put the information to one side it will come as a great surprise when it does. To the open-minded amongst us it would be useful to know exactly what these as yet unfulfilled prophecies are so preparations can be made. The link below will reveal that information.
http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/endtime.htm
Shirley Anne
- Jesus, can we believe in Him? (inhisservicetilhecomes.com)
- Why study prophecy? (wordsofgrace.wordpress.com)
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Prophecy | Tagged: Bible, Christianity, God, Human, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Prophecy, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on April 3, 2012
The title page to the 1611 first edition of the Authorized Version Bible. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I am asked about the reasons I believe in God I am also asked what proof do I have that He exists. A reasonable question but it wasn’t the one I asked myself when I converted from atheism. Basically I was searching for God, even though at the time I didn’t believe He existed. God says in Scripture (Jeremiah 29:13) ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart’. I was seeking Him with all my heart and the more I sought Him the more He revealed himself to me. At that time, had I been asked the same question what proof do I have, I would most probably have not been able to give a definitive answer although that isn’t really an excuse for it also says in Scripture
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
The unbelievers heart is darkened to the truth, even many eminent scientists supporting evolution over creation. Not all scientists believe we came about by chance, in fact the more they learn about the nature of life the more they become convinced in the involvement of an intelligent creator. I have been reading several articles from different sources which debate this very issue, if we can call it an issue but for some it is just that. It is more than that though, it is the difference between knowing God and understanding His creation or following after an ideology that claims we are irrelevant and only exist through pure chance. One such article is here (but there are many more), http://www.ucg.org/science/do-science-and-bible-conflict/ where the evidence is presented for each case. For me, I don’t have a problem. I do not have to prove that God exists, He has done that Himself but it takes the veil to be lifted from the unbeliever’s eye for them to see it too. The proof is there if you want to see it. When asked these days what proof do I have I turn the question around and ask what proof is there for there not being a god. Most people cannot give a convincing answer, mostly because they understand very little about the nature of things. On the same web site is another article which challenges us to prove that evolution is false without having to refer to The Bible http://www.ucg.org/science/prove-evolution-false-even-without-bible-0/ . If we don’t have evolution it is hard to claim that we came about by chance.
Shirley Anne
- Bear with an Atheist (freedomborn.wordpress.com)
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Creation, Evolution, God, Secularism | Tagged: Authorized King James Version, Bible, Christianity, Creation, Evolution, Existence of God, God, Jeremiah, Mathematical proof, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on March 17, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
I was such an atheist when I was younger it was unbelievable, excuse the pun. What I mean is that I was so vehemently against God but somehow that all changed in an instant and I became the opposite. The strange thing is, well not to me now that I understand, was that during my life as an atheist I didn’t broadcast that fact. The reason for that was I had nothing to shout about, in fact I just wanted to be left alone. I didn’t want preaching to, I didn’t wish to know even if there was a possibility of there being a god. Once I converted or rather became a Christian, things changed dramatically and I wanted to tell everyone so that they too could turn into believers. This is in the heart of true Christians, to see others come to Christ. In my early years as a Christian I was so on fire and wanted to be involved in any kind out outreach. I did a little bit of door to door work (which I now believe to be too intrusive) and then street work were I was, with others, involved in inviting people to chat with me about God or about what they believed in. Some were open to talk and some wanted to know the message I was relaying. It was often hard work for what seemed like a poor return for the effort I put in but God doesn’t work in the ways we expect. Essentially I was sowing seed, God would look after the rest and no doubt He did. As I matured in the faith and learned more myself I became less involved in organised outreach and more interested in personal witnessing. I meet many people in my life, mostly through my work and this fact gives me plenty of opportunity for witnessing. I have many a good witnessing experience whilst at work. As the subject of my conversations turned to religion, often by accident, though I do believe God has a hand in it all, I would ask the other person about their belief system first of all and then I would relate my own story and experiences. I would then be asked many questions showing they were taking a genuine interest. Mostly my witnessing was and is by invitation. I find it very easy to talk about my faith and easy to witness to most people but the people I have greatest difficulty are not those of other faiths or even those who are atheists but in fact it is those who are Catholics. I would ask the question, ‘Are you a Christian too’? I would get the reply, ‘No, I am a Catholic’! I would reply in turn, ‘I didn’t ask what denomination you were’ but that seemed to fall on deaf ears. Now until fairly recently I knew only a little about the Catholic faith. I knew of several areas in their beliefs that contradicted with what my Bible told me. In fact they have a different bible to the one most Christians possess, it contains other books not considered part of the Bible and not Scriptural. The reasons for that I cannot elaborate upon here, it would take too long. More recently I have come across more information regarding Catholic beliefs and the reasons why. Now I have nothing against Catholics, that is they who have been brought up in that faith for I believe that they have been and are still being kept from the truth. I came across a web site produced by a small church in Monroe, Wisconsin in the USA and whilst I was browsing the site I came across an article about the Anti-Christ, the one mentioned about and described in several places in The Bible. Now many folk might consider atheists to be the Anti-Christ or people of other faiths to be so but in fact the evidence (and proof) shows something else. The article is actually sixteen seminars or sermons, each about or around an hour in length which go into great depth to reveal who or what is the Anti-Christ and why those claims are true. So far I have listened to ten of the sixteen sermons and I am convinced myself that what is being preached is the truth as I cross-reference the information with Scripture. I will listen to the remaining sermons in the next few days and I expect my eyes to be even further opened. I have a duty to learn about my faith as much as I have to witness to others and the more I learn the more I am convinced that I need to witness to those who don’t know. Here is the link to that site http://www.pccmonroe.org/antichrist.htm If you really want to know then take the time to listen……………
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
2 bloggers like this post.
Posted in Christianity, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit, Religion | Tagged: Antichrist, Bible, Catholic, Catholic Church, Christ, Christian, God, United States | 2 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on March 3, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
Job 1
Prologue
1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.
4 His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
Job’s First Test
6 One day the angels[a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan[b] also came with them. 7The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”
8Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
12The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
16While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
17While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.[c]The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
22In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Footnotes:
- Job 1:6 Hebrew the sons of God
- Job 1:6 Satan means accuser.
- Job 1:21 Or will return there
- Bible (NIV1984
When things go wrong in your life who do you blame? We strive to fill our lives with good things, we want to be happy and contented, we build a family around us and gain many possessions as the inclination takes us. What do we do when things go pear-shaped? Many blame God for their misfortunes, some not even believing He exists! We tend to place the blame for catastrophes on others or on bad luck sometimes but if we believe in luck then we should expect there to be both good and bad luck. We wish others ‘good luck’ when we want them to succeed and we hope that all will go well but when bad luck is our lot we moan about it. We are no more likely to have things go our way than for them not to. To think that all will go well all the time is foolishness for we know from experience it doesn’t. Expecting then that all will not go well all of the time we shouldn’t moan about it when it doesn’t. We arrived in the world with absolutely nothing and we shall depart in the same way, what happens in between has no effect upon that. Whilst we are here we hope our existence will be a happy one and there is nothing wrong in that but if we put our trust and hope in material things and in life itself we can expect calamities and misfortune occasionally. We often hear people ask ‘Why does God allow this (bad things) to happen’? The truth is He has a plan and it doesn’t involve giving in to our whims and fancies. We chose, as humans, to turn our backs on Him and so we suffer the consequences. God however is a loving Father who is ready and willing for us to turn back to Him and when we do He assures us of His love and He gives us life eternal. In the meantime He doesn’t take away our problems and misfortunes because by living through them we learn and become better for it. Ultimately we shall be perfect but not in this present age else we would be in heaven now. Job was a successful and wealthy man who lost everything but he was also an upright man who feared God. God allowed his misfortune and because he didn’t blame God he was given even more than he had previously. That shall be our lot when we return to God. Don’t moan when things go wrong but give praise to God who is the author and creator of all things.
Shirley Anne
- The Integrity of Job (media4lifeministries.com)
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
2 bloggers like this post.
Posted in God, Jesus | Tagged: Bible, God, Job, Land of Uz, Luck, Sabaeans, Satan, Sons of God | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on February 10, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
Following on from my post on Monday. I had occasion to read something posted on someone else’s blog regarding the subject of the rise in credit and debit cards. Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the use of debit and credit cards resulting in many people falling foul of running up huge debts. When we use cash we can only spend what we have in our hands and getting into debt is never a problem but in a modern society which runs on what it produces there is a need to encourage spending. That being the case credit becomes easily available so that the economy can continue to develop. This however is only the tip of a giant iceberg. There is another evil behind the demise of cash as a currency and the lack of being able to buy things anonymously. Only being able to buy and sell using cards means that control is taken away from us as individuals, moreover transactions carried out using cards can be and are monitored by the authorities. In some ways this is a good thing as it prevents things like fraud and tax evasion but in other ways it can be an evil tool. In a cashless society it will be impossible to buy or sell anything, including food, without a card. Anyone in business could only trade in the same way thus forcing everyone into submission in using cards. If nobody can trade with you, you cannot stay in business. This means that anyone who doesn’t have a card doesn’t have anything. It will of course promote an underground black market system and possibly cause an increase in crime too. Theft would no doubt be more commonplace and difficult to deal with. Now all of this seems a little pie-in-the-sky and fanciful but in reality is is happening all around us even now. Did you know for instance that some western countries are now deliberately not printing bank notes as they once did? Many well established companies have already laid down the ground rules by refusing purchases using cash and many only trade over the Internet thus eliminating the need for cash transactions. It can only get worse. None of all this however is news to those who read their Bibles, for in there are prophecies covering this very subject, prophecies which were written down around two thousand years ago and more than two and a half thousand years ago. Like many of the prophecies in the Bible, they are mis-understood, not believed or simply ignored. The truth is that they will all become fact. Many have done already so it is only a matter of time before this one takes everyone by surprise. It doesn’t matter how often some people are told of such things they will still remain unbelieving. For those who are of a more inquisitive mind here’s what the Bible has to say about it all….
Revelation 13
1 And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.
The Beast out of the Sea
And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?”
5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. 6 He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
9He who has an ear, let him hear.
10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
The Beast out of the Earth
11 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.
The Bible (NIV)
The symbolism in the text above, like the seven horns, the ten crowns and other things are actually representative of governments and organisations about to come into power. The European Union is one such organisation for example. Here is a very interesting link about Europe http://www.ucg.org/news-and-prophecy/europes-woes-setting-stage-bible-prophecy/
Have fun reading it all, it is quite interesting and gives us an idea of what is really going on all around us. We just have to keep our eyes open.
For further information on this and other prophecies in the form of short videos click here http://www.worldtocome.org/player.html#!SubjectPlay=68&Media=3. Note especially that part starting 24 minutes into the first of the two 30 minute specific videos.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
2 bloggers like this post.
Posted in Government, Money, Prophecy, Wisdom | Tagged: beast, Bible, Book of Revelation, Credit card, Debit card, Earth, European Union, God, Money and finance, Number of the Beast, Prophecy, Worship | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 20, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
I don’t know if my fellow bloggers on WordPress have the same problem but for those who are on WordPress, have you noticed how long it takes to open the page for a new post? I am often kept waiting before the new post page turns up. During that time I am thinking about the post I am about to write and also getting a little impatient for it to open. Having arrived in such a state for this post I am wondering sometimes if it is all worth the wait. Probably many of my readers might be thinking the same but I hope not. I do try to write about interesting things and for me the most interesting things are to do with my life and I am sure other people’s lives too. We do all live out our lives in a similar way except that we will have differing views, interests and lifestyles but all of them interesting in their own way. So when I write about things it is only from my own standpoint and usually because they apply to me but equally they could apply to anyone’s life and often do. I could write only about specific things, specialising in one subject as many do who write blogs and indeed I do have such a blog myself (http://wwwminkyweaselsmusings.blogspot.com/) but this blog has no such theme and is open to any subject. I think that there is nothing wrong in specialist subject blog themes but they do limit who will read and comment. My other blog has a few readers, not many but I know that they are interested in the subject. This blog however doesn’t specialise and consequently attracts many more readers. I refuse to specialise on any particular subject on this blog but hope visitors will be encouraged to visit my other sites too. I write on my blogs for one reason only and that is to reach out to others. I have nothing to lose but everything to gain from anything I do online and all that I do is merely an extension of what I do in real life. I am grateful for any response both here and in my daily life of course and hope that whatever I write proves interesting to those who make the effort to visit me here or on my other sites.
Shirley Anne
- Is WordPress Worth It? (maxiscomments.com)
- Back to Daydreams (notesfromtheblogusfear.wordpress.com)
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Communication, Internet, People, Philosophy | Tagged: Bible, Blog, New Year, Publishers, Search engine optimization, Tools, Twitter, WordPress | 2 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 18, 2012
Image via Wikipedia
Psalm 32
Of David. A maskil.[a]
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.[b]
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Footnotes:
- Psalm 32:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
- Psalm 32:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7.
How great it is to be loved by the Lord my God, to know that my sins have been forgiven, even paid for. Without such a love and compassion I would be doomed. It is better to be a child of God and to be loved and forgiven by Him than to be outside of His forgiveness because of unbelief. Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” That name is Jesus Christ.
Shirley Anne
- Truly Forgiven (cbnindiablogs.wordpress.com)
- How can we forgive and forget? (brendataggart.wordpress.com)
- Dim Sum – Deliverance! (ptl2010.com)
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
One blogger likes this post.
Posted in Celebration, Christianity, Death and mortality, God, Jesus, Love, Religion | Tagged: Bible, David, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, Psalm, Salvation, Selah, Sin | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on December 22, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
I looked at a picture that had been posted on AOL which purportedly showed an angel in the womb of a mother-to-be. The ultrasonic portrait of the foetus was in the foreground but there appeared to be a face in the background looking onto the baby. Well that was the claim. It was suggested that the image was that of an angel who was watching over the unborn infant. Now angels are Gods messengers, that’s what the name means, but why one should appear so tiny and only as a head is anyone’s guess. Angels, it is claimed, can manifest themselves as living beings, humans, but they are far from human. Accounts of angels appearing in the flesh are recorded in The Bible, the most remembered account being that experienced by a young virgin called Mary who was informed of her forthcoming pregnancy and the birth of Jesus Christ. This was the angel Gabriel who had also informed Elizabeth of her pregnancy after years of being barren. She bore a son called John who became known as John the Baptist. Many other accounts of angels are found in the pages of Scripture. The picture in the womb probably bore an accidental similarity to a face which prompted the angel claim. People read so many things into what they see with their eyes. When pictures from the Martian exploration satellites were processed some of them appeared to show faces in the rock formations but they are obviously accidental comparisons caused by the angle of the light shining upon them coupled with the shapes of the rock formations themselves. It has even been suggested that some of the formations strongly resemble constructed buildings. Famous faces such as that of Elvis Presley have been seen in such photographs according to some views. Angels do not hide from us but they are normally invisible and only manifest themselves when instructed by God to do so. People have entertained angels without realising it on occasion. Angels have no need to hide away in pictures and photographs do tell lies now and then.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Angels, Photography | Tagged: Angel, AOL, Bible, Elvis Presley, Gabriel, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Mary, Photography | 4 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on December 20, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
This is the final working week before the holiday that is celebrated as Christmas. I say celebrated but in fact not everyone celebrates the day in accordance with its sentiments. When I was younger it was always the run-up to Christmas that was exciting, less so the day itself which always seemed to be a little of an anti-climax. Yes, the food, the presents, the giving and receiving, the family and friends were all good things to enjoy although the expectation had all but disappeared. I never was sure what that expectation was until much later in life. In those days I wasn’t a Christian and, like everyone who isn’t a Christian, my heart was set on other worldly things and having a good time. The message of Christmas never entered my thoughts. Christmas itself is a celebration that has hijacked a much older celebration or celebrations that were in existence long before. The early Church did not celebrate the birth of Christ for good reason, it wasn’t part of Scripture and therefore wasn’t a command of or from God. It was many years later that the early Catholic Church introduced the idea of celebrating Christ’s birth but to encourage people to join in the worship and subsequently become believers they introduced many of the artifacts and traditions of the pagan and mystic religions that people were drawn to at that time. So all the things which are now part of the modern celebration of Christmas have their roots in these non-Christian belief systems and really have no place in Christianity. Over the centuries these customs have become tradition and have become accepted as a right way to celebrate Christ’s birth. The early Church was warned to steer clear of the practices of ‘foreign’ religions by God Himself, not only in His word, The Bible (then the Old Testament) but also by His prophets. The New Testament follows in that same vein. The Church became corrupt when together with the celebrations instigated by the Catholic church, the ’festival of Christmas was declared to be celebrated as a normal practice by Emperor Constantine. Those who declared themselves to be Christians followed the practice through ignorance, mostly because the general population couldn’t read or write and relied upon the Church for instruction. It was only much later when people became more educated and were given the opportunity to read The Bible for themselves did they learn the true message it contains. However, old traditions were so ingrained that they remained and the celebration of Christmas went on unabated until today where it has taken on a whole new meaning, especially for the unbeliever. Notwithstanding, Christmas is not Scriptural and in fact goes against God’s will as a means to praise and worship Him for it is through Jesus Christ that we worship God. I look on in despair at the goings on in the Christian (so-called) world where believers still choose to ignore God in this instruction and think there is little harm in doing so. People may not think what they do is wrong and may even believe that it is perfectly alright to choose how they worship God but God says otherwise. Look at the mess that is the Christmas celebration. It has become hijacked itself being reclaimed as a pagan festival but is also now a totally commercial event coupled with old and new traditional values that have no root in God’s word or His will. What an obstinate and disobedient people we are. No, I do not like the run-up to Christmas as I once did and for reasons I once knew little about.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
One blogger likes this post.
Posted in Celebration, Christianity, God, Jesus, Religion, Tradition, Wisdom | Tagged: Bible, Catholic Church, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christmas, God, Jesus, Nativity of Jesus | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on December 8, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
It is the season to be jolly, goodwill to all men, presents, family get-together, food, drink, parties all in the name of Christ. Ooops, sorry, did I infer that Jesus was the reason for it all? Yes, it is all very nice to greet people with a smile, wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year if it really is sincere and based upon Christ. The sad thing is few people include Jesus in their celebrations. That is one thing but did you ever consider that those you may be wishing these things may not support the festival maybe for personal reasons or for religious beliefs (such as myself). Not everyone is a Christian, some may be Muslims, some may be Jews, some may be Buddhists…..you get my drift…..but nevertheless people still insist on greeting others with this message. It is burnt into their memories, it is a traditional thing to do but it could be an insult to an unbeliever. Now I am a Christian, that is a follower of Jesus but over the last couple of years I have come to the conclusion that the way the mainstream Church celebrates Christ’s birth is unscriptural. Whilst it celebrates one thing it neglects others which are scriptural. The majority of people in this land would say they believe in God and Jesus and because their upbringing was based upon traditional things they assume it is the right thing to do. Tradition is very hard to break. It is like a bad habit that is hard to stop and the reason for that is because it is nice and gives us a sense of well-being. There is nothing wrong in having a good time of course, for those who enjoy it, like the majority of us, including me. A lady I did a job for recently, only a very small job, presented me with a Christmas card and wished me a happy Christmas. I had to tell her gently that I couldn’t accept the card and the reasons why I didn’t believe in the celebrating of Christ’s birth as it is celebrated in this country and elsewhere. Of course I celebrate His birth, I do it every day in prayer and the thought is with me all day long. I do not need to be told to have a happy Christmas, I do not need to have a card wishing me the same and sitting on the mantle for a couple of weeks only to be thrown into the waste bin afterwards. So please don’t wish me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I will not be able to reciprocate such a gesture in the same way. I want people to love each other under His banner of love. I want people to be nice to each other 24 hours of the day and 365/6 days of the year and not forget the reason they are supposed to be celebrating Christmas in the first place if in fact they believe anyway. It would be wonderful if we had a festival that wasn’t focused on Jesus. It would be filled with good things, food, drinks, parties, family and friends and all could wish each other well, but we already have one of those disguised as a religious festival. Then we could concentrate on Jesus all of the time, in the right way and for the right reasons. May God’s will be done.
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Posted in Celebration, Christianity, God, Jesus, Religion, Tradition | Tagged: Bible, Celebration, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Christmas, God, Jesus, Religion | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on December 1, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
Reading the blogs of a couple of self-confessed atheists got me thinking about God and the plan He has for this world. Now I used to be an atheist myself but even so I find it very difficult trying to witness to atheists. I know what it is like to be one and during the years of my life as an atheist I resisted any suggestion that I was wrong and that there was indeed a God. Almost everyone believes in something and for atheists this is also true. People who do not believe in God believe in man, they become humanists or naturist or something else. They put their faith in the ability of mankind, in science, in the supposed inherent goodness in mankind. They don’t need God because they have themselves. They believe by default that we, the human race came about quite by chance. Even many eminent scientists don’t believe that. There has to be a reason then, for example, for being good else it is pointless. If we came to be by pure chance, what is the driving force to make us ‘good’? Well there isn’t one but there is evil as well as there is good so perhaps we choose good because it is better. Why would we do that? We don’t have to but there is something inside each of us that drives us to be good. However we fail in the attempt to be totally good, so what reward is there for being good, for doing good things? If it is for self-satisfaction or gratification then that elevates self. Knowing therefore that not all people are ‘good’, that means they elevate themselves above those who do not quite reach the same standard. They may not think they are doing that but in fact that is exactly what is happening. There is nobody on this planet who can say that they are good people because we may be good in some respects but we will always fail at some other point. This is why we cannot live in harmony. Utopia is but a pipe dream if we think we can achieve that through our own efforts. The Bible says that God created all things and there are certain things written in its pages that defy those who disbelieve. There are things written down thousands of years ago that could only have been known through divine knowledge, things that we’ve learned today only with the aid of science and could not have previously known without it. The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by about 40 different authors at different times and without the knowledge of what each of the others were writing or had written down and yet they are all linked as in a chain or having a thread running through them. That is because each of the authors had been inspired by God to write what they did. You see God has a plan but it isn’t something you might be aware of unless you really studied what is written in those 66 books. God’s plan is revealed there but the plan itself is spread over a few thousand years. Certain events have already passed, not least of all the birth, life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This had been accurately foretold hundreds of years beforehand and it all came to pass. Many more events are prophesied and have yet to come to pass. There will be signs leading up to those events as there were in the prophecies of old. Many of the world’s events happening now are not happening by chance, they are all part of a greater plan which ultimately leads to the return of Christ. We may think we are in control of our destiny and indeed we are on a personal level but the overall picture belongs to God. God says in His Word that all men (mankind) will bow the knee before Him, believers and unbelievers alike. There will be no escape from that, even in death. To bow the knee in worship is far better than doing it reluctantly. Yes, God indeed has a plan. Are you going to be part of it or set apart from it?
Shirley Anne
0.000000
0.000000
Like this:
One blogger likes this post.
Posted in God, Jesus, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit | Tagged: Atheism, Bible, Christ, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Prophecy, Second Coming of Christ | 4 Comments »
