Wednesday, September 30, 2015

caring

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them 
on ahead of him two by two into every town and place 
where he himself was about to go. He said to them, 
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. . . 
Go! I am sending you out like lambs surrounded by wolves.






Hate

Have Christians left
the Public Square ?

If they have, is it for
fear of martyrdom ?

Is this still true?
"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:22‬ ‭

http://www.npr.org/series/4631923/christianity-and-the-public-square#

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blind

REVELATION vs OBSERVATION 

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:"‭‭ - Luke‬ ‭17:20‬

If the goal of science is knowledge in order to "control" human reality the New Testament world of Jesus demonstrates an ability to manipulate and control human reality without the benefit of "scientific" knowledge. 

Jesus clearly demonstrates the existence of non-scientific knowledge by the performance of multiple "miracles".

Jesus brought a message to the world of an other-worldy "kingdom" and He left those who would believe and follow Him a legacy of revelation knowledge and power to change this world. 

He taught us to pray "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

_____________

Professors in secular schools seem committed to science as the only source of knowledge. 

So-called "Revelation" they say, must be relegated to the realm of superstition. If it is not "empirically verifiable" they say; then it is not "rationally defensible".  

Christian Faith, they say, is irrelevant. Science marches on, creating 'brave new worlds'. These "gods of this world" continue to "blind the minds" of unbelieving ones in secular schools and colleges worldwide.

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report

E D U C A T I O N - the scarcity of facts gives rise to THE BUSINESS OF BELIEFS. Information includes instruction and inspiration. "Knowledge" acquired as "marketable skills" will 'create' value.
http://www.christianperspective.net/homeschool/socialization-a-guide-for-homeschoolers/#realworld

"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48‬ ‭
_____________

WHAT ABOUT ATTITUDE ?
a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.
"she took a tough attitude toward other people's indulgences"
synonyms: view, viewpoint, outlook, perspective, stance, standpoint, position, inclination, temper, orientation, approach, reaction;

a position of the body proper to or implying an action or mental state.
"the boy was standing in an attitude of despair, his chin sunk on his chest"
synonyms: position, posture, pose, stance, bearing
"an attitude of prayer"

NORTH AMERICAN informal:
truculent or uncooperative behavior; a resentful or antagonistic manner.
"I asked the waiter for a clean fork, and all I got was attitude"

_____________

RIGHTS (the "revelation")

Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; that is, rights are the fundamental normative rules about what is allowed of people or owed to people, according to some legal system, social convention, or ethical theory. - WIKI

THE UNITED NATIONS
http://bit.ly/M7s8YS

Kings and nobility historically were the origin of authority, and they granted rights and privileges to their subjects. The people held their liberties were dependent upon the pleasure of the rulers.

Nevertheless, America boldly proclaimed at its birth that some rights were endowed by man's very nature – and that individuals are incapable of relinquishing them. Because these rights are endowed in people from Nature's God, they are inherent in each individual and cannot be abandoned – in other words, such rights are unalienable.

In other words, "the sacred rights of mankind," Alexander Hamilton observed, "are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power."
http://bit.ly/1MGyC1D

right & rights
1. that which is morally correct, just, or honorable.
"she doesn't understand the difference between right and wrong"
synonyms: goodness, righteousness, virtue, integrity, rectitude, propriety, morality, truth, honesty, honor, justice, fairness, equity

2. a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way.
"she had every right to be angry"
synonyms: entitlement, prerogative, privilege, advantage, due, birthright, liberty, authority, power, license, permission, dispensation, leave, sanction, freedom; historicaldroit
"you have the right to say no"
verb
3rd person present: rights
1.
restore to a normal or upright position.
"we righted the capsized dinghy"
synonyms: set upright, turn back over
"the way to right a capsized dinghy"

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2013/09/23/what-did-thomas-jefferson-mean-by-unalienable-rights/
_____________

FREEDOM: the formula
the thought process that
drives the culture of the
western democracies
"I obey if/when I want to".

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?"‭‭ - Isaiah‬ ‭53:1‬ ‭

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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Alliance

Breakdown

RAMBLING

SOCIALIZATION: a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.

The act of adapting behavior to the norms of a culture or society is called socialization. Socialization can also mean going out and meeting people or hanging out with friends. The word socialization can mean "the process of making social."

A new word I heard; trying to figure it out - THEOGENY & "the public square". - Tension & Conflicts ?

THE FAMILY
THE CHURCH
THE DISCIPLE
THE KINGDOM
THE NATION

Could the fallacy of the papacy be based on the violation of a foundational principle ?

The entire leadership of the Roman 'church'; the priests, the cardinals and the pope are not the husbands "of one wife".

It is fairly common knowledge that The Lord created the family before he created the church. It is not, however, as commonly acknowledged that successful leadership in the church (and the community) is contingent on the success of the home and the family.

I was recently advised by my pastor to (forget the 'other stuff') "go take care of your family". . . the implication: everything else will be OK. It seemed a little simplistic at first, yet it is proving over time to be a 'key' mental health strategy. lol

The other suggestion was that I be involved in a "discipling" process/program. On the surface it appeared to be just another 'good tip'. It is however, turning out to be going directly to the heart of a chronic problem: discipline.

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." - Luke‬ ‭14:26‬
PRETTY ROUGH STUFF !!!!

_____________

ALL AUTHORITY IS
MORAL AUTHORITY

THE PRIMARY PRINCIPLE
OF LIFE IS LOVE

"And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore."‭‭ - 1 Samuel‬ ‭4:5, 7‬ ‭

Moral uncertainty leads
to moral confusion

As the US continues to sink into moral confusion on domestic policy it's influence in the world has diminished. There no longer exists the moral will to project the power of military might. Like Samson in the bible story our moral failing at "home" is the real source of our impotence on the world stage.

"And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him."
‭‭Judges‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭

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Sunday, September 27, 2015

ready

THE KINGDOM (see it; enter)

Will I do it ?
Believe & obey !

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."‭‭ - John‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭

THE MARVEL
THE MYSTERY
THE MIRACLE
of salvation.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Unsealed

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." - Daniel‬ ‭12:4, 10‬ ‭

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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Healing

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Think

RELIGION
Moderate the dogma
Modernize the doctrine
Modify duties
MERCY & COMPASSION
_____________

Duty (belief-based actions)
noun
  1. 1
    a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.
    "it's my duty to uphold the law"
    synonyms:responsibilityobligationcommitment
    • 2
      a task or action that someone is required to perform.
      "the queen's official duties"
      synonyms:jobtaskassignmentmissionfunctionchargeplaceroleresponsibilityobligation
      datedoffice
      "it was his duty to attend the king"
    _____________

    Dogma
    ˈdôɡmə/
    noun
    1. a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
      "the Christian dogma of the Trinity"
      synonyms:teachingbelieftenetprinciplepreceptmaxim, article of faith, canon
    _____________

    Doctrine
    ˈdäktrən/
    noun
    1. a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.
      "the doctrine of predestination"
      synonyms:creedcredodogmabeliefteachingideology
      • US
        a stated principle of government policy, mainly in foreign or military affairs.
        "the Monroe Doctrine"

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    blessing

    first_smile

    Sunday, September 20, 2015

    news

    EVERLASTING GOSPEL
    OF THE KINGDOM

    Instructs the subjects
    Invades enemy territory
    Intrudes upon enemy efforts
    Infiltrates enemy strongholds
    Interferes with enemy operations
    Interrupts enemy plans

    "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11:15‬ ‭



    "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

    Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

    If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers."
    ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:3-5, 7-8, 10, 13-14‬ ‭

    SOLDIER
    A) Preparation - training, diligence, regimen

    B) Performance - personal accountability

    C) PERSISTENCE
    "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." - Proverbs‬ ‭24:16‬ ‭
    _____________

    THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM
    1. Someone is in charge.
    There is a King
    "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:3‬ ‭

    "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." - John‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

    2. I cannot do whatever I want.
    The kingdom has rules
    "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:1-3‬

    3. I will be punished for my sin
    but not if Jesus forgives/covers them
    "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:13‬ ‭

    "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."‭‭ - 1 John‬ ‭1:3, 7, 9‬ ‭

    4. I don't have to sin
    unless I don't love the King

    "If ye love me, keep my commandments.

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." - ‭‭John‬ ‭14:15, 23-24‬

    "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." - ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭

    "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

    Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:1-2, 12, 14-15‬ ‭

    5. I can live forever
    If I believe and receive the gift of "citizenship/sonship" - salvation
    "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
    ‭‭John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭

    6. The only other choice is hell
    the anger of the King
    "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16, 18‬ ‭

    7. The rest of the covenant/agreement is in the "fine print - the BIBLE. You/I won't understand all of it but we have to believe it or else . . .

    "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭5:39‬ ‭

    "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:18-19‬

    "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:7-8‬ ‭

    "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:11‬ ‭
    _____________

    "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

    All these are the beginning of sorrows.

    And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

    But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." ‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭24:4-5, 8, 10, 13-14‬ ‭

    "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭
    _____________

    ABRAHAM
    "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.

    For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."‭‭ - Genesis‬ ‭13:13, 15‬ ‭

    "And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

    And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

    And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,"
    ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭14:12-16, 18-20, 22‬ ‭
    __________________

    MOSES
    "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

    Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

    Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.

    And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

    And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

    And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

    And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

    And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
    ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭13:1-2, 6, 8, 18-20, 23, 25, 27-28, 30-33‬ ‭
    __________________

    DAVID
    "And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

    But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

    And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
    ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5:12, 17-19, 21‬ ‭

    http://www.vtaide.com/gleanings/Kings-of-Israel/biography_David.html

    "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

    And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

    And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed. But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water; And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

    And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

    Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.

    And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.

    And to them which were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt."‭‭ - 1 Samuel‬ ‭30:1-4, 6, 8-12, 16-19, 23, 25, 31‬ ‭

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    telling_it

    CULTIVATING CONVERSATIONS
    Telling My "story of Jesus".

    "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:"‭‭- Acts‬ ‭26:2‬ ‭

    TURN OR BURN?
    "Accusations harden the will but questions stimulate the conscience".

    "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness." - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:24-25‬

    POWERFUL SCRIPTURES
    John 1:11 receiving Hm rescues you
    John 3:16 for the religious
    Romans 3:23 I must accept the gift
    Romans 10:13 whoever calls . . .
    http://bit.ly/1WR3Rgk

    THIS IS WHY I BELIEVE
    WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
    WILL YOU ALSO BELIEVE?
    saved.com

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    Cult___

    THIS WORLD
    "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭

    Contaminated with the culture
    Captured by the culture
    Catering to the culture

    A culture is a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.

    "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."‭‭ - 2 Timothy‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭

    "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

    They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-16, 19‬

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    Kingdom

    EVERLASTING GOSPEL
    OF THE KINGDOM

    Instructs the subjects
    Invades enemy territory
    Intrudes upon enemy efforts
    Infiltrates enemy strongholds
    Interferes with enemy operations
    Interrupts enemy plans

    "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11:15‬ ‭

    Friday, September 18, 2015

    blood_meridian

    Cormac McCarthy
    http://youtu.be/FgyZ4ia25gg

    Judge Holden and evil.
    Is evil real ? What is evil

    ________________

    Introduction to Nietzsche 
    Most of us at some point in our lives have lost someone very close to us. Whether it was a sudden death or one that you had time to prepare for, the pain is never easy to deal with. Though this pain may be hard, according to some 19th-century philosophers, this pain is actually a good thing. The pain and the feelings associated with that suffering assure us that we are alive, and those experiences are the only thing life is truly about. These ideas were first posited by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

    Nietzsche's early life was fraught with tragedy. His father, a local Protestant minister, died when Nietzsche was only five years old. His younger brother died six months later. Without his father's connection to Röcken as the town minister, Nietzsche and his mother moved in with Nietzsche's maternal grandmother and aunts in Naumberg an der Saale.

    ______________
    Nihilism 
    ______________

    BLOOD MERIDIAN, the title is a little mystifying to me. As I read 'around' the novel and listen to class readings, I begin to develop bias. I am repulsed. Totally? Not yet but close.

    Still 'struggling' with how to 'dive in'. Like jumping naked into a cold stream. Anticipating a shocking evil coldness?

    I must stop 'skirting the edges', delaying the inevitable I must dive in!

    Is any truth to be determined in the complex and confusing alleged plotlessness of this novel?

    Trying to find some 'tools' with which to begin a 'critical' examination of the text I find some seemingly significant details about the author Cormac McCarthy. He had a son. He was thrice married. He lived in Texas, at least for a while. He is considered a recluse by some.

    As I 'take the plunge' into McCarthy's BLOOD MERIDIAN I take the mindset not of a judge to return a verdict but as an advocate; examining his 'though stream' to discover purpose and meaning in the seeming violent madness of his novel.

    I must carefully and dispassionately search for clues. Tracking allusions to their source. Noting and de-mystifying odd detail. I must get to the "historical kernel".

    I must lay aside the simple notion that "books beget books". I must find "foundational thought" and the "cosmic structures" undergirding the novel. I must find some useful "truth". I must overcome my bias.

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    Thursday, September 17, 2015

    deep

    HABITS AND THE FORCE OF WILL
    HIDING VS HIDDEN
    HIS HANDLERS
    AGREEMENTS
    AGREEMENT
    OPINION
    OBEY
    LAW
    IF

    now the real hard part !
    putting it together, the
    thesis statement ?


    HIDDEN THINGS

    OBSERVATION:
    Our vital organs are hidden
    We hide out reproductive organs

    1. Assumptions / beliefs
    Tested or untested

    "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." - John‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭

    WHAT DO YOU MEAN
    "Is it safe to assume?" There is no question; we must assume. The only
    issue is how we respond as our assumption is being 'tested'

    Was this "seasonal angelic
    troubling" the assumption/belief
    of THESE IMPOTENT FOLK?

    The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."‭‭John‬ ‭5:4, 7‬ ‭


    2. Questions
    Answered or unanswered

    "And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"
    ‭‭John‬ ‭9:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    REALITY ? REALLY ?
    UNKNOWN vs UNCONSCIOUS
    If the 'unknown' is like the ocean, then questioning may be like fishing and 'the question' is like the fishing rod. (develop this idea)

    Another aspects of this metaphor is the boat. When fishing for 'the facts' it may be necessary to 'leave the shore'. The shore being firm or solid is a more stable place. Going out "into the deep" suggests fishing from a place of uncertainty.

    Some folk 'worry' about 'the catch'.
    What will I find (out). Discovery can be frightening.


    3. Decisions
    Fact, feeling or principle based

    "And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods." - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:18‬ ‭

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    Monday, September 14, 2015

    poor and pure

    IF YOU CONTINUE . . .

    "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭

    SOULWINNING IS TEACHING
    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬

    DISCIPLESHIP IS LIFELONG LEARNING
    - "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:30‬ ‭

    "And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

    And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."‭‭ - Mark‬ ‭4:15, 17‬ ‭

    "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:13-14‬
    THE END OF WHAT ?

    "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

    . . . the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:11-12, 18‬ ‭

    Not a good parent
    Not a good child
    Not a good partner
    Not a good sibling
    Not a good student . . .
    BUT STEADILY IMPROVING !

    Then in fellowship sweet
    we will sit at His feet,
    Or we'll walk by His
    side in the way;
    What He says we will do,
    where He sends we will go;
    Never fear, only trust and obey.


    "Blessed are the poor in spirit: 
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    Blessed are the pure in heart: 
    for they shall see God."‭‭ - Matthew‬ ‭5:3, 8‬

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    Saturday, September 12, 2015

    Careful

    WARNINGS
    "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

    Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

    Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."
    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5:20-21, 24‬ ‭

    "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

    Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

    Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:" - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭10:4, 12, 17‬

    OFFENDED
    "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

    But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew‬ ‭24:10-13‬ ‭

    Friday night

    HAROLD SHARES @ RU
    SOUTHINGTON

    Obedience -

    Bearing fruit
    Forbidden fruit

    Perform what's requested
    Abstain from what's forbidden

    Sanctified set apart for His work

    "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
    ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭

    "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." - Proverbs‬ ‭11:30‬ ‭

    Gods knows you - justification
    You know God - sanctification

    Power to overcome
    "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:4‬

    Saw Dennis, Kevin Young, Bob, Cory, Scottie, John

    EARL: is the 'church today' the same as the "early church"? It seems a lot different.


    SATURDAY with Bill

    Friday, September 11, 2015

    Lies

    BELIEF
    "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?"
    ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23:8‬ ‭

    "And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?"
    ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23:11-12‬

    "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
    ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23:19‬ ‭

    I don't believe you. Not because what you say is not true. I don't believe in you. I don't want to.
    Why?

    This thought process happens
    more often than we want to admit.

    It goes with the idea of human relationships. How they are established and how they are sustained.

    The professor told the class that certain "population groups" are given to telling lies, a lot. Addicts. Sociopaths. It's amazing how many different words we come up with for the one BIBLE WORD: sinner !

    "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."
    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:3-4‬ ‭

    We like to try explaining stuff.
    Preachers don't always explain stuff. Teachers do. The bible says: "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." ◄ Matthew 4:23 ►

    The idea of "not believing in" may be captured in the word UNBELIEF.
    This word is used a lot in the bible , especially in the Old Testament.



    FOOD FOR THOUGHT
    Who will "believe in you"
    even if you lie a lot ?

    What if you never lied
    yet you are never believed ?

    What hope is there for
    the sociopath, addict - sinner?

    Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. Exodus 4:1

    Psalm 78:19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 21Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; 22Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

    Jude 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

    PRAYING LIKE THIS:
    "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." - ‭Mark‬ ‭9:24‬ ‭

    Sent from my iPhone

    Talk

    PURPOSE OF LANGUAGE
    Unsolicited speech
    Unprotected speech
    Recreational speech
    Income-related speech
    Non-productive speech
    Libelous speech
    Defamatory speech
    Slanderous speech
    Inappropriate speech
    Inflammatory speech
    Persuasive speech
    Instructional speech

    Sent from my iPhone

    Thursday, September 10, 2015

    Outreach

    Read more about . . .

    Reaching the Unreachable: 

    Connecticut's Homeless Youths

     click here -> Human Services




    BUILD

    WHAT KINGDOM ?
    "The King's domains"
    Home, Church & State
    "Let your kingdom come"
    "There is no king but Caesar"

    "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

    For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." - Hebrews‬ ‭11:8, 10‬ ‭

    "Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother."
    ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17:15‬ ‭

    "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

    And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

    And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

    And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."‭‭ - 1 Samuel‬ ‭8:1, 3, 5, 7‬ ‭

    "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:" - ‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28‬ ‭

    "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11:15‬

    Wednesday, September 9, 2015

    hse b101


    Complete, up-to-date coverage of social welfare programs and policies with special coverage of how history, politics, and the economy shape these programs


    This text puts the field of human services into a historical context, provides insights into the social welfare field, and gives concrete examples of how primary intervention strategies are put into daily practice in human service agencies.


    It presents the many options offered in the field of human services and discusses the stresses that a human service worker will face in day-to-day work, with practical suggestions for avoiding burnout. The text compares the U.S. social welfare systems to systems in other countries, and uses a strong multicultural and social systems approach that distinguishes it from other texts. 


    Teaching & Learning Experience

    • Personalize Learning – MyHelpingLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals.
    • Engage Students – Outstanding pedagogy, including examples, cases, anecdotes, and interviews, keeps students interested.
    • Explore Current Issues – Contemporary issues are incorporated throughout the text to provide students with the most up-to-date coverage; topics include: cyberbullying, immigration, and health care reform.
    • Support Instructors – An Instructor's Manual and Test Bank, Computerized Test Bank (MyTest), MyHelpingLab with Pearson eText, and PowerPoint presentations, and BlackBoard and WebCT Test Item File provide instructors with additional support.


    Sent from my iPhone

    Tuesday, September 8, 2015

    Freedom

    EMPLOYMENT IN
    "THE SECULAR CITY"?
    http://amzn.to/1K5Trj9

    . . . the 40-year-old flight attendant also felt that her new faith prevented her from fulfilling what some might consider a fundamental part of her job: serving alcohol. http://wapo.st/1Obirvl

    A STRONG PEOPLE ?
    http://nyti.ms/1K5U9g0

    Sent from my iPhone

    the law

    As I was exiting the highway I saw the sign "encouraging" me to bring my speed down to 40 MPH.

    ENCOURAGING WORDS are always connected to COMMANDS. The sign was a reminder that there are laws that govern my behavior as a road user. As we "encourage" each other, let us remember the teaching of The Master :

    Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

    17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

    18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

    19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

    Our "enjoyment" cannot be just a good feeling: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭13:17‬ ‭(NOTICE THE 'FEET-WASHING' CONTEXT)

    JOHN 15: 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

    FINALLY: as I present "the gospel" to someone today, may I remember to include "the go-thy-way-and-sin-no-more" as Jesus did.

    "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭

    Let us not forget repentance in our 'zeal' to tell the miracle of faith.
    This "gospel (good news) of the kingdom" : repent and believe.

    Monday, September 7, 2015

    HE KEEPS ME


    "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

    Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:14, 18‬ ‭
    __________
    GOD THROUGH ALL OF IT
    Sent from my iPhone

    Sunday, September 6, 2015

    Herald

    GOSPEL
    Your Life, words, attitude will declare a message. What will you preach?

    THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM
    1. Someone is in charge.
    There is a King
    "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:3‬ ‭

    "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." - John‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

    2. I cannot do whatever I want.
    The kingdom has rules
    "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:1-3‬

    3. I will be punished for my sin
    but not if Jesus forgives/covers them
    "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:13‬ ‭

    "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."‭‭ - 1 John‬ ‭1:3, 7, 9‬ ‭

    4. I don't have to sin
    unless I don't love the King
    "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." - ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:4‬ ‭

    "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

    Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."
    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:1-2, 12, 14-15‬ ‭

    5. I can live forever
    If I believe and receive the gift of "citizenship/sonship" - salvation
    "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
    ‭‭John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭

    6. The only other choice is hell
    the anger of the King
    "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16, 18‬ ‭

    7. The rest of the covenant/agreement is in the "fine print - the BIBLE. You/I won't understand all of it but we have to believe it or else . . .

    "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
    ‭‭John‬ ‭5:39‬ ‭

    "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:18-19‬

    "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:7-8‬ ‭

    "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:11‬ ‭

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