The 12 Days of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas...source: Dr. Phillip Barnwell In the Church "Christmas" refers to a twelve day period that starts with Christmas Day. There is where "The Twelve Days of Christmas" comes from.

The world celebrates Christmas for 24 hours, but the Church celebrates if for 12 days because the gift of Christ is with us for twelve months of the year.

When most people hear of "The 12 Days of Christmas" they think of the song. This song originated as a tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith.

From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. "The 12 Days of Christmas" is an allegory. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the song is a code for a religious reality which helped the children remember.

The song says, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...." The "true love" represents God and the "me" is who receives these presents.

...the "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God. .
...the "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments--another gift from God.
...the "three French hens" were faith, hope and love--the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13).
...the "four calling birds" were the four Gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
...the "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible, also called the Torah, the law or Books of Moses.
...the "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.
...the "seven swans a swimming" were seven gifts of the Spirit listed in Romans 12: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, administration and mercy.
...the "eight maids a-milking" were the eight beatitudes found in the Sermon on the Mount.
...the "nine ladies dancing" were nine friuts of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galations 5:22-23).
...the "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.
...the "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples. .
..the "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Greedy America

If we Americans are nothing more than hopelessly addicted consumers who think of ourselves as an exceptional people with special entitlements; if we see ourselves as God’s morally superior chosen people; if we are selfish and greedy beyond redemption—then we are complicit in all of the horrible crimes that government commits in our name.


My dear,


I don’t stop eating when I’m full. The meal is not over when I’m full. The meal is over when I hate myself.


And we’re all fine with this. Because this is America. Land of greed, avarice, and of having too much.

Who cares if we have more than enough, we make it enough; we take it all, and ask for more. Who cares that other countries are in dire need of even a morsal of what we have.

Oh, you do?

I don’t see you doing anything about it. Are you donating anything to those poorer than you? Nope. Are you going without something you want so a little baby girl somewhere out there can have what she needs? Nope.

Hell we even have a Thanksgiving, which is a holiday that reminds us to be thankful for what we have; but which was first celebrated right after we raped and stole the land of the Natives, and now celebrate right before Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year.

No, we won’t stop taking when we’re satisfied. Our greed isn’t over when we have more than enough. No, our greed is over when we hate ourselves.

Truly yours,
Louis Szekely

WAKE UP!

Children of God wake up! It's time to fight!
The Son has risen, there's no more night.
So stop hiding in the dark like you have something to be ashamed of;
Go forth boldly, in faith. Teach this world about God's love.

It's time we put our shoulder to the plow, not just money in a plate.
Time we picked up our swords and stormed the enemy's gate.
Because there are prisoners there who can't find their way,
Even though the battle is won and their ransom is paid.

WAKE UP! For the deceiver is working hard in your life and in mine
and his greatest lie
is that we have more time
but while you were listening to this another sinner died!

But you're tired and comfortable, go ahead, sleep.
Don't listen to their husbands and wives and children weep.
Don't let their screams from hell keep you awake.
Don't dream about the God you chose to forsake.   

♬♪♩♭♪ Awakening-Dance, ♬♪♩♭♪ Dance in the spirit of God

I'm after Your heart
Why should I be still when the worship starts Lord
I'm so in love with You
What can man do, can't hold me back anymore

You spin over me
And You are please when I spend myself on You
I'm gonna let go
Really worship letting my dance come forth

Dance! Dance!
Let the Spirit move you!
Dance! Dance!
Holy Spirit in you!

Who is This Man, Jesus?

Who is this man Jesus who we learned about in Sunday school when we were just kids? The Son of God – the greatest man who ever lived. His impact on the world was greater than any other man in history, yet most of us never really make the effort to know Him. When asked if they know Jesus, most people reply, “Jesus loves me.” Yes, He does but “do you really know Him?”Jesus is even more than the loving, safe Jesus. Look at the complexity of the world and the efficient functionality of the human body. God’s intelligence and creativity are infinite. The way He teaches us by allowing us to experience adversities, yet showing us compassion and alway allowing us a way out when it gets too complicated or painful for us to handle. But how do we get to know this Jesus? He is so far way and inaccessible. On the contrary. Jesus is always close by for us. To reach Him and develop a relationship with Him, all we need to do is open our hearts and start talking to Him and listening as well! As we share ourselves with Him, He will share with us. And little by little as in all relationships, the closeness and sharing will grow and Jesus will begin to clarify things to you that you never dreamed possible. You can start right now by getting on your knees and opening your mouth! And don’t forget to listen.!

Father: Because I cannot see you, I sometimes think you are not here. Please give me a nudge each day to remind me you are always with me, and that you just want to talk with me. Help me to know you better, Lord, and always to listen to what you are saying. Amen.

The “You” Nobody Knows: Lost, Scared, Alone Forever?

“Grow up,” they told you– and so you did.

You grew and you grew until

one day you were paying your own bills and

doing your own laundry and

making your own way.

You grew and you grew

and you grew

but still you had the strange sensation that

you were still a child

living in a grown person’s body–

lost,

scared,

alone,

pretending to have it all together

all of the time.

* * *

Until one day–

“Child,”

comes a voice,

“You were never meant to navigate

this ocean-of-a-world on your own.”

And the moment you hear it

in your ears and in your heart

you know that it is true.

And slowly, peacefully

comes the sense you’re being rocked

softly, tenderly,

in the arms of one who cares.

You close your eyes

and finally,

there is rest.

Finally,

you are known.

You are safe.

You are loved.

Finally.

It’s this moment that you’ve been missing for an eternity

and yet have never been missing at all.

* * *

“Child,”

says the voice,

“When was the last time you allowed me to hold you?”

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

God is writing my Love story

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,

to have a deep soul relationship with another,

to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But God says to a Christian:

"No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled,

and content with being loved by Me alone.

With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me,

with having an intense personal and loving relationship with Me alone.

Discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found.

Then you will be capable of the perfect human relationship

that I have planned for you.

You will never be completely united with another

until you are united with Me;

~ exclusive of anyone or anything else,

~ exclusive of any other desires or longings.

I want you to have the best.

PLEASE allow Me to give it to you.

I want you to stop planning and stop wishing and allow Me

to give you the most thrilling plan existing,

one that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best so just keep watching Me,

expecting the greatest things and

listen and learn the things I tell you.

You just wait...

That's all.

Don't be anxious.

Don't worry.

Don't look around at the things others have received

or that I've given them.

Don't look at the things you THINK you want.

Just keep looking to Me or you'll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love

far more wonderful than any you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready,

and until the one I have for you is ready,

(and I am working even at this moment

to have both of you ready at the same time).

Until you are both satisfied exclusively

with Me and the life that I have prepared for you,

you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies

your relationship with me, and this is the PERFECT love.

I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your

relationship with Me and enjoy materially and concretely the

everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love.

Know that I love you.

I am God, Know it, and be satisfied!"

Just for today...

"

Just for today I will start my day the right way
Just for today I will pray on my knees
Just for today I will be thankful for all my treasures
Just for today I will lean more into HIS understanding

Just for today I will be confidant and share my heart
Just for today I will not be afraid
Just for today I will Love myself unconditionally
just for today I will extend grace to all I know

Just for today I will be BOLD and Courageous
Just for today I will share my hopes and dreams
Just for today I will listen to others as well...
and just for today I will help others succeed.

Just for today I will accept myself for who I am
Just for today I will work on my gifts...and
Just for today I will extend a hand to a fellow man
Just for today I will know God put me on this earth to Give

Christmas Time

Sadness lined the wrinkles of a father,

His head hung low as he stood with his family waiting to see Santa.

His heart sank as he listened to his children whisper their Christmas wishes,

Knowing full well that they would not receive what they wanted from Santa

As they walked away, his head hung lower

Wishing for a true Christmas miracle, to save his family from the poverty,

That poverty that has now grown on his heart.

A tear he held back from his blue colored eyes,

This is why he never truly loved Christmas time.

Christmas and its intended recipients?

As the holidays approach, many of us are increasingly aware of our budget limitations. We nod at the hope Retailers offer through early bird incentives, knowing its just not enough for Christmas this year. There’s an acute national sense that we just won’t be able to give as many Christmas gifts (or as expensive ones) this year.

But wait a minute. This isn’t what Christmas is about at all. Spending lots of money one another in order to have lots of things we don’t need. The original Christmas was quite the opposite. In Christmas, God poured out his deepest wealth to those of neediest poverty. He brought the gospel to the poor. Jesus’ birth was prophesied, delivered, and honored by the poor (Luke 1-3). When he was grown, baptized and ready to begin his ministry, he announced that his greatest gift, the gospel, would be for the poor. How did we get so far away from the actual gift of Christmas and its intended recipients?

Jesus was sent and anointed by the Holy Spirit to “preach the good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18-19). Following this tremendous sermon, Jesus immediately began to care for the poor (a word that head several lists of marginalized people in Luke). He came to preach and to prove the gospel to the socially marginalized: a mentally ill/demon possessed man and Peter’s mother-in-law who had a high fever. The Gospels chronicle Jesus’ joint ministry of preaching and proving the gospel, of announcing the age of salvation and accomplishing physical/spiritual salvation among the marginalized. But was this call unique to Jesus? Must all Christians care for the poor? Is it the responsibility of the Church or individuals?

What to Give for Christmas
The Gospel shows us that God gave the most expensive gift to the least likely recipients. It reminds us that God poured out his deepest wealth to those who had very little. When we miss this, we become the poor, those who mistake many gifts for the meaning of Christmas. God calls both the individual and church to Christlike love and generosity. How can you recover the meaning of Christmas this season? Instead of hunting for early bird specials, look out for the poor, the marginalized. And don’t just give them materialism. Give the gospel hope that lasts well beyond the latest fashion and fading Disney toys.

Angel`s  ♬♪♩♭♪ Mr Robby Williams

Did I just hear the Rustle of Angel Wings?

I looked for You in big things;
I couldn't find You there.
I cried; I sighed; for others seemed to see You
Everywhere.
I wanted just to know You
so much to hear You speak;
But alas, I found that others heard Your voice;
Not me.
A child smiled at me today
And suddenly I knew
Your smile! In little things unnoticed! Lord,
It was You.
"Seek and you shall find Me
in every little thing."
Finally, I'm listening!
Did I just hear the Rustle of Angel Wings?

I saw an Angel

I am pretty sure that I saw an Angel the other day. The halo wasn't there, but I am sure that it was hidden under the hat he had on. I couldn't see the wings either, but I am positive that they were covered up by the heavy coat he was wearing. I know the cane he walked with was just a part of the disguise as well. You can't expect an angel to just fly down the street in full glory without drawing some attention.

Still, in spite of his ordinary clothes I am convinced that I saw an angel. The way he stooped down to pick up a package an elderly lady dropped was my first clue. The way he bent down to scratch a stray dog's head was further evidence of the fact. The clincher, though, was the way he beamed with a joyous smile as he gave something to a man collecting for charity and then wished him all the best with a voice that seemed to laugh and sing at the same time.

I wish this dear angel continued success in his chosen work of spreading love, joy, and light to the world. I know in my heart that the power of love and the goodness of God will be shared with everyone he meets. I know in my soul that there will be much singing, dancing, and rejoicing in Heaven when this blessed angel finally rejoins their midst. I know that my own heart and soul have grown stronger, better, and more loving for having seen him.

Angels do live among us. They surround us, guide us, protect us, and give us their beautiful example day after day. Some of them we can't see, but some of them walk right by us leaning on their canes and covered in their tattered old coats and hats. May all of us recognize them for who they are. May all of us follow their example. May all of us choose and share love and joy like these angels do

101 Things that make me happy… or give me joy

The older I become, the more I feel it’s important to enjoy the simple things in life, to experience each moment as fully as sensually as we can. So, I got to thinking about some of the things that bring a smile to my face and warm waves of gratitude inside.

So here goes nothing…

1. Falling asleep to the sound of rain outside.
2. Writing on my blog. Every.Single.Day.
3. Receiving a hug.
4. Giving a hug.
5. Inspiring someone through sharing Jesus
6. Really getting to know a new friend.
7. Daydreaming.
8. Knowing all of my bills are paid.
9. Going on a road trip.
10. Sleeping on freshly washed sheets.
11. Driving for hours
12. Cooking
13. Watching the little kid’s sing in church.
14. Finding a new favorite Bible verse.
15. Getting my way. {that might be a little selfish – but it’s my list.}
16. Balancing my checkbook.
17. Getting dressed up for a night out.
18. Listening to the pitter patter of rain on the windows.
19. Having a good cry.
20. Receiving comments on my blog.
21. Being given a compliment, particularly when I’m feeling down.
22. Going for a walk with no destination in mind.
23. Receiving money in the mail or my Paypal account unexpectedly.
24. Getting an email from a reader telling me how something I’ve written has helped them.
25. Being asked to guest-post on other sites. It makes me happy to be asked.
26. Going swimming and feeling the water all around me.
27. Going on a long bike ride.
28. Going camping for a long weekend.
29. Having a clean apartment.
30. Knowing that no matter what, I will figure things out.
31. Doing something that I thought I would never get the courage to do.
32. Giving what I can to other people who are less fortunate than I am.
33. Food-y smells like cinnamon, apple pie, baking bread, vanilla, berries…
34. Newborn babies and the way they smell, the way their fuzzy little heads feel
35. Bubble baths
36. Icy water with a slice of lemon or lime
37. Baby animals
38. Notebooks and journals and stationary in general
39. Peanut butter and raspberry jam
40. Christmas lights
41. Empty laundry hampers and empty trash bins
42. People who are down-to-earth, uninhibited and humorous
43. Being pampered with manicures, pedicures, hair treatments…
44. Pretty scarves
45. Fresh fruits
46. Doggy smiles
47. My iPod
48. Giving unexpected gifts
49. Being alone without feeling alone
50. Finding out something that makes me love a friend even more
51. Shirts that don't need to be ironed
52. History books
53. Blue jeans
54. The perfect cup of tea
55. Shopping for shoes
56. Full shelves and clean floors
57. Doing things to help others
58. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about me
59. Sweet dreams
60. Happy endings
61. Dancing in the rain
62. Rechargable batteries
63. Nicknames
64. New socks
65. Base­ball games
66. Losing weight
67. Passion
68. Pearl necklaces
69. Slippers
70. Romantic endeavors
71. This blog right here makes me happy.
72. Girl talk
73. I love it when someone touch my feet, I must be crazy but it makes me happy!
74. Soft pillows and big beds
75. Walking the dogs
76. Hugging someone you've really missed
77. Knowing things are going to be okay
78. Recieving good news
79. Liking a song so much, you put it on repeat until you get sick of it
80. Baking something for someone else
81. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
82. Black and white movies
83. Swinging in a hammock
84. Seeing a rainbow
85. Hole-in-the-wall, neighborhood restaurants
86. Chipotle carnitas burritos
87. Thunderstorms and rain in general
88. That clean feeling after taking a long shower.
89. Seeing an elderly couple holding hands
90. Strangers who smile as we pass each other instead of avoiding eye contact.
91. Kisses on the neck
92. Being treated like a lady
93. Slow dancing
94. Things that sparkle
95. Tax Refunds
96. Stained glass windows
97. "It's a Wonderful Life"
98. Giving random acts of kindness
99. Candles and the ambiance they create
100. Looking into someone’s eyes and feeling safe
101. Dancing with the Holy Spirit.

The conclusion… I am blessed. I have great friends. I have a wonderful family. I am abundantly rich in experiences. And while I may want things to happen to me, I know that God has a plan for me… whatever that may be.

A relationship with God

A relationship with God is a relationship, with, GOD!. It is a growing developing unity with the creator of all things. It is a relationship on all levels. It is intimate, loving, respectful, honoring and unifying. It is personal, it is enduring, and it is honest. It is giving over self to gain Jesus. It is a relationship of creator and created, Father and child, Husband and wife. It is passionate, compassionate, rich, uplifting, healing, strengthening and satisfying. A relationship with God builds unity with God. Oneness with the creator, where an exchange takes one into the divine life. We exchange our weakness for His strength, our sorrow for His joy, our loneliness for His unity and belonging, our ignorance for his knowing, our foolishness for His wisdom, our anxiety for His peace, our frustration for His completion, our hopelessness for His hope, our Brokenness for His togetherness, our problems for His solutions, our slavery for His freedom, our pain for His love.

There are many people who have come to God for salvation but only know of God and do not enjoy a personal, intimate, living, relationship with Him. They understand that Jesus died on the cross but fail to understand why. Understanding what he did does not necessarily imply an understanding of why He did it and therefore, does not necessarily translate into life experience. When Jesus took the punishment for our sins He did not do it so we could escape hell and go to heaven. Jesus came and died so that we could have a relationship with the Father. Of course having a relationship with God means that we live with him, where He is, which is heaven. Eternal life in heaven is a byproduct of being involved in a relationship with God. As with all of the Kingdom of God the relationship comes first, as a result of this relationship many wonderful things flow into our lives. These things come as we grow and develop into the image of our Father. Everything that comes from God is because of a relationship with God. A relationship that is based on trust, honor, respect and communication.

Intimacy with the Father requires honesty with Him, trust that He loves you and only wants to build you and support you and make you whole. He wants to free you from the lies and bondage's that hinder you from growth into His image. Making a decision to accept Jesus as your savior means nothing if you are not willing to walk a path of intimacy with your new Father. Not that it is a burdensome requirement that needs to be fulfilled so that you gain eternal life. No, it is a joy and the highest call on humanity to live a life in union with their creator, Father. That is why Jesus came, that is why He submitted to the cross, so that we could come to the Father and begin to grow in intimacy with Him. That is the only valid reason to accept Jesus offer of forgiveness.

A relationship with God is for here and now, we do not need to wait for heaven. When we live in a relationship with God we live in Heaven here. As we grow close to Him we take on the character of Him, we start to live like him as well. This is the true path of prosperity in every way. As we grow into the image of God we attract the things of the light and repel the things of the darkness. We start living as children of God instead of children of satan. Not by trying to impose rule upon rule and law upon law but by an internal change that accompanies a deepening relationship with God. We need not struggle as a leopard trying to change his spots, which is impossible and only brings frustration and self condemnation.

Prayers For All Of Us

A Prayer for Money Help

Heavenly Father,
I Come before you today to ask for
a financial blessing to improve my life.

My faith keeps me strong,
and I know you will provide for me
and the people I love.

I do not seek a large sum of money.
I do not trouble you for unneeded comforts
or luxury. I only ask for enough money
to relieve my financial woes and ease this stress.

Give me the means to do your work,
and spread your Love. I have so much
to give, if only I were allowed the chance.

In your name I pray, Amen

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Proverbs 30:8-9

Debt Prayer

Lord, I confess I've made mistakes.
I have accumulated too much debt, and
now I can not imagine overcoming it
without your help.

Please Lord, I beg of you to intercede
on my behalf. Provide me with the financial
means to be able to breathe again.

Please forgive my sins, Lord. Walk with
me and help me to make the right decisions
throughout my life.

In your name I pray, Amen

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Proverbs 23:4-5

 Prayer for Healing

Lord, I come before you today in need of your healing hand. In you all things are possible. Hold my heart within yours, and renew my mind, body, and soul.

I am lost, but I am singing. You gave us life, and you also give us the gift of infinite joy. Give me the strength to move forward on the path you've laid out for me. Guide me towards better health, and give me the wisdom to identify those you've placed around me to help me get better.

In your name I pray, Amen.

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

Matthew 10:1

A Prayer to find Employment

God be with me today in finding employment. Lead me to work that I love, and that has value. Guide me to a place with an atmosphere of respect and cooperation, in a safe and happy environment. Help me to find fulfillment mentally and financially. Thank you God, for bringing this to me today!

who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 3:21

 

Degrees of God's Presence

The presence of God is an interesting thing. On one hand, we know that God is everywhere. But his presence certainly seems more intense at certain times and in certain places. Many of us have been to worship services where God’s presence seems to manifest in a powerful way. Does that mean God isn’t there at other times? Not at all. But it does suggest that there are levels or degrees of God’s presence.

Think of it on a personal level. Christians pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but we also acknowledge the ongoing, indwelling Spirit. The Holy Spirit never leaves us, but there are times when he’s there in a more obvious, powerful way. This tells me two things: (1) We should never take the presence of God for granted, and (2) If some of God’s presence is a good thing, more is even better!

I hesitate to speak of God’s presence as if it’s quantifiable—because doing so makes the Holy Spirit seem like an impersonal force. But if we use terms like “filled” or “power” when referring to God’s spirit (which scripture does), such misconceptions are a real possibility.

Moses didn’t take God’s presence for granted. In Exodus 33, God promised to send a messenger ahead of the Israelites, but Moses insisted on God himself going with them. (You either have to be really crazy or really confident about where you stand with God before you start insisting that he do something.) Moses wasn’t talking about God’s omnipresence here, he was referring to God’s manifest presence—Moses knew that God being with them would make all the difference.

You’d think if there was anyone who wouldn’t have to ask God to come along, it would be the leader of his chosen people. God initially balks at going with the Israelites, but something happens between Exodus 33:5 and 33:14 to change his mind. Moses pleads with God in the tent of meeting and by the end of the exchange, God tells Moses, “I’ll go myself, and I’ll help you... I’ll do exactly what you’ve asked because you have my special approval, and I know you by name.”

Think about your last Bible study, youth group, worship service, or staff meeting. Did you earnestly pray for God to show up or did you just take for granted that he’d be there? (“He’s God. He’s everywhere!”) Sometimes it takes determination to move beyond the idea of the omnipresence of God so we can experience his special presence. It’s the point where we go from casually inviting God to be with us to being desperate for him to show up.

Questions to Ask God

Suppose you were standing before God and had the opportunity to ask Him some questions. What would you ask?

 

Frankly, when we see the Lord face to face, I suspect we’ll be too dumbstruck to ask questions. After all, “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). If anything, God will be the question-asker.

 

But let’s just suppose, hypothetically, there were such a Q&A session. I’m sure we’d ask about things like world hunger and poverty. Why the good die young. Why couples wanting children struggle to get pregnant while unfit parents have babies and abuse them. What about devastating hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis? How about life on other planets, or in other galaxies?

 

But I’d like to ask other, less profound but equally puzzling questions:

“Lord, when you created the mosquito, what was it that you were thinking?”

“Do You know why the chicken crossed the road? Chickens rarely cross the road, but I’ve seen a lot of possums, squirrels, cats and dogs, even armadillos in Texas, that tried – and many of them failed. Why did they try?”

“Why did You make fried chicken taste so good if it’s unhealthy to eat?”

“What did come first – the chicken or the egg?” (Obviously, chickens raise a lot of questions.)

“You confused language after the tower of Babel was built, but why did you let Americans say we drive on parkways and park on driveways?”

Why don't acorns taste like
almonds or peanuts?

“If you had decided to give us the Ten Commandments in the 21^st century, would You still have had someone climb Mount Sinai to receive them on stone tablets, or would You have just sent a text?”

“Why did you decide morning should come so early in the day?”

“There are always so many acorns in the fall. Why aren’t they better for eating – like almonds or peanuts? I know squirrels and chipmunks need to be stock up for the winter, but we don’t sing about roasting acorns on an open fire.”

“Why do babies and children have so much energy they don’t know how to use, while older people lack energy for stuff they really need to do?”

“Why is it we can only go north so far, and then we start heading south, but no matter how far east we travel, it never turns into going west?”

Lastly, on a more serious note, I’d probably ask, “How could You love us so much that You would give Your only Son, so that anyone truly believing in Him would have eternal life? And as much as we have messed up Your world, why didn’t You just scrap the whole project and start over?”

It's This Relationship I Have With the Rain

Sometimes I think the rain is like a friend that I have loved all my life... It surrounds me and pours over me, leaving nothing dry. It loves it when we dance. It talks to God with me. It literally floods my soul, discarding every worry or sadness.

Rain seems to take the edges off the corners of my day, cushioning me, drowning out the noise (internal as well as external) that constantly bombards me. Rain makes me calm; it’s peaceful; it soothes my soul. (I’m not talking about the angry, harsh downpours-just the soft showery kind.) Ever wonder why people say they like the sound of rain on the roof? Why they say it makes them sleep well? Rain speaks to our inner child. Babies and children sleep better when there is some sort of white noise, a steady thrum, audible, but in the background. It is said it reminds them of their mothers’ heartbeat, heard in the womb.

Music soothes the savage beast. I believe it. Rain eases the weary spirit of our inner child. I know it.


For me, rain is like a magic tonic for my mind and soul. Everything smells fresh and feels cool. I can find a cozy place and snuggle with my bible. Or close my eyes and listen to some music. Maybe watch a good movie.

Gray, cloudy, foggy, rainy days are my portal to other worlds, whether they're in my daydreams or in familiar and much loved tales.


Like Bastian in The Neverending Story, I want to hide from the world and let a book take me so deeply into itself that I become a part of it. Rain can do that for me. When I listen to rain falling and feel its coolness against my skin, wonder is renewed and a childlike belief that anything really is possible is reborn. If it's raining outside, you can bet that I'm in a pretty good mood. I am at peace.


What I do know is that the little kid in me loves to wander around on a rainy day.....

Chance of rain tomorrow! (~_o)

Caring for the poor

Passing The Buck

1. In the first centuries of Christianity
the poor were fed, clothed, and sheltered
at a personal sacrifice and the Pagans
said about the Christians: "See how they love each other."

2. Today the poor are fed, clothed, and sheltered by the politicians at the expense of the taxpayers.

3. And because the poor are no longer fed, clothed, and sheltered
at a personal sacrifice but at the expense of taxpayers Pagans say

about Christians: "See how they pass the buck."

 

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35

"I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy." Psalm 140:12

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isaiah 61:1

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them." Isaiah 41:17

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;" Psalm 113:7

"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" Luke 18:22

"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

"But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks." Psalm 107:41

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17

"Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD , do not delay." Psalm 70:5

"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." Psalm 9:18

"Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?" Job 30:25

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor." 1 Samuel 2:8

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11

"If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator" — Proverbs 14:31

God is more happy when I help the poor and the oppressed than when I do my religious duties like praying and going to church. Though these things are important too, without compassion for the poor and oppressed, spending time reading the Bible and praying doesn’t really have a point. If my relationship with God hasn’t changed my heart so that I have compassion on the poor and oppressed, then I’m obviously missing something. It’s like Jesus said to the Pharisees, how they give a tenth of their money and spices to God, but they have neglected the more important matters, things like justice and faithfulness.

If I Were More Like My Master

If I would be more like my Master,
I would leave my footprints in the sand.
I would take away someone's burden,
and lend another one a helping hand.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would be gracious and merciful too.
I would comfort an ailing brother,
and show a lost sister what she must do.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would walk upon the turbulent water.
I would safely reach my destination,
and encourage others how not to falter.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would be free from the battle of sin.
I would show other's true compassion,
and help them with their own fight to win.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would see the hungry people to feed.
I would take and offer whatever I had,
and give them more than they could need.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would spread the Good News all around.
I would speak of God's love and forgiveness,
and that a new life is theirs to be found.

If I would be more like my Master,
I would have a spirit of complete servanthood.
I would humbly assist and aid all who are needy,
just as the Lord, my Master would.   

How to Help the Poor

Have you ever noticed how Jesus seems to walk right into traps laid by the Pharisees and religious leaders? Jesus wasn’t dumb, so I sometimes think He stepped into their traps on on purpose. Why? Because usually, their traps used hurting people as the bait. They knew Jesus was a sucker for hurting people.


And Jesus, crazy God-Man that He is, played along, to show us what the heart of God is really like.


One of these instances is in Luke 6:6-11 where Jesus is teaching in a Synagogue on the Sabbath, and a man is present who had a withered hand. Although the text does not say that the Pharisees brought him, the presence of this man in the Synagogue on the Sabbath is still a trap for Jesus, however the man happened to be there that day.


And curiously, Jesus did not have to help this man right there on that day. He really didn’t have it. It wasn’t life threatening. He could have waited until the meeting was over, and then invited the man over for the Sabbath meal, and then after the sun went down, healed the man then. What would have been the harm in that?


Why does Jesus purposefully seem to run headlong into this controversy? Why did He so deliberately and publicly violate some of the Jewish Sabbath traditions?


I think one reason is because it wasn’t just about healing that one man. Jesus also wanted to teach the Pharisees and the other people who were present about the purpose of the Sabbath, and the purpose of God’s Law in general.

Revealing the Heart of God

Jesus wanted to show all the people the heart of God; not just the one man with the withered hand.


And what is the heart of God as revealed in the Law? The Law was given to help people love each other, and treat each other with fairness and respect. It was never intended as a way of barring people from God, or restricting people’s access to God. it was never supposed to be a way to separate the sinners from the righteous.


In many ways, the Law had come to accomplish the opposite of what God had intended. It had become an instrument and tool of death, rather than a means of restoring life and giving health.


This is part of the reason Jesus asks the question in Luke 6:9 about saving a life or destroying it. The Law can be used in either way, and while many religious leaders used it to destroy life, Jesus wanted to show how to use the Law as means of giving life.

How to Help the Poor

And how does Jesus help the man with the withered hand?


He enables the man to help himself. This man wanted his hand back; not a hand out. He was not looking for a free meal or a free bed, but some help getting his feet back underneath him so he could return to work.


This man had been forced to begging, but Jesus was giving back to him his ability to work.


That is how you save a life. That is how you help the poor. You restore their dignity. You treat them as human. You give them the chance to work and provide for themselves and their family.