Link: [Pyromaniacs]
Link: [Road Safety]
Link: [..Click..]
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [Pyromaniacs]
Link: [Road Safety]
Link: [..Click..]
Link: [Pyromaniacs]Link: [Road Safety]Link: [..Click..]
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XXVII
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XXVII
Stages of Development
Concerning him we have much to say, and {it is} hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes {only} of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. [Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NAS]
Stages of Development
Concerning him we have much to say, and {it is} hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes {only} of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. [Hebrews 5:11-6:3 NAS]
No, this is not meant for everyone[1]. For it all depends upon what our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish in and through someone[2] that determines when, and to what extent, He will allow and enable them to enter into the knowledge and understanding of His absolute truth[3].
It is, however, meant for a lot more than want it to be. For far too many are well content with the knowledge of already having everything that they need in Christ Jesus[4] without having any idea just what that really means[5]—nor having any desire to learn[6].
No, this has nothing at all to do with us earning our keep. For it is written: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
On the other hand, it does have everything to do with the kind of relationship that our Heavenly Father wants to have with His children by faith[7]. For to think that there is nothing more to it after accepting Christ Jesus as being your own personal Lord and Savior is like a wife thinking that there is nothing more to her marriage after the wedding vows have been exchanged.
Alas, have we not been given written confirmation of this? Yes, we most certainly have been. For it is written: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” [John 15:1-8 NIV]
Needless to say, none of that should be taken as a threat. For it is meant for the benefit of all concerned[8].
It does, however, involve some things that are naturally unsettling[9], and not the least of these has to do with coming to terms with the realities of our situations in this world. For it is written: I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? [Lamentations 3:1-38 NIV]
Yes, the rest of the passage goes on about being justly punished for sins[10], and this is exactly what is going on in far too many cases[11]. For there are times when we do bring more hardships down upon ourselves than would be absolutely necessary to accomplish our Heavenly Father’s purposes[12].
Nonetheless, that does not discount the absolute truth of the matter truly being that there would not be any hardships of any kind to our lives in this world if it was not for it being in accordance to our Heavenly Father’s will. For it is also written: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. [Isaiah 45:5-7 KJV]
No, there is no way of getting around it. For what did all of those children (most being of His own chosen people[13]) who died in Nazi gas chambers during the Holocaust do to deserve their plight?
Yes, many would argue that it was just a result of being born into a fallen world. Some would even go as far as to insist that it was because of being Jewish, but what choice did they have—either way[14]?
No, there is nothing to be gained by ignoring what has been made so very obvious[15]. In fact, there is actually much to be lost—and not just in regards to integrity, neither[16]. For the more it is made clear that our Heavenly Father truly is responsible for ALL that happens, the more satisfaction He can receive. For it takes a very special kind of love to want to still be with someone who appears to have done you much harm[17].
Yes, it naturally sounds rather crass (to put it mildly), but when all that our Heavenly Father has endured[18], even going as far as to experience the spiritual death of a full and equal part of Himself[19], is added to the mix, a much weightier issue must be considered. For why would He subject Himself to all that He has (not to mention us) unless it was worth it[20]?
No, I cannot naturally blame anyone for being reluctant to accept these things[21]. For ignorance is bliss when it comes to such[22], but the time has come for a great, great many to grow up[23] .
{1}Matthew 13:10-12; {2}Ephesians 2:10; {3}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {4}1 Corinthians 1:4-9; {5}1 Corinthians 3:1-3; {6}Luke 9:23-26; {7}John 15:15; {8}Jeremiah 29:11; {9}John 15:18-25; {10}Lamentations 3:39-66; {11}Colossians 3:25; {12}James 1:2-4; {13}Genesis 17:1-21; {14}Job 5:7; {15}Luke 12:1-3; {16}Matthew 25:14-30; {17}Job 1:21-22; {18}Genesis 6:6-7; {19}Matthew 27:46; {20}Romans 8:15-39; {21}James 1:5-8; {22}Ecclesiastes 1:18; {23}1 Corinthians 13:11.
It is, however, meant for a lot more than want it to be. For far too many are well content with the knowledge of already having everything that they need in Christ Jesus[4] without having any idea just what that really means[5]—nor having any desire to learn[6].
No, this has nothing at all to do with us earning our keep. For it is written: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
On the other hand, it does have everything to do with the kind of relationship that our Heavenly Father wants to have with His children by faith[7]. For to think that there is nothing more to it after accepting Christ Jesus as being your own personal Lord and Savior is like a wife thinking that there is nothing more to her marriage after the wedding vows have been exchanged.
Alas, have we not been given written confirmation of this? Yes, we most certainly have been. For it is written: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” [John 15:1-8 NIV]
Needless to say, none of that should be taken as a threat. For it is meant for the benefit of all concerned[8].
It does, however, involve some things that are naturally unsettling[9], and not the least of these has to do with coming to terms with the realities of our situations in this world. For it is written: I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked. Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall. He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? [Lamentations 3:1-38 NIV]
Yes, the rest of the passage goes on about being justly punished for sins[10], and this is exactly what is going on in far too many cases[11]. For there are times when we do bring more hardships down upon ourselves than would be absolutely necessary to accomplish our Heavenly Father’s purposes[12].
Nonetheless, that does not discount the absolute truth of the matter truly being that there would not be any hardships of any kind to our lives in this world if it was not for it being in accordance to our Heavenly Father’s will. For it is also written: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. [Isaiah 45:5-7 KJV]
No, there is no way of getting around it. For what did all of those children (most being of His own chosen people[13]) who died in Nazi gas chambers during the Holocaust do to deserve their plight?
Yes, many would argue that it was just a result of being born into a fallen world. Some would even go as far as to insist that it was because of being Jewish, but what choice did they have—either way[14]?
No, there is nothing to be gained by ignoring what has been made so very obvious[15]. In fact, there is actually much to be lost—and not just in regards to integrity, neither[16]. For the more it is made clear that our Heavenly Father truly is responsible for ALL that happens, the more satisfaction He can receive. For it takes a very special kind of love to want to still be with someone who appears to have done you much harm[17].
Yes, it naturally sounds rather crass (to put it mildly), but when all that our Heavenly Father has endured[18], even going as far as to experience the spiritual death of a full and equal part of Himself[19], is added to the mix, a much weightier issue must be considered. For why would He subject Himself to all that He has (not to mention us) unless it was worth it[20]?
No, I cannot naturally blame anyone for being reluctant to accept these things[21]. For ignorance is bliss when it comes to such[22], but the time has come for a great, great many to grow up[23] .
{1}Matthew 13:10-12; {2}Ephesians 2:10; {3}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {4}1 Corinthians 1:4-9; {5}1 Corinthians 3:1-3; {6}Luke 9:23-26; {7}John 15:15; {8}Jeremiah 29:11; {9}John 15:18-25; {10}Lamentations 3:39-66; {11}Colossians 3:25; {12}James 1:2-4; {13}Genesis 17:1-21; {14}Job 5:7; {15}Luke 12:1-3; {16}Matthew 25:14-30; {17}Job 1:21-22; {18}Genesis 6:6-7; {19}Matthew 27:46; {20}Romans 8:15-39; {21}James 1:5-8; {22}Ecclesiastes 1:18; {23}1 Corinthians 13:11.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [Nuke It Dot Org]
Link: [Schizoshrink]
Link: [Pawesome]
Link: [Here And Now ~*~ 4 Angel ~*~]
Link: [Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man]
Link: [Lilly's Life]
Link: [Auld Reekie Rants]
Link: [Political Conservatives]
Link: [My Obama Inspired Blog]
Link: [Mercurio]
Link: [My Photo Blog by Morten Pedersen]
Link: [Nuke It Dot Org]
Link: [Schizoshrink]
Link: [Pawesome]
Link: [Here And Now ~*~ 4 Angel ~*~]Link: [Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man]
Link: [Lilly's Life]
Link: [Auld Reekie Rants]
Link: [Political Conservatives]
Link: [My Obama Inspired Blog]
Link: [Mercurio]
Link: [My Photo Blog by Morten Pedersen]
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The "Fun" I Have Been Having Lately
I have been repeatedly warned about wanting to be myself too much, but I have insisted upon going ahead anyway. For I love to have fun whenever possible, and I felt like it would be all right as long as I guarded against taking it too far.
What I am talking about is my natural sense of humor. For I love poking fun at people, which can be very easily taken the wrong way at times.
In all fairness, I love being poked back at even more, and that is supposed to even things out in my mind. For one should not seek to give anyone the business if they are unwilling to take what may be thrown back, but it is all predicated upon each understanding that it is all meant in good fun, of course.
A good example of such involves the “fun” that I have been having with Joel of [Stuff and Nonsense] lately. It also serves as a good example of how it can all go so very wrong. Hence, the parentheses around fun.
It all started when the lovely Ms. Mad Margo of [The Screaming Me-Me!!!] posted an [ad] for a husband, which listed the qualities that she was looking for in a man. Joel first left a comment about him not being sure if he qualified, but that he was willing to undergo testing. The next day he left another comment expressing his disappointment over the fact that she had not responded to his application.
Now, just to be clear, none of that was meant to be serious—not the ad itself, nor any of Joel’s comments. Well, at least that is what I think is the truth. (I’m trying to be funny here. Okay?)
The next step came when Joel posted about how he could not understand why anyone would want to spend [$7,000 on a purse]. Since I had tested his responses a little in the past, I felt fairly safe to leave a comment about how it was beneath his breeding to understand such things, and that if he did, he might have a shot at wooing the lovely Ms. Mad Margo despite his shortcomings. Joel absorbed my feigned insult beautifully, and I thought it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
His next post was about [Disorganized Crime], which presented me with another opportunity to smart off about him getting a $7,000 purse to woo the lovely Ms. Mad Margo. Again, he handled it beautifully.
After going back and forth on a few more posts, the wheels started coming off when I gave him what I meant as being a very honorable mention in my post about [comments]. For he took great offense to me saying that he did not have much of a life.
I thought everything had been smoothed over in the comments of [Forecasting Economics], but then he posted [Praising God] on the very same day. The timing was just too much for me, and it was my turn to take great offense.
Things didn’t get really ugly to me, however, until he deleted the comment that I felt compelled to leave on [Wanted: Electronic Bilge Detector] after seeing his reference to empirical evidence in the post itself. For that was another cheap shot directed at least at my calling, even if not at me personally.
As if that was not bad enough, he went on a tirade about the comment after I asked him if it had been deleted, which was portraying me in a very poor light since no one could see that the comment was not nearly as bad as he was making it out to be. Come on now, what was so wrong about, “If you have been lying around thinking of ways to present stuff that is meant to be funny in a very unfunny manner, be assured that you have been very successful at it lately. Hence, the nonsense part—right?”
Yes, I am all too painfully aware of how pathetic all of this sounds to most, and that I am the one who does not have much of a life. That is just the thing. For this sort of thing is a big part of the life that I have been called to live. For I have been anointed as a special messenger of our Heavenly Father, and there is [more] going on here than just a childish squabble between two grown men who should have much better things to do.
Be assured that those who have been given eyes to see will see it, and those who do not have a clue will remain clueless for at least the time being. May they want to truly walk in the Light of His absolute Truth when the time comes for them to be led out of the darkness of Spiritual ignorance.
What I am talking about is my natural sense of humor. For I love poking fun at people, which can be very easily taken the wrong way at times.
In all fairness, I love being poked back at even more, and that is supposed to even things out in my mind. For one should not seek to give anyone the business if they are unwilling to take what may be thrown back, but it is all predicated upon each understanding that it is all meant in good fun, of course.
A good example of such involves the “fun” that I have been having with Joel of [Stuff and Nonsense] lately. It also serves as a good example of how it can all go so very wrong. Hence, the parentheses around fun.
It all started when the lovely Ms. Mad Margo of [The Screaming Me-Me!!!] posted an [ad] for a husband, which listed the qualities that she was looking for in a man. Joel first left a comment about him not being sure if he qualified, but that he was willing to undergo testing. The next day he left another comment expressing his disappointment over the fact that she had not responded to his application.
Now, just to be clear, none of that was meant to be serious—not the ad itself, nor any of Joel’s comments. Well, at least that is what I think is the truth. (I’m trying to be funny here. Okay?)
The next step came when Joel posted about how he could not understand why anyone would want to spend [$7,000 on a purse]. Since I had tested his responses a little in the past, I felt fairly safe to leave a comment about how it was beneath his breeding to understand such things, and that if he did, he might have a shot at wooing the lovely Ms. Mad Margo despite his shortcomings. Joel absorbed my feigned insult beautifully, and I thought it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
His next post was about [Disorganized Crime], which presented me with another opportunity to smart off about him getting a $7,000 purse to woo the lovely Ms. Mad Margo. Again, he handled it beautifully.
After going back and forth on a few more posts, the wheels started coming off when I gave him what I meant as being a very honorable mention in my post about [comments]. For he took great offense to me saying that he did not have much of a life.
I thought everything had been smoothed over in the comments of [Forecasting Economics], but then he posted [Praising God] on the very same day. The timing was just too much for me, and it was my turn to take great offense.
Things didn’t get really ugly to me, however, until he deleted the comment that I felt compelled to leave on [Wanted: Electronic Bilge Detector] after seeing his reference to empirical evidence in the post itself. For that was another cheap shot directed at least at my calling, even if not at me personally.
As if that was not bad enough, he went on a tirade about the comment after I asked him if it had been deleted, which was portraying me in a very poor light since no one could see that the comment was not nearly as bad as he was making it out to be. Come on now, what was so wrong about, “If you have been lying around thinking of ways to present stuff that is meant to be funny in a very unfunny manner, be assured that you have been very successful at it lately. Hence, the nonsense part—right?”
Yes, I am all too painfully aware of how pathetic all of this sounds to most, and that I am the one who does not have much of a life. That is just the thing. For this sort of thing is a big part of the life that I have been called to live. For I have been anointed as a special messenger of our Heavenly Father, and there is [more] going on here than just a childish squabble between two grown men who should have much better things to do.
Be assured that those who have been given eyes to see will see it, and those who do not have a clue will remain clueless for at least the time being. May they want to truly walk in the Light of His absolute Truth when the time comes for them to be led out of the darkness of Spiritual ignorance.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
WhiteHeart Wednesday
Link: [Tales of Wonder]MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]
Unchain
WhiteHeart
Tears are falling
On my storybook
Colors running
I don’t wanna look
There’s a cloud
On my looking glass
Full of questions
I’m afraid to ask
Afraid to love
Such a chance to take
If I love and lose
My fragile heart will break
Each day in life
There’s no guarantee
For the story’s end
You may never see
Unchain me
From my poverty
Release my soul
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My life
Unchain
Drop the chains
From my heart and hands
Don’t want to be
Just a half-way man
Got a world of love
I feel deep inside
But then I go
Hit a wall of pride
For if you stop
Take a look at me
What you see isn’t
What I want you to see
In the storybook
There is no guarantee
Still a voice of love
Is callin’ you and me
Unchain me
From this poverty
Release my soul
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My heart
There’s no better time than now to start
Unchain
My dreams
Unchain
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness
Fall from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love
Open up in me
Unchain
My life
Let the doubt and the darkness from my eyes
Unchain
My dreams
Let the heavens of love open up in me
Unchain
Link: [WhiteHeart]
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TWO FOR TUESDAY
Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.
Link: [On YouTube]
Bittersweet Symphony
The Verve
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet
Symphony
That’s life
Try to make ends meet
You’re a slave to money
Then you die
I’ll take you down the only road
I’ve ever been down
You know the one that takes you
To the places where all the veins meet
Yeah
No change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
Well I never pray
But tonight I’m on my knees
Yeah
I need to hear some sounds
That recognize the pain in me
Yeah
I let the melody shine
Let it cleanse my mind
I feel free now
But the airways are clean
And there’s nobody singin’ to me
Now
No change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change
I can’t change
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet
Symphony
This life
Try to make ends meet
Try to find some money
Then you die
You know I can change
I can change
I can change
I can change
But I’m here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I’m a million different people
From one day to the next
I can’t change
My mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change my mold
No
No
No
No
No
I can’t change
Can’t change my body
No
No
No
I’ll take you down
The only road
I’ve ever been down
I’ll take you down
The only road
I’ve ever been down
Been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Have you ever been down
Have you’ve ever been down
Link: [On YouTube]
History
The Verve
I wander lonely streets
Behind where the old Thames does flow
And in every face I meet
It reminds me of what I have run from
In every man
In every hand
In every kiss
You understand
That livin’ is for other men
I hope you too
Will understand
I’ve got to tell you my tale
Oh how I loved
And how I failed
I hope you understand
I’ve got to tell you my tale
Oh how I loved
And how I failed
I hope you understand
These feelings should not be in the man
In every child
In every eye
In every sky above my head
I hope that I know
So come with me in bed
Because it’s you and me
We’re history
There ain’t nothin’ left to say
When I will get you alone
Maybe we could find a room
Where we could see what we should do
Maybe you know it’s true
Living with me is like keeping a fool
In every man
In every hand
That livin’ is for other men
I hope you know that I am me
So come one
I’m thinkin’ about history
And I’m livin’ for history
And I think you know about me
And one and one is two
But three is company
When you’re thinkin’ about the things you do
And you’re thinkin’ about the things you do
I want to tell you my tale
How I fell in love
And jumped out on my bail
I hope you understand
There’s more in a smile
Than in a hand
In every sky
In every kiss
There’s something
That I might have missed
Why am I goin’ to
A place that now belongs to you
But you were weak
And so was I
Let’s pick it up
Let’s even try
To live today
So why not smile
Don’t dream away your life
‘Cause it is mine
Is that a crime
Is that a crime
This life is mine
The bed ain’t made
But it’s filled full of hope
I’ve got a skin full of dope
Oh the bed ain’t made
But It’s filled full of hope
I’ve got a skin full of dope
Link: [The Verve]
Lyrics From: [elyrics.net]
Monday, May 25, 2009
Come Monday...JibJab
“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of, or commentary about, websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).
Perhaps I live a much more sheltered life than I realize. For I cannot understand why [JibJab] ecards, original videos and other stuff is not seen more often.
The first video below is what started it all, and the last one is the latest full-length original extravaganza to be released. In order to show that they are not just a one-trick political pony, the middle video is also included.
No, this is not another paid review. For that would be disclosed, but I would accept good money for this promotion if they were so inclined. In fact, I would accept good money from anyone so inclined. Beggars can’t be choosers. Well, at least that is what I’m told.
Perhaps I live a much more sheltered life than I realize. For I cannot understand why [JibJab] ecards, original videos and other stuff is not seen more often.
The first video below is what started it all, and the last one is the latest full-length original extravaganza to be released. In order to show that they are not just a one-trick political pony, the middle video is also included.
No, this is not another paid review. For that would be disclosed, but I would accept good money for this promotion if they were so inclined. In fact, I would accept good money from anyone so inclined. Beggars can’t be choosers. Well, at least that is what I’m told.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [Writing In Faith]
Link: [A Photo A Day From Planet Earth]
Link: [Jake's Outdoors]
Link: [Writing In Faith] Link: [A Photo A Day From Planet Earth]
Link: [Jake's Outdoors]
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XXIV-XXVI
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XXIV
The Wrath of God
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. [Romans 1:18-20 NIV]
The Wrath of God
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. [Romans 1:18-20 NIV]
Alas, is it not any wonder that our Heavenly Father would get so angry at those who do not want to even acknowledge His existence—let alone accept Him as truly being their own Heavenly Father. For instead of just saying that He loves them enough to die for them, our Heavenly Father went ahead and actually did it by sending a full and equal part of Himself to suffer and die upon that cruel, cruel Roman cross at Calvary in order to pay the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having the face the penalty of our own sins[1].
No, that is not something that is taken into account, and this is something that needs to change. For it would portray our Heavenly Father in a much better light if it was much more widely taught that the absolute truth of the matter truly is that the wrath that will poured-out upon the ungodly, come Judgment Day[2], has so much more to do with the anguish of a broken heart (His heart, to be exact[3]) than it does with righteous indignation[4].
Yes, from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[5], that sounds rather petty. For who from amongst has the right to say of another, “If I cannot have them, then no one else will”?
On the other hand, are we not all the work of His hands[6], and should He not have the right to do with what He has created for His own good pleasure[7] as He sees fit? After all, is it not a principle of common law that one has the right to do with their own property as they will as long as it does no harm to another’s property until it is deemed no longer lawful by a higher authority, and who has more authority than our Heavenly Father? For it is written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’’’ [Job 9:12 NIV]
In other words, we were all created by Him for Him[8]. Therefore, our Heavenly Father has the right to do with us as He wills[9].
Nonetheless, let us not dwell upon the threat of destruction[10]. For we were all created to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory, and all who will but want to truly be who we were all created to be has His promise to look forward to[11]!
{1}Romans 5:6-11; {2}Revelation 20:11-15; {3}Jeremiah 3:12-13; {4}Genesis 6:5-7; {5}Isaiah 55:8-9; {6}Psalms 139:13-16; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Colossians 1:16; {9}Isaiah 29:15-16; {10}1 John 4:16-19; {11}Romans 8:15-39.
No, that is not something that is taken into account, and this is something that needs to change. For it would portray our Heavenly Father in a much better light if it was much more widely taught that the absolute truth of the matter truly is that the wrath that will poured-out upon the ungodly, come Judgment Day[2], has so much more to do with the anguish of a broken heart (His heart, to be exact[3]) than it does with righteous indignation[4].
Yes, from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[5], that sounds rather petty. For who from amongst has the right to say of another, “If I cannot have them, then no one else will”?
On the other hand, are we not all the work of His hands[6], and should He not have the right to do with what He has created for His own good pleasure[7] as He sees fit? After all, is it not a principle of common law that one has the right to do with their own property as they will as long as it does no harm to another’s property until it is deemed no longer lawful by a higher authority, and who has more authority than our Heavenly Father? For it is written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’’’ [Job 9:12 NIV]
In other words, we were all created by Him for Him[8]. Therefore, our Heavenly Father has the right to do with us as He wills[9].
Nonetheless, let us not dwell upon the threat of destruction[10]. For we were all created to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory, and all who will but want to truly be who we were all created to be has His promise to look forward to[11]!
{1}Romans 5:6-11; {2}Revelation 20:11-15; {3}Jeremiah 3:12-13; {4}Genesis 6:5-7; {5}Isaiah 55:8-9; {6}Psalms 139:13-16; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Colossians 1:16; {9}Isaiah 29:15-16; {10}1 John 4:16-19; {11}Romans 8:15-39.
Chapter XXV
Some Choice
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. [Romans 8:20-21 NIV]
Some Choice
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. [Romans 8:20-21 NIV]
No, none of us are given a choice of whether or not we want to be physically born into this world as we naturally are, and if what is of this world was all that there would ever be to our existence, our outrage would be most justified. For it is written: The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. [Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 NIV]
On the other hand, we are given a choice of whether or not we want to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith, and with this comes a promise of much glory. For it is also written: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 NIV]
On the other hand, we are given a choice of whether or not we want to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith, and with this comes a promise of much glory. For it is also written: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 NIV]
Therefore, let us not tarry. For unless it is personally revealed[1], no one knows when their own end of this world will come to pass[2]—let alone when it will be too late[3].
Yes, this is a choice that is needed to be made. For only those who truly want to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory will be welcome to do so after their own time as a part of this world has come to an end[4].
No, it is not good enough just to want to escape eternal damnation. For to think in such a way as this is (in effect) the same as to think that it would be better to be a member of a family (any family) than to be alone[5].
In other words, the choice that we are given to make is personal—both for our Heavenly Father and ourselves. For it has always been His desire for as many as will to want to be one of His children by faith[6].
No, this world has never been about giving us opportunities to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor. How could it be? For aside from being a work of His hands[7], He has known everything that there will ever be to know about each and every one of us since before we even came into existence[8].
It is, however, about giving our Heavenly Father opportunities to receive love that is freely given from us all, which certainly includes us wanting to give Him the full benefit of our considerable doubts. Hence: the real choice that we are all given to make[9].
{1}Luke 2:25-35; {2}Ecclesiastes 8:7; {3}Matthew 25:1-13; {4}Revelation 20:11-15; {5}Romans 8:15-17; {6}John 1:12-13; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Jeremiah 1:5; {9}1 Timothy 1:5.
Yes, this is a choice that is needed to be made. For only those who truly want to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory will be welcome to do so after their own time as a part of this world has come to an end[4].
No, it is not good enough just to want to escape eternal damnation. For to think in such a way as this is (in effect) the same as to think that it would be better to be a member of a family (any family) than to be alone[5].
In other words, the choice that we are given to make is personal—both for our Heavenly Father and ourselves. For it has always been His desire for as many as will to want to be one of His children by faith[6].
No, this world has never been about giving us opportunities to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor. How could it be? For aside from being a work of His hands[7], He has known everything that there will ever be to know about each and every one of us since before we even came into existence[8].
It is, however, about giving our Heavenly Father opportunities to receive love that is freely given from us all, which certainly includes us wanting to give Him the full benefit of our considerable doubts. Hence: the real choice that we are all given to make[9].
{1}Luke 2:25-35; {2}Ecclesiastes 8:7; {3}Matthew 25:1-13; {4}Revelation 20:11-15; {5}Romans 8:15-17; {6}John 1:12-13; {7}Philippians 2:13; {8}Jeremiah 1:5; {9}1 Timothy 1:5.
Chapter XXVI
Somewhere In Between
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. [Hebrews 9:27-28 NAS]
Somewhere In Between
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. [Hebrews 9:27-28 NAS]
No, not everyone in the Christian community[1] humbly accepts[2] that there are only two places that we can go after our own time as a part of this world comes to an end[3]. For they have been led to believe[4] that there is also Purgatory, which is supposed to be where those who have not knowingly[5] committed a mortal sin[6] can go to do whatever they need to do so that they can eventually enter into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven[7].
Yes, there would be good reason for us all to pay close attention to what has been taught about Purgatory if it really was expected of us to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor[8]. For it is written: The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. [Psalms 14:2-3 NIV]
However, since our Heavenly Father has known since the beginning what would be in the end[9], it should be rather obvious[10] that there has never been a need for such a place as Purgatory is supposed to be like to exist[11]. After all, how can anything be proven to the One[12] who already knows everything about everything[13]?
Yes, it could be argued that any stopover in Purgatory would not be so much about proving oneself as it would be more about completing all of the necessary requirements[14], but to make such an assertion is (in effect) the same as to accuse our Heavenly Father of being a liar[15]—be assured[16]! For He promises that: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NAS]
Alas, there are some who would still point to the verses in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible that appear to be referring to souls not being left in Hell[17] as being sufficient proof in and of itself that Purgatory does indeed exist—albeit only as another part of the place[18]. Be assured that these verses are actually referring to the grave—not Hell. For in what way would a change in location really change anything? After all, either the Lord Jesus Christ paid the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having to pay for all of our own many, many transgressions of His Law ourselves or He did not[19], and if He did, then the truth about us being accepted into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory[20] would have to be that: It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. [Romans 9:16 NIV] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
Yes, many would argue that grace can only go so far[21]. For it is the way of this world that nothing comes for free.
On the other hand: but if it is by grace—His unmerited favor and graciousness—it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace—it would be meaningless. [Romans 11:6 AMP]
{1}Matthew 7:21; {2}2 Corinthians 5:7; {3}Revelation 20:11-15; {4}2 Timothy 2:24-26; {5}1 Timothy 1:13; {6}Proverbs 6:16-19; {7}1 Timothy 4:1-5; {8}Ecclesiastes 3:18; {9}Isaiah 46:10; {10}John 8:12; {11}Matthew 6:7-8; {12}1 John 5:8; {13}Matthew 6:5-8; {14}Romans 10:1-4; {15}1 John 5:9-12; {16}John 14:15-27; {17}Psalms 16:10; {18}Deuteronomy 32:22; {19}Hebrews 10:1-18; {20}Romans 8:17; {21}Isaiah 55:8-9.
Yes, there would be good reason for us all to pay close attention to what has been taught about Purgatory if it really was expected of us to prove ourselves as being worthy of our Heavenly Father’s favor[8]. For it is written: The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. [Psalms 14:2-3 NIV]
However, since our Heavenly Father has known since the beginning what would be in the end[9], it should be rather obvious[10] that there has never been a need for such a place as Purgatory is supposed to be like to exist[11]. After all, how can anything be proven to the One[12] who already knows everything about everything[13]?
Yes, it could be argued that any stopover in Purgatory would not be so much about proving oneself as it would be more about completing all of the necessary requirements[14], but to make such an assertion is (in effect) the same as to accuse our Heavenly Father of being a liar[15]—be assured[16]! For He promises that: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NAS]
Alas, there are some who would still point to the verses in our Heavenly Father’s Holy Bible that appear to be referring to souls not being left in Hell[17] as being sufficient proof in and of itself that Purgatory does indeed exist—albeit only as another part of the place[18]. Be assured that these verses are actually referring to the grave—not Hell. For in what way would a change in location really change anything? After all, either the Lord Jesus Christ paid the price in full that was required to redeem all of us from having to pay for all of our own many, many transgressions of His Law ourselves or He did not[19], and if He did, then the truth about us being accepted into our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom of Heaven as heirs to all that is His in glory[20] would have to be that: It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. [Romans 9:16 NIV] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NAS]
Yes, many would argue that grace can only go so far[21]. For it is the way of this world that nothing comes for free.
On the other hand: but if it is by grace—His unmerited favor and graciousness—it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace—it would be meaningless. [Romans 11:6 AMP]
{1}Matthew 7:21; {2}2 Corinthians 5:7; {3}Revelation 20:11-15; {4}2 Timothy 2:24-26; {5}1 Timothy 1:13; {6}Proverbs 6:16-19; {7}1 Timothy 4:1-5; {8}Ecclesiastes 3:18; {9}Isaiah 46:10; {10}John 8:12; {11}Matthew 6:7-8; {12}1 John 5:8; {13}Matthew 6:5-8; {14}Romans 10:1-4; {15}1 John 5:9-12; {16}John 14:15-27; {17}Psalms 16:10; {18}Deuteronomy 32:22; {19}Hebrews 10:1-18; {20}Romans 8:17; {21}Isaiah 55:8-9.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [PennyRaine.com]
Link: [Of Trends and Aces]
Link: [Obama Action Comics!]
Link: [Recovery From Addiction]
Link: [My Life as it Was, Is, and Will Be]
Link: [Croatia Pictures]
Link: [Photos From Red Pine Mountain]
Link: [Hope For Homeschoolers]
Link: [North Country Trail News]
Link: [Deep Thoughts]
.gif)
Link: [The Steel City Sports Fan (Penguins Editiion)]
Link: [PennyRaine.com]
Link: [Of Trends and Aces]
Link: [Obama Action Comics!]
Link: [Recovery From Addiction]
Link: [My Life as it Was, Is, and Will Be]
Link: [Croatia Pictures]
Link: [Photos From Red Pine Mountain]
Link: [Hope For Homeschoolers] Link: [North Country Trail News]
Link: [Deep Thoughts].gif)
Link: [The Steel City Sports Fan (Penguins Editiion)]
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Comment About Comments
In a [previous post] I raved about just how much I loved the Akismet spam filter, and now I would like to rant about what happens far too often when a comment of mine is published. For after taking the time to actually read a particular post and submit an incredibly well-crafted comment that is meant to greatly enhance the reading experience of all concerned, it gets ignored.
Yes, it could be thought that it may have been something I said. In fact, some might even be wanting to go so far as to think that they now understand why Akismet routinely dumps my comments in the trash, but any who would want to think in such a way as this are obvious just not right in the head.
No, it doesn’t have to be much, and I give you [Crotchety] as a prime example of not doing much. For he always makes an effort to at least grunt something in the direction of each individual comment.
Another example would be [Joel], who is Canadian, which means that he doesn’t even have as much of a life as Crotchety, but he is paving the way to get a life by seeking actually engage his commenters most of the time. For this adds all the more to the subject matter of each particular post, and it keeps ‘em coming back—even if only to chunk another rock in his direction.
Yes, I have also encountered some who like to reply to their commenters via personal email, which is certainly a nice touch. On the other hand, that does nothing to extend the life of a particular post for those who are not privy to those private conversations.
I suppose it all depends upon what you want to accomplish with your blog. For if you are only interested in publishing what you want to say and could not care less about what others think about it, there is obviously no need to reply to comments, but if you want to grow a strong following, responding to comments is almost as important as the quality of your content.
Yes, there are those who are not looking for a response. For they consider their comment as being like a letter to the editor of a newspaper, and they are more concerned with just being published themselves than anything else. So, if you already have more readers than you know what to do with, just do as the newspapers generally do.
Of course, there are also the spammers, and you would do well to respond to even them. For in some cases, they really don’t have any idea that what they are doing is very uncool, and a politely worded explanation of why that is so just might convince them to stop it. Hey, if it doesn’t work, you can always move your blog over to WordPress and install Akismet.
Yes, it could be thought that it may have been something I said. In fact, some might even be wanting to go so far as to think that they now understand why Akismet routinely dumps my comments in the trash, but any who would want to think in such a way as this are obvious just not right in the head.
No, it doesn’t have to be much, and I give you [Crotchety] as a prime example of not doing much. For he always makes an effort to at least grunt something in the direction of each individual comment.
Another example would be [Joel], who is Canadian, which means that he doesn’t even have as much of a life as Crotchety, but he is paving the way to get a life by seeking actually engage his commenters most of the time. For this adds all the more to the subject matter of each particular post, and it keeps ‘em coming back—even if only to chunk another rock in his direction.
Yes, I have also encountered some who like to reply to their commenters via personal email, which is certainly a nice touch. On the other hand, that does nothing to extend the life of a particular post for those who are not privy to those private conversations.
I suppose it all depends upon what you want to accomplish with your blog. For if you are only interested in publishing what you want to say and could not care less about what others think about it, there is obviously no need to reply to comments, but if you want to grow a strong following, responding to comments is almost as important as the quality of your content.
Yes, there are those who are not looking for a response. For they consider their comment as being like a letter to the editor of a newspaper, and they are more concerned with just being published themselves than anything else. So, if you already have more readers than you know what to do with, just do as the newspapers generally do.
Of course, there are also the spammers, and you would do well to respond to even them. For in some cases, they really don’t have any idea that what they are doing is very uncool, and a politely worded explanation of why that is so just might convince them to stop it. Hey, if it doesn’t work, you can always move your blog over to WordPress and install Akismet.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
WhiteHeart Wednesday
Link: [Highlands]MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]
Let My People Go
WhiteHeart
I’m getting so weary
This cross that I carry
Is starting to weight me down
So far down
If this is the nation
Of toleration
Why must our faith be out of sight
And sound
If anything goes
Then let me go my way
I wanna live my life for Him
So let me say
Let my people go
Let my people go
Let my people go
Oh won’t you let my people go
Geraldo is waiting
Media chanting
Alternative voices shout
God is passe’
You don’t have to believe in
The things I believe in
But we’ll watch the world
And see what passes away
The choice is yours
You can roll the dice
Just let me live my life for Him
Always
Let my people go
Let my people go
Let my people go
Oh won’t you let my people
Stake our destiny
In the land of liberty
This cross upon my shoulder
Is making me bolder
Makes me wanna shout
Let my people go
Let my people go
Let my people go
Oh won’t let my people
Let ‘em go
Let my people go
Oh won’t you let my people
Stake our destiny
In the land of liberty
This cross upon my shoulder
Is making me bolder
I wanna shout
Let my people go
Oh let ‘em go
Let my people go
Link: [WhiteHeart]
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TWO FOR TUESDAY
Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.
Link: [On YouTube]
The Freshmen
The Verve Pipe
When I was young and knew everything
And she a punk who rarely took advice
Now I’m guilt stricken
Sobbing with my head on the floor
Stop a baby’s breath
And a shoe full of rice
No
Can’t be held responsible
‘Cause she was touching her face
I won’t be held responsible
She fell in love in the first place
For the life of me
I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise
And we’d never compromise
For the life of me
I cannot believe
We’d ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
My best friend took a weeks vacation
To forget her
His girl took a weeks worth of valium
And slept
And now he’s guilt stricken
Sobbing with his head on the floor
Thinks about her now
And how he never really wept
He says
Can’t be held responsible
‘Cause she was touching her face
I won’t be held responsible
She fell in love in the first place
For the life of me
I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise
And we’d never compromise
For the life of me
I cannot believe
We’d ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
Hey yeah yeah yeah yeah
Hey yeah
Hey yeah yeah yeah yeah
We’ve tried to wash our hands of all of this
We never talk of our lack in relationships
And how we’re guilt stricken
Sobbing with our heads on the floor
We fell through the ice
When we tried not to slip
We’d say
Can’t be held responsible
‘Cause she was touching her face
I won’t be held responsible
She fell in love in the first place
For the life of me
I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise
And we’d never compromise
For the life of me
I cannot believe
We’d ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
For the life of me
I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise
And we’d never compromise
For the life of me
I cannot believe
We’d ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen
We were merely freshmen
We were only freshmen
Link: [On YouTube]
Photograph
The Verve Pipe
And if you want
Beautiful
Pitiful
Have me in a picture
And if you want
Make me dance
Throw me around
Spin upon your finger
Blind labors the blind
And I am
Unwilling to
Uncover my eyes
And if you want
Take your time
Rifle through
Find a very nice one
If there’s a crease
In my face
Over time
There’s plenty more where that came from
Words frozen
Will thaw when I am wasted
I am
Better shut up
And a frame is quite confining
Hang me up
Hang me up
I’m in the photograph
I’m in the photograph
I’m in the photograph
Yeah yeah
Picture this
When I’m alone
And the world
Is a fist
And I am weightless
The universe
Gravity
Orchestrates
What I’m feelin’
And spin
The sky surrounding
Free from all the picture perfect
And spin
The sky surrounding
Larger than life
Meanwhile
I’m in the photograph
And I’m in the photograph
I’m in the photograph
Hey yeah
I’m in the photograph
See me still
I’m in the photograph
See me still
I’m in the photograph
Hey yeah yeah
See me still
See me still
See me still
Link: [The Verve Pipe]
Lyrics From: [Sing365.com]
Monday, May 18, 2009
Come Monday...Delaney (C.) Walsh
“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of, or commentary about, websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).
I must admit that I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. For it has been a while since the lovely Ms. Delaney (C.) Walsh added me as a friend on MySpace, and I have just got around to posting a review of her music.
Okay, I forgot all about her. Satisfied?
My self-loathing got even worse after finding the video below. For when I first listened to a couple of her songs on [her MySpace page], I heard shades of [Janis Joplin], [Bonnie Raitt], [Bonnie Tyler] and [Melissa Etheridge], but It Ain’t Right established the lovely Ms. Delaney (C.) Walsh as being an exceedingly bright star in her own right in my mind—both as a performer and a songwriter.
Alas, I can certainly understand why it hasn’t taken over the airwaves by now. For she sings about what most conservatives don’t want to hear, and it is a little too country/folk for the musical tastes of most of the liberals I know.
It sure got to me, however, and I have been a strong supporter of our Iranian War efforts. It’s time for us to quit kicking over ant hills now, and It Ain’t Right should help you understand why.
Since I obtained the lyrics by listening to the song over and over again, they may not be quite right. They ought to be awfully close, though.
Link: [On YouTube]
It Ain’t Right
Delaney (C.) Walsh
Jesse was 25 years on the job yesterday
The boss said we had to talk
Three weeks away from his pension pay
Now Jesse’s sittin’ in the office watchin’ the clock
Bosses all love every minute you’re here
I’ve know your father, your family and your friends
What I’ve got to tell you now
Is bigger than the both of us
And nobody wins
I’ve got to let you go
Now you’re on your own
I’ve got to give you this pink slip
And send you home
You know it’s just my job
I don’t think this way
And there’s just one thing that I’ve gotta say
Oh it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Tommy signed up on his eighteenth birthday that year
Primed to join the army
To pay for college and build a career
To be all he could be and serve his country
He wrote home and told ‘em we’re losin’ a rich man’s war
Shiites and Sunnis
What am I fightin’ for
What I’ve got to tell you now
Is bigger than all of us
And nobody wins
Mom I’ve done things here
And I’ve seen the fear
In innocent eyes and children’s faces in tears
You know it’s just my job
I don’t think this way
And there’s just one thing that I’ve gotta say
Oh it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Let’s cut to the chase
It’s the power of the almighty dollar
Whether a man has a job
Or starts a war for his father
We’ve got to keep on hopin’ and prayin’ someday
That it’s right
We get it right
‘Cause it ain’t right
Jesse picked up Tommy from the bus depot yesterday
He lost his leg in the war
Neither had jobs or much to say
Except
It ain’t right
It ain’t right
Yeah it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Someday
Someday we’ll
We’ll
We’ll all
Get it right
‘Cause it ain’t right
No it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Yeah
Link: [Delaney (C.) Walsh - My Kinda Crazy on Amazon]
I must admit that I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. For it has been a while since the lovely Ms. Delaney (C.) Walsh added me as a friend on MySpace, and I have just got around to posting a review of her music.
Okay, I forgot all about her. Satisfied?
My self-loathing got even worse after finding the video below. For when I first listened to a couple of her songs on [her MySpace page], I heard shades of [Janis Joplin], [Bonnie Raitt], [Bonnie Tyler] and [Melissa Etheridge], but It Ain’t Right established the lovely Ms. Delaney (C.) Walsh as being an exceedingly bright star in her own right in my mind—both as a performer and a songwriter.
Alas, I can certainly understand why it hasn’t taken over the airwaves by now. For she sings about what most conservatives don’t want to hear, and it is a little too country/folk for the musical tastes of most of the liberals I know.
It sure got to me, however, and I have been a strong supporter of our Iranian War efforts. It’s time for us to quit kicking over ant hills now, and It Ain’t Right should help you understand why.
Since I obtained the lyrics by listening to the song over and over again, they may not be quite right. They ought to be awfully close, though.
Link: [On YouTube]
It Ain’t Right
Delaney (C.) Walsh
Jesse was 25 years on the job yesterday
The boss said we had to talk
Three weeks away from his pension pay
Now Jesse’s sittin’ in the office watchin’ the clock
Bosses all love every minute you’re here
I’ve know your father, your family and your friends
What I’ve got to tell you now
Is bigger than the both of us
And nobody wins
I’ve got to let you go
Now you’re on your own
I’ve got to give you this pink slip
And send you home
You know it’s just my job
I don’t think this way
And there’s just one thing that I’ve gotta say
Oh it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Tommy signed up on his eighteenth birthday that year
Primed to join the army
To pay for college and build a career
To be all he could be and serve his country
He wrote home and told ‘em we’re losin’ a rich man’s war
Shiites and Sunnis
What am I fightin’ for
What I’ve got to tell you now
Is bigger than all of us
And nobody wins
Mom I’ve done things here
And I’ve seen the fear
In innocent eyes and children’s faces in tears
You know it’s just my job
I don’t think this way
And there’s just one thing that I’ve gotta say
Oh it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Let’s cut to the chase
It’s the power of the almighty dollar
Whether a man has a job
Or starts a war for his father
We’ve got to keep on hopin’ and prayin’ someday
That it’s right
We get it right
‘Cause it ain’t right
Jesse picked up Tommy from the bus depot yesterday
He lost his leg in the war
Neither had jobs or much to say
Except
It ain’t right
It ain’t right
Yeah it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Someday
Someday we’ll
We’ll
We’ll all
Get it right
‘Cause it ain’t right
No it ain’t right
Oh it ain’t right
Yeah
Link: [Delaney (C.) Walsh - My Kinda Crazy on Amazon]
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [SunShine]
Link: [SunShine]
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XXII-XXIII
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XXII
The Price
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 6:23 NAS]
The Price
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 6:23 NAS]
It is a principle that should not be foreign to any of us. For when someone breaks a law, it is said that they owe a debt to society.
Be assured that it is the same with our Heavenly Father’s Law. For when it is broken, a debt is owed to Him[1].
In fact, it is for this reason that the laws of this world were established. For they were given to prepare us for judgment[2].
Some judgment—huh? For even the slightest indiscretion carries with it the penalty of spiritual death[3].
By the way, do you really understand what a slight indiscreation is in our Heavenly Father’s sight? For it is written: “You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” [Matthew 5:27-28 NIV]
Yes, it was established in our Heavenly Father’s Law that a sacrificial offering for the atonement of sins could be made, but even during those days, it was understood that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to wash away sins[4]. For it is written: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; {Then} my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. [Psalms 51:14-17 AMP]
Therefore, any pretense of saving ourselves is pure folly[5]. For if the price to be paid is spiritual death, then only spiritual death can pay the debt[6].
Therefore, are we not all in need of a Savior[7], and do we not have One in our Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son[8]? For it is written: For the Law, since it has {only} a shadow of the good things to come {and} not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those {sacrifices} there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND {sacrifices} FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE. "THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND {sacrifices} FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE {in them}" (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM," {He then says,} "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer {any} offering for sin. [Hebrews 10:1-18 AMP]
In other words, our Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son, who truly is the Lord Jesus Christ[9], paid the price in full that was required under His Law by offering Himself up to be crucified[10] upon that cruel, cruel[11] Roman cross at Calvary[12], and all who will place their hope in Him shall never be put to shame[13]. For nothing has ever been truer than what is written: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” [John 3:16-18 NAS]
Yes, our Heavenly Father could have just issued a general pardon of sorts, but in doing so, He would have been (in effect) declaring that His Law was meaningless and not worth upholding. For in the case of a pardon, the penalty for the crime is set aside.
No, that was not something that our Heavenly Father was willing to do. For His Law is most certainly not meaningless[14], and it is most certainly worth upholding[15].
Nonetheless, let us not get caught-up in legalities[16]. For it was in order to prove just how much our Heavenly Father truly loves us that His Law was fulfilled instead of merely being set aside: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. [Romans 5:6-11 NAS]
Yes, it would be different if it was all for show, but it was not— be assured. For in order for the Lord Jesus Christ to truly pay the price that was required, He had to actually spiritually die, and for those few moments when He was truly separated from the love of our Heavenly Father and His Holy Spirit, They[17] were all in absolute agony[18].
{1}Ezekiel 18:4; {2}Romans 13:1-7; {3}James 2:10; {4}Hebrews 10:4; {5}Psalms 49:7-9; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Romans 3:23; {8}1 John 5:9-12; {9}Matthew 3:13-17; {10}Hebrews 9:11-15; {11}Isaiah 52:13-53:12; {12}John 19:16-30; {13}Isaiah 45:17; {14}1 Timothy 1:8-11; {15}Matthew 5:17-18; {16}Matthew 5:19-20; {17}1 John 5:8; {18}Matthew 27:45-54.
Be assured that it is the same with our Heavenly Father’s Law. For when it is broken, a debt is owed to Him[1].
In fact, it is for this reason that the laws of this world were established. For they were given to prepare us for judgment[2].
Some judgment—huh? For even the slightest indiscretion carries with it the penalty of spiritual death[3].
By the way, do you really understand what a slight indiscreation is in our Heavenly Father’s sight? For it is written: “You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” [Matthew 5:27-28 NIV]
Yes, it was established in our Heavenly Father’s Law that a sacrificial offering for the atonement of sins could be made, but even during those days, it was understood that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to wash away sins[4]. For it is written: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; {Then} my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. [Psalms 51:14-17 AMP]
Therefore, any pretense of saving ourselves is pure folly[5]. For if the price to be paid is spiritual death, then only spiritual death can pay the debt[6].
Therefore, are we not all in need of a Savior[7], and do we not have One in our Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son[8]? For it is written: For the Law, since it has {only} a shadow of the good things to come {and} not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those {sacrifices} there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND {sacrifices} FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE. "THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND {sacrifices} FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE {in them}" (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM," {He then says,} "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer {any} offering for sin. [Hebrews 10:1-18 AMP]
In other words, our Heavenly Father’s only begotten Son, who truly is the Lord Jesus Christ[9], paid the price in full that was required under His Law by offering Himself up to be crucified[10] upon that cruel, cruel[11] Roman cross at Calvary[12], and all who will place their hope in Him shall never be put to shame[13]. For nothing has ever been truer than what is written: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” [John 3:16-18 NAS]
Yes, our Heavenly Father could have just issued a general pardon of sorts, but in doing so, He would have been (in effect) declaring that His Law was meaningless and not worth upholding. For in the case of a pardon, the penalty for the crime is set aside.
No, that was not something that our Heavenly Father was willing to do. For His Law is most certainly not meaningless[14], and it is most certainly worth upholding[15].
Nonetheless, let us not get caught-up in legalities[16]. For it was in order to prove just how much our Heavenly Father truly loves us that His Law was fulfilled instead of merely being set aside: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. [Romans 5:6-11 NAS]
Yes, it would be different if it was all for show, but it was not— be assured. For in order for the Lord Jesus Christ to truly pay the price that was required, He had to actually spiritually die, and for those few moments when He was truly separated from the love of our Heavenly Father and His Holy Spirit, They[17] were all in absolute agony[18].
{1}Ezekiel 18:4; {2}Romans 13:1-7; {3}James 2:10; {4}Hebrews 10:4; {5}Psalms 49:7-9; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Romans 3:23; {8}1 John 5:9-12; {9}Matthew 3:13-17; {10}Hebrews 9:11-15; {11}Isaiah 52:13-53:12; {12}John 19:16-30; {13}Isaiah 45:17; {14}1 Timothy 1:8-11; {15}Matthew 5:17-18; {16}Matthew 5:19-20; {17}1 John 5:8; {18}Matthew 27:45-54.
Chapter XXIII
The Descent?
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [Ephesians 4:8-10 KJV]
The Descent?
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [Ephesians 4:8-10 KJV]
The answer to the proposed question is a resounding yes to many. For they have been led to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ did indeed descend into Hell during the time between His crucifixion and resurrection in order to set all of His children by faith free from shackles of death.
This is a doctrine that is based upon 1 Peter 3:18-20. For it is written: For Christ also died for sins once for all, {the} just for {the} unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits {now} in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through {the} water. [1 Peter 3:18-20 NAS]
Add to the mix the fact of Christ Jesus now holding the keys to Hell and death[1], and there appears be little that can be said to the contrary. For He would have had to have gone down there and get them—right?
On the other hand, is this not to look at things from a very limited point-of-view[2]? For if it can be accepted that the water that flowed from the rock in the desert for the children of Israel during their exodus from Egypt[3] came from the Lord Jesus Christ[4], how could it be so hard to accept that He was the One who went and made proclamation to those who are NOW in prison because of refusing to accept He told them back then—albeit through His Holy Spirit in Noah[5]?
No, it is not the intent of what I have been given to say (nor that of my own personal desires) to unfairly demean, embarrass, nor insult anyone in any way for whatever they may have come to accept as being the truth about anything, but did He not suffer enough[6] without having to also go down into the pit of Hell[7]? For the anguish that He subjected Himself to[8] was more than what any of us can even start to naturally comprehend—be assured[9].
Yes, it can be argued that it was surely a joy for Him to display His power over the forces of darkness[10] by taking the keys of Hell and death from Satan, but have they not always been in His hands[11]? For it is written: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. [Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV]
{1}Revelation 1:18; {2}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {3}Exodus 17:1-7; {4}1 Corinthians 10:1-5; {5}2 Peter 1:20-21; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Mark 9:43-48; {8}John 10:18; {9}Luke 22:42-44; {10}John 14:30; {11}Hebrews 13:8.
This is a doctrine that is based upon 1 Peter 3:18-20. For it is written: For Christ also died for sins once for all, {the} just for {the} unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits {now} in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through {the} water. [1 Peter 3:18-20 NAS]
Add to the mix the fact of Christ Jesus now holding the keys to Hell and death[1], and there appears be little that can be said to the contrary. For He would have had to have gone down there and get them—right?
On the other hand, is this not to look at things from a very limited point-of-view[2]? For if it can be accepted that the water that flowed from the rock in the desert for the children of Israel during their exodus from Egypt[3] came from the Lord Jesus Christ[4], how could it be so hard to accept that He was the One who went and made proclamation to those who are NOW in prison because of refusing to accept He told them back then—albeit through His Holy Spirit in Noah[5]?
No, it is not the intent of what I have been given to say (nor that of my own personal desires) to unfairly demean, embarrass, nor insult anyone in any way for whatever they may have come to accept as being the truth about anything, but did He not suffer enough[6] without having to also go down into the pit of Hell[7]? For the anguish that He subjected Himself to[8] was more than what any of us can even start to naturally comprehend—be assured[9].
Yes, it can be argued that it was surely a joy for Him to display His power over the forces of darkness[10] by taking the keys of Hell and death from Satan, but have they not always been in His hands[11]? For it is written: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. [Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV]
{1}Revelation 1:18; {2}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {3}Exodus 17:1-7; {4}1 Corinthians 10:1-5; {5}2 Peter 1:20-21; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Mark 9:43-48; {8}John 10:18; {9}Luke 22:42-44; {10}John 14:30; {11}Hebrews 13:8.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [Just A Thought...]
Link: [ProBlogger]
Link: [The Illustrated Pen]
Link: [Lucky Lady]
Link: [Garden Gnome Wanderings]
Link: [Earth to Holly]
Link: [50mm Photos]
Link: [The Boomer with a View]
Link: [The Snarky View]
Link: [Occult View]
Link: [Praise God With All My Heart]
Link: [To Prosperity and Beyond]
Link: [Just A Thought...]
Link: [ProBlogger]
Link: [The Illustrated Pen]
Link: [Lucky Lady]
Link: [Garden Gnome Wanderings]
Link: [Earth to Holly] Link: [50mm Photos]
Link: [The Boomer with a View]
Link: [The Snarky View]
Link: [Occult View]
Link: [Praise God With All My Heart] Link: [To Prosperity and Beyond]
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Accoustic Songs On Without A Knife Records
If you are a fairly frequent visitor to this site, you already know that I post a lot about music of all kinds. Well, maybe not about ALL kinds if you want to get technical about it, but you sure can’t accuse me of being narrow-minded when it comes to music.
I must admit, however, that [accoustic songs] hold a special place in my heart. For there is nothing like a mighty electric axe plugged into an amp cranked up to 11 to get the blood a-boilin’, but accoustical music reasonates down to the very core of my being.
Such is what you will hear from Drew Blackard if you would pay a visit to [Without A Knife Records]. The title of the featured EP is a little long for my taste, but there is certainly nothing wrong with the music on Right About Now I’d Like To Move To Austin And Buy A Purple House.
With the adding of each instrument, the intensity builds on the title track. An accordian playing in the background blends well with the lyrics to create an overall haunting sound.
The pace picks up with the short and sweet Fallen Mockingbird. Children of the sixties should really enjoy this song. For it sounds like it could have been written back then.
Swallow My Pride has a much more modern feel to it, but not by much. For the keyboard driven melody keeps things from getting too jiggy.
I Don’t Know is pure bluegrass, and if you don’t love it, I just don’t know what to say. For Chris Blackard on the banjo, Jamie Klang on the fiddle and Fred X on the mandolin made me want to start dancin’ a jig.
I heard echoes of Simon & Garfunkel in I Have An Island, but it still holds its own as a rather unique song. Most definitely a tune to add to a mellow mood.
Yes, this is another paid review through [ReviewMe], but it has been labor of love. If you don’t believe me, please go listen for yourself.
I must admit, however, that [accoustic songs] hold a special place in my heart. For there is nothing like a mighty electric axe plugged into an amp cranked up to 11 to get the blood a-boilin’, but accoustical music reasonates down to the very core of my being.
Such is what you will hear from Drew Blackard if you would pay a visit to [Without A Knife Records]. The title of the featured EP is a little long for my taste, but there is certainly nothing wrong with the music on Right About Now I’d Like To Move To Austin And Buy A Purple House.
With the adding of each instrument, the intensity builds on the title track. An accordian playing in the background blends well with the lyrics to create an overall haunting sound.
The pace picks up with the short and sweet Fallen Mockingbird. Children of the sixties should really enjoy this song. For it sounds like it could have been written back then.
Swallow My Pride has a much more modern feel to it, but not by much. For the keyboard driven melody keeps things from getting too jiggy.
I Don’t Know is pure bluegrass, and if you don’t love it, I just don’t know what to say. For Chris Blackard on the banjo, Jamie Klang on the fiddle and Fred X on the mandolin made me want to start dancin’ a jig.
I heard echoes of Simon & Garfunkel in I Have An Island, but it still holds its own as a rather unique song. Most definitely a tune to add to a mellow mood.
Yes, this is another paid review through [ReviewMe], but it has been labor of love. If you don’t believe me, please go listen for yourself.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WhiteHeart Wednesday
Link: [Tales of Wonder]MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]
Who Owns You
WhiteHeart
I’m being swallowed by America
Losing my soul in America
Oh I can’t keep up in America
‘Cause now they’re selling dreams in America
Oh living in the malls of America
Deals made behind the walls of America
Try to find my face in America
Now you gotta buy your place in America
Tell me who owns you baby
Tell me who owns you now
Tell me who holds the key
To your captive heart
Tell me who owns you baby
Tell me do you even know
Who is the one who unlocks
The dreams of your soul
Come stand with me in this holy place
Let the mountain breeze run over our face
Cleanse the shame for what we’ve done
‘Cause we’ve been living our lives
For only one
Gotta wash the wounds of America
Step out of the tombs of America
Step on out
Oh
To find our faith in America
Love one another in America
Love one another in America
Tell me who owns you baby
Tell me who owns you now
Tell me who holds the key
To your captive heart
Tell me who owns you baby
Tell me do you even know
Who is the one who unlocks
The dreams of your soul
Tell me
Who owns you
Tell me now
Who is holding your heart
Who is the one who unlocks
The dreams of your soul
Tell me
Tell me
Tell me
Link: [WhiteHeart]
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TWO FOR TUESDAY
Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.
Innocent - Our Lady Peace
Innocent
Our Lady Peace
Oh
Johnny wishes he was famous
Spends his time alone in the basement
With A Lennon and Cobain
And a guitar and a stereo
While he wishes he could escape this
But it all seems so contagious
Not to be yourself and faceless
In a song that has no soul
I remember feeling low
I remember losing hope
And I remember all the feelings
And the day they stopped
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
Oh
And Tina losing faith in what she knows
Hates her music
Hates all of her clothes
Thinks of surgery
And a new nose
Every calorie’s a war
And while she wishes she was a dancer
And that she’d never heard of cancer
She wishes God would give her some answers
And make her beautiful
I remember feeling low
I remember losing hope
I remember all the feelings
And the day they stopped
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
One day
You’ll have to let it go
You’ll have to let it go
No
One day
You’ll stand up on your own
You’ll stand up on your own
Oh
Remember losing hope
Remember feeling low
Remember all the feelings
And the day they stopped
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
We are
We are all innocent
We are all innocent
We are
We are
We are
One day
We are all innocent
You’ll have to let it go
We are all innocent
You’ll have to let it go
We are
We are
Oh
One day
We are
We are all innocent
You’ll stand up on your own
We are all innocent
You’ll stand up on your own
We are
We are
We are
We are all innocent
Our Lady Peace - SOmewhere Out There(White Noise Soundtrack) -
Somewhere Out There
Our Lady Peace
Last time I talked to you
You were lonely and out of place
You were looking down on me
Lost out in space
We laid underneath the stars
Strung out and feeling brave
I watched the red orange glow
I watched you float away
Down here in the atmosphere
Garbage and city lights
You’ve gone to save your tired soul
You’ve gone to save our lives
I turned on the radio
To find you on satellite
I’m waiting for this sky to fall
I’m waiting for a sign
All we are
Is all so far
You’re falling back to me
You’re a star that I can see
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling out of reach
Defying gravity
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
Hope you remember me
When you’re homesick and need a change
I miss your purple hair
I miss the way you taste
I know you’ll come back someday
On a bed of nails I’ll wait
I’m praying that you don’t burn out
Or fade away
All we are
Is all so far
You’re falling back to me
A star that I can see
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling out of reach
Defying gravity
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling back to me
You’re a star that I can see
I know you’re out there
You’re falling out of reach
Defying gravity
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling back to me
You’re a star that I can see
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling out of reach
Defying gravity
I know you’re out there
Somewhere out there
You’re falling back to me
I know
I know
You’re falling out of reach
I know
Link: [Our Lady Peace]
Lyrics From: [elyrics.net]
Monday, May 11, 2009
Come Monday...Rusty Rose
“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of, or commentary about, websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).
Do you like the music of the [Marshall Tucker Band], the [Charlie Daniels Band], the [Allman Brothers Band], [Lynyrd Skynyrd], [.38 Special], [Molly Hatchet], [Cross Country Ragweed] and others like them? It’s called [southern rock], and I absolutely love it.
This is what you will hear when listening to Whatever Forever Is, Look Who’s Country Now, Me and Kansas, and Whiskey Dreams on the [MySpace page] of Rusty Rose. Hey, they even have a dog barking in the background of My Heart’s In North Carolina!
Yeah, the producing on a few of their songs is kinda rough. For the dog barking may have been by design, but I am fairly sure that the guitars being so far out of tune on the song was not.
Nonetheless, I have no doubt that they are trying to do the best that they can with what they have to work with. They are, after all, just starting out.
Speaking of such, A Start is pure [country], but not so much so that it should be unappealing to those who are not big fans of genre. For it is a song full of hope for future success, and the line about the little girl leaving a dollar in the tip jar brought a poignant smile to my face.
Even though they are listed as being out of [Branson], the band was actually formed in [Sparta, MO], and if you are in the area of the Ozark Mountain Saloon in [Fordland, MO] on May 23rd, it might be well worth your time to stop by. For it sounds like the kind of [honky-tonk] that I used to love, but even if our Heavenly Father has changed your heart about such things like He has mine, the band that will be on stage that night is really, really good.
Do you like the music of the [Marshall Tucker Band], the [Charlie Daniels Band], the [Allman Brothers Band], [Lynyrd Skynyrd], [.38 Special], [Molly Hatchet], [Cross Country Ragweed] and others like them? It’s called [southern rock], and I absolutely love it.
This is what you will hear when listening to Whatever Forever Is, Look Who’s Country Now, Me and Kansas, and Whiskey Dreams on the [MySpace page] of Rusty Rose. Hey, they even have a dog barking in the background of My Heart’s In North Carolina!
Yeah, the producing on a few of their songs is kinda rough. For the dog barking may have been by design, but I am fairly sure that the guitars being so far out of tune on the song was not.
Nonetheless, I have no doubt that they are trying to do the best that they can with what they have to work with. They are, after all, just starting out.
Speaking of such, A Start is pure [country], but not so much so that it should be unappealing to those who are not big fans of genre. For it is a song full of hope for future success, and the line about the little girl leaving a dollar in the tip jar brought a poignant smile to my face.
Even though they are listed as being out of [Branson], the band was actually formed in [Sparta, MO], and if you are in the area of the Ozark Mountain Saloon in [Fordland, MO] on May 23rd, it might be well worth your time to stop by. For it sounds like the kind of [honky-tonk] that I used to love, but even if our Heavenly Father has changed your heart about such things like He has mine, the band that will be on stage that night is really, really good.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [World War II History]
Link: [The Ohio Nature Blog]
Link: [Fly Fish Chick]
Link: [World War II History]
Link: [The Ohio Nature Blog]
Link: [Fly Fish Chick]
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XIX-XXI
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XIX
The Freedom To Choose
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. [Joshua 24:15 AMP]
The Freedom To Choose
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. [Joshua 24:15 AMP]
Yes, we do have a certain amount of what is commonly referred to as being “freewill.” For we could not be of any true and lasting value to our Heavenly Father without it[1].
It is, however, extremely limited. In fact, it is only in regards to the choice that we are given to make about wanting to truly accept our Heavenly Father as truly being our own Heavenly Father that we can be confident of there not being any divine intervention involved[2].
No, this is not to say that we are all on our own in this. For no one can come to our Heavenly Father except through His only begotten Son[3], and no one can come to His only begotten Son unless our Heavenly Father draws them[4].
Yes, it would appear that not all are given a choice in the matter. That is, of course, unless you are of the opinion that all who fail to reach their own age of accountability before their own time as a part of this world never counted in the first place.
No, it has not been revealed to me just exactly how it will work in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom Of Heaven. For that is on a strictly need to know basis[5], and I obviously do not need to know—albeit only at this time[6]. For if I did need to know, it would have been already revealed to me[7].
Anyway, what I do know is that it will be as it should be in the end[8]. For no one will be forced to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom Of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory against their will[9].
Yes, there are many who insist that none of us are given any choice in the matter at all. This is, of course, a result of unbridled Calvinism in the extreme.
No, it is not that they do not have any Scriptures to point to. For it is written: The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end {and} His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity {and} evil. [Proverbs 16:4 AMP]
The ninth chapter of Romans appears to make it all the more clear that our Heavenly Father creates some for glory and all of the rest for destruction, but I would think that most (if not all) would want to believe that the parts that appear to being saying such are meant to be rhetorical in nature. For who in their right-mind[10] would want to spend all of eternity with someone so cruel? After all, what would there be to prevent Him from changing His mind about even the elect[11] somewhere down the line if so many of us are of no concern to Him[12]?
{1}Ephesians 5:22-32; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}John 14:6; {4}John 6:44; {5}2 Corinthians 12:4; {6}John 20:29; {7}2 Peter 1:3; {8}Romans 8:18-21; {9}John 6:66-67; {10}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {11}Matthew 24:21-31; {12}Job 34:12-15.
It is, however, extremely limited. In fact, it is only in regards to the choice that we are given to make about wanting to truly accept our Heavenly Father as truly being our own Heavenly Father that we can be confident of there not being any divine intervention involved[2].
No, this is not to say that we are all on our own in this. For no one can come to our Heavenly Father except through His only begotten Son[3], and no one can come to His only begotten Son unless our Heavenly Father draws them[4].
Yes, it would appear that not all are given a choice in the matter. That is, of course, unless you are of the opinion that all who fail to reach their own age of accountability before their own time as a part of this world never counted in the first place.
No, it has not been revealed to me just exactly how it will work in our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom Of Heaven. For that is on a strictly need to know basis[5], and I obviously do not need to know—albeit only at this time[6]. For if I did need to know, it would have been already revealed to me[7].
Anyway, what I do know is that it will be as it should be in the end[8]. For no one will be forced to spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom Of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory against their will[9].
Yes, there are many who insist that none of us are given any choice in the matter at all. This is, of course, a result of unbridled Calvinism in the extreme.
No, it is not that they do not have any Scriptures to point to. For it is written: The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end {and} His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity {and} evil. [Proverbs 16:4 AMP]
The ninth chapter of Romans appears to make it all the more clear that our Heavenly Father creates some for glory and all of the rest for destruction, but I would think that most (if not all) would want to believe that the parts that appear to being saying such are meant to be rhetorical in nature. For who in their right-mind[10] would want to spend all of eternity with someone so cruel? After all, what would there be to prevent Him from changing His mind about even the elect[11] somewhere down the line if so many of us are of no concern to Him[12]?
{1}Ephesians 5:22-32; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}John 14:6; {4}John 6:44; {5}2 Corinthians 12:4; {6}John 20:29; {7}2 Peter 1:3; {8}Romans 8:18-21; {9}John 6:66-67; {10}1 Corinthians 2:6-16; {11}Matthew 24:21-31; {12}Job 34:12-15.
Chapter XX
Command and Control
For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he
may have mercy on them all. [Romans 11:32 NIV]
Command and Control
For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he
may have mercy on them all. [Romans 11:32 NIV]
I like to refer to them as being “eye-poppers.” For when I “find”[1] such a verse, it feels like my eyes are about to pop out of their sockets.
Romans 11:32 is such a verse. For it serves as written confirmation of the absolute truth of the matter truly being that we are not nearly as free to do as we like as what we have been so strongly encouraged to believe[2].
Alas, is it not any wonder that seldom a sermon is heard that is based upon that verse? For hearing it preached that our Heavenly Father is the reason why none of us can really be good in, and of, ourselves is not something that far too many want to hear[3].
Yes, many would argue that the main reason why there are not that many sermons based upon Romans 11:32 is because it represents old news. For it is already well established that all are born into sin[4], and it has been widely taught that Romans 11:32 speaks to that.
Ah, but for that to be true, Ezekiel 18:20 would have to be false. For it is written: The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. [Ezekiel 18:20 NIV]
No, this is not to deny that all have sinned. For it is also written: There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. [Ecclesiastes 7:20 NIV]
Nonetheless, let it be widely known and well understood that what Romans 11:32 is really addressing is something much more personal. For it is the same today as it was during the days of the Prophet Ezekiel: For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. [Ezekiel 18:4 NIV]
Yes, since none of us would purposely subject ourselves to all that our Heavenly Father truly has[5], it is naturally inconceivable that the Creator of us all would. For who from amongst us would allow something that they had created for their own good pleasure[6] to continue to fail to meet their expectations if there was anything that they could do about it? After all, would it not be preferable to just destroy it and start all over rather than leave it as a reminder of a miserable failure? That is, unless it did not mean all that much to them in the first-place, of course.
No, that is not something that applies to our Heavenly Father. For it is written: “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” [Ezekiel 18:30-32 NIV]
Neither should it be assumed that it must be that there is nothing that He can do about our inherent unrighteousness. For it is also written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’” [Job 9:12 NIV]
Yes, there are many who would point to a discussion between our Heavenly Father and Moses as being an indication of why we are still around. For it is written: "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, `It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: `I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' " Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. [Exodus 32:9-14 NIV]
Be assured that they do have a point. For it is because of the promise given to us all that we have hope[7].
Nonetheless, do not take too much stock in the premise that it is because of our Heavenly Father not wanting to appear unrighteous in the eyes of His enemies that is the real reason for why we still exist. For both the deceiver and the deceived are His to do with as He likes[8].
Yes, it is the very definition of bittersweet, but unless we are willing to conclude that our Heavenly Father must not be all that He actually says that He absolutely is, it must be accepted that even our sinfulness is by design[9]. For who could do anything against His will if He truly is all-powerful[10]? Moreover, would He not know all about the deed to be done even before it came to mind if He is truly all-knowing[11], and would He not actually be there at the very moment that it came to pass if He is truly always-present[12]?
No, this is not to say that we were created to sin. For the absolute truth of the matter truly is that we were created without the ability not to sin[13].
Yes, there is a big difference between the two, but what does it really matter if it cannot be accepted that our Heavenly Father truly is perfect in all of His most awesome ways[14]? For it may very well be that the Apostle Paul really was out of his mind[15] to place into writing the rest of the story to Romans 11:32: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. [Romans 11:33-36 NIV]
{1}Isaiah 65:1-2; {2}Proverbs 16:33; {3}2 Timothy 4:2-4; {4}Romans 3:23; {5}Romans 8:20; {6}Philippians 2:13; {7}Galatians 3:26-29; {8}Job 12:16; {9}Colossians 1:16-17; {10}Psalms 33:6-11; {11}Psalms 94:11; {12}Psalms 139:1-16; {13}Proverbs 20:9; {14}Psalms 18:30-32; {15}2 Corinthians 11:16-29.
Romans 11:32 is such a verse. For it serves as written confirmation of the absolute truth of the matter truly being that we are not nearly as free to do as we like as what we have been so strongly encouraged to believe[2].
Alas, is it not any wonder that seldom a sermon is heard that is based upon that verse? For hearing it preached that our Heavenly Father is the reason why none of us can really be good in, and of, ourselves is not something that far too many want to hear[3].
Yes, many would argue that the main reason why there are not that many sermons based upon Romans 11:32 is because it represents old news. For it is already well established that all are born into sin[4], and it has been widely taught that Romans 11:32 speaks to that.
Ah, but for that to be true, Ezekiel 18:20 would have to be false. For it is written: The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. [Ezekiel 18:20 NIV]
No, this is not to deny that all have sinned. For it is also written: There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. [Ecclesiastes 7:20 NIV]
Nonetheless, let it be widely known and well understood that what Romans 11:32 is really addressing is something much more personal. For it is the same today as it was during the days of the Prophet Ezekiel: For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. [Ezekiel 18:4 NIV]
Yes, since none of us would purposely subject ourselves to all that our Heavenly Father truly has[5], it is naturally inconceivable that the Creator of us all would. For who from amongst us would allow something that they had created for their own good pleasure[6] to continue to fail to meet their expectations if there was anything that they could do about it? After all, would it not be preferable to just destroy it and start all over rather than leave it as a reminder of a miserable failure? That is, unless it did not mean all that much to them in the first-place, of course.
No, that is not something that applies to our Heavenly Father. For it is written: “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” [Ezekiel 18:30-32 NIV]
Neither should it be assumed that it must be that there is nothing that He can do about our inherent unrighteousness. For it is also written: “If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’” [Job 9:12 NIV]
Yes, there are many who would point to a discussion between our Heavenly Father and Moses as being an indication of why we are still around. For it is written: "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, `It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: `I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' " Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. [Exodus 32:9-14 NIV]
Be assured that they do have a point. For it is because of the promise given to us all that we have hope[7].
Nonetheless, do not take too much stock in the premise that it is because of our Heavenly Father not wanting to appear unrighteous in the eyes of His enemies that is the real reason for why we still exist. For both the deceiver and the deceived are His to do with as He likes[8].
Yes, it is the very definition of bittersweet, but unless we are willing to conclude that our Heavenly Father must not be all that He actually says that He absolutely is, it must be accepted that even our sinfulness is by design[9]. For who could do anything against His will if He truly is all-powerful[10]? Moreover, would He not know all about the deed to be done even before it came to mind if He is truly all-knowing[11], and would He not actually be there at the very moment that it came to pass if He is truly always-present[12]?
No, this is not to say that we were created to sin. For the absolute truth of the matter truly is that we were created without the ability not to sin[13].
Yes, there is a big difference between the two, but what does it really matter if it cannot be accepted that our Heavenly Father truly is perfect in all of His most awesome ways[14]? For it may very well be that the Apostle Paul really was out of his mind[15] to place into writing the rest of the story to Romans 11:32: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. [Romans 11:33-36 NIV]
{1}Isaiah 65:1-2; {2}Proverbs 16:33; {3}2 Timothy 4:2-4; {4}Romans 3:23; {5}Romans 8:20; {6}Philippians 2:13; {7}Galatians 3:26-29; {8}Job 12:16; {9}Colossians 1:16-17; {10}Psalms 33:6-11; {11}Psalms 94:11; {12}Psalms 139:1-16; {13}Proverbs 20:9; {14}Psalms 18:30-32; {15}2 Corinthians 11:16-29.
Chapter XXI
Law and Disorder
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one {point,} he has become guilty of all. [James 2:10 NAS]
Law and Disorder
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one {point,} he has become guilty of all. [James 2:10 NAS]
No, it is not at all true that we are really nothing more than puppets on our Heavenly Father’s string. For how could we be found guilty of breaking His Law if it was not by our own actions that it was broken[1]?
Nonetheless, it would not be all that far-fetched to think of the reality of our situation in this world as having been given enough rope to hang ourselves[2]. That is, at least not from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[3]. For our Heavenly Father could have created us just as invulnerable to the temptations of sin as He absolutely is[4].
On the other hand, it would be better if we did not, of course. For it is written: For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God {did:} sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and {as an offering} for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:3-4 NAS]
Is this to say that our Heavenly Father’s Law failed to meet its objective? MAY IT NEVER BE!!! For it is also written: So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Romans 5:18-21 NAS]
In other words, we (as in regards to all of mankind) have been in need of a Savior ever since sin entered into this world through the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden[5], but before the Law was given through Moses[6], sin was not generally taken into account as being unlawful by mankind[7]. Therefore, the Law was given in order to make it easier for us to see just how desperately in need of a Savior we naturally are[8].
Yes, much of that certainly appears to support the notion that we are all born into sin, but be assured that to believe in such a way as this is to miss the point. For being physically born into a world full of sin is not the same as to be born sinful[9]!
{1}Colossians 3:25; {2}Romans 7:14-25; {3}Colossians 3:2; {4}James 1:13-15; {5}Genesis 3:1-15; {6}John 1:17; {7}Romans 5:12-14; {8}1 Timothy 1:8-11; {9}Ezekiel 18:20.
Nonetheless, it would not be all that far-fetched to think of the reality of our situation in this world as having been given enough rope to hang ourselves[2]. That is, at least not from our own very limited ground-based points-of-view[3]. For our Heavenly Father could have created us just as invulnerable to the temptations of sin as He absolutely is[4].
On the other hand, it would be better if we did not, of course. For it is written: For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God {did:} sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and {as an offering} for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:3-4 NAS]
Is this to say that our Heavenly Father’s Law failed to meet its objective? MAY IT NEVER BE!!! For it is also written: So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Romans 5:18-21 NAS]
In other words, we (as in regards to all of mankind) have been in need of a Savior ever since sin entered into this world through the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden[5], but before the Law was given through Moses[6], sin was not generally taken into account as being unlawful by mankind[7]. Therefore, the Law was given in order to make it easier for us to see just how desperately in need of a Savior we naturally are[8].
Yes, much of that certainly appears to support the notion that we are all born into sin, but be assured that to believe in such a way as this is to miss the point. For being physically born into a world full of sin is not the same as to be born sinful[9]!
{1}Colossians 3:25; {2}Romans 7:14-25; {3}Colossians 3:2; {4}James 1:13-15; {5}Genesis 3:1-15; {6}John 1:17; {7}Romans 5:12-14; {8}1 Timothy 1:8-11; {9}Ezekiel 18:20.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [Rick's World]
Link: [Digital Photographs From A DSLR Beginner]
Link: [Holy Cuteness]
Link: [Connecting To Impact]
Link: [Mutual Love]
Link: [Gemma Stothard]
Link: [OF MICE AND RAMEN]
Link: [Leet Gallery]
Link: [Just Politics..?]
Link: [Unique You]
Link: [Everyday Living]
Link: [Rick's World] Link: [Digital Photographs From A DSLR Beginner]
Link: [Holy Cuteness]
Link: [Connecting To Impact]
Link: [Mutual Love]Link: [Gemma Stothard]
Link: [OF MICE AND RAMEN] Link: [Leet Gallery]
Link: [Just Politics..?]Link: [Unique You]
Link: [Everyday Living]
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Top Entrecard Droppers For April, 2009
To say that the last month on [Entrecard] has been quite a ride is quite an understatement. For out came the announcement that the first cash-out payments were looking like $15.00 per thousand, and I immediately started spending (in my head) the over $300.00 worth of credits that I had accumulated at the time. In fact, the page that the announcement was on had not fully loaded on even [Firefox] yet.
Oh, but that was just the beginning of the fun. For the next announcement established the first cash-out payments at $1.00 per thousand, which slashed my stash down to a paltry $25.oo or so.
No, we are most certainly not done yet. For my cash-out application is still pending approval.
Just for the sake of clarity, I am not at all concerned about being strung along. For I realize that I am relative newcomer to the program, and it is only fair that those who have been with Entrecard the longest should get a little somethin’ somethin’ first. After all, they helped build it into a means for making a little money.
Nonetheless, I am feeling a little foolish for being such a staunch supporter of the new cash-out system in the face of many who have been with Entrecard a whole lot longer than I have. For the way the powers that be at Entrecard has handled the whole aware so far has helped make it ever more increasingly clear to me that the old-timers knew that it was not going to be nearly as grand as I hoped.
Therefore, I am going to scale way back on singing the praises of the Entrecard cash-out option for the time being, but I am still going to shout from the rooftops just how happy I am with all of the traffic that I have been getting. For before Entrecard, I rarely had more than 300 visitors in a month here, and now I am receiving more than that a day.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, 300 visitors a day is laughable to some, and then there are those who insist that none of them are paying any real attention to the content. Well, just let them laugh. For many have paid at least some attention to the content, and even the devout “drop & runners” are fulfilling a purpose.
Needless to say, since I have been receiving over 300 drops a day, I have not been able to return-drop on everyone every day. Please be assured, however, that I go ahead and visit every site anyway.
Alas, oh how I wish they would allow all drops to show up in the corresponding inboxes—even after the 300 drop credit limit has been reached. For that would let the person know that their effort had not been just ignored, and I would think that it would also greatly increase over-all traffic of Entrecard itself, which is what advertisers want to see—right?
Anyway, the following is a list of the top droppers here for April, 2009 in alphabetical order. Be assured that they are all greatly appreciated by me, and I hope you will pay many visits to their sites.
Link: [A Grateful Heart]
Link: [Current Events and Bible Prophecy]
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
WhiteHeart Wednesday
Link: [Highlands]MP3 Audio Player From: [BlogDumps Video]
Nothing But The Best
WhiteHeart
Go find a mirror
Locate your ears
You’re about the hear
The free world’s biggest lie
Jesus came and died
So get a little pride
It’s cultural suicide
To make your faith
A battle cry
Well
Mediocrity
Is to miss eternity
You see
He rose for me
Nothing but the best
Don’t take nothing less
Don’t you second guess
Nothing but the best
Oh keep your mind on one thing
That in your heart there’s
Nothing but the best
Don’t work at school
How can that be cool
Tell who’s the fool
If it leads to a welfare line
I’m missing something here
It must be drugs and beer
“Cause it isn’t clear
Why faith is such a waste of time
Got some news for them
He’s gonna come again
We’ll see what happens then
Nothing but the best
Don’t take nothing less
Don’t you second guess
Nothing but the best
Oh keep your mind on one thing
That in your heart there’s
Nothing but the best
Don’t take nothing less
Don’t you second guess
Nothing but the best
Oh keep your mind on one thing
That in your heart there’s
Nothing but the best
Don’t take nothing less
Don’t you ever second guess
Nothing but the best
Nothing but the best
Nothing but the best
Nothing but the best
Link: [WhiteHeart]
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
TWO FOR TUESDAY
Not every song that will be featured here will be what is generally considered as being “Christian” in the eyes of this world. For some will be anguished cries from the pit of despair, and others will be quite obviously ferverent rants of rebellion. Nonetheless, be assured that they will all be of our Heavenly Father (in one way or another) and I hope that you have been given ears to hear the message.
***WARNING***
Some may find the lyrics of the songs, and the imagery of the videos, quite disturbing. So, be prepared to close your eyes and ears at any moment, but please keep your heart and mind open.
Link: [On YouTube]
Sometimes Wanna Die
Joydrop
Don’t worry about one thing
Don’t worry about nothing
She said
I’m not gonna let this one go
Nobody’s on my side
Nobody seems to see
How much
How deep
How far these things can be
My eyes are dry
And I
My eyes are dry
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
And everywhere I go
And everyone I see
Somehow
Almost sets me free
And the space where we meet
Is different from the rest
And I just can’t seem to forget that
My eyes are dry
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna
And you were at the start
And now you are at the end
And you left me with nothing to defend
I need the voice of a good friend
Can’t stop myself from laughing
No matter how sad
These things can be
These things can be
My eyes are bright
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
Yeah
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
Yeah
I sometimes wanna
Link: [On YouTube]
Beautiful
Joydrop
If I was beautiful like you
Oh the things I would do
Those not so blessed
Would be crying out murder
And I’d just laugh
And get away with it
Like you do
If was beautiful like you
I would never be at fault
I’d walk in the rain
Between rain drops
Bringing traffic to a halt
But that would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
If I was beautiful like you
I’d be quick to assume
They’d do anything to please me
Why not
I see their reaction
When you walk into the room
But that would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m
Beautiful like me
Beautiful like me
Like me
If I was beautiful like you
I’d have so many friends
All fighting for my time
To be next in line
So if I hurt one
I wouldn’t have to make amends
That would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m not beautiful like you
I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
Link: [Joydrop on MySpace]
Some may find the lyrics of the songs, and the imagery of the videos, quite disturbing. So, be prepared to close your eyes and ears at any moment, but please keep your heart and mind open.
Link: [On YouTube]
Sometimes Wanna Die
Joydrop
Don’t worry about one thing
Don’t worry about nothing
She said
I’m not gonna let this one go
Nobody’s on my side
Nobody seems to see
How much
How deep
How far these things can be
My eyes are dry
And I
My eyes are dry
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
And everywhere I go
And everyone I see
Somehow
Almost sets me free
And the space where we meet
Is different from the rest
And I just can’t seem to forget that
My eyes are dry
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna
And you were at the start
And now you are at the end
And you left me with nothing to defend
I need the voice of a good friend
Can’t stop myself from laughing
No matter how sad
These things can be
These things can be
My eyes are bright
And I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Still wish that I could hold you
I
I
Still don’t even know you
I
I
Sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
Yeah
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
I sometimes wanna die
Yeah
I sometimes wanna
Link: [On YouTube]
Beautiful
Joydrop
If I was beautiful like you
Oh the things I would do
Those not so blessed
Would be crying out murder
And I’d just laugh
And get away with it
Like you do
If was beautiful like you
I would never be at fault
I’d walk in the rain
Between rain drops
Bringing traffic to a halt
But that would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
If I was beautiful like you
I’d be quick to assume
They’d do anything to please me
Why not
I see their reaction
When you walk into the room
But that would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m
Beautiful like me
Beautiful like me
Like me
If I was beautiful like you
I’d have so many friends
All fighting for my time
To be next in line
So if I hurt one
I wouldn’t have to make amends
That would never be
That would never never be
‘Cause I’m not beautiful like you
I’m not beautiful like you
I’m not beautiful like you
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
I’m beautiful like me
Link: [Joydrop on MySpace]
Lyrics From: [elyrics.net]
Monday, May 4, 2009
Come Monday...The Cure For AIDS?
“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of, or commentary about, websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time. Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.” This is subject to change, however. In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while. For rants promote change, and change can be good—right? Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).
My unofficial son-in-law sent me a link to the following YouTube video, and I don’t know what to really think about it. For it is about blood electrification as being a bonafide cure for not only [AIDS], but for about almost everything that ails us, according to [Dr. Robert C. Beck].
A crock—right? Well, that was my first impression. For it is hard for me to imagine that the [pharmacology] industry would have enough power to suppress something so wonderful if there really was anything to it.
After all, announcements of amazing discoveries that are being suppressed by somebody for some reason have been made for years, and none of them have amounted to anything that I am aware of. Therefore, is this not sufficient proof in and of itself that there are a lot of certifiable nut-cases with advanced degrees (MAD SCIENTISTS!!!) and media access on the loose?
On the other hand, blood electrification would cost the [pharmaceutical drug] companies billions upon billions, and the plans to make such a device for yourself are given in the presentation. So, what do you think?
My unofficial son-in-law sent me a link to the following YouTube video, and I don’t know what to really think about it. For it is about blood electrification as being a bonafide cure for not only [AIDS], but for about almost everything that ails us, according to [Dr. Robert C. Beck].
A crock—right? Well, that was my first impression. For it is hard for me to imagine that the [pharmacology] industry would have enough power to suppress something so wonderful if there really was anything to it.
After all, announcements of amazing discoveries that are being suppressed by somebody for some reason have been made for years, and none of them have amounted to anything that I am aware of. Therefore, is this not sufficient proof in and of itself that there are a lot of certifiable nut-cases with advanced degrees (MAD SCIENTISTS!!!) and media access on the loose?
On the other hand, blood electrification would cost the [pharmaceutical drug] companies billions upon billions, and the plans to make such a device for yourself are given in the presentation. So, what do you think?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Sunday Drive
Back during my childhood, our parents would often load up my brother and I after Sunday morning church services for a leisurely drive around where we lived. Even though we were seeing mostly familiar sights, it was still good to see them, and this is why “A Sunday Drive” sounded about right for the name of a weekly series revisiting familiar sites that are well worth seeing again and again.
Link: [Imagine Istanbul]
Link: [Lance's Soul Searching]
Link: [A Snapshot A Day]
Link: [Imagine Istanbul]
Link: [Lance's Soul Searching]
Link: [A Snapshot A Day]
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Bittersweet Refinements: XVIII
Bittersweet Refinements is another book that I have been given to publish. If it gets to sounding an awfully lot like a broken player stuck on repeating the same old wrong song over and over again that is because it is to a fairly great extent. For most of it contains rewritten parts of the Bitter/Sweets that were published here before. Hopefully, it will get to sounding a lot better to you very soon, and for the benefit of those who do not have access to multiple versions of our Heavenly Father's Holy Bible, numbered Scripture references in the text (for example, [1]) provide links to such through Bible Gateway this time around. The same also applies to verses included in the text.
Chapter XVIII
Contractual Obligations
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” [John 10:27-30 NIV]
Contractual Obligations
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” [John 10:27-30 NIV]
No, there is no reason to worry about being stolen from our Heavenly Father’s pen, but this is not to say that the gate is kept closed[1]. For it would not fulfill our Heavenly Father’s purposes to force anyone to spend all of eternity with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven as an heir to all that is His in glory against their will[2].
Therefore, let us want to guard against taking too much for granted[3]. For this is surely a path that leads to destruction[4].
A good example of taking too much for granted involves something that I have been allowed and enabled to experience up close and oh so very personal. For I was raised to believe that once a person is saved from eternal damnation through the acceptance of Christ Jesus as truly being their own personal Lord and Savior[5] that they would remain saved from eternal damnation[6]—no matter what[7].
What I am talking about is often referred to as being once saved/always saved, and I clung to this doctrine with all of my might while I was out there sowing my wild oats. In fact, I would often preach such to a drunken choir when there were not any fair young maidens to entertain in the bar.
Then I was changed, and it was all brought into focus for me[8]. For instead of it being like a contract that cannot be altered in any way by either party involved, the absolute truth of the matter truly is that a child of our Heavenly Father’s family remains a member of His family for as long as they want to because of how much He has always loved them[9].
In other words, it is all about being wanted, and this is something that we can all have faith in. For it truly is as it is written: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:37-40 NIV]
No, it does not help matters much that it has been so widely taught that the love of God is nothing personal. For that promotes an image of our Heavenly Father not wanting anyone to perish[10] as being more about keeping score than anything else.
Alas, what a dreadful thing to look forward to. For who would want to spend all of eternity with someone who could not care less about whether they (as in regards to them as an individual) are really there or not.
Yes, it is quite natural to think that spending a relatively loveless eternity in Heaven would be better than being cast into the Lake of Fire[11], but if you would ask someone who is spending their life in a loveless marriage, I am quite sure that they would be of the opinion that it would not be all that much better. For if spending only twenty years in such a situation can feel like forever, just think what FOREVER AND EVER is going to feel like if the love that our Heavenly Father has for us is indeed completely devoid of passion.
Now, what about us? For it is written: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. [Hebrews 6:4-8 NIV]
Yes, the absolute truth of the matter truly is that one can lose their salvation. For in order for our Heavenly Father to truly have the kind of relationship that He wants to have with each and every one of us, on an individual basis and without exception, we must be free to reject Him—even after the marriage vows have been exchanged[12].
Granted, it is correctly argued that not all who claim to have accepted Christ Jesus as truly being their own personal Lord and Savior actually have[13], and that they did not have any salvation to lose when they appear to fall away[14]. Nonetheless, such an argument does not negate the fact that it is the same with us as it is with our Heavenly Father’s holy angels[15].
No, this does not have anything to do with earning our keep[16]. It does, however, have everything to do with us truly wanting to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith[17], and most are not even close, nor have any desire to get closer, which places them in great danger of being spit out of His mouth, come Judgment Day[18].
Be truthful, is that not being proven to you at this very moment? For you feel a great uneasiness stirring deep down in your very soul, which is not an unfamiliar feeling[19], and yet you continue to resist because of how contrary what our Heavenly Father actually says is absolutely true is in comparison to what you have really placed your faith in[20].
So, may your rebellion be brief[21]. For the end may be nearer than you think[22], but even if it isn’t, who in their right-mind would want to delay truly having a very close and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father[23]?
{1}John 10:9; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}1 Corinthians 10:12; {4}Matthew 15:13-14; {5}John 3:16; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Psalms 25:3; {8}2 Corinthians 5:14-21; {9}John 8:35; {10}Ezekiel 18:32; {11}Revelation 20:10-15; {12}John 15:14-17; {13}Matthew 7:21-23; {14}2 Corinthians 11:13-15; {15}Jude 1:6; {16}Romans 11:6; {17}Luke 9:23-26; {18}Revelation 3:14-22; {19}John 16:8-11; {20}John 3:19-21; {21}2 Peter 2:4-9; {22}2 Peter 3:8-14; {23}1 Corinthians 2:6-16.
Therefore, let us want to guard against taking too much for granted[3]. For this is surely a path that leads to destruction[4].
A good example of taking too much for granted involves something that I have been allowed and enabled to experience up close and oh so very personal. For I was raised to believe that once a person is saved from eternal damnation through the acceptance of Christ Jesus as truly being their own personal Lord and Savior[5] that they would remain saved from eternal damnation[6]—no matter what[7].
What I am talking about is often referred to as being once saved/always saved, and I clung to this doctrine with all of my might while I was out there sowing my wild oats. In fact, I would often preach such to a drunken choir when there were not any fair young maidens to entertain in the bar.
Then I was changed, and it was all brought into focus for me[8]. For instead of it being like a contract that cannot be altered in any way by either party involved, the absolute truth of the matter truly is that a child of our Heavenly Father’s family remains a member of His family for as long as they want to because of how much He has always loved them[9].
In other words, it is all about being wanted, and this is something that we can all have faith in. For it truly is as it is written: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:37-40 NIV]
No, it does not help matters much that it has been so widely taught that the love of God is nothing personal. For that promotes an image of our Heavenly Father not wanting anyone to perish[10] as being more about keeping score than anything else.
Alas, what a dreadful thing to look forward to. For who would want to spend all of eternity with someone who could not care less about whether they (as in regards to them as an individual) are really there or not.
Yes, it is quite natural to think that spending a relatively loveless eternity in Heaven would be better than being cast into the Lake of Fire[11], but if you would ask someone who is spending their life in a loveless marriage, I am quite sure that they would be of the opinion that it would not be all that much better. For if spending only twenty years in such a situation can feel like forever, just think what FOREVER AND EVER is going to feel like if the love that our Heavenly Father has for us is indeed completely devoid of passion.
Now, what about us? For it is written: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. [Hebrews 6:4-8 NIV]
Yes, the absolute truth of the matter truly is that one can lose their salvation. For in order for our Heavenly Father to truly have the kind of relationship that He wants to have with each and every one of us, on an individual basis and without exception, we must be free to reject Him—even after the marriage vows have been exchanged[12].
Granted, it is correctly argued that not all who claim to have accepted Christ Jesus as truly being their own personal Lord and Savior actually have[13], and that they did not have any salvation to lose when they appear to fall away[14]. Nonetheless, such an argument does not negate the fact that it is the same with us as it is with our Heavenly Father’s holy angels[15].
No, this does not have anything to do with earning our keep[16]. It does, however, have everything to do with us truly wanting to be one of our Heavenly Father’s children by faith[17], and most are not even close, nor have any desire to get closer, which places them in great danger of being spit out of His mouth, come Judgment Day[18].
Be truthful, is that not being proven to you at this very moment? For you feel a great uneasiness stirring deep down in your very soul, which is not an unfamiliar feeling[19], and yet you continue to resist because of how contrary what our Heavenly Father actually says is absolutely true is in comparison to what you have really placed your faith in[20].
So, may your rebellion be brief[21]. For the end may be nearer than you think[22], but even if it isn’t, who in their right-mind would want to delay truly having a very close and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father[23]?
{1}John 10:9; {2}John 1:12-13; {3}1 Corinthians 10:12; {4}Matthew 15:13-14; {5}John 3:16; {6}Ezekiel 18:4; {7}Psalms 25:3; {8}2 Corinthians 5:14-21; {9}John 8:35; {10}Ezekiel 18:32; {11}Revelation 20:10-15; {12}John 15:14-17; {13}Matthew 7:21-23; {14}2 Corinthians 11:13-15; {15}Jude 1:6; {16}Romans 11:6; {17}Luke 9:23-26; {18}Revelation 3:14-22; {19}John 16:8-11; {20}John 3:19-21; {21}2 Peter 2:4-9; {22}2 Peter 3:8-14; {23}1 Corinthians 2:6-16.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Sites To See
This is the new version of FIVE FOR FRIDAY. As with the former, it is the SOLE purpose of this weekly series to call attention to sites that I think many would find most interesting—in one way or another. Please, go see for yourself.
Link: [Inspired Artbeat]
Link: [International Musing]
Link: [Inspire Political Discourse]
Link: [You've Got Maille]
Link: [Grampy and You]
Link: [How Great Is Our God]
Link: [Christian Research Network]
Link: [CRN.Info and Analysis]
Link: [Friends Revolution]
Link: [Caught In The Stream]
Link: [The History Cellar]
Link: [Out of the Pink Sky]
Link: [Inspired Artbeat]
Link: [International Musing]
Link: [Inspire Political Discourse] Link: [You've Got Maille]
Link: [Grampy and You]
Link: [How Great Is Our God]
Link: [Christian Research Network]
Link: [CRN.Info and Analysis]
Link: [Friends Revolution]
Link: [Caught In The Stream]
Link: [The History Cellar] Link: [Out of the Pink Sky]
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