Have you, of lately, had your spiritual thirst quenched by the Lord's springs of goodness? Has your soul found satiation with the richness of his sustenance?
I strive each morning to fill myself up with the Spirit of the Most Holy so that as I go about my day, I can pursue that of which will bring me peace in my daily routine and struggles, all the while giving him honor in my diligence to serve him in small ways. In this spiritual filling, I can choose to pour out that water of life upon the thirsty souls and hearts of those I come across in my walk.
Blessed am I to trust, for in hard times and trials is when my heart will be refined. Lately, the words, restoration, repentance, and refinement, pop up in my daily studies of scripture and prayer; my thoughts on this is that I shall soon, and presently, go through a period of spiritual cleansing, freeing my heart from pride, anger, selfishness, in short, my ego. Through this divine healing, I shall rest in the presence of the Holy One, in knowing that I shall be made into the likeness of Christ, something pure, a diamond.
Refinement, for me, is the process of learning to trust and obey, as he walks me through hardships and leads me faithfully through uncharted territories.
I need not fear the purification that shall come for, yes, I have struggled and gone through darkness of the soul, mind, and heart in recent time, where, at times, I could not see or feel God's presence, yet He was there in the midst of my despair. In time, he brought me out of the pit and set my feet on stable ground.
So, the momentary afflictions that He will toss my way are only that, temporary. In these moments, I can truly trust that He is with me and has, for himself, suffered far greater troubles on my behalf. I pray that I will have the grace of God, the strength afforded to me because of the cross, to abide, trust, and watch and pray.
Today, let us all confess our transgressions so that we can know true forgiveness and find healing, truly coming to know the freedom we are all meant to have, in Christ.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Girl Who Waited: Amy Pond
Ah, yes, you may be tired of my goings-on about the spiritual connections to Doctor Who, but humor me once more.
Today's edition is about waiting and I turn our attention to "the girl who waited", or as we know her Amy Pond, played by the actress, Karen Gillam.
The Doctor first arrived in Amy's life, due to her calling out to a 'savior', based on her fears of the crack in her wall. What that may signify, you decide, but I think our general fears of life's trials and even, perhaps, our eternal destiny.
He came into her life, observed the crack and the danger therein, and then vanished from her life for a period of 12 years (about). During that time, she waited, first willingly, and then with a growing resentment. When he returned (him thinking it was only the 5 minutes he promised), she tested him and eventually found him worthy of the wait because of his awareness of his role of her 'savior'. Don't we often test the Lord's promises and always find them true?
The point of this, say, rambling is to trust in the Lord's promises of salvation, not just eternally, but for our present tribulations and those to come. He will return both now and in the ages to come, to redeem, to save, and to live eternally.
And yet, in our present difficulties, we can wait upon his promises, that he will return and that, yes, he is 'an ever present help' in time of troubles.
So, we can say with Amy: "I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry."
Wait upon the Lord, for He is waiting for you to turn to him. This day, choose whom you shall follow, for as for me, I shall follow the Lord.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear
Today's edition is about waiting and I turn our attention to "the girl who waited", or as we know her Amy Pond, played by the actress, Karen Gillam.
The Doctor first arrived in Amy's life, due to her calling out to a 'savior', based on her fears of the crack in her wall. What that may signify, you decide, but I think our general fears of life's trials and even, perhaps, our eternal destiny.
He came into her life, observed the crack and the danger therein, and then vanished from her life for a period of 12 years (about). During that time, she waited, first willingly, and then with a growing resentment. When he returned (him thinking it was only the 5 minutes he promised), she tested him and eventually found him worthy of the wait because of his awareness of his role of her 'savior'. Don't we often test the Lord's promises and always find them true?
The point of this, say, rambling is to trust in the Lord's promises of salvation, not just eternally, but for our present tribulations and those to come. He will return both now and in the ages to come, to redeem, to save, and to live eternally.
And yet, in our present difficulties, we can wait upon his promises, that he will return and that, yes, he is 'an ever present help' in time of troubles.
So, we can say with Amy: "I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry."
Wait upon the Lord, for He is waiting for you to turn to him. This day, choose whom you shall follow, for as for me, I shall follow the Lord.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Why can't the flesh just die, MAN?!?!?
Yet another post referring the spiritual connotations of Doctor Who:
So, the last season with Matt Smith, they introduce the production of "the Flesh", an invention of man to produce "fleshly" robots that can take our place in work situations, while we sit back and relax....hmm, letting our flesh take over our hearts, wills, minds while they have free-will over our lives? The flesh holds all the memories, feelings, thoughts, etc of the regular human!
And, inevitably, the humans treat the flesh as second-class or lower than second-class, casting them aside when a version doesn't work properly or whatnot, which leads to anger and a rising up...the flesh rearing its ugly head!
In some fashion, the Doctor is cloned into a fleshly version, so there is the real version and the "fleshly" version. (For viewers, the coolest part is when the flesh of the Doctor forms and he goes through his entire history of past doctors..."You want some jelliebellies?)
So, as I said, the flesh rises up and threatens to destroy not only the scientists who have been working on this project, but the whole earth...and once again, the Doctor has to save the world he loves (For God so loved the world...)
And here's the thing: His fleshly self sacrifices himself, as in, he takes on the likeness of sinful flesh...
So, the message of the day, through the power of our "Great Physician" we can overcome the nature of our wickedness, our flesh, and move on to all that is awaiting us....the great adventure in the sky!
He who has ears to hear, let him hear
So, the last season with Matt Smith, they introduce the production of "the Flesh", an invention of man to produce "fleshly" robots that can take our place in work situations, while we sit back and relax....hmm, letting our flesh take over our hearts, wills, minds while they have free-will over our lives? The flesh holds all the memories, feelings, thoughts, etc of the regular human!
And, inevitably, the humans treat the flesh as second-class or lower than second-class, casting them aside when a version doesn't work properly or whatnot, which leads to anger and a rising up...the flesh rearing its ugly head!
In some fashion, the Doctor is cloned into a fleshly version, so there is the real version and the "fleshly" version. (For viewers, the coolest part is when the flesh of the Doctor forms and he goes through his entire history of past doctors..."You want some jelliebellies?)
So, as I said, the flesh rises up and threatens to destroy not only the scientists who have been working on this project, but the whole earth...and once again, the Doctor has to save the world he loves (For God so loved the world...)
And here's the thing: His fleshly self sacrifices himself, as in, he takes on the likeness of sinful flesh...
So, the message of the day, through the power of our "Great Physician" we can overcome the nature of our wickedness, our flesh, and move on to all that is awaiting us....the great adventure in the sky!
He who has ears to hear, let him hear
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Zip-A-Dee-Day, My, oh, My What a Wonderful Play!
Zip-A-Dee-Day,
My, oh, My What a Wonderful Play!
The Slightly-Askew Players
Return
by Julia C Weston
The 15th of July
the 'Players' made their grand debut in Ashland, OR. From start to
finish, the show, 4 plays based on the works of Ring Lardner, was a
highly enjoyable experience; the audience was doubled over in raucous
laughter.
Buzz London, stage manager,
led the show off with the do's and don'ts list for the performance.
The audience was asked to refrain from such behaviors as 'catcalling,
exhibitionism', and “illegal encroachment' and so many more--(to
find out more, you'll have to see the next performance!) The four
plays, Thompson's Vacation,
Haircut, On
Conversation, and The
Tridget of Greva were
performed mainly by Russ Mitchell, Michael Holstein, and Rick Hazen,
with humorous asides and anecdotes by Buzz London, who helped
introduce and close pieces. In between shows, the barbershop
quartet, “The Gentlemen Songsters” performed, 'giving the actors
time to check their vital signs and reorganize!'
These
four 'askewed' actors can next be seen performing a benefit
performance for Jacksonville Friends of the Library at the
Jacksonville Library on August 26th at 3 pm. Rick Hazen
will be performing in the upcoming production of Randall Theatre, “Of
Mice and Men” opening this Friday, August 25th.
“It's the truth, it's
act'ch'll! Everything is sa-tis-fact-ch'll!”
Monday, August 20, 2012
Goal for the Day: Be a Rose Tyler!
Okay, so here we go again with another entry comparing my love for the Doctor and all things Doctor Who (and if you haven't discovered this show, you have one week to do so!), and comparing it to faith-based realities.
And the love of the Doctor is just what I want to focus on. Today, I look at one of the best, if not the most loved, companions: Rose Tyler (played by the very talented, Billie Piper!)
Rose, I think, set the standard for the archetype of companion and relationship with the Doctor for those that would come after her. Billie Piper, who played Rose, played the role in such a way that we, as the viewer, could relate in that we, and perhaps mostly female viewers, would react the same way upon knowing the Doctor so intimately.
Rose could put him in his place yet still be the object of his attention and adoration. She was the companion who first came close to touching his heart and showing him that he could love, not just objectively, but truly love someone. He showed her the kind of adoration and affection and connection that he had shown no other companion or traveler. In addition, she understood him the way no one else could and stood by him even when they were separated.
He burnt up an entire sun just to say good-bye to her; she told him she loved him, he cried, she cried--
He told Martha that she was not replacement for Rose...
She did everything she could to get back to this world, this reality, so she could, yes, help to save the world and the rest of the universe, but be with him again--
And, those she was working with, helped her to get back to him---
The point was, Rose was cherished, loved, and adored by the Doctor. So, too, we are cherished, loved, and adored by our "Physician", and that is what should inspire and encourage us to do the right thing, stand for truth, fight the good fight, walk the walk He calls us too--
In the face of all adversity, pitfalls, trials, remember we are Roses in God's eyes!
So, too, we should surround ourselves with people who can help us get to our love, remind us of the one who loves us above all, and we, too, should help to encourage them there is one that loves, cherishes, adores them--
Remember, people will let us down, even those closest to us, but there is one, our "Doctor", so to speak, who always will be there and is there, when we need him, who, in truth, loves us, cherishes us, adores us, and will go to great lengths to be with us---
So, in every thing you do, be a Rose Tyler! Accept the love and adoration of your beloved and let that be your saving grace that empowers you!
"How gracious will you be when pangs come upon you, Like the pain of a woman in labor?" Jeremiah 22:23
He who has ears, let him hear
And the love of the Doctor is just what I want to focus on. Today, I look at one of the best, if not the most loved, companions: Rose Tyler (played by the very talented, Billie Piper!)
Rose, I think, set the standard for the archetype of companion and relationship with the Doctor for those that would come after her. Billie Piper, who played Rose, played the role in such a way that we, as the viewer, could relate in that we, and perhaps mostly female viewers, would react the same way upon knowing the Doctor so intimately.
Rose could put him in his place yet still be the object of his attention and adoration. She was the companion who first came close to touching his heart and showing him that he could love, not just objectively, but truly love someone. He showed her the kind of adoration and affection and connection that he had shown no other companion or traveler. In addition, she understood him the way no one else could and stood by him even when they were separated.
He burnt up an entire sun just to say good-bye to her; she told him she loved him, he cried, she cried--
He told Martha that she was not replacement for Rose...
She did everything she could to get back to this world, this reality, so she could, yes, help to save the world and the rest of the universe, but be with him again--
And, those she was working with, helped her to get back to him---
The point was, Rose was cherished, loved, and adored by the Doctor. So, too, we are cherished, loved, and adored by our "Physician", and that is what should inspire and encourage us to do the right thing, stand for truth, fight the good fight, walk the walk He calls us too--
In the face of all adversity, pitfalls, trials, remember we are Roses in God's eyes!
So, too, we should surround ourselves with people who can help us get to our love, remind us of the one who loves us above all, and we, too, should help to encourage them there is one that loves, cherishes, adores them--
Remember, people will let us down, even those closest to us, but there is one, our "Doctor", so to speak, who always will be there and is there, when we need him, who, in truth, loves us, cherishes us, adores us, and will go to great lengths to be with us---
So, in every thing you do, be a Rose Tyler! Accept the love and adoration of your beloved and let that be your saving grace that empowers you!
"How gracious will you be when pangs come upon you, Like the pain of a woman in labor?" Jeremiah 22:23
He who has ears, let him hear
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Be A Martha! (Really, I mean, Really?)
First off, I am not talking the Martha from the Biblical story about Mary and Martha, sitting at Jesus at feet as opposed to busyness! No, rather, I am once again making a Doctor Who reference and its an association to stretching my faith. Strangely, lately, (and maybe this is because of the upcoming season (September 1st, BBC America!)) I have been finding a lot of spiritual and biblical associations with Doctor Who.
So, this one is about my, unfortunately, least favorite companion: Doctor Martha Jones. But, she has some good, really, and I think we, or at least me, can learn something from Martha's journey. I think, unfortunately, Martha followed Rose and we all know the popularity of Miss Tyler!
Yeah, so Martha started out as the lovesick, gasping companion but she grew stronger and stronger, more sure of herself the more she spent with the Doctor: she fulfilled her destiny.
Remember, in one of the many end of world shows, where the Doctor has been made to become his full age and he's all shriveled up and old and in a cage, and thus, in a sense, useless. Martha walks and travels all over the world, telling all she meets about the Doctor, and what he has done and how he can save the world, helping them to have faith in him and showing what they can do to bring about the world's salvation, in a sense.
And, then at the right moment, the entire world, perishing under the reign of the Master, speaks out one name "The Doctor" and all is made right as the Doctor is restored and sets things right...
Here's the point: The Doctor needed Martha's obedience to put herself out there, have the faith, and walk it out to help him do what he needed to do.
And, in a sense, we, too, can be Marthas in our walk with God. What God calls us to do, he provides the strength to obey and walk it out. To ensure the love of God abounds, so that all can unite and turn to him for their salvation and that of the world's. And, in that unification, as we come together as one, in prayer, and speak his name, if the Doctor did wonders, think only what God could do.
So, we may not love all our fellow sojourners and companions; We may have a few Marthas in our lives, but even our Marthas can strengthen us, if we allow them to, and help us grow closer to God and be more useful for His purpose and His will.
Share the truth; Share the love! Make a difference!
Think about it! Be a Martha!
He who has ears, let him hear
So, this one is about my, unfortunately, least favorite companion: Doctor Martha Jones. But, she has some good, really, and I think we, or at least me, can learn something from Martha's journey. I think, unfortunately, Martha followed Rose and we all know the popularity of Miss Tyler!
Yeah, so Martha started out as the lovesick, gasping companion but she grew stronger and stronger, more sure of herself the more she spent with the Doctor: she fulfilled her destiny.
Remember, in one of the many end of world shows, where the Doctor has been made to become his full age and he's all shriveled up and old and in a cage, and thus, in a sense, useless. Martha walks and travels all over the world, telling all she meets about the Doctor, and what he has done and how he can save the world, helping them to have faith in him and showing what they can do to bring about the world's salvation, in a sense.
And, then at the right moment, the entire world, perishing under the reign of the Master, speaks out one name "The Doctor" and all is made right as the Doctor is restored and sets things right...
Here's the point: The Doctor needed Martha's obedience to put herself out there, have the faith, and walk it out to help him do what he needed to do.
And, in a sense, we, too, can be Marthas in our walk with God. What God calls us to do, he provides the strength to obey and walk it out. To ensure the love of God abounds, so that all can unite and turn to him for their salvation and that of the world's. And, in that unification, as we come together as one, in prayer, and speak his name, if the Doctor did wonders, think only what God could do.
So, we may not love all our fellow sojourners and companions; We may have a few Marthas in our lives, but even our Marthas can strengthen us, if we allow them to, and help us grow closer to God and be more useful for His purpose and His will.
Share the truth; Share the love! Make a difference!
Think about it! Be a Martha!
He who has ears, let him hear
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The Great "Doctor"
"But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome one." Jeremiah 20:11
Okay, so many of you know that I am a rapid Doctor Who fan, and those who don't know, I come out to you: I love the Doctor. So, as I watch that show, I am continually struck by the allusions one can find in the Doctor to Christ, kind of hard to notice, but at times there. I mean, the idea that there is one man who comes from above who loves the world and always, always does the right thing and at the right time 'saves the day'. But, I could never pinpoint an exact episode or storyline to say, 'ah yes, this speaks to me of my truth', until this week.
A few years ago, during the "Twilight" craze (a show that I have yet to watch and may never due to the ubiquitious smathering of Kristen whatshername photos all over the tabloids in grocery stores (fortunately, I do not shop at those stores, much) but when I do, God help me! She seems like a vampire in real life, because, she and her boyfriend (?) seem to have this lifelessness in their eyes and the same gawking mouth....not attractive, really? But, I digress, I had a friend tell me how she saw the connection between Twilight and the story of Jesus. I took this with a grain of salt, not because of her faith or understanding (everyone has the thing that ticks them off) but because I have such a distaste for TV in general (still do, but my lovely partner has turned me on to some awesome shows, including that which of MY DOCTOR!)
So, I was rethinking about this week, perhaps because the new season is fast approaching (Hurrah! He's coming back....to me!)
I remember the episode where the rest of the Timelords use the Master for their evil plan of taking over the Earth to live on since their planet, Gallifrey, is burning. And, there is that moment where the Doctor (and the Master) send them all back to the burning planet and once again, the world is saved by the Doctor's hand. But, then there is Wilfred (Donna's Granddad) and, for his own safety, he has locked himself the chamber and poisonous gas is filling his lungs, and The Doctor tells him that if he opens the next chamber, he, The Doctor, will die....and there is Wilfred, almost in tears, but telling the Doctor not to, because he knows who the Doctor is...Wilfred, ready to sacrifice his life, for the world (a picture of us?)
And, with slight hesitation, the Doctor goes into the chamber, releasing Wilfred, and perishes....only to walk out of there, and then the regeneration (resurrecting begins)....
So, there it is, The Doctor, yes saved the world, but then turned and sacrificed himself (never to be done) for one human being: And that is the picture. Christ sacrificed for the world, but really, me. The poisonous gas (sin, my own wretchedness) was slowly destroying me and the Great Physician stepped in and....brought me back to life....
And then, he regenerates into something better....
He who has ears, let him hear
Okay, so many of you know that I am a rapid Doctor Who fan, and those who don't know, I come out to you: I love the Doctor. So, as I watch that show, I am continually struck by the allusions one can find in the Doctor to Christ, kind of hard to notice, but at times there. I mean, the idea that there is one man who comes from above who loves the world and always, always does the right thing and at the right time 'saves the day'. But, I could never pinpoint an exact episode or storyline to say, 'ah yes, this speaks to me of my truth', until this week.
A few years ago, during the "Twilight" craze (a show that I have yet to watch and may never due to the ubiquitious smathering of Kristen whatshername photos all over the tabloids in grocery stores (fortunately, I do not shop at those stores, much) but when I do, God help me! She seems like a vampire in real life, because, she and her boyfriend (?) seem to have this lifelessness in their eyes and the same gawking mouth....not attractive, really? But, I digress, I had a friend tell me how she saw the connection between Twilight and the story of Jesus. I took this with a grain of salt, not because of her faith or understanding (everyone has the thing that ticks them off) but because I have such a distaste for TV in general (still do, but my lovely partner has turned me on to some awesome shows, including that which of MY DOCTOR!)
So, I was rethinking about this week, perhaps because the new season is fast approaching (Hurrah! He's coming back....to me!)
I remember the episode where the rest of the Timelords use the Master for their evil plan of taking over the Earth to live on since their planet, Gallifrey, is burning. And, there is that moment where the Doctor (and the Master) send them all back to the burning planet and once again, the world is saved by the Doctor's hand. But, then there is Wilfred (Donna's Granddad) and, for his own safety, he has locked himself the chamber and poisonous gas is filling his lungs, and The Doctor tells him that if he opens the next chamber, he, The Doctor, will die....and there is Wilfred, almost in tears, but telling the Doctor not to, because he knows who the Doctor is...Wilfred, ready to sacrifice his life, for the world (a picture of us?)
And, with slight hesitation, the Doctor goes into the chamber, releasing Wilfred, and perishes....only to walk out of there, and then the regeneration (resurrecting begins)....
So, there it is, The Doctor, yes saved the world, but then turned and sacrificed himself (never to be done) for one human being: And that is the picture. Christ sacrificed for the world, but really, me. The poisonous gas (sin, my own wretchedness) was slowly destroying me and the Great Physician stepped in and....brought me back to life....
And then, he regenerates into something better....
He who has ears, let him hear
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Truth, as I see it, or something like that
"He walked with me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity."
--Malachi 2:6
I think the point of this scripture, to me, is found in the last line "turned many away from iniquity", which is found when we, as people who believe in God and, even, Jesus, walk in peace and equity with all man. But, I ask you, how can you do this, when we "Christians", who claim to follow the teachings of Christ, march on the street or boycott businesses that treat human beings as less than because their lifestyle, choice, beliefs seem contrary to ours or our intrepretation of the Bible. How is that reflecting the one we claim to serve and love and worship? How is that turning one away from the presumed iniquity? I am speaking primarily of the "homosexual agenda" but this could be any particular sin.
The scripture you rampant "Jesus freaks" (notice, in quotation) claim as proof of this is found in Romans 1ish:
"Likewise also men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."
First of, that is one scripture among many. Second of, in my recollection, that is the words of Paul, who yes, has some good things to say, but, and must I say this boldly, IS NOT JESUS!!! So, if he is not Jesus, and Jesus is the main thing, then why put such stock on Paul when even he said, plainly, to follow Christ, not him.
And what is the message of Christ but love, peace, grace....and how does he reach people with those love, how does he convert, or change, or "save", but, my dear friends, in relationship.
So, without further ado, I have finally come to the conclusion that homosexuality in itself is not sin, but sin is what separates us from God. For example, I have a very dear little lesbian friend (little because she is, hi! hi!) who I believe is more connected with Jesus because of her love for her fiance, her family, her friends, and understanding of herself in relation to God. Well, actually, its my intuition when I talk to her, I just know that nothing separates her from God and isn't, even with her choice of sexuality.
But, then I know of several Christians who, based on my once again intuition who seem further away from God, based on the sin of judgment and hatred...controlling behaviors which is contrary to God, because remember its his will not ours. But, I digress...
I think it is more of a sin if one tries to separate those who are brought together by God (for example, my darling love and I, a truth that was spoken to me several years ago "what God has brought together, let man not separate") and I speak of all relations. It's not our responsiblity, people!
I strive to be a Christian that would make Gandhi desire to "drink the kool-aid", not really just a real authentic example of Christ in every way so that my man, Gandhi and those lie him would actually like me for the very truth that I act in the same way as Christ (isn't that the key here?)
Sin is what separates you from God--He is love, hatred is the opposite of love, so therefore hatred is the opposite of God, so as God is the redeemer of our hearts, then if we carry the burden of hate in our hearts (and I am speaking of my heart, truthfully), then we are not in the right place of God and we must confess---everyone of us, for hate towards others--
So, one scripture speaks against homosexuality, and once again, that is Paul, not Jesus. It says "left the naturaly use' meaning male to female, yet if homosexuality is a sin and we are all "born in sin" naturally, then why is it not possible to be born gay? Hmm...food for thought! Then, homosexuality for some is natural---so then the natural use!! (Remember, we are all sinners!) And really, the worse kind of sexual immorality, adultery and even more so, child abuse (You burn in hell for that, folks, and me being a teacher/child care worker, hell will hath no fury like a teacher who discovers you have done that!)
The real reason for this rambling (sorry so long) is the true message of the Bible is the words of Christ, not Paul or anyone else, and all other voices should be drowned out by his (as should be in all our lives) and his message is:
"LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, and INCLUSION"
(We are all sinners, remember!!)
So, those that have that 'pure love', even the "gays", yes have more of a relationship and the spirit of God, Christ-likeness than Christians who forget the one who they are called by---the one who they are supposed to be like
Funny, gay means happy! Shouldn't we all be gay? And the rainbow, the banner of diversity, isn't it also a promise of God's love and grace and mercy?
And, yeah, if the supposed individuals who we claim to be sinners, (remember one pointing finger outwards has three pointing back), isn't it God's job to change their hearts? Why, then, do we use the Word of God as a weapon instead of a tool for our own salvation, our own recovery, then? Hmm...food for thought!
So, once again, I say plainly, it is not our responsibility to save, but God's, and in that it is not our duty to correct, but to trust that God has a purpose and a plan for all our stumblings, confusion...Remember, we are not all perfect and don't understand his purpose and plan?
All this is not to call out or condemn (for both sides of the equation, so if I offended any, well, there is the chance that I offended both which seems more fair and balanced (hi! hi!) but to openly confess my own 'backslidings'
Yes, I confess and openly admit: I am a Christian, fallible, judgmental, hypocrital, but I strive every day to extend the love and grace and actually walk HIS TALK, not mine!
Secondly, I am or seem to be of sorts, bipolar (which in the eyes of some is not real, but sin)
Thirdly, here goes nothing:
I openly admit and confess that I am....bisexual....and proud....
He who has ears to hear, let him hear....
*Disclaimer: the way I see it, love is love. We are not in love with the physicality or the body, but the soul. In this lifetime, that can take either gender. So, yes, I find women attractive, have thought about being with them, and even had strong feelings, perhaps love, for at least one, but, in all honesty, I prefer the male member....in short, I prefer my husband.
--Malachi 2:6
I think the point of this scripture, to me, is found in the last line "turned many away from iniquity", which is found when we, as people who believe in God and, even, Jesus, walk in peace and equity with all man. But, I ask you, how can you do this, when we "Christians", who claim to follow the teachings of Christ, march on the street or boycott businesses that treat human beings as less than because their lifestyle, choice, beliefs seem contrary to ours or our intrepretation of the Bible. How is that reflecting the one we claim to serve and love and worship? How is that turning one away from the presumed iniquity? I am speaking primarily of the "homosexual agenda" but this could be any particular sin.
The scripture you rampant "Jesus freaks" (notice, in quotation) claim as proof of this is found in Romans 1ish:
"Likewise also men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."
First of, that is one scripture among many. Second of, in my recollection, that is the words of Paul, who yes, has some good things to say, but, and must I say this boldly, IS NOT JESUS!!! So, if he is not Jesus, and Jesus is the main thing, then why put such stock on Paul when even he said, plainly, to follow Christ, not him.
And what is the message of Christ but love, peace, grace....and how does he reach people with those love, how does he convert, or change, or "save", but, my dear friends, in relationship.
So, without further ado, I have finally come to the conclusion that homosexuality in itself is not sin, but sin is what separates us from God. For example, I have a very dear little lesbian friend (little because she is, hi! hi!) who I believe is more connected with Jesus because of her love for her fiance, her family, her friends, and understanding of herself in relation to God. Well, actually, its my intuition when I talk to her, I just know that nothing separates her from God and isn't, even with her choice of sexuality.
But, then I know of several Christians who, based on my once again intuition who seem further away from God, based on the sin of judgment and hatred...controlling behaviors which is contrary to God, because remember its his will not ours. But, I digress...
I think it is more of a sin if one tries to separate those who are brought together by God (for example, my darling love and I, a truth that was spoken to me several years ago "what God has brought together, let man not separate") and I speak of all relations. It's not our responsiblity, people!
I strive to be a Christian that would make Gandhi desire to "drink the kool-aid", not really just a real authentic example of Christ in every way so that my man, Gandhi and those lie him would actually like me for the very truth that I act in the same way as Christ (isn't that the key here?)
Sin is what separates you from God--He is love, hatred is the opposite of love, so therefore hatred is the opposite of God, so as God is the redeemer of our hearts, then if we carry the burden of hate in our hearts (and I am speaking of my heart, truthfully), then we are not in the right place of God and we must confess---everyone of us, for hate towards others--
So, one scripture speaks against homosexuality, and once again, that is Paul, not Jesus. It says "left the naturaly use' meaning male to female, yet if homosexuality is a sin and we are all "born in sin" naturally, then why is it not possible to be born gay? Hmm...food for thought! Then, homosexuality for some is natural---so then the natural use!! (Remember, we are all sinners!) And really, the worse kind of sexual immorality, adultery and even more so, child abuse (You burn in hell for that, folks, and me being a teacher/child care worker, hell will hath no fury like a teacher who discovers you have done that!)
The real reason for this rambling (sorry so long) is the true message of the Bible is the words of Christ, not Paul or anyone else, and all other voices should be drowned out by his (as should be in all our lives) and his message is:
"LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, and INCLUSION"
(We are all sinners, remember!!)
So, those that have that 'pure love', even the "gays", yes have more of a relationship and the spirit of God, Christ-likeness than Christians who forget the one who they are called by---the one who they are supposed to be like
Funny, gay means happy! Shouldn't we all be gay? And the rainbow, the banner of diversity, isn't it also a promise of God's love and grace and mercy?
And, yeah, if the supposed individuals who we claim to be sinners, (remember one pointing finger outwards has three pointing back), isn't it God's job to change their hearts? Why, then, do we use the Word of God as a weapon instead of a tool for our own salvation, our own recovery, then? Hmm...food for thought!
So, once again, I say plainly, it is not our responsibility to save, but God's, and in that it is not our duty to correct, but to trust that God has a purpose and a plan for all our stumblings, confusion...Remember, we are not all perfect and don't understand his purpose and plan?
All this is not to call out or condemn (for both sides of the equation, so if I offended any, well, there is the chance that I offended both which seems more fair and balanced (hi! hi!) but to openly confess my own 'backslidings'
Yes, I confess and openly admit: I am a Christian, fallible, judgmental, hypocrital, but I strive every day to extend the love and grace and actually walk HIS TALK, not mine!
Secondly, I am or seem to be of sorts, bipolar (which in the eyes of some is not real, but sin)
Thirdly, here goes nothing:
I openly admit and confess that I am....bisexual....and proud....
He who has ears to hear, let him hear....
*Disclaimer: the way I see it, love is love. We are not in love with the physicality or the body, but the soul. In this lifetime, that can take either gender. So, yes, I find women attractive, have thought about being with them, and even had strong feelings, perhaps love, for at least one, but, in all honesty, I prefer the male member....in short, I prefer my husband.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Circumcize this!
"the ear is uncircumcised"
Without my daily quiet times, my ear can and will become uncircumcised--centering myself, feeding and filling my heart, with what glorifies him.
This then will bring him pleasure and will bring me pleasure and bring pleasure to all those around me and those I meet...(Wow, such a pleasurable experience writing that run-on sentence).
In everything I put my attention towards, without the LORD, I will not be able to "hear the message" of his story in all I focus on---books, Doctor Who, theatre, plays, interactions with others. My heart and mind will be less quicker, if at all, to pray, which will cause my soul to grow cold, hard, then the root of bitterness will spring up and I will be less moldable to his grace--
Not in his will, not be of use to him, not trying to 'further the kingdom' as I will not be pouring out his grace or filled with the spirit.
Not showing the world his love...
Without my daily quiet times, my ear can and will become uncircumcised--centering myself, feeding and filling my heart, with what glorifies him.
This then will bring him pleasure and will bring me pleasure and bring pleasure to all those around me and those I meet...(Wow, such a pleasurable experience writing that run-on sentence).
In everything I put my attention towards, without the LORD, I will not be able to "hear the message" of his story in all I focus on---books, Doctor Who, theatre, plays, interactions with others. My heart and mind will be less quicker, if at all, to pray, which will cause my soul to grow cold, hard, then the root of bitterness will spring up and I will be less moldable to his grace--
Not in his will, not be of use to him, not trying to 'further the kingdom' as I will not be pouring out his grace or filled with the spirit.
Not showing the world his love...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)