by admin | Mar 21, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Relationship Not Religion!
This is a statement out of the Book of Matthew in the Bible, about which must have been taught. It was the ninth hour of Jesus’ crucifiction when He uttered the words above. This is also the first line of Psalms 22 written hundreds of years before by King David.
Was Jesus quoting that verse. Many say he quoted the whole Psalm. I would like to respectfully share my feelings about this verse out of Scripture. From the moment in the garden that Jesus said “Thy will be done.” all the sins of world began to fall on Him. All the things that men tried to do to Him before that came to naught because He was sinless. My sins and yours and all those through history have received forgiveness if we choose to receive His gift–of His brutal beatings, the mockery he endured, the humiliation and abuse was all for mankind, as the heart of His Heavenly Father was broken, yet committed to John 3:16, that all the world would be saved.
I come out a very broken past, much sin, and I know what it is like to feel alone and to have no one. To have guilt and shame and no understanding of how to rid my soul of it’s torment. Oh, I was normal on the outside, but felt totally forsaken inside much of the time. I learned late in my life that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus, with God, Himself and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit at all times. However, there are times when I feel forsaken when my lack of faith, or worry or agreement with the world that evil is more powerful than His ability to change it. But, thank God those times are short and I again feel His presence, His love.
When we are full of the things of the world we feel forsaken, even though the Lord promises over and over He will never leave or forsake us. Jesus knew that! But, overwhelmed with the sin of the world Jesus felt forsaken. And, why wouldn’t He? He had to suffer all that we suffer, so that when Jesus said it was finished, it was finished!
Such good and wonderful news, He never does forsake us. However, we need to remember we must accept Jesus into our hearts, that is the Divine Key to freedom and relationship with the Almighty. When I feel forsaken, I ask myself do I need to change something in my life (repent); do I need to forgive someone; then just to praise and worship until the wall I have built in my mind is gone.
There is so much in the story of Jesus on this Easter weekend. Like our Heavenly Father we would all like to see the world saved and enjoy His awesome presence. There are times when illness and pain will block our awarness of Him, but we need to live out of our spirit with Him regardless of our physical condition. Not alway easy, but always rewarding and encouraging. May the Grace of His unmerited favor give all of us the ability to have His faith in any condition!
by admin | Mar 20, 2008 | Politics, Relationship Not Religion!
I have been wanting to know, or I should say understand, for years why black people born in America want to be called African American? And, often it seems it is used in context with anger and an adamant view that we should sit up and take notice of who they are.
Whether it is Oprah or Obama or Rev. Wright, Jr. using the term, what is the point?
If this is truly a mark of pride for their heritage would they not want to use it with gladness and joy so that we could take notice and appreciate that with them. But it seems it is to remind us of what they have suffered and how badly they were treated and are being treated (Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.).
As a Christian I use the ‘label’ of Christian only to share some good news. Maybe some use it to to declare that they are right and others are not, but that is not smart or wise, or Christian.
I come from a wild and woolly background of Irish (who had their pain and struggles when they came to America), English, Quaker Dutch, and oh, yes, 1/8 American Indian (who were treated badly, lied to, and oppressed). Still I have yet to understand how I can undo the wrongs by claiming my heritage in a strong sit up and take notice attitude of either superiority or to declare to the world over and over, my ancestors were victims!
People come to American for the ‘American Dream’ and it has and always will require personal effort, determination and a winning attitude–then sometimes life is just mediocre. As far as I can see, it is still better than 2/3 of the world. The dream certainly won’t become reality from from anger, resentment and hostility.
Labels lock people into a stereo-type no one needs. I heard about dysfunctional families until I wanted to throw up. Thank God, that has quieted down. We are all dysfunctional in some area, and hopefully working to correct what we can.
Should we ever forget the atrocities of the past, whether they are African slaves, or Jewish persecution and slaughter, or American Indian betrayal? Of course not, we need to be aware of history and absolutely determined not to allow history to repeat itself.
At this very second people are being crucified in some form, and persecuted as Christians all over the world. Men, women and children are being slaughtered and used as slaves in Africa, and brutal wars fought over the labels of being in one tribe or another.
Could we not just be Americans? Forgiving and repenting of judgment and striving for a better world. Not just America, but a better world? How about making efforts to rebuild families and instill confidence in our children, black, white or any other color, of respect for each other and a love for our country? I know we can, it is a decision each of us must make.
However I am left with the same question:
Why African American?
by admin | Mar 18, 2008 | Politics
Lots of sizzle in politics this year! And, far from boring….I find myself wondering, ‘What’s next?’ What is the moral of this story of Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright, Jr.?
Be careful who you hang out with!
Normally that would not be a question about where we go to church, or would it? I have found in attending church it took months before I had some insight into what doctrine was being taught, even though every church has a mission statement. All too often, in my opinion, and this is my blog, Men and Women of God teach more on social ills, moral sins and our need to be Wright, oh I meant right and Holy instead of how Holy, Right and Powerful God is. How wonderful it would be if we were taught to take the place, authority and power God intended, not lectures on how bad we are–shucks we know that.
Reverend Wright, Jr. has a very interesting name. Jeremiah the name of an Old Testament Prophet and Wright, are good foundations for a man to build on, especially a man in leadership in the church. Unfortunately most of America and the world will remember his loud screaming voice (which I found hard to understand) cursing the country in which he has the freedom to do so.
Obama is caught in lime light of his association of several men of question to those of us who value the freedom and opportunity we enjoy in America, both Black and White….and Hispanic….and on and on. There have been so many injustices in the past for the Blacks, the Jews, the Indians, the Italians and the Irish….on and on. There is no way to make it right, but we could sure prevent more of it with some tolerance and good sense.
I have always thought if I were Muslim or Buddhist I would want Christians in office to maintain the Christian idea that all men are free to worship as they choose. What a naive idea right? God gives us free will and let’s us choose, so I vote with Him. And, will fight to keep that right, that I surely do not see perpetuated through out the world.
Reverend Wright, Jr. needs a vacation and time to remember God is a God of love, kindness and mercy. Not just Black Americans but all people need to know the power of God available through prayer….the power of God through His Son Jesus….the power of forgiveness to heal and solve problems. The very power we enjoy because of the events we celebrate this coming Easter Sunday.
Barack Obama needs to have a ‘wisdom’ check on his friends and associates. How will he pick his running mate? How will he pick his cabinet? Will it be someone he has known for years but didn’t know they had anger and hate for the very country he is passionately wanting to serve? Is he or Hillary, or John a good judge of character to rule and rein in this country? Oh, I meant serve in this country.
This is not only true for Obama but all of us. Who do we associate with? Are we judged, trusted or criticized by our associates? It is one thing to pray and want the best for people but quite another to include them in our ‘inner circle’ of relationships. And I would say a man who baptizes you, marries you and preaches to you for 20 years would become transparent enough to know what he believes and stands for.
May God help them, help us to keep our eyes open, our hearts guarded and move with compassion and mercy to whatever we are called as individual to do! And, most passionately I declare, GOD BLESS AMERICA!
by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Family/Marriage, Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments
My son Greg decided to take his wife, Mary, and the whole family to Maui for a vacation to celebrate Mary’s 50th birthday. They live in southern California and I live in the northern end, and I was delighted when they insist ‘Nana’ come along. Well, I was a little hesitant because I had pictures of snorkeling, beaches and bikinis–not exactly my lifestyle at my age. But it didn’t take too much pressure to convince me this was an opportunity of a life time. I had never been to Hawaii, but always had the desire! See there–it’s never too late!
Other friends decided to come along and there seventeen in the party. Greg rented one big house and friends a small one for four people. We co-ordinated activities and began to truly enjoy the tropical weather.
The first couple of days there was a little dark cloud in my mind. Here comes the truth in all of this. This trip was in November and in the weeks before leaving I had become acquainted with two African Pastors. John from Kenya and Camarade from Rwanda. Both have families, orphanages and a church. As I learned first hand of their needs I had endeavored to help, and still have that strong desire. I had helped African projects before but this was my first time to know someone personally.
As we began to enjoy the beach (I watched the snorkeling) and some leisure time I began to talk to the Lord. “I don’t feel right about spending the money on this trip (although it wasn’t my money or my decision), when I know how much need there is for Camarade, and John. Lord is this right?” And the little black cloud hovered!
The second day the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. The Holy Spirit can give you a word, a sentence or more and the revelation comes with it in a bigger picture. “If people did not spend money there would be no economy, there would be no jobs, and there would be no help for any ministry work.” I was immediately aware of how true that is. Our inclination at times is to judge others for what they spend and how much, and can be hard on ourselves. And, it seems especially the rich….big houses, yachts, expensive cars.
Whoa, think a minute with me. All those things have to be built. The components shipped, cars manufactured, trucks, railroads, and ships delivering, importing, exporting and all that goes with it. If the rich stop being rich, there will be no one to feed the poor.
So I realllly began to enjoy the trip. My son is far from rich except in faith and love for others. His company produces a browser to protect children from the Internet, because of his love for children. Tuki.com or CEN.com will take you for a visit. He works long hours and to see him relaxing and enjoying so much time with family was wonderful.
This trip was to celebrate my daughter-in-law’s 50th birthday! Well, check out the gallery of pictures I have posted, she is beautiful and doesn’t seem to age. She has been a great Mom and a tremendous partner to my son. They have been through great losses, spiritual battles, and changes in their lives in business and residence to provide for their family. It was a wise decision to enjoy family and vacation when the opportunity was available.
Greg was also a speaker at an investment conference in Honolulu. Greg, Mary, Candace and I flew to Honolulu on Saturday. The girls shopped, Greg and I went to the meeting. I met new friends and some delightful Christians with whom we spent the night at their home. Their home on the ocean was a picture post card and the dinner they provided was yummy!
During the trip I had opportunity to minister making my trip complete–how could I go any where and not share Jesus with someone? I’m ole’ hat to my family, I needed fresh ground in which to plant. And, last but not least, definitely not least I went hang gliding over Maui! The thrill of a lifetime, 3500 feet in air, on a seat back of an instructor with just two wings and a small engine. Afraid to snorkel in 10-15 feet of water, but absolutely goofey about flying miles in the air….go figure!
I hope Mary enjoyed her birthday party as much as I did, and the lesson I had forgotten about appreciating our commercial economy and what it has done for the world. God bless America! Let’s fight for rights we have enjoyed and continue to bless others with our abundance!
P S There are pictures from our trip, posted on the Gallery, click top of page.
by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Politics
Allegations that Planned Parenthood has committed $180 Million in fraud should make us wake up and take notice….well, some of us have taken notice of Planned Parenthood in the past, unhappily.
For those who have learned, speaking of myself, I had to learn that life begins at conception and abortion gives no choice to the baby that was just conceived. So some of the activities of Planned Parenthood have not been in the best interest of bringing Kingdom of Heaven to earth as Jesus taught us to pray.
Life is a privilege not a choice!
Is this all about religion? No, it is a moral stand for equality of life. It was easy to see how compassion would create a venue for this destruction of unborn babies. Who in their right mind would condone unwanted pregnancies–bringing in more children to add to the roles of single mothers and children on welfare. It sounds good, but behind the curtain of ignorant mercy hides an evil desire to do away with the genius, inventors and oh yes, politicians of tomorrow.
Who would condone unwanted pregnancies? No one! But, who would want the demise of millions of babies. I would hope no one. That does not seem to be the case. We have hundreds if not thousands trying to have a baby, and turn to all kinds of alternative methods instead of healing the flow of unwanted babies, by adoption.
“Abortions are very common. In fact, more than one in three women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. ” is a fact from the Planned Parenthood website. This is a reason to offer abortion instead of assistance and adoption?
My hope and prayer is, that this allegation will lead to investigation and an overhaul of Planned Parenthood with new people, guide lines and agenda. That the political machine behind replacing abstinence with abortion will come to naught.
Whatever the devil and his demons cause for evil God can turn to good with prayer, and dedication of purpose on the part of His children who are called by His Name.
I do not believe we can forgive behavior, but the people involved in the behavior. Let us storm the Heavenlies with our prayer, declaring the Will of God and the Desires of His Heart be done on earth as it is in Heaven!
Wheeee….that sound like a good plan! (excuse the pun)
One last comment on Mr. Spitzer that he and others caught up in destructive activities will seek out a church that offers healing and deliverance! A personal responsibility!
