Jan 31

 

Romans 8:31

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Jan 30

 

Zechariah 4:6

6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Jan 29

 

Philippians 3:10

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Jan 25

 

Isaiah 40:29

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Jan 24

 

Psalms 29:11

11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Jan 23

 

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Jan 20

 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Why the Cross

"Why the cross? I do not think for a minute Jesus would like the thing he died on be the symbol of the religion his teachings are found on."

A person I have discussions with at times concerning religion, spirituality, and philosophy made many interesting and valid points about why he thinks that not only does Christianity need to make a major pivot away from the hate it has embraced, but it needs a new image, and that starts with a new universal image. 

Here was how he went into it to me: Image, if you will (yes, from Twilight Zone Show) Jesus drops in for a visit to see if we got our shit together.  A small group realizes it is the Son of God and invites him to visit their Church.  Denomination doesn't really matter in this case.  They give him a tour and then offer to take him for a meal and to have a conversation.

Now, my friend points out that all the major discourse, discussions, and conversations happen when Jesus walks or eats in the Bible, so this part is in his story. 

As he walks, he asks about all the stuff in the Church he saw. He was curious about the Altar, the TV screens, and the pews, and why they became necessary. He also was asking about why the various things he was seeing happening around him. He even jests it looked like the Romans, Pharisees, and the Sanhedrin had regained control from all the corruption and hate in the world. The men he was walking with wondered if he was God's son then he knew all this already; he was testing us.

As they sit, he asks them a very pointed question: Why the cross with an image of me that looks nothing like me? What makes you think I want the cross, the thing a world like this executed me on for being everything I was meant to be?

This caught them off guard. They were stumped on how to answer this. Finally, the bravest of the group said it is to remind us, those that follow your teachings, that you lived, then died for us so that we could live. Another time in that it is to remind us of your passion and death, and you rose.

As he ate what had been provided, he contemplated what they had said. 

 He then asked what the symbol that looked like an "X" with a "P" in it.  This excited one of them. He started by saying that was his preferred symbol of Christ and Jesus over the cross. He explains that a Roman Emperor, Constantine designed it as a symbol on his shields in his holy war to protect Christianity. He further stated it was the first letter in the Greek word for Christos or Christ.

All he said was interesting, and Constantine had it all wrong. Jesus made no other comment.

That all sat quiet and ate. He finally spoke again.

Father and, by extension, I see most all things. I find the cross with me handing on it is portrayed as a symbol of anything good offensive. I find that the Churches profit from me and my teachings. Most importantly, I find that you worship me and ignore my teaching as sinful at a root level. I did not live and die so I could be worshiped. I lived to teach you the way to live a moral life and find salvation, not to be worshiped while you ignore everything I stood for. 

I would prefer the simple fish symbol with nothing added to it or, at the most, the word XPIETOE in Greek letters. It is more about the early Jews that started this religion, you claim I started.  I was born to a Jew, I lived as a jew, and I died as a jew. I started nothing when I lived. Paul and Peter did all of that. 

So do me a favor and try to spread the word. The cross is offensive to me; your version of what I want is an abomination, and you all need to follow that teaching and stop with the worship.

He then vanished, leaving these men in stunned silence.

My friend said that is how he sees it going. That is why the Churches are looking for membership and why the younger generation does not claim to be religious nor plan to be. They do state they are spiritual and moral. 

I HAD NO ARGUREMENT. I can see it happening more this way than any alternative I could think of. 

Jan 18

 

Isaiah 26:3

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Jan 17

 

Psalms 46:1

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Jan 16

 

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jan 15

 

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Jan 11

Ephesians 4:22

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 

Jan 8

 

Ezekiel 11:19

19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Jan 5

 

Lamentations 3:22

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Jan 4

 

Colossians 3:9

9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

Dec 31

 A friend posted this. I thought it was a positive outlook for the new year and wanted to share.

If you owe me, don't worry about it.

If you wronged me, it's all good.

If you're arguing with me, you won.

If we aren't speaking, it's cool. Be safe, and I still wish you well.

If you feel I wronged you, I apologize.

Life is TOO SHORT for all the extra UNNECESSARY DRAMA!

I'm present in the moment and focused on me, my family, and goals.

I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.

Feel free to copy and paste...

Spread the POSITIVITY!!!!!

Jan 2

Isaiah 65:17

17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

In this passage, you see Isaiah describe using poetic imagery what God's promises of the eternal state in heaven will be like. This is just one sentence in a large descriptive section, 65:17-25, that can be confusing in its meaning. When taken with the whole of this book in the Bible, my conclusion is the describing a new center to our world with all manner of people live and know and delight in God and live in peace and harmony with all, no matter their backgrounds or their beliefs. 

Jan 1 2024

 

Revelation 21:5

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”