In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
(Gen 1:1)
How many people do actually believe these words, the very first verse of the Bible?
Look at this statement. Bold and simple, clear and sharp. Yet probably the most questioned one of the Scriptures, together with the next thirty verses.
Look at the picture here. A beautiful, blue planet (it is called so by astronauts), quite lonely in the black nothingness of space. Well, yes, there are other planets, there is our Sun and an endless amount of other stars - but really, we are pretty lonely in space, aren't we?
Our human understanding of God is extremely limited, in spite of our imagination, faith and proof. We cannot possibly envision those first six days of our Universe. The immensity of the task, the vastness of space and matter is beyond us. How come then that people have almost no problems with putting their beliefs in theories of Big Bang or any other scientific absurdity disregarding God? In fact, Big Bang and its 'infinitely compressed matter' has a lot in common with 'something from nothing' from the Bible, with one huge difference - the CAUSE of it all.
Then come, of course, many other interesting things to believe. I mean really - it is a huge leap of faith to be an atheist and claim all that to be true. The intelligent life form represented by man is NOT a result of some function of time and coincidence. Plus primordial soup. Plus lots of luck. No such chance.
Look in the mirror, look at your children laughing, talking, learning new things every day, intelligently irritating you, loving you unconditionally.
Do you see clouds in the sky? Their ever changing forms and colors?
Do you see the forest line against the sky in the evening sunlight? It looks like it were burning, only to get grey and black a short while later...
Think of the variety of languages we use, of our urge to put our words for future usage, on paper or on screen... Isn't that awesome how people apply extremely complicated codes of communication with ease, from the first year of their lives? And how impossible a task it is to scientifically describe a language, or even more difficult to computerize it? I studied both disciplines, they are both captivating, interesting, developing constantly, but still so inadequate in comparison to the real thing - human language.
God made us with our complexity and beauty, and He protects us by His Grace.
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; thou savest me from violence.
(2Sa 22:3)
My Lord and My God.
PS.
- Watch The Privileged Planet
- Watch The Free Creation Science Videos
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? (2Co 6:14)
What does it mean to put your trust in Christ? If you think it will be easy, you are deadly wrong. If you think you will meet understanding and admiration - you'd better think again. If you expect people to partake in the Truth with you - don't.
Jesus meant what He said:
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Mat 16:24-25)
I think many people take those words lightly. When you look at the churches today, you do not see the fire in them, but rather some lukewarm pretence. People profess with their lips, but not with their hearts. 'Just in case' - seems to be the fashionable approach. In fact - it has always been so.
As soon as they notice that you become serious about God, they start accusing you of being strange, becoming sectarian, fundamentalistic, hating your family, they also start throwing ungrounded accusations towards your brothers and sisters in Christ, they are full of selfrighteousness and pride over their goodness, they start talking much and quickly and they finally get very angry with you. The closer your relationship with them is, the more angry they become.
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. (Rom 5:1-5)
Endure. Do not give in. Pray and believe. Seek support of other Christians. Do not believe in accusations of being lacking in love, of not being tolerant, of being selfish. Put your trust in Jesus and His words of Promise.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (Joh 10:27-29)
From today's newspaper:
"
The decision about 'blessing act' is postponed by the Church Leadership
Church of Sweden needs some more time to ponder over how the 'act of blessing' for homosexual couples should be put together.(...)
"There is no doubt whatsoever that the act is going to be introduced. However, we are not quite clear on the final form of it", says archbishop Anders Wejryd, the new president of the Church Board, in a press release.
The very decision that the Church of Sweden is to begin with the act of blessing for homosexual couples who had previously been registered by state was made last autumn. Since then there have been continuous activities in order to formulate instructions for two alternative ceremonial acts. What is left to do now is to put them in form.
"An example is whether to write 'before God' or 'before the Face od God'", says Levi Bergström, the vicepresident of the Church Board.
"
The commentary to this is not mine. Paul does it so much better:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. (2Ti 3:1-9)
P.S. On Slice of Laoidicea I found an appropriate text concerning Sweden.
Passes constantly, an invisible friend and enemy at the same time, unmerciful companion of our life, unjust dispenser of seconds and years. When we are children, we long to be grown up. When we are older, we look back and are sad that the youth is gone forever.
When did all those years go? It was only yesterday when... Well, everybody understands that.
There was a terrible, terrible accident this last winter. Somebody very young died tragically. The family was left without explanation, with guilt, with everlasting grief, with an impossible task to put things right. This young person would be 15 today.
What do you do to give comfort, to help? What can you do? How can you do it?
The fact is - there is nothing you can do for this young person.
I know that, Bible-believing Christians know that. Catholics do not know that.
They pray for the dead, they light candles, they pay for masses, and, strangely enough, even the lip-believers do that (those who do not care most of the time).
But coming to death, they tend to employ every possible measure to buy some kind of salvation. When you talk to them under some rather more normal circumstances, they do not want to talk about God at all, claiming that they really do not believe all that stuff. In somewhat more usual situations they would 'cross fingers', but on an occasion like this they suddenly pray. Imagine that.
I feel really sorry for the family of this young person. And I understand where all this devotion to traditions is coming from - because I lived it for many years and saw nothing wrong with it. Nobody showed me that it was wrong. The 'shepherds' confirmed the practices, took part in them, condoned them wholeheartedly. I think those minor priests are being deceived the same way the flock members are. (But this is not the topic of this post - somehow I got to another division :)
Solely thanks to the Grace of God I know better now.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. (2Pe 3:18)
Or Fall. Whatever. I use British English, this is what I studied for my major, and sometimes I do not want to confuse my knowledge :-)
I know, a hopeless dream, now that so much English comes from across the ocean...
Anyway, autumn is here, incredibly mild and summer-like this year, letting me wear my summer shoes and clothes, letting us enjoy the warmth of the sun, mushrooms in the forest, family walks around our local lake (the one in the picture is not the one I write about).
I like autumn, its calm and peace, soft colors and richness of gifts in nature. It is not as demanding as summer, when you have to enjoy your holidays, not as expecting as spring, when everybody is longing for adventure of summer, and not so harsh as winter, and believe me - winters here are winter-y.
This autumn calmness is in my soul, too, this year incomparably greater than all my previous years. All the storms of my life are over, all the winds have gone away, and what is instead is the certainty of Grace, and the crucible of It is my home now.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luk 8:24)
...is a challenge for a Christian. There are atheists, but there are theists, too. There are all possible and impossible religions in the world, and they all claim their right. There are sects and cults, there are Satanists... How many religions are there? Has anybody done a serious counting? I guess so.
So as a Christian, convinced of the Truths of the Bible, you are forced to more or less study those other religions and world views to be able to meet those people and show them the God of the Bible in a respectful and responsible way. Especially in today's society, where we meet people from various cultures and religions daily. Take for example the school I work at. All possible religions and views there, it has become impossible to organize any kind of satisfying Christmas celebration or Easter remembrance. I stopped, long time ago, long before I met Jesus.
To be or not to be of Christianity is Evangelization. Remember what Paul wrote?
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
(2Ti 4:1-4)
Timothy was young and insecure, often ill, weak. This was not seen as an obstacle, though.
I often think about these words. We need to study the Word, and we need to pray for Holy Spirit in us. Not forsaking the knowledge of the world religions, but trusting in God and His promise, we shall receive our fruit most assuredly.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
(Col 1:16-17)
What a wonderful message. What a wonderful Savior.
Just think - all things, everywhere, and in Him all things hold together.
English Standard Version seemed the best translation here.
Without Christ nothing was made, and without him nothing exists now! This is not only a matter of our salvation, though this alone makes it overwhelming, but this is a matter of everything.
Nothing exists without His power sustaining it. This means that everything is subordinated to Him. This also means that because He is the sole dispenser of salvation by Grace, He has the power to protect His own sheep. We can trust Him without slightest hesitation, now and always. He knows our hearts, He knows our thoughts, He loves us unconditionally, and He promised to never abandon us.
My Lord and my God.
Do not give that which is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and tear you. (Mat 7:6)
Indeed, do not. For every sound Christian there are basics of faith that have always been true and indisputable. We take them for granted almost, believing that noone could possibly question them, ever. But when you stand before sect members, everything is possible, and there are no sacred issues of your faith.
How do you then talk to a cult member who denies the very essence of Christianity, i. e. Deity of Christ? And even after being presented with every possible Bible verse, with every possible Bible interpretation, the only shaky answer they give you is:
'Oh, all right, I might agree that Jesus is 'of God'... But he is not God.'
'Who is Jesus, then?', I ask, knowing the answer to come, but still wanting to chill down a bit.
All possible answers come, none of them logical, biblical, sound. All of them being the result of brain washing of a powerful cult, preying on ignorance and desire of belonging.
This is my warning to those who think that dealing with sects is a piece of cake. Well, it isn't. You may know your Bible well, you may be able to use it as a sword of Christ, but there is mostly one outcome - you scare the opponent, but you will not convince him.
Why is it so? Is the desire of belonging, the false support of a group so powerful, that even God's Word cannot penetrate through it? Or is it the fear of rejection by someone the person trusts and has invested a lot into? How strong are the bonds of deceit, planted by the leaders of a sect? Why do people agree to be mislead?
Good, decent people, once searching, now tired of looking, satisfied with the false doctrine, finding in it some strange and twisted comfort.
The answer is in The Bible. As always. Why do not they see it?
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. (1Jo 4:1-3)
For help and support in witnessing to JW's, go to K&K Ministries. It is one of many wonderful places where one can learn how to deal with the false teachings of sects.
Brooklyn.org.pl is a Polish site on the same topic.
Besked.se is a site in Swedish.
I have been raised with love for music, for classical music mostly. Visits to opera were my weekly experiences from the day I could read (and it was early, believe me).
The city I come from is famous for its excellent philharmonic hall, opera house and several theaters. I miss it here where I live now, in a small place in Sweden. A little bit later in my life I developed a taste for the somewhat more popular music, and today I like most of the genres (with some definite exceptions, nevertheless).
The music listed in my profile does not really say much of these tastes, because I would have to make this list veeery long. Rather - it is my present state of preferences. Some films on my favorite list are there also because of the music in them. The wonderful tones of LOTR, composed by Howard Shore, are not easily matched by anything else. Music in Blues Brothers - well, it is THE BLUES, period.
Both I and my husband have gathered an impressive collection of CD's and LP's, as well as DVD's, those latter ones both with movies and music.
What is good music, then? A complicated question, because the answer depends on taste, mood, preferences, education, culture, language, philosophy, religion... And all these are individual and impossible to value right or wrong. For me good music must be both pleasing to the ear and provocative at the same time. Every generation has its own music, and I discovered with terror that I am not different at all. "My" music (popular) fits best in the 80's, the days when I myself was young and open for new impressions.
Now all this was all right, but these days there is one most important factor to consider in my life, and it concerns every aspect of it, music included. I truly seek music to be of God nowadays.
As it is written:
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
(1Ch 16:9)
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
(Psa 33:3)
I do not believe that there is a particular style in music that is more pleasing to God than other styles. I am convinced that sincerity and beauty, as well as the message, are what counts. God does not change, but generations do. We no longer listen to music played in the times of the Temple of Salomon, we create new music all the time, music that uses our talents - those of the composers and those of the listeners alike.
The 107 Theses is a biblical presentation of what a good Godly Christian contemporary music should be like. I was very impressed when I read it first time. It is a sound and firm answer to all
those who put all CCM into one sack. There are people who take God seriously, and still manage to keep their music powerful, attractive and interesting. This is by no means winning souls for every price. This is not cheap evangelism, either - as some conservatives could argue.
Having said that - it is a pity that so few singers and composers scrutinize their work biblically.
I cannot live without music. I wonder - what is the heavenly music going to be like? :)
This is my somewhat shaky reflection on Steve Camp's post concerning Spurgeon and his sermon about God's Will and Man's Will.
First of all I would like to express my deepest appreciation of Mr Camp's engagement, zeal and fire in his presentation and support of the Biblical truths. How much his firm foundation means to me is really hard to describe in words. Thank You.
Now, to my humble thoughts.
We are being presented with choices in almost every awake minute of our lives. It does not matter where your world view is anchored - you still have to make choices.
From the historical perspective one can clearly see that the amount of choices has been growing exponentially throughout the time. The first couple had but one choice to make - to eat or not to eat from the forbidden tree. I would not even attempt presenting a list of choices that are put before us today. It almost seems that the more sin has the power over us, the more choices accompany it.
Now, I do not mean that choices come from our sinful nature directly, but rather that the complexity of life conditions (this resulting from sin) creates this ocean of choices.
Look at our children. From the very beginning they are encouraged to choose; most of the child psychologists claim such development to be good. I wonder... Are parents really comfortable every time to leave the matter of choices to their children? Is it healthy to water down the borders and rules?
As it is now, we are practically forced into letting the child to steer and get lost... Otherwise a parent is labeled old-fashioned and intolerant, not following the humanistic science.
Think about it: when you know nothing about the possible outcome of your future decision, how can you choose between wrong and right? The only thing you will do is to follow your expectations, however faulty, and hope for the best, but this is no solid guarantee for success. Your carnal mind will most probably take you astray from the right path. And we know that this is usually the case, don't we?
But a child does not even know that, and left to his/her wishes chooses the most tempting alternative. Who is the father of temptation? We know that, too.
What I am aiming at is the danger of not following the given and firm guidance of the Bible in our lives. Some people would say that 'hey, you choose the simplistic option of taking an ideology that gives a preformatted solution to everything'. That instead of exploring the vast amount of possibilities we limit ourselves and our children. Well, let them who say so try to live a truly Christian life. I bet they would give up after one week.
Children need boundaries, they hunger for rules and decisions made for them by grown-ups (until a certain age, anyway :) ). They do not thrive in constant gardening of choices and shopping for decisions. They do not benefit in us 'letting go'. We do not benefit in letting our children grow wild.
But the same is with us. I do not believe for a moment that we are so much different than our offspring. We also need firm guidance to holiness and God. We are sinners, saved by Grace, yet still hopeless and rebellious. What Spurgeon says is so true! I know that what I wrote is not EXACTLY on the same topic, but somehow this sermon provoked this direction of my thoughts.
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
(Pro 1:1-33)
Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
(Job 31:6)
How radical can your views and beliefs be? The limits are given by God. What is pleasing to Him, is good for us. At the same time we have to remember that our faith is of Grace, our salvation is of Grace, and that our works can not earn us anything. But, on the other hand (I am starting to sound like Tevje the milkman in "Fiddler on the Roof"), if we have not works, our faith is dead.
Why am I writing all this? Because a visit to one site made me very uneasy. Bethel Ministries presents a lot of interesting material for Christians. Yet the message is not what I may call loving and true, though it presents itself as such. I thought that my views were radical, after I had accepted Christ as my Savior and my Lord. But it is nothing compared to the views presented there.
I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe it is the looks - black background is not exactly the color one can expect on a Christian site; or maybe it is the overall style - "I know best"-type of thing.
This is the place where you as Christian will find out that whatever you believe and do - it is wrong. It is not biblical, it is not radical enough, not good enough. There are no pastors of God, there are no churches of God, there is nothing good enough except the views of the author of this site. For me it sounds like an invitation to some cult - a different one, not making you to join, but to come out of whatever congregation you are in.
I even mailed the author some questions on certain issues I felt uneasy about, but the answer was that I was very much lacking in discernment and that answering my questions would be an utter waste of time to try to convince me of the truths presented on his web site.
Well, what do you say to that...
I would like to know what some other people think about that site. I shall stand corrected if I am wrong. Right now my overwhelming feeling is that of unease and sadness.
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
(Pro 11:1-2)
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
(Act 26:13)
Simple thoughts about Paul.
What a blessing this special Apostle is to all of us who have lived AFTER the times of Christ. All the other Apostles, Christ's Disciples, had the gift of being there and seeing with their own eyes, of experiencing the Truth and rejoicing in the resurrection. Paul had no such history, his part was to BELIEVE, as is our part. Believe and obey, follow The Lord to the end, as he boldly did.
This man is a beautiful example for all Christians on their way to God. An example of hope, of Grace possibility for even the greatest sinner and enemy of God. Nothing is impossible for God, and that very thought lightens up some dark moments of every human life.
I have come across some hateful sites, written against Paul, really awful stuff. It really is hard to grasp the width of heresy and apostasy around us. The horrible truth is that there are people gullible enough to follow those wolves in sheep's clothing, in spite of any decent effort to stop them from going astray. They somehow like lies more than truth, as it is written...
Finally, very powerful verses:
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth (1Jo 1:5-6)
Psa 33:1-22
(1) Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
(2) Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
(3) Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
(4) For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
(5) He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
(6) By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
(7) He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
(8) Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
(9) For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
(10) The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to naught: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
(11) The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
(12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
(13) The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
(14) From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
(15) He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
(16) There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
(17) A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
(18) Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
(19) To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
(20) Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
(21) For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
(22) Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
I wanted to share this beautiful psalm with those who please to come by my blog.
There is something sinister about this word. Or maybe not in the word, but in the way people have been using it.
Once upon a time I thought nothing of it, it was politically correct and trendy to be tolerant. If you are not tolerant, you are labeled old-fashioned conservative stupid fundy. So I was tolerant. Very tolerant. Always listening to others, nodding while being presented with their views, trying to smile politely, sometimes even believing I was tolerant. I was so tolerant that I couldn't believe myself :).
And then somebody showed me another word and its meaning. The 'L'-word. You know, LOVE. And I got the
opportunity to contrast it to the 'T'-word. What a difference! Of course, the 'L'-word comes with negation of 'T'-word. It is hard to let go. Really hard. But once I did, I felt really free and filled with joy.
You see, humanism tries to convince us that everything is good. That is - except Jesus, the real One, the One from the Bible. Because all the other Jesus figures are quite all right, they do not try to bother people too much, they are very nice and kind, and they show up when needed, like for Christmas (then they are babies, no harm expected), or in the company of painted eggs.
Astrology is good, veeeery interesting, exciting; yoga is good - one gets healthy and fit; violence is good - what can a movie do to harm you, it is just a made up story, c'm on... Motivational Training is good, very good, you have to participate unless you do not want to lose your job (where is tolerance here, I wonder?).
Tolerate everything, be happy when the official political parties propose the laws equaling marital laws of homosexuals with those of heterosexuals, tolerate when they say that those churches which should refuse homosexuals to get married are going to lose their right to perform marriage ceremonies...
But when it comes to Christians - then it is free and good to ridicule, to lie, to spit, to say nasty things, to call us names. Then there is no tolerance.
Love - to love means to care, to protect, to give guidance, to prevent evil happening to somebody. Then it means to be telling NOT TO DO, instead of DO AS YOU PLEASE.
I prefer the 'L'-word. Very much so.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Rom 8:35-39)
This is the message with which my little son came out of his Sunday school today, happy as a lark. He held this tiny paper cross, double-folded, with his photo inside, and this inscription. He is a sweet soul, this son of my love.
He has got some problems in speaking, born in December 2002 he only now is starting to utter words and short phrases. But he says "church" and "God" all the time, and loves his time there.
It is a wonderful picture of a little person listening to God's Word, trusting, drinking freely from this fountain of Wisdom.
My older son surprised me tonight with his clever and deep questions about God's creation, Earth's age, death... He was listening attentively to what I had to say according to the Bible, and was very happy with the answers. Somehow children do understand the Gospel Truth, the very same Truth the theologians have written many dissertations about, the very same Truth unbelievers reject as 'not based scientifically', the very same Truth various sects and cults twist around and distort.
It seems that the adversary has no hold on the children. It seems that those little ones are fully protected and enabled to believe. Isn't God Good?
As Christians we want all people to understand and to embrace this Truth. To be like children. It saddens me to know, from the Scriptures, that not all shall believe. In spite of the simplicity and beauty of the Message. In spite of the joy it brings to your soul. In spite of the unbroken Promise.
And they brought children to Him, so that He should touch them. And His disciples rebuked those bringing them. But when Jesus saw, He was much displeased and said to them, Allow the little children to come to Me and do not hinder them. For of such is the kingdom of God. (Mar 10:13-14)
You may say many things about me, but not that I am a good housewife. Never been, never shall be. It is not my cup of tea. I am trying, though, stumbling, seldom succeeding...
Cooking meals is all right. Nothing fancy, but sufficient for our needs, and my husband graciously takes over when needed. But this all area of cookies, cakes, pastries - oh no, it is a mess. My talents end with those ready-made packages where you only have to add some fat and water, mix properly and put into oven.
Today I was challenged by my oldest son into making a "real" cake. Poor darling
got head over heels while eating some delicious cakes at our women Bible study yesterday, and demanded a similar treat at home. Well, what you see here is the result, I must proudly say, much appreciated by my sons, as there is only one third of it left for tomorrow.
And this event makes me think about Jesus (as almost all events these days) and what He wants us to do and to be. We all received some special gifts of the Spirit, and should use them to get closer to the Lord, should be using them constantly, improving ourselves. It is not our worry to be afraid of the result - because if we believe, it shall be given upon us with abundance, right? However insignificant your input seems to you, put your trust in Jesus. He will take your labor because it was done for His glory.
My son somehow helped me to understand that I can make a cake and that he likes it.
God wants us to realize that we, in our wretchedness, yet born in Spirit, can do things we had no idea we could. And that our new life in God shall be accepted and preserved, forever and ever.
The very realization of this wonderful promise is making me very humble and full of gratitude.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2Pe 1:3-8)
It is a frightening, yet exhilarating experience to let go of the known and proven path in one's life. All of us have had this kind of experience. Do you remember the first time you could cycle without any help? Or swim? The very first camping experience without your parents around, on a scout trip?
Every new step is, in a way, a completely new chapter in your life. You cannot know what is to come of it, even though you hope for the best. So we jump in, daringly (more or less), and get out of it richer in insight.
This is something everybody does. This is the very essence of life: to move on, taste new tastes, play new games, see new sights. And many people fail, ending in depression, anguish, despair. Some even in suicide, not being able to match their expectations with the harsh reality.
What I have recently discovered, and what every Christian has always known (so that nobody may call me Columbus of truth), is that if I put my trust in God, over everything I do, think, plan, then the result is bound to be good. No matter what.
This past spring I had a very unpleasant clash with one of my students. He had cheated on his essay, and he got caught by me. It was a nasty situation, because the boy is clever, nice, and I was very shocked by this case of dishonesty. He got until September to make it up and write the essay again.
This week I got the new essay, and what he wrote in it made me cry with tears of joy.
My teacher made me remember the STOP-sign, and even though I made her disappointed I'll never forget the lesson she taught me. I'll forever be thankful for the lesson I'll carry with me through the rest of my life. God has created us all to do our best in life, to learn as much as possible about how to be a good person. Those ones of us that do this in the best way will get the biggest award of all, a life in heaven. I think that God has a plan for each of us and that it involves problems, things that you learn of. The plan also involves beautiful things that we should remember, but I think that the most important thing is to trust Him, and He will lead us to the right paths all the time, until we start walking on the path to Heaven. Even after the vacation I was not perfect, but I decided to do everything to get as close as possible...
The boy is a Muslim.
It was one of the best moments of my teaching experience. Thanks to the Lord.
I trusted in God to take this situation and help me with it, according to this promise:
And we know that he works all things together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)
- or Creationism vs Darwinism. The idea of NOT looking for truth in God-denying science may seem crazy for many. We are so used to our school science lessons, to our school books, to the fancy films about a primitive ape becoming a less primitive ape becoming an even less primitive ape... - that we eventually cannot imagine anything else. Many so called Christian religions are perfectly happy with evolution. I am seldom surprised nowadays, I guess it comes with the territory of getting older, having seen much, being beaten by circumstances, etc. But this blows my mind - when I ask a so called Christian (Roman Catholic), whether he can see a contradiction between evolution and his beliefs, and his answer is 'no, why should there be any?'
Yet the more objectivity and clear mind is applied, the more clear picture is perceived. Take the facts, analyze them without stating whether a Deity is in working or not, and then decide on your conclusions. This is the way true science should operate. But this is exactly the way the God-denying science does not.
Know your Bible, Christian - I was told of many. This is absolutely essential, as it has always been. But it is not enough if I want to talk to people about God. The battle for souls is no longer fought between different religious views, but rather among various ideas of the origin of the Universe, many of them atheistic, quite firmly based upon this deceiving scientific 'objectivity' that I call God-denying one.
I may be naive, but I hope that by showing the absurdness of evolution and even a slight possibility of creation some souls can be won for Christ. Why do I think so? Because, in a way, this was my way, so there is something I can prove works :)
But for this approach we need to educate ourselves, to know the facts, to know not only scientific facts, but also how the other side operates and thinks. It is a humongous load of work. Worth trying, exciting, time-consuming. Profitable. Good for you. Go for it :-)
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. (Isa 45:18)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(Joh 16:33)
Every time I read these words I feel peace and tranquility. Sometimes we forget those precious promises, and consider ourselves abandoned and forgotten. Sometimes it is not at all easy to carry His cross, although I believe and love, but it hurts and makes me weak. And then these words come to my mind, to strenghten me in my faith, to show me the way and Light.
I knew that problems and troubles would come. But I was not prepared as well as I should be. Is anybody, ever?
I reckon we have to meet the challenges as they come, and deal with them on every day basis, one by one, seeking Lord's help and trusting His assurance. There is no other way. There cannot be any other way. We must fall in love with this way, the way that makes us holy and pure, the narrow way to Heaven.
After all - what are all those problems in comparison to Christ's sufferings for us?
9/11.
9/12.
5 years ago the world lost its thin innocence. I have some serious reasons not to buy the official version, but the facts of many lost lives remain. My world view shall never be the same, my age of innocence was over that day. Whoever is responsible, he shall be justly judged by the Almighty God.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Rom 12:19)
And the second date. Our prolonged childhood was over one year ago, when my mother-in-law passed away. A day to remember in our family. She was a dear Mum, a loving Granny, a believer, and she left us much too soon.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
(Joh 11:25)
First was the table in the dining room. We had no idea we had a table there, under all the things put there "just for a while". It is a beautiful oak piece of furniture, with six accompanying chairs, leather and all.
Number two was the kitchen table. I do not know about others, but we tend to put all paper stuff there - newspapers, magazines, ads, whatever comes home. For a while we manage to keep it under control, but it always ends in chaos. Well, suffice to say, it also is a fine table, when not covered with things...
How is it with us? Do we also pile things up in our minds, covering the core of being, until we cannot see what is underneath?
It is so easy to give in, to waver, to step aside "just this once". Trials come like never before; when I heard people talking of trials, I hardly believed in what they were saying; now I know better. And the things that hurt most are not necessarily the things that weigh most. Sometimes one tiny remark, put into the very soft spot, hurts like nothing else. Especially if it comes from people that are supposed to be closest to you.
To pray is to ask for cleanness of life and soul.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
(Jam 1:27)
Powerful words. I trust in Lord to be able to follow this route. Always, in all my days that I still have. I have wasted enough of them, a lot too many.
Have a good night :)
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Mat 21:22)
Because it was a very special day today, the only words that I dare use are Lord's.
Psa 67:1-7
(1) (...)God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
(2) That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
(3) Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
(4) O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
(5) Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
(6) Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
(7) God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
I pray for wisdom and strength, to be able to witness to somebody I love dearly.
Crazy days in Sweden.
Parliamentary election next Sunday, all the major parties trying to outrun one another, not stopping at dishonest deals, ultimately bringing mistrust and lack of interest of potential supporters. The more scandalous, the better, it seems.
People are tired of it. Nobody wants to talk politics any more. Even at my work, where political awareness is a vital part of school curriculum, one can sense some air of forced issues.
Disillusion Big Time.
Interesting, considering Sweden is an exemplary democracy of the people for the people. How did it come to this? What happened to those lofty ideals of Folkhemmet? This is not my cup of tea, but anyway, my children will live here, and it makes me sad.
I read Rom 13:1,2. In a sense, it gives some peace of mind, and takes the burden of deciding off my shoulders. Do not misunderstand me - in my view a citizen should be aware of what is going on and who is going to represent him - but, in the end, it is God's eternal plan that counts.
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
(Isa 42:16)
I was raised in an immense respect for Knowledge. This respect meant everything to my parents, who, being poor, wanted to provide me with the only wealth they knew worked - knowledge.
I embraced the idea from the very start, fortunately for them, and always enjoyed studying, at each level of my education. There were some subjects I struggled with, but overall I did well and made my folks proud.
I remember until this day all those quirky biological terms describing geological strata, and I remember (today with a slight terror), how wonderfully logical all that seemed to be. Evolution, well, why not? If science says that things are so, then the things are so, right?
I was born in a Roman-Catholic family, in a very Roman-Catholic country, the country of the late JPII. It tells one a lot. We were taught religion weekly, in my times in church, today they do it in public schools. But there was never a time when a priest objected to evolution. They either did not mention it, or just ignored it somehow (take a pick).
God rescued me using my drive for knowledge. He always uses the best tool possible, yet specifically fit for each and every one of us. He led me to a complete reevaluation of my concepts and views, pointing to creation science and helping me to understand the folly of evolutionary religion.
I would like to recommend some great sites on the subject:
There are many, many more, but it is very nourishing to start from those mentioned above :)
To be a Christian means to know Your God and His works, his Creation, it also means to be able to defend this knowledge scientifically. Contemporary Christian is being attacked daily by wordly philosophy of atheism, by daily scientific discoveries denying the existence of God, by daily hardships imposing on him the idea that God cannot be real, because a real God would not allow so much evil. There you have it. And if you cannot stand firmly in your faith, you may fall...
This is no universal recipe, just my own one :)
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
(2Ch 1:10)
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
(2Ch 1:11-12)
I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
(Job 36:3)
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
(Pro 2:6)
People want to share. When they believe, they want to share beliefs. When they find out that somebody new has just become a believer, they are extatic about it. I really appreciate all concern, but sometimes it is just too much of the 'good' stuff.
Somebody who genuinely cares, a person belonging to a Pentecostal Church, gave me a book - a gift for my new way of life. Beautifully wrapped parcel, I was hoping for some kind of Bible edition. Guess what I got? "Purpose Driven Life". Yes, the very same, but in Swedish. At that moment I had no idea what the book was, not more that it was 'religious'. But I had enough biblical training and enough sound reference around me to check it first with Bible believers. By the way- I have no clue where the poor thing is now, it has disappeared, but I am not crying over it at all.
My deepest gratitude to Richard Bennett for his thorough criticism of this book. If one day I do read it, it will be only to see how big mistakes can be made by even the best of us. It is an important warning. Deception is everywhere.
You may find Richard's article on the subject here: part1, part2.
But this is a book recommended by charismatics, it obviously had been suggested to this person in church on a Sunday, as something very good. How shall I explain it to this person, that I have not yet read it? :) I really do not want to hurt anybody's feelings, and, on the other hand... Well, life is not always very easy to live. I need to pray for some advice.
The charismatics have no objection to Alpha course, neither. In fact, I heard some outcries of astonishment, when I expressed my strong unwillingness to enroll.
Thanks to sermonaudio.com I could defend my stand easily.
This kind of materials, books, suggestions is what I call 'religious spam'. But this is worse than spam. You cannot just ignore and delete it. You have to take a stand, for or against it, and it takes up your time and energy that you could have spent on His Word instead.
My verses for this evening:
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up forever.
(Psa 28:7-9)
I feel tired, this day was tough on me, with all its duties, obligations, things to do, students to teach.
Sometimes you feel like that, you wonder how in the world your body is going to make another step.
But it does, you move on, and this pain of being ceases somehow.
So why this title? Because I made it, made it without losing my temper, made it in spite of pouring rain, in spite of a late and long parents' meeting at school, in spite of being forced to take both of my sons to that meeting with me...
Because I know that my protection and my security is not of this world.
Good sleep to all of you, who seek rest.
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
(Psa 145:20)
A soul that does not believe. A fully self-proclaimed atheist, trained in biology, clever, intelligent man, a sparkling and bubbly companion. One of the people I work with.
Totally broken, deep in grief over his father's death.
How does one help such a man? What words can I use to ease his sufferings? He is heart-broken, I talked to him giving him some politically correct comfort of 'that's how life is' - truisms, and there was not much more to do. My heart cried out for him.
All that because he had expressedly declared that '... but it is scientifically proven that god does not exist...'
He knows where I stand: I offered him my helping hand, invited him to seek me whenever he wants to cry.
Oh, how I want people like him to understand, to accept, to see ...
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(Psa 23:1-6)
I recall somebody's thoughts about happiness. I do not remember much of it, but I guess the main idea was finding pleasure in the way to happiness, and not in the thing itself.
Example: a child desires a new toy. He talks about it, draws it on paper, fantasizes about all the various ways he is going to play with it, one could easily believe that this particular object is his whole life, during the short period between the first thought of it and getting it for real. This state of joyful expectation is equaled with happiness.
Or, a person may be working towards a goal in life, like building a house, acquiring education, getting better after an accident.
I remember embracing this view. It was reasonable, it was simple, it was possible to be verified in my life.
But, when one thinks about it, this is not what one truly may call happiness. Rather, bits and pieces of wishful thinking, making a person strive towards new goals in order to satisfy this neverending hunger for joy. Where does it end? Does it have to go on, endlessly, hopelessly, on and on?
It was a materialistic ideology of life - so much I do recall.
How often are we happy, really? Probably as often as we see rainbows :) Which is not every day.
This past summer I saw rainbows every day, almost, due to the rainy/sunny weather in our region. I wonder what that does to my theory ;) ?
Anyway, just yesterday I was engaging my husband in a conversation about goals and means, in respect to me having become Christian. I concluded with telling him that I do not really longer care whether my boss gives me a fat raise, or whether somebody drives faster than me (I loved to drive fast), or whether my colleagues like me or not because of the things I might do or say to them.
Everything has become secondary to Jesus, and I can truly see how meaningless my existence was before. No, it was not empty - it was filled, but nothing made me truly and permanently happy. Rather, I was 'reincarnating' from one happiness to the next.
And then, this morning, on my way to work, I was listening to Steve Camp's song, "Nothing To Prove". For the first time I got its meaning completely. This was about me, and about every newborn Christian.
There is True Happiness in The Lord. And nowhere else. Now I know it.
Thank You, Mr Camp, for this song - and for all the others.
"You caught me smiling at myself again
It's that realization of the state I'm in
All those great expectations are piling up on me
Oh but my sweet sweet salvation is getting the best of me
So
I don't mind you looking over my shoulder
Maybe I find that I'm just a little bit bolder
Maybe it's just that I've been getting older
But I've got nothing to prove to you"
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1Pe 1:8-9)
We have them, all of us, the people that have influenced our lives throughout the years. I have been a real sucker for authorities, always trying to find some common ground of thought and objectives, applicable guidelines and pointers. I cannot even remember how many there were...
You start with your parents, and this relationship sets an imprint upon your whole existence, for good or for bad. You cannot avoid it, no matter how much you would like to deny it sometimes. Somewhere along the way you discover a stranger who excites your intellect or your emotions, who in some way is soooooo terribly innovative (that's what you believe then), and there are many such strangers. One after another, some of them teachers, some of them friends, some of them celebrities.
Yeah, the last sort I find especially captivating. Or - have found. But the point is - you are never completely satisfied, content, happy, whatever. There is always something missing, you always get bored, you always move on to another icon. Until --
Christ comes into your life and gives you no choice, really.
Have you ever thought about the meaning of these words?
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(Joh 8:32)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
(Joh
8:36)
My Saturdays are 'in-between'. I wonder if you are willing to share this view?
You have been working for five days, you have lots and lots of things to do at home, next day is Sunday, to be savoured with your brothers and sisters in the Lord, and you just sit there, on a Saturday morning, with some nice plans for the day, and they never get carried on.
It always starts the same - after going to bed late on Friday evening (because you woud be able to stay in bed longer next day, right? - wrong!), one of your children wakes you up two hours too early. Well, my oldest son is not a long sleeper, unfortunately. And his room is next to my bedroom. And his computer is in that room, and that computer has got some heavy loudspekaers attached... You know the rest. It was 7.30.
Some other times it is the youngest child, this one a long sleeper, but waking up unexpectedly early.
I do not appreciate early Saturday mornings. It takes a lot of strength not to be slightly irritaded during the hours of breakfast, cleaning, washing and preparing lunch, when you had not got enough sleep.
Who has taken my sleep away!?
But I am coping. Tomorrow is Sunday, my favourite day of the week since not long ago. PTL.
I learned something new today. Have you ever heard of maltheism? I haven't, until today. Talk about deception... the person I was debating (on a newsgroup) was asking myriads of provocative questions, blaspheming God and Jesus, never saying who he represented. It was a scary experience, because the man seemed sincere in the beginning, but more and more sarcastic and unpleasant towards the end. I told him who I thought he was, and he became silent. What a horrible ideology that one is. And yet I am convinced that we must be aware of it, of its principles, in order to be able to prove it wrong with the Bible.
Being a Christian is the most profound EVERYTHING in my life. I have never learned so much in so short a time as I did in those past few months. Thanks to God's Grace (and Him answering my questions, as I wrote yesterday).
I hope for two long sleepers tomorrow :)
Isa 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
I have been blessed with some very difficult questions this past summer.
Yeah, summer is over in my part of the world, mornings and evenings are cold, darkness is winning over sunlight, people take their outdoor gear inside, it is autumn...
About those questions. Yes, questions about God and Truth, all of them coming in precisely right order, so that my spiritual growth has been steady and right on track. And, each and every one of these questions got answered, pretty soon, and accurately, according to Bible.
Do you experience that sometimes, too? I mean, EVERY SINGLE ONE, almost unbelievable, if I did not believe in God. But I do, and when I think of it, one special song, by Steve Camp, comes to my mind.
I hope I am not violating any copyright. If I do, let me know ASAP.
As if You read my mind
You knew my heart
You made my dream reality
You took my life and gave me a start
though it was all meant to be
You take me farther and higher each day
You take the fear of loving away
and just when I think I've reached the end
You take me farther and higher again ...
Isn't God good? But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to
all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.
(Jam 1:5)
