My wife made this simple point, "Hate to 'Duck' out, but it isn't just some game. We know this... It is obvious God created man and woman with perfection and precision. We all know certain things fit and are meant for certain places only!"
Thursday, December 19, 2013
None of us can achieve perfection in this life ...but, God wants to teach us things. Perhaps we should not just look at it as a game, but try to take it a bit more seriously ...instead of playing or toying with so many things that God clearly tells us 'do not fit'.
Don't fit His plan, that is.
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The timer is also important ...marriage is the proper time. While speaking 'proper' ...let's refer to God's way, or we don't have any common ground for understanding. God also defines what marriage is to be. It used to be that the majority of people felt uncomfortable about opposing the standards that God sets forth. If they went against those standards it often caused a bit of nervousness. God defined relationships outside of marriage also, and what is not accepted ...that which understandably brought about some nervous tic(k)s.
A select few find it beneficial to their point of view to quote Ezekiel 16:49, attempting to enlighten the random reader that the sin of Sodom was pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness.
Everyone has an opinion, or point of view ...yet, I like to take that first impression of mine and develop it by looking at the point of view of God, also in its fullness. What many people have focused upon is only part of what is said ...and they quote only a portion of the verse, beginning with 'Neither'.
The word 'neither' usually prefaces an additional point, not making the main point, nevertheless, it is mentioned that the 'influentials' in the city did not strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy.
Now, what lengths some people will go to ...to attempt to rationalize their point of view. Do these same people believe that God would destroy a city filled with poor and needy people ...who are being terribly victimized by a few?
No, that is not what I believe ...because I've read the next verse, "And they were haughty and committed abominations ...therefore," ---yes, this is why they were destroyed.
This is where the great divide of reasoning comes in. It is in how we view strengthening the hand of the poor and needy.
Sadly, I understand a few things from having worked in the prison system ...but, am not capable of changing those sad facts. Yet, perhaps I can help you understand.
A vast number of prisoners have been brought up in less than healthy home environments ...and most come from broken homes, abandoned by one or both parents. They usually come from poor neighborhoods, which lack opportunity ...other than perhaps that of the availability of drugs and other forms of substance abuse. Many young girls see their only opportunity as through having a child and seeking government assistance, but a vast number of them instead seek to terminate the life inside them in a desperate attempt to try to salvage an unhealthy relationship ...which may be the only type they are accustom to.
There is no strengthening the hand of the poor and needy ...instead, it creates no hope and no incentive. It creates within itself a sort of caste system with little hope to escape the sad state of life they've been birthed into. The unhealthy cycle continues ...and continues.
Turning to God, living healthy, and creating job opportunities are not promoted. Government assistance gives mere handouts, and also finances and assists in performing abortions. So, where is the strengthening of family, moral character, and incentives to improve oneself?
If we merely sympathize with those living under these deprived conditions, and label as cruel and intolerant anyone who offers suggestions of a change ...we are offering very little at all. It is not always insensitivity which offers some tough, hard solutions. Some of them work. And to be honest, many of them are not even that hard ...yet they gradually bring results and strengthen the character of the people. Strengthening the hand does not mean carrying a gun, robbing a store, or creating a feared and violent reputation. Eventually, it usually strengthens the walls around you ...or the bars.
So, when large groups of people resort to violent and unspeakable acts ...it is usually in poor neighborhoods. If it has gone on for a long time ...there is less and less of a chance of reaching them. And victims become perpetrators ...until there is little good to be found. The victims find no way out, and the perpetrators try to make sure their captives fear finding a way. So, what the victims may eventually embrace is the concept of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."And soon, most everyone becomes the same.
I believe things were out of control, any level of criminal activity could be found in Sodom ...and abominations were likely commonplace. My hope is that we can avoid becoming like them in any way.
It is less than a week before Christmas, and much controversy and discussion has been tossed around in reference to the types that experience exclusion and are subject to the comment: "—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God."
A select few find it beneficial to their point of view to quote Ezekiel 16:49, attempting to enlighten the random reader that the sin of Sodom was pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness.
Everyone has an opinion, or point of view ...yet, I like to take that first impression of mine and develop it by looking at the point of view of God, also in its fullness. What many people have focused upon is only part of what is said ...and they quote only a portion of the verse, beginning with 'Neither'.
The word 'neither' usually prefaces an additional point, not making the main point, nevertheless, it is mentioned that the 'influentials' in the city did not strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy.
Now, what lengths some people will go to ...to attempt to rationalize their point of view. Do these same people believe that God would destroy a city filled with poor and needy people ...who are being terribly victimized by a few?
No, that is not what I believe ...because I've read the next verse, "And they were haughty and committed abominations ...therefore," ---yes, this is why they were destroyed.
This is where the great divide of reasoning comes in. It is in how we view strengthening the hand of the poor and needy.
Sadly, I understand a few things from having worked in the prison system ...but, am not capable of changing those sad facts. Yet, perhaps I can help you understand.
A vast number of prisoners have been brought up in less than healthy home environments ...and most come from broken homes, abandoned by one or both parents. They usually come from poor neighborhoods, which lack opportunity ...other than perhaps that of the availability of drugs and other forms of substance abuse. Many young girls see their only opportunity as through having a child and seeking government assistance, but a vast number of them instead seek to terminate the life inside them in a desperate attempt to try to salvage an unhealthy relationship ...which may be the only type they are accustom to.
There is no strengthening the hand of the poor and needy ...instead, it creates no hope and no incentive. It creates within itself a sort of caste system with little hope to escape the sad state of life they've been birthed into. The unhealthy cycle continues ...and continues.
Turning to God, living healthy, and creating job opportunities are not promoted. Government assistance gives mere handouts, and also finances and assists in performing abortions. So, where is the strengthening of family, moral character, and incentives to improve oneself?
If we merely sympathize with those living under these deprived conditions, and label as cruel and intolerant anyone who offers suggestions of a change ...we are offering very little at all. It is not always insensitivity which offers some tough, hard solutions. Some of them work. And to be honest, many of them are not even that hard ...yet they gradually bring results and strengthen the character of the people. Strengthening the hand does not mean carrying a gun, robbing a store, or creating a feared and violent reputation. Eventually, it usually strengthens the walls around you ...or the bars.
So, when large groups of people resort to violent and unspeakable acts ...it is usually in poor neighborhoods. If it has gone on for a long time ...there is less and less of a chance of reaching them. And victims become perpetrators ...until there is little good to be found. The victims find no way out, and the perpetrators try to make sure their captives fear finding a way. So, what the victims may eventually embrace is the concept of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."And soon, most everyone becomes the same.
I believe things were out of control, any level of criminal activity could be found in Sodom ...and abominations were likely commonplace. My hope is that we can avoid becoming like them in any way.
It is less than a week before Christmas, and much controversy and discussion has been tossed around in reference to the types that experience exclusion and are subject to the comment: "—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God."
The quote came from the New Testament of the Bible, and it listed a number of behaviors that most people would not own up to in the past, but which are now often defended. But, let us look at two things here ...both the kingdom, and the heir. And let's try not to be in error.
The kingdoms of the earth are mentioned in one of the discourses between Jesus and Satan. Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him. Of course, Jesus refused. What we must ask, is what constitutes a kingdom? And the primary thing that makes up a kingdom is people, their relationships to one another, and their behavior.
There are many behaviors that define who we are as a people, and which are prevalent in the kingdoms of the world. And then, there are behaviors that comprise, not compromise, the standard beliefs we can find in the Bible. These latter beliefs that people attempt to adhere to, are what make up the foundation of the kingdom of God.
Satan owns certain behaviors, and it would benefit all to see the error of that way. People who believe the Bible to be God's Word, strive to obey His standards ...and are heir to His ways, and the kingdom of God is a part of them.
The behaviors are not the defining judgment that determine our salvation ...that is clearly a separate issue, and we are all sinners. But, God also makes it very clear how we are supposed to behave.
We assuredly look to the love of God ...yet, it is not God's love that should ever be in question. Yes, He forgives sin and aims to restore us and direct us on a more healthy path. The real question should be how much we love God. God sacrificially gave His love in allowing the death of His Son, so we can have life. Is there any behavior that we could be asked to give up ...that would be as big a sacrifice? The answer is, "No!"
We must continually say, "No!" ...to certain things. If it is a struggle, then struggle on.
But, in observing the struggles, it is neither accurate, nor fair to look for perfection in others ...unless that 'One' other is Jesus.
Everyone feels they are entitled to have an opinion, but if I have somewhere to go ...I'd like to follow someone who's been there who can give me exact directions, not someone who has a feeling or an opinion.
Our feelings are important ...and it is often said that love "makes the world go round." But, if we are searching for a more perfect love, the only true love ...is in following Jesus. When He came to earth nearly two thousand years ago, He didn't have to clarify sin ...it was very strictly defined. To a woman who had narrowly escaped sure death as a result of sin, Jesus made it clear that she was not the only sinner, but then he said little more than "Sin no more."
There are many behaviors that define who we are as a people, and which are prevalent in the kingdoms of the world. And then, there are behaviors that comprise, not compromise, the standard beliefs we can find in the Bible. These latter beliefs that people attempt to adhere to, are what make up the foundation of the kingdom of God.
Satan owns certain behaviors, and it would benefit all to see the error of that way. People who believe the Bible to be God's Word, strive to obey His standards ...and are heir to His ways, and the kingdom of God is a part of them.
The behaviors are not the defining judgment that determine our salvation ...that is clearly a separate issue, and we are all sinners. But, God also makes it very clear how we are supposed to behave.
We assuredly look to the love of God ...yet, it is not God's love that should ever be in question. Yes, He forgives sin and aims to restore us and direct us on a more healthy path. The real question should be how much we love God. God sacrificially gave His love in allowing the death of His Son, so we can have life. Is there any behavior that we could be asked to give up ...that would be as big a sacrifice? The answer is, "No!"
We must continually say, "No!" ...to certain things. If it is a struggle, then struggle on.
But, in observing the struggles, it is neither accurate, nor fair to look for perfection in others ...unless that 'One' other is Jesus.
Everyone feels they are entitled to have an opinion, but if I have somewhere to go ...I'd like to follow someone who's been there who can give me exact directions, not someone who has a feeling or an opinion.
Our feelings are important ...and it is often said that love "makes the world go round." But, if we are searching for a more perfect love, the only true love ...is in following Jesus. When He came to earth nearly two thousand years ago, He didn't have to clarify sin ...it was very strictly defined. To a woman who had narrowly escaped sure death as a result of sin, Jesus made it clear that she was not the only sinner, but then he said little more than "Sin no more."
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