Psalms 55:6 “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” and Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
I have great interest in flight. Refer to my post of July 17, 2009.
Centuries of dreaming, study, speculation, and experimentation preceded the first successful flight. The ancient legends contain numerous references to the possibility of movement through the air. Philosophers believed that it could be accomplished by imitating the wing motions of birds, and by using smoke or other lighter-than- air media. The first form of aircraft made was the kite, about the 5th century BC. In the 13th century, the English monk Roger Bacon conducted studies that led him to the conclusion that air could support a craft in the same manner that water supports boats. At the beginning of the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci gathered data on the flight of birds and anticipated developments that subsequently became practical. Among his important contributions to the development of aviation were his invention of the propeller, and the parachute. He conceived three different types of heavier-than-air craft: an ornithopter, a machine with mechanical wings designed to flap like those of a bird; a helicopter, designed to rise by the revolving of a rotor on a vertical axis; and a glider, consisting of a wing fixed to a frame on which a person might coast on the air. Leonardo's concepts involved the use of human muscular power, quite inadequate to produce flight with the craft that he pictured. Nevertheless, he was important because he was the first to make scientific proposals.
Long before Leonardo made his scientific proposal God set in motion a plan for the flight of his people. He was not concerned so much with the natural applications of flight as with the spiritual need that would put humanity on a higher plane of vision. Today ‘thrust’ has replaced ‘horsepower.’
I believe I can fly ... because I want to be free. “Free as a bird” The enviable advantage the bird seems to have in its ability to fly. I must place my “affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2.
I believe I can fly ... because God has purpose for me my allegiance is to Him.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33.
He set in motion the necessary provisions for me to acquire my “wings.” I must follow his instructions. Because I have an Interest in reaching heaven. I need training to get my “ratings”. There is ground school, perhaps tedious study, safety in take offs and landings — touch and goes. At times I need to be alone in solo time.
There is so much to see. I may soar in the local area for a time. Then I want to begin reaching out and do cross country flight. Soon I want to fly in bad weather so I have to trust instruments.
I believe I can fly ... because I want to see things from a heavenly perspective — ‘birds-eye-view’ The lay of the land, God’s promise. I like seeing beyond tomorrow’s horizon. And with the proper training and provisions I can rise above the storms of life. I must learn my limitations. I have to Recognize stalls, spins, and other hazards of life happenings.
It is excellent in knowing what gives ‘lift’ --- God is our source. How long to soar and when to rest.
I believe I can fly ... because I will be ‘caught up’. Ahhh most excellent future!
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
1Thessalonians 4:17
It means a permanent escape from this world system is coming. Gravity will no longer bar me from attaining new heights. God will allow the believer to overcome the natural law and change us forever!
I believe you can fly . . .
1. God loves you
2. He will guide you
3. You can ‘enroll’ in flight training now!
“Trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your “flight.”
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Disappointment With Church
The Book of The Revelation gives us information about Jesus’ disgust with the churches of Asia. The seven churches typify the churches of today. He has somewhat against them. I would call that disappointment. My credential for writing on this subject is a lifetime of church involvement including teaching and pastoring. That means over 45 years of active church work. Admittedly I fell into some of the matters that follow.
I am truly disappointed in the organized church. Maybe I’ve implied this in previous posts. Well, there is a reason for me to return to the subject. Enlightenment comes to clarify issues of such nature because of its urgency.
Some will be offended at my observations. They may disagree in part or whole, but I ask for consideration.
The purpose of the church (ekklessia – called out ones) is stated by God through His Word. I fear that the church of today in general has stepped out of that plan. I personally know that I should never be a man pleaser over pleasing God. God’s ordination is far above man’s certification.
My purpose is to draw attention to the need of following the whole Gospel. Is your church really a part of the body of Christ? Is it true to the name over the door? Does it adhere to sound biblical doctrine?
I have been exposed to many denominations and listened to their messages. The delineation of doctrinal differences are really not the issue. Do they preach Christ crucified, buried, resurrected and coming again?
God didn’t allow the existence of the church exclusively for programs. His great purpose was to bring the gift of salvation to as many who would receive it. He is not willing to see any perish through sin and damnation. I don’t see any record of Jesus thumping the Torah at a podium, or spitting in the face of his listeners. There is a reference in response to the disgracing of His Father’s house appropriately enough where he acts forcibly with rightful authority. He once used spittle to cure blindness. Can you do that, preacher? Jesus also had to deal with the religious of His day. It cost His life but resulted in salvation for many.
I believe a major contribution to the problem in organized religion lies in the legislative structure forced upon us by civil governments. Churches are administered like a business rather than God’s institution. Added to that is man’s teaching of philosophies and ideologies that conflict with the context of the Bible.
Control by the misguided results in a loss of contact with the voice of God – a most critical element for the true church. His voice is loud and clear, firstly and foremost through the Bible. The Pharisee and Sadducee of Jesus’ day were focused on tradition and missed the revelation for the present. They were more concerned with their personal preservation and authority than correctly examining Scripture about God’s plan.
A lack of devotion and prayer will contribute to a faithless generation. The major disciplines of Scripture are missing in much of church leadership. Perhaps it is not the fault of the individual as much as the regime and traditional precedents set by other churchmen.
Our civil government has put requirements on the church. The laws say we must have articles of corporation, a constitution, and bylaws among many other legal stipulations. Intent may be justifiable but is often distracting from the real purpose. This is certainly not separation of church and state that is so loudly declared in the liberal godless media.
The focus in church is too often upon the charisma of man rather than the Spirit of God that is supposed to be operating through him. When man’s goals and agendas supersede God’s plan and message then the church is leaning toward apostasy. The church exists by Jesus’ declaration, not man’s corporation or programs.
Accountability is an important tool of leaders. The basis of accountability has been greatly misconstrued by aforementioned reasons. A true accountability must be from the biblical perspective. If one is not willing to be accountable unto God then it follows that he will not likely be submissive to God. How can he lead to someone if he disobeys that someone?
The Bible must be central to the message of any church. If a church doesn’t align itself to the premises found in God’s Word then they have no basis to be called church in that context. They have become a religious club. The motivation is to become big by number of attendees or membership. It would be best to let God keep the records and the preacher gives the message. Too many leaders want to keep score, referee and play the game. That truly is impossible.
The pastoral staff must be one in process. The mission must be aligned to the Scripture. The one head that turns the church must be fully committed to the call of that office. They should be a person of integrity and live holy as God defines holiness. They must be separate from the world. A development of the spiritual disciplines should be demonstrated without self-edification. It cannot be just a ‘say so’ but a ‘walk so’. It has often been said: “Lead by example.”
Any praise for today’s church must be given with regard to an adherence of Godly instructions from the Bible. I am sure there are isolated groups of worshippers who follow the biblical principles. They may well be regarded as rebels by organized groups. Christ declares, “. . . I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” So in spite of the seeming negativity expressed here, there is a God who is working through a dedicated people called His church, not a denomination or movement.
I am truly disappointed in the organized church. Maybe I’ve implied this in previous posts. Well, there is a reason for me to return to the subject. Enlightenment comes to clarify issues of such nature because of its urgency.
Some will be offended at my observations. They may disagree in part or whole, but I ask for consideration.
The purpose of the church (ekklessia – called out ones) is stated by God through His Word. I fear that the church of today in general has stepped out of that plan. I personally know that I should never be a man pleaser over pleasing God. God’s ordination is far above man’s certification.
My purpose is to draw attention to the need of following the whole Gospel. Is your church really a part of the body of Christ? Is it true to the name over the door? Does it adhere to sound biblical doctrine?
I have been exposed to many denominations and listened to their messages. The delineation of doctrinal differences are really not the issue. Do they preach Christ crucified, buried, resurrected and coming again?
God didn’t allow the existence of the church exclusively for programs. His great purpose was to bring the gift of salvation to as many who would receive it. He is not willing to see any perish through sin and damnation. I don’t see any record of Jesus thumping the Torah at a podium, or spitting in the face of his listeners. There is a reference in response to the disgracing of His Father’s house appropriately enough where he acts forcibly with rightful authority. He once used spittle to cure blindness. Can you do that, preacher? Jesus also had to deal with the religious of His day. It cost His life but resulted in salvation for many.
I believe a major contribution to the problem in organized religion lies in the legislative structure forced upon us by civil governments. Churches are administered like a business rather than God’s institution. Added to that is man’s teaching of philosophies and ideologies that conflict with the context of the Bible.
Control by the misguided results in a loss of contact with the voice of God – a most critical element for the true church. His voice is loud and clear, firstly and foremost through the Bible. The Pharisee and Sadducee of Jesus’ day were focused on tradition and missed the revelation for the present. They were more concerned with their personal preservation and authority than correctly examining Scripture about God’s plan.
A lack of devotion and prayer will contribute to a faithless generation. The major disciplines of Scripture are missing in much of church leadership. Perhaps it is not the fault of the individual as much as the regime and traditional precedents set by other churchmen.
Our civil government has put requirements on the church. The laws say we must have articles of corporation, a constitution, and bylaws among many other legal stipulations. Intent may be justifiable but is often distracting from the real purpose. This is certainly not separation of church and state that is so loudly declared in the liberal godless media.
The focus in church is too often upon the charisma of man rather than the Spirit of God that is supposed to be operating through him. When man’s goals and agendas supersede God’s plan and message then the church is leaning toward apostasy. The church exists by Jesus’ declaration, not man’s corporation or programs.
Accountability is an important tool of leaders. The basis of accountability has been greatly misconstrued by aforementioned reasons. A true accountability must be from the biblical perspective. If one is not willing to be accountable unto God then it follows that he will not likely be submissive to God. How can he lead to someone if he disobeys that someone?
The Bible must be central to the message of any church. If a church doesn’t align itself to the premises found in God’s Word then they have no basis to be called church in that context. They have become a religious club. The motivation is to become big by number of attendees or membership. It would be best to let God keep the records and the preacher gives the message. Too many leaders want to keep score, referee and play the game. That truly is impossible.
The pastoral staff must be one in process. The mission must be aligned to the Scripture. The one head that turns the church must be fully committed to the call of that office. They should be a person of integrity and live holy as God defines holiness. They must be separate from the world. A development of the spiritual disciplines should be demonstrated without self-edification. It cannot be just a ‘say so’ but a ‘walk so’. It has often been said: “Lead by example.”
Any praise for today’s church must be given with regard to an adherence of Godly instructions from the Bible. I am sure there are isolated groups of worshippers who follow the biblical principles. They may well be regarded as rebels by organized groups. Christ declares, “. . . I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” So in spite of the seeming negativity expressed here, there is a God who is working through a dedicated people called His church, not a denomination or movement.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Family Resemblances
I have noticed a lot of pictures being posted on the internet sites. Oh, the convenience of digital photographs. They help us capture a lot of expression. They help capture the past, or so it seems. Video cameras help capture a lot of young ones at play. Most people love to look at the Family Photo Album or watch the videos. They will post to Youtube, and send e-mail attachments. We reminisce about past moments-- sad and happy.
Looking at captured images we express, "Ah, Oh, they are the splitting (or is it 'spitting') image of his father"; and, "She reminds me so much of her mother." "He is a chip off the old block." "The nut didn't fall far from the tree." We also have the remark when someone sees us with our child after a long time and say, "My how they have grown, they are looking more and more like their parent." A "likeness" has been visualized.
Whose picture do you carry in your wallet? What have you posted to the world wide web? Are you proud of them?
When people see us as a Christian, do they remark, "He/She has become more Godly than when I last saw them." Not the appearance necessarily, but the attitude about life.
Holiness is simply defined as that which is set apart unto God. The process is defined as sanctification. Does God address us as a saint? Is he posting our antics proudly to the heavenly web?
1Peter 1:16 says, "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I (God) am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
"Not every one that said unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)
Holiness is more than a matter of what we refrain from doing, although it includes that.
Holiness is a separation from something, because it is a separation unto something else.
We resemble our Father. Because God loved . . . we love.
You are not whole (complete) until you're holy.
Looking at captured images we express, "Ah, Oh, they are the splitting (or is it 'spitting') image of his father"; and, "She reminds me so much of her mother." "He is a chip off the old block." "The nut didn't fall far from the tree." We also have the remark when someone sees us with our child after a long time and say, "My how they have grown, they are looking more and more like their parent." A "likeness" has been visualized.
Whose picture do you carry in your wallet? What have you posted to the world wide web? Are you proud of them?
When people see us as a Christian, do they remark, "He/She has become more Godly than when I last saw them." Not the appearance necessarily, but the attitude about life.
Holiness is simply defined as that which is set apart unto God. The process is defined as sanctification. Does God address us as a saint? Is he posting our antics proudly to the heavenly web?
1Peter 1:16 says, "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I (God) am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
"Not every one that said unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)
Holiness is more than a matter of what we refrain from doing, although it includes that.
Holiness is a separation from something, because it is a separation unto something else.
We resemble our Father. Because God loved . . . we love.
You are not whole (complete) until you're holy.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Anniversary
It has been a scorcher of a day, especially if you've had to work outside here in the California San Joaquin Valley. I think the temperature reached 105 or more today. I am thankful for a desk job during these times. In fact, I am thankful for my job and the favor God has given me.
This is not the only thing I am thankful for. This week my Sunshine (Carolyn) and I will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary. In fact it will be on July 23. Can you believe it? To me it doesn't seem like that long ago we said the "I do's". But we did.
Sunshine, I wish we could do the Alaska cruise this year. Maybe next. Anyway I wanted you to know that I love you so much. You have been there with me through the tough times of ministry. You are ever a support even if I get testy over some things once in a while. Your faith in God really carries me sometimes because I feel like mine went down the tubes with all that has happened recently.
I must remember that we live by faith and payday will come in God's time. He will repay. I ask you and God to forgive me of my short-comings and failures. What do you say to keep on plugging and doing what God wants us to do in spite of people's ignorance? Yeah, I'm for that!
Together we will make it because it is in His plan that is for good. God doesn't want to harm us but He has made us strong. We are proven to be tough, enduring believers. No man or woman can steal our victory. We are accountable only to Him.
Carolyn, please know you are my best friend, companion, wife, mother to our son, and my lover.
Thanks for always being there for me. I want to be there for you. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
This is not the only thing I am thankful for. This week my Sunshine (Carolyn) and I will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary. In fact it will be on July 23. Can you believe it? To me it doesn't seem like that long ago we said the "I do's". But we did.
Sunshine, I wish we could do the Alaska cruise this year. Maybe next. Anyway I wanted you to know that I love you so much. You have been there with me through the tough times of ministry. You are ever a support even if I get testy over some things once in a while. Your faith in God really carries me sometimes because I feel like mine went down the tubes with all that has happened recently.
I must remember that we live by faith and payday will come in God's time. He will repay. I ask you and God to forgive me of my short-comings and failures. What do you say to keep on plugging and doing what God wants us to do in spite of people's ignorance? Yeah, I'm for that!
Together we will make it because it is in His plan that is for good. God doesn't want to harm us but He has made us strong. We are proven to be tough, enduring believers. No man or woman can steal our victory. We are accountable only to Him.
Carolyn, please know you are my best friend, companion, wife, mother to our son, and my lover.
Thanks for always being there for me. I want to be there for you. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Flight
I spent almost four years serving our country in the U.S. Air Force rarely leaving the terra firma. I was tethered to a desk in the travel finance department.
After my discharge I decided to learn how to fly. Isn’t that a kick? Someone said I couldn’t do it, so I proved them wrong.
I signed up for flight lessons at the local airport after a brief flight in a small prop plane of my brother’s brother-in-law. I had been hooked. The sky and clouds appealed to my inner sense of flying above it all.
My lessons began with my instructor, a former Air Force pilot, in a Cessna 150. He said I was a natural. They said I could get my training for a private pilot license for a mere $600.
After passing a physical and flying the required instructor ride-along hours I was allowed to solo. It was awesome! I in the left seat of a small plane and nothing but the sky . . . . flying like a bird. The feeling is awsome and the vision is definitely birds-eye.
I loved to plan my flights, read aerial charts, check the weather and file a flight plan. I did have the FAA looking for me on one occasion. I had an ETA that had been miscalculated, whoops! The instructor was with me and we had flown to a controlled field and had a lunch. At least then I knew that the FAA was taking their job seriously.
I signed up for flight lessons at the local airport after a brief flight in a small prop plane of my brother’s brother-in-law. I had been hooked. The sky and clouds appealed to my inner sense of flying above it all.
My lessons began with my instructor, a former Air Force pilot, in a Cessna 150. He said I was a natural. They said I could get my training for a private pilot license for a mere $600.
After passing a physical and flying the required instructor ride-along hours I was allowed to solo. It was awesome! I in the left seat of a small plane and nothing but the sky . . . . flying like a bird. The feeling is awsome and the vision is definitely birds-eye.
I loved to plan my flights, read aerial charts, check the weather and file a flight plan. I did have the FAA looking for me on one occasion. I had an ETA that had been miscalculated, whoops! The instructor was with me and we had flown to a controlled field and had a lunch. At least then I knew that the FAA was taking their job seriously.
My first instructor committed suicide. Not because of my flying, but he was a retired military man who nipped a bit much liquor. (I wondered what was in his thermos he took on each flight.) He was suffering from poor health and depression.
My replacement instructor was also a retired military pilot. He was younger and a bit more intense but I seemed to meet his expectations readily. There were tight turns, steep banks, spins, and stalls. I also had to fly under the hood, meaning using the instruments only to fly straight and level. That is challenging. Of course take-offs and landings were a part of each lesson. I did cross country trips, short field landings and many other necessary maneuvers to prepare for my check test flight.
I took the written exam and passed. Ground school was fairly easy. After just about 80 hours of flying I was able to take my check ride. It was on my birthday in October and towards the evening. I plotted out the course to a destination I had never been to and successfully passed my flight test. We returned to home base just after dusk without having to complete one leg of the trip. He knew I would be a good pilot.
Shortly afterwards I purchased my own airplane. It was a 1947 Stinson Station Wagon. This was a tail dragger that I had to have a couple of lessons in before taking possession. It was a four place that had awesome climbing ability with a 165 horsepower Franklin engine. It was N907D, red with white trim.
I based the plane as a tie-down at a small crop duster field (now closed) near my residence. The runway was an unlighted field with black macadam surface. The approach was over a golf course with tall cypress trees and power lines. At the end of this short runway were power lines also and a walnut orchard across the road.
I usually took day flights after work in the summer. However, one evening I decided to fly just as dusk was settling in. The plane had a dead battery. I asked for an assist prop pull-through from a fellow flyer. He obliged and I was soon in the air. I flew over the city and watched as lights began to come on. After a time I figured my battery would be recharged enough so I headed back to the field and set up for my final approach. As I cut power over the golf course my instrument panel went black. I had no way to assess my airspeed for approach so I had to abort or land by the seat of my pants. I decided immediately to put down and take the latter option. No landing light on the plane, no lights on the field. It was dark. I didn’t get panicky until after I taxied to my tie down. I thank God for one dark but safe landing and promised not to do that again.
Another adventurous situation occurred when I landed on a small grass strip and took off. The undercarriage of my fuselage had ripped (it was a fabric covered airframe). I landed at another field that I had moved the plane to and exited the aircraft to discover the damage. Fabric was hanging loose for several feet under the belly of the plane. I was heartsick.
My brother-in-law and I took a couple of rolls of duct tape and proceeded to patch the hole. We layered it so the air flow wouldn’t tear it. It worked, for shortly afterwards I took the plane back to the other airport and sold it to another pilot who was also an aircraft mechanic. I took a loss but got out from under the cost of owning my own airplane.
I gave $4000 for the plane, sold it for $2500 and now if restored it would be worth over $40,000. Oh well!
My replacement instructor was also a retired military pilot. He was younger and a bit more intense but I seemed to meet his expectations readily. There were tight turns, steep banks, spins, and stalls. I also had to fly under the hood, meaning using the instruments only to fly straight and level. That is challenging. Of course take-offs and landings were a part of each lesson. I did cross country trips, short field landings and many other necessary maneuvers to prepare for my check test flight.
I took the written exam and passed. Ground school was fairly easy. After just about 80 hours of flying I was able to take my check ride. It was on my birthday in October and towards the evening. I plotted out the course to a destination I had never been to and successfully passed my flight test. We returned to home base just after dusk without having to complete one leg of the trip. He knew I would be a good pilot.
Shortly afterwards I purchased my own airplane. It was a 1947 Stinson Station Wagon. This was a tail dragger that I had to have a couple of lessons in before taking possession. It was a four place that had awesome climbing ability with a 165 horsepower Franklin engine. It was N907D, red with white trim.
I based the plane as a tie-down at a small crop duster field (now closed) near my residence. The runway was an unlighted field with black macadam surface. The approach was over a golf course with tall cypress trees and power lines. At the end of this short runway were power lines also and a walnut orchard across the road.
I usually took day flights after work in the summer. However, one evening I decided to fly just as dusk was settling in. The plane had a dead battery. I asked for an assist prop pull-through from a fellow flyer. He obliged and I was soon in the air. I flew over the city and watched as lights began to come on. After a time I figured my battery would be recharged enough so I headed back to the field and set up for my final approach. As I cut power over the golf course my instrument panel went black. I had no way to assess my airspeed for approach so I had to abort or land by the seat of my pants. I decided immediately to put down and take the latter option. No landing light on the plane, no lights on the field. It was dark. I didn’t get panicky until after I taxied to my tie down. I thank God for one dark but safe landing and promised not to do that again.
Another adventurous situation occurred when I landed on a small grass strip and took off. The undercarriage of my fuselage had ripped (it was a fabric covered airframe). I landed at another field that I had moved the plane to and exited the aircraft to discover the damage. Fabric was hanging loose for several feet under the belly of the plane. I was heartsick.
My brother-in-law and I took a couple of rolls of duct tape and proceeded to patch the hole. We layered it so the air flow wouldn’t tear it. It worked, for shortly afterwards I took the plane back to the other airport and sold it to another pilot who was also an aircraft mechanic. I took a loss but got out from under the cost of owning my own airplane.
I gave $4000 for the plane, sold it for $2500 and now if restored it would be worth over $40,000. Oh well!
My piloting days are over. My vision is declining along with my reaction time. I best leave flying up to the young and more experienced. I miss it some days more than others when I look up in the sky at other aircraft droning through the air.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Struggles
I can best write of my personal experience about life. My life is rich although limited economically. I have not had the fortune of great wealth although I have been blessed with adequacy. This will limit my perspective on issues that are tied to life struggles in the area of riches.
The poverty stricken is apt to experience stress in survival necessities, i.e., food, clothing and shelter. These three things are the basics for long survival. Health is a very critical factor and I don’t mean to leave that part out intentionally. The wealthier may have stress of maintaining a lifestyle they are accustomed to. Hence, everybody on the face of this earth experiences struggles. Sickness is indiscriminate when it comes to wealth.
Can one put their trust in wealth? No, because there are many stories of failures in the life of the rich and famous. The stress is there. Of recent note is the terrible economy. Many have lost life savings and fortunes. Often poor health has brought on their struggles. Humanity is all subject to becoming poor. How can we escape?
The rescue can happen in the midst of the most catastrophic event. It involves a confidence in a dependable source. I believe that is why the spiritually minded have greater peace in times of stress than those without such faith. It is imperative that humanity recognize specific purpose in life as opposed to randomness or luck of the draw. The losses I’ve had are turned into lessons I’ve learned.
It is most difficult for logic and reasoning that goes beyond the natural to capture the foundational premises of Christianity. The true belief of Christians lies within a person. The historical Jesus came to bring life and a hope of a brighter future in a time of great turmoil in humanity. The key is acceptance of Him and confidence in His declarations. You must realize there is no promise of restoration to our liking. When we become His, He makes us what we need to be for the greater cause.
The promise of contentment in whatever state (condition, circumstance) we are in is conveyed by the learned Paul the Apostle. His struggles certainly demonstrate a deep dependence upon a higher power. He was a man of means who, because of his choice to be a disciple of Christ, was denigrated and imprisoned. His greatest work was done at the seeming low point in his life. In fact we use him as example of the keeping power of God for all trials and tribulations we face. There was a “knowing” that maintained his life along the way. He not only knew, but he was persuaded of a better outcome.
If you are living this life; breathing, communicating, etc., then you will have struggles. But be assured your life is being tested for purpose. Don’t blow it! Find the inner strength to believe and follow Christ regardless of problems.
The poverty stricken is apt to experience stress in survival necessities, i.e., food, clothing and shelter. These three things are the basics for long survival. Health is a very critical factor and I don’t mean to leave that part out intentionally. The wealthier may have stress of maintaining a lifestyle they are accustomed to. Hence, everybody on the face of this earth experiences struggles. Sickness is indiscriminate when it comes to wealth.
Can one put their trust in wealth? No, because there are many stories of failures in the life of the rich and famous. The stress is there. Of recent note is the terrible economy. Many have lost life savings and fortunes. Often poor health has brought on their struggles. Humanity is all subject to becoming poor. How can we escape?
The rescue can happen in the midst of the most catastrophic event. It involves a confidence in a dependable source. I believe that is why the spiritually minded have greater peace in times of stress than those without such faith. It is imperative that humanity recognize specific purpose in life as opposed to randomness or luck of the draw. The losses I’ve had are turned into lessons I’ve learned.
It is most difficult for logic and reasoning that goes beyond the natural to capture the foundational premises of Christianity. The true belief of Christians lies within a person. The historical Jesus came to bring life and a hope of a brighter future in a time of great turmoil in humanity. The key is acceptance of Him and confidence in His declarations. You must realize there is no promise of restoration to our liking. When we become His, He makes us what we need to be for the greater cause.
The promise of contentment in whatever state (condition, circumstance) we are in is conveyed by the learned Paul the Apostle. His struggles certainly demonstrate a deep dependence upon a higher power. He was a man of means who, because of his choice to be a disciple of Christ, was denigrated and imprisoned. His greatest work was done at the seeming low point in his life. In fact we use him as example of the keeping power of God for all trials and tribulations we face. There was a “knowing” that maintained his life along the way. He not only knew, but he was persuaded of a better outcome.
If you are living this life; breathing, communicating, etc., then you will have struggles. But be assured your life is being tested for purpose. Don’t blow it! Find the inner strength to believe and follow Christ regardless of problems.
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