James 5:13-20

 Ok, it is important to have a little background on this one. First, the James who wrote this book is believed to be a brother of Jesus. The entire book of James is being written to the Jewish Christians, who have been  scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution. The persecution had actually began when Stephen had been stoned for his faith in Christ Jesus years before.
 Although the book of James is found toward the end of the New Testament, it is actually one of the earlier books in the New Testament that was written, somewhere between 44 to 50 years after the Resurrection had happened.


 The thing to remember is when reading James....he ministered primarily to Jewish Christians.
 Jewish Christians had a hard time understanding the Gentile conversion to Christ. After all, to a  Jew this was their personal religion....the God of Israel...the Law of Moses...the Messiah. 
 Now, enter Saint Paul. Paul was one of them....a full blooded Jew...but is now proclaiming the Gentiles are receiving the "Jewish Messiah" as their Lord and Savior. The Gentiles have no experience with the God of Israel....no teaching regarding the Law of Moses...and didn't even know of the Coming Messiah.
 Paul meanwhile has been gossiped and lied about by others within the Jewish faith. It was
thought Paul "hated the Law of Moses" and for that matter hated anything that was a part of his Jewish background...even though he was Jewish himself.
 James meanwhile,  one of the leaders of the Christian church in Jerusalem, was a part of the meetings with the other leaders of the Christian faith  when Paul arrived in Jerusalem...with the so-called "Gentile Believers in the Jewish Messiah".
  And to be honest, I kind of see why the Jewish Christians were pretty upset. It was an intense situation. I can relate it in this way: When I lived in Houston Texas, it is a very cross cultural environment. You have not only Hispanic culture, but you have strong Asian, Middle East, and various nationalities. One of my personal friends, who is Hispanic...from Mexico...had recently received his U.S. citizenship...classes were ongoing for all those who wanted to become American citizens....which by the way is not as easy as one might think.
 Anyway, he comes running up to me one day, and with his strong accent, says : "Yoe (the j is silent in Spanish)...I am now a United States citizen...yust like you!" I won't forget my initial reaction....thinkin' to myself.."Really?...you really don't look American...and you certainly don't sound like an American". Yet the truth was, my good friend was every bit an American as me.
  Yet...I can kind of can understand where the Jewish Christians were coming from. The other thing about James and Paul, is when Paul did arrive in Jerusalem with the so-called "Gentile Believers"...that was definitely.."A Situation"...or using the famous  line in the Apollo movie..."Jerusalem...we have a problem."
 So, here is what James suggested to Paul. Go to the Temple (Jewish) and worship...this will show to the other Christian Jews you respect them. So, Paul agreed and did so. The problem was...he took some Gentile Believers along with him....the result...Paul and his friends almost got killed...in fact, if Roman soldiers had not been called...Paul and his buddies might have gotten stoned to death.
 Nowhere in Scriptures does it record any follow-up conversation between Paul and James, but I bet it was a "doosey". I mean, couldn't you hear Paul: "Great idea James...you about got me KILLED!" Then I could hear James: "Well I didn't know you were going to a JEWISH synagogue with a bunch of Gentiles! What are you...nuts?!"
                                                            PAUSE
 Now, 45 to 50 years later, James is writing.... still to basically Jewish Christians...spread out everywhere because of persecution of their acceptance of Christ Jesus as their Messiah.
 James has seen a lot in those years...he has lost good friends...both Jewish and Gentile...because they have put their faith in....Christ Jesus. James has learned that in spite of the differences within the framework of the Christian faith....we are all "Companions" in Him. Companion is a word of Greek origin: Cum meaning with, and Pan meaning bread. We as Christians are companions..."we come to each other... with bread" In other words...James has learned the value...of needing one another...whether we be Jewish or Gentile...
 
Starting in verse 13 of chapter 5 of James it reads: feom the Amphlified Translation.

"Are there any afflicted among you?, Are you hurting? Are you suffering hardships?
Here is what you do...you need to pray.
 We are not meant...to go this alone.
Is anyone happy? Does your heart have joy? Are you feeling good about life at the moment?
 Here is what you need to do...offer up Songs of Praise.
 This is an act of encouragement to others around you.

 Are there any among you sick? You need to find yourself a strong believer and friend among you. Perhaps an elder or a leader within your own congregation, let them pray over you...using oil as a symbol of God's healing...in the very name of the One who died for us...Christ Jesus our Lord.
 These type of prayers offered in faith...has the potential to bring healing to you.

Now, if sin is an issue in regards to your healing....perhaps stemming from a lack of trust, or stress has overtaken you, or perhaps worry is ruling in your life...all these things can be forgiven...and you can  still count on your healing!
 Remember this saying: "The prayer of the Innocent is a force to be reckoned with."

 It's no secret how highly regarded is the prophet Elijah in Jewish history. Yet, Elijah was just like any one of us, and he prayed from his heart that it would not rain for 3 1/2 years. And, it didn't. Then he prayed from his heart that it would rain again. And, it did. Those showers brought much needed life to crops...to plants...and to all things that grow from the ground itself.

 So, my dear friends, if you can rise above your own circumstances, and you really want to help others...precious lives from destruction....if you want to prevent an epidemic of seeing others turn their hearts from the God of the Jews and the Gentiles....then go after them..by showing in both word and deed what Christ Jesus means to you. By doing so, your love for them can save many from death, bring about the forgiveness of many sins...whether they be a Jew or a Gentile."

 

"Heeeee's Back! or Maybe She's Baaaaack! Jack the Ripper!

The mid-19th century brought many new people into the London England area. The influx of Irish immigrants alone swelled the major cities of England (due to the horrendous potato famines in Ireland during the 1840's.)  This included the East End of London. Around 1882, Jewish refugees had left the Tsarist Russia culture and were now finding residence in London as well. It wasn't long before the infamous White Chapel area on London's east end had become seriously overpopulated.

 Housing and available work were worsening daily and as a result there was an economic class emerging that were both in much poverty and social misfortune.
 People who lived under these conditions in the White Chapel area  were now engaging in robbery and violent acts of survival. Alcohol dependency was common as people tried to find avenues of escape from their painful existence. Many women were driven to prostitution, a large part due to being widows at early ages, and simply trying to find ways to feed their children. The lifespan for men in this specific and notorious area of London was 22 years. Many of these shortened lifestyles were due to the harsh and toxic work conditions they were under (like tin mining). Women and children as young as 5 and 6 years old were working in deplorable conditions including 16 hours a day 6 to sometimes 7 days a week. 50% of the funerals in London in by 1840 were children, most under 10 years of age. They were forced to crawl in small crevices in the tin mines becoming weak and sick, until they simply died.
 An interesting side note: The Victorian Age was in full swing yet only constituted less than 5 % of the entire English population. In 1843, a book was published that addressed the very vile conditions of English life by a young author named Charles Dickens. His book? "A Christmas Carol." One more thought: many of the first class passengers were heirs from this horrendous time in English society. These heirs of Victorian society later purchased tickets to an initial voyage upon a ship named "The Titanic."
 In October of 1888, London's Metropolitan  Police Service reported there were 1200 prostitutes and approximately 62 brothels in the White Chapel area alone. Demonstrations against the brutality of working conditions and poor pay were frequent between 1886 and 1889. Racism, crime, social disturbance, and various other deprivations gave the White Chapel area its renown fame as "the Den of Immorality".
 In 1888, the notoriety of the White Chapel area seem to come to a head with a series of vicious and grotesque murders...attributed to a person referred to as "Jack the Ripper". The news coverage of these brutal murders were endless, and the popularity of this horrific news reached many throughout the world.

 Between April 3rd of 1888 and February 13th of 1891...there were 11 separate murders in the White Chapel area, all of them women who had been forced to a life of prostitution. Now opinions vary as to whether one man, Jack the Ripper, was responsible to all of these brutal murders, but 5 of the murders were directly pointed to him. These 5 women became known as "the Canonical 5", and were all killed in a similar fashion.
 Actually, the sites of the first 7 women killed were along the streets of Osborne, George Yard, Hanbury Street, Berner Street, Mitre Square, and the infamous Dorset Street, all in the White Chapel District of London.

 Why the "Canonical 5" were attributed to one person was mainly due to the style of murders, namely dubbed " Jack the Ripper." The pattern was similar: deep throat slashes, abdominal and genital-area mutilation, removal of internal organs, and progressive yet unique facial mutilations,  all done with a surgeon's precise skills. Also, keep in mind was there were no forensic techniques such as fingerprint analysis, dental records, or of course DNA identification.

 It is horrible thought to even think how a person could do such a thing to another person. You have to ask yourself, "What drives a person to use such extreme cruelty?"
                                                           Or was it..."Jacqueline the Ripper?"

The Fall Season...the scary stories begin....

As with many new adventures in life, the change of seasons often bring with its introduction  new thoughts, different outlooks, and fresh ideas to accompany its beginning moments.
 The Fall Season brings "her" unique  charm to accompany an exciting entrance. In the days gone by, the Fall Season would bring the beginnings of the cold and gusty winds, leaves now fallen off the trees  blowing to and fro, the days getting shorter, and the darkness of night begins to make more of an impression on our lives as the winter approaches.
 As with many different changes in life, the excitement of it all, like the feeling of  cold and frosty night...after months of summer heat, stirs people to react to its beginning moments.
Often given to our "emotional side of life"...the stories begin.....as in
                               Jack the Ripper.

 In the late 1880's, London England was preparing itself for another beautiful season of Fall.
The harvest had already begun with golden grains being stored for winter use, hay being cut so animals would have food for winter, pumpkins and various harvest oriented festivals were underway, as the "Darkness of the Night" became more prevalent than in the Spring and Summer seasons.
 In 1888, it was imperative to have candles for the homes...to light dimly the through the night while your eyes beheld the darkness as each evening of the night would greet you a little earlier each day.
 The thing about  a candle lit atmosphere is...the shadows. One would sit near a warm fire, with perhaps a bit of hot brew...and notice in the candle light setting...shadows all around you. You could see them as one person may walk up the stairs, or enter another room, or perhaps look out the window and see a shadow of someone...or something pass by your very dwelling.
 And in 1888, you didn't have a TV, or a radio....you couldn't put a headset on, or turn on a computer. You either had a book with your reading glasses, or if you arranged the candles just right, a paper and pen to write a letter...or simply express your thoughts.
 And...you had your...mind.

 The mind can take you "places" far away from where you may dwell. The "creative juices" would be flowing...particularly with the colder weather and the evenings making much more impact on your daily lives.
 And, during the late 1800's, it was pretty customary to arise at the break of dawn, and begin your day. As a result, when evening "knocked on your door", your body, your mind, and perhaps even your very soul was weary, from all the activity that had gone on during the daily routine of life....in London England....

On October 13th, 1888, a disturbing news article was publicized through the newspaper called: "The Illustrated London News". The newspaper was an article everyone read...daily! It was the very source of knowledge a person living in London could use to keep up with all the daily activity going on in London and the surrounding area.
 A section of London was called: "The Whitechapel District". It was an impoverished area in the late Victorian era, and was an extremely high crime area. The wealthier folk lived on the west side of London, while the east side catered to the poor and impoverished.
 Located in Middlesex county, areas such as Flower and Dean Street were known as the most dangerous area in London. Dorset Street was simply recognized as "the very worse street in London", the infamous "Whitechapel District" was full of people in extreme poverty, living in sub-standard homes, numerous people simply homeless, drunkenness prevalent among the city streets, and prostitutes...prostitutes everywhere!

 In this area, as the Fall Season was underway in all its array of colors...there was circulating very disturbing, alarming, and flat scary reports...as early as September in 1888...there was a serial killer rising to prominence...he had titles like "The Whitechapel Murderer" and the "Leather Apron"....but in a short time he became known to all as..."Jack the Ripper".
 

"The 7 Deadly's"...Finale

So, are the "7 Deadly's" something to consider? Are they really Biblical? And what do you do if any of the "7 Deadly's" have found a home in our lives?.........

1. First, are the "7 Deadly's" really something to consider?

 I think when it comes to doing  a self-examination periodically in our own individual lives, I have found it quite beneficial to examine the motives of my own heart in relation to daily encounters I face in life.
 The "7 Deadly's" can serve as a reminder of my actions and/or reactions I choose when encountering others or situations that develop in my life.
 For example, if I find myself "stuffing my mouth with an exhorborant amount of food", or drinking wine in excess, then I need to ask myself: "Why am I doing this?" Could I be allowing something defined in the "7 Deadly's" invading my own life? Am I hurt over how I have been treated?...am I resentful toward God because something didn't turn out the way I thought it should?...Has someone done something to me and now I am "plotting" some type of revenge?
Often times we over indulge because something is bothering us, it is not always our physical bodies screaming for more.
 I think putting into remembrance the "7 Deadly's" causes me to see the need in my own life to give better attention to prayer and the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to meditate on these Instructions that bring solutions to whatever in life may be troubling me.
 By allowing God's Grace to have an opening into my life, it reduces the chances of any of the "7 Deadly's" finding residence in my heart. It reminds me of the saying I learned long ago that I have found to be true: "Whatever you choose to be the control of your life, it is good for that choice you make to be enacted, otherwise, someone or something will make the choice for you and take control of your life...anyway."

2. Are the "7 Deadly's really Biblical?"

 Although the "7 Deadly's" are not specifically named as such in the Sacred Scriptures, the sins that make-up the "7 Deadly's" certainly are...and the results of allowing the "7 Deadly's" to operate in our individual lives are made clear as well in the Scripture.
 For example once again, take spiritual laziness. I have found myself easily at times rationalizing my need for spiritual development by saying: "I just haven't had the time", or "My schedule is hectic, where can I actually find time to sit down and pray...or think about God's Word?"
 And again, the "7 Deadly's" can serve as a simple reminder of what can happen when we don't make our spiritual development a top priority. I always try and keep this in mind: nothing in life is just left empty...if I don't make it a habitual practice to fill my own heart and mind with the God-type thoughts He has given us...something will...and the "7 Deadly's" are always available to give us another path to follow.

3. What can I do to minimize sins described in the "7 Deadly's", so they won't find any openings into my own heart?

 The Sacred Scriptures are quite clear...throughout its entirety as to what we are suppose to do to keep ourselves in a pure and righteous way before Him. We are told in the Scriptures we are to have a full and happy life...even through the disasters and tragedies that arise along our diverse paths in life.
 Here then are some Gleanings from the Sacred Scriptures as to what we are to do:

  When Israel was beginning to enter the Promised Land in the Book of Joshua, God gives to Joshua specific instructions as to what the Israelites were to do: Joshua 1:8
 " Study His Book of Instruction of life...continually. Meditate on it throughout the day and on into the night. By doing so, it will enable you to obey what His Instructions are for us. It is here prosperity and success are found. Your strength and courage will rise up from within you, no matter what life may bring. With His Instructions "living" within us, He will lead us...safely."

 In Psalm 1:2, it reads: " The Delight of My Word...is what brings thrill to your heart. By meditating on it throughout the day and on into the night, your happiness is discovered, and the fulfillment of your very desires...are forged...through these very Instructions."

 The word "meditate" is a rather interesting word originating from the Hebrew. It is the word "hagah", and the picture of this word is that of a lion who is hungry and has just completed its kill. The lion will protect, growl, and ward off any who come near wanting to take away from its kill.
 That in my estimation is how we are to treat His Instructions...hungry to receive them and ward off anything that is contrary to what His Instructions dictate.
 Ray Vander Laan, a noted biblical scholar, describes this beautifully in one of his teaching series: "God in the Desert", going as far as to pronounce the word "hagah" like that of a growl of a lion...."hagaaah".

 In Psalm 119:48, it reads: " Your Instructions, Your Commands, this is what brings honor to me. To cherish Your thoughts...is like a sweet fragrance arising from Your counsel."

 And of course, the Master Himself makes it abundantly clear as to which Instruction has the most prolific impact on each one of us today. In John 15:17, Christ Jesus declares this astonishing statement: "Remember this! The very core root that grows from My Instruction within you is this....that you are to love one another."
 Nothing can stand against this...including...the "7 Deadly's".

The 7 "Deadly's"...part 2

So here are the 7 deadly sins recognized by the Roman Catholic Church....it might be challenging to see if any of these influence our individual lives!

1. LUST ("luxuria"in Latin meaning carnal). Simply put, it means an intense desire. Lust is usually associated with sexual wants, but in its original use it does simply point to wrong desires. Lust can go far beyond sexual gratification and establish warped desires for money, for fame, and for power.

2. GLUTTONY ("gula" in Latin meaning to "gulp down"). This word implies to over-indulge or to be over consumed with something. Gluttony will take you far beyond the point of need and continue to pursue the thought of taking in all you possibly can. Although gluttony is associated with eating too much, gluttony can be included with acts of selfishness and putting you own personal needs and wants over the needs of others.
 Thomas Aquinas, the great theologian of the Roman Catholic Church, expanded on the idea of the sin of gluttony in relation to strictly eating, and noted the following: "If you find yourself eating too soon, eating only expensive treats, eating too much, eating with too much eagerness, eating only what you want, or eating with no common sense...then you have found yourself...under the sin of gluttony."

3. GREED ( "avarito" in Latin meaning avarice). Here again lies another sin of selfish excess. Greed is often depicted with an intense desire to attain material possessions. Greed can escort you to other sins simply because of your personal want(s) to have more. These other sins can and may lead you to becoming disloyal, acts of betrayal, and even treason of others you live with...all because of vain pursuit for personal gain. Other sins that can reach prominence are hoarding, theft, and robbery, and then violence, trickery, and manipulation all enter through the door we call...Greed.

4. SLOTH ("socordia" in Latin meaning lazy). This particular sin is often associated with physical laziness...yet spiritual laziness is just as much a part of it. In fact, failing to attend to your spiritual development can lead to a "monster of a sin"...the rejection of God's Grace...in your very own life. Sloth or laziness can also be simply a failure to act...to allow evil to have it's way and simply ignore the damaging consequences. Another view on sloth is the failure to utilize the talents and gifts the Lord has given...to each of us.

5. WRATH ("ira" in Latin meaning rage). When anger reaches an uncontrollable state, often times feelings of hatred arise, which can be followed by acts of violence and ultimately self-destruction. Impatience finds its opening here, as well as revenge and even acts of vigilantism.

 Wrath is very much a selfish sin, and runs kindred to jealousy and envy. The ultimate goal of this dark and evil sin known as wrath is....suicide...the final defiant act of God's Grace to the giving of life itself. Wrath only enrages an inner expression of tragic and bitter hatred that is built up in one's own heart.

6. ENVY ("invidia" in Latin meaning to desire). Envy involves not only a desire, but an almost uncontrollable and insatiable desire for something or someone. Envy is closely associated with jealousy...simply because when one chooses this frame of mind it usually stems from a feeling of discontent within. Envy always wants what someone else has, which runs into direct violation of one of the 10 Commandments: "Do not desire anything that belongs to your neighbor".

7. PRIDE ( "superbia" in Latin and "hubris" in Greek). This is often thought of as the #1 "bad-boy of all the 7 Deadly's, in fact, it is thought to be the very source of all the others.
 There is somewhat of an ironic twist when one thinks along these lines. The excessive "love" of self leads only to contempt...and ultimately hatred.
  Lucifer himself challenged God the Father because of his love for himself, to the point his hatred for God and all He stood for became his ultimate downfall. And did he ever fall!

The 7 "Deadly's"...Part 1

You often hear the phrase, movies have been made with this phrase as a title, and people in general conversations in life have referred to it...the "7 Deadly's"...stay away from them. So, what is this all about?....the "7 Deadly's"?

 It seems to originate in the Roman Catholic Church, where sin is divided into basically 2 categories: 1) venial sins...where sins are relatively minor, and 2) mortal sins...sins that potentially can remove one form eternal security. Mortal sins involve a necessity to respond and rely on God's Mercy, and to bring about a conversion in the heart, usually through a Sacrament of Reconciliation.
 The 7 Deadly Sins, or capital sins, are basically sins that are the "ringleaders" in various categories that opens the door for all other sins. The 7 Deadly Sins have been branded as the "Original Sins", and man has been subject to all types of various temptations because of them.

 In the early 14th century, the 7 Deadly sins became a popular theme among the people, and European artists often depicted paintings and sculptures that identified with this train of thought...particularly with the Catholic culture of that time period. The word "SALIGIA" became a reminder of the 7 Deadly Sins man was upgainst. The word SALIGIA was based on the first letter of Latin words used to identify the 7 Deadly's. The words were: Superbia, Avarita, Luxuria, Invidia, Gula, Ira, and Acedia.

 The Sacred Scriptures wrote of sins that could easily beset us. Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs, mentions 7 sins the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). Now, of the sins Solomon wrote of and the 7 Deadly's the Roman Church refers to...there is only one they share in common...that would be "Pride".
 Saint Paul, later in his writings in Galatians 5:19-21 includes a "whole lot of sins" that can weigh us down for those who have accepted the call to...Follow Him! In fact, Paul went on to write that those among us who commit these sins (habitually, willingly, and with no sense of remorse), will not inherit..."the Kingdom of God". These statements made by St. Paul have sparked a series of controversies...even among Biblical scholars.

 The 7 Deadly's seemed find its place in history through the writings of a 4th century monk named Evagrius Ponticus, who actually listed 8 evil sins using a Greek format to convey his own thoughts. These 8 sins were: 1. gluttony 2. prostitution or fornication 3. avarice or greed 4. hubris or self-esteem (in the sense of promoting oneself) 5. sadness ( in the sense of envy at another's good fortune) 6. wrath 7. boasting and 8. dejection ( which in modern day could include depression.
 The Roman heirarchy then took these writings, and furthered them through a Christian monk named John Cassian, recognized in his era by both the western and eastern orthodox churches for his "mystical writings", and came up with 8 major sins that would virtually lead to all other sins. The 8 sins he wrote of included: 1. gluttony 2. fornication or lust 3. avarice or greed 4. self-pride 5. sorrow ( in the sense of despair or depression 6. wrath 7. vain glory and 8. slothful or being lazy.
 Note: I find it rather interesting how the writers during these centuries viewed "depression as a type of sin", a much different outlook than we have today.

From these 8 major sins, they were then lumped into 3 general categories:
1. Lustful appetite...these would include gluttony, fornication, and avarice (greed).
2. Irascibility...wrath
3. Intellect...these would include vain glory. sorrow(in the sense of depression or despair), self-pride, and disouragement (again, notice the emphasis on negative thought).

 In A.D. 590, Pope Gregory l, revised all these descriptions of "capital sins", and formed what we now know as......."The 7 Deadly Sins".
  So, officially...these are the 7 Deadly Sins....
1. Lust
2. Gluttony
3. Greed
4. Laziness (Sloth)
5. Wrath
6. Envy
7. Pride
 Under these 7 major categories, comes all the other sins that hinder us from following Him. Kind of an umbrella effect. At least the Roman Church seems to advocate this type of thought...

Studying the Scripture

I enjoy studying the Sacred Scripture, and it comes "alive" for me when I view the various translations, paraphrases, and different thoughts people write on a section or a context of what the Scriptures are saying to them.
 Personally, when the Scriptures were first written, I think there was an intense passion that came with each word that was jotted down. And although today we often look at the Scripture in regards to the accuracy of translating each word from its original test,  and rightfully so, I think the accuracy of the Scripture is also determined by the what is being conveyed from the heart of the individual who wrote it.
 In our society today, we often demand a "step by step" process in evaluating and examining what we read in the Scripture. We look at the prefix, the main part of the noun or verb, and look whether it is in a past tense, current tense, future tense, or an ongoing tense. We break down each letter and look at the context of the words chosen to express what is in the heart of the writer.
 It's like when we buy something at a store and bring it home, and it has to be put together first before the particular item can be used. The instructions are written in a "step by step" format, and from this we are able to put together the item we have purchased.
 Yet, what is the first thing we often look at before putting something together? I think it is the picture...we look at the picture and get this impression in our mind of what we are about to put together.

 The Scriptures can be like that as well...painting a picture of what the author is wanting us to grasp or take hold of as the thoughts are transmitted to written form.
 Otherwise, the Scriptures are liable to become just another set of rules for us to follow...and if we make a "high score"...perhaps God will like us.
 And if we add body language, facial expressions, the tone of our voice, and the different volumes of our voices to convey the Sacred Scripture, it can be received in different ways...within the same group.
 An example would be the word "love". When we use this word in our communication, "love" can mean alot of things to a number of people. "I love you"...can mean I love you as a friend, or I love you as my wife or husband, I love you as brothers and sisters, I love you romantically, or I love you because you were there to assist me. In 1 Corinthians 13, it reads "faith, hope, and love...and the greatest of these is...love." Some translations use the word charity, others refer to the original Greek saying it is "agape" love, and yet others interpret that as being nice and caring for another.
 For myself, this is why it is important to study the different sides to the meanings of what we read in the Scripture. Scriptures do paint a picture, and Scriptures can hold a special meaning just by a particular word the author chooses to use, or even a letter by itself. The context of what has been written is important and its impact on any given situation, or any culture, in past or present.
 The real essence of it all...to relate what the author is trying to convey, and "feed on" and keep the original text "alive" in our own hearts...today.

 Here then is a more "country version"...a "downhome type" expression of Psalm 1. Does it relate to you today? Does it challenge you to live a more God-centered life?...these are the type questions I often ask myself when reading the Scripture...

 " God must really like you! You really don't get all your "advice on life" from sitting on a barstool. And you're not hangin' around a bunch of "good for nothins", getting kicks verbally abusing others...saying the meanest and cruel to those who are trying their best "to make a go of it"...following the One they put all their hope in.
 Instead, you can see the excitement in your eyes when you hear someone quote a verse from the Bible. In fact, you listen up close, and think about it all day long...and keep thinking about it on into the night.

 And now look at ya'! You look refreshed, and at peace with everything...and all those around you. Have you seen one of those big oak trees that have buried its roots to a nearby creek or stream? The bark on those trees are rich and brown, and its leaves glisten a deep forest green.
 That is the image you portray...and you are always looking for ways to help others. And the "stuff" you give them...its good stuff...namebrand and new...with no 2nd thoughts about doing so.
 And what makes it so amazing...the more you give to others...the more you seem to have where that came from.

 Now this is quite noticable...those ones that are in life just for themselves...and particularly those who take from others for their own gain. It seems people who act like that are "gittery" in everyday life, and are the first to jump and run if they notice someone around them is needing help...or in trouble. In fact, they will run right over you...to save their own hide.

 But, the Scriptures do make it clear...their day is coming, you know, the ones who particpated in life for only their own interests, and only were out for themselves. The ones that didn't care if others hurt around them, or didn't care if they hurt someone...as long as they got to where they thought they needed to be...the day is coming when they might wish they would have thought twice about how they treated others.

 In fact, these self-centered folk will even try to mix in with those who chose a different way of life...a life dedicated to helping others. The "Self-Centered Ones" will have their certificates and trophies showing how much they cared...but the heart of the matter is....they did these things to only benefit themselves.
 But...it won't matter. They will stick out like a "sore thumb", and people will know...these kind are not real...they were fakes in life itself.

 God is "kind of funny" like that...He has His own way of watching over us...especially if He takes a liking to you!
 He has a way of making sure all those who went through life...simply ignoring the pain in others around them...He will address all those who embraced that way of life...and those folks who particpated in that type of behavior...will be sorry they didn't reach out to those "bent beneath their loads" in life and the struggles that life sometimes brings.
 
 
 

You can only be You!...I can only be Me!

I have often noticed in my generation we have our heroes...or idols...people we admire. We embrace some of their traits...incorporate what we can into our own lives, and at times do what we can can to impress...or even please others by acting like a person we admire.
 Even in Christianity I have noticed that...once you meet Him and establish Him as an integral part of your life...you are sometimes swayed to be like that Christian guy or act like some other Christian person...particularly if they have found popularity among the masses.
 
 As I grow more fond of Him, and begin to enjoy His Presence in my own life more....it seems He is not asking me to be like someone else. That doesn't mean I don't follow the advice or even more the actions of good leaders....but our identity....it is unique...He wants us to simply be...yourself!
 C.S. Lewis once wrote: " I didn't really know myself...until I met Him....then I discovered my personality." Being ourselves...it is one of God's greatest gifts we could ever receive...for it is within our own unique personalities that we are able to offer others the True Gift of Life...meeting and knowing...Him.

 When I am on this train of thought, I often remember Roger Maris, the New York Yankee baseball player who in 1961 broke Babe Ruth's homerun record...hitting 61 homeruns in one season...one more than Ruth.
 The ordeal he went through was tough...he was highly criticized by the media throughout the season, and he was a quiet and reserved type person...which didn't go well with the public persona. After all, they were used to the more flamboyant verbiage of the great Yankee players like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle...who gave the public an excitement each time they were interviewed.

 Roger Maris, born on September 10th, 1934 in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was a Midwesterner who looked at life as a "matter of fact", not a great deal of emotion displayed when he spoke, but pretty straightforward when he did speak.
 The year...1961...everyone who loved baseball pretty much accepted the fact: Babe Ruth's feat of 60 homeruns in one season...was one that would never be broken. Roger Maris himself was recorded to have said: " No, no one will break the Babe's record...guys now will be lucky if they can hit 50 homeruns in one season."  If Roger only knew....what was about to happen!

 The '61 season was an interesting one. They added 2 teams to the league, and the season had been expanded...from 154 games to 162 games. Ford Frick, the commissioner of major league baseball, a deep admirer of "The Babe" and a close personal friend of Mrs. Ruth, made it abundantly clear as the season wore on that anyone hitting more than 60 homeruns in one season outside the 154 game season Ruth had played...would not be counted as "breaking Ruth's homerun record.
 So, what was going on? Well, in 1961 Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were on a "tear" in relation to hitting homeruns that year. As the season was concluding, Maris and Mantle had each hit 58 homeruns before even 154 games had been played. "The Mick", as he was lovingly called, would be much more received if he broke Ruth's homerun mark, simply because the public loved him Maris...another story...he had the image of a guy who was just too somber about life...and he "didn't deserve that type of recognition.
 Roger Hornsby, a great ball player himself of an earlier era, made this comment about Maris: (Ruth had hit .356 as a batting average in 1927, when he hit 60 home runs. Maris was batting .270 in 1961.)"It would be disappointing to see Ruth's home run record be broken by a .270 hitter." He didn't even say Maris's name.
 Mickey Mantle had a hip injury late in the season, and after 58 home runs...Mick was out for the rest of the season....now, Maris was all alone.

 Roger Maris hit 59 home runs in the 154 game format...but now there were 8 games to go. Already, he was being "hammered". He received disdain from Frick, Mrs. Ruth, and numerous people who were involved in the world of major league baseball. Maris received hate mail...and death threats...he was losing hair because of all the stress. Maris made this statement in the "heat of it all": "I'm not trying to be Babe Ruth...I'm trying to hit 61 home runs and be...Roger Maris." Maris went on to say: " They act as though I am doing something wrong."

 HBO made a movie called "61", and identified the internal struggle Maris went through that season of 1961. The media tried to portray Maris and Mantle as opposed to one another, when the truth was...they had become friends. One highlight of the movie was when Mickey was in the hospital, out for the season because of the hip injury, and Maris was talking with Mantle and said: " I don't know if I can do it...I don't know if I should...I mean, Babe Ruth...he is the Legend of the Yankees...and me...I'm a nobody." I will never forget how Mick responded to Roger( and please do not be offended for this quote)...Mick said to Roger: " Listen....you go after that fat "fucker"....don't let anyone deter you what you are suppose to do!"

 On October 1st, 1961...the last game of the season of the 162 game schedule...he did it! Tracy Stallard was the opposing pitcher of the Boston Red Sox....number 61!! There were only 23,154 fans in attendance ( a very light crowd).

 Hank Aaron, who later broke Ruth's all-time home run record (714) 1974..paid tribute to Roger by relating a statement mimicking what Roger had said in 1961..."I don't want people to forget Babe Ruth...I just want them to remember Hank Aaron."

  Roger Maris jersey number...#9...was retired by the Yankees in 1984. Roger Maris was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1983 and passed away on December 14th, 1985.
 He had a foundation for this terrible killer.

So, whoever you are in life...just be you!! That is God's intention...no matter what others may think you should be.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, " Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have not recognized him. For the Lord sees not as man sees, man looks on the outward appearance...but the Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Sometimes in life, people can influence you in a way you don't imagine. I have a friend...her name is Melanie...and she always has a way of making you feel...I am glad who I am....thanks Mel!!

The Photo...September 15th, 1954

In Manhattan New York, at Lexington and 52nd street, around 1:00 in the morning...the photo that has passed through time took place...."The Seven Year Itch" photo.
 It was during the filming of this movie, Marilyn Monroe had the most famous photo of her career take place.
 The photo showed Marilyn laughing, as her skirt is blown upward as she is standing above the vents of the air blasts from a subway beneath her. This photo brought some controversy for her, including her husband, Joe Dimaggio, being infuriated as he considered it a form of exhibitionism. It was only a year later the couple divorced.

 Marilyn Monroe, her birth name Norma Jean Mortenson, also went by Norma Jean Baker, grew up in a childhood full of despair, unstable environments, and hard living conditions. Monroe's real mother was a negative film cutter at several film studios, had a history of mental instability, and was institutionalized when Marilyn was only 5 years old.
 From there, Monroe lived in a series of foster homes where she suffered from neglect and abuse, finally ending up in an orphanage. Marilyn quit high school at age 16 and married a 21 year old aircraft plant worker named Joe Dougherty.

 In 1944, during WWll, Marilyn worked as a paint sprayer at a defense plant. It was there she first came to the public eye as she was spotted by a photographer who took photos of her. Before long, Monroe became a popular pin-up girl. Soon after the war, Marilyn began to pursue a career in modeling, and divorced her husband in 1946. Dougherty lived to be 84 years old passing away in 2005.
 Monroe signed with Century Fox for $125 per week, but was cut after one film. She then had a similar experience with Columbia Pictures.
 Being unemployed, she made the decision to pose nude for Playboy for their calendar, and was paid $50. The calendar sold a million copies (largely due to her photo), and brought $750,000 in revenue.
 Afterwards, Marilyn signed a series of small films, and by the early 50's she was being given more prominent roles with some of the movie stars of that era. What brought Marilyn to the "limelight" was her sex appeal and her little girl mannerisms.
 During this time she had married baseball great Joe Dimaggio, and were now having marital problems...and divorced him. In 1956, Marilyn married intellectual playwright Arthur Miller.

 Marilyn made her last picture in 1961, entitled "The Misfits", a movie that her husband Artur Miller had written specifically for her. They divorced...one week before the film opened.

In August of 1962, Marilyn Monroe died...from an overdose of sleeping pills... her phone was still in her hand. Her death was ruled...a possible suicide, and since her death much popularity, causes, and mystique has surrounded her untimely death.
 Marilyn had suffered numerous lung infections since a child, and that is why I....have a soft spot in my heart for her...Marilyn Monroe...for I too have battled lung infections...since I was a small child. Lung infections are another form of illness that affects your moods, thoughts, strengths, and daily encounters in life. It doesn't excuse any one's choices or behaviors in life...it is just an ever present battle...like the times you are battling to get more oxygen into your system.
 Joe Dimaggio, her ex-husband, continued to send flowers to her grave....each day...for the rest of his life.

 Marilyn had 37-24-35 measurements, was 36 years of age when she died, and her estate was worth 1.6 million.

 Many, many stories, reports, researches, and songs have been written about her. Elton John's song: "Goodbye Norma Jeane" was dedicated to her. She became officially known as Marilyn Monroe on February 23, 1956.

 So much has been written of Norma Jean, and as a Christian you wonder...why did it have to end this way for her? It is relatively easy to point at all the different sin that confronted her, and the results of choosing that type of lifestyle. Yet her childhood was a difficult one, and one thing I will always keep in my mind when it comes to Norma Jean is the Scripture from Matthew 18, verses 2...and then 5-6.

 "Jesus called a child over, and had the child stand with Him. He then said: " I promise you this. Anyone who welcomes a little child like this...is welcoming Me.
 But, if you cause one of these little ones..who are needing to learn of Me...if you direct them into sin...you would be better off to have a large stone tied around your neck...and be drowned...in the very depths of the Sea."

 

"Cascade of Delight" ...Gleaning from Psalm 36:7-9

Psalm 36 is one of those psalms no one is sure who actually wrote it...it might have been David, but there is no 100% assurance it was. At any rate, this Psalm was "handed in" to the choir director, and it became a noted Psalm.
 Verses 5- 9 speak all about how good God is. The first 4 verses speak about our shortcomings in being the type of individual God would want us to be.

 Here about verse 7 natural surroundings are used to emulate the kind of God we have in our hearts. The sky, clouds, mountains, and the seas are majestic reminders of who He is and what we mean to Him.
 The sky in this format is to serve as a reminder of His love for us...beautiful arrays of blue full of His Compassion....dark blues and almost black when His anger is aroused against those who are out to destroy us. Clouds bring with them the Truth of His Word...reminders of the Promises He has made to us. Mountains give us a symbol of His Strength, and yet His Goodness as well. The Mountains speak to us of His stability and His Righteousness as well. The seas...speak of His Justice...for in the end all will be made known...and His Fairness will be our judge!
 Verse 9 brings an awareness of just how dependent we are of Him. For in our own selves, our eyes are not able to grasp the very natural symbols around us: the skies, the clouds, the mountains, and the sea. Unless He opens our eyes...we are not able to see or understand how deep His love is for us....and yes, the deserts also have meaning...and He walks with us in those times as well. As one writer explained it: "As I was walking through a desert time in my life, I noticed only one set of footprints. So I asked the Lord, "Where did you go...when I needed You the most?" He replied, "I was right there...those were My footprints...I had to carry You in My arms....to get you through."

  A Gleaning from Psalm 36:7-9

 " Your love is like finding a treasure...and whoever finds this treasure...finds all the shelter they need.
 It is a place of refuge...built entirely on trust...trust in what You have spoken.
 Food and drink are all provided by You, from the abundance of Heaven itself. The water You give us to drink is full of Life...and brings Life into our desolate and dry lives. From these well-nourished drinks...come Your Life...and makes our lives a "Cascade of Delights!"
 And even more revealing...our eyes are now opened...from the very Light You give us."

Think about it...."Do the Math!"

As we journey through life, things can become very appealing at times. "Big money" to be made...while your son is waiting for you at home to go to a ballgame. Your daughter wants to go to the mall so she can learn how to "doll herself up...at a free make-up day or a clothes sale"..but you have to be at a fund-raiser (sometimes good things can be an enemy of the best).

 So, what does it mean to be or think..."worldly"? Worldly is described as: not being spiritual, focus on the material things in life, and always wrapped up in the moment...what is important (TO ME)...now!

 In 1 John 2:15-17...It kind of lays it out how to deal with this when it erupts in your life....

A Gleaning from 1 John 2:15-17.....

 " Don't give your heart...don't cherish within you...all the stuff life has to offer.
Here's why: if you end up giving your mind and your heart to only things in this life...it can really hurt you in the end. It will be like a "choker weed", wrapping its vine around a beautiful plant, and squeezing the life out of its stems...until it dies. Getting all into the "world's ways of enjoying life can squeeze the love and the life you have for the Father..taking away its very breath that gives true meaning to life.

 The stuff the world wants you to have: a) going after sex, b) wanting it all to go only your way,  c) only thinking how it will benefit you, and d) self-accomplishments and achievements without any courtesy given to the Father for His role in obtaining your "success"...these type of thoughts and actions are not part of His Kingdom...the one Christ Jesus would want you to have.

 In fact, those type of thoughts have nothing to do...with the Kingdom that now lives in our very hearts. If we choose to participate in some of those things the world has to offer...we end up isolating ourselves from the One who gave Himself to free us from those very traps.

 So, the question arises: "How do you know if the world is enticing you with its gifts...or is the Father giving us gifts from the Kingdom we have given allegiance to?"
 The answer?...simple! The world's gifts will drive you to want more...and more...and more. The Father's gifts to us...empower us to give...and give...and give even more.

 Besides, the world can only offer us pleasures and gifts that will last...maybe 80 to 100 years at the max!
 The Father...and the gifts He has for us?.... will go on..forever and ever!

  Do the Math! 

Are You Feeling Like a Failure Today??

 "I've missed more than 9000 shots...in my career.

   I've lost...almost 300 games.

   26 different times I have been trusted to take the game winning shot...and missed.

   I have failed...over...and over...and over again...in my life.

  And that is why I succeed."

                                         Michael Jordan

The Way this thing wll "Play Out" Gleaning from 1 Corinthians 15:21-28

Ok, with elections coming, the end of the world to take place on December 21st (well...that's what I heard), and our economy either about to "take off" or to "drop off the face of the earth, I have read something that is really going to happen...you can "take this one to the bank!"
 The "Pubs" (Republicans) are saying we are not better off than we were 4 years ago (let's see...hmmm 4 years ago...oh yea...I was laid off and my place of employment was down to a bare minimum...now...I have worked the last 4 years with overtime and my place of employment is at full strength), the "Dems" Democrats saying our taxes will be reduced, not just the "wealthy"...(hmmm, let's see...my last paycheck..."ouch!")...what do you do?
 One thing I do know, whether you are a "Pub" or a "Dem"...this one will happen:

 A Gleaning from 1 Corinthians 15: 21-28...

  " Here then is an interesting symmetry. You see, Death initially made its entrance into our lives...because we opened the door and invited him in...that being man himself...through Adam. It wasn't God or His initial plan to do so. Now, with that being noted, we now as members of mankind who made this fatal mistake...are now given the opportunity to experience a "Resurrection from the grips of Death"...and that also is because of a man.

 Because of our natural union to Adam, we now all have an appointment...to die. Yet, we now have an elective opportunity to be in a spiritual union...with Christ Jesus, and through Him we actually shall be made alive...again!...just like He did, when He electively chose to be "one of us." Christ is able to bring Life back into each one of us, if we simply believe in what He has done for us and believe...He is who He says He is.

 Here is the thing: each one of us will be given a turn at this...but we must wait till it is our turn. First, this is what has already happened! When Christ Jesus became one of us (in our entirety...He wasn't a mirage of us...or a hologram of us)...He actually was...one of us...He did something none of us could ever do. When Christ Jesus was greeted by Death...everything changed! Death was there when Christ Jesus died...just like one of us...but then...Death got one big surprise! Jesus got up...again...and this time...Death had no power to overtake Him. In fact, Jesus busted down the "Doors of Death"...and went on His Way, except He turned around and looked at each one of us shouting: "Come on...Follow Me!" So, in reference to man's journey...the Saga continues...all because of Him!
 And sure enough, those who had died...knowing Him (this won't work if you don't know Him)...followed suit. And as for the rest of us, if He returns shortly...then the rest of us are "outta here" at His Return...for us!

 Then, it's pretty much over. "The End" will have arrived, the "Completion of His Work" accomplished, Christ Jesus will hand over His entire Kingdom of Believers...to His Father. As  far as any dominion, authority, or power that had rose against Him...they are "toast"...a past chapter in history.

 Ok, this last enemy...Death? The Scriptures are clear about it...he too is a done deal. In fact, in another Scripture in Hebrews 2 :15...it describes Jesus actually "embracing Death...took it right into Himself...and totally destroyed him.....". And He has His Father's total approval...that is to put all things under His Authority...that being Christ Jesus Himself!

 Then, after all this has been completed, Christ Jesus will voluntarily submit Himself and the entire Kingdom...to His Father. The reason is Christ Jesus has a heart long desire for His Father to be supreme over everything...everywhere! He wants His Father to be the controlling factor in all of Life...He wants His Father to mean everything...to everyone!...just like Him!
 They have a very close relationship...you know..."

So Simple..If You Drink...Don't Drive

A taxi driver in London, England, was driving his cab through the streets of the city...when all of a sudden he crashed...into a building. His name...George Smith..and was the first ever to be charged by local authorities... for what?... Drunk Driving. Smith was both charged and arrested. George Smith plead guilty and was fined 25 shillings (less than a $1.00 at that time).

 In the U.S., the first laws against drunk driving came into effect in the year 1910. "Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol" was declared the "breaking of the law"...in the state of New York that year.
 Later, in 1936, a Dr. Rolla Harger, a professor both in chemistry and toxicology ( science of effects of poisons), applied for a patent of a device she referred to as: "The Drunkometer". It was a balloon type object that had the ability to determine whether a person was inebriated.
 Then, in 1953 a Robert Barkenstein worked with Dr. Harger, and invented what we commonly know today as the "Breathalyzer", Barkenstein himself being a former Indiana state police captain and a university professor. The "Breathalyzer" was an easier device to use for checking a person's alcoholic consumption, and proved more accurate as well.
 This device also enabled local law enforcement to more quickly establish whether a person had too much drink while driving. Basically, a person blows into the "Breathalyzer" and the device gauges the proportion of alcoholic vapors in the exhaled breath, which in turn reflects the level of alcohol in a person's bloodstream.

 Despite the serious ramifications of "driving under the influence", public awareness to its consequences wasn't really established until the late 1970's and on into the 1980's.
 It was a lady from California who helped bring this to the public eye through the founding of an organization called: M.A.D.D. Her name...Candy Lightner...and M.A.D.D. stood for "Mothers Against Drunk Driving".
 Candy had a horrible tragedy in her own family when her daughter Cari, who was 13 years old, was walking home from a school carnival. As Cari was walking home, she was struck and killed by a drunk driver.
 The driver, already having 3 previous drunk-driving convictions, was out on bail from a hit-and-run arrest...only 2 days before.
 Although Cari's death was senseless and tragic, it became instrumental to bringing change to the attitude of the general public...on drunk driving.

 Through the organization of M.A.D.D., Candy brought some justice by her daughter's death, Cari, helping to push through legislation that increased the penalties of Driving Under the Influence...both of alcohol and other drugs. M.A.D.D. was also instrumental in raising the minimum age for public alcoholic consumption to 21 throughout the United States.
 Today, receiving a DUI brings heavy fines, jail time, week-end classes, and severe hikes in insurance rates. Multiple DUI's can ban a person from driving...for life. Some past drunk drivers now have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles, and these devices require the driver to breath into a sensor on the dashboard. If the driver fails the test, the vehicle will not start.

 Still, with all the hard effort and work that has been accomplished to protect the innocent...like a Cari Lightner simply walking home from school, drunk driving still remains a serious problem. In 2005, 16885 people died in alcohol related crashes...and 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
 In 2009, there were 10839 deaths that were alcohol related, including 181 children under the age of 14.

 A good time?....who doesn't want that. A Celebration...nothing wrong with that. But because that is what a person wants to do...doesn't give them the right to get "behind a wheel". There are so many alternatives....taxis. DD (designated drivers), or just celebrate at home. Do what you have to do....but Don't even think about driving...when you drink!!!

Geronimo...Apache Leader...one of a kind...

Today, September 4th, in the year 1886, the famous Chiracahua Apache leader, Geronimo...surrendered to U.S. military and marked the last of the "Indian Wars of the Southwest".
 General Nelson Miles was the U.S. military leader who accepted Geronimo's surrender. The time had come, his followers few (approx. 150), and the southwest United States was now becoming more inhabited with established towns and cities throughout the entire region of Arizona and New Mexico.

 Born on June 16th, 1829, Geronimo had seen much bloodshed in his lifetime. He had fought not only against the white settlers coming into his habitat, but the Mexican militia as well. In 1858, while in Mexico, he went into a town to trade furs for personal items his family was in need of. He had left his family outside of town, and while trading, his own family was attacked and slaughtered. Some reports indicate it was from "whites" who were in the area, while other reports claim it was the Mexican army that murdered his entire family.
 From that point, Geronimo sought revenge from both the "whites" and "Mexican people".
For over 30 years, Geronimo raided, fought, and battled those who were moving into the land that belonged to the Apaches.
Numerous times Geronimo escaped capture, even into the year 1885. The man called Geronimo, who never was an actual Chief of the Apache nation, displayed skills as a military leader that are still admired to the present day.

 Geronimo, born near Ft. Bowie along the Arizona/Mexico border...was a warrior...and a man given to thought and reason. Geronimo's latter days were spent on a reservation, actually designated for the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

 It has been reported that Geronimo became a Christian during his days on the reservation. It is said he was introduced to Christ Jesus in the early 1900's by missionaries of the Dutch Reformed Church. Geronimo was quoted: " Believing that in a wise way it is good to go to church, and that associating with other Christians would improve my character, I have adopted the Christian religion. I am not ashamed to be called...Christian. I have advised all my people who are not Christians, to study this religion, because I have found it is the best religion in enabling one to live right."

Geronimo, pronounced "Go-khla-yeh" in his native language meaning "one who yawns", found life confusing and hard to comprehend at times...even in the Christian sector. Although Geronimo joined the Dutch Reformed Church in 1903, he was expelled in 1907 because of gambling. I think Geronimo faced what many of us face today....following a religion vs. having a relationship with Him.
 Geronimo lived out his days at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was a participant of President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade in 1905. The Apache leader dictated his biography, written by S.M. Barrett, who was a superintendent of education in Lawton Oklahoma. The biography: "Geronimo's Story of His Life" was published in 1906.

On a cold February night, in 1909 Geronimo was thrown from a horse while riding home. He laid on the road all night, and when found the following morning, he had become ill from the chill of the night air. On February 17th in 1909, Geronimo passed away. He was said to have told his nephew: "He regrets how things have turned out for his people...from the surrender."
Geronimo was 79 years of age.

 I think a remarkable statement Geronimo made in the last days of his life was this: " We always believed that there was a life after this one, but no one had ever told me what part of a man lived...after death."  Yes, I do think we will see Geronimo...with Jesus!




 

The Final 10...Soul Searching Questions.....

Ok, as I conclude some questions on life, here are 10 more to think about if time allows you:

1. When or are you reading a book or doing some research on a subject of interest? Do you still have some curiosity about life...or has life "got the best of you"...and everything is just "bland"?

2. Do you feel you have some talent...in something? What are you good at? Do you ever use your talent to help someone out...someone that could really use your help? And, if you want to go extreme...how you ever thought about using your talent to help someone you don't even like?...ok, that may be pushin' it...right?

3. Let's touch on fear for a moment...what "scares you" the most right now? What is the absolute worst thing that could happen? Would you survive?

4. Are you contributing to your family? What are some needs your loved ones are facing at the moment? What can you do about it?

5. What about friends? Do you have any? Do you think it is a good idea to make new friends?

6. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?...honestly. Why?...Is that who you want to be?....Can you still be your unique self...and add in some of your "hero's" qualities?

7. What do you think your life is really saying to others? Would someone admire you enough that they would want to be...like you? Is what you think you are to others and what others really think about you...are they the same?

8. If you could make a "Top 5" list as to things or people that was of most importance to you...would anyone else be aware of it? Do you have a passion for anything that deals with...Life?

9. If you really have a soul...how do you know? What is a soul anyway? Why is it necessary to give some attention to this soul? What influence can your "soul" have in daily life?

10. Why would you want to be a Christian?...to make you happy?...Is it therapeutic? Is there really a God?....Does He really have a Son?...Did it really happen?...God's Son dying on a Cross?...and what in the world does some man dying on a Cross 2000 years ago...have to do with you or me? We certainly weren't the cause of this man's death?.......

Soul Searching...part 3

When it comes to "Soul Searching"....does it have a beginning? Can you finish Soul Searching and move on?....
 And when it comes to the Soul Searchng questions...are there right answers?...wrong answers?...how about honest answers?
Here is 11 through 15 on the "My Top 25 Soul Searching Questions":

11. Are you resistant to change in daily life?... perhaps work changes, family changes, health changes, etc. So...when changes occurr in life...and they always do, has your acceptance to change helped you...or hurt you? Have you resisted change to the point you become stressed over it, become bitter, or resent others ever since the day it happened?

12. Desires in life...some realisitic...some more in "fantasy world".  Desires can come in many forms...having someone back that has left you....financial success...true happiness...etc. Some give up on their desires, simply surrendering to the conclusion..."it can't be done".
 So, here is the question: What things in your life have prevented desires from being fulfilled in your life? Have you rationalized "It wasn't meant to be"...when the truth is...you  just gave it up.

13. Do you have a deep and hidden secret to pursue a particular venture...but never did. You never went any further than thinking about it...letting the idea or pursuit to come and go in your mind. What stopped you from taking the next step? Too hard...could never happen....

14. When you know you need to make some changes in your life, do you make them? Is it worth it?
15. Do obstacles in your life work like boundaries...and you wouldn't dare...crossover?