So....Tell me why are we here again?....

In Psalm 90:12, there is an interesting statement that has been passed down to us...to consider and think about:  A Gleaning from Psalm 90:12:

 "Teach us Lord...to live right....to live well...to make good use of the time we have while we are here on the earth.
 If we can find a way to do this, then our hearts will have the capability to: "Think the way You think!"

 It's interesting that here in this verse, how we think...comes from the heart. Jewish belief rationalized that our thoughts originate...from our hearts...instead of our heads. It's referred to as a "Jewish idiom". Another Jewish belief was...they thought love originated from your...stomach. Hmmm? Puts a little different perspective on the phrase "gut feelin'". (So, next time you go out on a first date, and your "gut tells you" this guy or girl is a "selfish idiot", maybe you should "put the brakes on...right then". lol)

 Actually, this verse out of Psalm 90 are words spoken by Moses. It doesn't mean he wrote this Psalm, although some think he might have, still others conclude it was written centuries later.
 The thing about Moses is: this guy had been schooled and quite learned in all the sciences of the Egyptians...when Egypt was "The prominent nation in the world". Moses had access to the latest technology, state of the art tools, and taught by brilliant minds of that day.
 Yet, here in this Psalm, Moses announces a specific request. He didn't ask for prosperity, he didn't ask for good health, he didn't even ask for guidance. Instead, he asked God to "teach us to number our days". He shifted all the responsibility of our "fate in life" from totally being God's sovernity in our lives with comments like : "Well, it must have been God's Will", or "Whatever happens...happens" to : "God, teach us how to know some of this...I want to think about life the way You think about it."
 Job had once stated: "Look, You have an exact idea on the number of days we have here on earth...I need to learn of You about this...so life can make a little more sense to me."
 King David concluded in Psalm 39:5 "Look, my lifespan is no longer than the "width of my hand", in fact my entire life is but...a moment to You. Even when man is "at his best", "the best "...is but one breath to You...and it still can be nothing more than vanity."

 So...is there something to how we spend and use our time? I think so....

 An Italian philosopher expressed his thoughts on the "numbering our days" that Moses had requested...like this: "Time is like owning this large estate. Without proper cultivation, quality pay for the type of laborers you might need to assist, and general plans and updates to fulfil your most extensive desires, you will be in an endless spin with no idea what to do next. Without all these "valuable tools", the estate will suffer from negligence, overrun with weeds, and will be an "eyesore" to those who pass by."

Number our Days????...what is Moses talkin' about?

Ok, check this out...Moses had led the Israelites across the deserts which end up being a 40 year journey... right? (Research says the walking journey from Egypt to the entrance of the Promised Land can actually be done...in 11 days.)
 Thousands of graves had been strewn across this desert journey, and Moses himself was one of the last survivors of those who had started (when they crossed the Red Sea). 

 The saddest part of the entire journey had to be the fact the graves had come as a result of the people themselves. Now, I am in no way saying that calamities are always a result of being in rebellion against God....because the Scriptures are also full of stories of those who gave their hearts to Him...and suffered terribly in this life. What I am saying that in regards to Moses, he knew this entire journey was marred by those who turned...against the Lord...to the point of refusing to have anything to do with Him, and choosing a different course to help them get out of the "dilemma" they were in. 
 Moses seemed to be taking an "inventory"...the sin...the sorrow...the temptations...and was wondering how this journey really made sense.
 Moses seemed to conclude his thoughts with this...he needed more....he needed to find a way to draw closer to God...closer than even Commandments carved in stone. He needed more than seeing God as a fiery bush...he need to get "inside God", or else "God get inside" him. Moses desired at that point of his life....to think...think...think the way God thinks. Thus, verse 12 says "Teach us to number our days...so we can think life through...together."

 So...what does Moses mean to "number our days?"

 I don't think it has any to do with mathematics. Moses had learned that when he was young in the courts of the Egyptians. I think what he was leaning toward was...time. Moses wanted...Moses needed the time...with the Lord. That, in my humble opinion is what the "numbering our days thing" is about.

 So, how do we do that today..."number our days"? I personally think it starts with an idea like : "Ok, today I am going to take a verse of the Sacred Scripture...keep it in my mind (or heart as the Jewish custom had been)...and see if I can make it work. For example, maybe I need some more understanding when dealing with others at my workplace....instead of dismissing someone as "an idiot"..., maybe reaching out a little and ask a question about them (man, just writing this idea is tough lol).
 Yet, I also know I can't do this alone. I need to say a few prayers to God,...maybe first to see if He likes the idea, strength to carry this out, and trusting the Holy Spirit...to make it happen. And I need to work on thanking Him....for all He does for me....that to me would be a good start in "numbering my days".
 {If anyone out there has some ideas...feel free to send them....I am sure I am like many, and can use the help.}

 Sir Thomas Smith, secretary to Queen Elizabeth, once said only months before his death: "It is of great pity men know not to what end they born into this world...until they are ready to go out of it."

 Saint Augustine (one of my favorites) once wrote: " We can only apply our hearts to His Wisdom...when we consider everyday as our last. Many consider that "final day" as an evil day, for they refuse even at the last to leave this life as they know it...when earth is about to take leave of them."

Is the Bible infallible...or is it prone to error?

Here is the thing I have learned in my personal study of the Sacred Scripture...it's about trust. Do I trust these writings enough to want to desire them implemented in my daily lifestyle?

 The biblical definition of "infallible" is "the belief what the Bible says regarding matters of faith and daily Christian practice is wholly useful and it is true." It is "the belief that the Bible is completely trustworthy as a guide to Salvation, and if you so choose to live this life of faith according to the Sacred Scriptures, it will not fail to accomplish its purpose."
 From the general dictionary definitions, infallibility is a stronger word than inerrancy. Inerrant means there are no errors in a particular writing, while infallible goes a step further and says not only are there not any errors, but there never will be... throughout time itself. Infallibility is a strict form of grammar and makes it clear the Sacred Scripture is incapable of ever having any error...of any kind.

 For myself...I do think the Sacred Scriptures are infallible in a general sense....but not inerrant. I know of nowhere within its texts where false or misleading statements have ever been written on matters of faith and practicing daily this life of faith,  yet inerrancies can be and have been found.  I think that is why I have come to appreciate the various and updated translations of the Sacred Scriptures...refining it to the point of a "pure infallibility". Will the Sacred Scriptures ever get to that point?...I don't know. But this I do know, the present era we live in gives us no excuse to not trust these Sacred Writings and place them as a "home in each one of our hearts", even more so than our Christian forefathers before us.

 At the Council of Trent (16th century), the Roman Catholic Church declared this statement in regards to the Sacred Scripture: "The individual authors were inspired (by the Holy Spirit) in all the writings of the individual books of the Canon (the New Testament)". The Roman Church further added: " The Church itself has operated and functioned under Divine Inspiration in the sifting and sorting process by which the Canon has been established, thus making the choices the Church herself has made...infallible".
 By making these statements, the Roman Church concludes the New Testament is completely infallible both in its writings and in the books that have been chosen.
 {Note: The Old Testament had been around for centuries through Mosaic Law, and although the Roman Church added books like Wisdom, Baruch, and 1st and 2nd Maccabees, these were more of historical documents that do not carry a heavy influence in regards to our daily faith.}

 The historic Protestant position on the other hand, shared by groups like Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc. is: "The Canon (New Testament) of the Sacred Scripture is a fallible collection of infallible books."
 Part of this reasoning dates back to the beginning of The Reformation (1500's), where at that time the main issue among members of the Church was...authority.
 Martin Luther's enlightenment of the Scripture "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), making it clear with the 95 thesis posted on the Roman Church door on October 31st, 1517...opened up issues that were directly against the Church of Rome and her beliefs. Reformers furthered their "new found" belief with the famous "Sola Fide", meaning: "by faith alone are we justified to Him."
 So, basically the Protestant church's view became: The church receives the Sacred Scripture as the bonified and infallible Word of God, yet the church and those involved with the process of translating and/or interpreting the Scriptures are ...not infallible.

 The church is rich in tradition, and many Christians in both schools of thought (Roman Catholics and Protestants) have sacrificed much...some even their very lives...to bring us the Word of God as we know it today.
 In so doing, the question arises: "Is there any error in the passing down of the Sacred Scriptures through the corridors of History?"
 I would have to answer that: "Yes, I think so...yet nothing that has deterred us from the true Message of Salvation or putting into daily practice the scriptural guidelines on living the lifestyle of a...Christian.
 I do think continuous study and research that is given to the true meanings and translations of the Sacred Scriptures have now given to us today an understanding of the Word of God that is more accurate...than it has ever been!
 The task of the Church in centuries past in the issues they faced and yet firm in passing on of the Sacred Scripture..is nothing short of a divinely and remarkable achievement.
 Of course, I believe the Holy Spirit has been ever so prominent in seeing the passing on of the "Blessed Word" to each one of us....all in tact! 

Listening and Hearing...aren't they the same thing?

In the Book of James, there is a passage of Sacred Scripture that throughout my Christian life I have perhaps misunderstood.
 It is in James 1:19-21, and it reads like this: (NIV version)  "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all the moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

 First, I have always thought this section of Scripture was referring to how we communicate between one another...and there is nothing really wrong with that thought. Yet, there is a total different focus that James seems to be advocating in this passage, one that I had not really seen before.

 {One thing of note: When James wrote this letter, the "Written Word" was not prevalent as it is today. As a result, verbal communication was vital in helping one another advance in a Christian lifestyle.}

                     Here is a Gleaning of James 1: 19-21

 " You need to get a hold of this...if it is your desire to grow as followers of...Him. There are 3 areas of focus I would like to bring to your attention:

1) First, your attention to what the Sacred Scriptures declares should be a top priority. This involves practice with your goal being to make the Scriptures more important to you....than anything else in your life.
 If you are into novels, biographies, or any other various forms of literature, it certainly is not wrong to do so. Yet, you need to develop a hunger...for the Sacred Scriptures. Your eagerness to listen or read should have its most influence in your life...when it comes to reading or hearing the Scriptures. This is what it means to be "quick to listen".
 Certainly other people and literary achievements can have a positive influence in a person's life, yet learning the art of being an eager listener ( or student) of the Sacred Scriptures is most vital...in receiving a "Christian" education. The reason this is so important is the Sacred Scriptures has the power to influence the areas of our heart, and the Holy Spirit is able to make changes within us that enable us to be...more like Him! The Sacred Scriptures come with it the power to change our very hearts and souls.

2) Being "slow to speak" is also a necessary characteristic that needs developed in our daily growth in the "Christian lifestyle".
 Slow to speak does not mean...you are being forced to speak slowly. Nor does it mean you are to remain silent and only speak if you think you have something valuable to say. God wants us free...and that includes our "free expression in speech".
 Yet, here is where "speaking out" becomes a problem. Often times a discussion on the Sacred Scriptures becomes fruitless because people involved in the discussion "are more interested in what they have to say about a particular passage rather than actually hearing what the passage of Scripture is trying to convey (MacArthur's commentary). 
  I don't think God finds anything wrong with our thoughts and opinions on a particular section of Scripture, in fact I think God rather enjoys an "animated discussion". The key to all of this is listening clearly to what the Scriptures are saying, and not rushing off to form your own conclusions without having an understanding to what the Sacred Scriptures are actually saying.
 Putting it in a more basic manner, don't just give "knee-jerk" reactions or thoughts when entering in on a discussion of the Scriptures...be "slow to speak"...put some thought and effort into it...and discipline yourselves to have a better understanding of what the Scriptures are trying to communicate to each one of us...before you speak and express your thoughts (which by the way, I think God is eager to hear).

3) Being "slow to get angry" is a "biggy", yet, the question is: "What are you getting all angry about?"
 What I don't think it means is it is wrong to become angry or disagree with someone over a particular subject or passage of Scripture. I think the problem emerges when "your passion" leads to outbursts of anger that actually cause others to shift their focus of attention from the subject being discussed to....you.
 When we allow our human anger to overrule our discussion of the Sacred Scripture, it doesn't promote the wishes and requirements God's desire is for us.
 (NOTE: So, if someone uses the Scripture to support abortion...or perhaps gay rights....how do you react?....How about gun control?...What does the Scriptures really say about these things?...Does it? How about the horrific tragedy in Moore Oklahoma, where again the "killing of the innocents" was witnessed, this time from a tornado...where is God's Grace in all that? Are the Scriptures silent about tragedies?)

 Honestly, the bottom line to what James is expressing from my humble opinion is:

1) to learn "the art" of being eager to hear or read the Sacred Scripture...and have your focus on the passage you might be studying.
2) to learn "the art" of speaking from an attentive mind, not just wanting to promote your own personal agenda.
3) to learn "the art" of recognizing a genuine and controlled passion that keeps others in mind and avoiding the emotional anger that shifts the focus of a discussion from the Sacred Scriptures...to you.

 Finally, when you find you are battling behavior within yourself that rebels against the learning of the Sacred Scriptures, remind yourself these thoughts and emotional feelings have its roots in our hearts once given to our old and evil nature, immoral outbursts in our daily lives, or just "givin' in" to wickedness that desired to find growth in our individual lives.
 Now is the time to practice ridding ourselves of these "spoiled and rotten virtues", through the power of our Lord Jesus, and replace them with time and study allotted to the study of the Sacred Scripture in our various and individual manners of study.  This is of importance because it allows God's Word to take root in our own hearts and give Him a home there inside us. It also allows the Holy Spirit to transform and landscape the deepest thoughts that originate from our very hearts...which by doing so...exhibits the very power of God to save us.

Take the Time...Think this one Through.....

The most popular verse in the Sacred Scriptures, Saint John 3:16...and then add verses 17 and 18...you now have been introduced to a "serious situation"..........

 When Christ Jesus was "one of us", He made a couple of comments that threw the religious folks into a quandary...in fact...He "ticked them off".
 Jewish belief at this time was this: The Gentiles (that would be anyone who isn't Jewish) were to be destroyed in the "Days of the Messiah"....period. Believing this train of thought eliminated the concern on what would happen to the people of non-Jewish faith....yet, wait a minute....Jesus had something to say about this.
 In fact, Jesus declared this a false way of thinking, or in other words...."it ain't going to happen that way". Of course, correcting a "religious person" is asking for trouble. My experience with religious people....Christians included...is..."It's my way or the Highway". Right?

 Yet, here in Saint John Jesus makes a rather remarkable statement inviting anyone who would believe what He is about to say, announcing a  "Welcome to anyone who would choose to believe that He is who He says He is".
 Jesus proclaims that God (His very own Father), has sent Jesus to help us out of our "Death Sentence". He came to get us out of this...not to punish us or point a finger at us.

 As for the religious people who heard this...and by religious people I mean those who think if they act "nice and sweet" on the outside....then they must be just as "nice and sweet" on the inside. And, more importantly, God thinks they are nice people too...to the point that a religious person will convey this message to God: "Hey, just wanted You to know there is no reason for You to send Your Son to die for my sins...I can "wiggle" out of this "Death Sentence" just fine by myself. I mean...Look at me! Look at all the wonderful things I do...and I even put my approval that I am doing all this...for You!"
 The problem with that "religious type thinking"...is: God doesn't "buy it". God says that our lives in service to Him must originate from a heart that has been changed by Him....not duty or appearance. According to God, our sins have got the best of us and no matter how hard we try to be religious, He wants us to be a part of Him because we want to...and that can only come from a sin-free heart that has been made possible through one means...the Sacrifice of His very Own Son...because He is the only One with a sin-free heart.

 And to make sure we couldn't come up with any excuses, God sent His Only Son...and became exactly like "one of us"...in every way. He was tempted to do wrong...things that would hurt His Father...yet He did not...not even once.
 And, when Jesus went to the Cross, and was raised again to join His Heavenly Father...He looked at us and said: "Follow Me! I "blazed this trail" for each one of you...who believes in Me! 
  And that is how true friendship really works...it all comes through Him!

Oh, the religious people that thought they could do it "their way"....you know, the ones that thought they could please God because of their own merits and nice deeds, well to be honest, Jesus really upset them...in fact, the idea came up that they should send Him...to a Roman Cross..."He just don't get it...and can destroy all the groundwork we have done!"
 And the Message is still the same today...are you going to "go religious".... or do you want to experience what having a real true friendship is really about? It all starts in our hearts....giving Him a chance to be a part of your life...trust me...it's a "game-changer". 


                                     A Gleaning from St. John 3:16-18

 " Do you really want to know how much God loves you? Do you really want to take that kind of a chance? And when you discover for yourself what His love means to you...then what are you going to do?
 Ok, here is what I have discovered: God loves us so much, He considered us such a "catch", such a prize, we are so much a part of His heart...that He gave up His Only Son...to come and get us.

Why?

 Because He cannot bear the thought that any of us should receive a "Death Sentence"...even though we put ourselves in that position.

 So, here is the thing...God...in no way went to all this pain-staking trouble...that is to say He did not send His very own Son to become "one of us"...to point a finger at us and tell us how bad we are.
 Are you kidding me?

 He came here to help...to make everything right...again. Anyone who has the courage and the "guts" to "man-up" and say: "I can't do this on my own abilities...I can never be nice enough, I can never give enough, I can never be kind enough...to be genuine in my heart and my friendship with the Lord. Besides, I know myself...too well...my heart wants to do things that please...me. I really don't know how to...please Him. Yet, there is One who does....His Son, our Lord Jesus."
 Anyone who gets real and prays along those lines...is already acquitted and will not face the Final Judgment....His Son has "got our back".
 Yet, make no mistake...refusing to give Him a fair chance to make a difference in your life, whether you think you need to or not...carries with them the Death Sentence and is on the way to their own execution...and cannot blame God for their own decision.
 That is why you can't take God sending His only Son so lightly....the cost was too high. This is not a time to "act ignorant",...the Message is loud and the Message is clear. He sent His Son for you...let Him in your heart....allow Him to "do His thing"...inside you...your life won't be the same."

 If you are not sure if you know Him or not...put it to rest with these words. The only requirement for these words you are going to say...it has to come from "down under", you have got to mean it...from your heart. 
 And after you pray this: Let Him loose....don't try and figure out what you need to do...that is what "religious people" do...and like I mentioned earlier, those ideas don't work...just give it time...it will come...and make sense to you!

 "Father, I come to You in the name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus. Life doesn't always make sense to me...and to be honest, I don't know if what I am saying right now makes sense to me...yet You require me to do this by placing my hope, my confidence, and my faith by doing this.
 So, here goes: I know I can't really know what Your love is...or what it means to me, until I invite Your Son, the Lord Jesus into my heart and life. Come Lord Jesus, come into my life, and forgive me of my sin against You, and thank You for taking my place in the Death Sentence...that was meant for me.
 Make Your home in...me, and I want to be...Your friend." Thank-You....Amen"

"Floki"....A Viking favorite

The History's Channel series "The Vikings" introduce a group of creative characters that have captivated the hearts of those who become "addicted" to the series...and "Floki" is definitely a guy that has seemed to become a favorite...for me as well!.........


 In the series, Floki is a boat builder and yet a "trickster" by nature. Floki is Ragnar Lothbrok's closest friend and is committed to assisting Ragnar in sailing west...and discover lands and people to conquer.
 Floki secretly designs a new prototype of the infamous "Viking longboats", able to sail in the open oceans and yet travel in shallow rivers.

 Floki is a character who lives isolated in the woods and forests, and projects a personality of being eccentric, joyful, yet strange. He is often full of humor, actually dances when he sees things set on fire, and is a good and valued warrior.
 With all his odd quirks, he is a religious man who believes in the Scandinavian mythological gods headed by the god "Odin." In one segment, Ragnar's brother Rollo, agrees to be baptized a Christian as part of an agreement between the Vikings and the English, and Floki becomes very upset with Rollo and lets him know he has "upset the gods".

 Floki comes across as a tall and impressive figure, often full of humor in the midst of preparation for battle, and wears the heavy black eye make-up religiously. This black eye make-up was actually a tactic men of war had done for centuries to give an impression of one that is of a savage and wild nature, dangerous, and outside the lines of control.

 Floki is inspired by 2 big names in Scandinavian mythology: 1) the god "Loki" and 2) Floki Vilgerdarson.. the one credited with naming Iceland. 
 The mythological god "Loki" is recognized in a number of regions throughout the world, and is the father of quite a group of "monsters" including:
1. the wolf "Fenrir"
2. the snake "Jormungard"
3. The goddess of death, "Hel"
4. "Steipnir"...the horse in the 8 legs of the god Odin.

 Floki Vilgerdarson is the Norwegian who sought for land that was suitable to settle. Similar to Noah being in the Ark during "The Flood", Floki sends out a bird to see if land was near in their search while in the ocean waters. Yet, instead of sending out a dove as Noah did, Floki sends out a Raven. On the 3rd attempt, the Raven did not return to their ship...and thus...Iceland was discovered.
 During the first winter, there was no food for the animals during the harsh winter months, and all the animals died. Floki was discouraged by the sad event and soon returned to Norway. It is said he was critical of Iceland after that.

 In the TV series of "The Vikings", the character Floki is played by Gustaf Skarsgard, a brilliant Swedish actor who is both prominent and prolific in Swedish cinema. He is the recipient of numerous awards of theatre and TV production, and began his acting career at the age of 9 years old. His father was also a Swedish actor. I think he brings a "whole lot of talent", and has captivated many.

Oh, one more thing....the god "Loki" is capable of being a very jealous traitor....something I hope Floki doesn't do with Ragnar...they "work well together"! Can't wait for season 2!

"Ragnar Lothbrok"....the Viking Series...Love it! Love it! Love it!

I'm not sure why I love this series brought to us by The History Channel....maybe because of the confidence the Vikings display in their attitudes and actions...but I must admit...I am hooked! And the good news!!...Yes, there is going to be a 2nd season!...Can't wait!!

 Even the theme song of the "Vikings Series", a song entitled "If I had a Heart", by Fever Ray is captivating to me. I really admire and appreciate the creativity that went into this whole "Vikings idea", and love the characters that are portrayed.
 The theme song written by Fever Ray, a Swedish recording artist, came out in 2009. She was inspired to write this rather dark unconventional and repetitive style of music with the distant vocals...from watching her own children dangle their feet from a window frame....wondering if their feet would ever reach the floor...thus, the words in the song: "Will they ever reach the floor...More, give me more, give me more...".
 The hunger for the Vikings to seek conquests to the west of where they lived...seem so right to identify with the chorus of the theme song.

Ok, Ragnar Lothbrok...Who was this guy?...Was he for real?

 In an medieval act written in the early Middle Ages, one segment goes like this:
Floki: "Ragnar Lothbrok challenges you to meet him in single combat."
Earl Haroldson replies: " Ragnar Lothbrok has a very high opinion of himself."
Floki" "Well, he is descended from...Odin."

 Ragnar Lothbrok...the legendary Viking king who with his sons has been described as one of the most feared men in history. And after seeing the "Vikings Series" on The History Channel, many of us agree this guy was one "bad-ass" Viking.

Ok, who was Ragnar Lothbrok?

 Many of the stories written of Ragnar Lothbrok have a theme of courage...of savagery...of power...and of brutality.
 The French have written he was a noble king of Denmark and the father of some fearsome Viking kings that ravaged France.
 The English have portrayed him as one who "wickedly inflamed" his own sons with envy for the English Crown, held by King Edmund in that period of time. This "fatherly push" caused his Viking sons to invade England and soon after the martyrdom of King Edmund of England. 

 Ragnar Lothbrok...has poems and tales written of him as early as the 1100's A.D., including the book "Song of the Vikings" which alone carries 32 stories of...Ragnar Lothbrok.
 It is said of Ragnar, he was the first of Norwegian kings to have a court poet, has been defined as the author who established definitive boundaries of the Scandinavian kingdoms, and became the very symbol of ancient heroism known to the Icelanders.

Ok, Ragnar Lothbrok...Was he a real person?...or some fictional character made up to boost confidence and hope in the people of the Scandinavian regions?

 A University of Cambridge professor who lectures on Scandinavian history of the medieval era, a Dr. Elizabeth Ashman Rowe says: "No, he wasn't a real person." (Say it ain't so...lol).
 What Dr. Rowe does point out is there was an "extraordinary and ferocious Danish king during that period of history whose name was "Reginhen".
 "Reginhen" is recorded in historical documents to have attacked Paris in 845 A.D., was said to have hanged 111 people who called themselves "Christians", and then "Reginhen" died soon after.
 There seems to be no historical evidence whatsoever that has the name "Ragnar" and absolutely no mention of "Lothbrok".

 Ok...where did Ragnar Lothbrok come from...when did he originate?

 It wasn't until around 1120 A.D. that the stories of a "Ragnar Lothbrok" began to appear. In 1150 A.D., an English writer wrote of him saying the word "Lothbrok" simply meant "loathsome brook", much like the name sounds.
 Yet, in old Norse vocabulary...the meaning was much different. "Lothbrok" in ancient Norse language would have been understood to mean "hairy breeches". In the 13th century, an Icelander had written a book entitled "Ragnar's Sagas" and explained the Ragnar got his last name "Lothbrok" because he wore these heavy cowhide pants to protect himself against fighting a poison-breathing serpent ( commonly known as a dragon). He furthered the explanation of the "heavy cowhide breeches" by writing that Ragnar had actually had the pants boiled in pitch and then rolled in the sand...to combat the fierce dragon.

 So, what does Dr. Rowe of Cambridge think about this explanation?.....well, she has a quite different one....one that is much closer to ...being real.

 As earlier mentioned, "Reginhen", the ferocious Danish king who is the one most likely to emerge into "Ragnar Lothbrok", had attacked Paris in 845 A.D. and shortly after became ill and died.
 But, the illness "Reginhen" contracted wasn't just any illness, it was...dysentery...which at that time was a very painful and horrible disease to contract. "Reginhen" suffered terribly and as a result had major issues with...diarrhea.
 In fact, one account reads: "Diffusa...sunt omnia viscera ejus in terram". Dr. Rowe translates this as: "all his entrails spilled to the ground".
 Dr. Rowe concludes: " Reginhen breeches were feces-stained, and would appear to have a rather dark and rough appearance, and would look like a "dark pitch"...which would give accountability to some of the writings of that period."
 The famous fictional "Ragnar Lothbrok"....died of dysentery.

My thoughts: I think if you think you need to go off and hang 111 Christians....you better take some "Charmin tissues" with you....you may be in for a rough ride.

 Note: This was not the first time Ragnar Lothbrok has been portrayed on T.V. In 1958, a film also called "The Vikings" was made of which Ernest Borgnine played the part of Ragnar Lothbrok....and Kirk Douglas played one of Ragnar's sons named "Elnar."

 Oh well....still can't wait for "Season 2"!

Wisdom...Kind of a weird way of asking someone if they are stupid? Right???

Wisdom is defined in the dictionary as: "the ability to discern or to judge what is true, right, and obtaining good insight on a particular subject...before making a decision."

 Characteristics of Wisdom include common sense and making good judgments based on research and good counsel from others. 
 Henry David Thoreau, the great American poet, author, and philosopher in the first half of the 1800's once wrote: " It is a characteristic of Wisdom not to do desperate things." Wisdom is simply obtaining a wise outlook or course of action.

 The Sacred Scriptures encourages us throughout its entire text...to go after Wisdom....to seek Wisdom...and to embrace Wisdom.
 The Scriptures also point out those that do not choose to seek Wisdom, but seeks reliance on its own "expertise" including emotional reactions and lack of understanding....is foolish and makes one appear stupid.

 And who is the real Author of "Real Wisdom"...is it none other than the Author of Life itself....Jesus Christ the Righteous? I would conclude: "Yes, there is no doubt...He is the One!"


                                     A Gleaning from James 3:17-18

 " Wisdom that comes from above...is what I call "Real Wisdom". This type of Wisdom begins with these instructions:
 1) First, Real Wisdom has the power to make our daily lives less complicated, and brings with her the ability to give to us an understanding of the daily challenges we face.
 The reason this is so is because Real Wisdom is totally pure...it has no blemishes (No oops...that didn't work!), Real Wisdom never gives to us wrong instructions, nor is Real Wisdom misleading...Real Wisdom is not capable of making mistakes...of any kind! This "Real Wisdom can only be received through the Grace of the Holy Spirit as we yield our hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Real Wisdom is simply....perfect!

2) Real Wisdom brings with her a  peaceful type personality which is designated to find its way into our daily lives. Real Wisdom's journey into our individual lives begins by offering peace as a tranquility to any situation that arises in our lives.
 One great quality that comes from the Peace of Real Wisdom  is it offers security in our hearts by allowing her to influence our lives...and has the power to extend her Peace into the lives of those around us.
 When this quality begins to exercise herself in us, our evaluations and rationalizations have help in discerning what to do next...and the Peace of Real Wisdom comes to us without variance, without wavering, and without doubt. Also, Real Wisdom doesn't "play favorites", rather she is fair and equitable in all of our decisions.
 Along with this, the Peace of Real Wisdom brings to us an opportunity for God Himself to operate in our lives...through acts of mercy, having compassion and sympathy in another's plight, helping those who hunger, giving of essential needs others might have, visiting those who are lonely, helping those like widows who might be "snowballed" by some greedy and evil individual, reaching out to the fatherless, and keeping our hearts far from the evils of selfish pride, arrogance, being stubborn, or having the need to "control others".
 The only time Real Wisdom and Peace do not coincide is when Peace can only be achieved through her purity being sacrificed. We cannot pursue Peace at the expense of defiling God's Commands as it is written in the Sacred Scripture...."it just don't work that way."

3) Next, Real Wisdom possesses the quality to yield to reason. In other words, Real Wisdom doesn't "go hostile" because someone's outlook on life is different than mine...even if I do not agree with it. Real Wisdom listens with passion, is considerate, sensible, and does all that is necessary to understand what any of us might be going through.
4) Real Wisdom brings with her an attitude....an attitude that is beaming in His Mercy....not "hot" one minute then "cold" toward others the next. Real Wisdom is not two-faced, rather brings into our lives a genuine, sensible, kind, meek, and sincere attitude that offers her service to others.



 The fact is: when we exercise the virtues of Real Wisdom into our daily lives...these "seeds" are deposited into the lives of others...and the results can include a concord and harmony with others. Real Wisdom produces a harmony among our friends, a peace that is not distracted by circumstances that arise, and keeps our hearts and minds free...from the fears of the day...including those agitating passions or perhaps moral conflicts.

 Real Wisdom cries out to us: " Give me chance...just give me a chance...to help you!"


Note: Wisdom in the Sacred Scriptures is referred to at times as a "she". Why?....well, for me, it may be Jesus showing us His "feminine side"...who knows. One thing I am sure of....He loves usmore than we can ever imagine!

Saint Paul reminds us..."Let it go!"

Saint Paul was well acquainted with anger and resentment. Before he received Christ Jesus into his life....he had a "thing" about Christians...he preferred them dead. Paul thought at that time Christianity was a severe threat to his Jewish beliefs.....

 In Ephesians 4:31 Paul now has a whole different attitude about Christians. In fact, he had a whole new outlook on others in general. Paul now sends this letter to the Christian believers in Ephesus and explained to them it is time to "let go" of the thoughts and attitudes that they too  previously had....before they invited Christ Jesus to be the Lord of their lives.

 Some of these things Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus that is necessary to "let go" include:

1. Bitterness: Usually is found alive in your heart when someone has done you wrong. As a result, it has become a hurt in your life and you will hold on to it till "the day you die".
 When you know you suffer with bitterness, it does not always mean you are now forced to restore...a friendship...or relationship for example. What it does mean is when you choose to give bitterness a place in you heart...the only person you are really hurting...is yourself.
 So, what you are required to do as a believer in Christ Jesus?... find a way to forgive the person who has wronged you...and there is a way already prepared for you to do so...His Name is Christ Jesus. Let Him begin to walk you through the process...by giving study to what the Sacred Scriptures say in relation to bitterness...and to secure your freedom from bitterness by accompanying His thoughts about this...with prayer.

2. Rage and Anger:  These two can be somewhat noticeable...particularly when you suddenly "go bezerk", and have a very vocal burst of anger, usually from some wrong feeling or perhaps a hurt that someone has done to you. Anger is a "real bad boy", and can grow some serious deep roots in an individual's life, and Rage is a close friend of Anger...and when they both come together...it often becomes some serious "drama".
 The real question arises again: Who are you really hurting when you allow these 2 dominate your life?....The answer: yourself.

3. Screaming and Shouting: Another "tag team" that often brings ugly results. Angry people often shout when they explode: whatever they have rationalized in their minds that preempted this outburst...suddenly comes out loud and clear. The thing is...people that practice this type of communicating usually have this thought and this thought alone:  they are right on how they feel...and this is the way to get "the message across". 
 Normally, shouting at others scare people, or worse it can trigger anger in another...and "here we go"...The fight is On!"

4. "Cussing" as a means of communicating with others: Using any form of verbal abuse, or choosing "choice words" to express what you feel about someone or putting down another's ideas and/or opinions...does not bring good results as well. And if what you are cussing about includes lying about someone....you have just dug yourself a "deep hole". 
 Certainly there are times in life we need to be direct with others...like "straight up"...and tell them what we think. But in doing so...we don't "diss" someone while expressing ourselves. There is a better way...and yep...same guy....Christ Jesus...and He already has a plan for us to "improve our ways of communicating".

 After all, don't you think if any one had the right to "diss" anyone....Jesus would be the One who should "diss" us? All we did was join the crowds saying He was a fake, and agreed to have Him suffering a horrible death on a Roman Cross. The "crazy" part...He did so willingly...because He loves us so much!

                         A Gleaning from Ephesians 4:31-32

 "Now is the time for us as believers, followers of the Risen Christ, to let go of all the bitterness, the anger and rage, the screaming and shouting at one another, the indignation, the backbiting, the resentment and slander, and all the selfish and hurtful ways we have learned in coping with life. These "old behaviors and reactions" toward others only lead to other things that are not birthed in the Lord Jesus....profanity, speaking abusively to others, and just being flat rude.

 Instead, this is a time for all of us as believers in Him to practice becoming useful, helpful, gentle, and kind with one another. It is now the time to have a better understanding of what others are going through and listen more closely to their rationale on various situations they encounter in this journey we call....life.
 This is the time for us to exercise mercy toward others, and to quickly learn to forgive one another...with "no strings attached". After all, hasn't God...who is our own Father...completely forgiven you?...and we have obtained this mercy through the death of His Son, our Lord, Jesus our Messiah!"

God...Love...Fear...Future...Judgment....Pretty heavy stuff to think about!

John is writing a letter...he lives in Ephesus. John, the youngest of "The Original" (12 apostles), was getting up in years by the time this letter was written... perhaps 70 years of age.......

 John loved the believers he had come to know so well. John wrote this letter as an encouragement to those he loved. False teachings were already infiltrating the church. Some believers were now being taught that Christ Jesus was not a Deity, but only a man. Other believers were being taught Christ Jesus was only a Deity, and had no way of relating to us as mere women and men. Both of these teachings were entirely false...and John writes this letter to confirm what he knows is Truth: Jesus is 100% God...and He is 100% man. He became "one of us" in ALL areas.

 Here, in 1 John, the apostle writes to ensure the believers of the Gift of Eternal Life, and is available to each one of us. John furthers this train of thought by emphasizing Jesus is the Truth, and since we know Jesus...then we know the Truth!

 In verse 12 of 1 John 4, John makes an interesting point. Here in this verse John is emphasizing this truth: God loves us so much...therefore we need to love one another with all the effort God loves us.
 False teachers by the time John was writing this letter had proclaimed they had seen God. They furthered their false statements by saying they had "special knowledge" about God. Both of these statements were totally false, because the Sacred Scriptures teach "no one has ever truly seen God". ( Exodus 33:20, John 6:46 )
 Instead, John encourages the believers to love those...they can see. We are to do this because  God and His love for us...lives inside us. In fact, this is a true sign we actually know Him...when we love one another. When we express God's love that lives in our very hearts...to one another...then God's love achieve purpose in all of our lives. 

 We cannot see God...but that does not mean we don't know God!

Here is what we do know: 1) We know God has chosen to live in us. 2) We know that God remains in our hearts...and we remain in His heart. 3) We know Christ Jesus is the Author of all this being made possible. 4) We know that the path Jesus chose to redeem us to Our Father...is good...and totally complete! 5) We know the Holy Spirit confirms all these things that have found their home...in our hearts.

 Now, in verse 18, the apostle John makes a rather startling conclusion in this passage about God's love and His love for us given to us through the Lord Jesus.
 John points out that fear is in direct contrast to the love God now brings into our very hearts and lives. This is the real reason fear cannot have any part in God's "perfect love" He brings to us.  You see, His love for us brings confidence, the kind of confidence that makes us able to live our lives as joyous Christians. And, as His love for us continues to grow in each one of our hearts...and becomes so strong we must share this love with others...fear has no choice but to disappear...fear has no choice but to exit.
 Fear always has to deal with the future...the unknown. None of us really know how future events will turn out...because we don't know what to expect. God's love in us is not only strong...but has power...power to change any hopeless situation.
 Therefore John concludes, fear has no place in our lives...even at death. Christ Jesus work at the Cross overcame all fear. What Christ Jesus now brings to us is the Promise of a new and Eternal Life.  Certainly there is fear of punishment for all we have done wrong, yet it is all taken care of...because Christ Jesus has taken all the punishment...for all our sins! His love for us...removes everything that makes us afraid. 

 As far as our future?...

 Knowing the fact His love is strong in us...makes us certain about our future! Our unknown future is in control...of the God who lives in us and loves us dearly!
 As for those who have no desire to want to know and experience the love God has for them...which came with great price...yes!...they do have a legitimate right to be afraid...to live with fear. Why? Because there is such a thing known to many of us as "Judgment Day"...and the God who has offered His love for us through His Beloved Son, who is our Lord Jesus...He is the very One who is the Judge for this very day...called Judgment Day. 

                                     A Gleaning from 1 John 4:18

" There is no room for fear...when His love is residing in our very hearts and lives. Words like 'dread", "worry", or "terror"...is simply not a part of our vocabulary.
  In fact, His love actually chases and drives out "Fear and his cohorts"...out of our very lives! His love for us banishes fear from becoming the dominating influence in our daily lives.

 Why?

 Because Fear preaches the "Message of Punishment"...and fear finds it purpose in our lives when it can "cripple us", making us afraid of Judgment Day, of death, of daily challenges,...even becoming afraid of "our own shadows."
 If we find ourselves thinking and talking like that, then we have not yet experienced Christ and His love for us that lives in our hearts...because His love has not fully formed...in our lives."