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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Present Day Ride of The Four Horsemen

This is more for discussion than anything, but there could be a case made for a present-day ride of the four horseman of the apocalypse. Let's examine Revelation 6.

Revelation 6

1And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. [(Did anyone notice how the whole of Europe united under one currency, the Euro, without any battle, without parliamentary debate, without anyone taking great notice? Could the first Horseman be at work here?)]

3And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.  [(Anyone notice the fall of Russia (Communism is referred to as the "Red Army")and all the waring states which emerged from the ashes of it? How many wars is this country currently fighting, (Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iran/Pakistan)? Four? That's just the wars we are fighting, this is not counting the continuous wars in Africa and Israel(Middle East).]

5And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of BALANCES in his hand. [(Who isn't feeling the pinch right now, caused by high prices? The wealthy, that's who! The stock market crash caused a massive redistribution of wealth, that has affected the global economy. How many times do we hear daily that we are going into uncharted territory; this has never happened before. And what advice do we get from the Wallstreet pros? They all suggest a BALANCED approach to investing. I'm just saying, what I'm saying)]

6And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. [(There are two things unaffected by this whole global collapse; the price of oil never drops and gold has shot through the roof! "The oil and the wine", is also another term for the wealthy.  I submit to you that an argument could be made that three of the four horseman have already ridden and the fourth well, that's up for debate, just like everything else!!)]

7And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

8And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

John Hurt: Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor (Remix)




[Mississippi John Hurt]Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor
video 
Make me down a pallet on your floor
Make me down
Make me a pallet down, soft and low
Make me a pallet on your floor
Oh make me down
Make me down
Make me a pallet down, soft and low
Make me a pallet on your floor
Up the country
Up the country by the cold sleet and snow
I'm going up the country
By the cold sleet and slow

I'm going up the country by the cold sleet and snow
No telling how much further I may go
Oh make me down
Make me down
Make me a pallet down, soft and low
Make me a pallet on your floor

[Michael Green Remix]
Lord, build me  up a pallet on your floor
I stand at heaven's gate but angels bar the door
Let your word usher me in
Oh Good Lord be my friend 
Can I please come inside, I won't sin no more
Make me down a pallet on your floor
Make me down a pallet on your floor
Build me up a pallet high, soft and low
Make me to lie down high upon your floor

Make me down a pallet on your floor
Make me down a pallet on your floor
That ole devil tricked me down below
He wanted to make my bed, forever down below
To burn forever with the spark and tow
But to his surprise, you pulled the wool from my eyes

Make me down a pallet on your floor
Jesus make me down a place to dwell with you
I know your grace will quickly see me through
So I may forever rest and dwell with you
Jesus make me down a place on high with you
Jesus make me down
Jesus make me down a place to dwell with you
Satan wanted me in Hell without you
Lord, that ole devil tried to treat me just like he treated you
Like Peter you warned me of his desire, to sort and sift me too
But I leaned on you to help see and get me through
Jesus make me down a place to dwell with you
Make me down a pallet on your floor
Let's keep this quiet, don't let that ole devil know
Ain't no telling what he'd do if he knew
Make me down a pallet on your floor
I don't need no mansion I'll lay in peace at heaven's door
But to his surprise you told my soul to rise
Jesus make me down a place in your high-rise
Make me a pallet high, soft and low
Make me a pallet on your floor

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Holy Separation

Brothers, I will use this opportunity to further define my goal here, perhaps this is the right time, perhaps not but this is the chosen time.  Each Christian must reconcile some ideals within himself by his own conscience, but one must not use this liberty as an excuse or shield.  Many times I bring ideas to the table here without taking them as far as I want to take them because I respect each person's liberty in Jesus Christ; I leave it up to you to reconcile the idea with Jesus Christ, but sometimes I go further.  Here we go....

There are many instances in the bible that refer to dead bodies as being unclean and exposure to a dead body makes a person unclean.  (Now here someone is thinking that this was old testament ceremonial cleanness, but keep in mind that Paul talks about not using Jesus Christ for/as a means of breaking the law [Romans 6:15] because Jesus is the fulfillment of the law.  So don't stop reading because you feel that Jesus did away with this law because he did not.  Jesus did away with the penalty for breaking the law, please see the difference...)  There are also times in the bible where God makes a statement like, {this is to be observed forever}so you can't just dismiss what God has stressed forever)

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and when they took him down from the cross where did they take him?[Luke 23:52-53]  Now where would we take him if he had died in this day and age?  Well after the coroner examined his body, he would most certainly have been taken to a church sanctuary for a going home service; the local choir would have sang him to heaven and we no doubt would hear from the pastor about some of his good deeds.  Now let me take the time to state here that in life and death Jesus fulfilled all of the laws and rituals commanded/given by God, that's just what he did, you must believe that to be a Christian; this is basic doctrine.  Now, since we are all in agreement up to this point let me pose this question.  Why wasn't Jesus taken to the temple for burial (perhaps presented to God as a sacrifice)?  Well, because it was not God's will, that's why.

[Ezekiel 43:6-12] God tells Ezekiel, that the temple has been defiled because when men died, they were buried too close/near to the temple.  Now the bodies were not even brought into the temple (as we do today), the temple was defiled because bodies were buried to near it (Now sit and think about that for however long it takes for the truth to sink in).  As I spoke of earlier God uses the terms "forever" and "law of the house" in these verses.  In other words, do you call your place of worship, "The House of God"?  If so then obey the law of the house.  Now have we kept the law of the house, that was to be kept forever?  I can't count how many times I've walked through a church cemetery, just to get to the sanctuary (sometimes, cemeteries are too close to the building).  (Now some astute person is thinking that years ago, the church was the only place willing to bury certain people, therefore the cemeteries became overrun and became too close to the church.....Well, you are correct my friend but that only proves my point, the process that led to the condition was started by the enemy to place us in violation!!!)

Now I doubt that churches will ever stop having funerals in the sanctuary, and I'm not advocating moving bodies from their resting places, but when new churches are built, this should be kept in mind and be a part of the planning process.  Now, moving forward we should be in compliance because by our traditions we have setup ourselves to worship in continual uncleanness, rebellion, and lawlessness.  I'm just saying that we could make things easier on Sunday mornings if we kept the law of the house, that's all.  That's it, My job is done, peace!!

Comments?

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Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Thief

There is a song by the Canton Spirituals, The Thief  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI0Ok6yTg8g, in which a thief at the end of life rebukes another thief for not fearing God [Luke 23:39-42].  Today we see many people with a lack of character [Romans 3:11-18], people that make poor choices, people that live in the world, and I wonder how a thief 2000 years ago, a person most would consider to be of the worst sort, could have more character than those considered to be godly people.  Well, it would seem that this thief realized that there are some lines that shouldn't be crossed!  So let's examine this....

Well there are many great men in the bible, I could name many many great men found therein, many prosperous men, and all of them would have a common trait; they feared God.  Name a great man in the bible that didn't fear God and lived a long life...

Solomon, the wisest man in the bible, examined many things, and deeply searched out the meanings of many things and this is what he said at the end of Ecclesiastes.  (Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.) [Ecclesiastes 12:13]  What did Solomon mean by the conclusion of the whole matter?  He was referring to all the questions we have in life; questions about our future, questions about who we should marry, what job offer we should accept, what church to attend....  Solomon and the Thief came to that same conclusion(sometimes we are our wisest when facing death), when he faced the end of his life, the Thief had the same choice that day that he faced everyday.  He said, "Will I fear God today?"  And because he did Jesus said, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43]  A man that wants to be with Jesus for eternity, has to fear God.

The fear of God, should be taught by parents; both David and Solomon (Father and Son) wrote that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 9:10].  This is no coincidence!  A Godly man will have Godly sons!  (The fear of God was also taught from Naomi to Ruth, David's ancestor)

I could go further, but I don't want you to miss the point here... Satan is a Thief and I tell you that you won't ever experience the joy of being acknowledged by the Father.  The joy of being welcomed into heaven if you fail to be approved by Jesus; don't allow Satan to steal that honor away from you.  The point of this article is this, at the end of the day did you fear God?  Read the last verse of Ecclesiastes....

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

What is a Valley?



A valley is a broad depression between two high points(mountains). It may be natural to get down when going through trials, but we are to rejoice when we find ourselves in valley moments; we are not to be depressed. (And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:) [Romans 5:3-4] A Valley  represents temptation, dangerous trials, and tribulation, however we know that the testing of faith inexplicably builds character and from this experience we develop hope. We soon find that we are not ashamed of our low points in life because we have hope. (And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.) [Romans 5:5-6] When we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death, in the darkness between two mountains, we have hope because Jesus is our light and without Him the shadow could not even be possible(Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.) [John 8:12]. We will soon be pulled from the valley and restored to proper standing with Jesus, in the light. As Christians we have nothing to fear. We must remember that, there is no torment in this world or the next, because Jesus paid the price for us on Calvary; we are redeemed and covered with his blood. (There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.) [1 John 4:18] I myself have feared many things, but we are not to fear but have faith in Jesus who lives within us. Christ has already overcome the world(These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.) [John 16:33 ], but we must walk in Christ's victory; if we wish to share in it, Christ must live within us. Jesus himself said that God is always with him because he always does the things which please the father (And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.) [John 8:29]. Do those things which please God!

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Oath Of Friendship

Friendship is a sacred appointed position. I believe that a friend should take an oath similar to that which a doctor swears. A friend should always help and never hinder. It is said that, “to him that is afflicted pity should be shown from his friend.”(JOB 6:14) I have been elated to see in these last years that my laughter is shared, but saddened to see my pain spread more freely. A man’s troubles should not bring happiness to his friends but time and time again I see it happen. It seems to me that much like doctors some friends take a “Hippo-critic Oath.” If there is a time for scorn then surely there must be a time for praise. I challenge my friends now to standup and answer the call and be found worthy of their post. I’m reminded of a quote from The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Caesar not praise him.” I wholeheartedly expect that my apparent funeral eulogy will be converted into a rallying cry for the blood of my enemies. They wish to see my ruin but if I should fall much like Caesar it will take three good men to fill my position! I no longer wish my friends to stand behind me, but in front of me to shield me from the storm or if they dare; turn around, face me and see why friendship is the wiser stance.




The Oath of Friendship

You do solemnly swear, by the most sacred of trusts...
That you will be loyal to the post of a friend and just and generous to its members. That you will lead your lives and practice your art in uprightness and honor. That into whatsoever conversation you shall enter, it shall be for the good of your friend. You do so swear to the utmost of your power, your holding yourselves far aloof from wrong, from corruption, from the tempting of others to vice. From all undo evil. That you will exercise your art solely for the benefit of your friend, and will give no information, perform no inquiry, for the purposes of slander, even if solicited, and far less suggest it.
You do solemnly swear that whatsoever you shall see or hear of the lives of men or women which is not fitting to be spoken, that you will keep inviolably secret. These things do you swear. Let each bow the head as a sign of acquiescence. And now, if you will be true to this, your oath, may prosperity and good repute be ever yours; the opposite, if you shall prove yourselves forsworn.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

God Has Seen the Affliciton

We oftentimes fall into affliction from our enemies when we disobey God. God is so righteous and powerful that he would not use a righteous person to afflict his children, he uses the unrighteous, unsaved, Hellenistic people of the world to punish us: it is this affliction, which causes us to repent. Upon repentance we are received back into God's grace and given a time of peace. This time of peace is intended to be permanent but will only last as long as our faithfullness lasts, because God is even more faithful to his word. II Samuel 7:10 says, “Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,
It is important to note here that it is the will of God for this peace/rest to be permanent, but because of sin and disobedience Israel fell back into the hands of their enemies time and time again as we do today. God confirms this in the 14th verse and says, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:” So we see and know that the rod of men is related to the rod of God because even the children of darkness must obey his will. As children of light we should be even more willing to obey, but the heathen in this respect are more obedient to God than us and their obedience leads to our punishment, or is it that our disobedience leads to our punishment? The self righteous person will choose the first over the latter...

 What's your opinion?  

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Poem

Close enough to Christmas
Let’s make a wish list
I’ll start with a little eggnog
Share a peace pipe with the Wampanoag
Play a little tune on a windpipe
Take a hayride if you like
I know a place we can hike or ride to
My spirit doyen, Bear, can guide you  
It’s never been trespassed it’s so new
The water is so blue
And after two we can start our celebration
The one planned by our communal delegations
To improve intercultural relations
Just please, the rules, remember these
No guns, no arrows, no knives
Only husbands, small children, and wives
Sit down at the table with Carver
Bring the meat carver
We slew the beast for a mutual feast
Make sure everyone gets a piece
Share mutual peace

Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Smiley Face :)

So, where did the smiley emoticon come from; who invented it? Who invented the smiley face, that cheery little face you see all over your computer and cell phone? Was it some sage whose name has been forgotten through the ages? Well let's examine the facts and discover the truth.

It has been long accepted that Mr. Harvey Ball created this symbol. He worked in advertising and came-up with it in a public relations campaign. Harvey R. Ball, whose simple drawing of a smiling face on a yellow background became a cultural icon, that still lives on after his death in 2001. His icon has been credited with bringing joy to millions of people, but I wonder is there another person that should be considered for this honor? Ball, first drew this design in 1963, so...we need to find out if it appears somewhere prior to this date? Well let's examine the facts.

Ball, who co-owned an advertising and public relations firm in Worcester, designed the Smiley Face in 1963 to boost the morale of workers in two recently merged insurance companies. Well I'm all out of facts and besides I don't want to overwhelm you with statistics, so here is my reveal.

King Solomon, a man credited with great wisdom, many proverbs, and poems, may also add this to his list of accomplishments. In 1 Kings 8:41-43, Solomon is discussing the house(temple) he built for God and says, “Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.” I submit to you that Solomon clearly smiles as he discusses the strong and all powerful hand of God!  He truly was a wise man...

Well, here's one for you Solomon :)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Dreaming


Dreaming is a form of mental activity, different from waking thought. Dreaming occurs during sleep. The process of dream activity has been characterized by many clinical and laboratory studies. These studies show that dreams are more perceptual than conceptual. Things are seen and heard rather than thought. It should be no surprise then for you to discover that adults spends 25% of their nights sleep dreaming, but newborn children spend as much as 50% of sleep time, dreaming. You’ve heard it many times before but I’ll tell you again, “unless we begin to perceive as babes we will never reach our true potential.”(Matthew 18:3) The trials of life slowly drain dreams from our minds. We cannot submit to the apparent futility of dreaming. A dreamer must have extraordinary vision complemented by the drive to achieve his goals. Children are pardoned from any responsibility concerning the implementation of their dreams because they do not have the ability to act on them. But what of those that have the ability but choose not to act. There is no forgiveness for a person that wastes talent. I can tell you from experience that I now have less talents than I once had because of my refusal to use them.(I still have more than enough though.) Each of us is special and we should endeavor with all available strength to use these gifts to the best of our capability.

A dreamer is someone that tries to achieve all hatched possible positive outcomes. He is an explorer not affected or blinded by the sarcasms of ordinary men. His idealism makes him a man of vision. One who boldly tempts fate and dismisses the scorn of lesser men. I’m reminded of a story. There was an old sheep dog that through experience learned of the softness of hay because his first duty was the care of sheep. With age he cared less about the sheep and more about his sleep. His lack of vision caused the farmer to have him replaced. The old dog could not eat the hay but he was not about to let the sheep eat his bed. It is laziness that finds many of us in later years. We know our job and responsibility but the wisdom of experience is replaced by shortcuts and the tricks learned through experience. In life there are always those who have the keys of knowledge and refuse to use them. They will always stand in the way of your nourishment and not allow you to feed. The “Old Dog” can’t eat the hay and will not allow anyone else to eat either. (Luke 11:52) The elder statesman is always replaced with a younger hound. The youthful apprentice is relentless, full of energy, and not set in his ways. However the “Old Dog’s” wisdom should be exploited because there is much that he can teach the humble young pup if he so chooses.

We must take steps in life to follow our dreams if not the title of “Dreamer” quickly becomes a curse.