Not the whole world...

For years, more than a decade, I disliked hearing: “...and the whole world lies in the power of the Evil one”. That sounded me hopeless, sad and “true”.

Those who belong to the watchtower of the Jehovah´s witness abuse it “to explain” the evil in the world; when there are disasters we don´t dare to mention God punishing the earth.

I dislike mentioning God´s name when there are dozens using it to get money (or to get what she-he wants). God has absolute right to do what He does: He is God! (But not the whole world lies under the power of the Evil one).

I have seen Jehovah´s witness seldom vote: That´s their right! But Christianity does not deserve evil men ruling nations. Do we?

“Democracy” gives us a chance to vote for a “better government”, but we are in the mess of unbelieving men and women. Who am I to blame?

I will not blame John for that mistaken idea (I John 5:19). If it were “the whole world” I might infer God is not ruling what He has made -The whole universe!

The Bible teaches me God ordered Sodom and Gomorrah to be destroyed (Gen 19) and before that, He destroyed the whole world with a flood (Gen 7). Who is charge then? I believe God rules from Heaven.

At the beginning I thought there were some pauline ideas crawling around because, apart from Jesus Christ, “we know in part, and we prophesy in part”  (I Cor.13:9-10) If we were divine or angels those limits were present, because we´re not God and we are invited to be like Jesus (I Cor. 2:11b; Col.2:2b-3)

I believe John was right when saying: “They all are not of us” (I Jn.2:19) The idea -here- is complete different because everybody is not God´s people. Some are misguided and some are misleading others. God´s will will prevail.

We need to pass away to see He is right and told the truth. This is not the punishment I deserve for the sinful life I have lived. Pains and earthly toils helped me to change a little. These together modeled my character to be converted to His will, instead of my imperfect desires.

I cannot use an isolated idea to explain the world I like or disliked. There are flaws in me and all the people we are talking as “world”. Some have changed because they surrendered to God´s will and His anointed one.

After reading Daniel (Dan. 4:17b, 26, 32b) some of my misconceptions changed. I believed I could change the world by voting or fighting, but the fight is against evil spirits ruling over many minds of unbelievers (here some Pauline’s ideas fit well). Punishment enforces the worldwide outreach of God´s will, and Daniel´s account teaches that to believers. Who am I to say “the whole world lies under the Evil one”?

Something went wrong when conveying (or translating) that idea of John. That made me feel God wasn´t in charge. I felt it hopeless. No matter how inspired I see John is.

Here the adoption (I Jn 5:19b) depends on my will and God´s will: He invites us and we accept it, if believed because “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (I Jn 4:4)

There is a turning point that refreshed me when I see things done, when I believe BY EXPERIENCE and theory becomes practical truth (2 Peter 2:5).

Sometimes words keep on babbling alone, some looked like nonsense and “Jewish want a sign and Greek want more wisdom” (1 Cor.1:22-23)  What if you see some were predicted?

Daniel foretold Jesus, the Christ, crucified: Daniel 9:26

Some men have counted those times and history proves Jerusalem was destroyed by Titus, AD 70. Who is in charge then?

Daniel 12:10 resumes the world we´re living in. We blame whomever we want but, at the long run, we will give an account and our secret deeds will be exposed to public eyes.

I believe God knows everything and Daniel 12:2 is inspired enough to prove the evil one is not in control, not even a simple man.

I hope my name be found and written in the book of life, to be living (Rev. 20:6, 12, 15) because it is God who rules the whole universe (Daniel 5:21b; 7:13-14).

Is there a quick way to consult God?

Daniel teaches me that there are hindrances, spiritual forces blocking the way for the answers to our prayers (Dan. 20:12-14), but there times where Israel knew God´s will by consulting some precious stones worn inside the ephod (Exo. 28:30).

David (1 Sam 23:2, 4) and Saul consulted God by casting that sacred lot. Saul was not given ultimate answers (1 Sam. 28:6). Sometimes God does not answer by dreams, messengers or the Bible, and personal experiences tell we fail and tend to failures. Have you consulted mediums or spirits? (1 Sam 28:8, 11, 13)

I don´t know if during the lifetime of Jesus the ephod was still in use or if it was worn with the Urim and Thumming to consult God´s will, but I see they were used or missed when all Israel returned to the Promised Land 430 years before Jesus (Neh. 7:65; Ezra 2:63).

Professor J.F. McLaughlin (B.D., D.D.) once wrote: “...this custom of trying to obtain guidance from God by casting a lot belongs to the earliest times and to a very primitive kind of thinking. In later times more spiritual conceptions of religion were introduced by the teaching of the prophets and it fell into disuse...”

What were the lost Urim and Thumming?

I don´t think it was primitive way of seeking God´s will. Sometimes we need His “Yes” or “No” clearly heard and understood. Some may find it old fashioned, but it served God´s people to make their right choices, even at times of family wars (Judges 20:18-23, 26).

I don´t think all are completely wicked and unholy, and those who wore the ephod had the judgment above (and on) their hearts (Exo. 28:30b, 36)

What are the alternative ways of listening God´s will today and now? (I need your help).

I´ve heard of fasting, prayers, reading the Bible... Are today’s circumstances speaking like those Daniel lived to mention God is in control ? (Dan.4:17b, 26b, 32b)

Sometimes we forget to consult God, same way Israel did several times (Josh 9:14). The price we paid for that fault doesn´t bring joy to our life. Each does as he did because sometimes we forget Jesus (or God) as ruling King (Judges 21:25)

Most of the decision I´ve made were thought without God in mind, and I needed His guidance. Christians or not, the world needs God´s direction to succeed.

What would you give to help us sort life out when not having the Urim and Thumming at hand?

A.T.    Jul 2013

Roles July 17, 2013

Some ideas come from jokes and these sometimes have some truths: Men should be PROVIDERS since women are their receptacles... When this role function changes, Eve becomes a life provider, more than giving children, and she comes home with forbidden fruits; so I don´t want to live out Adam´s failures.

I´ve seen too many couples having trouble with their economy. The man is not the provider or, in that case, he gives less than what it is expected to. He pretends to rule that aspect of the relationship and he is lacking what it is needed, desired or considered above certain level. Why am I to be married if I am not an average man?

Modern culture expects you to be the giver, the gardener who brings food and unnecessary stuff home. Once a woman does it, she regrets you are not giving more and sometimes she thinks she gives more than you; and let it be known that are some who give their all to receive nothing (or too little) in turn.

I am not feminist! I know they like unnecessary stuff. They love things women love and men despise, but they are so and we are how we are. Some long a perfect home, some like to live in a castle and planned their husbands pay for a wedding where 200 hundred people come and be entertained. Will you pay for that? Some are better worker than their men. They work at home and outside. Some are lazy, but I´m sure you will not marry a lazy spouse. Will you?

Believe me I know both sides. I married one good worker but we saw life differently. I married her for wrong reasons and had 3 children, but that was an unequal yoke and our children were affected when I asked her to be divorced (I do not regret it! But it hurt both and the children).

I didn´t know how to be the pitcher when she couldn´t be the catcher. She had liked to be the manager (and the best player also) when I lacked some basic knowledge to be in such home team. Have you played those games?

Man needs to be the provider. When women become the master of the house, when she pays the bills the other spouse owes, ladies feel they came to some kind of servitude and certainly regret it and, if this comes to be so, try your best it be for few days, not for a month. Believe me! I know these for me and for other´s failures. Both can be providers, but the leading role should be in each man.

Women resent not receiving. Men are to be the pitchers and not the vessel of a catcher.

I have a sister and I know from her issues, and from the life of those who are -or were- my friends. I write this for you. I know what I have learned from heartaches and would like to spare you my divorce problems: Our natural leadership is giving, not receiving. Don´t you like to be blessed?

When my dad lost his business (and money) he also lost my mother (and she was quite nice looking to get somebody´s attention and favor). Let´s say the bond was not money, but she went to work to give food her two boys and, when doing it, my dad did what was wrong: He wasted the money we needed in other girls... Do I need to say what came next?

One thing is betting to lose than being a loser. That is not a natural role of men or women. Money is needed to keep those you love and children need to be raised (women do know it better). Will you love someone who has you to lose? I don´t!

Always there are exceptions! (but the lesson of Eve is written on Gen 3:6). Sometimes it is too late to open the eyes when consequences arrive (Gen. 4:1-2). Adam had a job (a gardener) but allowed let his lover work for him... (Gen. 2:8, 15).

We cannot be lazy people. Roles are settled and established and, when man and woman marry, I think one has to be at home (Am I wrong?)

We don´t live in a holy world. The 10 commandments help to warn us to be aware of and there are some who covet spouses and steal away homes. Will you open the door to thieves?

We do not respect traffic lights when chances are seen. If you are a good men or woman, you know God is good, not you (not me). Real life is not a bed of roses, and singles (or married) want to try the honey someone else paid.

Modern life is so that, when I spent 3 months close to Pemon tribes (1988), I knew more from those who are not like city people: Pemons have different sex roles and each with their jobs. Are women to be Kings and men to be Queans? (I said this came from a joke).

Life goals come around. You build a house and not many are your home. Men are to be providers and women could be their helpers, in clear sex roles. Society seldom backed up men who long to be home and this depends on the woman you cling to. See we do not live in a Christian world-wide community helping you (and me) to follow the ten commandments, while some strongly oppose to keep those rules Exodus mentioned (Exo. 20:17, 15, 14).

You will meet your spouse at work, at the university... Sure out her home! What I´m saying here is you must build your own home, and I hope you find someone who loves you to be her leader, just by giving (do not marry a lazy person).

A.T.

Psalm 23

Someone asked me to write on this and I must confess I´m not religious (no matter what you may think). I love God, I love Jesus, but my opinion tends to be out of some traditions (or other´s opinions) and I do not care feeling or thinking differently: I am me as you are you. What a blessing! We both are individuals! Just see God is WHO He is when saying: “Don´t like to know me” (Jer. 9:6)

The Bible, as a bulk, has some poetry, love letters, and sometimes I enjoy them but, by the moment I read this psalm I felt it as simple rhetoric.

The Bible is inspired and -in itself- it´s inspiring, but I do NOT need more loving or kind words written: I regret missing deeds and those words I could not hear from Him.

I tried to compare the Bible in the Reina-Valera version with the Spanish New Living Translation, but I quit: One was in simple present tense and the other in future tense, as the motto of a promise...

Vs. 5b can be read in its “spiritualized” form, otherwise this is obscure; but I long to talk to God, I would like to hear Him in a chat. Can He be heard? Will I know Him by this second-hand experience?

Some may have found comfort and release while reading the Holy Book, but this is not an actual relationship to keep and, same way I´m telling you I have told God: That is not complete love... You could miss someone who left and sends you emails. You could enjoy meeting someone for skype or phone calls, but reading this -alone- is not enough to name it a relationship.

I do beg you to be understood. I don´t miss His hugs or loving touch, but His person and the best one to talk and hear of. Many have heard His voice (as a thunder) and some have said they saw Him (with His light) but, what I miss is Him, as a Person. How could I say that “I know Him”? All of this is a second-hand experience. I don´t care what David or Salomon lived, but my living experience.

Yes! He has done things for me. He has answered prayers and has done wonders for me, but I don´t know Him as a Person, and He is the best person I could be missing.

I have wasted time and too many years while guessing and making choices. How could I hear His voice, each time I´m away from His blessings or making the best choice?

I´m tired to guess, a whole life inferring... I need His voice, or the assurance of His guiding Spirit.

Errors are predictable while playing chess. My life has been so and this is near to end up, any day.

I need my life to be totally changed and this is not a simple stuff a human potter can break and make anew (Jer. 18:4-6).

I don´t understand life by inferring or guessing. May I find Him to talk or be heard?

I wish He looks at me closely... I cannot speak of Him with a second-hand knowledge or a third-hand experience. I need to live this up to witness He is real. Many people need His guiding voice, many are lazy to read a simple text message (like the Bible) and healthy relationships are built while talking, by hearing one another. That is what I ask for me and for those He knows need Him.

City people and country people need to talk and be heard. I know that by experience. We humans  -even having same citizenship, culture and language- lack full understanding to know what others need, but I think I cannot witness what I have not lived or understood. I don´t sell a product I haven´t tried, because -to me- it is like lying. Will you buy a thing by faith, without knowing it a little?

You may call it as many, it´s just “faith” that you need; but how can I tell those who badly need it: It is not God WHOM I seek?

Traditionally, I was told that God wants OUR trusting obedience. I know it but, am I too deaf to hear He wants to be known? (Jer. 9:6). Could I meet Him without hearing what He is talking?... Who am I to insist on asking? (I need you to be realistic, I don´t mind this I beg of Him).

Psalm 23:4b says: “you are close to me” or “I´ll be protected”. That´s OK, but this is not a complete loving relationship I live. Let´s say the writer´s inspiration talks about the Lord Jesus (or the author´s feeling) but this is not mine.

I don´t like to spent my whole life in a temple (23:6b). I don´t know God in that way to be His priest or servant: I see myself as an individual, with human and spiritual needs. Will that be enough for you? He is God, The Lord, a Spiritual Person I cannot see or hear...

It is easy to worship God when you see Him healing, showing His power; but I need Him as a Person (sometimes for a talk, where I can hear His voice).

Prayers are useless if these are just to ask things. I see them selfish when I go to Him to ask things, for me or others. I don´t believe these prayers are fair when I ask, not giving Him a thing in turn. What could I give Him if I don´t know what He wants me to give (or give up)?

Let me say this: When I like someone, I like to meet that person closely. Let´s say she is far or I went away: I call! (I phone call). Do you like simple words lacking its full meaning? I like to see, smell, touch and hear. Who gave me my humanity and being? This is not simple faith. Did Moses meet God? Did the Jews hear Him talk to Jesus (at His baptism) or while the Lord called Lazarus from the dead? He is the same Lord I believe, but I long to hear His guiding voice. I don´t trust any longer my decisions or will.

I agree with those who say deeds speak volumes. Words are complete when they walk with simple deeds. If you love someone, show it and make it true. Words are empty without deeds, and facts are coherent with those things you may have said.

I don´t dare to say: “Jesus loves you” when some needs His assurance and His complete confirmation. How could I make Him (God) comes to help the needy? The Bible shows many people experienced God in their personal life, but I don´t have the power to help those who need Him to be seen or heard: I just need your living WORD, God. Just tell me what I need to do!

There is a book I have read “Experiencing God” (written by Henry Blackby and someone else). I used to read it and checked how the authors learned to hear God´s voice. Good! I recommend to read it, but I haven´t learned well. Perhaps I´m in sin and many things are wrong in my life, but I will insist on this: I want to hear Him.

David spent 14 years before being a king. He was anointed by Samuel -and soon after- he was an outlaw and ran and hid... Do I want a kingdom to be a king? No! That´s useless, like a big palace where I have to do all the chores.

I do long for few things, but these are worthless without you, God.

What my life serves for, if I cannot hear of You, God?

I am lost, screwed up and wrong, that my dream is useless and my sleep is restless.

Why am I here, with people I do not belong? (I John 3:18; James 1:22).

I want YOUR words become true...

A.T.

Has God created someone for you?

My life experience tells me there is not a missing rib (or piece), although my mind says this could be so.

What do you think?

Have you found the missing rib or piece?

The poll I thought is:

* Has God made someone for you?

* Have you being made for another person, in particular?

* Have you made a DNA test to prove it?

* How often have you found you are wrong (or the other person) in that matching?

*** Add anything you like (if wanted)

P.S.

Although experience tells me there is no one I can say: “This is my flesh and bones”, my faith says God sees me and knows any human need (Gen. 2:18, 20).

While I was a pagan unbeliever I was promiscuous. Perhaps I met the best woman God could have sent, but I kicked her out while sinning with lust and cheating. I can say I met good women, but my concern was sex and not love: Some things cannot be made anew!

When I was young I was punctilious and despised some I considered fat or ugly… Today I´m the same, but I will not flirt with someone I don´t like: I hate lying! And try not to make a mistake twice. Do you like playing games?

Proverbs gives hopes when all seem to be practically gone (Prov. 18:22; 31:10). Prov. 19:14 is excellent when saying marriage belongs to God, no matter how materialistic the world made us to be. You can be rich, but money will not buy you a good spouse.

Have you read the love story of Ruth?

I wish I could hear a woman willing to say those words she said to Noemi (Ruth 1:16). That´s is an unconditional love bond. She showed an unselfish will to SERVE, and both were poor. Do you see?

I know of things like this. I know (and knew) of couples who decided to follow the other. Look at Ruth!

She was young, loving, and a foreigner willing to relocate. She wanted to serve her mother-in-law, another widow and aged woman. Have you seen one like that? We tend to live far from those in-laws.

Ruth was a thankful hard worker lady (Ruth 2:7, 10). Booz was a kind rich old man (with good sight) who wholeheartedly gave orders to let Ruth pick food from his field, as much as she needed (2:8) Have you done anything like this?

God is love! And He gives many his/her second chance.

Deep in me I know He always does the best.

Look at Tina Turner! She is as old as Booz and married a man like me (I hope the opposite case) He! He!

What has made Booth a nice looking man for many? Is it just his money?

I guess he was kindhearted, fair (Ruth 3:12-13) and he expected nothing for helping others (No sex that night). I guess he was smart in his business and see he wanted Ruth instead of a piece of land (Ruth 4:3-5). He showed legal concern according to the law and Jewish traditions but, when dealing, he hid his heart from being hurt by others.

I would certainly love Ruth. There´s no need to share your chewing gun, but she is the kind of woman who shares her food (Ruth 2:14b, 18). Is not that loving?

 I would feel self-pity if someone comes to me for money (which I don´t have). I think Tina Turner has made a good choice after more than 15 years sharing with someone she liked, since at our age, we´re not plenty of hopes, like Booz (Ruth 3:10)

There are miracles!

God gives and takes, and we must admit we have failed by sinning and hurting others.

Twins may have some chromosomes in common, but our DNA made us to be unique, the ones we are. Does God help you to be you?  I guess so! He is sweet (sometimes not) and Ruth is a true model to learn from.

I could think of those who like to boast of their flag and nationality, but Ruth left family bonds, her roots for pure family love.

Jesus came from FOREIGNERS. Like those who moved from Sodom to somewhere else.

Jesus was not racist... Who am I to be?

I beg you to read Gal. 3:28.

Of course! You like what you like. I´d like a thin and short woman, same way you may like a big and rich man; but I am far from being perfect, far from being like Booz or Ruth.

I hope you find your second (or third) chance at this life.

A.T.