Author: Brother Brian

Brother Brian currently serves within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic School System. He is currently in his twentieth year of teaching.

Reflection 1: Jesus as God?

“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” – which means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” ~ Matthew 27:46

No person willingly marches to their death. No one willingly places themselves in such torture that bodily functions begin to shut down do to the damage. No normal human-being chooses the hour and manner of their death, nor chooses who will betray them. No mortal man nor woman or child would be able to exhibit such faith in an afterlife, let alone accomplishing a self proclaimed resurrection. No man has ever done any of these things to the precision of Christ Jesus. Now if by chance these things where accomplished they would not have been done for the sake of all mankind if a normal human was doing it, rather wouldn’t it be fair to say the reasons would have been far less loving, perhaps a tad more selfish. Why would anyone be so concerned about salvation for others. Especially those who would be strangers, after all the Chief Preists where not so concerned, nor was the Kings and Queens that came before and after the birth and death of Christ. See when we break this down only God would be so concerned, only Satan would be concerned, and only those who do Gods bidding would understand this fact. In fact the Bible tells us only the men and women of God where concerned about salvation, and they understood the function of sacrifice. So in this event of our Lord’s death we must take note that no normal man and woman, clergy, rulers, and or those people who believed in nothing were all blinded by this basic mortal need to be saved, because the separation between God and man was so great that that only illustration which comes close would be to reference the distance between one galaxy to another. The sheer volume of testimony recorded in the Bible not to mention the volume of prophecies which Jesus full filled points to only one thing, that Jesus is the Son of God, and in that statement is God and one third of the full power of God. It is hard to wrap ourselves around this fact but even Jesus proclaimed that His ways are not our ways.

“45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” – which means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” ~ Matthew 27:45-49.

Even until the last second the Sanhedrin mocked Jesus, their remarks about calling forth a prophet to save a living God was more than just insulting, it was and in and of itself blasphemy. The same act they accused Jesus of they committed within the final seconds of our Lords life. The Romans who executed Jesus would have a far better chance to be saved than those who mocked Jesus in these final moments.

“50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” ~ Matthew 27:50.

In Matthew we see the last and final remarks of the Sanhedrin, or the Chief Priest, and those who supported them in the prosecution and then execution of Jesus play an extraordinary role in the human saga of denial, failure to believe, and in the utter lack of faith in God. In no other text can it be found other than in the remaining three Gospels were man so utterly failed to believe in the might of God. For they lived and saw his miracles, they witnessed him speak, preach, raise the dead, heal the sick, and make the blind see, the maimed walk, and the sinners be forgiven. In no other time period had any human being have such access to God, to feel his presence in their lives with such a personal touch as when Jesus walked the Earth, and still they refused to believe. In a way that says something about our man made religious beliefs, our since of justice, and the laws we pass. For these things have something more sinister about them, they serve only a few men’s interests leaving everyone else out in the dark. In comparison to Jesus the men who falsely accused Him, who spat upon Him, who knowingly rejected Him suffered more than Our Lord and Savior because they were influenced and deceived by Satan. The old adage that makes a stab at defending the Sanhedrin and in their disbelief in offering the question, (how were they to really know that Jesus was the Son of God in the face of so many who claimed to be the messiah, most of which lived in the same time period as Christ Jesus), leaves all who dare to ask or believe this question to be true in such an utterly defenceless position in full view of all the facts it would be embarrasing to even ponder. For after reviewing the life of Christ this question can not be properly supported as none of the other fake messiahs accomplished in their lifetime what Jesus did in four years. None of them where as concerned about man’s salvation as Jesus, and none of them went to the lengths to peaceably accomplish man’s salvation as did Jesus.

“44 It was now about the sixth hour , and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 for the sun stopped shinning. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.‘ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” ~ Luke 23:43-46.

In the Gospel according to Luke, those final words of Jesus was proceeded by darkness, as he clearly states, “the sun stopped shining”. This text makes a reference to the curtain of the temple tearing in two halves, symbolizing the ending of the Old Testament Jewish Laws of Moses, and the starting of a New Convent between man and God. In this moment just prior to Luke’s Gospel accounting in chapter 23:46, and Matthews accounting found in chapter 27:49 The Gospel according to John tells us that when Jesus cried out and then was offered the sponge filled with wine vinegar our Lord made the most awesome proclamation before everyone and for all to hear for Jesus uttered,

“30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” ~ John 19:30

All of these final words from Jesus just prior to his death proves he was sent to accomplish his mission, and part of that mission was for him to die. In all of these words from Jesus we find that he is focused on one task and that is mans salvation. So again I must state, no mortal man would have willingly sacrificed himself for other men’s sins nor to save their immortal souls be we, members of the human race would have never been able to carry out that mission. In this thought our walk with God can become close again because of the sacrifice of Jesus, who had Godly strength, direction, and who is and of himself God.

Amen

May God be with you and bless you all the days of your life.

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Special Post: Morality Goal #4

In every manner possible give to your family, friends, neighbors, relatives, work mates, and all whom you shall ever meet in this life a true and honest accounting of all things you have felt, said, and have done, and which has been done to you. “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”(Exodus 23:1, NIV). For in living within this moral code God shall honor you, the angels in heaven will sing your praises, and there shall be no blemish upon you that which Satan shall be able to claim, or use you as an instrument of sin. Be truthful in all that you do and no secret shall be raised up when you least expect it to tear you down. Therefore, always live within the spotlight of truth and you shall be free.

Morality Goal # 3:

Who Am I…”not” to forgive others of their transgressions against me, when God himself has commanded it to be so? (Matthew 18:15-17). Even if those same people hold on to their perceived complaints about me. Who Am I…”NOT” TO FORGIVE? (Matthew 18:32-35) For as a christian I am commanded by God to love my enemies, to clothe them if they go naked, to feed them if they are wanting for food, to love them as I love God…for the same God loves them equally as He loves and forgives me. (John 13:34-35) In the light of this truth, Why should I “not” forgive? Who Am I to deny others what God Himself will not withhold?

Reflection 2: Foundational Friendships pt 2

“14 After John was put into prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 ’The time has come.’ he said, ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15, NKJV).

As stated before, there are many kinds of friendships and relationships. As human-beings we are capable of so much love, kindness, gentleness, mercy, and forgiveness but we rarely show it, because of our sinning nature we are repeat offenders to Gods perfect    love. We would rather put into prison such prophets as John the Baptist who God made as a lonely voice in the wilderness calling out for forgiveness, justice, and repentance, a man sent by God, foretold over 700 years before his birth by another prophet we know as Isaiah.

“ 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4  Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5, NIV).

We would rather ignore our sins allowing Satan to work his evil within us, leading us into perpetual darkness than to claim the light of God. Where we go so wrong in our lives, in our deeds, in our relationships is our unwillingness to believe the good news.

“16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 ‘Come, follow me’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.”(Mark 1:16-18, NKJV,)

Foundational friendships are relationships built upon honesty, sincerity, and devoid of doubt. We must always be ready for them when they appear, and when they do we must act upon them without delay. Admittedly, in some instances it takes an act of God to make us comply and to obey without question, but for those who are ready it only takes the gentle voice of our savior. For when Jesus came upon Simon and Andrew they recognized his honesty and they saw his sincerity, which erased all their doubt for they hesitated not; but rather acted upon there belief with blind ferver.

“19 When he had gone a little father, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with hired men and followed him.” (Mark 1:19-20).

Our needs are met when like little children we come running to the Lord, leaving everything behind, dropping our yokes given to us by life and simply following him. The call is so simple, but yet so hard for many of us. The rewards are so profound if only we submit and believe. Through this act of contrition we drop the world and our sins of the world at the door step of our savior. We allow God to mold us into a more perfect version of ourselves, thus teaching each of us how to connect with others in a way that will inspire them to come to God much like the prophets, the angels in heaven, and much like Jesus who died for us. We open our hearts and mind; we become the cornerstone that which many foundational relationships can stand the test of time. Like watchmen we become ever vigilant, unyielding, and uncompromising as the sands that are carried by the wind howl about us, yet we stand never to be chipped or blown away, but rather rooted in the foundations of the Lord. The characteristic of being like the prophets, speaking the truth given to us by God, sharing the good news is the best kept secret of being a foundational friend, because in stark reality we are preparing ourselves and others to be  part of a magnificent eternal family.

“13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.” (Mark 2:13-14, NJKV).

So simple, so gentle, so powerful, and so perfect are the words, “Follow Me!” For the disciples did not come to Christ because they heard his message first, analyzed it, and then synthesized it before making the life changing decision to follow him. Rather they heard his voice, accepted their calling from God and did not look back. To be called by God is the greatest of all earthly pursuits that carries with it huge responsibilities and ramifications. To accept Gods holy appointment upon your life to become a foundational friend, teacher, and apostle one must recognize God, believe with absolute blind faith, and practice his mercy in all you do and with everyone you meet.

“13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve designating them apostles that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which mean Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (Mark 3:13-19, NKJV).

The unspoken words of Christ Jesus as he looking into each of his disciples eyes struck a cord with each of them; as if he had said, “Look at me, what do you see? For I know you, and have always known you. Know me now, follow me, follow me, follow me.” His eyes touched there souls, they saw and believed, but the rewards are greater for those who have not seen but still believe. Some could see clearly their calling, still at least one doubted;

“28 Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 21: 28-29, NKJV).

At least one knew him and accepted him but still betrayed him,

“41 Returning the third time, he said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.  44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”  45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him.” (Mark 14:41-46, NKJV).

Still others denied knowing him. But Jesus never left them without peace, love, and the promise of eternal life. His friendship is foundational in every way, in all measures, and is absolute. It is Our Lord and Saviors example that we must cling too as we are molded and grow in faith, as we become foundational people, befriending everyone, helping those who respond. Like a fisher of men pulling many from unlikely places we become foundational and teach others to become the same, in the end becoming more like God.

Amen

May God be with you always, and grant you everlasting peace. If you have been moved by this reflection please feel free to leave a comment and press the “Like” under the “Like This” heading found underneath the posting

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Morality Goal 2

It should be woven into the fabric of your life, so as all your deeds reflect it, and that all your words proclaim it, that you should love and forgive everyone whom is your enemy as you do your friends. For grievances are earthly and have no place in your heart as all earthly things shall pass away, so too shall your grievance. But your love and forgiveness is forever as is God, from which your love comes.

Morality Goal 1

IT has been a few long weeks since my last posting and for that I do apologize but I have been working hard on a few projects. For more information please visit the Donations page.

So I offer this instead of a long post…

Morality Goal 1: It should be placed deep into your heart that each day that you awake you find a way to impact another human-being in a positive manner, either in your words or actions, or be it in a silence gesture, or in a simple huge. It could be a letter, email, note, card, present, or in a hand shack. But let your positive impact be done with immense love so as it completely fills both your heart and theirs from top to bottom.

Reflection 1: Foundational Relationships pt1

“14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” ~ Psalms 145:14, KJV.

There are many types of friendships; however the ones that are the most foundational and rewarding are those which an immense amount of work has gone into them. Like anything else in life where your heart is so there will you find all your efforts. Foundational relationships are those which are built upon unconditional love, trust, understanding, a willingness to forgive, commitment, the ability to allow your friends to make mistakes, and above all the giving of time and allowing others in under the radar. In so many ways this is the same relationship that God wants to have with each one of us. It goes without saying that true friends can prop each other up, can support each other when times are hard, and can even say that they love each other without there being any misunderstanding, controversy, or adverse effect on the relationship, rather those words build and strengthen the relationship. Much like the relationship God asks for and so freely gives, foundational friendships lift each other up and lends a steady hand when required with no questions asked.

“18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” ~ Psalms 145:18, KJV?

God offers his hand, he pulls us close, he is ever-present in our mundane life, and he is always available. In retrospect our God took many risks in creating us, loving us, and saving us as he did. He set the example of what it means to be a perfect friend, perfect shepherd, and perfect savior. So when we look at the foundational relationship we must also follow in His footsteps and take many risks. I think it very appropriate to also include the idea that each friendship we make will not become a foundational relationship because the closeness that is required is not present in all of our friendships. But it can also be true that one can have a foundational relationship with a person whom they have not spend very much time with and are separated by vast distances if there is that closeness present in the conversations when and were ever they may occur.  When we take risks, and reach out past our comfort zone we create the opportunity to find and build foundational relationships in every corner of the world, regardless of our imperfect man made traditions, religious practices or beliefs, and personal stigmas. When we look upon our brothers and sisters in Christ color fades away leaving behind the person who God sees, a perfect representation of your friend standing there before you, and the person of no color, no sin, and no falsehoods. For God sees that shining light within each one of us and it is that person who we need to celebrate. There is no shame in connecting, helping, propping up, loving, supporting, and even having disagreements with people in your life that are vastly different from you no matter from where they come, for God loves all of us equally. When we reach out our hand, swallow our pride, look past ourselves, and openly accept others for who they are then we also become like God and set the perfect example;

“24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” ~ Probverbs 18:24, KJV.

Foundational relationships are built upon stone or granite which supports the load with unyielding firmness, never to be moved or shaken. If you counted all the friends in your life which ones would pass this test? Indeed, few if any people in reality fall into this category by default. In this examination we also must understand the characteristic which makes people fall directly in line as a foundational friend, after God has so molded them to take on this personage. But to do this we must also understand that the first friend you have that automatically falls into this category is Jesus Christ.

The first characteristics of foundational friendships in these kinds of relationships are found in the qualities of Christ, the chief among them is obedience and loyalty. This is in direct reference to being friends with Jesus, because we should not be completely obedient to the flesh, rather to the spirit, but we are all called to be loyal to both. For instance, if God tells you to sacrifice your first born then obey as did Abraham, but know that God would never ask you to follow through, as he sent an angle to stop Abraham, much like he would send an army of angels to lift your burden.

“10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” ~ Genesis 22:10-12, KJV.

Therefore, in the figurative speech if a friend tells you to sacrifice your first born, know then this friend needs your help. This falls directly back to unconditional love, loyalty, support, acceptance and the propping up of your friend, but in a way that you are not entangled or seen to be condoning or otherwise supporting their position. In this you are much like an angel of the Lord, and thus showing your obedience to God the Father only.  Always know that our God would never ask you to truly sacrifice your only child, and neither should your friends, (figuratively speaking: the flesh), place you in such hard circumstances. Being obedient and loyal to Jesus is the first step in making yourself available to becoming a foundational friend to others. Remember the only person you can change is yourself.

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“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” ~ John 15:12-14, KJV.

Found in John is the only condition Jesus places upon His disciples and the rest of humanity. Jesus’s friendship is contingent upon doing what He has commanded, in that love one another, and protect one another to the bitter end as Jesus has also done for you. Friends do not attack one another, they do not bare false witness against each other, and they do not seek to harm or embarrass each other, nor harass each other for selfish gain for Jesus did none of these things. Making Jesus your rock which you build your friendships and relationships upon makes you complicit to God and fulfills this command or condition found in John. Moreover, you become his disciple, and as such worthy of His truth which will set you free.

“31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, ‘If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.‘” ~ John 8:31-32. Jesus also added, “51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” ~ John 8:51, KJV.

The second characteristic is found in accepting people as they are, showing compassion in tough situations, and being equitable to all whom you meet. There are so many teachings found in the Bible which supports this, but again taking from the perfect examples of Christ,  center your focus totally on this one most perfect instance which so many missed.

“4 They say unto him, ‘Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” 6 This they said, tempting him that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.‘” ~ John 8:4-7, KJV.

The qualities that Jesus exhibited were first and foremost central to the commandment, “13 Thou shalt not kill.” found in Exodus 20:13. This was also at the center of their test for Christ, for the Mosaic Law was hinged upon the very next commandment with the punishment that violated the first, “14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.” ~ Exodus 20:14. Therefore, because the law required stoning for violating the secret womb, (which was the baseline for marriage, and the first commandment given to Adam and Eve, as in propagation of the human-race), the voiding of love and compassion if both the adulterer and adulteress was caught in the act was seen to be saving their souls as the Law called for the shedding of blood to atone for the sin debt of adultery. The crowd expected Jesus to uphold this law, to condone and thus condemning the women to death. But that is not how Jesus saw it, in fact our Lord and Savior took the exact opposite view point. Upholding with compassion Exodus 20:13, while condemning no one, rather accepting, loving unconditionally, supporting, and forgiving without question the human nature to sin. With Jesus the crowd would learn a valuable lesson which brought controversy and division within man’s law. Thus Jesus knew his Father in heaven as a loving God, therefore Jesus reacted with love, taking a man-made law that voided love and made it into one filled to the rim with compassion, for Jesus responded with;

“7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’ 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” ~ John 8:7-9, KJV.

The bedrock which Jesus laid was so deep, so poignant, and perfect that no one even the Pharisees could argue with it. Through compassion we find we are lifted up to a higher standard, one which demands that love be part of every act we do, compassion be the first thought in our mind and soul. When we open ourselves up to this belief then we release our need to judge or be and act in a judgmental way. Instead we lay down the reigns of control and give it all to God. No one need die for their sins, rather Jesus showed us that repentance is the new law.

“10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, ‘Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?’ 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, ‘Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.’” ~ John 8:10-11, KJV.

The third characteristic Jesus exhibited is found in his acceptance of sinners, openly if not defiantly associating himself with the lowest of people. The ability to walk into a mud hut and see it as the occupants see it, to eat their food, to drink their water and wine, to open ones heart and share with them without a since of superiority or judgmental attitude is at the most basic levels an act of love. This one deed penetrated Jesus’s heart, was in ever act he committed, and reverberated around the world touching millions of people long after his ascension.

“5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.’ 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” ~ Luke 19:5-7.

Jesus made every moment painfully public as he took his ministry of love to the people, always seeking the best opportunities which were sure to upset the establishment. He seized the most effective ways to enforce His new law in the most peaceably manner possible.

“36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, (This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.)” ~ Luke 19:36-39, KJV. 

In every regard Jesus accepted the worship of sinners no matter their sin. He always made a point to forgive them, no matter the day of the week, or physical place he found himself, he always forgave.

Amen

May God be with you always, and grant you everlasting peace. If you have been moved by this reflection please feel free to leave a comment and press the “Like” under the “Like This” heading found underneath the posting

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Special Reflection: Loyality 2012

“3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” ~ Proverbs 3:3-4

The words used in the Bible are written in such a manner to invoke an inner locking oneness to God, in much the same way some words are locked together and used in concert painting beautiful portraits and wonderful spectacles. Love is a root word God uses throughout creation, from it he bound the angels to himself with the word loyalty. God saw that Lucifer had been disloyal and cast him from heaven. Lucifer was disloyal because he saw how much closer God had bound the human race to himself with the word faithful. We are Gods children, his faithful flock, and we too are bound by loyalty. Faithfulness and loyalty are two binding words which ripple throughout all time, but find their roots in the word “love”. Therefore, it’s no accident these words be spoke with such reverence to God, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you.” For God is love, and loyalty and faithfulness is written upon the tablet of your heart.

Enter Job was the apitemy of both loyalty to God and faithfulness to God to the bitter end. God saw the written evidence upon Job’s heart. Thus he had no reservation in suggesting to Satan to test him as found in the first chapters of the Book of Job.

“6 When the day came for the heavenly beings to appear before the Lord, Satan was there among them. 7 The Lord asked him, ‘What have you been doing?’ Satan answered, ‘I have been walking here and there, roaming around the earth.’ ‘8 Did you notice my servant Job?’ the Lord asked. ‘There is no one on earth as faithful and good as he is. He worships me and is careful not to do anything evil.’ ‘9 Satan replied, ‘Would Job worship you if he got nothing out of it? 10 You have always protected him and his family and everything he owns. You bless everything he does, and you have given him enough cattle to fill the whole country. 11 But now suppose you take away everything he has, he will curse you to your face!’ 12 ‘All right’, the Lord said to Satan, ‘everything he has is in your power, but you must not hurt Job himself.’ So Satan left.” ~ Job 1:6-12

According to God, Job was loyal. According to Satan Job was loyal and faithful to God. In accordance Satan exclaimed how much God had blessed Job and it was these many blessings which was the source of Jobs loyalty. Take it all away and he will curse you Satan bet. God swift in his faith in Job knew Jobs heart, saw that tablet of love, faithfulness, and of loyalty written upon his heart and bound around his neck, never to leave him

In the time shortly before King David, Prophet Samuel, another faithful and loyal servant of Gods is told by God to go to Bethleham and to anoint with olive oil one of Jesse’s sons. Saul was still King at this time, thus to follow the very words of God would have proven Samuel disloyal to Saul, but written upon Samuels heart was love, loyalty, and faithfulness to God.

“4 Samuel did what the Lord told him to do and went to Bethleham, where the city leaders came trembling to meet him and asked, ‘Is this a peaceful visit seer?’ 5 ‘Yes’ he answered. ‘I have come to offer a sacrifice to the Lord.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:4-5
When Samuel saw all the sons of Jesse, he did not know what to do, but again he relied on his faith in God to show him his next path, his final acts on Gods behalf.
“7 But the Lord said to him, ‘Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at outward appearance, but I look at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7

Samuel found great favor in God. It was for this purpose God chose him to speak on hi behalf. God found no favor in King Saul who had disobeyed God, thus God rejected him. David a boy showing great faith in God did the unthinkable, in demonstrating blind faith in God in the face of certain death at the hands of Goliath.

“45 David answered, ‘You are coming against me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the Israelite armies, which you have defied. 46 This very day the Lord will put you in my power; I will defeat you and cut off your head. And I will give the bodies of the Philistine soldiers to the birds and animals to eat. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a God, 47 and everyone here will see that the Lord does not need swords or spears to save his people.    He is victorious in battle, and he will put all of you in our power.” ~ 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Again God saw what was written in David’s heart, saw his faith, his loyalty, his obedience which was far superior to that of the Philistine giant Goliath, and far superior to the faith of King Saul himself. The least of things David won that day was the victory over his enemy, the Kingship of all of Israel, and the greatest of things was that of the favor of God.

In these two examples, Job suffered greatly at the hands of Satan, but did not lose his faith, his loyalty, his faithfulness to God, neither did King David have an easy life once he became King, but he too suffered and never lost faith in God. Both men where greatly blessed in their time by God, and in His sight won great favor. These two men where but a small sampling of a larger community of people who had written upon theirs hearts and lived a life filled with love, loyalty, and faithfulness to God, the Almighty.

They as did others like Moses, Isaac, Isaiah, Samuel, Ezra, Ruth, Joshua, Esther, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John where human examples of absolute faith, absolute loyalty to God our father in Heaven. It can also be said they accomplished their mission which God ordained by having the proper attitude, which gave them their collective enthusiasm, freedom from fear, increased creativity, exciting joy which engulfed all that interacted with them, and blessed them with the greatest of potential. Jesus, the Son of God embodied the pure, unblemished love and loyalty to His father unto death. It is the reason their names are etched into history, and serried into our hearts for all time. God our father prizes loyalty, faithfulness, and love above all other qualities and it this which he peers into our heart, ignoring the glamor of the outer appearance, and looks so readily  for those words which bid us so closely to him. It is this which He is so moved to show us so much favor, and is so will to give us power over all the evil in our lives.

Amen

May God be with you always, and grant you everlasting peace

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Special Message: Forgiveness 2012

“23 He did not forget us when we were defeated; His love is eternal; 24 He freed us from our enemies; His love is eternal. 25 He gives food to every living creature; His love is eternal. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven his love is eternal”(Psalms 136: 23-26, GNT Bible, Pp.566).

Our selfless and ever vigilant God in heaven is the source of forgiveness and of hope. His most perfect love is wrapped around each and every one of us and when we ask Him for His most perfect grace He bestows upon us His perfect mercy. God is everywhere you look from the many grains of sand beneath your feet to the plants and animals in the wild, to the water that we drink, to the massive oceans he keeps in their place. God is in the air we breathe, He is in the smiles from strangers we meet, to the words you hear from unexpected sources that cheer you on when you need it most. God lives in your heart, mind, and soul, and He alone fills that empty void within us completely. Within these truths we bow down to God, we marvel at His perfect nature, His perfect love, His perfect mercy, and we keep the knowledge that only He is the master of all things explained and unexplained, physical and supernatural. We give him thanks for handing to us his perfect salvation. In its entirety from beginning to end the most spectacular mystery of our one true living God is found within His power over forgiveness and the giving of hope. There is nothing which exudes more perfectly His love than His promise to always be present in our lives and because He loves us all the same we are all saved through His son Jesus Christ.

Therefore, this reflection is centered on God’s forgiveness and His giving of hope.

About Forgiveness;

“Jesus explained to His disciples, ‘If a companion does something wrong to you, go to that person and point this out. But do it privately. If your friend listens and says, “I’m sorry”, forgive and your bond will be strengthened.” ~ Lost Gospel Q, Q77.

The magic secret of forgiveness if there is one can be best expressed by simply saying this; by giving others the opportunity to make amends is both showing them respect and concern for their position and therefore showing them love. Forgiveness cannot be given from any kind of heart other than one which is filled completely with love, because forgiveness is an act of love. Jesus stated that we need to confront those who have wronged us, telling them how we feel about the action they took which brought forth anger. He commanded this to be done in private, keeping this between the two parties that are involved because people have a tendency to judge others without the proper facts and in the end condemning who they happen to side against from a political or person tie. The simple act of private, respectful, confrontation is another sign of respect, and when added up in total there is no real reason the problem cannot be resolved peacefully, leaving everyone with honor.

In my personal life I have known people who when I have confronted them a wall goes up. They become confrontational spouting words that cut like knives. I have also known people who simply refuse to discuss the matter at hand leaving no room for a resolution that is within the best interest of everyone involved. I offer these two examples to show how selfish and immature people can sometimes be, within this we are called by God to be mature in our faith, in our dealings with others, taking the high road less traveled. I realize that sometimes this road is lonely much like a desolate road in the dead of night. A road in the desert where there is no other traveler that you can see for hours and or days at a time. It may also seem as if the other person is getting their way at your expense, which can leave you feeling more hurt, upset, and even angrier than you where originally. The injustice paid to you is a blessing in disguise because God knows your effort, He knows your pain, He alone knows your suffering, and though your mortal heart shouts out to him for vengeance, your Christian soul should be disciplined enough to also know that revenge is not yours to take.

“20 The anger of man or the wrath of man does not bring about the righteousness of God.” ~ James 1:20.

Therefore, be quick to forgive, being fair and equitable with everyone in your life. Remember as a Christian first you are commanded to forgive, even if the other person refuses to hear your case against them, or they refuse to tell you why they are upset at you first. Be quick to apologize for the part you may have played even if they do not forgive you. In this action you are being mature in your faith, and taking the high road, which leads to higher rewards in heaven.

“12 You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must cloth yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity”(Colossians 3: 12-14, GNT Bible, Pp.1291).

I know again from personal experience how hard it is to forgive someone who has continuously sins against me. I know how angry the heart can become, but in the act of expressing this anger your heart also becomes hardened. Forgiveness is a practice in humility; it is an act which honors God in heaven. Because when you forgive the unforgivable you first set yourself free of the pain of not forgiving, and second you abide in the greatest of commandments set forth by Jesus in the temple when asked by a Pharisee,

“36 Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus answered “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with your entire mind. 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ 40 The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments”(Matthew 22:36-40, GNT Bible, Pp.1095).

In the end our journey through this life is one marked by how well you followed God, by the moral lessons you have learned along the way, and how much like God you became as He molded you into a more perfect you. Our endeavor should never be marked by selfishness and greed, rather by asking ourselves this question each and every day, “For as a sinner in this world who am I to condemn another? Who am I to through the first stone?”

“6 If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done.”(Matthew 6:14-15, GNT Bible, Pp. 1074).

Thus the spiritual benefits are heavenly, but the earthly ones are awesome too. Remember when you let go of your bitterness and allow yourself to forgive others of their trespasses you will cleanse your heart making room for compassion, kindness, and peace. Forgiveness leads to healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, less stress, less hostility, which leads to lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, and lower risk of substance abuse. We are made in God’s image, therefore we are built to forgive. That is why it hurts so badly when we don’t.

Amen

May God be with you always, and grant you everlasting peace.

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Special Reflection: New Year's Message 2012

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

I have said this many times before in past writings, but I think it is always good to repeat some things, especially if the message is an important one. So by giving your life over to God there is nothing you cannot do, for God has promised to always be there for you. In addition and more to the point I think sometimes we get so wrapped up into making the “Grand Plan” for our own life’s that we fail to see the plan God has for us. He brings people into your life not by accident but for a reason. He gives us challenges through some of those people which I will address later, while others we learn a great deal from. I have always told my students to always be watchful of those people who are in your life and of those who you meet and who become a part of your life whether their role is large or small, because God allowed them to be there exactly at the appointed time and hour they arrived.

The greatest example I have is my closest circle of friends, which numbers all of three people. One I meet many years ago and found to be extremely interesting, very talented, though they did not think themselves talented. This friend made lots of money and became my greatest of alley, a person who I would never betray as I know they would not betray me either. However, this friend has a few pet peeves which is extremely irritating and we have had our fare share of ups and downs within our friendship, but despite this we remain strong in our friendship which has yielded so many blessings I can not begin to write them here in this blog post.  In addition I must confess that God brought this person into my life at a time I desperately needed someone to count on, someone I could trust, someone who would help me fight the good fight when my marriage went south for the long cold and dark winter. This friend showed me that life isn’t as hard as it seems, and that I can accomplish great things, this person showed me that I can have happiness in my life and that I deserve happiness in all parts of my life. I have learned and am still learning so much from this first friend and I feel so blessed every day for God’s good grace to have shined on me as it did when He ordained our friendship. At this moment I feel it necessary to state for the record that this friend has chosen a life of solitude, one absent of having a family which is our greatest difference coupled with the idea they are extremely private, which from time to time strains our friendship exceedingly so because I do not believe in keep secrets, and this friend lives a very secret life, so much so I will never fully know them any deeper than that of being friends.  My second friend I knew for only six years and he was there for me to toughen me up, to mold me and to make me stronger, he showed me that not all women are like my ex-wife, and because of his friendship my pain and shame of being a divorced man was more bearable, as he knew what to say and how to say it because he too was divorced. We would spend time talking about our past as children for here too we had lots in common, and I looked up to him as like the big brother I never had. He is a man whom is driven by much of the same wants and desires as myself, and when his girlfriend kicked him out of the house I was there to pick him up and give him a bed to sleep on, just as he would have done for me. My third friend I have not known for very long. In fact one could say I have never meet her, in person, but the stories we share and the time we spend has so deeply impacted me I often times find myself reflecting on our wonderful conversations which always brings a smile to my face. When I am sad I can tell her all about it and know she is not judging me as I would never judge her. In our conversations she always comes up with things that I would not expect from her, because her words that she carefully chooses always makes me think very hard about my situation or whatever I was sad about. I have come to see how wise she is, and in that knowledge she holds I feel safe and secure. Our correspondence has made me a better father, as she gives me very good advice in all things relating to raising a teenage daughter, which again is extremely surprising because her child is still very young. Her life’s story, though I will not go into detail, is very inspiring and I treasure every second we spend chatting, and I hope one day soon I will be able to meet her face-to-face so I can look into her eyes and say thank you for being such a wonderful person and for being so kind to me.

I offer these three examples in the hopes you can reflect this year on those people God has placed into your own life, the awesome roles they play, and see exactly how great God is and how many miracles He works daily through the people who are there to enrich your life. Ask yourself, “What would my life be like if I never meet these people and became such close friends?”

I also wanted to comment on what comes from true friendship, for when true friendship is established there is also born the sense of loyalty, and from that loyalty is born love. When we care about those we call our close friends it is not shameful to recognizing these deep emotions as for what they truly are. However, before there can be any kind of love there first must be friendship.

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” ~ Philippians 3:13-14

There is exceptional correlation to the second part this posting which is driven home most notably by the Apostle Paul who wrote 13 letters, which accounts for one-fourth of the entire New Testament. These writings are known as “Epistles”, Philippians being one of four prison epistles as he wrote it while being imprisoned by the Romans. I chose this one as we reflect on our good friends we must also reflect on those people who have placed great challenge and sometimes great pain in our life’s as we must learn to do what Paul did and what he wrote most about, that of forgiveness. For forgiveness shines like a beacon throughout the entire Bible, it was the message our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke most about. It is the topic we hear most often and is the hardest of things to do.

As I told you about my greatest of friends, which I admitted to placing within an inner circle of only three friends, I have many friends of varying degrees. I also have those people who I cannot call friends but rather I look at as people who have hurt, and or have betrayed my trust, loyalties, and who have destroyed a one time friendship.  We all have people in our lives who fit this description to some degree. I would be lying if I did not say my ex-wife is chief among this group, but I also in admitting to that truth will also say that the challenge they pose is not the loss of a friendship or the pain they afflicted that caused the friendship to end, but rather in the act of finding a way to truly forgive them for the pain they have caused. So in light of this stark reality Paul calls all of us to forget the past, and to look forward to what lyes ahead. This is the greatest of desires and hopes I hold for all of you this New Year 2012. I will pray to God to give us all the strength and courage to forgive those who have hurt us the most in the past and who may have gone out of their way to continue a brutal punishment upon us for whatever their reasons. May God grant us the love it takes to forgive them anyway. In so doing may God give them peace and show them a better way through his absolute forgiveness.

Amen,

Happy New Year 2012