Tag Archives: god

Three Wise Men? Maybe.

Posted in Uncategorized by

It never fails to amaze me how people insist on there being three wise men who visited Jesus on the night of his birth. It shows how tradition can be so misleading.

The biblical narrative of Jesus’s birth reveals nuanced details often misunderstood in popular depictions. Scripture clearly indicates that shepherds were the first to visit the newborn Jesus on the night of his birth, while the wise men arrived later at a house, not the stable. Though traditional nativity scenes frequently portray three wise men, the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their exact number. The actual count could have been two, three, or potentially even twenty travelers who journeyed to pay homage to the child.

Biblical scholars and nativity scene artists often depict an inaccurate representation of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. According to scriptural accounts, the magi did not arrive at the stable where Jesus was born, but rather visited him later in a house, when he was likely a young child. Please read it yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

If we go by the Scripture, which we should, the wise men might have visited as much as two years after Jesus’ birth and likely at least a month later. It may have taken a month or more to move from the manger to a house. Moreover, Matthew calls Jesus a child, not a baby.

Many scholars suggest the visit occurred when Jesus was around one to two years old, based on King Herod’s decree to kill male children under two. While the exact age remains uncertain, it seems most likely that Jesus was slightly older than a toddler. Matthew’s gospel implies he was no longer an infant, as the term “baby” was not used to describe him at this point.

Periodically, I find myself compelled to address this topic, recognizing that not everyone is fully informed. Though some may question its significance, I believe the matter is crucial. Subtle misquotations can be particularly misleading, as even a slight distortion of context or a few misplaced words can fundamentally alter understanding. I’ve often contemplated whether the narrative of the wise men truly belongs within the traditional Christmas narrative, given the potential for misinterpretation.

Something New

Posted in Uncategorized by

At 78 years old, I’ve been a devoted Christian since my early teens. Despite decades of church attendance, I continue to be humbled by new revelations. Surprisingly, I still encounter profound insights that are remarkably simple—revelations I should have grasped long ago, yet they continue to surprise and enlighten me.

Despite owning multiple Bibles throughout my life, the core text has remained remarkably consistent. I’ve read three different versions completely, cycling through them eight times in total. One might assume such extensive reading would render the scripture entirely familiar. Yet, surprisingly, just hours ago, I discovered a fresh theological insight that had previously escaped my understanding.

Even more surprising, it is based on a parable I must have heard a hundred times. Okay, let’s say ninety-nine. Actually, that too is an exaggeration. Nonetheless, I am so familiar with it that I can almost quote it from memory.

Nestled within Matthew 20:1-16, this compelling parable offers profound insights into divine generosity and fairness. The narrative centers on a vineyard owner who hires laborers throughout the day, yet remarkably compensates each worker equally with a full day’s wage of one denarius, regardless of the hours worked. This powerful story invites readers to explore deeper themes of grace, equity, and unexpected compassion beyond conventional economic expectations. I would hope you would read the parable, especially if you are not familiar with it. I must admit, I was among those that was confused by the parable the first dozen times I heard and read it. It does seem a bit unfair. However, Jesus does not promise us fairness. If he treated us fairly, we would all end up in Hell. What he offers is mercy for those willing to accept his forgiveness.

Now, let me digress to some of my own experience before explaining my recent revelation. When I went into the Marines, the most common advice I got from veterans was, “Keep your nose clean and do as you’re told, and the stripes will come along on their own.”

Though I thought little of it at the time, I did find it to be true. In spite of mistakes I made along the way, I did sew on my my sergeant strips before the end of my first four years. Also, I found it also worked well in the civilian world as well.

Throughout my career, several personal choices set me apart from my colleagues. My abstinence from alcohol meant I rarely attended social gatherings where drinks were served. I maintained a principled stance against contributing to United Way and I never had an interest in golf. I’ll let you determine which of these choices was most significant, but I am sure sure golfing would have had real advantages.

Now, have you ever pondered the divine principles of advancement? Until recently, such a contemplation had never crossed my mind. It never seemed that important.

I recognize my inherent limitations in measuring up to divine standards. What criteria does God use when selecting and determining an individual’s purpose and path?

It almost seems that Jesus chose his disciples randomly. If you stop and ponder it for a moment, you know that isn’t true. He knew each of the disciples before forming the earth, and He knew exactly where to locate each one.

In the realm of leadership, the vineyard owner faces the critical task of selecting and empowering capable leaders. Unlike human leaders, God possesses an unparalleled advantage, with omniscient insight into the potential and limitations of those He chooses. His divine perspective allows Him to anticipate success and failure with absolute certainty, rendering human attempts to impress or surprise Him through leadership prowess ultimately futile. This supreme understanding ensures that no individual can exceed or fall short of His expectations.

And here it is, folks. Playing golf or rubbing shoulders will get you nothing in God’s kingdom. He will place everyone where he wants them. In the end, they will accomplish exactly what God expects from them. He will always know the best person for the job. There will be absolutely no room for pride or boasting.

Will there be rewards. I think so but I can’t say for sure. It’s just one of those things I can’t figure out. One day, soon, I’ll know.

The important thing is, God will be there. Without God, there is no life, there is no light, there is no love. And when it is forever, there is no hope.

Mixed Emotions

Posted in Uncategorized by

My contemplation of this matter has led me to a profound ethical crossroads. The consumption of meat is not merely a dietary choice, but a complex moral transaction where sentient creatures die to sustain human existence. Each hamburger and hotdog represents more than a meal—it embodies a silent, often overlooked narrative of animal mortality that we too readily dismiss without reflection.

In an ideal world, I long for a way to enjoy the rich, savory flavor of steak without the necessity of an animal’s life being sacrificed. Our contemporary lifestyle has distanced us from the direct process of obtaining meat, with industrialized food systems handling every stage from raising to slaughtering livestock. We are far removed from the primal act of hunting and preparing our own food, instead receiving neatly packaged proteins that often end up discarded, rendering the animal’s ultimate sacrifice meaningless. This disconnection raises profound questions about our relationship with food, consumption, and the ethical implications of our dietary choices.

For sure, even those of us who do eat meat, we should endeavor to make sure that not one ounce of meat be wasted. However, when we live in a land of plenty, it’s just so easy for us to kill a hundred animals when we only need eighty.

Throughout biblical history, the consumption of meat is not merely permissible but divinely sanctioned. The Passover narrative demonstrates God’s explicit instructions regarding both the selection and preparation of meat. Moreover, Jesus Christ himself participated in meat consumption and even prepared fish for his disciples, exemplifying the acceptability of this dietary practice. Given these scriptural precedents, it would be totally wrong to challenge or critique such established traditions of sustenance.

Every morsel of meat deserves respect, and we must strive to minimize waste in our culinary practices. Despite my own past shortcomings in this regard, I am committed to improving and encouraging mindful consumption.

Even more, we should all be mindful to take a moment or two to tell God how grateful we are for the meat and the vegetables as well. While we’re at it, we should also be thankful for our shelter and clothing too. It’s all so easy to forget the things provided to us by God.

In the midst of life’s complexities, we often neglect God’s most profound gift: salvation. The Passover lamb, sacrificed as a symbolic precursor to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, reveals a depth of love that transcends human comprehension. While the death of an animal carries weight, Christ’s voluntary surrender of life for humanity’s redemption is infinitely more profound. Tragically, many remain unaware or indifferent to this transformative act of divine grace, overlooking the most significant offering of love in human history.

Yes, I feel bad that animals must die for my life. But how much more, how bad I feel to know that that the creator of all gave up his life, that I might have eternal life. So very much, I wish that was not a requirement for salvation. However, I don’t believe he would have laid his life down for me if their was another way.

When we get to heaven, as near as I can tell, we won’t eat meat; only fruits and vegetables. Animals won’t need to die to provide life for me.

Right now, yes, I eat meat. However, one day, I won’t. I’ll have no need or desire for it.

Daily writing prompt
What are your feelings about eating meat?
View all responses

In the What if Department

Posted in Uncategorized by

Maybe, perhaps, conceivably I should start writing posts again and specialize in the strictly odd or unusual. At the current rate, that would be about one a week.

So here am I thinking the thing is settled. The thing is I keep hearing this what if thing. Silly me. I kept saying, “Not going to happen. It’s done. It’s settled. There is simply no way that they will bring that criminal by the name of Garcia back to the US.

Color me stupid. Color me wrong. The what if actually happened, you know that impossible one. So now I must consider the highly improbability of the what if.

Already we know part of it. He has a ton of indictments hung about his neck. Looks like he will go on trial, which may go on forever and a day. You know how good these lawyers are these days. One thing and the other, it could be this time next year before the trial starts.

Those barristers will love that being as they change by the hour. Altogether, the trial will cost two and a half bundles. We all know the value of just one bundle. By the way, he will also get housed and fed all this time as well. That means at least one more bundle.

Now we must consider another separation in the pathway. What if he is convicted. Well, he will go to prison, ironically in more comfort than if he found not guilty. If found not guilty, he would immediately be deported to El Salvador, where he was.

Now tell me what is more unusual than a person hoping to be found guilty and perhaps even plead for a lifetime sentence.

Better than going back to his compadres down south. I am sure they would rather be in whatever prison Garcia would go to.

I’m Afraid That Age & Reality is Catching up With Me

Posted in Uncategorized by

It’s getting more difficult for me to think of the words I want to say. Sometimes it forces me to abandon the way I want to say things. I am now 78 and even with the help of the computer, I am afraid it is getting time for me cease writing posts.

My guess is that there are those that will be glad to hear it. I am not sure exactly when I will write my last message to my readers, but I can’t imagine it will be much more than a month. Much more than that, it will likely be mandatory. It is taking me longer each time I sit down to write something.

Well, at least, for what it is worth, I did last long enough to help get another old man into the Oval Office. I likely didn’t help him that much, but I like to think I was contributing much more than I did. I also like to think I didn’t hurt the effort.

If nothing else, I would like to leave any atheist with this challenge, assuming they all have the courage. It is what I call the three prayer challenge. Three times, once a day, pray this prayer. “If you are real, God, tell me.” Of course, if the atheist is right, they have nought to fear. On the other hand, if he or she does get a reply, it just might change your life forever. That, for sure is why it takes real courage to participate in the challenge. If you receive a reply, then you will need to make a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, your atheist days will be over, which is why it is a real challenge.

I say this so that you take this challenge now, before you become to old, you know, like me. I have already made my decision. However, you really want to make sure you take the challenge before age and reality catch up with you. You don’t want to wait until you are too old to make the decision.

Don’t tell me, you don’t have the time, 2 seconds a day. I think it is the fear, not time, which stands in the way. And if you get an answer, that means there is a God. It becomes indisputable. My best guess, you won’t do it. You are afraid you will get an answer.

Well, as you read this, you can already see, I am sure that I am beginning to ramble a little. Still, you get the idea.

Casting Pearls Before Swine

Posted in Abuse of Power, Awkward Situation, Christian values, Deceit, Religion by

Although most of the American populace do not consider themselves Christian, most recognize the the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire verse is “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6

I haven’t a clue why the words came to mind. To be sure, God could have reminded me of it. On the other hand, I just might have thought of it on my own. Regardless which way it was, God did know, even before my birth that I was going to think of it. To some degree, He just might want me to write about it. I am not saying he wants me to. However, apparently, He is going to allow me to express my thoughts on the subject.

Even if He has not told me to do it, I apparently have His permission, that is, if this gets published. He can do things like that you know. He can speak by giving me the words and He can speak by keeping me from writing the words. It is in His power.

Even so, and here is the strange part, He still gives me the choice of if I want or don’t want to write on it.

That is a sort of ultra short sermon on the theology of free will and predestination. Enough to confuse the most learned theologian, with a doctor’s degree.

At any rate, as I said, I was thinking about the verse. As in many cases, I believe that He is using His words of instruction for a multipurpose. The one most look at, the obvious one is that we should not speak His word before those who will likely treat is lightly, or worse, as if it is false.

This does prompt the question, if the guy is bad, should we never preach the word to him?

I don’t think that was the idea at all. To understand, we must look at the second meaning. To understand the second meaning, we must understand the way they looked at dogs and pigs. At that time, in that society, dogs and pigs were the worst unclean animals.

I suspect, He was talking of the pigs and dogs as much as the pearls. The pearls are highly prized. The dogs and pigs were good for nothings; bottom of the heap. It was His method of representing the worst of the worst of the human race. That is the bottom of the heap of humanity.

Now, let’s take a close look at the verse before, 7:5 which was about people who are judgmental. My guess, but do you suppose that when He is talking about the bottom of the heap, he just might be talking about those who were judgmental. Many times, Jesus spoke of two types of people, those who were sinners who sought salvation and healing, spiritually as well as physically. The others were those who were too good to need salvation. You see, the Pharisees were convinced that they didn’t need salvation. They were, by their standards without sin.

You see, he was targeting those who were “too good” to need salvation. It was they that were He was comparing with the dogs and the pigs.

To be sure, the most difficult people to lead to salvation are those who are too good to need it. Also, they are the ones who really need it the most. By Jesus’s own words, they are the dogs and the pigs. Moreover, he has warned us that if we should take care. If we try to speak the Good News to them, they just might turn on us and “rend” us, that is to say, destroy those trying to bring the Word to them.

You see, many of them have been vaccinated. They have received the vaccine of the false prophets so that they are now immune to the real word of God.

Work for Food?

Posted in Uncategorized by

Yesterday, a young man knocked on my door offering to rake the leaves in my yard. I was a bit surprised, as my yard was already mostly clear of fallen leaves. I politely informed him that his services were not needed at this time.

When he asked for food, I initially hesitated, as I generally avoid giving money to panhandlers. However, he did not seem to be begging outright, so I decided to offer him a five-dollar bill, which may not have gone far in today’s economy, but could still provide him with sustenance for a day or two.

The reason I avoid giving money to beggars is that it can become habit-forming and a way of life. It is better that I encourage people to earn their living; it is better for them than for me. The worst thing to do for someone is to teach them to beg.

Unfortunately, some individuals have resorted to begging as a means of survival. The pleas they make, while varied, often follow a similar pattern, such as requesting assistance with transportation costs to return home. It appears that even the smallest denominations of currency have become insufficient due to the effects of inflation on their circumstances.

Besides learning bad habits, it also creates problems for those who truly need help, those who are genuinely hungry, though they have made real attempts. To be sure, I say no to those in true need because of the fakes.

I noticed just a while ago on TV, they pointed out the starvation in Africa. It both angers me and pulls at my heartstrings. The reason those people are going hungry has nothing to do with the lack of generosity of Americans. It has rather been caused by the greed of some individuals, mostly dems, who have diverted the aid to themselves.

Unfortunately, it has been repeatedly proven that our government is the least effective and efficient way of distributing groceries. Indeed, much of the food and supplies never reach their intended destinations.

This has been proven again with the audits of USAID. However, it didn’t start there. Remember the aid sent to Puerto Rico. It happens every time. We send three times the aid they need, and they receive only two-thirds of what they need.

It would be great to send food to those hungry people, if it would reach them. The problem is that thieves tend to pilfer the supplies along the way.

Righteous Judgement

Posted in Uncategorized by

Knowing all I have done, all that I’ve said, and all that I’ve thought, the thought makes me shudder to think I would have to pay for it all. There are, believe it or not, some who would have more to pay for than I.

Apart from Jesus, I would have to face justice for all of it. Well, I am not alone. At some point, we all would have to face the justice of the Holy God.

Without Jesus, God would look at all we have done and all we have failed to do and pronounce judgment upon us. He would look on us and cast us all into hell. For some, the judgment would be a little less harsh. For others, a little more.

You see, God is perfectly just. When He finishes putting it all on the figurative scales of justice, everything must balance. It can’t be out in the slightest one way or the other. There is a word that would then represent our situation. That word is lost.

However, Jesus provided a way for us to avoid having to face that judgment. He has agreed to take on all that judgment, every bit of it for every person. Only He has the power to do that. If we pay any of the price, we must pay it all. If we ask Jesus to pay the price for it, he has willingly already on the cross.

However, you must ask him to save you. You must accept the gift of his salvation. You must agree to let him pay for every bit of it. You do not have the power to help even a little in your salvation.

That… is how it works, all or nothing. You must rely totally on faith in Him, or you are not satisfying His condition. Since He is paying the price for us, it only stands to reason that He can set the rules.

There is something of an unusual result from this. It mostly makes it impossible for us to tell if someone else is going to heaven. We do get a few hints. The Bible does seem to make it clear that some are eternally in punishment, such as Judas Iscariot, although it is also clear that even he could have been saved had he repented and believed. Among all those who ever walked the earth, his punishment is likely among the worst of all, as he was directly under the teachings of Jesus for three years.

It does make me wonder how such a thing can happen. It also illustrates that we all have the freedom of choice. Jesus never made anyone accept or reject Him.

Which brings me to another point. Everyone makes their decision for themselves. God has told us of His preference. He wants us all to be saved. However, He has decided to leave the decision in our hands.

So, when those of us going to heaven arrive there, we will be surprised in two ways. Some people whom we figure will be a shoo-in, won’t be there. Some whom we figure would never make it there, will be there.

The fact is, it’s not how good we are but whether we have put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. I suspect many who consider themselves clergy may not make it. Anyone who teaches and believes that salvation must be earned, we can pretty much assume they won’t be there, regardless of what church they belong to.

It’s not that I am pronouncing judgment; he’s admitting to me that he believes a lie and refuses to accept the word in the Bible.

Still, I’m not going to judge them. God will do that. As I say, God will settle it all in the end.

How-some-ever, if you hear anyone try to tell you that you need to do anything more than accept Jesus as your savior for salvation, do not listen to anything they say. Well, you can believe the time they tell you, but you might want to be suspicious of that.

A Distortion of the Facts

Posted in Cheating, Christian values, Deceit, experience, Immigration, Liberals, News media, Our Legal Systems, Politcal Opinion, Religion by

It would seem, in order to make their point, they dims decided to distort the story. They weren’t the first and they won’t be the last. The dems and Satan are well aware that deceit is far more effective than a lie. It is also a reason I encourage people to read the Bible for themselves instead of relying on others. It is my personal opinion that the Bible is one of the most distorted books.

Consider the saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” While it sounds nice, I haven’t a clue who first said it. It’s not in the Bible. Then too, their are those who will say they believe in doing as the good book says; this while ignorant of what the good book says.

Then, there are those who use the word “migrant” to describe the journey of Mary and Joseph. First, the word “migrate” or any of its forms is not in the story. Please read it for yourself in the second chapter of Luke. It is better for you to read the story directly in your copy of the Bible.

They like to use the idea of Mary and Joseph being migraters for justification of an open border.

They were not migrants, nor did they cross any national borders. Their actions were totally legal. Moreover, the travel was prompted by the most powerful human on Earth at the time. The Caesar ordered Joseph to Bethlehem, in effect. Following the orders of the Caesar is not my definition of migration. I would hope it’s not yours. Otherwise, every time I go to Memphis, I would be a migrant. While technically that might be true, I would not consider it the most accurate term.

Finally, I would not use the term migration for those illegally crossing the border. Some might be criminals. Some might be smugglers. At the least they are illegal aliens.

I realize that, in the eyes of some, it is a small technicality, but it is still an undeniable fact, which the Democrats are trying their best to get us to ignore.

The truth is, they are figuratively people cutting in line, jumping in front of those obeying the laws and the rules. No matter how you look at it, it’s not just illegal, but also morally despicable. The fact that it’s wrong is likely the reason it was made illegal.

By the way, I am not the only one who dislikes the distortion of God’s word. Better that you learn from me than from God.

Can You Lose Eternal Life?

Posted in Uncategorized by

It is a question that has been argued down through the centuries. Some say this. Some say that. As for me, I believe it can be answered with one simple question and again reinforced with a second.

If you are in danger of losing your eternal life, then was it ever truly eternal life? If you lose eternal life, can you again regain it? If so, how many times can this be repeated?

In my book, eternal life is eternal, by definition. Those who don’t have eternal life, never had it.

Eternal life is a gift given to us by God. By definition, gifts are not earned but can only be received. If you work for a gift, then what you get, cannot be a gift but a reward.

More important, earning eternal life is not in our power. To say that it is, is an attempt to negate the need for the gift. With his death and resurrection, he has paid for our eternal life. How can anyone add to that? Why would anyone turn down such a valuable gift.

Yet, people try to earn salvation. Every day, people turn their backs on the gift. So instead of the gift of eternal life, they receive the punishment of eternal death.