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No one really wants to hear or be the victim of a fourth quarter layoff, other loss of work, debilitating disease, major weather disaster, loss by fire or theft, ongoing war, or any other tragedy, especially during the holidays. One of the worse things I ever heard was about a spouse who was presented divorce papers on Christmas.

Things like this hurt all of us and bring sadness, even if we are not directly involved. However, there is a God given way to handle these hurts.

The Foundational Cure

Our soul, what the Holy Bible collectively describes as the place of our affections, is the main recipient of these hurts. When the soul pains with emotions like sadness, loneliness, fear, worry, disappointment and anger it affects our spirit (wherein lies our will) and our body. Notice, though, that our will resides in our spirit.

Ever since Adam sinned, our entire being–spirit, soul, and body–is wrecked by sin. We have a sinful nature that reacts very poorly to many negative experiences and generates more sin in our lives.

The Word of God informs us of the Good News that God actually intervened through Christ. His vicarious life and sacrificial death are the keys to healing the hurts of the holidays. But keep in mind that just as medicine prescribed for an illness will not help the sufferer while it sits on the shelf, the greatest relief we can get to conquer the hurts is to be committed to Christ to the point where our will has yielded to His will. When this happens, with our willful participation God can bring our soul in line with His will. Here is how it works.

The Rescue Work by God

After the fall of Adam, mankind needed a new start, and got that new start when Messiah (Christ) was conceived by a virgin. Christ always existed, but God personally intervened by having Christ veiled in human flesh. This had to be done without the the help of a human father since sin is predominately transmitted from one generation to another through the male (Romans 5:12). This is one reason why Messiah had to be born of a virgin. Though Mary herself was a sinner, having a sin nature, we know this was corrected by the power of God when Mary conceived, for it is written in Luke 1:35, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Before we think that Christ led a perfect life because He was God veiled in flesh we need to remember Philippians 2:5-8 (the Greek word for “form” in verse 6 means having the actual nature, so “being in the form of God” means He was in very nature God). This passage shows that Christ, though very God, chose not to operate as God, but chose to be what we are supposed to be–led by the Holy Spirit. With that, Messiah encountered troubles and temptations as we do, but each time He responded to them the way the Father wanted as directed by the Holy Spirit. Here are two Holy Scriptures that confirm He took our problems and was also confronted with temptations:

Isaiah 53:3–He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Hebrews 4:15–For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

As we look in the New Testament at the earthly life of Christ we see He encountered a number of sorrows including, but definitely not limited to, being considered illegitimate, thought of as crazy and demon possessed, misunderstood, mocked, and betrayed by a close friend. Worse yet, He was murdered by the very people He loved and ministered to–the ultimate hurt.

Yet, we see in Hebrews 4:15 He went through all of this and came out victorious–without sin. Now, by His Spirit, He can actually reign within anyone, provided they give full control to Him.

It is a learning process though. It takes practice to train our will to say no to sinful reactions to hurts and yes to the living action of Christ within us, but it certainly can be done.

As the Spirit of Christ resides in us, He will lead us to do a number of things when our soul is afflicted.

Worship and Prayer

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One of the foundational things we are to do is to commune with God through Christ. While this means talking to God about our hurts and asking Him to soothe us, it really includes the fact that the preface of prayer usually is worship. That certainly can be difficult especially when it seems like you life is falling apart before your eyes. It is even difficult when the hurt is relatively a minor one. Nonetheless, by obeying the Holy Scripture in faith and praising God at all times we, with the help of God, have taken a huge step on to victory over any hurt. What we are doing is permitting our sin nature to be crucified with Christ. And since Christ rose, those that crucify the sin nature are raised to newness in Him.

Fortification by the Word

Among other things the Word of God is described as bringing life (Psalm 150:50), a lamp and a light (Psalm 119:105), true (Psalm 119:160), and enduring forever (1 Peter 1:25). Revelation 19:13 identifies Christ as the Word of God. A holy shield is created when we put our trust in Christ, for it is written in Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

We are strengthened when we feed upon His Word–reading, studying, and memorizing it. As we are nourished in Him, we grow in Him, taking on His very personality, and His Spirit within us should be permitted by us to respond to the hurts that will certainly come our way. However, do not wait for the hurts to come, but learn to listen and respond to His Spirit in all things.

Transformation of the Mind

A major help in combating holiday hurts, or hurts at anytime, is to have our mind be transformed by God. We actually need to stop thinking the way we are used to and think like God would think.

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For example, for many there is a heavy focus upon the material things during the holidays. If you celebrate Thanksgiving then many of us have been influenced by society to think we have to have turkey or ham for that day. For Christmas I often have to cringe when I hear someone say they must have toys for their children or material gifts for their loved ones otherwise it is not Christmas!

When we take on the mind of Christ though, the eternal and spiritual will be in focus. Then we will see we have something better than holiday food and things that we can give that are not material, or that which God would enable us to make for someone.

Transformation of our mind is surely necessary especially when we lose our job. Even the Word of God tells us if one does not work, they should not eat. However, employment might be very difficult to find depending upon a number of circumstances. The key here is to trust God, not yourself, to open those doors He would open. It would also be good to pray that the economic situation in your area would improve.

Also, there is another change of focus when we let our minds be transformed into Christ’s. The focus is removed from self and placed upon God and the will of God.

Strengthened by Obedience

Praying, feeding upon His Word and having our minds transformed are essential, but we have to take action to allay the hurts that will come our way.

For example, let us say you find yourself alone on a holiday. No one has come over, no one has invited you anywhere, no one has called or written. In prayer, realize that God is there with you and praise Him for His Presence and care. Ask God to show you how to be a blessing to someone. It might be something simple as spending time in prayer for them right where you are at, walking down the street and praying for your neighbors as you walk by their homes, sending encouraging e-cards, or other things as led by the Holy Spirit.

Immediate Response

By all means, with the help of God train yourself to respond immediately in a godly way whenever a hurt strikes you. Do not feed the hurt, focusing upon it which, in reality, means one is focusing upon self. While there are times you might have to analyze a situation, be careful not to fall into the trap of self pity. Instead, immediately worship, then pray asking Christ to live through you.

As soon as you can, get to the Word of God and let His Holy Spirit guide you to the passage you need. Listen to the Holy Spirit and if you are having thoughts that Christ would not entertain then take the initiative and think upon those things that bring godly fruit. After this, do whatever the Holy Spirit would lead you to do.

The Counselor and His Word

It would take a book to address each specific hurt mentioned at the start of this article along with those not mentioned. One-to-one counseling would also be needed in many cases. However, the good news is that the true Counselor is just a sincere prayer away and the Holy Bible is available to most people. Even if you do not have a copy of a good translation of the Word of God, when you chat with the true Counselor, you are also speaking to the Author of the Holy Bible and the very Word of God Himself. The Holy Bible tells us that His Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth.

This is the work of the Good Shepherd and blessed are those who lovingly nestle in his bosom. When the hurts come, go to Him so He may anoint your head with His oil, and so He may pour both His wine and oil into the emotional wounds you might have suffered.

My mom always used to tell me that she would love me no matter what I did and I believe her. She might not approve of some of the things that I do, but she is going to love me and talk to me and invite me over for supper sometimes. She certainly isn’t going to get all wrath of God on me and send me to Hell for disagreeing with some of her pronouncements and I think that is all of the difference. Now that’s not to say that Mom doesn’t get upset, heaven knows that she does. But, she doesn’t get Biblical on me.

Many people tell me that God is like my mom. Not that my mom is God, although sometimes… God loves me no matter what I do. God will always love me and talk to me and invite me over to His church for supper on Sundays to partake in ritualistic cannibalism. Well, that’s true as far as it goes. But, there are certain things that God is a little stricter with than my dear mother.

For instance, if I were to tell my mom that I was gay (I’m not, but let’s just say I did), she’d be disappointed, but she wouldn’t send me to burn in Hellfire for all eternity for it. Not God. He doesn’t have any truck with that kind of behavior and rather than send me to my room without supper, it’s straight to the pits of Hell for me. In fact, according to my Bible, “No man is to have sexual relations with another man. God hates that.” (Leviticus 18:22). I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that when the all powerful ruler of creation is hacked off at me for having sex with another man, a good time is not going to be had by all.

I could also tell my mom that I didn’t believe that her only son (me in this case, but bear with me) is the only path to salvation and I know that she would be good with that. She wouldn’t like it, but I wouldn’t have to take the long dirt nap in Hell for it either. Not the Big Guy. If you don’t believe in His only Son as the one true path to salvation you are, quite simply, toast. Matthew 10:33 states, “But, if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject them before my Father in heaven.” Yikes. So, am I cool if I don’t reject Him publicly? Nope, He’s not down with that either. John 5:24 reads, “I am telling you the truth: whoever hears my words and believes in him who sent me has eternal life. He will not be judged, but has already passed from death to life.” Pretty clear, God figures if you don’t believe in what his Son has to say (aren’t they the same person? Weird.) then it is off to the exotic location of Hades for you.

Mom also rarely made pronouncement from the Chair about things like having no other Mom before her or telling me that it was really uncool for me to use her name in vain or that I’d better honor her or there was going to be trouble. Mom just didn’t do those kinds of things. God, on the other hand, has all kinds of rules like that. And the consequence for not following His rules? Ding, ding, ding, hand the reader a prize! It is a one way, all expenses paid trip to the depths of Hell. You’ll spend all days and all nights basking in the warm glow of the pits of sulfur, burning for all eternity, listening to the calming sounds of fellow damned souls screaming in agony while being having your shin whacked by a malicious (is there really any other kind?) demon.

Now, I don’t think that God is that bad of a guy. He had to put the hammer down on those early Hebrews, what with all of the rebelling and golden calves and sinning and all, but aren’t we past that? He probably had to be pretty hard on those later Jews too. They hadn’t listened to a prophet in a while and frankly, I think God was pissed. But, to even suggest that the all powerful ruler of the Universe really thinks that I need to go to Hell for all time because I didn’t think that his Son was the only path to salvation or had gay sex seems to me, well, a bit on the harsh side.

Mom had a wooden spoon (it’s not child abuse, she just isn’t a very big woman) and the nuclear option (Dad, shudder) if I screwed up. But, afterwards, she would take me in her arms and tell me that she loved me and that she wanted me to grow up to be a good person, so she needed to correct me. Nothing that I could do, ever, would make her love me any less. Nothing that I could ever say could make her love me any less. She would eventually either overlook or forgive the transgression and we would move on. God doesn’t do that. God puts the permanent hammer on you, for some really trivial stuff if you believe the Bible. Unless of course, you toe the line.

So, I choose to not believe in the Biblical God. I don’t like the guy much and I think He’s a little out of line, especially in the Old Testament, with all the smiting and boils and plagues and genocides and all. I also don’t hold a whole lot of hope out for a guy that says that if I don’t believe in Him (that’s Jesus, it gets confusing) as the Son of God, it’s off to Hell for me. You see, I just can’t buy that my mom, whom I love more than I can say, would be more merciful than a God who is the embodiment of love, peace and mercy.

References
1. Good News Bible: The Bible in Today’s English
American Bible Society New York, New York 1978

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him, it’s a sin.

Christianity is generally assumed to be a condition which shackles its followers only with directives of prohibitions. This verse is poignant in its expression of the larger, more important half of believers’ responsibility to the rest of the world. Jesus spent the entire Beatitudes – his biggest recorded sermon – and indeed his entire ministry, giving us positive guidelines about the things we should do as human beings.

When I became a Christian, I spent my first few years staying away from the forbidden things. Consequently, my entire life became stunted and imprisoned, and my spiritual progression went nowhere.  My Christianity began to reach maturity the day I found this verse and realised that I needed instead, to learn about the things I should be doing if the fulfilment I desired was ever going to be achieved. Later when I became a missionary and started sharing my knowledge of the Lord with others, I realised that the ‘doing part’ of Christianity was what my heart was missing.

A Prayer

Lord help me to understand that when I pray for patience, my faith has to be tested, when I pray for strength, my weaknesses have to be revealed, and that true happiness comes first from experiencing what sadness is. Lord, help me to reach maturity in my Christianity by doing the good things I know I should do. Amen.

A Project

This week amid the worldly rat-race of constant activity, set aside some time to build your spiritual fulfilment by doing random acts of kindness for others.

For a total stranger – If your waitress looks like she’s having a hard day, leave her an extra big tip. Not only will it surprise and cheer her up, but it will also mean that her next customer would receive a pleasant greeting from her. You’ll be doing your bit for sharing a handful of happiness around.

For a member of your family – Restore something that your sibling gave you a long time ago, something she/he would’ve forgotten about, but that you had kept and cherished.  Return it with a small present and a personal message.  This will show them how much they mean, and have always meant to you. You could also use this item as your avatar on your social networking site, this would always put a smile on their face whenever they click on your page.

For your children – In the morning when you’re rushing to work and your children are running off to school, spare one moment during the hustle and bustle to stop, smile, and pay them a compliment. This will tide them over a very stressful school day, and will remind them that you love them, no matter what happens there. No matter how young or old your children are, they will appreciate this, even if they never tell you how much.

For more writing on our relationship with God, visit my blog, The Relationship Supermarket.com

The story of “The Prodigal Son” is an exception. Here Jesus turned for his inspiration not to the everyday concerns of his hearers, but to a story they all knew, not only one of the most popular camp-fire stories in all Palestine, but one that was often discussed and referred to in the synagogues as well.

In the Old Testament, this story is preserved as the book entitled “Tobit” or “Tobias”. In Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, “Tobit” forms part of the accepted word of God. In Protestant Bibles, “Tobit” forms part of the so-called apocrypha.

In a brand-new translation, the story has been re-titled, “The Adventures of Toby”. Toby is the son who leaves his father, Tobias, to journey to a far country. But he is not a bad son. In fact, he is a good son who is making the journey to rescue his father from debt.  His mother doesn’t want him to go, but he  has to make  this trip to collect a sum of money to rescue the family. His father is blind, so it is the mother who waits anxiously at the city gates for her son’s return.

“The Adventures of Toby” is not only one of the most thrilling but one of the most beautiful stories ever told. No wonder it was so well-known not only to Jesus himself but his listeners.

“The Adventures of Toby” has recently been re-translated and restored by John Howard Reid, who has included this book in “Bible Wisdom for Modern Times: Selections from the Orthodox Old Testament”.  It is possible to read “The Adventures of Toby” at http://reidbooks.exactpages.com

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at http://reidbooks.exactpages.com

In Scandanavia and Slavic Europe, as well as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world, families tend the graves of loved ones, placing candles and flowers there.  Mexicans and Mexican-Americans celebrate El Dia de Muerte, constructing elaborate altars, or “ofrendas”, outfitted with photographs of departed family members, candles to light their way to Heaven, marigolds, the Aztec flower of the dead, not to mention their loved ones’ favorite food.  In southern Louisiana, relatives also clean and decorate the above-ground masoleums. 

All of these festivities began when Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day from May 13th to November 1st to coincide with the Celtic holiday of Samhain (which is Gaelic for “Summer’s End”). These holy days also have been celebrated since the time of Charlemagne in Continental Europe. 

Image by Klearchos Kapoutsis via Flickr

Thus, the first two days of November set aside an afternoon to tidy up the family plot while familiarizing children and teenagers with the past lives of family members who have come before them.  Secular society focuses on Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, but it conveniently forgets that Halloween, or literally Hallows Even, falls before a time to honor Christian heroes and beloved–but now gone–family members. Christians who follow the liturgical calendar should pause to participate in this hallowed time of year.

Answers in Genesis

Answers in Genesis is run by Ken Ham. It is an excellent resource for understanding the creationist position and includes plenty of links and educational materials. It has s

The Discovery Institute

The Discovery Institute is perhaps the most well-known organization for what it calls the science of Intelligent design.

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Institute for Creation Research

Based in Dallas, Texas. They are Young Earth Creationists who believe in the literal 6 day creation of the universe.

Creation Wiki

This wiki tries to refute all of the contentions of the Talk Origin archives one by one. It is easy to navigate and well organized.

Evolution

The Talk Origins Archive

One of the oldest sites in the business, Talk Origins is an exhaustive list of creationist claims. It includes links to the creationists it seeks to rebut and all of its information is organized for easy reading.

Top 15 Misconceptions About Evolution

This is a single page on the popular website Listverse. It names 15 things that people commonly think about evolution that are not true.

NOVA: Intelligent Design On Trial

On the PBS website, you can watch this entire documentary, which tells the story of the Kitzmiller V. Dover Trial. The trial involved the school board of Dover Pennsylvania versus a group of parents who did not want intelligent design taught to their children.

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Youtube.com

Youtube turns out to be a good resource for learning science basics. Three users in particular offer video series that explain evolutionary theory in a way that’s relatively easy to understand.

1. Potholer54 is a semi-retired Austrailian science journalist with a degree in geology and author of the “Made Easy” Series.

2. Thunderf00t is an atheist freethinker who created the series “Why Do People Laugh At Creationists?” which examines the views of such creationist individuals and institutions as Kent Hovind, Ken Ham, Ben Stein, Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, The Discovery Institute and user VenomfangX, then explains whether the view is scientifically valid.The series has 30 parts, with each part taking on a different idea.

3. AronRa is author of the series “Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism.”

     It’s the reason we have so many… varieties of religion.  We’ve got them all floating around out there; Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, Mormons, Jews, Muslims…. the list goes on and on.  Most of them, ironically, are more similar than not.  Most believe in God.  Most use the Bible, or some version of it.  The ten commandments are usually prevalent, and most of them judge someone.  Gays, blacks, whites; there’s someone out there willing to hate us all in the name of God.  In fact, we’ve been killing one another to settle this argument for thousands of years now.

     So the way I figure it, God is one of two things; A jerk or very disappointed.  The fundamentals of most  religions center around love, faith, and humanity.  At least in Theory.  And yet far more atrocities have been committed in the name of religion than for any reason in our history.  And it isn’t slowing down a bit.  If anything, it has grown far more common with the evolution of the internet.  Here, you can find hate mongering in the name of a person’s version of the almighty any day of the week.  We aren’t quite so bold about it… I can’t say I’ve ever seen a forum or thread with the actual title ‘My God is better than yours… But they’re here.

     Arrogance seems to seep into nearly every theological debate in forums.  In fact, the online bible toters may be the most arrogant of them all.  They tend to be forceful, abrasive, and pushy.  They cry for the wrath of their God to come down upon you if you fail to whole heartedly endorse their every specific belief.  They cast judgements and aspersions upon their peers as if they have every right to do so; apparently God isn’t all that choosy, having chosen them all as his direct diciples.

     How sad that we seem to have lost our way.  I am of the opinion that God is out there, and he is saddened.  The fact that the major religions are all so very similar should tell us something.  We choose to believe in God in the way that makes us most comfortable.  Organized religion is like clothing, the way I see it; you may choose slacks and a polo, I opt for sweats and a T.  We’re both still dressed.

     My God isn’t any better than yours; he is, in all likelihood, the same guy.  Perhaps instead of attacking each other over the differences, we should take a moment to realize that there aren’t as many as we think.  We can’t control what the powers that be do with their beliefs; they will always war.  But do we have to do so down here, too?

Picture Source

…I believe in miracles.

Not only have I read about them and I’ve even seen things that could not be anything, but a miracle: birds in the sky forming hearts and stars, two doves flying by my car as I drove through the desert highway, and so many other amazing spiritual moments.

Recently, I finished a book that said that when God is on your side and knows you’re doing right, He rewards you. He sends more and more miracles your way.

A few days ago, I experienced such a beautiful miracle. While to some it might not be a huge miracle, to me, it was.

Just as a caveat, for those who don’t believe in God, I would say that my experience can be compared to “the laws of attraction”; that whatever you think, do, put out into the world, and give comes back to you infinitely.

I went to the grocery store after work. I was feeling peaceful. Not a worry on my mind, just serene after finally finding the perfect job for my lifestyle right now, etc. But, when I got to the cashier, I realized I didn’t have my ATM card. Quite luckily, the cashier was very kind, he told me to take my time.

After about 20 seconds of looking through my purse and realizing that I’d have to leave and come back to purchase my groceries, the man next in line spoke up:

“Don’t worry, I’ll get it.”

I looked at him incredulous.

“You’ll get it?”

“Yes.” He had a very unassuming demeanor.

I asked if I could get his card so I could repay him.

He simply asked, “Can I get your number?”

I let him know that I was sort of dating someone and asked for his address again. He wouldn’t give it to me, “It’s only $20’s.” And, then he said, “I need to do this because someone just recently stole $1,000’s worth of belongings from my car.”

Then, before I could say more, he briskly walked past me without looking back. I didn’t even get the chance to give him a hug.

I could’ve run after him, but his gesture had moved me beyond words, my feet wouldn’t move. (After all, I’m truly thankful when someone considerately remembers to put the divider down so that you can put your items on the moving cashier counter.) But this was a man who was basically giving a complete stranger $20’s asking for nothing in return. This was something you read about or see in movies.

The cashier said, “Man I wish someone would pay for my groceries.”

The bagger looked at me smiling and eyes twinkling, “Man, I need to get in line with you.”

I stood a moment in disbelief, humbled and shocked, “I’ve been praying for only true angels.”

Tears almost came to my eyes, but as I type this, I’m still in complete shock and awe.

God is truly watching everything you do.

When He’s pleased with you, He acts swiftly sending angels to protect, bless and guide you every step of you take. When you give only the very best energy possible with the humblest spirit toward the world like energy is returned to you a hundredfold.

Be deeply thankful every step of your life, every word spoken is priceless and is a moment to lift another person’s spirits with true love, kindness, understanding and best intentions. Every thought you have is invaluable.

I believe in miracles.

For more inspiration:

• Heaven on Earth
• Live Life to the Fullest
• Quotes to Lift Your Spirit
• Create the Life of Your Dreams
• What Makes You Happiest in Life?

We see at least four types of personalities in this short exchange. Which one are you when it comes to friendships?

Judas

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Judas was a close friend to Jesus right up to the time he sold him out. Shortly before the infamous kiss, he sat with him and enjoyed dinner with the rest of the group. Judas, so blinded by what he could get for himself, sold out one of his best friends for roughly the price of a slave.

Are you the type of friend that hangs around just because you think your friends have got contacts in high places, and the association would be advantageous to you? Do you keep them close while looking for your chance to exploit them for your own gain? Are you dressing up the friendship by making empty gestures, while you bide your time, waiting for the right moment to serve yourself? Is your sense of self gain so important to you that you would betray your ‘friend’ for any material gain you could get?

If you’re this type of friend, you’re like Judas. Leave the friendship if you don’t really care for the person, because even though you’ll hurt that person once, it’s your soul and your character that will be soiled forever. How will you live with yourself then?

Peter

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Peter made a grand, hot-headed gesture of perceived bravery. Was it guilt about his thoughts of cowardice at being associated with Jesus that made him react like this? We will never know. However, later when he was sure Jesus was in trouble and the hunt was on for his followers, Peter denied knowing him three times. He refused to be there to make a difference when Jesus really needed him.

Are you the type of friend that’s the ‘life of the party’ when things are going great? You’re not scared to get your hands dirty and are great at getting things done. You’re the voice of the group and are not afraid to vent your feelings for the world to hear. You see yourself as the greatest friend; the one who gets things done while others stand around and mope. However, when friends are in real need, you feel too overwhelmed by your own life and worries to take make any real commitment. You don’t want to be overburdened by the needs of anyone else. You will do what you can when you’re there, but sacrificing your own needs above your friends’ is not something you’re willing to take on.

If you’re this type of friend, you’ll never reach other people’s hearts. They’ll hang out with you and have fun, but when they really need someone to talk to, you’re not the person they’ll call. You need to grow up and take stock of how you value others – if at all, because one day soon, you’ll have a real need and no one will come knocking on your door.

The Soldier

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The soldier came to arrest Jesus, probably prepared for a fight to ensue. After all, he must have heard that this man, Jesus the accused, hung around with twelve other men. Many of these men had been fishermen, so they were well-built, sturdy men with powerful shoulders and rough hands. Jesus himself had been a carpenter for a period of time, so he was a physically fit, robust man. It would’ve been very difficult for him to look like the ‘golden boy,’ slim images we’ve seen of him all our lives. Carpenters in those days built wooden wheels for chariots. Rough hands, muscular arms and strong shoulders came with the territory.

Jesus, however, didn’t put up a fight, and just when the soldier thought that everything was going to go smoothly, he was attacked by this madman with a sword. Anyone would panic if they see their ear fall to the ground, even if Emergency personnel are just a mobile phone call away. Jesus helped this man when he healed his ear. What did he do for Jesus? Did he just carry on with his job and bring him in anyway?

Are you a friend that takes but never gives? Are you one of the energy sappers that always have a sad story to relate to your friends? They offer a listening ear, and sometimes offer advice. They’re always on your side and agree with your points of view. They’re long suffering and have seen you through years of turmoil, joy, pain and happiness. They’re always happy about your successes and wish you the best in your endeavours. Yet, you have no time to listen to them. If you do, you talk about their troubles behind their backs and expose their most secret thoughts to anyone who would listen. You’re not prepared to give any of your time to listen when they need a sympathising ear. When good things happen to them, instead of rejoicing, you’re jealous. You wonder ‘why them’ and fret about when ‘your time’ is going to come. You soak up their energies, but you never give anything in return. Most importantly, you don’t notice when they do something good for you. Your attitude says you do not appreciate the kindness they’ve done, and see their good deed as your rightful inheritance.

If you’re a friend like this, you will never prosper. Being thankful for what we’re given, sheds a glowing light on the things we already possess. The more we look for blessings, the more we find them in our lives. It’s about personal perception. Living in the darkness of jealousy and greed casts negative shadows even on the things others see as beautiful. Giving makes us happy, but only the person who lives by this motto knows how true this is. If you have to ask how this is so, then you really need to make some changes right now.

Jesus

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The night before Judas sold him, Jesus broke bread and gave it to him. He knew what was about to happen, but he invited him in and treated him with equal respect and love as he did the others. Jesus also knew that Peter was to betray him, yet he shared a meal with him and spoke to him lovingly. Even the soldier who came to arrest Jesus was treated with utmost kindness and honour. Jesus went out of his way to do something good, not only for his friends, but his enemies and those who sought to destroy him.

Are you this kind friend? Do you go out of your way to help others, even those who’re not there for you when you need them? I stay away from people who have hurt me, or those I know who don’t like me. I try hard to be a friend like Jesus, but don’t always come up to par.

What kind of friend are you?Are you the Judas type, the Peter type or are you struggling to be the Jesus type with little or no success? Whatever type you are, remember that you can make someone else’s day by just lending an ear when they’re down. Give some of your time to a friend in need, today.

For more on relationships with friends, visit my blog, The Relationship Supermarket.com

8 But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.

Many atheists throw around that Christianity is the most violent form of religious wars, yet they fail to see this is and was not the will of God. When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, he clearly told him, ‘Thou shall not kill.” Some chose to take it upon themselves to not head the written commandments of God already laid out in the Ten Commandments, claiming to hear from God that he changed his mind and wants them to go to war.

Many verses in scripture command a life of peace, which would be the accurate version of what God really wants for man. I am sure I will be called a heretic for this posting, however even Jesus Christ himself was called such a thing. It was worth the risk of posting this, the bit of truth, for some of the body of Christ to call me these things. One day they will fully know what was Holy in the eyes of God in scripture. Holy Spirit defines what truth is, and what is not of God. Wars and killing others was never the will of the Lord.

Psalms 11:5

The soul of the Lord hates those who love violence.

This would be an accurate portrayal of the real Lord and God of earth and creation. To honestly believe otherwise contradicts other verses in scripture on peace, love and not hurting others. It is up to the believer to peak inside the heart of God and find out who they are worshiping, and why they love God to begin with.

Atheists run with this one quite often, to disprove the loving character of a loving and forgiving God. They do it to dismantle scripture, and the bible itself. Many chose the wars on their own behalf, instead of listening and waiting for the true voice of the Lord.

Part of the Atheist religion is reading the bible to simply disprove theories, and the nature of God. They deny religion, but have made one for themselves.

Please feel free to refer to scriptures on peace and the Ten Commandment on not killing others. Those would be the accurate portrayal on war from God.