snow jobs come in many forms

At the time of this posting the area of central Pa that I live in is under an all day blizzard watch. Soon I will begin round 1 of digging out. 
The days leading up to this storm were typically media driven frantic. One has to scratch their head and wonder as to where logic,reason and common sense go when weather events occur such as this. I know its a generational thing.
Millennials love the sensational things given to every aspect of their lives but it still makes a sane person wonder.

But  I will say, due to a most unusual winter season to this point ( it was close to 70 degrees Christmas week)  the preparation level for this storm was truly impressive. I have not seen such preparation for a storm like this in a long time. I'm thinking that up to this point winter had not yet come to this area and whether people knew it or not, they knew it was coming and when they heard that this big storm (3 ft in my area) was coming, they were more then ready.

On the day before the storm, I came into the house and I kinda made an off comment to my wife,concerning the storm , just a random thought after observing on the news, all those preparing for the storm.

I said "boy, wouldn't it be nice if people prepared for the return of Jesus like this"
I said that as a passing thought , but as with most things , I thought about that for a moment and many many truths came to mind.

BTW, that's what this blog is all about. Slowing things down, things we say and hear and read. Slowing things down is the number one benefit I'd receive since that first time thru the entire Bible. When I saw how easily scripture can be twisted it alarmed  me greatly.

Anyway, back to this storm we are "enjoying."
Can you imagine what it might be like if people did prepare for Jesus' return as they do a storm?

This may sound like a silly notion but the more one thinks about it the more some truth is revealed .
I should add to that, only those believers who have a solid understanding of how Gods Word in context ,will better understand this.

Before anyone thinks that that is a selfish and arrogant statement I would ask them to hang in there with me.
Many of these thoughts are "still under construction" in my brain but as I continue to post my thoughts on the "letters" of Revelation , this will then make more sense.

To comprehend my thoughts here , you must consider the language most church goers are used to when they even consider the return of Jesus.
I am making this comparison to ( a snow storm) to reveal its problems.

We hear things like " He's coming quickly "  or  "are you ready?"
Add decades worth of "sensational" to that and can anyone wonder why that after awhile , the promise of "He comes quickly" sounds more like a threat than a promise to the average church goer.

Think about it for a minute.

I was ready for this storm. Plenty of fuel for snow blower, Kerosene for inside, salt for pavements, even bought a new shovel and we have plenty of food and of course, you cant have a big storm without bread and milk.
We were ready.

I said to my wife, what if I had done nothing? 

Fact is, the storm is still coming.

The question becomes, did I or did I not Believe the storm was coming.
Lets say, I believed but decided to do nothing for one reason or another.
Besides,only I know if I believed or not.

Someone might ask me ,concerning this storm, "are you ready?"
They might say "its coming quick."

How does one answer the "are you ready" question?
No, I'm not ready. 
The repeated nature of the question (are you ready) makes it sound like I need to do something more. 

It's not so much the question than it's asked over and over. 
If we answer "yes, I'm ready" , that's not enough. 
If we say "no, I'm not ready" then it's like salvation becomes a law. 

Think about the language  church goers use to talk about the return of Jesus, Its off. Way off.

For so many church goers , such as I was for many years, at some point they hear about Jesus.
From that moment on, the likelihood of being misled goes way up. That happens when we take the gospel message to casual.

The whole thing (Christ's return) gets placed in a "question"  format. 

This  leads you to, making a "choice". 

This (thinking)  train speeds up because we are told..
"He's coming quickly" (oh no)
"are you ready" (no)
 "He could come before I finish this post" (oh my gosh!)

Fact is, for the believer waiting and hoping for Jesus to return , observing the clear signs, the return of Jesus will not be some ,sprung on you ,type thing.

 For that one who is waiting for the thief (they know is coming because a friend warned them), or a storm we see on radar or Jesus (as His complete Word reveals), its not quickly, not a shock, not a surprise.

We believe the storms coming (by seeing radar)  we believe the thief is coming (a warning from a friend) and we  believe Jesus to be the son of God ( a complete work of Holy Spirit)  and He will return for those who's trust Him and believe Him.

In a church goers mind , these three examples get grouped together. The one ignorant of Gods Word does not understand the ideas of being an "overcomer" or a "conqueror."
We do not understand the why I want Jesus to return.
I love Jesus. I love the one coming back. This should be why I look forward to His return.

The "behold I come quickly" in Gods Word are not intended for the believer as a means of exhortation (or in other words, trying to get a believer motivated to live right)  but how many times do you, as a believer , get pressed on that?
Just think of all the times, since becoming a Christian, have you heard, in church , tell you Jesus is coming quick!
Saying it this way is also used as methods of evangelizing the unsaved . That does not work either. They do not care.
They will when the realize their sins are forgiven.  

Then, on the heels of being threatened of His return we are asked another tough question.
"Are you ready" (for His return)
the answer will always be, No!

The reason for that is in how Gods Words is thought of. 

If the answer to the question "are you ready" is attributed to anything other than Gods free gift of salvation, that would put it a context of "law" and we all know that the "law" can not save anyone,right?

Sadly,no. Many church goers do not know that.

For so many church goers, Faith and Trust (in God) is not enough.
That faith and trust are not even ours. Those are gifts to us, from God.
We do not bring anything to this.

The thing that hooks and fools the church goer is,

 they remember all those times some preacher said.. 

"Sure, you believe, but  the demons also believed..."

 and the church goer had no real good reply to that. 
Being compared to a demon usually trips up the believer. 

Do you know why?

Because the average church goer has never read his Bible through. 
There is no way I can adequately answer this in this post because the list of missed concepts of todays church goer is vast. It includes everything from Salvation to sin nature to redemption and the list goes endlessly on.
This list could end with them not knowing about sin,works,rewards and even those "soiled garments" in Rev 3.

Its not about whose smarter than anyone else, its about, have you ever read the thing? (Bible)

Look, after one reads it and sees how its mis used, theres plenty of time and resources to reveal to that one ,why and how Gods Word gets so mis treated. 

To the one who believes they are sinful,
they have offended a Holy God,
they are desperately lost and need a savior
and have told God all this and more ,

how might your perspective be if you knew its Gods righteousness in you..
and any good thing you might do ,as you walk in His will faithfully ,
God graciously gives you rewards in heaven. 

To that individual I strongly encourage, read your Bible.
I know there are many others that can say things better than me, but its not about this life.. in this flesh. 

Why do you spend so much time and energy fretting about things? 

Truth is, deep down, many do not believe Jesus will return, well, not in the same way as some storm and thats too bad. 
It does not have to be that way.

Its all in how things are properly communicated. 
(see "blogs purpose and challenge" page -link)

Again,  many will say I am crazy. They say things like " people like you don't want anyone to have a rich life on earth" Thinking about the next life while living in this life is a hard thing to do. This is because we somehow separate the two.
But it has been and always will be about eternity. One thing , eternity.


Yes, much can be learned from observing others as they prepare for the things they know are coming,like a snowstorm. All there preparation and belief can be attributed the "themselves"

Sadly , many church goers view the return of Jesus this same way and whats even sadder is their are many who use church language to complicate an otherwise un complicated event, that being the return of Jesus.

After spending a couple hours with snow blower,not much success.

Wouldn't it be nice, if there were a test, for those attending churches but have never read the Bible. Well, in the spirit of this guy, I came up with one. I'll be adding to it from time to time but I'm always open for suggestions.

So how does one know when it's time, to read their Bible's?



- if you think that raising your hand means your saved, you might want to read your Bible

-if you think the story about Joseph is about that pit you are in, you just might wanna read the Bible

-if a preacher ever said "the Lord laid this on my heart" and you didn't check it out, you just might wanna read your Bible

- if you think there is a food plan in your Bible, you just might wanna read your Bible

-if you think your best life is now,you just might wanna read your Bible

- if you think Jeremiah is talking about you in chapter 29,you just might wanna read your Bible

- if you think there are better christians than you,out there,you just might wanna read your Bible

- if the subject of blood bothers you, you just might wanna go read that Bible

- if you think that getting out of a boat means getting out of your comfort zone,you might wanna read your Bible

- if you ever felt guilty because you slept in a couple sunday mornings in a row, you might wanna read your Bible

- if you wrestling with God and won't let go till your blessing comes, you just might wanna read that Bible

-if Hezekiah is your favorite book in the Bible, you just  might wanna read it

-if you ever compared your life to a fellow named Job, you just might wanna go read that Bible

- if you think there are people perishing because there is no vision there, you might just wanna read that Bible (or at least , the rest of that verse )

- and if you think the Bible is about you then my friend, you might just wanna go out an read that Bible

Happy (uh..) Christian unity week?

I don't think so. 
I heard in passing that this was christian unity week, so I Googled that an sure enough, 
Jan 18-25 is indeed, Christian unity week 
In a culture where words have meaning, a week like this might have value. Regrettably, even the word "christian" has, in this culture, fallen into the realm of abstract. 

Something I'm not gonna do on this blog thing is, post a lot of verses or links or articles, etc favoring one view over another. 
Rather, as I proceed to express myself via this format, i prefer to use some wonderful things given to me, that's right, given, and I didn't ask for them or nuthin. It's like they were just, bam, there. 
The things I'm choosing to use are, my eyes along with those odd shaped things on the side of my head called, ears, and get this, those things are connected to my brain. 

If you were seeking the profound, I'll pause while you exit. 

Granted, those things I mentioned become tainted over time due to non usage, but when anyone who inadvertently realizes that they've neglected those tools and wishes to regain there use, they find things they thought they lost, returning. 
The return of things lost, the main thing being common sense,  is a slow slow process because it has to muddle it's way through decades worth of junk collected. 
Not to worry though. By the time your 99, it, and more, should be fully restored. 

As I try to comprehend christian unity, as defined by pop culture, and that's what this is, I consider the odd time I was born,age 53.
Those slightly ahead of my time exert much energy trying to quiet a law that was forced upon them and those slightly behind me using the same amount of energy to ignore a law that's forced upon them. 
In some cases it's God's Law, in some, man's. 
But the purpose (or one of) the law is, it reveals, we can't keep it. 

This is an important note because it is not so much the subject matter (in this case, church unity) as it is, why issues like this get so lost on the average church goer. 

This is, actually, the idea of why I even started a blog like this. 
That being, the effects of emergent church and the consequences in church goers lives. Another way put, when a believer thinks he/she can correctly comprehend all that's occurring with only church influence and never having read God's Word through, cover to cover. 

They begin making stuff up to fit what some man's says on a weekly basis. 

Asking the age of ones who sound like me or ones who object to those who sound like me, is important. 

Look, if there are those who favor global unity of the world's religion, I doubt anything I could conjure up would sway such a one. I've long ago ceased such futile attempts. 
When living in a culture that can debate endlessly, the sum of 1+1, I don't hold out much hope on other subjects. Btw, the sum is 2 (i think) 

If religious people wanna debate this and celebrate a week of unity among religions, knock yourself out, just don't drag the Bible into to by way of approval.

As I was Googling info on this "unity" week, I found a statement under the, council of world churches, logo which said :

"A worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service"

I'm guessing, from that,  that unity = common witness and common service? 
Well, that's not broad and or vague now is It? 
Seeing how many church folks (Bible illiterate) tend to like broad & vague along with abstract and subjective when receiving information,  they tend to miss the very canceling out notion in the nature of this week's titled celebration "church unity. 

It's right about here, that some church leaders might say," that's not what this week is about. It's about denominations getting along " 
Since the Bible is not silent on unity and much of its wisdom falls within a judgement context, as seen in its entirety. 
But those passages, books,  are unknown to most so they don't know. 

Leaders whip out some out a context scripture, making sure it's in the red letters, toss in some greek an presto, points made while the hearer finds out late in life that sheep, intended  to "follow"  are instead "led"  someplace. 

The reader here will forgive me if I forget when church language began to make no sense. 

A long time ago, someone told me you can't get 10 Christians in the same room, to agree. I was new to the Bible then so that made me extremely sad. Now I know it's true though. 
The secret here is in how others respond to that. They say dumb things like "not everyone has to agree to have unity"  or something along those lines. 

Then to sound spiritual we say the unity is in Christ. 
Now that's true, but how best to explain my thoughts here. (since I'm in this deep I may as well press on)

That concept (unity in Christ) by this point, is so lost on today's church goer because of the previous 500 topical sermons preached previously,  that were aimed at you to be a better christian, is it any wonder why, when the "Christ in you" card gets tossed out there, it makes no sense?

A terrible thing happens after one reads their Bible, in context. 
They "remember" 

They remember all the ways single verses, by themselves, were taught. 
Sad thing, this "remembering" 
When after reading God's Word and praying for guidance, and getting it, 

This takes a long time Btw and in this fast culture, that's not so desired, anyway, 

they remember all those days nothing made sense and now, since God's opening there eyes, they see clearly, only now  to have no one believe them. 


Up until this point, I've mostly  been casual and flippant in my attitude. 
But folks, this is serious stuff! 

If anyone, and I mean anyone truly cared, they'd take a year (yes, a year) to read what God thinks of all this and when you see that when arrogant man boldly asks God what His problem is and He replies,, you, you  are my problem, 

If that doesn't cause one to sit up, sweat a bit  and ask, "how come no one's said that before?"  then nothing will. 

I already know I'll be passed off as a nut. This feel good, social gospel, emergent mess has permeated every aspect of society and I've noticed many in my age bracket who are tired of it and they went out and read there Bible with someone other than themselves as the subject and when upon seeing afterwards the enormous effort to avoid many passages, passages that clearly state what God thinks, and trust me, till you see it with your own eyes, you got no clue. 

The joy that awaits the one who reads & listens to God's Word fully can not be expressed. I'm often accused of lacking such joy but it's much easier to accuse one of this rather than to examine modern ways of preaching. 

God's love is immense, His judgements are righteous. That can be seen clearly when God's Word is read as any other book you read, front to back, every word, observing how God interacts with mankind. Read it in context an see. 

To those who are chasing after religious unity, have at it. If that can be achieved on earth than we have no need for God. Even heaven will not have the conditions these people seek. 

And to the few that really care, stop reading blogs and go read the Bible.

Liberal corner

The stories and links I put here would never have seen the light of day if not for how liberals react to them.

When these reactions of liberals are no longer news worthy, all that means is, all those when thinking brains has died off.

Not all liberals are the same. The ones I'm referring to, don't even adhere to there very title, of liberal, which means :

3.
of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism, especially the freedom of the individual and governmental guarantees of individual rights and liberties.
4.
favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, especially as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5.
favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression:
a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
6.
of or relating to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.
7.
free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant:
a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
8.
open-minded or tolerant, especially free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.

I highlighted the areas these liberals care nothing about.
So you see (i hope) that when a liberal, can't even be what they "say" they are, how can they be reasoned with?

At times, I wish I could think like this, only for a few moments though. That's all I could take.

Liberals do not care about facts, evidence, history, context.
They have no set of rules. They can change
 in an instant and can not be held accountable for what they've previously said.

I'm including this in this blog, because this blog is about words and language and context.
This thinking has entered our churches.
And we wonder why people have lost interest in God's complete Word?


A day will come when liberal theology  will not be news worthy anymore, but a generation of thinking people must die off first.

Till then, they will continue to make there way into government, education, church's.
They will continue to wreak havoc on the private sector, as they take aim on anyone who has a strong belief.

Reasoning with them is out because the only thing that matters, to the liberals I am referring too, is what's in there mind, at the moment we confront them.

It's frustrating.
I just needed a place to vent my frustration, as I daily read news stories, of ordinary people who must have their lives interrupted, due to a liberals reactions.

This blog was started, as a way to encourage church goers to consider reading God's Word through.
When doing so, spotting liberal language, from the pulpit, becomes easier.

Something else that happens is as God's Word gets clearer, this world gets crazier.

I'll limit my frustration to just this one label (on blog)
It's just my way of addressing, what's become a 3 sided coin.

Truth /  Heresy. /  &  whatever it's called, that liberals do.

See if you can spot it in this story I saw today (4/11/16)


http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/04/14/high-school-wants-to-shut-down-off-campus-jesus-lunch.html

or same story :

http://patriotpost.us/opinion/41955

Just for a moment, examine these.

I'm going to post slogans I find here. These are catchy short phrases that make there way into christian thinking, or posts by Christians etc.
We Christians love these things but truthfully,they make no sense, but we Christians love em.
That's why we fell all over that wwjd thing without ever considering, we ourselves world not and could not do what Jesus did.
But who cares? It's a catchy thing and looks good on a bracelet.
There's no winning when confronting  christian jargon.
That wwjd thing is I good example. For us to feel comfortable in our choices, we set the bar unattainable high, that way, when we don't reach it, we don't feel so bad.
Let's take a look at christian slogan  theology.
These are pics I find while browsing.
Keep in mind, I'm doing this as a way to illustrate, how far we've come from God's Word in context. We've traded God's Holy Word for a watered down version of serious passages, and we wonder why communicating with a younger generation is frustrating.

What does that first line conjure up in your mind. Can u believe, we label the gospel as "something"
The way this is said it makes it appear underhanded.
Also, I'd hate to break it too Ya but most of us can sin pretty good without the devil being around.
And that talk about "winning in the end" like it's some game.
People are quick to say "that's not what I meant" but when folks my age spend a considerable amount of time cleaning up this watered down sound bite theology, with their children, it becomes bothersome. These sayings make us feel "special"  and when anyone tries to point to the clear message of God's Word in context (which sure ain't us being special) it gets nearly impossible to discuss anything relevant.
I'm gonna add many more slogans I find on this post, it's not tough to find.

I see lots of these. Can u guess the problem? 

When a Holy title of God ALONE is applied to "us", it's time to begin to worry where our heads are at. 

Try this. Count how many times "I" & "my"  is used in this "prayer."
Makes me wonder who the focus is.
And if a church goer is for real in there seeking understanding.
Try counting the number of times "you" are referred to, in your next church sermon, and compare that to how much Jesus is addressed.
Might surprise ya.

random

Guess this is my first post of 2016. So far I have not made this blog thing available for public viewing and I am not sure why or when I might do so. For now it is a good place to express myself. 
I am not looking for affirmation from anyone and as long as I can support my opinions with scripture, I am fine. 
Funny how those who do not place their faith in Jesus (and even from many who do) interpret what I just said . 
Mind you , Gods Word is a living and active Book . Many who have issues with differing opinions need to be reminded of that from time to time. 
My wife and I enjoyed a safe and quiet and uneventful holiday season.
I often wonder what a person,who does not love Jesus as Lord , thinks of this so called Christmas season , barely hanging on in this culture ,only by retail stores influence.
Take that away and it won't be long till Christmas is just a memory.
Folks ,in future generations, will find some other occasion to exchange gifts. That concept,trust me, will NEVER go away. 
Just a thought.

As my wife and I age, something I truly cherish, I often wonder if this is the way it was supposed to happen. I must keep these thoughts in the context of two growing in Christ believers because I can not,even for a moment , think as one without Jesus as my Saviour.
As we read and enjoy Gods Word together, something that took much time to get to, we are graciously given insight to much that is going on around us. 

Be it in culture or politics or even family. From our oldest son getting married to our daughters , one who is going  thru tremendous trials  and one who is determined to learn the (extreme) hard way.

Mom and dad get to observe, with delight and sorrow in each of our childerens life situations. I call this some kind of "just desert" over past mis givings.

We were no better when we were younger. Somehow my wife and I were able to keep in check, much of the deceiving forces around us ,over the years whereas our kids have seemingly embraced these deceiving influences..everything from emergent churchs destructive nature to friends betrayls to whatever cultural wave the media decides is important . 

I take no credit of my own, if I avoided being totally swallowed up by whatever culture dished out.  
I have made many mistakes and I am sure I will make some more even this new year ,  but I do not believe I am in error if a main focus is to hold the things that influence me,accountable. 

We live in a day where being ignorant is no longer a valid excuse. One thing I did this past year and will continue to do this new year is, that the ones I love most , will never say of me "you never told me"

It might often get me in trouble, and does, but I say the truth. Its not always easy. Many times its easier to just avoid it altogether and many times I opt for that.