01:05:00 Thu
Jun 15 2006
| The Bible ~ Text Discussion |
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debbey 01:05:00 Thu Jun 15 2006 |
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debbey 02:07:31 Thu Jun 15 2006 |
We are going to discuss Text from The Bible, together.. so we can all learn together. For me this will be a very enriching experience, as, I have never been an overly Religious person.. Moderate in Faith.. I have always believed in one God, almost Deist, ( a person who believes that God created the universe and then abandoned it) the exception, I don't think God abandoned us.. I feel God's presence all around, and think of God as the 'Great Observer' of Human Life. I can't say I am a Libertarian nor can I say I am a Unitarian. This is why I call myself Spiritual. Spiritual incorporates *Angels* and Spiritual Guides.. *Angels* are God's Messengers. Many, Spiritualists, are Catholic and my belief for this is, within Catholism, it boils down to Confession, which, I know many Catholics dread... however, if you want *Angels* to hear you, you have talk out loud, as only God can hear your thoughts  I am of The United Church of Canada Faith. I was taught at a very young age, as soon as I could talk, to pray out loud everynight at bedtime... Now I lay me down to sleep I pray my Lord, my soul to take If I die before I wake I pray my Lord my soul to take God Bless.... (All the people I love, listed)... and ... (the people maybe I wasn't crazy about).. God Bless...there isn't any Amen. As I became older, when, something was distressing or frustrating, or if I had a problem, then I would talk to God during my prayer.. and then when I awoke in the morning, everything would be much clearer, bright and much calmer without fear. I will be honest, topic after topic about your fears in regards to Hell.. and even your Fear of Faith, and your Disillusionment.. Wow.. I really didn't know what to say to you all, as I am not one to Preach the Gospel and am not real well versed in Bible Study. I have always, been very private about my beliefs and really don't talk too much about it, except to say... Well, my Church is... and yes, I am Christian.. and really have never had to give this information out.. I could/can actually feel your distress and frustration. This, I cannot explain, It's amazing how much I have been able to pick up on, in just a few lines.. Somedays, I would just shut my computer down and just talk to God, and I asked God, for the Inspiration and Guidance to help you all out.. My prayers have been answered.. The first issue is/was Hell.. How, do I explain, why I don't believe in Hell? Without, pushing my beliefs on you? One, small step at a time.. as you probably may have figured out I am very open minded and open to listening without passing judgement.. So, from here we will pick up... and begin this little adventure into the unknown, except for what is available in the Text of The Bible or properly referenced Text from other Books.. Cheers!
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pyxi_styx 17:51:34 Thu Jun 15 2006 |
Peace out. 
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TragicallyHipper 22:42:19 Thu Jun 15 2006 |
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debbey 00:30:25 Fri Jun 16 2006 |
this is for Bible Discussion.. Cheers!
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AprilWineChick 19:04:05 Fri Jun 16 2006 |
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debbey 01:41:40 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
I would love to know where, PyxieStyx heard this lady was a prostitute? The first time I heard this story was a few Sunday's ago. During Dr. Sinclair's Sermon, and a little while afterwards, when I was re-thinking (typing), it was almost as if I was in The Synagogue as an observer, watching and listening to Jesus.. It was such a beautiful feeling, I typed it up for Pilate.com, I am not sure why? and typed it as I observed this scene.. as I said it was such a feeling of ultimate calm, tranquility, beauty and love... I didn't know what to call the building Jesus was in? I think I said a Temple, and then Church.. 2 weeks later read the actual story as remembered by John in the Book of John.. and what I saw, was very close only, I am a Female with a softer vision And it makes sense, Jesus, when he was in a building it would be a Synagogue as Jesus was a Jew however, last Sunday's Service was out side in the front yard of The Metropolitan United Church, remember, The Metropolitan takes a whole city block in the heart of downtown Toronto, the grounds are beautiful as is The Church.. It was 'Bless Our Pets' Sunday and we were to take our Pets to be Blessed... Yeap, I took Sheanna, my Australian Sheppard Sheanna has already been Blessed and is a 'Miracle Dog'... but she deserved to be Blessed again The Sermon was about The Teachings of Jesus and His Disciples.. and how their Message and Teaching took place mostly outdoors.. it was a nice Sermon.. Cheers!
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debbey 01:47:19 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
Missed You Long Enough Today's Sermon, was very interesting it was based on a story Dr Sinclair remembered after waking up in the middle of the night. A story about Jesus that is not often told and is forgotten.. Apparently, when 'they' were putting The Bible together they didn't know where to insert this story.. I think Dr Sinclair said it's posted in the back of The Bible and also, retold in The Book of John.. (don't quote me, I wasn't taking notes).. It was about Jesus being asked to 'Pass Judgement' and how Jesus did not do this because of The Wind of God was passing through the Temple, this was Jesus the Minister (Reverend) or ? I can retell the story in my 'own words' as I only have one Bible if it wasn't lost in the fire in my basement.. One day Jesus was in His Church, when suddenly a 'crowd' entered.. A group of men from 'the town'.. In these days floors were made of sand and punishement for breaking a Law (God's Law) was to 'Stone, The Sinner, to Death'.. In the midst of the crowd of men was a young lady.. One man stepped forward to ask Jesus, to Judge the young lady guilty as she committed Adultery and broke one of The Laws and they wanted to 'Stone Her'.. Jesus reflectively, compassionately looked at the young lady and asked inwardly of God, it's not my position to Judge this young lady.. Jesus had dropped to the ground and wrote something in the sand, while he was thinking..this is when The Wind of God blew through and Jesus stood up and addressed the crowd, 'Well, would one man who can honestly say they have not sinned or broke a Law, please come forward and you may throw the first Stone'.. there was a pause in the crowd as they reflected back on their lives.. the older men were the first to leave the Church and a few minutes later all the younger men left too.. and then there was just Jesus and the young lady left.. Jesus dropped to the ground and began writing in the sand again.. after taking another compassionate look at the young lady.. What do you suppose Jesus was writing? Perhaps the name of the young lady? or maybe Thank you, Father? Then, Dr. Sinclair asked of the congregation to say out loud, the name of the person who means most to us and whose name we would want to write in the sand.. My first inclination was to say Jesus.. it was my Gramma's name I said, because she is the one who urged me to go to this Church.. Her Church.. I wanted to say my Mom's name however, my thoughts were of my Gramma.. The last study group is this Thursday.. 'Beyond Fear'.. and then the study group breaks for the summer season.. and re-commences in the early fall.. I will send you a private message b0rt.. and let you know when etc.. if you like.. Once again I sure hope you follow through and persue your passion ... Shalom, My Friends (peace in Hebrew) Cheers! ps: before I started posting this.. I was thinking Today's Sermon, didn't spark a Pilate Song.. and after just re-reading the story I typed.. and suddenly... Lover, come over.. Lover, come in.. Lover, come lye here.. Lover, let's sin started playing in my head.. sooo.. coool
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HighwayGirl 01:47:40 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
ETA: That is such a sweet story that you've posted, about Jesus showing compassion on the woman. 
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debbey 15:14:33 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
 Yes, this is a nice story of Jesus ~ The Teacher.. much more than Jesus being Compassionate.. He did not 'Pass Judgement' on the young lady.. Jesus saw her as the human being she really is..  Now, this is the story from the Book of John The earliest manuscripts and many other witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11 7:53~Then each went to his own home. 8:1;11~ But Jesus went to Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the Temple Courts, where all the people gathered around him and he sat down to teach them. The Teachers of The Law and Pharisees brought in a woman caught in Adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of Adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them,'If any one of you is without Sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' 'No one sir', she said. 'Then neither do I condemn you', Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin'. Amen. Shalom, My Friends
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Hipster 17:52:42 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
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jessiebabe 19:25:38 Sat Jun 17 2006 |
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HighwayGirl 01:39:00 Sun Jun 18 2006 |
Anyway, thanks to you guys, I'm starting to see Christianity in a new light.
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debbey 02:03:20 Sun Jun 18 2006 |
that's how I came up with this name Yes, HighwayGirl, Christianity, there is nothing 'to Fear'.. on one hand, I am not going to try to push my beliefs on anyone.. we will just discuss Bible Text.. I will type up God's vision of Adultery.. from Revelations and the way it was told to Moses.. wow.. We will discuss this in today's terms Glad you are enjoying our discussion.. Cheers!
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Hipster 13:59:59 Sun Jun 18 2006 |
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16) Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:14) What can we deduct from these statements? Loving others IS EQUAL TO God is within you Loving others IS EQUAL TO knowing God Not loving others IS EQUAL TO not loving God Not loving others IS EQUAL TO not knowing God God is love IS EQUAL TO love is God Loving others IS EQUAL TO having eternal life If the God you believe in is Love, then it is logical to say... God is patient, kind, doesn't envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, and never fails. Now, let's talk about the law Fundamentalists describe. First, I would like to ask you, what is more important? Laws, or love? Is forgiveness and mercy more important then punishment and retribution? Which does more good and which does more harm? What is the law? On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. 'Teacher,' he asked, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'What is written in the law?' he replied. 'How do you read it?' He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, love your neighbor as yourself.' 'You have answered correctly,' Jesus replied, 'Do this and you will live.' (Luke 10:25-28) The law, according to Jesus himself, the man you believe in for your salvation is this: Loving others and God IS THE WAY TO eternal life And if those who love others know God, then they know God because those who love lives in God, and God in him. And whoever does not love does not know God. Want more? Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Logically, because (1) love covers over a multitude of sins and (2) God is love, this means that God covers over a multitude of sins because God is love. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom. 13:10) This verse can be interpreted to mean that the law of God is love. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Gal. 5:6) Faith and good works of love are all that counts. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Col. 1:17) God holds everything together - the power of the atom! And because God is love it can also be said that love holds the universe together. By this [love] all humans will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35) Loving others IS EQUAL TO being a disciple of Jesus They [people going to hell] perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (2 Thes. 2:10) What is the truth? Law. What is the law? Love. What is love? God. People go to hell because they refuse to love others. But if we love others...well, you get the idea. All of you have shown compassion and understanding for me. When I was afraid and confused, they shouted from the sidelines, waved flags and encouraged me to go on, to overcome my fear. They showed loving behaviour. Oh, there is one last thing I'd like to show you. God is love. (1 John 4:8) Simple yes? Love keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Cor. 13:5) If God is love, and love keeps no record of wrongs...then God does not keep a record of what we have done that negativly affects others. We are already forgiven before whatever happens, happens. And there is no real way to twist this out. It is clear and simple. If God is love, and love keeps no record of wrongs, then God does not keep any records of wrongs for anyone. There is no verse here saying that he doesn't keep records for Christians. Though it does not specify it, this passage, to me, shows that love keeps no records of wrong for anyone. None of us are sinners. If there is a loving God, and I believe there is, then we were created out of love to be God's children, not sinners worthy of eternal punishment. Mistakes are simply to be corrected and forgiven, not punished and chastized. If you have children, you don't punish them with never-ending misery do you? Wouldn't it be more fair to help them correct thier mistake and forgive them instead? And if God is perfect and therefore egoless, then God is far above our human frailties. To all of you, I thank you. When I cried out, you responded. When I was lost, you took my hand and pulled me up, encouraged me, and have given me the strength and courage to go on. You have shown compassion, you have shown mercy, you have shown understanding and acceptance. You, not the Fundies who say 'the fear may pass but hell will still be there', or that God has to dish out justice (when God, oddly, keeps no records of wrongs), have come forth to help me and show me the way. Thank God for all of you. I mean it, in all seriousness. Thank God for people who come forward to help others who need help. Perhaps 'God' as we know it, is not a diety or a being, but rather, a force running throgh all living things. It is love, the love that breeds compassion, understanding and a desire to help. Everyone has this force within them, and expresses this power to various degrees. Some powerfully, others supress it. If Hell is an absence of love, then heaven is an excess of it. If you want heaven, make it now by moving the Godforce within you to move you to compassion. If you want hell, threaten others and scare them. Thank you all so much. You are all my northern star. |
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april_wino1 21:43:12 Sun Jun 18 2006 |
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debbey 01:56:34 Mon Jun 19 2006 |
Our God, is very Loving, this is why he sent Jesus to us to help us, to help ourselves, together in fellowship and brother and sisterhood When, we pass, God does not punish us in Spirit..
Your Friend, Always, Debbey
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HighwayGirl 07:49:15 Mon Jun 19 2006 |
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AprilWineChick 21:35:41 Mon Jun 19 2006 |
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debbey 22:36:06 Mon Jun 19 2006 |
I mean, I read The Text on Deborah, The Prophetess who saved Israel from the Canaanites and... this was ok however, then the next Text Section in Judges  was a little disappointing.. God took Israel away and gave it to another tribe.. which I have a hard time believing.. hence where, The Bible sometimes I feel like writing off as Tribal Folklore Make sure when you are reading if something bugs you... you let us know which Text and type it up in 'whole' or let me know and I will type it up Ok... Best
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jessiebabe 02:20:04 Tue Jun 20 2006 |
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led_zep_head 10:33:33 Tue Jun 20 2006 |
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debbey 21:01:59 Tue Jun 20 2006 |
Thank you for the tip on JOB.. I am halfway through.. and realize.. pretty much this is where, my thoughts... 'Rise Above The Evil' in regards to Hell comes from I don't think, I have ever really sat down and read The Bible sooo Cheers! ps: Where did you get that picture of Robert Plant? hmmm sexy?  not aging well.. but then Todd Clark is so Sexy.. like Jessie sez: Todd is Love.. 
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TragicallyHipper 21:45:05 Tue Jun 20 2006 |
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jessiebabe 12:44:28 Wed Jun 21 2006 |
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HighwayGirl 15:38:15 Sun Jul 2 2006 |
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jessiebabe 17:13:34 Sun Jul 2 2006 |
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tragicallyhip_babe 19:25:34 Mon Jul 3 2006 |
Keep Hipping! 
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AprilWineChick 23:29:57 Mon Jul 3 2006 |
Now when it comes to Fundamentalists, that's a different story. Fundamentalists are generally arrogant and insensitive, and even many Evangelicals are embarrassed by their Fundamentalist counterparts.
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debbey 02:23:03 Wed Jan 31 2007 |
*Debbey writing to a ‘group of kids’ in a published internet forum* In the last few months... Have you seen Jesus in a little bit of a different light? I do look forward to someday meeting Jesus.. I have no guilt, or really anything to be ashamed of.. I will someday meet Jesus very confidently.. knowing He has never judged and is a Lover of God, and mostly a Lover of People.. I don't know what it is about this forum... when I feel a little stagnant... I come here... Right now... I have to meet a 11:59p Jan 31 deadline for 'Our Lenten Reflection Book' I have 3 stories to type based on (me) randomly selecting from Bible Text. The first is about Jesus... one of my favourite topics to write about ... lately that is.. It's the visions of Jesus I have and visions of me in this world.. The first text I randomly chose is from Romans... I am reflecting on the last few years of my life... The first Random Selection... Romans 10: 8-13 But what does it say? 'The Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart', that is, the word of Faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it's with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it's with your mouth you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him. ‘For, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved' If this doesn't describe the last few years of my life. Struggling with so much change in my life. Living through so much tragedy. Wanting to just 'Give Up'. Being allured by a group of international kids in an internet forum. A group of kids, who have jangled my nerves from time to time .. and yet, this has spurned a creative flair. The creative flair was always there, you all got me to open up and release to share my experience with you. When I think about all we have faced. We have page after page after page here at Rock n Rolla. We took quite a few things head on.. to the point where, one day during an incredible blistering 45 day heatwave.. a time of extreme sadness, I decided, I needed a little 'retreat'.. I sat on the beach and talked to Jesus, which I realize I have done consistently over the years only maybe I wasn't aware it was Jesus to whom I was talking to, and who always listens. I have always felt a strong sense of Jesus' presence around me. I guess, this is why even through so much tragedy and sadness and feeling like I am a failing human being, I still want to be around people, and maintain a bright sunny disposition. It's a little overwhelming, when people thank me for my kindness. This always touches my heart, and makes me smile so brightly, it's always a 'feel good' about your self feeling. The thought, does cross my mind.. Is there really any other way 'to be'? Treating everyone in a respectful, friendly manner, this has always been my way. When, I was a little kid, 4 years old. I use to stay with my Gramma Foster quite a bit. My Gramma and I had a very deep love for each other. I remember all her 'Words of Wisdom'. She was not well educated, or was she? She listened to Jesus and much of her education was through going to Church, I’m pretty sure it is the Church I attend now. I realize now, my Gramma has been a great inspiring force in my life. My Gramma wasn't 'well' for a lot of her life. Walking distances was not always an option. When, I was 4 years old, She would send me to visit 'her friends'. Her best friend Maybel and Maybel's husband Bob. My Gramma loved me so much she wanted to share her granddaughter with her friends. I use to walk up, what always seemed like a never ending driveway to Maybel's Farmhouse. And would sit with Maybel and Bob for two hours and we would drink tea, and entertain each other with stories and when it was time to leave Bob would phone my Gramma to say I was on my way and Maybel and Bob would stand at their door, and my Gramma would stand at her door and they would watch me until I made my safe return. Maybel, would give me a hug and say remember on the big road, you have to look left, look right, and look left again and if you can't see a car.. it's ok to cross. (and if ever a car drove by Gramma's house, on the big road, it was an event) I always stopped what I was doing too watch.. Maybel would always phone my Gramma with so much praise for her 'cute as a button' granddaughter, who 's visit, Maybel always looked forward to. This is how I know, I have been given a wonderful gift from Jesus a gift of just enjoying being in the company of people and just listening. And this is the same spirit I feel when I go to Church. I guess, this is why I feel very humble when thanked for showing a little friendly, respect (love). As in the teachings of Jesus... 'Do Unto Others, As You Would Have Done On to You' although, I don't recall Jesus ever actually saying as such. Jesus lead by example. And this is one of the greatest teachings ever. Prayer: Jesus, My Lord, Thank you. I feel like I have been blessed with a very enriching life. I was blessed with a very loving family. It’s been very painful having them pass away. My Mom and my Dad. Two people I loved and always honour. I always think of all the suffering children in this world, who will never know the feeling of being loved. I would love to give each and everyone of them a big hug and let them know someone cares. I have answered the calling and did my best to stay strong, to help my distressed teens with your guidance. I still, question how I have become so alone, although, I know, I am never alone, as a shepherd watches over their flock, My Lord watches over His children. God Bless, all children and somehow reach out to the suffering and let them know they have a place in your heart, their suffering will end and they will some day be in your loving arms. Debbey Van Beek January 30, 2007  She sends a prayer up to Jesus And asks Him for His Strength The night will go on bleeding Was it Faith that paid the rent? ~Todd Clark – Pilot Speed From the song *Barely Listening* edit Feb 5/07 to include a prayer |
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CanuckYank 09:36:06 Thu Feb 1 2007 |
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debbey 03:12:46 Sat Feb 3 2007 |
I am kind of stalled on my next 'randomly' selected 'Text'.. I selected The Hebrew/Christian part of The Bible.. The next 2 I have to 'reflect upon' are Psalms.. (from King David.) They are real 'heavy'.. as Christians call it The Old Testement.. It seems so dark.. with not a lot of Love.. as in the Christian New Testement.. I guess I should start reading about King David.. The King with a star named after him (Judaism).. 'Star of David'... Matthew 1: 'The Genealogy of Jesus' Jesus Christ the Son of David. David the Son of Abraham. Jesus' approach to God is/was not as 'dark' as his 'human' Fathers. I guess instead of 'dark'.. 'brash' is a better description of the way in which God was spoken of. I have to remember, The Old Testament was probably a group of 'stuffy' prophets The New Testament and 'the birth of The Christ'.. Jesus was created in the 'True Likeness' of God. Jesus, King of Angels. Jesus, The Charismatic.I will type my Psalm and sleep on it. Psalm 63: 1-8 A Pslam of David. When he was in the desert of Judah O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My Soul clings to you; your right hand upholds. There is a lot of truth in this Prayer. I will continue... |
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Cecelia_Garfunkel 07:30:58 Sat Feb 3 2007 |
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debbey 01:46:23 Sun Feb 4 2007 |
I sometimes wonder if God has an ego? I think this is leading me into my 2nd Reflection...Psalm 63.. Cheers!
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jessiebabe 02:09:38 Sun Feb 4 2007 |
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debbey 03:32:39 Sun Feb 4 2007 |
Sometime, I should start reading about King David.. The King with a star named after him (Judaism).. 'Star of David'... Matthew 1: 'The Genealogy of Jesus' Jesus Christ the Son of David. David the Son of Abraham. Jesus' approach to God is/was not as 'dark' as His 'Human Fathers'. I guess instead of 'dark'.. 'brash' is a better description of the way in which God is spoken of. I have to remember, The Old Testament was probably a group of 'stuffy' prophets. The New Testament and 'The Birth of The Christ'.. Jesus was created in the 'True Likeness' of God. In all of God's Glory. Jesus, King of Angels. Jesus, The Charismatic. Glory be to God. Psalm 63: 1-8 A Pslam of David. When he was in the desert of Judah O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My Soul clings to you; your right hand upholds. A Letter To God Dear God, There is a lot of truth in David's Desert Prayer. It's a shame David did not meet Jesus. I am sure the Spirit once known as King David has met Jesus, more than a few times, all part of 'The Cycle of Life'.. I am a 'Firm Believer' in upholding (your).. God's Laws.. I do struggle with some of the fine print and really think it's time to revise some of these, way too detailed, 'sub clauses'. After all, you can't expect 'humans' not to be sensitive and not have easily hurt feelings.. I am sure Jesus would agree. When, I was a little kid... my parents had the nicest Bible.. I use to love to look at the pictures. The Text was difficult to read.. after all, from the age of 2 thru 7..(most of the 1960's) The vocabulary was not easy to grasp. The Ten Commandments was the first page in my parents' Bible.. minus the 'fine print'. I use to read this page often and reflected. I thought of God's Law to be simplistic and just common sense. In grade 4, we had to make a presentation on Japan.. When I was working on my project, Japan really captured my interest and I thought, 'Oh I would love to visit this country someday'. One thing, that captured my attention was the fact that I thought Japanese, being mostly Buddhist were breaking one of Your strongest Laws.. 'Thou shalt not have any other gods before me'.. 'Thou shalt not make for you an idol in the form of anything in heaven above'.. I was always, when I was little kid, very inquisitive and I guess, I always thought of my Dad as 'Prophet Like'.. I guess, because even as early as 3 years old my father didn't believe in talking to me like a little girl. He use to explain 'stuff' to me like he would to a friend or my Mom. I remember asking my dad about the third commandment, engraven images, is how my dad explained 'idols' to me. It really did add a lot to my vocabulary even at the ripe old age of 4.. I learned how to read the dictionary at this very early age too. You would never have known my father's first language was not English. It wasn't until many years later, did I discover, my Dad's English, when at the age of 12 emigrated to Canada from Netherlands, was self taught with the help of the only English book in their house... The Bible.. No kidding, apparently, my Dad read The Bible from front to back 5 times in his 51 years. My father was an avid reader of anything and everything. Well, God, I really reflected on the Japanese Faith of Buddhism and really wondered how you felt about all their Buddha’s? It really bothered me that they had so many gods and they were shamefully worshipping them.. I am a peaceful type person and have respect for all cultures. My wish was realized in 1980 when I married Yasuo and we moved to Tokyo. I had a wonderful 5 years living in Japan and living mostly a Japanese lifestyle with my very traditional Japanese Family. I got a long very well with Japanese Culture, as there was 'mutual respect'with all my Japanese friends and family.. I even came to terms with 'Japanese Faith'. It's more Spiritual than shall we say worshipping 'those' engraven images. I participated in 'Japanese Faith' and never lost sight of You, my God. And in the very fine Spirit of the Son of God, use to invite my neighbours for traditional Canadian Christmas Dinner. My Japanese neighbours and myself were always so appreciative of learning about each other's culture. Although, I never spoke of You, God or Jesus.. Your very fine Spirit watched over all of us. Glory Be To God! Prayer: I would like to pray for Peace On Earth! Warring is starting to get out of hand. There is so much damage being done to this world. Why can’t we find it in our hearts to respect all culture. War and over running countries is not the answer. Why, can’t we find ‘Global Unity’? As much as I love and respect you dear God, I would never think to push my beliefs on anyone. Please, I pray for The Middle East. I am not shucking, the war hungry leaders who want world domination. In my opinion this was never the way of Jesus as some as these leaders seem to preach. I understand, you have no control over what we do and do understand this really bothers you too. Please give us the inspiration to be ‘United’ and respect everyone. ~Debbey Van Beek February 3/07 edit to include prayer - 02/07/07 |
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CanuckYank 03:00:24 Tue Feb 6 2007 |
 You know, I would like to go to Japan sometime. It sounds like they have a wonderful culture, and are more laid back than many North Americans are. Anyway, when Vince and I have kids, I do plan to read the B ible to them - and I'll have discussions with them about what they think. Even these so-called Biblical literalists don't entirely take the Bible literally.
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debbey 13:00:07 Wed Feb 7 2007 |
I have been waiting... waiting... for an annoucement of some sort.. I think you and Vince will be the most wonderful parents :biggring:I have edited my second.. to include the prayer.. I am the 'worst with prayer' I don't really pray as such.. I more connect with Jesus and 'reflect'... Cheers!
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jessiebabe 00:41:59 Thu Feb 8 2007 |
Amen, Debbey! |
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HighwayGirl 17:25:55 Thu Feb 8 2007 |
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AprilWineChick 23:11:15 Sat Feb 10 2007 |
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jessiebabe 00:59:02 Sat Feb 17 2007 |
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AprilWineChick 05:19:46 Sat Oct 6 2007 |
www.christian-universalism.com
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debbey 00:16:31 Sun Oct 21 2007 |
Luke: 18 1-8 The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge Then Jesus told the parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. Jesus said "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, Grant me justice against my opponent. For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice so that she may not wear me out by continually coming. And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says.. and will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? 8:27p I will be back to finish up.. Cheers!
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TragicallyHipper 17:51:30 Wed Oct 24 2007 |
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AprilWineChick 19:50:32 Sat Nov 3 2007 |
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debbey 02:10:05 Mon Nov 12 2007 |
anyway something like that.. it's makes me blush..  I did 'reflect' on the above text for Luke.. I didn't write anything out. I thought, let's just go with the thought of the moment. I made out ok reading.. stuttered on,... so that she may not I think I recovered ok.. I don't remember exactly what I said.. I let my 'inner voice speak' I introduced, 'And Today's Gospel Reading is Luke: Chapter 18 Verse 1 thru 8 The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge And then I looked up at the congregation and said something to the effect, We should listen to what Jesus is telling us, Jesus is talking about the Power of Prayer and never giving up hope. We should reflect upon this (I looked over at Emily Fox) while we listen to Emily Fox speak of her story And then I read the text. It's sort of a blurr as.. I am very shy.. The ending.. was rather powerful... And when the Son of Man Comes, will He find Faith on Earth? If Jesus were to land in North America.. we'll go with Toronto.. Would He find a 'Faithful Society'? Cheers!
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AprilWineChick 16:54:15 Wed Nov 14 2007 |
If something doesn't harm other people, there should be no laws against it.
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