Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
Friday, April 19, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Beauty
This was originally posted on 9/19/08 but I felt it was time to pull it out again...
It has been said that truth,
goodness and beauty are the 3 fundamental values. Anything worth
anything can be judged by these 3 standards. Everything is either true
or false, good or evil, beautiful or ugly. But do we see the beauty in
our world?
Have you ever heard "Stop and smell the roses"? Not only does this statement encourage us to slow down but also to observe the world around us.
Not long ago Gene Weingarten staged an experiment during morning rush hour in Washington DC. A normal looking, youngish white man in jeans, long sleeve t-shirt and a baseball cap went into the subway station, removed a violin from its case and began to play. He left the case open and put a few dollars in it to encourage people to give but the main focus was to see how many people would stop and listen to the beautiful music. You see, the young man playing was Joshua Bell who is one of the finest classical musicians in the world and he was playing on a Stradivarius violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
During the next 43 minutes he performed 6 classical pieces and 1,097 people passed by...did they recognize the beauty in their midst? No. He was almost entirely ignored...out of all the people who passed (1,097) only six or seven people even noticed.
Some might say that it was because of the type of music as many are not classical music lovers; but this goes deeper than that. We have become so wrapped up in our own lives that we cannot (or do not) take the time to observe what is all around us. God is beauty and true beauty, wherever it resides, is a glimpse of God Himself. Take some time to see Him in your world.
Have you ever heard "Stop and smell the roses"? Not only does this statement encourage us to slow down but also to observe the world around us.
Not long ago Gene Weingarten staged an experiment during morning rush hour in Washington DC. A normal looking, youngish white man in jeans, long sleeve t-shirt and a baseball cap went into the subway station, removed a violin from its case and began to play. He left the case open and put a few dollars in it to encourage people to give but the main focus was to see how many people would stop and listen to the beautiful music. You see, the young man playing was Joshua Bell who is one of the finest classical musicians in the world and he was playing on a Stradivarius violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
During the next 43 minutes he performed 6 classical pieces and 1,097 people passed by...did they recognize the beauty in their midst? No. He was almost entirely ignored...out of all the people who passed (1,097) only six or seven people even noticed.
Some might say that it was because of the type of music as many are not classical music lovers; but this goes deeper than that. We have become so wrapped up in our own lives that we cannot (or do not) take the time to observe what is all around us. God is beauty and true beauty, wherever it resides, is a glimpse of God Himself. Take some time to see Him in your world.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Seeker of truth?
I love coming across an article that makes me stop and examine me...myself...my thoughts...my beliefs...my life.
Not surprisingly, everyone I meet has a slightly different take on hell. But even though opinions differ, most people have at least one thing in common: they’re absolutely convinced their position is correct.
And why shouldn’t they be? If they didn’t think their opinion was the best option, why would they hold it? But there’s a big difference between believing your views might have a leg up on the competition and being absolutely certain of it.
In the first case, you hold your views with an open hand, realizing that you may have to modify or even jettison some of your beliefs in light of new information. In the second case, rather than welcome new information, you see it as a threat. New ways of looking at things—even old ways of looking at things—are deemed wrong by definition. So are the individuals who suggest such perspectives. And if you’re not careful, you find yourself making that subtle transition from “seeker of truth” to “defender of an idea.”
This article approaches one of the most controversial aspects of the Christian faith...a Father who loves us unconditionally and yet condemns us to hell.
You may want to spend a few moments reading, watching and pondering... I have not seen the movie referenced (Hellbound?) nor do I really know much about the author (Kevin Miller) of the article. What I do know is nuggets of truth can be found in most places, if you look hard enough.
Not surprisingly, everyone I meet has a slightly different take on hell. But even though opinions differ, most people have at least one thing in common: they’re absolutely convinced their position is correct.
And why shouldn’t they be? If they didn’t think their opinion was the best option, why would they hold it? But there’s a big difference between believing your views might have a leg up on the competition and being absolutely certain of it.
In the first case, you hold your views with an open hand, realizing that you may have to modify or even jettison some of your beliefs in light of new information. In the second case, rather than welcome new information, you see it as a threat. New ways of looking at things—even old ways of looking at things—are deemed wrong by definition. So are the individuals who suggest such perspectives. And if you’re not careful, you find yourself making that subtle transition from “seeker of truth” to “defender of an idea.”
This article approaches one of the most controversial aspects of the Christian faith...a Father who loves us unconditionally and yet condemns us to hell.
You may want to spend a few moments reading, watching and pondering... I have not seen the movie referenced (Hellbound?) nor do I really know much about the author (Kevin Miller) of the article. What I do know is nuggets of truth can be found in most places, if you look hard enough.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
a nugget
I have found a wonderful nugget of "truth" in our United Methodist Hymnal...and to think, it's been in there since at least 1989, maybe longer! So for the past 23+ years, I've held this wonderful nugget in my hand without ever seeing it. Perhaps it was hidden until I could understand it, or needed it, or was ready to hear it. Whatever the reason...I'm so pleased to have found it
For the Spirit of Truth
(a prayer from Kenya)
From the cowardice that dares not face new truth,
from the laziness that is contented with half truth,
from the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Good Lord, deliver me. Amen
Now how's that for a powerful message in 4 lines?
by the way, it's on page 602
For the Spirit of Truth
(a prayer from Kenya)
From the cowardice that dares not face new truth,
from the laziness that is contented with half truth,
from the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,
Good Lord, deliver me. Amen
Now how's that for a powerful message in 4 lines?
by the way, it's on page 602
Friday, April 13, 2012
So What?
In case you suffer from "friggatriskaidekaphobia", here's a little something to start your day with a smile...
There's a ton of theology wrapped up in the short film...and I can't wait to post about it...watch for it later today!
There's a ton of theology wrapped up in the short film...and I can't wait to post about it...watch for it later today!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Lies
Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Look at the image of the sword. If the blade were sharp only on one side, it's use would be limited.This is a formidable weapon no matter what direction you swing it. God's word is just such a weapon. But instead of dealing death, it deals LIFE!
Sin whispers through the desires of the flesh and the rationalizations of the mind. "You won't have a chance in the future if you don't cheat on this test." "You won't be noticed if you don't dress this way." "You won't have job security if you speak up about dishonest practices at work." "Your life will be wasted in this relationship, you should just get a divorce." "Only a fool would go around looking weak instead of getting revenge." These are all lies...every one of them.
It is the deceitfulness of sin made manifest in the flesh. These lies and others can lodge themselves very deep in our hearts. They will stay in our minds as thought and intentions. They will seem unshakably true because of the hardness of the heart that encloses them like a dark, sealed casket.
When the heart and the mind are in this condition, unbelief has the upper hand. They block out the teachings that we know are true. Instead of trusting in the promises of God, we are believing in the promises of sin.
The Word of God is living, active and sharp. It will penetrate deeper than the deception of sin has ever gone and reveal what is truly worth trusting.
Look at the image of the sword. If the blade were sharp only on one side, it's use would be limited.This is a formidable weapon no matter what direction you swing it. God's word is just such a weapon. But instead of dealing death, it deals LIFE!
Sin whispers through the desires of the flesh and the rationalizations of the mind. "You won't have a chance in the future if you don't cheat on this test." "You won't be noticed if you don't dress this way." "You won't have job security if you speak up about dishonest practices at work." "Your life will be wasted in this relationship, you should just get a divorce." "Only a fool would go around looking weak instead of getting revenge." These are all lies...every one of them.
It is the deceitfulness of sin made manifest in the flesh. These lies and others can lodge themselves very deep in our hearts. They will stay in our minds as thought and intentions. They will seem unshakably true because of the hardness of the heart that encloses them like a dark, sealed casket.
When the heart and the mind are in this condition, unbelief has the upper hand. They block out the teachings that we know are true. Instead of trusting in the promises of God, we are believing in the promises of sin.
The Word of God is living, active and sharp. It will penetrate deeper than the deception of sin has ever gone and reveal what is truly worth trusting.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
To stand....
Confrontation is not comfortable. Nor is it something most of us seek. But if we have never had a confrontation with another human it either means we have lived a very secluded life or we do not have strong opinions about the world in which we live.
Although I do not want to be in a constant state of confrontation, I do stand up when I see injustice. When one person is taking advantage of another...when an organization is taking advantage of an individual...when an ideal becomes a god.
When you believe in truth, you must believe with all your heart....and be willing to stand against any who would deny you (or another) that truth.
Although I do not want to be in a constant state of confrontation, I do stand up when I see injustice. When one person is taking advantage of another...when an organization is taking advantage of an individual...when an ideal becomes a god.
When you believe in truth, you must believe with all your heart....and be willing to stand against any who would deny you (or another) that truth.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
A woman and a well
A modern take on John 4:3 - 30...read first the story of the Samaritan woman with the tarnished reputation (she came to the well at noon to avoid the other women)...then listen to the speakers version...
John 4:3-30 (New International Version)
3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” 27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
John 4:3-30 (New International Version)
3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” 27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Better to
...light a candle than to curse the darkness. (Chinese Proverb)
Or
by Asbo Jesus
Two ways to say the same thing? Both involve candles, light and darkness...both have the same message as to how to rid yourself of darkness. But if it is emotional or spiritual darkness...who or what is your candle then?
Or
by Asbo Jesus
Two ways to say the same thing? Both involve candles, light and darkness...both have the same message as to how to rid yourself of darkness. But if it is emotional or spiritual darkness...who or what is your candle then?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Except you...
by: Asbo Jesus
Many struggle with issues of self esteem. We do not see ourselves as others see us. We do not see ourselves as God sees us. We buy into the lie that we are unattractive and
unlovable. For whatever reason, it is easier to believe the "bad" about ourselves. Even if we have to make it up in our own mind, or distort a comment we may have heard.
Think how sad it must make God when we take this attitude...He tells us we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". We look around nature and see all the marvelous things God created...would He have put any less effort in you? I think not.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Bible
I know I've been linking to other places and quoting several others lately...but when I run across a story or article that interests me, I want to pass it along. So today, another one! Adam Hamilton at "Seeing Gray" presents a good piece on the Bible...
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/2008/12/12/president-bush-evolution-and-the-bible/
You'll want to read the whole article but his description is this:
"The Bible is an amazing, challenging, beautiful, confusing, inspiring, upsetting and deeply true book that is not best described by simplistic statements"...as the kids would say, "True, that!"
http://adamhamilton.cor.org/2008/12/12/president-bush-evolution-and-the-bible/
You'll want to read the whole article but his description is this:
"The Bible is an amazing, challenging, beautiful, confusing, inspiring, upsetting and deeply true book that is not best described by simplistic statements"...as the kids would say, "True, that!"
Monday, July 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
No Words...
I saw this today and was reminded of the many times in my life that Jesus was with me while I suffered. Not only did He stand beside me, He suffered too. A few pen and ink lines are able to speak the truth in volumes.No Words...
www.nakedpastor.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)