Aloha Firday Message – December 24, 2010 – Fourth Friday in Advent

December 23, 2010

1052AFC122410

Merry Christmas, Beloved, and Happy Aloha Friday, too!
Here is today’s selection from The List of 52 Verses:
John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

In the passage, part of Jesus’ last words (also called Jesus’ Final Discourse) with his disciples before his Passion and Death – Jesus is explaining that their lives will change soon because he is leaving them behind to carry out the work of the Kingdom, and yet they will not be alone because he is sending them the Spirit (John 14:15-28). Despite knowing what lay ahead of him only a few hours into the future, he expressed joy in the love of them, joy in the sending of the Spirit, and joy in completing their lives with the continuation of his ministry. This Final Discourse is only a few pages long, was probably written by a first-century Christian perhaps around 100 AD, and it contains a treasury of assurances about God’s Plan of Salvation.

Part of that plan, by no means the first part, is what we commemorate tomorrow: Jesus’ birth in the town of Bethlehem. We will be remembering the night when Mary and Joseph held something like this in their hands:

What a night that must have been! I have a picture in my mind – a composite of Christmas carols, half-remembered sermons, bits of old movies, and just stuff I imagined. Indeed, it was a Holy Night. It was a beginning unlike any other which would ultimately lead to an ending unlike any other. Between those two ends there was a fairly unremarkable life for about thirty years. And then it was like War broke out. Jesus Took the Power of God right into the enemy’s stronghold: Earthlings. God became human long enough to gain final victory over the Accuser and over his most powerful weapon – Death.

Today we finish the last installment in the series on the Whole Armor of God. Today we are going to think about why we want to know about and use the Whole Armor of God. Let’s take a look at the passage again, because I want you to remember each of the parts of the armor.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Paul makes it clear here and elsewhere (Romans 13:12-14) 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Whole Armor of God is everything that Jesus brought to us through his birth, life, passion, death, and resurrection. His brought Earthlings – humanity – Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, and Salvation, and he was, is, and always will be The Word. And why do we need to wear the FULL armor? Would the Roman soldier we have been imagining over the last few weeks go into battle without a piece of his armor? We have seen that it all fit together to give him the highest level of protection possible. Would he go into battle and leave behind his helmet or shield or sword? That would be highly unlikely. We are absolutely at war now, not just in the World, but also in a Spiritual war; and too many people are not taking it seriously enough to arm themselves and fight back against a relentless enemy. You know what the Armor is. Do you know how to join into Spiritual Warfare? Do you know the tactical plans and the resources available to you to fight in this spiritual war? I’m going to share some of that information with you now.

But first, I want to direct your attention to a resource that has hundreds of ways to explore this topic further:

http://www.battlefocused.org/spiritual-warfare/. And I recommend this one as well because it is so well done: http://www.battlefocused.org/spiritual-warfare/matrix/. In addition you can find some comprehensive information at these sites: http://www.dianedew.com/spirwar.htm and http://www.practicalspiritualwarfare.com/scriptures-on-prayer.html

(© 2001 – 2010, Battle Focused Ministries. All rights reserved. For additional information contact Pastor Robert Simms at [email protected]. To donate or to obtain additional information go to http://www.battlefocused.org/about_us.php) About Us

There are three points I want to make about this idea of Spiritual Warfare.
1. It is real and not enough Earthlings believe that.
2. There are consequences – including eternal death – for losing the battles that comprise the War.
3. War is a community effort. Both sides have armies of soldiers fighting each other. Only one Army will win. That winning community of Warriors will know eternal Life.

It is real and not enough Earthlings believe that.
For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 (Amplified Version).

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6: 12

…every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:3-4

There are consequences – including eternal separation from the Life of God – for losing the battles that comprise the War.

If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. Matthew 18:8

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. Matthew 25:41

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:46

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark 3:29

They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 2 Thessalonians 1:9

And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment. Jude 1:7

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 6:1-3

The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. Proverbs 10:16

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:11, and Note

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Revelation 20:14, and

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 and Note

Whether you believe that Hell is a burning lake of fire or “merely” the knowledge that your spirit and resurrected body are totally and eternally cut off from God, the fact remains that Only Christ has the power of Redemption and all who are without Christ cannot be and will not be redeemed.

Only one Army will win.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:16-21
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:7-8

Should I ransom them from the grave? Should I redeem them from death? O death, bring on your terrors! O grave, bring on your plagues! For I will not take pity on them. Hosea (13:14)

1 Corinthians 15 Read this entire chapter for some amazing insights. Check out the notes as you come across them.

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Revelation 21:1-7 Read the whole passage.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

When this …

… became this,
➡

the victory was assured. But the war rages on, and if we, together as community – an ARMY, put on The Whole Armor of God, we will share in His Victory for all eternity.

Our traditional Christmas Blessing:

May Hope and Peace and Joy and Love be yours in the coming of the Christ Child!
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved
chick

Aloha Friday Message – December 17, 2010 – Third Friday of Advent

December 17, 2010

1051AFC121710
Happy Aloha Friday, Beloved! Have I told you lately that I love you? It is true that I do, but not as much as HE loves you. How much is that? Check this out!

ISAIAH 49:15
NIV ~~ Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
KJV ~~ Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Beloved, here is a Great Mystery, something so magnificent that one can scarcely comprehend it: God is so faithful, so kind, and so loving that He never forgets his people and He is never indifferent to their existence. He has chosen to create us to receive the gift of His grace through Christ, Jesus his only begotten Son, who is the Perfection of His Love. It is not His disposition to do otherwise. That alone is awe-inspiring beyond our understanding. And yet our God, El Shaddai*, exceeds even this in that, despite our guilt and rebellion, He does forget our sins. He knows us and remembers us only as His Holy Ones, His sons and daughters, and co-heirs to Eternity with His Son. Praise be to our God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every Spiritual blessing in heaven. (see Ephesians 1:3)

* See 818AFC050208

This is the third installment in our series on The Full Armor of God. Today we will examine what Paul means when he writes of the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit.

THE HELMET OF SALVATION
Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” I think if I were going to write about the armor a soldier wears, I would probably begin with the helmet. A head wound is nearly as immediately fatal as a wound directly to the heart. In fact, one can be wounded by some weapon in just about any other part of the body other than the head and have a fairly decent chance of survival and recovery. Head wounds if not fatal, on the other hand, can result in severe brain damage, loss of speech, loss of mobility, loss of sensation (any or all of the Five Senses), and/or changes in personality and perception. As you know by now, Paul listed the items in this passage in the order in which they were donned because that is also the order in which they come into the service of God.

The helmet is another ancient defensive armament, appearing historically around the same time as the first shields (see last week’s message). Originally made of leather, they evolved with reinforcements of wood or bone. Later they were made of copper, bronze, iron, or steel. In modern times they were even made of reinforced and strengthened fabric. Some were also made of gold! Paul gives no description of the helmet or sword in the verse where these two armaments are mentioned, so we would need to rely on the image of what his contemporaries would have recalled. The word used in Greek in this letter to the Ephesians for “helmet” is perikefalaia; a perikephalaia {per-ee-kef-al-ah’-yah}. It is a sort of generic term for helmet – something which encircles the head rather than any specific form or construction of helmet. The whole purpose of the helmet is to protect the head because that which is inside the head is what keep the soldier in the fight: His mind! Paul’s metaphor of armor illustrates how to be protected in Spiritual Warfare. The helmet, the sure knowledge of salvation in Jesus Christ, protects our head – our mind – from being wounded by the weapons of the enemy. If we think back to the kind of helmet worn by soldiers in heavy infantry, the helmet had flaps to protect the ears, a visor which shielded and protected the eyes and forehead, a guard over the nose, and an extension which protected the back of the neck. The whole head was protected, and so also must the whole mind be protected from attacks through the senses, and through mistaken ideas and imaginations generated in the mind. If you are going up against the enemy of God, you are going against a powerful foe, and having a clear mind that is protected from the enemy’s tricks and weapons is essential! Knowing and using the knowledge of Salvation is your best defense for your mind.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD
I remember a type of contest called a Sword Drill. It was a competition among young people to find scripture passages quickly. You had to have your Bible closed and on your lap or on a table. A clue was given, and the contestants would pick up their Bibles and try to get to the passage matched to the clue. The first one to find it won that round and earned a point. Sometimes we were grouped into teams and one group “battled” the other with … The Sword – the Word of God. The clue might sound like this: Name the weapon Paul used to describe the word of God. The answer could be found in Hebrews 4:12, as well as Ephesians 6:17. The word Paul uses for sword is one that describes a large knife or a short sword – something that is easily maneuverable and can be quickly moved to block blows or to thrust against the enemy. In researching this image, I was initially surprised to learn that Paul uses a word that describes speaking the word of God – rhema – that which is spoken by a living voice. Now I recall in Romans 10:17, Paul says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Another word used in the New Testament for scripture is logos. This refers to the written word as well as to the embodiment of The Word (see John 1:1) in Christ.

We take up the word of God to defend and to fight against our enemy, the Accuser. When we read and study The Word, we are protecting our life from the attacks of the enemy. When we speak The Word, we are engaging the enemy in – quite literally – a fight for Life. As believers, then, we should always have the Sword of the Spirit ready, in hand, and held firmly. We should practice using it, get to know all of the things it can do. We should never let down our guard or fail to maintain our skills. When you leave your Bible gathering dust on the shelf or nightstand, you are missing an important part of your defense. The battle is at hand. Prepare the way of the LORD. ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
The number of request for our prayers continues to grow. Many families have been hit with bad news, illness, injury, and loss. Let us begin each day, therefore, giving thanks and praise to God for the goodness and protection he brings into our lives. Even those among us who are suffering can give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

• JC – Continued healing and safety, and home in time for Christmas
• AT – Life spinning out of control; has abandoned family and friends. Pray for discernment, morality, and faith and return to the Lord.
• CI – reunite with family and a good job
• DO – maintain improved health after long illness
• HK – quick recovery from illness
• BB & CF – Traveler’s Safety, and blessing on their Mission
• RS, PM, PD, CS, FP, MP, BF, MC, BG, and J&SK – Blessings on them during this, the busiest time of their ministries and service to others.
• JK & family – courage, health, and faith
• KV – Freedom from pain and illness and able to travel for family
• KD – Help in finding a place to live and a way to pay for it
• ZL – Now in Hospice, eager to go Home to the Lord
• NA – Despite many dangerous health problems, still reaching out to help others; pray for strength, wisdom for the doctors, and a joyful Christmas
• MH – Hospice care is making her final days an opportunity to reach out to God and family
• RF & LM – Much love and blessings from all the families.

Jesus we pray for All the Peoples especially those suffering in Haiti (Daniel & Patterson, Taisha, Jacob), Pakistan, Chile, Sudan – especially Darfur – and in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the Philippines, Indonesia and in other disasters both natural and man-made over the entire world. We pray for Christians and for people of all faiths who are being persecuted for their beliefs.

We also pray that those who fear they cannot or should not be forgiven will find that your mercy exceeds all their fears.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved
chick

Aloha Friday Message – December 10, 2010 – Second Friday of Advent

December 10, 2010

1050AFC121010 A Blesséd Aloha Friday to Everyone. Here is today’s selection from The List of 52 Verses.

ISAIAH 40:11 ~NIV~ He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

~KJV~ He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

The people in Jesus’ time, and for centuries before that, understood that a flock of sheep or goats was an investment in the future. They provided more than just food, of course. The also provided milk, wool, leather, and even income. Those who cared for the sheep knew each animal by its voice and appearance, and could tell the difference between “normal conversation” among the animals, and sounds of distress or caring. The shepherd protected the sheep. He led them by walking in front of them, and they followed his voice because they knew him, and they trusted their shepherd. Jesus asks us to follow him. He calls us, each by name, to walk with him through green pastures, to rest near gentle waters, and to traverse the valleys confidently following his lead. He cares for the littlest among us – no matter how young or old – and gives equal protection and value to every member of the flock. He is The Good Shepherd, and today he is calling you and me to prepare for his return as The King of Glory. Some of us spend so much time getting ready for Christmas that we forget to get ready for Christ. He is coming. He is near. He is here. Listen! He calls your name!

The Gospel of Peace and the Shield of Faith

The Gospel of Peace
15 … and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. At the beginning of the description of the Armor of God, Paul says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” And soldier can tell you that one of the most important pieces of his uniform is his footgear. It has to be strong, well-fitted, suited to the environment, properly cared for to preserve its utility, and able to keep him from injuring his feet and/or ankles. A soldier who cannot stand and fight is at a huge disadvantage. He can neither advance toward nor retreat from his foe. Therefore his footgear needs also to be reliable enough to continue to protect him until at last the enemy is completely vanquished. For the soldier in ancient times, the footgear included what we would call shin guards; these were often brass plates fastened to dense but supple leather that protected the soles, ankles, and lower legs of the soldier. (The term “greaves” applies here. They were coverings of metal and/or leather used mostly by infantry soldiers – what we call “boots on the ground.”) Often the soles of the footgear were enhanced with cleats or hobnails (short nails or screws inserted in the soles of the shoes to help provide durability and extra traction in slippery ground) to give better traction and prolong the life of the sole of the shoe.

So how is it that Paul likens Roman military footgear to The Gospel of Peace? Beloved, when we are standing on the Word, and have the Gospel of the Lord to help us keep our footing while engaging the Foe, we are more likely to be able to defend against his attacks and more capable of vanquishing him from our territory. When we are well-grounded in the Gospel through thorough study (as in the careful construction of the footgear) and proper application of the content and meaning of that study (as in the care and attention give to fastening on the soldier’s footgear), then we can stand firm in “the Peace that surpasses all understanding.” Thus, with such firm footing, we can enhance the effectiveness of the entire Armor which increases our confidence in our ability to stand against the enemy until we prevail. With this foundation of readiness which arises from the purposefulness of the design of our footgear – the Gospel, we can stand confidently on our knowledge of the Gospel and fight the good fight.

The Shield of Faith

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The shield is one of the most ancient defensive armaments. They are designed to fend of blows from an attacker and are usually worn on the arm opposite the arm wielding the offensive weapon – such as a sword. Shields in prehistoric times were made of leather, wood, and – in later times – metal reinforcements. The size and shape varied greatly over the centuries until around the 16th century as the use of gunpowder became more widespread. For Roman heavy infantry, the shield were fashioned to be identical and able to lock together to provide protection from archers’ arrows. This kind of shield was quite long – 3-4 feet so as to cover the body from neck to knee – and they could kneel behind it when there was a flight of arrows. It was mounted on a wooden frame and was comprised of multiple layers of hide. It usually also had a large metal knob or crest (called a boss) in the center and was rimmed with metal to protect the wooden frame. Although heavier than the small, rounder shields used in skirmishes or by cavalry, the “door shield” (scutum) was maneuverable enough that it could even be used as a weapon. One of the most dangerous offensive weapons was fire, and an enemy would use arrows or darts treated with combustibles. The fiery darts or arrows were intended to increase the danger to the foot-soldier in the hope of catching his clothing or flesh on fire and distracting or incapacitating him. The shield Paul describes was sometimes soaked in water to literally quench the fiery arrows, but even without water, the hides were taut enough that the arrows could just bounce off and be extinguished.

Paul likens that shield to Faith. Faith is build up in layers. Animal hides were the basis of the Roman shields, and throughout the history of the Hebrews – even in Paul’s day, animal sacrifices were made by Israel as well as by other pagan religions. The wooden frame held the hides in place and provided a way to shift the position of the shield for better defense. The metal components added strength to the frame and increased the protection of the soldier by preventing fracturing of the frame.

Our foe, The Accuser, uses “fiery darts” and “flaming arrows” to great effect. There are the temptations he fires at us to distract, injure, and even defeat us on the battlefield. Our faith, like the Roman shield, must be built up in layers. Each time we learn to trust in the Lord instead of trusting our own strength, we strengthen the layers of our faith. Faith must have a framework that is strong enough to support our trust in God. The framework that supports faith is knowledge. The more we learn about God’s heart and mind, his will and plan, the better protection we receive from our faith. The metal boss at the center of the shield and the metal rim around the shield could be said to represent our testimony of the power of God’s grace. Testifying to God’s protection through grace strengthens our faith and helps prevent damage to the trust and knowledge, the shield and frame, of our faith. In summary, our Shield of Faith is built up in layers of trust, strengthened and shaped by our knowledge of God’s will and plan for our protection, made stronger still by our testimony about God’s grace. That is powerful protection!

That’s a wrap for today, Beloved. Please, please, please take up the full armor of God! There is such a terrible spiritual war being waged against us. Here are some of the skirmishes and sieges we need to oppose:

Jesus we pray for All the Peoples especially those suffering in Haiti (Daniel & Patterson, Taisha, Jacob), Pakistan, Chile, Sudan* – especially Darfur – and in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the Philippines, Indonesia and in other disasters both natural and man-made over the entire world. We pray for Christians in these countries and for people of all faiths who are being persecuted for their beliefs.
++++++++++++++++++++
Jorey’s surgery went well enough, and she’s still had some difficult and remarkably painful days; we hope there will not be any more of those ahead. After the craniotomy earlier this week, she had a rough go of it for a while, but was able to be discharged from the hospital Wednesday. She has to stay in SF for at least two weeks, JIC, but is recovering well. Please continue to support her during healing, and support her family as well. It is so difficult to watch anyone suffer in pain, but your own child or sibling … way worse. Pray with us that God will continue the healing of this rare tumor. Her surgeon called the tumor and the healing “baffling.” Jorey’s mom and I agree: Baffling is a synonym for “MIRACLE.”

KD’s home situation has not improved. We are hoping for an affordable apartment and the fortitude to let loose of all the possessions accumulated over a lifetime – all gone as if in a hurricane.

NA continues to battle on huge challenge after another with health. Latest word is that there is an arterial ulcer, and that is causing blood leakage which makes her badly damaged heart work harder, and ups the level of pain considerably. She will be 36 in February, and has chalked up about 70 years of suffering health-wise. In addition, trusted friends, counselors, and mentors are facing their own health problems and some have gone on to be with God. You can help with prayers of support and intercessions for her strengthening during these trials.

For those who are diligently looking for work, we pray for their success as well as for compassion from the communities in which they live.

For everyone dealing with cancer in any form – especially those we know like FO – please pray for their individual courage and strength, remission or removal, and for hope, healing, and health.

For MC: Husband, an abusive drug user, trumped up charges of child abuse and kids went to foster care. Pray with her for justice and a recommitment to her Christian upbringing.

We also pray that those who fear they cannot or should not be forgiven will find that your mercy exceeds all their fears.

Lastly:
• The likelihood of civil war, mass murder, genocide, and other atrocities looms on the horizon as the secession referendum for Southern Sudan approaches. Originally set for January 9, 2011, it has been postponed one week. This is important. Please pray for a peaceful resolution in this situation. There are several videos by George Clooney, a champion for this cause, on YOUTUBE, and there are hundreds of links where you can learn more about the background of this ongoing conflict which has already claimed around 2,500,000 lives since it began over 20 years ago. Pray it will not escalate with the referendum. Pray that it will be harder to kill people because we are also praying that the whole world watch and intervene. We’ve had Darfur in the prayer list for a long time; now please add the entire country of Sudan.

George Clooney on Sudan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD6UoO-QM4k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sudan Referendum http://www.gurtong.net/SudanReferendum/tabid/440/Default.aspx
Sudanese War http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11852429
Atrocities and War Crimeshttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/01/AR2010120102998.html
Please especially this one: War in Darfur http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Darfur and this one: Second Sudanese War http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sudanese_Civil_War . Regrettably it is another situation of a wealthy country dominating a poorer country, serious and deep religious differences, and millions in natural resources hanging in the balance.

Pray for Peace everywhere beginning with your own life, and pray as if you know it can happen.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved
chick
SOMETIMES WE GET SO BUSY GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS THAT WE FORGET TO GET READY FOR CHRIST. DO YOUR PART TO MAKE CHRIST THE CENTER OF CHRISTMAS AGAIN.

Aloha Friday Message – December 3, 2010 – First Friday of Advent

December 3, 2010

1049AFC120210 Please be sure to read the last 2 paragraphs!

A blessed Aloha Friday to all! Today we have three topics to consider; nonetheless I will be brief. First, today’s bible passage is from Revelation. Second, we begin a series on The Whole Armor of God. Third and last, there is news about a big change in the way these messages will be sent out. Let’s start with the passage from Revelation 21: 6 & 7

KJV
6. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

NAB
6. He said to me, “They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. 7. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.

In this passage we are assured that the Kingdom of God has been established and has indeed begun. It is established by The One who is the Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end). Those who enter the Kingdom will drink from the River of Life (See Revelation 22:1). Christ has overcome The World and all evil, and those who live in and through him share a Divine membership in the Family of God, inheriting a place in The Kingdom through adoption (See Gal 4:4-7; Romans 8:14-17). Thus we become citizens of Eternity, sharing in the worship, praise, honor, and glory given to God by the Angels, The Elders, The Four Living Creatures, and all the believers saved by the Blood of The Lamb. That is a choir I eagerly anticipate joining!

During the four weeks of Advent, I want to do a series on The Whole Armor of God. Here is the Scripture passage in Ephesians 6:10-18.

NIV (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NIV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Here is the plan for the discussion that follows:

2010 Advent Series

Paul, like everyone in the Roman Empire, was very familiar with Roman soldiers. A Roman solder had saved his life in Ephesus and Jerusalem, there were Roman solders with him on his travels to Rome for his trial, and Roman soldiers were his guard in his long imprisionment. The Roman Army was the best trained, best prepared, most efficient, and best outfitted army in the world at that time. The uniform they wore was indeed “uniform.” Paul describes it on the basis of, and probably in the order of, the way the uniform was put on. First was the belt.

BELT
This was not a belt like the one we think of today holding up a pair of trousers. The Roman soldier’s belt was the foundation of the uniform, and its use was far more important than just decoration and its purpose far more important than simple utility; it was the ultimate Utility Belt. This belt was a remarkable tool that carried a wide variety of basic fighting equipment. It was this very wide belt which was used to fasten the sword to the soldier’s side (“sword”: coming December 17th). It had places to attach rations, smaller weapons like darts, lengths of rope, and other weapons for close combat. The belt was so important that it was always put on carefully, tied in several places so that it would not shift. This ensured the soldier would always be able to find and use the implements attached to the belt without fumbling or hesitation. No matter how he moved or what terrain he was covering, the belt stayed in place and assured him the quickest-possible access to weapons of defense and offense. The belt even contained “testimony” of the soldier’s valor, battles, and victories. This belt, when properly prepared and correctly set up and mounted, marked the man as a true soldier of Rome. The completeness of his training in using this belt and everything carried on it made him a formidable foe and a pragmatic protector.

Paul tells us to put on the Belt of Truth. Bearing in mind this description of the soldier’s belt, we see first that Paul is telling us that Truth is the foundation of our uniform. The Truth we learn through careful and accurate training is the foundation of everything a Christian does. Everything we need to keep handy in our spiritual battle with The Accuser is right at our fingertips, supported and organized by Truth. No matter what we’re going through, if our belt has been well-made (accurate and valid) and our training has been carefully learned, we will be well-prepared to take on the enemy. The Truth will also bear testimony to the virtue, valor, and victory we achieve when in uniform.

BREASTPLATE
This was a carefully crafted device which covered the front and back of the upper torso (“thorax”). There were a number of designs and each design was based on the purpose of the protection needed. The idea was to protect the vital organs of the wearer without compromising his ability to move. It had to be lightweight and could not restrict movement. It also had to be strong enough to protect the wearer from the kind of battle he was likely to encounter. Seasoned, more senior warriors with the highest skills would have the best armor. Newer soldiers whose function was to be part of an initial skirmish often had lesser-quality armor. As one might expect, the breastplate had an intimate connection with the belt. The two were attached in such a way as to make them quite nearly a single, flexible, strong unit. The solder put on the belt first, and next came the breastplate. Once these were secured and tested, other pieces of the armor were added; however, without these two pieces, the other parts of a soldier’s armor were almost ineffective – certainly ineffective for war and close combat.

Paul assigns to the breastplate the term “righteousness.” I confess for many years I thought this meant the righteousness of the soldier – my righteousness. I believed that was my lack of righteousness – such as feigned virtue, personal immorality, easy duplicity, and lack of integrity – which created “holes in my armor.” This made sense to me – until I learned that the righteousness Paul intends is the Righteousness of God. It is His righteousness that protects me, not my self-righteousness. If I had to rely on my own righteousness, well, I’d be at a considerable disadvantage against our enemy. God’s righteousness, however, is unassailable, invincible, and impenetrable. When I connect God’s Righteousness to well-ordered Truth, I have basic protection that will help preserve my life, make it more difficult for the enemy to wound or overcome me, and a foundation upon which I can place additional armor that further protects me. What I gain in protection is strong enough to last but easy enough to carry that it is not a burden; it does not weaken me before or during battle by wearing me out.

Next week we will look at another passage from The List of 52 Verses. Then we’ll look into the Gospel of Peace and the Shield of Faith.

In closing, I need to tell you about an ongoing project. Many of you got a sample last week when you clicked on a link that took you to a post on https://aloha-friday.org. That is the blog-site for the MBN. It is a wonderful gift from a dear friend who has been an active supporter of the MBN. He also happens to be one of the finest Information Technology practitioners in the world. With a lot of hard work from him and another equally talented – and very artistic – team member, the initial rough outline of a blogging website was crafted into a beautiful place for all of us to use and to share. All of the Aloha Friday cards and messages have been uploaded to the archives of this blog. In the future, when I post something there, it will automatically be mailed out to everyone who is a subscriber.

For the next couple of weeks, I will continue to send out the messages to you via E-Mail; but, I will also include the link to that week’s message at aloha-friday.org. It would expedite matters if each of you would take a moment to enter your own subscription information. If you open our home page, look on the right column of that page. The fifth item down says “News Letter Signup.” Click on that link and you’ll find the Invitation Letter. At the end of the letter there is a box where you can type in your E-Mail address. When you click on the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON, our anti-spam control gadget (feedburner) will present you with a message telling you an email will be sent to your address. You’ll see on of those boxes with distorted text. Type the text (case sensitive) into the box provided and then click on the button that says Complete Subscription Request. You’ll see a thank you note, and if you open your E-Mail you will see that we are asking to confirm your email address and your desire to subscribe. Click on the link in that message, and that’s it! You’ve just subscribed. And even without subscribing, any time you want to see the latest post, just open https://aloha-friday.org and take a look. There will also be places for you to make comments, to make prayer requests or praise reports, and just many ways to enjoy sharing The Word together. Please, try it out, sign up, get on the Moon Beam and Network!

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved
======================================================
Share-A-Prayer
Jorey Cantu had her second surgery December 1. She will have a long recovery, but we hope that will be the end of this tumor that has disrupted her life for so long. Pray for her and her family to have strength to endure the healing that comes next.

FO – Please continue your prayerful support for her as she begins dealing with a newly-diagnosed cancer. Please also remember the family members who will be an integral part of her support system.

TH, CD, KD, TO and the tens of thousands displaced by lack of work, foreclosures, and other financial disasters.

For our colleagues in Haiti, Zambia, the Philippines (particularly Cebu, Leyte, and Luzon), Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico, and Chile – pray that Peace will cover them, disease, starvation, and war will leave them.

Pray for one another. I am praying for you.

chick
AGE QUOD AGIS

Special Posting – Friends of Jorey Cantu

November 28, 2010

Friends of Jorey Cantu Post
Many of you will recall our frequent requests to pray for “JC” in previous Aloha Friday Messages. Those initials stand for Jorey Cantu. Jorey is home for a while recovering from the emergency surgery (see “1047AFC111910 – Honey from The Rock” the Aloha Friday Message for November 19, 2010). She is facing more surgeries and the medical expenses are mounting rapidly – especially since she and family members have to travel to the mainland for the surgery and check-ups.

This weekend Friends of Jorey Cantu organized a fundraiser for Jorey and her family. It was a surprise to the family, but a welcome opportunity for those of us who love Jorey as our own Extra-Ordinary Person. She has given us so much of herself, and is always generous with her talents, her smiles and laughter, and her remarkable courage. I invite you to pray with us, donate with us, hope and love with us as Jorey prepares for additional surgery. It’s a scary time, in a way, for us because we feel we cannot do enough to help. For Jorey, it is a time to allow us, who have received so much from her, to give back and show her how much we love her and support her.

Please SHARE this link, this message, this JPEG, this information. Distribute it to your prayer groups, your friends and family, your FaceBook and Twitter buddies, and encourage all of them to send it to everyone as well. Let us build a TSUNAMI of prayer, good will, and yes – contributions – for this remarkable young woman. Even in the face of all this, she blesses us with her smiling confidence and courageous service.

I thank you in advance for your prayerful support and financial consideration.

E pili mau na pomaika‘i ia ‘oe! … May Blessings Always Be With You!

Jorey’s Prayer

Lord, it’s time to remember Your servant, JOREY CANTU. Watch over her, Father. Bless her. Protect her. Guide her. Direct her. Keep her safe from every harm and danger in body, mind, and spirit. See to her temporal needs and continue to draw her to an ever-deeper spiritual awareness of and commitment to you through Jesus. Increase her faith and fill her with Light.

We are placing this intention in the hands of Saint Damien, knowing that he will carry it to Your Precious Heart, and to assist him we ask St. Pio, Charles, Merilee, Van, Julie, and David to join him in petitioning You for her healing. We ask for a complete healing for JOREY CANTU. Take that tumor away, and make her whole. Pull it out of her with Your own hand or guide the hands of the surgeons who take it from her. Bless her with hope, healing, and health.

We anticipate the inevitable supernatural intervention of God – we expect a MIRACLE! Deliver her from the worries, the side-effects, and the discomforts this tumor brings and let her life be a testimony to the power of love and prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ, who lives and reigns with You, The Father Almighty, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life. Amen!

Aloha Friday Message – November 26, 2010 – Aloha Friday at last!

November 26, 2010

1048AFC112610 Happy Aloha Friday …

To our friends in the Central and West Pacific, Good Morning. To our Friends in Zambia, Good night. To our friends on the East coast, Good evening. And to those of you on the West coast, Good afternoon. I have been sidelined by a heavy-duty cold, and am just now getting my act together a little bit. I’m brim-full of helpful chemicals, so while they last I want to write down whatever has been percolating all week.

Today’s scripture from The List of 52 Verses was supposed to be revelation 19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” That is certainly a wonderful passage. Everyone the LORD has called by name to be a servant – in whatever capacity – always and forever find great joy in praising God. When we live our lives as if every thought, work, and deed is a prayer offered to God so that we indeed “pray without ceasing,” then our praise is also continues because we “fear” – meaning honor and reverence – God in every aspect of our lives. It’s a good way to roll. Be now, up at the first line of this paragraph, you see the words, “was supposed to be.” That verse, wonderful as it is, has been preempted by two other verses and a song lyric that have insinuated themselves into nearly every waking moment and every meditation. And I am not sure why that has happened; nonetheless, I will share it all with you and see where it goes. Ready?

First the verses:
Col 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

1 Peter 2:12 Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.

And now the song lyric. This is a song I learned in the early 50’s. It was recorded by Dinah Shore, and was pretty popular because of its “misleading: lyrics. Back in the days when I played my 12-string a lot it was part of my standard repertoire. I’ve laid it out here the way I usually sing it. (Click on the title for a detailed history from Wikipedia).

“Sweet Violets” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Violets

There once was a farmer who took a young miss
In back of the barn where he gave her a …
lecture
On chickens and eggs
And told her that she had such beautiful …
Manners that suited a girl of her charms
A girl that he wanted to take in his ….
Washing and ironing and then if she did
They could get married and raise lots of …

Sweet violets
Sweeter than the roses
Covered all over from head to toe
Covered all over with sweet violets

The girl told the farmer that he’d better stop
And she call her father and he called a …
Taxi and got there before very long
‘Cause some one was doin’ his little girl…
R-r-r-
Right for a change and so that’s why he said
If you marry her son, you’re better off ….
single
‘Cause it’s always been my belief
Marriage will bring a man nothing but …

Sweet Violets
Sweeter than the roses
Covered all over from head to toe
Covered all over with sweet violets

The farmer decided he wed anyway
And started in planning for his wedding …
Suit
which he purchased for only one buck
But then he found out he was just out of …
Money
and so he got left in the lurch
A standin’ and waitin’ in front of the …
End
of the story which just goes to show
All a girl wants from a man is his …….

Sweet Violets!
Sweeter than the roses!
Covered all over from head to toe
Covered all over with

SWE-E-E-E-E-T VI-I-I-I-I-O-LETS!

Quite an odd combination of materials! Well, let’s take a look at the scriptures first. One could sum them up in the First TQM Axiom, “What we do says who we are. Actions speak louder than words.” The authors of those two passages tell us that if and when we live our lives as examples of responsible and civil citizens, we give testimony about the goodness and fullness of God to others who are not believers. In other words, just as in the passage from Revelation, we praise God continuously by being good citizens, good coworkers, good family members, … good and faithful servants. And when we do all of this with in intention of honoring God rather than seeking honor and praise for our selfish gain, then God is blessed (happy) the community is blessed, we are blessed, and all creatures of creation – from the angels, the elders, and the Four Living Creatures to the simplest life forms (even this remarkable efficient virus that is pestering me) – ALL of these praise God endlessly.

How and why can this happen? I believe it happens when we willingly cooperate with God’s plans by following his precepts – one can call them teachings, principles, rules, laws, instructions, or commands – it matters little how we name them. When we live in harmony with his purpose for creating everything, including us, then … life just goes better because everything is connected as it should be. It is that aspect of connectedness that brings us the “Sweet Violets” of life.

In the lyrics of that song, our minds want to complete the implied rhyme. We want the girl to have beautiful legs, not beautiful manners. We want the girl’s father to call a cop, not a taxi. And we want the farmer to find out he was just out of luck instead of just out of money. And yet each time we are teased a bit by the implied rhyme, we find a bit of humor in the way the song takes an turn and keeps going. Finally, in the end, we know what’s coming – Sweet Violets. Beautiful colors, wonderful fragrance, and the reward on knowing all along that it was going to be a happy ending.

That’s sounds a lot like the life of a believer, doesn’t it!? We think we know how tings are going to turn out, and then whoosh! We are on a different track. It happens so often that we begin to anticipate the changes. And all the while we know, “This is going to end sweetly.” And sure enough it does because as we live our lives and willing offer up every “whoosh!” we also end up getting our wished-for Sweet Violets. That sweet fragrance and intense color scents and colors our lives. (Have you ever eaten a fresh violet flower? Am-a-a-a-a-a-ZING!!! Try them in a salad sometime.)

And so beloved, we finally come to the end of this odd recipe, this testimony to the plans of the Spirit. I did not expect to arrive here, but I am glad I did because you are my Sweet Violets, and you flavor and color my life with exuberant praise for our God who created all things through Christ Jesus – including those tender, fragile, and gloriously beautiful Sweet Violets.

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Next Friday is the First Friday of Advent. We will begin a series on Ephesians 6:10-18. If all goes as planned, you will receive your copy of the Aloha Friday Message from [email protected]. The message will arrive individually addressed to you. In the message you will find a link that will take you Someplace New. Tune in Friday, December 3, 2010 for more news. If you have a FaceBook account, there will also be a link posted on my wall and in my profile.

Until then, I ask you to constantly hold Diane, Ken, and Emi Pierce in your prayers.
They are in Haiti providing medical care to the people who have suffered so much. They are protecting dozens of children from the ravishes of the cholera epidemic, and ask for your prayerful support. Please, do pray for them as frequently as possible.

The economy’s voracious appetite for misery has also effected my own family. My brother, KD, was just ousted from his house through foreclosure – the day before Thanksgiving. We’re unsure how he will carry on from there as he was totally wiped out in the process. Pray for his sanity as he works through this trial. Another brother is down to half-hours at half-wages at super-weird hours without much prospect of things getting better; and his wife was laid off from her job, too. Our baby brother continues to battle his long-term illnesses and is occasionally employed. There are part of my motivation to “pray without ceasing” for everyone who is being ground to bits under the crushing weight of this recession.

And finally Beloved, I urge you to carefully and energetically follow the instructions God has given us through Paul and Peter. Pray for one another, pray for Peace and believe it is imminent, and serve one another as Christ has served you.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!
chick

Emergency Prayer Request – Afghanistan

November 24, 2010

EMERGENCY PRAYER:

“We are asking everyone to say a prayer for our………………..
—— “Darkhorse” 3rd Battalion 5th Marines——-( and their families.)

The Marines are fighting it out in Afghanistan and have lost 9 Marines in 4 days. Please send this on to other prayer chains.
It would be nice to know everyone is praying for our finest.
God bless them all everyone!”
—
AGE QUOD AGIS
In God WE trust

Mānaʻō Monday – November 20, 2010 – Meditations on my 40th Birthday

November 20, 2010

Twenty-four years ago today, November 20, 1986, I turned 40. I did not know it then, but I was at the beginning of a new life – a redeemed life with a chance to start over in a tiny little town in Arizona – actually in Navajo Land – Dinétah to be more accurate.

Today I am 64, living in a moderate-sized Hawaiian village called Kapahi – considered part of Kapa‘a on the island of Kaua‘i. In 1986, I thought I had five years left to live. Obviously, not that it is 2010, I was very, very wrong about that. Being wrong is something I’ve exceled at most of my life, but once in a while I get it right, too. This poem is one of those instances. I suspect I will still feel like that on November 20, 2026 when I am 80 – something I’m not so sure that I want to see. For now, I am thinking only of some threshold that’s a bit closer – Retirement. I want to retire like Teddy did. To see what I mean, please continue reading.

 

Meditations on my 40th Birthday
 

I can still remember how it started,
back on Franklin Street, at home.
We marched around the room to Sousa’s tunes.
Music made the time alive,
and I was in the band.

It was easy to catch the beat,
back at home on Franklin Street.
I had a record player in my room.
My Teddy Bear could talk and fly,
although he could not stand.

He was fearless in the dark
and knew he never would miss the mark
when it was time to cast the monsters out.
He knew the secret words to say
to make them understand.

Everything was just pretend
and so no one said it had to end.
Now, after all these years, I think I see
how all of that was shaping me
as if it had been planned.

After forty years, now, I can say
life is just a tune you play.
I’ll bet Old Teddy Bear would be surprised
to learn that he’s as old as I —
and leader of the band.

And yet , somehow, I feel he always knew,
the way all good Teddies do,
SomeOne else was writing all the songs —
making all the music right,
helping Teddy stand.

Looking back, along the corridor,
I should have seen the truth before:
Every blessed song we sang or played
was just the same old Song again.
My God! that Song is grand!

I heard it played again the other day, then
played once more in a different way,
with softer accents, longer trills, and then
I knew I didn’t have to be
alone in this strange land.

The music of millions crashed in my
ears and no one was marching. We
danced, and oh! how we danced! Some,
with feline grace, whirled, capering
across the growing horizon, touching
even moon and stars.

Ballets, and tangos, and waltzes,
reels, jigs, and congas —
everyone, every one, dancing for joy, and yet
the music was all the same.
Each dance and dancer formed from
that single Song. What a SONG!

Behind me, many marched on.
Before me, the music and the dancers
beckoned me through the door. Doubtfully,
I looked at my feet, and felt left out.
But beneath them, I saw the threshold.
I was at the door, so I marched right in.

Marching isn’t dancing. I turned to escape.
Standing smack in the way was SomeOne’s
beat up, fuzziless Teddy Bear.
Standing. Grinning. Then dancing.
It was hilarious. It was joy.
Come to think of it, it was Heaven.

When I awoke, I thought I could hear
SomeOne calling out, “Come near!
I Am Lord of All That Dance,
The Was, The Is, The Evermore.
The Maker of The Band.”

I’m learning to dance, praise God, as planned!

Teddy_Retired

 

Teddy – Retired

Aloha Friday Message – November 19, 2010

November 19, 2010

1047AFC111910 – Honey from The Rock

Happy Aloha Friday, Beloved. I’m running a bit slower this week, and I’ll attribute that to age. You probably recall that E-Mail that circulates around the Internet often and has the line in it “I’ve learned … Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.”

Well, I don’t know if life is actually going faster; I think I’m just going slower, and s-l-o-w-er. Eventually, thank God, this Old Mule of mine will stop, but like Professor Binns in Harry Potter’s story, I probably won’t notice.

OUR DAILY BREAD
Today I am doing something that many (most? all?) old people do: I am reminiscing. I was thinking about something we had on the kitchen table when we were kids – can you imagine 6 kids and 2 adults all gathered around a small kitchen dinette set? – and it was something I tried to incorporate into the family life Crucita and I shared with our kids. It was called “Our Daily Bread.” The mental image I have is a little fuzzy, but it was shaped like a little loaf of bread. The shape had a little box set into it, and in the box were “hundreds of” little cardboard cards of all sorts of colors; on each card was a Bible verse (many of which were also “Memory Verses”). Every night during dinner someone was selected to choose and read the bible verse. I had to spend a while looking for it, you might remember it if you saw it.

I’m pretty sure the one we had in our table with Tim and Cherie was the same sort of thing, but it was in the shape of an elongated boulder and called “Honey in The Rock.” Maybe. Anyway, that’s what I think I can remember. Sort of. Doesn’t matter. Let’s stick with Honey in The Rock. There are several bible passages that use that phrase. I think the most important one (because it is the first mention in scripture) is in The Song of Moses found in Deuteronomy 32:

Deuteronomy 32:13-14
13. He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag, 14. with curds and milk from herd and flock and with fattened lambs and goats, with choice rams of Bashan and the finest kernels of wheat. You drank the foaming blood of the grape.

“He,” in this remarkable poem, is the nation Israel. In the poem, attributed to Moses, the author describes Israel’s future disloyalty, disillusionment, disaster, dissembling, and destruction. God reiterates his promise that all will be well – everything will be “heavenly” – if only Israel will obey God and be a light to the nations. But God affirms he knows they will not live up to that potential, and promises that after they have completely hit bottom and are impoverished and imprisoned, he will embrace them still and provide them with riches and temporal glory beyond anything they can imagine.

The same image is taken up by David in Psalm 81:16 “But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

The promise made is similar to what we saw in the Song of Moses: Listen to me, follow my Law, and you will have a luxurious life while those who oppose Israel would be quashed by God.

Now, whether it was/is The Bread of Life or Honey in The Rock, the important things were those little colored cards and the Bible verses on them. The Word of God is The Bread of Life (John 6:35). This is one of the I AM verses. Verse 51 is another one (There’s a pretty good list of the here: http://www.letusreason.org/trin16.htm) Honey was a popular and important food in the daily lives of Israel and the surrounding countries. Bees were abundant then (and in many places still are) and honeycombs were found in hollow trees and logs, in rooftops and walls. In caves, and even in fissures (clefts) of rocks. The sweetness and life-sustaining quality of honey coming from the inanimate but strong and powerful rock is a simile for the sweet richness we can find in Our Rock and Our Salvation – The LORD. Jesus is The Word and God is The Rock. In either case, the Blessings we receive by going to them are there for us to enjoy and use; they are gifts from God that sustain our lives. That’s his sweet plan. That’s how he rolls. (OK, those were pretty bad puns, Mr. T!)

So, here I am getting older and older faster and faster and remembering less and less. Tomorrow I am going to be 64, and I think one thing that makes me so easily tired is that I have carried around so much junk for so many years. For example, I have carried around a set of The Harvard Classics (yagotta check it out! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Classics) for decades promising myself that I would have time to read all those great classics “when I am older – maybe retired.” Bad idea. I can’t even read 10 pages before my eyes start watering and my hands go numb! Next thing you know, the book is laying face down on my spare tire, and I’m out like a light. There is one book, however, one classic that does not affect me quite as much as those other classics.

When I am feasting on The Word, I find it easier to pay attention longer. When I savor the sweetness of Honey in The Rock, I am energized. Unlike the Queen in the Parlour, I am eating bread and honey in the Chapel – the quiet place in my heart and mind where I can always go without ever being alone because Jesus is there with me serving up Bread and Honey.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved

News of JC: Feeling about 80% better, still facing more surgery – a craniotomy temple-to-temple so they can get at the remnant of the tumor. It will be an ordeal for her and her family. Pray that it will end this tumor forever.

FO: Still waiting for word from her on how things are going. We are praying for successful management of that cancer.

Haiti: Please look for Diane Pierce on Facebook if you use it and link to her page. Snippets of the ongoing tragedy there surface occasionally on the evening news, but the view from ground-level through Diane’s posts give us a more realistic assessment of the tragedy there.

CD: Had hopes raised when interviewed for a job closer to home, but another person was chosen. We continue to pray this wonderful family can be reunited.

DN: Caring for her mom is exhausting. Pray that she can find some respite once in a while to help her reenergize.

RS: Strength and confidence to deal with many changes coming quickly.

TO: Renewed faith and return to Christ through conversion, and great success in new ventures.

MC: Pray for the children in this family. Their parents’ marriage is dissolved, each has moved into new relationships, but neither has processed a divorce. It’s tough on the kids.

NA: Remarkably positive about so much in her life again. Still there are many serious health issues to confront and well as some domestic tension. Pray for a healthy and peaceful resolution to these issues.

TH: Steady work sufficient to make a living wage so temporal needs can be met.

MBN: I encourage you to continue to pray for one another. Many of the prayer requests we publish here come from MBN members. If you will take 45 seconds every day to read or recite the MBN prayer, you will be doing much to support your brothers and sisters in their time of need or moments of praise. They are praying for, with, and about you as well. Next Friday I will have some additional information about the MBN and our members.

I am so grateful in my heart for each and every one of you. I thank you and bless you for the love you have shared through these little weekly exchanges. With love in Him who sets us free,

Age Quod Agis, Beloved
chick

Aloha Friday Message – November 12, 2010 – A Good Aloha Friday to you!

November 12, 2010

1046AFC111210

Happy Aloha Friday, Beloved! Today I am thinking about another memory verse: Romans 6:23.

NIV 19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

NAB 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature. For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness for lawlessness, so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Economics of Sin

We all know it. There are times when the pleasure of sin keeps drawing us back to the same “besetting sins” no matter how hard we try to resist. Sometimes we convince our conscience that the reason we keep falling back into those constantly-repeated patterns of sin is because “it’s an addiction.” Perhaps that is true at times. The prolonged uses of alcohol, nicotine, pornography, heroine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and violence committed through “harmless fantasy” have all been proven to lead to addictions. They become “bad habits” because we are habituated to these things.

That means we have made ourselves familiar, comfortable, used to, even adapted to these things which are not good for us. “Everyone is doing it” is a common excuse. Here on Kaua‘i, the speed limit for residential areas is 25 mph. Then traveling at “that speed” means the needle on your speedometer is right at the little pointy-part of the 40. “Twenty-five is too slow, and besides, they to really expect you to go at that speed!”

Same thing goes for “shacking up,” or doing dope, or sneaking out at night, or marital infidelity. “It’s not wrong unless I think it’s wrong. What’s true (right) for you may not be true (right) for me.” Here’s a snippet from the March 5, 2001 AFC Message:

“There’s no way for you to know whether what I’m telling you is true unless you know what the truth is. And there’s no way for you to know what the truth is unless there is a truth that you can know. (If you’re searching for the truth, and there is none, then what are you searching for?) You’ve got to have a truth that true whether you believe it or not. It is a truth that is true whether you like it or not. It’s true whether you even know about it or not. It’s just TRUE: OBJECTIVE EXTERNAL ETERNAL TRUTH THAT STANDS IN AND OF ITSELF.”

— Frank Perretti http://www.frankperetti.com

So without an understanding of Absolute Truth, nothing has true value because nothing is distinguished from evil. What I think of as evil might be virtuous – or even worse, insignificant – to another person. Get a few billion people feeling like that, and pretty soon, truth, and virtue, and even common sense go out the window. And well before that happens, God is pushed out, too. There’s just no room for Him in our schools, our courts, our government, and sometimes in our families as well.

“I don’t believe in religion, I believe in relationships. That’s why I have a relationship with God. I talk to Him every day.” But such a life precludes worship and praise of God as a community – which is what He expects. “Church is not for me. Just a bunch of hypocrites kissing each others’ behinds. You’ve got the In-Group and the Inner-Group, and then there are the rest of us who are the Out-of It Group. I can do better on my own.” And many people sincerely try to do better. We all know of persons who claim to be antireligious or irreligious, and still they are kinds and generous and do many things that benefit many people. God alone knows the depth and breadth of their faith. I still hold that whatever good they do is only done because “all good things come from above.” (James 1:16-18 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.) The good we are able to do is possible because God put Good into the world through Jesus so we could understand how to worship God together. Moore and more the world is turning inward and worshiping confusion. Why worship God when you can worship yourself?

Pretty remarkable, isn’t it. Some folks “worship” The Universe, The Force, or Intelligent Design. Fact is, God is outside all of these because he created all of those. And He can “UN-create” them just as easily; He’s even told us He will do that.

Given the state of the World today – storms, volcanoes, earthquakes, famine, pestilence, poverty, terrorism, the advancing tide of evil in all things, the exaltation of sin, and the mockery of Truth – all I can say is what a mess!

It makes me feel deeply in my soul:

Maran atha! Marana tha!
He is coming! He comes!
“Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!!”

Based on 1 Corinthians 16:22 and Revelation 22:20 and something a little-bit edgy at http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Real-Meaning-of-the-Phrase-Maranatha

So, Beloved, as 1 Corinthians 15:13 says, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.” And the converse of that is “If there is not Christ, then there is no resurrection of the dead.” If all there can be is what we have now, then what a world this is for the hedonists! And yet, “the wages of sin is death.”

No matter what you do, without Christ’s salvation, there is death, because “all have sinned.” No matter what you do, the cost of sin is death. No matter what you do the effect of salvation is to pay the cost of sin. Salvation alone leads to holiness (holiness and goodness are often confused by The World).

So when you come right down to it, sin is a terrible investment of your, my, our life. It’s no bargain at all. But salvation? That’s a real bargain. Believe. Repent. Confess. Serve. That is your cost for salvation. Jesus already paid the Death Taxes.

• FO, pray her doctors find a successful treatment for her cancer, and pray for her family, especially the grandkids.
• Jesus we pray for All the Peoples especially those suffering in Haiti (Daniel & Patterson), Pakistan, Chile, Darfur and in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the Philippines, Indonesia and in other disasters both natural and man-made over the entire world. We pray for Christians and for people of all faiths who are being persecuted for their beliefs.
• NA – continued faith and strength in the face of many trials
• B R – Reconciliation and renewal
• CD – meaningful work closer to home
• PF – much joy in life in these waning years
• CA – strength and optimism to support exceptional skills at work; positive outcomes for current projects
• Many of us are still facing enormous economic pressures. Pray for meaningful work, a living income, food and shelter, and spiritual strength in these hard times.
• Send up a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for the people who have dedicated their lives to serving our needs: Religious leaders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, military, educators, government workers, and our parents.
• Please continue to pray for one another daily.

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved! Make it a great week, and stay tuned for further announcements!

chick

Pages Email Newsletter
Categories Archives Connect

  • Connct to us here