India. Prostitution. Abuse. Orphans. Poor drinking water. Poor sanitation. Low literacy. Worship of other gods...
My heart breaks for them.
I dreaded going on the temple tour in Madurai. When I was inside, I just wanted to get out. I could hardly breathe, and I felt unwelcome. When a woman walked up and stuck a bindi on my forehead, I felt it burning me and I wanted nothing more than to rip it off!.. which I did, once she walked away. My companions were marvelling, taking photos, and excited to receive the blessing from the temple elephant. I shied away. I stood, watching hundreds of men, women, and children, bowing before idols and placing offerings before them.
I cried.
I thought, "How the heart of God must break to see this!"
And then I had another startling thought-
"Doesn't His heart break to see us worshiping our own forms of idols?"
From Isaiah 44:
"I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power."
"Who but a fool would make his own god- an idol that cannot help him one bit?"
"Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think."
"I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like a morning mist! Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free!"
He has paid the price to set us free.
And my heart goes out to those who walk in darkness, who waste their lives in seeking gods that cannot save...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Homosexuality and HIV
I just read an article in the New York Times "Obama to Outline Plan to Cut H.I.V. Infections" that sparked my interest. Now, I would like HIV infections and the development of AIDS to decrease too, but I think sometimes the obvious is ignored.
Over 50% of those diagnosed with HIV are gay or bisexual men. I think it should be obvious, then, that decreasing sexual activity between men would cut HIV cases.
The Bible is very clear that those who engage in homosexuality with suffer physical effects.
Romans 1:26&27
For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.
Receiving IN themselves.
So, if the government is going to increase federal spending to help the men of the gay and bisexual lifestyles with their HIV problem, what is going to keep them from changing? Nothing. And if government aid is available to prevent HIV or lessen its effects, why wouldn't there be an increase in gay and bisexual lifestyles? It's a cycle.
Over 50% of those diagnosed with HIV are gay or bisexual men. I think it should be obvious, then, that decreasing sexual activity between men would cut HIV cases.
The Bible is very clear that those who engage in homosexuality with suffer physical effects.
Romans 1:26&27
For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.
Receiving IN themselves.
So, if the government is going to increase federal spending to help the men of the gay and bisexual lifestyles with their HIV problem, what is going to keep them from changing? Nothing. And if government aid is available to prevent HIV or lessen its effects, why wouldn't there be an increase in gay and bisexual lifestyles? It's a cycle.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Gay "marriage"
I am very frustrated by the term "marriage" being applied to homosexual couples. "Civil union," maybe, since it is a union being recognized by a state, but definitely NOT marriage, since it is not recognized as such by God.
I have had some tell me that we should allow people to "love" as they choose. That I am being rediculous for standing against homosexuality, since God calls us to love. But just as I do not support homosexuality, I don't support heterosexuality that is pre-marital or adulterous. Sex, when it is not between a MARRIED MAN AND WOMAN is wrong. Sorry, but that's what the Word of God says.
Now, if what God says does not matter to you, then what I say won't matter to you. BUT IF YOU CALL YOURSELF A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, then make sure to follow what His Word says. The Bible is very clear that mankind, in its depravity and hatred toward God, may be given up to "perversions"... such as homosexuality. Romans 1 says that we are WITHOUT EXCUSE. That Jehovah God has made Himself known from the beginning, and that He alone is to be worshipped. But those who were foolish, darkened, and worshippers of creation, were given over to "lusts." (vv 26 & 27) They threw away God's design and gave themselves to their lusts... homosexuality. And even in regards to people living in "sexual freedom," and marrying/divorcing/marrying/divorcing as however they feel is "right," Jesus says is Matthew 19 that God created them "male and female." They LEFT HOME, JOINED TOGETHER, and BECAME ONE FLESH. They separated themselves from their families. In the sight of the community, they were joined together. And they physically became one. Jesus said that they should not separate. The Pharisees may have wanted to accept divorce. Men throwing away woman after woman... but this was not God's design.
One man, one woman, for life.
I'm not saying divorce shouldn't ever happen, but it is very clear that we need to be careful with sexual relationships. They are not something to toss around and pick and choose. There are guidelines. Standards. And "love" is not what we base our decisions on.
We listen to God. And what He has said is the Truth. The perfect design.
Homosexuality is a sin. And any sex outside of marriage is sin. Don't become a fool and give yourself over to perversions. Seek the most beautiful design and give recognition to those who choose this way. God's way.
I have had some tell me that we should allow people to "love" as they choose. That I am being rediculous for standing against homosexuality, since God calls us to love. But just as I do not support homosexuality, I don't support heterosexuality that is pre-marital or adulterous. Sex, when it is not between a MARRIED MAN AND WOMAN is wrong. Sorry, but that's what the Word of God says.
Now, if what God says does not matter to you, then what I say won't matter to you. BUT IF YOU CALL YOURSELF A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, then make sure to follow what His Word says. The Bible is very clear that mankind, in its depravity and hatred toward God, may be given up to "perversions"... such as homosexuality. Romans 1 says that we are WITHOUT EXCUSE. That Jehovah God has made Himself known from the beginning, and that He alone is to be worshipped. But those who were foolish, darkened, and worshippers of creation, were given over to "lusts." (vv 26 & 27) They threw away God's design and gave themselves to their lusts... homosexuality. And even in regards to people living in "sexual freedom," and marrying/divorcing/marrying/divorcing as however they feel is "right," Jesus says is Matthew 19 that God created them "male and female." They LEFT HOME, JOINED TOGETHER, and BECAME ONE FLESH. They separated themselves from their families. In the sight of the community, they were joined together. And they physically became one. Jesus said that they should not separate. The Pharisees may have wanted to accept divorce. Men throwing away woman after woman... but this was not God's design.
One man, one woman, for life.
I'm not saying divorce shouldn't ever happen, but it is very clear that we need to be careful with sexual relationships. They are not something to toss around and pick and choose. There are guidelines. Standards. And "love" is not what we base our decisions on.
We listen to God. And what He has said is the Truth. The perfect design.
Homosexuality is a sin. And any sex outside of marriage is sin. Don't become a fool and give yourself over to perversions. Seek the most beautiful design and give recognition to those who choose this way. God's way.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Waiting.
I'm not very good at patience and waiting. Today I went to process some forms for my new job and for class registration and found out that I have more hoops to jump through. What I really would like? : A job. Financial aid.
Yes, these are slightly important, but I probably will survive waiting for them.
On the other hand, what if this wasn't something so simple? What if I was waiting to be seen by a doctor or an ER? What if I had to endure being sick for a long time or suddenly died from lack of medical attention? Yes, it could happen, thanks to the new Health Care bill. Ask people from countries with "FREE" health care, national health care, how long it takes for them to see a doctor. We already have a shortage of doctors and other medical professionals. We already have an ER that struggles to make money, since many of the patients BY LAW MUST BE SEEN, even though they CAN NOT PAY. Now, we are going to add more patients to an already over-flowing medical practice.
What can we do?
I'm not saying that it wouldn't be nice if everyone could get medical care, but I AM saying that everyone SHOULD have to pay for their own medical care. If you want to be seen by a doctor, pay the doctor. If you can't afford to pay for a doctor, don't go to see him for simple things like colds. If you are feeling healthy, don't go have every check-up and screeing you can think of. You are wasting other peoples' money.
Don't tell me that "the government" is paying for your health care. Don't be stupid. PEOPLE are. Your neighbor is. If you can't go straight to your neighbor's house and ask him for money for medical bills, don't go behind his back either. Don't steal.
Those crazy people who go around creating all sorts of medical bills (that they are not paying for) are hurting those of us who pay for our own medical care... people like my parents, who have six children, and have to pay their own medical bills, should NOT have to pay for your medical bills too. Grow up. Get a job. Take care of yourself. And only go to the doctor when you REALLY need to. Otherwise, we will all be sitting in lines waiting...
Yes, these are slightly important, but I probably will survive waiting for them.
On the other hand, what if this wasn't something so simple? What if I was waiting to be seen by a doctor or an ER? What if I had to endure being sick for a long time or suddenly died from lack of medical attention? Yes, it could happen, thanks to the new Health Care bill. Ask people from countries with "FREE" health care, national health care, how long it takes for them to see a doctor. We already have a shortage of doctors and other medical professionals. We already have an ER that struggles to make money, since many of the patients BY LAW MUST BE SEEN, even though they CAN NOT PAY. Now, we are going to add more patients to an already over-flowing medical practice.
What can we do?
I'm not saying that it wouldn't be nice if everyone could get medical care, but I AM saying that everyone SHOULD have to pay for their own medical care. If you want to be seen by a doctor, pay the doctor. If you can't afford to pay for a doctor, don't go to see him for simple things like colds. If you are feeling healthy, don't go have every check-up and screeing you can think of. You are wasting other peoples' money.
Don't tell me that "the government" is paying for your health care. Don't be stupid. PEOPLE are. Your neighbor is. If you can't go straight to your neighbor's house and ask him for money for medical bills, don't go behind his back either. Don't steal.
Those crazy people who go around creating all sorts of medical bills (that they are not paying for) are hurting those of us who pay for our own medical care... people like my parents, who have six children, and have to pay their own medical bills, should NOT have to pay for your medical bills too. Grow up. Get a job. Take care of yourself. And only go to the doctor when you REALLY need to. Otherwise, we will all be sitting in lines waiting...
Monday, June 14, 2010
"YHWH, the Name of our Creator"
In response to:
http://legalbearsblog.com/2010/05/does-the-creator-care-what-we-call-him/
I was recently questioned by the author of this blog, through my Twitter account, as to whether or not I believe in the Name of the Creator. He did not like my use of "God," as he believes that our Creator revealed Himself to His people as YHWH.
The problem with YHWH, as I have researched, is that no one actually knows what vowels are missing, as the Hebrews would not speak or write out the Name. Some say Yahweh, but most scholars agree that it is meant to have three vowels- Yahowah or Yahuwah. The English translation is Jehovah. Not many Bibles use His Name, Jehovah, but some mark with "LORD." If you see a "Lord," then the Name "Adhonay/Adonai" is used. This only happens in the Old Testament. The readers of the Law would see "YHWH" written and would say instead "Adhonay," to keep from using the Creator's Personal Name.
Many names and descriptive words have been applied to the Creator: Elohim, El, Eloah, Tsur, Kadhosh, Shadday, Abhir, Elyon, Gibbor, El Roi, Tsaddiq, Kanna... etc. None of these names are personal. All of them refer to any god. However, some of them are used together with YHWH, such as "LORD God"- YHWH Elohim.
The Name, YHWH, means "I Will Be That I Will Be" or "I Am That I Am." As when it was spoken to Moses, "Tell them that I Am sent you." And even Jesus (traditionally, Yehushuwah) called Himself "I Am" and shocked the religious leaders. This Name is the Covenant Name, "HE WILL BE," referring to the Creator's immediate presence and future presence... and the promise of the Messiah.
In Exodus 3:15, the LORD says, "Say this to the people of Israel: YeHuWaH, the God of your ancestors- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob- has sent me to you. This is My eternal Name, My Name to remember for all generations."
The LORD, however, turning against His people in Jeremiah 44:26 said, "I have sworn by my great Name, says Jehovah, that my Name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt. None of you may invoke my Name or use this oath: As surely as the Sovereign LORD lives." (Adhonay YHWH)
Later, when the Israelites have left the land of Egypt and are given the Commandments, they are told:
"Thou shalt not take the Name of Jehovah (YHWH) thy God (Eloah) in vain: for Jehovah (YHWH) will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain."
http://pronouncingthename.xanga.com/593761504/item/
- Is a good website that shares scholars' thoughts on pronunciation. Basically, though, they agree that YHWH is the Personal Name of our Creator, and although we may not pronounce it correctly, we should take care to identify His consecrated Name.
• http://www.watchtower.org/e/na/article_02.htm
- I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but I do agree with the information in this article regarding YHWH.
"I am Jehovah,
and there is none else;
besides me there is no God."
(Isaiah 45:5) (ASV) -BibleGateway
As far as the use of Jehovah in the NT, it is NOT used in Greek translation. The Greeks use "Theon" which is a general term for God, and "Kurios," a general term for Lord. Whether the Greek translations we have available today are actually what Names were used, I am not certain.
Regarding Jesus' use of "God," that is also unclear. In "Love the Lord your God," it is "Kurion Theon," but was it not likely He did not speak Greek but Aramaic or Hebrew? In John 17:11, Jesus says "Holy Father," and speaks of His Name being powerful. "Safe by the power of thy name," really just means that we are also kept "holy" as He is holy. Jesus also used "Abba Father" (Aramaic) and "Our Father who art in heaven" (may your Name be kept holy). When He cried out on the cross, His words were a mixture of Hebrew "Eli, Eli" (My God)... and Aramaic. Examining Jesus' use of Names shows us that we are also to call on our heavenly Father and keep His Name holy... YHWH. Jehovah.
It seems as though using "God" on its own does not actually reference our Creator, although "My God" is more personal. In order to actually separate and make clear His Personal Name, "Jehovah," "Yehuwah," and "Father in heaven" are used. "Adonai" also is possessive, "My Lord," emphasizing His sovereignty.
"The LORD said to my Lord"... "Yehuwah said to Adhonay.."
My Lord. The Messiah. The Christ. Yehushuwah. Jesus.
Jesus the Christ, the Anointed One
To believe "Jesus is the Christ," means you believe He is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One sent by Jehovah God to be our Salvation.
So... this was a rather long post. Thanks to all who read. I hope this gets you thinking, as it did me. I think I will be more careful to call My God by His Name, Jehovah. Or Father in heaven, as Jesus' example. :)
http://legalbearsblog.com/2010/05/does-the-creator-care-what-we-call-him/
I was recently questioned by the author of this blog, through my Twitter account, as to whether or not I believe in the Name of the Creator. He did not like my use of "God," as he believes that our Creator revealed Himself to His people as YHWH.
The problem with YHWH, as I have researched, is that no one actually knows what vowels are missing, as the Hebrews would not speak or write out the Name. Some say Yahweh, but most scholars agree that it is meant to have three vowels- Yahowah or Yahuwah. The English translation is Jehovah. Not many Bibles use His Name, Jehovah, but some mark with "LORD." If you see a "Lord," then the Name "Adhonay/Adonai" is used. This only happens in the Old Testament. The readers of the Law would see "YHWH" written and would say instead "Adhonay," to keep from using the Creator's Personal Name.
Many names and descriptive words have been applied to the Creator: Elohim, El, Eloah, Tsur, Kadhosh, Shadday, Abhir, Elyon, Gibbor, El Roi, Tsaddiq, Kanna... etc. None of these names are personal. All of them refer to any god. However, some of them are used together with YHWH, such as "LORD God"- YHWH Elohim.
The Name, YHWH, means "I Will Be That I Will Be" or "I Am That I Am." As when it was spoken to Moses, "Tell them that I Am sent you." And even Jesus (traditionally, Yehushuwah) called Himself "I Am" and shocked the religious leaders. This Name is the Covenant Name, "HE WILL BE," referring to the Creator's immediate presence and future presence... and the promise of the Messiah.
In Exodus 3:15, the LORD says, "Say this to the people of Israel: YeHuWaH, the God of your ancestors- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob- has sent me to you. This is My eternal Name, My Name to remember for all generations."
The LORD, however, turning against His people in Jeremiah 44:26 said, "I have sworn by my great Name, says Jehovah, that my Name will no longer be spoken by any of the Judeans in the land of Egypt. None of you may invoke my Name or use this oath: As surely as the Sovereign LORD lives." (Adhonay YHWH)
Later, when the Israelites have left the land of Egypt and are given the Commandments, they are told:
"Thou shalt not take the Name of Jehovah (YHWH) thy God (Eloah) in vain: for Jehovah (YHWH) will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain."
http://pronouncingthename.xanga.com/593761504/item/
- Is a good website that shares scholars' thoughts on pronunciation. Basically, though, they agree that YHWH is the Personal Name of our Creator, and although we may not pronounce it correctly, we should take care to identify His consecrated Name.
• http://www.watchtower.org/e/na/article_02.htm
- I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but I do agree with the information in this article regarding YHWH.
"I am Jehovah,
and there is none else;
besides me there is no God."
(Isaiah 45:5) (ASV) -BibleGateway
As far as the use of Jehovah in the NT, it is NOT used in Greek translation. The Greeks use "Theon" which is a general term for God, and "Kurios," a general term for Lord. Whether the Greek translations we have available today are actually what Names were used, I am not certain.
Regarding Jesus' use of "God," that is also unclear. In "Love the Lord your God," it is "Kurion Theon," but was it not likely He did not speak Greek but Aramaic or Hebrew? In John 17:11, Jesus says "Holy Father," and speaks of His Name being powerful. "Safe by the power of thy name," really just means that we are also kept "holy" as He is holy. Jesus also used "Abba Father" (Aramaic) and "Our Father who art in heaven" (may your Name be kept holy). When He cried out on the cross, His words were a mixture of Hebrew "Eli, Eli" (My God)... and Aramaic. Examining Jesus' use of Names shows us that we are also to call on our heavenly Father and keep His Name holy... YHWH. Jehovah.
It seems as though using "God" on its own does not actually reference our Creator, although "My God" is more personal. In order to actually separate and make clear His Personal Name, "Jehovah," "Yehuwah," and "Father in heaven" are used. "Adonai" also is possessive, "My Lord," emphasizing His sovereignty.
"The LORD said to my Lord"... "Yehuwah said to Adhonay.."
My Lord. The Messiah. The Christ. Yehushuwah. Jesus.
Jesus the Christ, the Anointed One
To believe "Jesus is the Christ," means you believe He is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One sent by Jehovah God to be our Salvation.
So... this was a rather long post. Thanks to all who read. I hope this gets you thinking, as it did me. I think I will be more careful to call My God by His Name, Jehovah. Or Father in heaven, as Jesus' example. :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
India's needy
My heart goes out to the poor in India, especially the girls. So many of them are trafficked to help support their families financially.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/TN-girls-sent-to-AP-Kerala-as-maids/articleshow/6039754.cms
I do hope that the social workers can identify more needy families and help them find other work. Maybe we need to help the farmers with better agricultural methods. The girls need to learn easier occupations that require less money for their education.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/TN-girls-sent-to-AP-Kerala-as-maids/articleshow/6039754.cms
I do hope that the social workers can identify more needy families and help them find other work. Maybe we need to help the farmers with better agricultural methods. The girls need to learn easier occupations that require less money for their education.
New MS Pill
Wow, I just read this "great" article of another "wonderful" thing the FDA is trying to do!
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/11/fda-panel-urges-ok-of-first-oral-ms-drug/?hpt=T3
Yes, I would personally love to take a pill for my MS that lowers my immune response, therefore leaving my body vulnerable to everything else. PLEASE, just give me something to STOP my body from healing itself!! Like they say, it could cause cancer or other side effects. And why would that be a better alternative?
What I don't understand is HOW the FDA can get away with passing all of these medications when the risks are known. Or unknown. There shouldn't BE a risk! Oh wait, I forgot, you can make a LOT of money off of selling medications... hm...
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/11/fda-panel-urges-ok-of-first-oral-ms-drug/?hpt=T3
Yes, I would personally love to take a pill for my MS that lowers my immune response, therefore leaving my body vulnerable to everything else. PLEASE, just give me something to STOP my body from healing itself!! Like they say, it could cause cancer or other side effects. And why would that be a better alternative?
What I don't understand is HOW the FDA can get away with passing all of these medications when the risks are known. Or unknown. There shouldn't BE a risk! Oh wait, I forgot, you can make a LOT of money off of selling medications... hm...
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