Usually, this time of year, we tend to start thinking about friends and family. We think about all the blessings and all the gatherings that we will attend filled with good food and fellowship and of course we also tend to think of the poor and what we can do to help them.....This is not going to be one of those warm fuzzy posts....
I find myself angry, yes, ticked off ,rip snorting angry at our government , our churches, to include Synagogues, leaders of all these same groups and quite frankly most of us. Why? Because we are allowing our government to violate the word of G-D for some absurd notion of safety.We are letting our G-D given constitutional rights and freedoms get stripped and we have done nothing.We have stood idly by as our wives and daughters ,husbands and sons, have been virtually strip searched. We have seen children groped in a way that would put others in jail if they didn't work for the government and yet we have remained silent. The elderly have been searched while in wheel chairs and others have had to be felt up by total strangers because their prosthetic knee has set off an alarm. Decency and common sense has gone out the window and what is even worse is the thousands who blindly go through the whole process and think that it is perfectly OK . Are you going to feel that way when they start actually strip searching us? If you don't think that will happen, ask the Israeli's about it. They will tell you that the terrorists have become very good at hiding bombs in their body cavities. Are you ready to bend over and spread yourself out?
So what does the word of G-D have to say about this? A Lot.
Of course most Christians are at an disadvantage in this regard because you have all been told that G-D's laws no longer apply so therefore you are most likely not aware of just how strongly G-D speaks against this kind of thing.
Leviticus 18: 6-17
None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I amthe LORD. The nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother you shall not uncover. She is your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness. The nakedness of your father’s wife you shall not uncover; it is your father’s nakedness. The nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or elsewhere, their nakedness you shall not uncover.The nakedness of your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, their nakedness you shall not uncover; for theirs is your own nakedness. The nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, begotten by your father—she is your sister—you shall not uncover her nakedness.You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister; she isnear of kin to your father. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for sheis near of kin to your mother.You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt.You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law—she is your son’s wife—you shall not uncover her nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, nor shall you take her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near of kin to her. It is wickedness.
Some of you might be reading this and saying; Well that's saying that family shouldn't do that to each other and the government is certainly not family. I say that you are wrong.
You are the protectors of your family and if you allow someone else to expose their nakedness then you are just as guilty as if you had done it yourself. If you are not going to defend your family and their honor then who else will? I will grant you that an individual doesn't have to fly but how much longer will it be before they are using this on the buses and subways? How about trains? G-D makes this very clear that we are not supposed to allow this kind of thing to go on, in fact in another story a son is cursed for exposing his fathers nakedness.
Genesis 9: 20-27
And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.
So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. Then he said: Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants He shall be to his brethren.”And he said:Blessed be the LORD, The God of Shem, And may Canaan be his servant.May God enlarge Japheth, And may he dwell in the tents of Shem....
Perhaps there are some of you that have read this far and you really don't care or even believe what the Bible has to say about these things, fine I have an argument for you as well it's called the Constitution of the United States.
Amendment 4
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons,houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by an Oath or affirmation,and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Are you feeling terribly "secure" as they search through your stuff? How about as they are searching you? Where is the "probable cause"? Where is the warrant that allows them to do this? Since when did getting on a commercial airline constitute you being a criminal? What happened to innocent until proven guilty? How many times have you heard of a small child with a bomb or a granny with TNT strapped under her bra? I'd dare say never. Yet the very people who supposedly caused all this to get started ,from their caves , may wind up being exempt from all this. Perhaps we are not being told the truth? Just a theory mind you, but where is the evidence that suggests that we, the average working class Americans, are the ones responsible for the terrorism? It must be out there somewhere because they are treating us like criminals, or could there be something else behind this, such as blind obedience to a government mandate? The government says so , so therefore you must obey? Just a theory on my part.
The bottom line is this, both the 4th Amendment to the Constitution and the Bible make it very clear that this is wrong and should not happen. I have done my part and have spoken out along with refusing to fly. I have done what I can to protect my family and myself from this evil, and I have spoken out as a man of G-D to you with the words of G-D to show you that this is wrong. The question now is; What are YOU going to do about it ?
To all of you I do sincerely wish you a happy Thanksgiving and G-D's perfect Shalom. (Peace)
Ignacio
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Faithfulness to G-D
What does it mean to be faithful to G-D? Have you ever even thought of that idea? We all know what faith means, by definition, but what about faithfulness? I imagine that most of us who have been to church have sung songs about G-D's faithfulness to us, but how much time has been spent on us being faithful to Him?
He is G-D after all so shouldn't we be the ones showing our faithfulness to Him rather then the other way around?
I have been reading in Genesis about Abraham, Issac and Jacob and I have been struck by their faithfulness to G-D. What really caught my attention has been how their faithfulness to G-D not only blessed them but how it affected others around them, both at that present time and in the future.
In Genesis chapter 24 we find that Abraham is now getting old and has decided that he needs to find a wife for Issac. The simple thing to do would have been to get a wife from the local people, but Abraham, I am assuming that this came from G-D, decided to send his "servant" back to his homeland ,to his family, to find a suitable wife for Issac.
Abraham has his servant make a vow to find Issac a wife amongst his own people and off the man goes.
We know nothing about this man, not even his name. All we really know is that he was a "servant" to Abraham, but he must have been a man of great faith. When he arrived at the town of Nahor, the very first thing that he did was pray to G-D for guidance. Now where would he have learned that from? Abraham. If you go back to chapter 14 you will find where Lot and all that he had was taken into captivity. Abraham mounted a rescue consisting of himself and " 318 men born and trained in his house" to rescue Lot. I am guessing here, but I would humbly submit to you that part of the training must have consisted of teaching them about the One G-D. He must have been witness to G-D's faithfulness to Abraham,in saving Lot without losing anyone or anything in the process, but also must have witnessed as well Abraham's faithfulness to G-D. In turn that gave him great faith, so much so that before his prayer was even finished, Rebekah was there. Again the man shows his faithfulness to G-D by thanking G-D for His guidance; " Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” Gen 24: 26-27.
He didn't take any credit for himself. He didn't strut and talk trash. If he hadn't believed in the G-D of Abraham he might have taken all the credit for himself, but instead he recognized the leading of G-D and showed his faithfulness to Him by praying and giving Him all the glory. Abraham's faithfulness to G-d led to his servants faithfulness to Him and as a result Rebekah enters the story. The servants faithfulness doesn't end there either. Now he gets to tell his story of G-D's blessing both to Abraham and Issac , but also of G-D blessing his mission to find a wife for Issac. By the time he is done telling the story to Laban and Bethuel their only comment is "This is from the Lord; We can say nothing one way or the other" (VS 50 ). Rebekah herself shows much faithfulness because she was willing to go with this man, essentially based on what she had witnessed and heard. Chances are she was young and likely an Idol worshiper, yet even she saw something in what had happened to start her down the path to faithfulness to G-D. As a result she became a direct ancestor to many nations but in particular, the Hebrew people.
The idea is simply this; Be faithful to G-D in all that you do, because you are being watched . If Abraham had been unfaithful to G-D, his servant might not have been faithful to him and as a result Rebekah might not have entered the picture, thus not having Jacob and no Hebrew people. Yes G-D could have made this happen in some other way but look how much better and simpler it is when His people are faithful to Him and are obedient. Abraham obeys G-D, The servant obeys G-D and his master Abraham and Rebekah gets to see the one true G-D in action and as a result she believes and obeys as well.
Faithfulness to G-D, those three words can move nations, literally.
Shalom,
Ignacio
He is G-D after all so shouldn't we be the ones showing our faithfulness to Him rather then the other way around?
I have been reading in Genesis about Abraham, Issac and Jacob and I have been struck by their faithfulness to G-D. What really caught my attention has been how their faithfulness to G-D not only blessed them but how it affected others around them, both at that present time and in the future.
In Genesis chapter 24 we find that Abraham is now getting old and has decided that he needs to find a wife for Issac. The simple thing to do would have been to get a wife from the local people, but Abraham, I am assuming that this came from G-D, decided to send his "servant" back to his homeland ,to his family, to find a suitable wife for Issac.
Abraham has his servant make a vow to find Issac a wife amongst his own people and off the man goes.
We know nothing about this man, not even his name. All we really know is that he was a "servant" to Abraham, but he must have been a man of great faith. When he arrived at the town of Nahor, the very first thing that he did was pray to G-D for guidance. Now where would he have learned that from? Abraham. If you go back to chapter 14 you will find where Lot and all that he had was taken into captivity. Abraham mounted a rescue consisting of himself and " 318 men born and trained in his house" to rescue Lot. I am guessing here, but I would humbly submit to you that part of the training must have consisted of teaching them about the One G-D. He must have been witness to G-D's faithfulness to Abraham,in saving Lot without losing anyone or anything in the process, but also must have witnessed as well Abraham's faithfulness to G-D. In turn that gave him great faith, so much so that before his prayer was even finished, Rebekah was there. Again the man shows his faithfulness to G-D by thanking G-D for His guidance; " Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” Gen 24: 26-27.
He didn't take any credit for himself. He didn't strut and talk trash. If he hadn't believed in the G-D of Abraham he might have taken all the credit for himself, but instead he recognized the leading of G-D and showed his faithfulness to Him by praying and giving Him all the glory. Abraham's faithfulness to G-d led to his servants faithfulness to Him and as a result Rebekah enters the story. The servants faithfulness doesn't end there either. Now he gets to tell his story of G-D's blessing both to Abraham and Issac , but also of G-D blessing his mission to find a wife for Issac. By the time he is done telling the story to Laban and Bethuel their only comment is "This is from the Lord; We can say nothing one way or the other" (VS 50 ). Rebekah herself shows much faithfulness because she was willing to go with this man, essentially based on what she had witnessed and heard. Chances are she was young and likely an Idol worshiper, yet even she saw something in what had happened to start her down the path to faithfulness to G-D. As a result she became a direct ancestor to many nations but in particular, the Hebrew people.
The idea is simply this; Be faithful to G-D in all that you do, because you are being watched . If Abraham had been unfaithful to G-D, his servant might not have been faithful to him and as a result Rebekah might not have entered the picture, thus not having Jacob and no Hebrew people. Yes G-D could have made this happen in some other way but look how much better and simpler it is when His people are faithful to Him and are obedient. Abraham obeys G-D, The servant obeys G-D and his master Abraham and Rebekah gets to see the one true G-D in action and as a result she believes and obeys as well.
Faithfulness to G-D, those three words can move nations, literally.
Shalom,
Ignacio
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Would You Change Things?
Have you ever played a game, in your mind, that asks the question; What would I say to my younger self if I could go back in time, or what would I change given that opportunity?
I know that I have. Sometimes I will be thinking of various scenarios of things that have gone on before where I made a total idiot of myself or did something that got me in a lot of trouble and then I think of what I might have said or done to change it. It is pure fantasy and I know it's impossible, but if you could would you really change things?
There is an episode of Star Trek, Next Generation, where the dreaded "god like" creature known as "Q" takes Captain Picard back to a time where he had a fight that almost got him killed, this was the one event that Picard said he would change if he could. He did, he avoided the fight, but then everything in his world changed. "Q" then brings him back to the present where everything in his world is different. Instead of being the Captain of a star ship, with a notable record, he is a science officer on the Enterprise who has but a mediocre future at best.
The short end is that he goes back again , has the fight, almost dies but then everything is returned to what it was.
I know it was just a show, but you know I think it speaks to the heart of all of us a bit.We often dream of how things might have been better if...pick your if, but then you wouldn't be the person you are now. Your world might improve, but then again you stand the chance of it being worse.
I know a man personally, who spent a good chunk of his adult life in prison for a crime that he didn't commit. He had some hard choices as to how he was going to spend that time ( he was sentenced to 99 years ) he could go out and kill the next person that he saw and there would be nothing that they could do to him , or he could choose to try and do something positive while he was there. He picked the positive route and wrote many books and articles, that wound up being published, and he was able to positively influence many people including me. My grandmother wrote to him about her juvenile delinquent grandson, me, and he responded by sending me tapes from his prison cell telling me all about the " glories " of prison life. I can tell you it made a difference for me.
I bet if you asked him, he would probably say that he wished that he had never gone to prison, but then on the other hand if he hadn't, if he had made some different decisions, then he might not have had the time to write and to counsel troubled youth. I am not advocating prison here, I am just saying that his past, effected my past, and I am better for it, and now that he is out he is working with troubled youth making a difference for them.
In reality, I don't think I would change anything about my youth. Yes I was a delinquent, and yes my growing up years were hard, but now I am able to empathise with others that have gone through the same kinds of things. My wife and I get along real well because we come from similar backgrounds. I have spent a lot of my time around younger adults and teenagers, whom I can relate to and help, because I have been in their shoes.
I have been to war, I have seen the ugliness associated with it, but that again helps me to understand the younger men and women as they come back from war. I would not change any of it because I am able, through the grace and timing of G-D, to help others .
G-D tells us in Psalms 139 that he knows everything that there is to know about us ; Psalms 139:1-6
O LORD, You have searched me and known me.You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.You comprehend my path and my lying down,And are acquainted with all my ways.For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.You have hedged me behind and before,And laid Your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;It is high, I cannot attain it.
Some of you reading this might be thinking ; That if G-D knows all this already then why doesn't He fix things? I would reply to that by saying that if G-D does know us and has ordered our lives the way that they are, then surely He knows what is best, not only for us, but in the future as to how we might do good for others. He saw you suffering and also saw that through that suffering you might be able, if you are willing, to help others who are in the same boat. We live in a world full of heart ache and tragedy, but it is also filled with people who know that tragedy and suffering and are able to use that knowledge in the helping of others.
When the time of G-D's kingdom comes and His anointed one is in place, then will come a time for the healing of the nations and a return to what G-D meant for us in the first place. See Ezekiel 36:33-35, 47:12.
It will be then that we will have to answer to G-D for our lives ,and I never want it to be said of me that I whined so much about my "rotten childhood" that I refused to help others who were in need as I was.
Can I wish that some things had been different? Yes. But reality sets in and I know that I am able to help people only because I understand what it is that they are going through.
No, I will never be a star ship Captain, but it will be enough for me to know that I have done the will of G-D and have served Him by serving others. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the kingdom of G-D then have all the riches of the world but be useless to others.
Something to consider,
Shalom,
Ignacio
I know that I have. Sometimes I will be thinking of various scenarios of things that have gone on before where I made a total idiot of myself or did something that got me in a lot of trouble and then I think of what I might have said or done to change it. It is pure fantasy and I know it's impossible, but if you could would you really change things?
There is an episode of Star Trek, Next Generation, where the dreaded "god like" creature known as "Q" takes Captain Picard back to a time where he had a fight that almost got him killed, this was the one event that Picard said he would change if he could. He did, he avoided the fight, but then everything in his world changed. "Q" then brings him back to the present where everything in his world is different. Instead of being the Captain of a star ship, with a notable record, he is a science officer on the Enterprise who has but a mediocre future at best.
The short end is that he goes back again , has the fight, almost dies but then everything is returned to what it was.
I know it was just a show, but you know I think it speaks to the heart of all of us a bit.We often dream of how things might have been better if...pick your if, but then you wouldn't be the person you are now. Your world might improve, but then again you stand the chance of it being worse.
I know a man personally, who spent a good chunk of his adult life in prison for a crime that he didn't commit. He had some hard choices as to how he was going to spend that time ( he was sentenced to 99 years ) he could go out and kill the next person that he saw and there would be nothing that they could do to him , or he could choose to try and do something positive while he was there. He picked the positive route and wrote many books and articles, that wound up being published, and he was able to positively influence many people including me. My grandmother wrote to him about her juvenile delinquent grandson, me, and he responded by sending me tapes from his prison cell telling me all about the " glories " of prison life. I can tell you it made a difference for me.
I bet if you asked him, he would probably say that he wished that he had never gone to prison, but then on the other hand if he hadn't, if he had made some different decisions, then he might not have had the time to write and to counsel troubled youth. I am not advocating prison here, I am just saying that his past, effected my past, and I am better for it, and now that he is out he is working with troubled youth making a difference for them.
In reality, I don't think I would change anything about my youth. Yes I was a delinquent, and yes my growing up years were hard, but now I am able to empathise with others that have gone through the same kinds of things. My wife and I get along real well because we come from similar backgrounds. I have spent a lot of my time around younger adults and teenagers, whom I can relate to and help, because I have been in their shoes.
I have been to war, I have seen the ugliness associated with it, but that again helps me to understand the younger men and women as they come back from war. I would not change any of it because I am able, through the grace and timing of G-D, to help others .
G-D tells us in Psalms 139 that he knows everything that there is to know about us ; Psalms 139:1-6
O LORD, You have searched me and known me.You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.You comprehend my path and my lying down,And are acquainted with all my ways.For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.You have hedged me behind and before,And laid Your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;It is high, I cannot attain it.
Some of you reading this might be thinking ; That if G-D knows all this already then why doesn't He fix things? I would reply to that by saying that if G-D does know us and has ordered our lives the way that they are, then surely He knows what is best, not only for us, but in the future as to how we might do good for others. He saw you suffering and also saw that through that suffering you might be able, if you are willing, to help others who are in the same boat. We live in a world full of heart ache and tragedy, but it is also filled with people who know that tragedy and suffering and are able to use that knowledge in the helping of others.
When the time of G-D's kingdom comes and His anointed one is in place, then will come a time for the healing of the nations and a return to what G-D meant for us in the first place. See Ezekiel 36:33-35, 47:12.
It will be then that we will have to answer to G-D for our lives ,and I never want it to be said of me that I whined so much about my "rotten childhood" that I refused to help others who were in need as I was.
Can I wish that some things had been different? Yes. But reality sets in and I know that I am able to help people only because I understand what it is that they are going through.
No, I will never be a star ship Captain, but it will be enough for me to know that I have done the will of G-D and have served Him by serving others. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the kingdom of G-D then have all the riches of the world but be useless to others.
Something to consider,
Shalom,
Ignacio
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
"Why do the wicked prosper"
Have you watched or listened to the news today? I must confess that as of this writing I have not, today. Yet. However at some point, I will ,and being the most humble of non-prophets I will predict what it's going to generally say; Politicians are lying to us and are power hungry, another famous celebrity is caught doing something wicked, evil abounds and is prosperous, death and war continue today, unabated, as those who prosper from it grow richer....
Am I sounding a bit cynical? I don't think so, I think,rather, that I am taking some general headlines and pointing out to you a truth that we tend to miss. Evil and corruption seems to pay and apparently pays well.
I am not the first to see this, frequently you can find even the prophets of G-D asking Him why this is so;
Jeremiah 12:1-2 "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit.You are near in their mouth But far from their mind."
Jeremiah even points out that these people invoke the name of G-D when it suits them to do so, but that G-D is far from their hearts. How can this be? How can G-D let such evil run rampant while good people get trampled down to dust? Why is it that evil flourishes while the good dies?
I think I may have an answer or at least a part of one.
We let it happen. Yes the blame falls squarely on us, particularly on those of us who claim to worship and serve G-D. We are the ones to blame.
We let the things that really matter such as "character" and "integrity" get hijacked by people who have a political agenda but were, themselves ,corrupt.Instead of holding them accountable as they break laws that would get us thrown in jail, we re-elect them and give them a pass. It is no wonder that they scornfully look upon us and laugh at our demands, there isn't enough of us with any moral fiber ,or will, to put an end to them.
We are addicted to entertainment. People who normally wouldn't let a bit of porn into their homes frequently watch shows and programming that are just as suggestive and trashy as anything you might find behind the counter of 7/11, but because it comes from Hollywood and is meant for entertainment and they put a rating on it (that everyone ignores) we assume that it must be OK.
We worship our sports heroes and pay big bucks to see them run and jump and hit things and then we are surprised when they take that worship of ours literally and start acting like they are "gods" and can do as they wish. Worse yet, when the dirty laundry does come out ,we watch it, salivating like a bunch of hungry dogs, just waiting for a piece of their flesh to fall off so we can chew on it.
It's too late for us to fix any of this. We have gone way to far down this road to be able to turn it around.We are where the Romans were just before their total fall. We are spread out too far, we are spending more then we have, but we don't care because we are being entertained, and the size of our enemies, both inside the country and out, is getting larger and not enough of us care.
Am I being cynical? Nope just pointing out the truth.
But there is hope.
Jews and Christians alike can agree on this. It's found in many places through out the scriptures but I just want to share with you a few verses from Psalms 37 starting in verse 7.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off;But those who wait on the LORD,They shall inherit the earth.For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.But the meek shall inherit the earth,And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.The wicked plots against the just,And gnashes at him with his teeth.The Lord laughs at him,For He sees that his day is coming.The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow,To cast down the poor and needy,To slay those who are of upright conduct.Their sword shall enter their own heart,And their bows shall be broken. (VS 7-15)
What more can be said. WE are never going to be able to change it, but G-D Himself is going to intervene. The plans of the wicked are going to fall on themselves and in the meantime G-D says,"wait patiently","rest", "do not fret" and to "cease from anger".
I am not required to understand why it is that those that are full of such evil succeed. I just need to understand that G-D has it under control and when it is time He will do what is needed to fix the problems.
I am going to still try to fight for what is right. I will vote. I have already chosen to leave most of the trash that the world calls entertainment behind. I will stand for G-D in all things and I will not worry to much about the future, because He has made it quite clear that it is in His hands.
Shalom,
Ignacio
Am I sounding a bit cynical? I don't think so, I think,rather, that I am taking some general headlines and pointing out to you a truth that we tend to miss. Evil and corruption seems to pay and apparently pays well.
I am not the first to see this, frequently you can find even the prophets of G-D asking Him why this is so;
Jeremiah 12:1-2 "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit.You are near in their mouth But far from their mind."
Jeremiah even points out that these people invoke the name of G-D when it suits them to do so, but that G-D is far from their hearts. How can this be? How can G-D let such evil run rampant while good people get trampled down to dust? Why is it that evil flourishes while the good dies?
I think I may have an answer or at least a part of one.
We let it happen. Yes the blame falls squarely on us, particularly on those of us who claim to worship and serve G-D. We are the ones to blame.
We let the things that really matter such as "character" and "integrity" get hijacked by people who have a political agenda but were, themselves ,corrupt.Instead of holding them accountable as they break laws that would get us thrown in jail, we re-elect them and give them a pass. It is no wonder that they scornfully look upon us and laugh at our demands, there isn't enough of us with any moral fiber ,or will, to put an end to them.
We are addicted to entertainment. People who normally wouldn't let a bit of porn into their homes frequently watch shows and programming that are just as suggestive and trashy as anything you might find behind the counter of 7/11, but because it comes from Hollywood and is meant for entertainment and they put a rating on it (that everyone ignores) we assume that it must be OK.
We worship our sports heroes and pay big bucks to see them run and jump and hit things and then we are surprised when they take that worship of ours literally and start acting like they are "gods" and can do as they wish. Worse yet, when the dirty laundry does come out ,we watch it, salivating like a bunch of hungry dogs, just waiting for a piece of their flesh to fall off so we can chew on it.
It's too late for us to fix any of this. We have gone way to far down this road to be able to turn it around.We are where the Romans were just before their total fall. We are spread out too far, we are spending more then we have, but we don't care because we are being entertained, and the size of our enemies, both inside the country and out, is getting larger and not enough of us care.
Am I being cynical? Nope just pointing out the truth.
But there is hope.
Jews and Christians alike can agree on this. It's found in many places through out the scriptures but I just want to share with you a few verses from Psalms 37 starting in verse 7.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off;But those who wait on the LORD,They shall inherit the earth.For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more.But the meek shall inherit the earth,And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.The wicked plots against the just,And gnashes at him with his teeth.The Lord laughs at him,For He sees that his day is coming.The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow,To cast down the poor and needy,To slay those who are of upright conduct.Their sword shall enter their own heart,And their bows shall be broken. (VS 7-15)
What more can be said. WE are never going to be able to change it, but G-D Himself is going to intervene. The plans of the wicked are going to fall on themselves and in the meantime G-D says,"wait patiently","rest", "do not fret" and to "cease from anger".
I am not required to understand why it is that those that are full of such evil succeed. I just need to understand that G-D has it under control and when it is time He will do what is needed to fix the problems.
I am going to still try to fight for what is right. I will vote. I have already chosen to leave most of the trash that the world calls entertainment behind. I will stand for G-D in all things and I will not worry to much about the future, because He has made it quite clear that it is in His hands.
Shalom,
Ignacio
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ecclesiastes Living.
You know things just aren't terribly wonderful out there in the so called real world. Because I am somewhat of a news junkie I get daily doses of the madness and ,at times ,I have spread my depressing thoughts and views to my family and to others. Recently though I have come to understand that this really isn't a good way to live life, always being so afraid of what tomorrow might bring that I forget to enjoy the day that is right in front of me. If you find yourself in that place and or category this is for you.
Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes? If you have not I highly recommend that you do, however for those who have not I will give you a brief summary of it. Simply put; this was written by king Solomon somewhere near the end of his life. He was a man who literally had it all. He had 1000 wives, horses, chariots,houses , gold and silver. You name it and he had it. On top of that he was ,and still is, considered to be be one of the wisest people on earth. Kings and Queens from around the world came to him for his wisdom and to see the wondrous things that he built and yet none of it brought him happiness. This is the premise of the book. He tells you that he did all these things, he had everything and didn't deny himself anything that could be found under the sun, yet he came to realise that all of that was a waste of his time and was vanity. In his words it was a "chasing after the wind". When all was said and done the same fate was, and is ,waiting for all of us and all these things that we have thought were so great and so important will disappear along with our lives. Or worse yet it would go to someone who would not take care of things the way that you might have so it becomes pointless. He also observed that when our lives were done, that it would not matter one bit what we had accomplished or built , because we couldn't take any of it with us and worse yet eventually everyone would forget who you were in the first place. Sounds down right depressing, but he had a point to make and it was a very simple point that all of us would do well to consider.
Eccl.9:7-8 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
G-D through Solomon makes it very clear, we are to enjoy the life that G-D has given us here, to eat and drink with happiness and to enjoy life with the wife of your youth, and what ever you find to do , do it with all your might! This is what you might call a very simple way to live.
Think about it; Can you really do anything about all the corruption and evil that fills this world? Yes, you can pray, Yes you can go out and vote, but I am talking about the overall scheme of life, can you really do anything about it? No! But just imagine if you lived your life to the fullest and, with great joy, what that might do for you and those around you.
It's awful hard to be depressed when you are around joyful, happy people. I remember my wife introducing me to a family, back when we were dating ,that just radiated happiness. They welcomed me into their home like I was a long lost son and we spent the evening in eating and song and prayer. It was wonderful. They spread their joy to everyone around then and it was infectious. Twenty years later I still remember that well. Ecclesiastes living at it's finest!
The book ends on one other note that is very important to remember even above the former verse, but combined they can make a powerful statement to all those around you.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard;here is the conclusion of the matter:Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Fear G-D and keep His commandments. It doesn't get any simpler then that.
If you combine the two you get a way of life that is simple and very uncomplicated. For some of you this may be too simple a way to live, perhaps all the afore mentioned things just keep your heart pumping and you can't imagine what it would be like to live life so simply.
So let me ask you a question ; When is it that you find the most peace in your soul? When your full tilt boogie into what ever the cause is? Or is it during those quiet moments, when it's just you, G-D and a cup of coffee? I know for me I look forward to those times early in the day when it's just G-D and I and a whole lot of peace. Nothing complicated, no politics, no causes just G-D and myself.
Life can be challenging and there are things that tend to put serious pressure on us and our time and sanity, but consider that if Solomon was filled with such wisdom, and after all that he had accomplished he concluded that this was the best way to live, maybe we should do the same.
Just something to think about.Shalom.
Ignacio
Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes? If you have not I highly recommend that you do, however for those who have not I will give you a brief summary of it. Simply put; this was written by king Solomon somewhere near the end of his life. He was a man who literally had it all. He had 1000 wives, horses, chariots,houses , gold and silver. You name it and he had it. On top of that he was ,and still is, considered to be be one of the wisest people on earth. Kings and Queens from around the world came to him for his wisdom and to see the wondrous things that he built and yet none of it brought him happiness. This is the premise of the book. He tells you that he did all these things, he had everything and didn't deny himself anything that could be found under the sun, yet he came to realise that all of that was a waste of his time and was vanity. In his words it was a "chasing after the wind". When all was said and done the same fate was, and is ,waiting for all of us and all these things that we have thought were so great and so important will disappear along with our lives. Or worse yet it would go to someone who would not take care of things the way that you might have so it becomes pointless. He also observed that when our lives were done, that it would not matter one bit what we had accomplished or built , because we couldn't take any of it with us and worse yet eventually everyone would forget who you were in the first place. Sounds down right depressing, but he had a point to make and it was a very simple point that all of us would do well to consider.
Eccl.9:7-8 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
G-D through Solomon makes it very clear, we are to enjoy the life that G-D has given us here, to eat and drink with happiness and to enjoy life with the wife of your youth, and what ever you find to do , do it with all your might! This is what you might call a very simple way to live.
Think about it; Can you really do anything about all the corruption and evil that fills this world? Yes, you can pray, Yes you can go out and vote, but I am talking about the overall scheme of life, can you really do anything about it? No! But just imagine if you lived your life to the fullest and, with great joy, what that might do for you and those around you.
It's awful hard to be depressed when you are around joyful, happy people. I remember my wife introducing me to a family, back when we were dating ,that just radiated happiness. They welcomed me into their home like I was a long lost son and we spent the evening in eating and song and prayer. It was wonderful. They spread their joy to everyone around then and it was infectious. Twenty years later I still remember that well. Ecclesiastes living at it's finest!
The book ends on one other note that is very important to remember even above the former verse, but combined they can make a powerful statement to all those around you.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard;here is the conclusion of the matter:Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Fear G-D and keep His commandments. It doesn't get any simpler then that.
If you combine the two you get a way of life that is simple and very uncomplicated. For some of you this may be too simple a way to live, perhaps all the afore mentioned things just keep your heart pumping and you can't imagine what it would be like to live life so simply.
So let me ask you a question ; When is it that you find the most peace in your soul? When your full tilt boogie into what ever the cause is? Or is it during those quiet moments, when it's just you, G-D and a cup of coffee? I know for me I look forward to those times early in the day when it's just G-D and I and a whole lot of peace. Nothing complicated, no politics, no causes just G-D and myself.
Life can be challenging and there are things that tend to put serious pressure on us and our time and sanity, but consider that if Solomon was filled with such wisdom, and after all that he had accomplished he concluded that this was the best way to live, maybe we should do the same.
Just something to think about.Shalom.
Ignacio
Friday, September 17, 2010
Day of Atonement
This evening at sunset marks the beginning of Yom Kippur otherwise known as the Day of Atonement.This a day of solemn assembly, this is a day of fasting and prayer, because, as the tradition has it, this is the day that the fates of all men is to be decided by G-D for the coming year.It is also the day that the High Priest would have made atonement for the sins of the people and himself as well. Over all it is a solemn day and a time of reflection seeking out the forgiveness of G-D of of our fellow man.
I don't know who reads this blog. I don't have a number tracker on this page so people can come and go and I won't know. I don't know whether or not your Jewish, Christian or Muslim. You could be a non believer I simply have no way of knowing.
Some of you who read this I do know who you are because you comment from time to time and it is to you, primarily, this message goes.
First of all, thank you for reading this. I am not a gifted writer as is my brother and my daughter. I write most of the time because I enjoy it and it gives my mind and spirit a challenge, but I also do it as a way to try and make people think, to not just except the traditional norm simply because that is all you have ever known.
Considering some of the comments I have received ,I would say that I have done that on occasion, and while I have not purposely set out to offend I am sure that I have and to those of you who have been offended I apologize. I am not likely to change how I write, but please know that no offense has ever been intended.
I have been belittled by some and called G-dless by others. Some of you have been very gracious even when you didn't understand my point of view. To all of you I say thank you, yes even to those who were not so kind to me, including the Chinese folks who planted a virus on my computer, you are forgiven. Why would I do that? Simple I love all of you and I want the best for you over the coming year and I pray that HaShem smiles upon you with all His grace and mercy.
Joel 2:12-13
Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning."Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Today seek out you friends your neighbors and your enemies, seek their forgiveness even if they don't give it to you you have done your part. Seek out HaShem make things right between you and Him, He will forgive.
Today pray for you friends your neighbors and enemies.Pray that they would seek out G-D. Pray for their forgiveness, intercede ,as Moses did, on their behalf.
Today, pray for our nation and our leaders that they might hear the voice of G-D and do what is right, not whats politically correct.
Today pray for Israel and her people that she might live in peace and that the Messiah might come soon to reign.
Why do this? Because as Joel writes "Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
The formula for this is simple; Return to G-d, but how are people going to know to do that if we don't forgive each other and show them what the love of G-D is really about? This is really the message for today. We need to forgive each other and then G-D will forgive us and that in turn makes it possible for us to show the rest of the world what the love of G-D truly is.
So today, put down your politics and your anger, set aside your differences with people and love and forgive each other just as G-D has done for you.
May you come out of this day with great rejoicing in your heart and a greater love for G-D and your neighbors.
Shalom
I don't know who reads this blog. I don't have a number tracker on this page so people can come and go and I won't know. I don't know whether or not your Jewish, Christian or Muslim. You could be a non believer I simply have no way of knowing.
Some of you who read this I do know who you are because you comment from time to time and it is to you, primarily, this message goes.
First of all, thank you for reading this. I am not a gifted writer as is my brother and my daughter. I write most of the time because I enjoy it and it gives my mind and spirit a challenge, but I also do it as a way to try and make people think, to not just except the traditional norm simply because that is all you have ever known.
Considering some of the comments I have received ,I would say that I have done that on occasion, and while I have not purposely set out to offend I am sure that I have and to those of you who have been offended I apologize. I am not likely to change how I write, but please know that no offense has ever been intended.
I have been belittled by some and called G-dless by others. Some of you have been very gracious even when you didn't understand my point of view. To all of you I say thank you, yes even to those who were not so kind to me, including the Chinese folks who planted a virus on my computer, you are forgiven. Why would I do that? Simple I love all of you and I want the best for you over the coming year and I pray that HaShem smiles upon you with all His grace and mercy.
Joel 2:12-13
Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning."Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Today seek out you friends your neighbors and your enemies, seek their forgiveness even if they don't give it to you you have done your part. Seek out HaShem make things right between you and Him, He will forgive.
Today pray for you friends your neighbors and enemies.Pray that they would seek out G-D. Pray for their forgiveness, intercede ,as Moses did, on their behalf.
Today, pray for our nation and our leaders that they might hear the voice of G-D and do what is right, not whats politically correct.
Today pray for Israel and her people that she might live in peace and that the Messiah might come soon to reign.
Why do this? Because as Joel writes "Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
The formula for this is simple; Return to G-d, but how are people going to know to do that if we don't forgive each other and show them what the love of G-D is really about? This is really the message for today. We need to forgive each other and then G-D will forgive us and that in turn makes it possible for us to show the rest of the world what the love of G-D truly is.
So today, put down your politics and your anger, set aside your differences with people and love and forgive each other just as G-D has done for you.
May you come out of this day with great rejoicing in your heart and a greater love for G-D and your neighbors.
Shalom
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Who is this amazing G-D?
Who is this amazing G-D that we serve? Who is this G-D that has so much compassion for His idol worshiping children that He practically begs them to return before they suffer. Who is He that He has so much love and mercy that, even in the knowledge of His people turning their backs on Him ,that He tells them that they will return to Him and that He will forgive them? Who is THIS? This is not the G-D that I grew up with, the one that I heard about. The G-D that I heard about had a whip in His hands waiting to strike you down for even the tiniest of mistakes, who seemed to get more pleasure out of our shame then out of our joy. WHO IS THIS G-D!!!!
Hosea 14:2-10
Return Israel to HaShem your G-D for you have stumbled in your iniquity, take words with you and return to HaShem; Say to Him may you forgive all iniquity and accept good intentions and let our lips substitute for bulls. Assyria will not save us we will not ride upon horses,and we will no longer say," O our gods" to the work of our hands; for it is with You that an orphan finds mercy. I will rectify their waywardness I will love them gratuitously; my anger has turned away from them. I will be to Israel like the dew, and he will blossom like a rose bush and his roots will strike out like the Cedars of Lebanon. His tender branches will go forth , and his glory will be like that of the Olive tree and his fragrance like that of Lebanon. Those who dwell in His shade will return;they will revive like grain and blossom like a vine;their repute will be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim will say,"what more need have I of idols?" I will respond and I will gaze upon him, I am like an ever fresh Cypress tree your fruit will be provided by Me.Who is wise and will understand these things;who is understanding and will know them? For the ways of HaShem are straight; the righteous will walk in them and sinners will stumble over them.
This , my friends is a G-D, who loves His people! Not only does He plead with them to return, He even tells them what to say to Him when they return.
He isn't interested in their animal sacrifices, He IS interested in their confession of their sins and in their hearts return to Him.
In Verse 5 ( Stones Edition) He says that He will rectify their waywardness. In other translations that "He will heal". No matter how you look at it it indicates the Love of G-D for His people and His great desire for their return to Him.He wants them back and when they return He forgives them! What makes this all the more amazing to me is that He tells them all this, through the prophets, even before they have been carried off to captivity! He doesn't just leave them in the dark with the future, He tells them of their return as well. This seems to be a very common theme through out the prophecies.It is G-D's love for His people being shown.
In Joel 2:12-18 G-D tells His people what they needed to do to avoid the punishment that was coming. He didn't want to punish them at all, He was all about them turning their hearts back to Him. He says right in verse 12 "Even Now" meaning it was not too late even at that time for them to change their ways and return to Him again.
Even now," declares the LORD,"return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning."Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God,for he is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and abounding in love,and he relents from sending calamity.Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.Blow the trumpet in Zion,declare a holy fast,call a sacred assembly.Gather the people,consecrate the assembly;bring together the elders,gather the children,those nursing at the breast.Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.Let the priests, who minister before the LORD,weep between the temple porch and the altar.Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD.Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,a byword among the nations.Why should they say among the peoples,'Where is their God?' "
Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. Joel 2:12-18
What an amazing G-D, He spells it out for them, tells them exactly what it is that they need to do to come back to Him. It wasn't just that one or two people were to gather to ask for G-D's forgiveness but all the people, young, old, bride and bridegroom, everyone was to come, everyone was to fast and all were to seek His ways again and then what happens? Verse 18 "Then the Lord will be jealous for His land and take pity on His people."
G-D takes no pleasure in punishment, he gets no joy in the suffering of His children. He will let things run their natural course if a people and a nation reject Him, but His plea is still the same to us as it was to them, Return to Me with all your hearts and I will bless you!
Micah 7:18-19
Who is G-D like you, Who pardons iniquity and overlooks transgression for the remnant of His heritage? He does not maintain His wrath forever,for He desires kindness.He will once again show us mercy,He will suppress our iniquities. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Does this sound like a G-D of vengeful wrath to you? Don't take me wrong, their is a day of reckoning coming and man will be judged, but I have come to believe that G-D is much more interested in hearts turning to Him rather then punishment. If He wasn't why would there be so much warning? Why would G-D go so far out of His way to tell the people what they needed to do after they turned back to Him. If He was all about punishment and wrath ,as some would have us believe, then He would have just let His people suffer without giving them any kind of hope whats so ever. Instead He chose to tell them of what was to come and what they needed to do when that day came, which has been going on for sometime now, and He told them about the future blessings that were to follow.
Who is this amazing G-D? Who does not hide His ways from His children who make His ways plain before them? Hosea 14:10 ...for the ways of HaShem are straight; the righteous will walk in them... Jer. 6:16 This is what the LORD says:Stand at the crossroads and look;ask for the ancient paths,ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will find rest for your souls... Isa.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
G-D's ways are not hidden from us. We can refuse to seek Him out, we can go after other gods if we wish, but His ways are clear and His path is before us.
He loves His children and all His people and He prefers return to punishment, a repentant heart to the sacrifice of bulls. He is truly amazing.
And this heart rejoices in Him.
Hosea 14:2-10
Return Israel to HaShem your G-D for you have stumbled in your iniquity, take words with you and return to HaShem; Say to Him may you forgive all iniquity and accept good intentions and let our lips substitute for bulls. Assyria will not save us we will not ride upon horses,and we will no longer say," O our gods" to the work of our hands; for it is with You that an orphan finds mercy. I will rectify their waywardness I will love them gratuitously; my anger has turned away from them. I will be to Israel like the dew, and he will blossom like a rose bush and his roots will strike out like the Cedars of Lebanon. His tender branches will go forth , and his glory will be like that of the Olive tree and his fragrance like that of Lebanon. Those who dwell in His shade will return;they will revive like grain and blossom like a vine;their repute will be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim will say,"what more need have I of idols?" I will respond and I will gaze upon him, I am like an ever fresh Cypress tree your fruit will be provided by Me.Who is wise and will understand these things;who is understanding and will know them? For the ways of HaShem are straight; the righteous will walk in them and sinners will stumble over them.
This , my friends is a G-D, who loves His people! Not only does He plead with them to return, He even tells them what to say to Him when they return.
He isn't interested in their animal sacrifices, He IS interested in their confession of their sins and in their hearts return to Him.
In Verse 5 ( Stones Edition) He says that He will rectify their waywardness. In other translations that "He will heal". No matter how you look at it it indicates the Love of G-D for His people and His great desire for their return to Him.He wants them back and when they return He forgives them! What makes this all the more amazing to me is that He tells them all this, through the prophets, even before they have been carried off to captivity! He doesn't just leave them in the dark with the future, He tells them of their return as well. This seems to be a very common theme through out the prophecies.It is G-D's love for His people being shown.
In Joel 2:12-18 G-D tells His people what they needed to do to avoid the punishment that was coming. He didn't want to punish them at all, He was all about them turning their hearts back to Him. He says right in verse 12 "Even Now" meaning it was not too late even at that time for them to change their ways and return to Him again.
Even now," declares the LORD,"return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning."Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God,for he is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and abounding in love,and he relents from sending calamity.Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.Blow the trumpet in Zion,declare a holy fast,call a sacred assembly.Gather the people,consecrate the assembly;bring together the elders,gather the children,those nursing at the breast.Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.Let the priests, who minister before the LORD,weep between the temple porch and the altar.Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD.Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,a byword among the nations.Why should they say among the peoples,'Where is their God?' "
Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. Joel 2:12-18
What an amazing G-D, He spells it out for them, tells them exactly what it is that they need to do to come back to Him. It wasn't just that one or two people were to gather to ask for G-D's forgiveness but all the people, young, old, bride and bridegroom, everyone was to come, everyone was to fast and all were to seek His ways again and then what happens? Verse 18 "Then the Lord will be jealous for His land and take pity on His people."
G-D takes no pleasure in punishment, he gets no joy in the suffering of His children. He will let things run their natural course if a people and a nation reject Him, but His plea is still the same to us as it was to them, Return to Me with all your hearts and I will bless you!
Micah 7:18-19
Who is G-D like you, Who pardons iniquity and overlooks transgression for the remnant of His heritage? He does not maintain His wrath forever,for He desires kindness.He will once again show us mercy,He will suppress our iniquities. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Does this sound like a G-D of vengeful wrath to you? Don't take me wrong, their is a day of reckoning coming and man will be judged, but I have come to believe that G-D is much more interested in hearts turning to Him rather then punishment. If He wasn't why would there be so much warning? Why would G-D go so far out of His way to tell the people what they needed to do after they turned back to Him. If He was all about punishment and wrath ,as some would have us believe, then He would have just let His people suffer without giving them any kind of hope whats so ever. Instead He chose to tell them of what was to come and what they needed to do when that day came, which has been going on for sometime now, and He told them about the future blessings that were to follow.
Who is this amazing G-D? Who does not hide His ways from His children who make His ways plain before them? Hosea 14:10 ...for the ways of HaShem are straight; the righteous will walk in them... Jer. 6:16 This is what the LORD says:Stand at the crossroads and look;ask for the ancient paths,ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will find rest for your souls... Isa.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
G-D's ways are not hidden from us. We can refuse to seek Him out, we can go after other gods if we wish, but His ways are clear and His path is before us.
He loves His children and all His people and He prefers return to punishment, a repentant heart to the sacrifice of bulls. He is truly amazing.
And this heart rejoices in Him.
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