“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
EZEKIEL 41-42
1Then the man brought me to the main hall and measured the jambs; the width of the jambs was six cubitsa on each side.b2The entrance was ten cubitsc wide, and the projecting walls on each side of it were five cubitsd wide. He also measured the main hall; it was forty cubits long and twenty cubits wide.e(41:1-2)
2 PETER 1
3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
JOURNAL
I guess in many ways I grew up with a delusional belief in God. I think it was mainly because preachers tended to use scripture for manipulative purposes. They tended to paint a picture of the Christian life as one that resulted in health, wealth and success. They painted a picture of an idyllic life and basically said that if people would commit to it and give willingly to the church then everything would work out for them in life. Their prayers would be answered and their dreams would come true. They also gave the contrast as a warning and a way to cast judgement on others...for if you weren't committed to God then you would be beset by suffering, failure and problems.
Based on scripture what I find is that it's actually the opposite when you apply it to this world. We are only promised Heaven when we get to Heaven. We are promised Hell when we get to Hell. What happens here is a grab bag of chance and circumstance. There is scripture that confirms that some people will enjoy long life and success and wealth while on earth...even though they are selfish, greedy and full of hate. There is also scripture that confirms that those that follow God will experience, suffering, rebuke, rejection and horrible death.
Jesus, the disciples, Paul...all of these people lived an absolute hell on earth. They hoped in something far beyond them, far beyond their own lives and even beyond the lives of their wives, children, friends etc. They hoped and lived for a future kingdom where love and joy ruled. Where happiness would never be measured by how much money or toys you had but rather because you were free to love and serve others.
Since I have been reading the Bible I have experienced a lot of confusion, anger and disillusionment with the modern "church". I have struggled to reconcile my reading of scripture with my own experiences and what I often find is a severe disconnect. This is within myself as well as the organization of the churches I have been a part of. I don't say this to bash or bemoan but rather simply being honest about my own experience.
When I read the letters of Paul and Peter and the words of Jesus I find that they are calling believers to a life of extreme sacrifice, service and love. A life I definitely do not live and one that I don't see others living either. Often it feels as if we have taken the parts of scripture that serve us in our current circumstances in living our modern comfortable life and rejected all those that would call that life into question.
Even the two choices we had for president seemed to represent nothing but extreme greed and selfishness. Yet somehow I justify my vote...because to not would mean that I would be opposed to all that they represent and ultimately opposed to my community and my life within this community. Many times when I reach this point I become bitter and angry and feel like tossing in the towel. Yet the miracle of God and scripture is that he always calls me back from the ledge...always reminds me that I am here for a reason and to rest in his love. Always comforts me with the lives of my boys, the love of my wife and family and the fact that everywhere I turn I can find evidence of God's grace and love. I find it within my own heart and soul and see it clearly in the gratitude, grace, forgiveness and love of others...and yes even in the modern church.
There is evil in the world...we are promised that it will exist until the earth is completely restored, we can find it everywhere, but we also are promised that God is everywhere and he will never leave us. It is in this promise that I find joy and comfort and the ability live another day in the hope and strength of God's power and love.
Based on scripture what I find is that it's actually the opposite when you apply it to this world. We are only promised Heaven when we get to Heaven. We are promised Hell when we get to Hell. What happens here is a grab bag of chance and circumstance. There is scripture that confirms that some people will enjoy long life and success and wealth while on earth...even though they are selfish, greedy and full of hate. There is also scripture that confirms that those that follow God will experience, suffering, rebuke, rejection and horrible death.
Jesus, the disciples, Paul...all of these people lived an absolute hell on earth. They hoped in something far beyond them, far beyond their own lives and even beyond the lives of their wives, children, friends etc. They hoped and lived for a future kingdom where love and joy ruled. Where happiness would never be measured by how much money or toys you had but rather because you were free to love and serve others.
Since I have been reading the Bible I have experienced a lot of confusion, anger and disillusionment with the modern "church". I have struggled to reconcile my reading of scripture with my own experiences and what I often find is a severe disconnect. This is within myself as well as the organization of the churches I have been a part of. I don't say this to bash or bemoan but rather simply being honest about my own experience.
When I read the letters of Paul and Peter and the words of Jesus I find that they are calling believers to a life of extreme sacrifice, service and love. A life I definitely do not live and one that I don't see others living either. Often it feels as if we have taken the parts of scripture that serve us in our current circumstances in living our modern comfortable life and rejected all those that would call that life into question.
Even the two choices we had for president seemed to represent nothing but extreme greed and selfishness. Yet somehow I justify my vote...because to not would mean that I would be opposed to all that they represent and ultimately opposed to my community and my life within this community. Many times when I reach this point I become bitter and angry and feel like tossing in the towel. Yet the miracle of God and scripture is that he always calls me back from the ledge...always reminds me that I am here for a reason and to rest in his love. Always comforts me with the lives of my boys, the love of my wife and family and the fact that everywhere I turn I can find evidence of God's grace and love. I find it within my own heart and soul and see it clearly in the gratitude, grace, forgiveness and love of others...and yes even in the modern church.
There is evil in the world...we are promised that it will exist until the earth is completely restored, we can find it everywhere, but we also are promised that God is everywhere and he will never leave us. It is in this promise that I find joy and comfort and the ability live another day in the hope and strength of God's power and love.
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
JOHN 14:27
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