Control Yourselves

The human sex drive is powerful to ensure the continuation of the species. Lack of control of our sexual urges has gotten many people in deep trouble and cause considerable pain to those around them. A civilized society demands a certain amount of restraint in our sexual activity and is willing to punish those who do not comply.

 

Political and religious leaders often let power go to their heads and suddenly find themselves in public disgrace and even jail. I often wonder at how stupid people can be to think that they will not get caught. In today’s world with TV cameras everywhere and police sting operations much in the news the evidence for getting caught is high.

 

In the case of child sexual predators every community is on the alert and police are on line with officers pretending to be juveniles. We all know this and yet it still works. Men thinking that they are talking to youngsters take time to build up relationships and propose a meeting in explicit terms. They are in shock when they are arrested and their computer is seized for evidence. It is a sign of being stupid. I am glad that the police are being successful.

 

Confusing Church Language

Alpha and Omega are words that the church often uses to describe Jesus. It is part of the “Church Language” that often confuses those who do not attend often or do not belong to a church. I have known the meaning since I as a teen boy at home in Lamesa, Texas. My mother always took great care to explain these arcane terms to me.

 

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last to it is the “A” and the “Z” in the English alphabet. The first and the last is intended to equal the eternal nature of Jesus. It can include the sense that Jesus is the completion and the fulfillment in history. I feel that way about Jesus so that in Him my spiritual fulfillment is complete and my relationship with God is strong.

 

I am willing to answer  your other questions about confusing “Church Language” or any other questions about faith, scripture and life.  

Political Ad Gaff

I went to a political meeting last night where candidates were passing out their PR flyers, cards and what ever.
One lady running for Judge handed me a flashy, expensive and well done piece.  There was one of the captions that made me laugh because the wording was easy to misconstrue.
In the picture she was looking up lovingly at her 17 something son and the caption under neath said:
"Wife & Mom to one terrific kid!"

People around me were laughing and talking about the fact that it looked like she was married to her son. Yes we all knew what she meant but well some proof reading might have helped. As someone who has written a lot of gaffs over the years I can empathize with her but it is still funny.

Back From Vacation

We have just returned from a great vacation to visit family in Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Lord have mercy it was hot there and then we come home to 100+ heat here. I was able to meet a long time JS friend Summerwind.

Even with all the heat an no rain our grass is way too tall after two weeks away. I am mowing early to beat the real heat but it is already hot and humid.

Well back to work.

It is HOT

This heat wave is something else but the worst part is it is also humid.

Stepping out the front door is a little like entering hell even in the morning. I guess it is to be expected in August with Global Warming as a big factor.

Thank God for air conditioning. I am stying in as much as possible.

2 in 1

There are two aspects of the Christian Church that are often confused as the same and they are not. One aspect of the church is the Social Institution and the other is the Community of Faith.

The social institution is the legal corporation that has officers, employees, buildings, contracts, and includes all the members, active or not. The institution conducts business and provides services of many kinds, like weddings and funerals. Both members and non-members use the institution much like a social club or government service. A social institution has obligations to its members but not to the world beyond.

The Community of Faith, is made up of active members who love God and truly care for one another. Community of Faith members find ways to help each other, often without being asked. They support the ministry of the church with love in giving time, energy, thought, tithes, and prayers. The community of faith has a primary obligation to God, a secondary obligation to others and a loving obligation to one another. The Christian Community is a shared experience of people bonded together as God's family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ forming the "Body of Christ," blessing everyone.

Some of us belong to both the social institution and the community of faith. Those who participate in the community find our deepest satisfaction in our religious life and our relationship with God and each other. Sadly there are some people who only belong to the social institution and they miss out on the best part of being "Church." 

Quiet Morning

In the quietness of the breaking dawn

It is my time for silent prayer,

With only the song of a bird

Ringing out on the soft Sumer air.

It is here I find a healing rest

And lift my heart to God

For the peace that can be found

And feel His love all around.