Bible Fetish
What the bible says about lying, and what the holy ghost.
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Genesis 11 & 12
Genesis 11: 1
And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech
This is a great story that explains why man do not speak just one language. When they did, they all worked together to escape Earth by building a tower. God’s reaction was akin to, I can’t believe they’d think to do this. God then made sure that we would never be able to band together like that again and spread us out all over the world. He then even went one step further by taking away our ability to communicate such plots to one another with great ease. I find this story to be hilarious. Do tell me your take on it.
Genesis 12:11-13
11And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon; 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. 13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
Abram, soon to be called Abraham, had to lie to the Egyptians about Sarai being his wife because he feared they would kill him for her. It is a hard time indeed when you have to do this, but did Abram really have to lie? Was he just judging the Egyptians? Well, in the end Abram had to be kicked out of Egypt because the pharaoh mistook Abram’s wife to be his sister. I don’t know what you get out of this story, do leave a comment and tell me, but I’m thinking this is a good lesson on why not to lie. Nothing good ever comes out of it.
Isaiah 5 & 6
Click to read more about people doing foolish things while drunk
11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! 12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. 13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
If you have been reading Isaiah, you’ve noticed it’s filled with curses on Labenon and God’s anger with the children of Zion. Really not my favorite read in the bible, but I did find one verse that I want to remeber. I’ve always been that social drinker at parties who would like sip from my friends drink, but never get drunk. Who wants to end up puking on all fours before the toilet bowl, ruining their hot dress and perfectly glossy lips? Not I. I feel perfectly better when I know God feels the same way I do about drinking. He doesn’t want me drunk either. I knew looking sexy wasn’t my only desire, deep down was a desire to please God. Read Proverbs 31 to find out more. And if you have any wacky party stories where you remained strong, do tell, be an example so others can feel like their not alone.
Please refrain from getting this drunk.
Photo from UF taken from Kris Nichols
9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
So God wants us to go out and preach to the people. I am never out there holding up that huge banner saying, come be saved or you’re going straight to HELL! Well, you don’t have to do that. I am so afraid of religious arguments: they get long, boring and so exhausting. I just subtly slide in God whenever I’m speaking to my friends in a nonchalant way. They really don’t know what I’m doing. This blog is another way I teach about God. So go out and preach in your own little way. Don’t be ashamed of God. You shouldn’t have to be.
Matthew 11 & 12
Matthew 11
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
I think this verse speaks perfectly well by itself. Go, learn about God.
Matthew 12:28-31
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else, how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be given unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Jesus did all his healing with the power of the Holy Ghost. This is what he calls his power when he tells the priests not to say he’s casting out demons with the help of the devil. So the power of healing and prophesizing is done with the power of the Holy Ghost. You do not automatically get the power of the Holy Ghost by just being saved. You have to receive it. Ask your church about the Holy Ghost. Here are some good readings: Baptism With The Holy Ghost by Jay Atkinson, This reading is a subjective, nonreligious view and is from MSN Encarta. If you’re totally passionate about the idea, then definitely ask your priest about it. Or if you have experiences with the Holy Ghost, please tell.
Is Man’s Heart Evil From Youth? Taliban Selling Children For Suicide Bombings
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Genesis 7 & 8
Genesis 8
Click on the link to learn more about Suicide Bombings on Sindhtoday.net
And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth: neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
After the 40 days and 40 night horror that the Lord put Noah and his family through, he promised to never again flood the earth. Is man really evil from the womb and we have to be trained to be good, or is it the environment that causes man to be evil? All I have to say is religion is needed. Some people would just be plain mean if they didn’t have a little Jesus in them. I know I would. There needs to be some kind of righteousness being taught because there are some truly evil people in the world. Who on earth could ever think about bringing harm to children?
The taliban is selling children for approximately $6,000 to $12000 as suicide bombers. I am not in the culture, I am not placed in such a desperate situation, but I just could not imagine turning children into smoked meat for a war they have little to nothing to do with. I am curious to find some peaceful ways to stop this. Just want to spread some awareness.
Read more about this on CNN: Pakistan: Taliban buying children for suicide attacks
Praying For Michael Jackson’s Soul
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Michael Jackson was described by many to be kind and sweet. The man defined a whole decade. He is the reason many black artists are on MTV today. Such artists as Usher, Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake were inspired by Michael Jackson’s work. Still, is Michael Jackson burning in hell? I don’t want to answer the question. I just know that good works can’t save you alone, and who knows if Michael Jackson wasn’t bowing on his knees and hitting up church on Sundays. We can’t fault the man and curse him to hell because of what the media says. Great men in the bible got talked badly by the world all the time: Jesus; Moses, the king of Egypt hated him; Noah, people thought he was stupid; Jephtath, the people shamed him because he was the son of a harlot. Not saying that Michael Jackson is on their level, but still. Maybe Michael Jackson was just wrongly hated by the media.
So if there is a chance that Michael Jackson is facing the gnashing of teeth and weeping, I’m waging a campaign to try and get all my Christian friends to try and pray Michael’s way in to Heaven. Maybe if we get enough people to pray, God might at least consider the idea.
Even still, the media is still taking up time that should be focused on more serious matters to paint a bad picture of Michael Jackson even when he is in the grave. The media is uncovering Michael Jackson’s secrets, his misuse of drug prescriptions, even when the man is in the grave. Inside Edition, an entertainment news source, posted on their website,
“There have been reports that right before Jackson’s death, he was given an injection of Demerol, a painkiller the star called his “health tonic,” but Chernoff strongly denied that.”
Sad stuff right? The media’s always ruining my pristine view of Michael Jackson. Even my Preacher said something that was not far from the truth, but at the time I still didn’t want to hear it. He implied Michael Jackson was not happy. After teaching his audience that money cannot buy you happiness, he went on to tell this story about his really young daughter coming to a realization that even though Michael was all rich and famous he still wasn’t at peace. But anyway, everyone still loves Michael Jackson in some small way. So I had to write something about him.
Now I didn’t watch all of the BET awards. I’m trying to cleanse my body and mind from BET (as a Black woman), quite understandable. But anyway, that’s another rant, not for this post. Before I say good bye to Michael Jackson, I have to post one of my favorite videos to him. It’s one of my favorite videos because I love people, and I just love how Michael Jackson captured all the famous actors in their natural, peaceful state.
I think this how God would want to capture everybody, just peacefully talking, enjoying life, spinning around in a circle, doing their own thing. When I was younger, I used to think Michael Jackson was singing about a girl who worked in a library. Kids right?
But anyway, good-bye Michael Jackson. You will be missed.
Noah’s Ark, Tips To A Great Relationship and Jesus Gives Rules To Live By In Matthew
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Genesis 5 &6
Genesis 6:5-8
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Rome enjoyed some good times, but they just never matured.
Noah was the one man on all the Earth that still lived right in God’s eyes. Everybody else was acting a fool, but Noah decided he did not want to be like them. This story teaches the moral lesson that everyone needs to know: be a leader not a follower, unless you know that the leader is walking down the right path. Don’t end up drowning in salt water because you wanted to be like everybody else.
Song of Solomon
Solomon 5:9
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, o thou fairest among women? Thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
The man or woman you have now is not going to be the same as another man or woman that you find later on in life, so you should cherish them. Don’t take them for granted. Remind them that you love them. That’s what builds a strong relationship. WebMD has a great article Go Retro: 12 Tips For A Happy Marriage. These are definitely great tips. You can apply them to any relationship even if you’re not married. I wouldn’t apply Tip 3 though early on in a relationship. If you’re not married, probably shouldn’t be sleeping together anyway, so guess you would, but if you are, to each his own. Below are some great tips for strong relationships. Click on the first word to be led to a website to learn more.
- Know that both romantic love and the power struggles are not the destination, but are stages on the road to ‘real love’. Frustration and conflict are keys for healing and growth for both of you!
Don't End Up Like This. Read Relationship Tips.
- Hidden resentments poison a relationship; so if something bothers you, say it. Remember that while people are wary of emotional conversations, it can lead to finding solutions. Express your problem and then ask your loved one to help you find the answer. Has some good tips on sex if you feel you’re at that stage in your relationship.
- Do Not Repeat, Do Not Repeat, Do Not Repeat (bad decisions).
- And if finally you read all three articles and still have to end it, just know, all good things must come to an end sometime. The Break-up: It’s Not So Bad. Maybe you’ll get back together in Heaven. Here’s the Tip: Don’t delay ending a relationship. Once you know you want to break up with someone, it does not help if you deny what you feel. Your partner will sense a change, perhaps reaching out for reassurance. This may feel like “neediness” to you which will increase your feelings of being stuck.
- If You Don’t Break-Up, last 3 years at least, then you’re ready for marriage. Check out the cutest site I found on the web: All Women Stalk and read their marriage tips.
Matthew 5&6
Mathew 5:42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Alright Matthew 5 and 6 are filled with great life rules to live by, but always giving to those in need (sometimes to those that are not really in need) is a life lesson that everyone should abide by. Giving makes people happy, that’s why Christmas is so popular. Who cares if it’s a commercial holiday that’s celebrating Jesus’s birthday when Jesus wasn’t even born in December. Christmas teaches a moral lesson which is giving. You can still tie in Jesus as well (giving in the name of the Lord or what not, reading the bible before gift opening). So if your kids are bad, don’t forgo celebrating Christmas. You give them money for Christmas, and you take them to the store and make them buy presents for others. At least they’ll learn the lesson of sharing.
Still don’t want to celebrate Christmas? Maybe it’s not the holiday for you. Volunteering is a form of giving. Second Harvest, a food bank, is a great place to volunteer. Lines up with the motto of “from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” I volunteered at Second Harvest in Jacksonville, Fl. Leaving there, I felt like I made a difference. Check out this video below. See what Second Harvest is about. It’s really cute. You might like it. Has some great country music as well.
The Bible on Love, Hardwork and Church
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We Are Not A Cursed People
Genesis 3-4
Gensis 3:16-19
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
In the bible, Eve was cursed because she encouraged Adam to eat from the tree of life. She was cursed with: a painful conception, her husband havi
ng her desire, and her husband having the power. God cursed Adam with having to till and care for the ground to get his food. I say just because Adam and Eve got cursed doesn’t mean we should have to suffer. Today we have adapted to these curses, and we can look at these curses as gifts. Just think about it, all the things that are happening today either makes us stronger as individuals or makes us appreciate life more. All the pain a woman has to go through for child birth allows us to take bringing a child into the world more seriously. If women could have children as easy as slipping off a dress from Nordstrom, would we appreciate them as much? We’d probably be dropping them all over the place. Abandoned children would be so commonplace, when we saw one, we’d shake our head and say, ‘oh there goes another one. ’ Another example, men should be powerful. They are evolutionally designed to be powerful. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in balanced relationships. The old saying goes, behind every strong man is a strong woman, but it does not go behind every weak man is a strong woman. What hardworking, independent woman today wants to be bothered with a man she can run all over? They’re pratically useless.
Genesis 4:4-9
4 And Abel, he also brough of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Let’s face it. Hard work is going to reap you benefits. Nothing else. Even the NBA realized that when they did their recent campaign during the play-offs. Check it out.
If you’re not willing to work hard, then you can’t get mad at someone else for getting the promotion instead of you. Abel brought his first-fruits of labor to God and was rewarded with his praise. Cain brought God whatever he felt like. I’m willing to bet he knew that he was supposed to bring his first-fruits of labor to God just like Abel knew. Then Cain had the nerve to be mad at Abel because Abel did well for himself. Don’t be afraid to work hard in life and always give your best. In a way we’re always working for ourselves, but someone else gets our labor. Steve Pavlina wrote something great on his website:
Strong challenge is commonly connected with strong results. Sure you can get lucky every once in a while and find an easy path to success. But will you be able to maintain that success, or is it just a fluke? Will you be able to repeat it? Once other people learn how you did it, will you find yourself overloaded with competition? When you discipline yourself to do what is hard, you gain access to a realm of results that are denied everyone else. The willingness to do what is difficult is like having a key to a special private treasure room.
Don’t believe Steve Pavlina? Check out these other great articles: Secrets of Greatness and Eureka! It Really Takes Years of Hard Work
Song of Solomon 3-4
Song of Solomon 4:5-11
5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lillies. 6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. 7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Armana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the moutains of the leopards. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! 11 Thy lips, o my spouse, drop as the honey-comb; honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
A symbol of Purity
God is love, so why wouldn’t he believe that faithful love is the most beautiful thing on earth? I love the Song of Solomon because it is a LOVE STORY. It is a tale about a woman who remains true to the one she loves even though she is trying to be seduced by a king (Solomon). Dr. Andrew Corbitt has this interpretation on his website. King Solomon lists all these things that he finds beautiful about the girl he is trying to woo: her breasts, her lips, her face, but forgets about the intelligence factor. What’s a beautiful box with no gift inside? A big disappointment, just like a beautiful head with nothing, but air. The man doesn’t even touch on her purity. There is nothing more beautiful than a good woman. King Solomon wouldn’t have found her to be so fair if she was sleeping with the whole town, while at the same time being mean, loud and disrespectful. Since King Solomon wanted such a beautiful, pure woman, he should have been more pure himself. Maybe if he had been, she wouldn’t have talked about her shepard the whole time King Solomon was trying to woo her with “ornaments” 1:11 Life lesson when it comes to dating: If you want a king/queen, then you have to put yourself in that light. If you want a man/woman with manners, then you have to have manners.
Matthew 3-4
Matthew 3: 11
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
John the Baptist was a great man, but what I admire about him the most is that he was a humble man. When he heard that Jesus was coming, and he was more powerful than him, he didn’t complain and ask why he couldn’t be Jesus. He went out and proudly proclaimed the great one’s coming, understanding that his purpose was great as well. We all have something great to contribute to this world.
Matthew 4:1
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
If you are constantly being tempted off your path of righteousness or whatever, maybe it’s your diet, don’t worry you will prevail. Everyone is tempted. Even Jesus was tempted by the Devil. So don’t feel bad if you’re tempted and slip up. We all are tempted everyday, so stay strong.
Matthew 4:11
Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Going to church, reading about the bible, hanging around people that can teach you more are important. Take every opportunity that is presented to you to be ministered to. Even Jesus was ministered to, and if Jesus needed to be ministered to, then guess what? We do to. Some of the best moments of “Jesus in my life” were encountering random moments of wisdom while I’m walking on the street. I never turn down a preaching that makes good sense, whether it’s from a homeless dude, a college student, a worker at Starbucks, who knows? A wiseman comes in many forms.
Everyone Needs To Be Ministered To
What The Bible Has To Say About Going Green, Love and Point Of Grace
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Genesis 1-2
So God made the earth in seven days. Everyone knows that. What is often ignored is our responsibility to the earth. God made mankind dominion over the Earth, so he also made us responsible for the Earth’s well-being. After all, Adam was placed in a garden to mend it. He wasn’t just placed in house on a hill.
Genesis 1:26
And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
The Planet Is Our Responsibility
I’m sure God didn’t give us dominion over the earth so we could pollute it, throw trash and abuse all the animals. What man in his right mind wants to trash his own home? I for one hate littering and am making an effort to go green when I can. It’s never too much to recycle. There are several great tips for going green. Check out OurEarth.org. It has an easy 10 step guide for going green. Who knew we should buy fresh vegetables over frozen because it takes 10 times more energy to preserve frozen food? I didn’t till I checked this website out.
Gensis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die
Going green is your choice, but make the right one. I think God is a full believer in free will. When God planted the tree of knowledge, he was allowing Adam to exercise his free will. I’ve heard it explained in many ways: ‘the tree of knowledge was somehow symbolic of God’s 10 percent’; ‘the tree of knowledge was a cruel trap for mankind;’ and even ‘the tree of knowledge is a story to condemn the Egyptian’s belief in moral order will lead to eternal life which conflicts with the Hebrew’s beliefs (from Myths of the Bible by Gary Greenberg).’ You can’t have free will if there are no options presented. We have the same free will today that God presented to Adam and Eve thousands and thousands of years ago: obey me or don’t. Isn’t that funny? There are some great perspectives on the tree of knowledge out there. Some of them are religious, some not so much. If you want to do some more research, check this out: There’s excerpts from the very interesting book, Brush Up On Your Bible by Michael Macrone; a religious view like mine from Got Questions; and an interesting scientific analysis from Absolute Astronomy.
Genesis 3:22
And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live fore ever
I think that God kicked Adam out of the Garden of Eden in verse 22 because Adam would become as God or “as one of us.” Adam could then have potentially lived forever. I’m certain God did not want to have to deal with another devil running around, so he just kicked Adam and Eden out of the garden to prevent that from happening. Disagree? Pray on it and you’ll probably find another answer.
Song of Solomon
This was a delightful read. I just love reading love poetry. I think God loves when two people are in love. It’s a sacred thing and something to be proudly honored before God. That’s why weddings are so beautiful and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Reading Solomon 1 was like reading Shakespeare.
When I read Solomon 2, I pictured God telling his beloved children to wake up and enjoy life! It’s today! I also pictured a young man trying to woo a woman. Whatever you envision in your head when you read this doesn’t really matter as long as you walk away with the central message: God loves you. You are his beloved, and you should enjoy life.
2:10 -12
10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
These verses remind me of the song How You Live (Turn Up The Music) by Point Of Grace
All You Have To Be Is You To Be Great
Matthew 1-2
How on Earth did God choose who was going to be the mother of Jesus Christ? Did he draw straws? Maybe played bubble gum bubble gum? Who knows how he did it, but the choice is significant. He chose a young virgin who wasn’t the fairest in the land or even the richest. He just chose a girl pure and willing to believe. Jesus wasn’t even born in a castle. He was born in a stable. The importance message of this is: you don’t have to be apart of the Gossip Girl entourage to be great. All you have to be is good, pure, and a believer. You will make it, don’t doubt it. Go out in the world and take chances. God will be with you. He will not allow evil to come your way if you believe, just like he protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from Herod when he was trying to kill them.
Matthew 2:13
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Just remember obstacles will always be there, but most likely with God, you’ll conquer them.
The Fray and Psalms 22:1-2
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The Fray’s song You Found Me reminds me of Psalms 22:1-2:
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my god, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
This question is being asked even though God is with us all the time even though sometimes we feel as though he is not. Isaac Slade, the lead singer of The Fray, is asking God through the whole song where were you when I needed you most? This is evident in the words, “I’ve been calling for years and years . . . and you never left no messages . . .” He feels just like the dude in Psalms 22. This song touched me so much because I know I’ve gone through that. Who hasn’t? Love this song. I bought the whole album because of this song. I have both of The Fray’s albums. I love them.
