Wake Up! Wake Up! - Excerpt #2 - More on the Bible

Advice
The Bible offers proverbs filled with words of wisdom and advice.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:3-6

Poetry
Poetry can be found throughout the Bible. The Psalms provide a multitude of examples. One that most readers will know or have heard of is Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23


Odes
An example of an ode from the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A Toast
To celebrate a friendship, a toast, from Song of Songs 5: “Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers.”

Songs
Many songs have been inspired by the Bible and its many meanings. But the greatest songs are about love. There is a book of the Bible, Song of Songs, that provides many words of love. Interpretations made compare the love of wisdom to that of the love of a woman and a man and a woman. Well worth a read.

Guiding Principle
And as for guiding principles, they too are throughout the Bible. Again, we turn to Proverbs:

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor; a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:12-14

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. Proverbs 24:10

Familiar Phrases or Idioms

• Stairway to heaven (Genesis 28:12)
• For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
• Make swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4)
• Man does not live on bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3)
• Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28)
• East of Eden (Genesis 3:21)
• Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21)
• Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
• As old as Methuselah (Genesis 5:25)
• Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12)
• Land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8)
• The meek will inherit the earth (Psalms 37:11)
• Strangers in a strange land (1 Peter 2:11)
• Let my people go (Exodus 5:1)
• Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (Matthew 5:38)
• Jezebel (Esther 4:14)
• Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1)
• Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:29)
• The patience of Job (from the Book of Job)
• Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1)
• Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24)
• The skin of my teeth (Job 19:20)
• Welcome the little children (Mark 9:37)
• Forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12)
• The floodgates of heaven (Genesis 7:11)
• The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31)
• Much will be demanded from those who have been given much (Luke 12:48)
• A voice calling in the desert (Luke 3:4
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)
• Salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
• Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41)
• Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:7)
• The poison of vipers is on their lips (Romans 3:13)
• A time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
• On earth peace to men (Luke 2:14)
• Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38)
• Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24)
• Weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12)
• Den of thieves (Mark 11:17)
• Good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)
• Physician, heal thyself (Luke 4:23)
• Cast the first stone (John 8:7)
• Stand your ground…stand firm (Ephesians 6:14)
• Written on their hearts (Romans 2:15)
• The handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5)
• The kiss of Judas (Mark 14:45)
• Walk on water (Matthew 14:29)
• Greater love hath no man than this (John 15:13)
• Death, where is thy sting (1 Corinthians 15:55)
• The root of all evil (1 Titus 6:10)
• Light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• The light of life (Psalm 56:13)
• The seventh seal (Revelation 8:1)
• In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
• I am the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
• Fight the good fight (1 Titus 1:18)
• Armageddon (Revelation 16:16)
• Holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5)
• Sheep, gone astray (Isaiah 53:6)
• As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34)
• Wipe away every tear (Revelation 7:17)
• Woe is me! (Isaiah 6:5)
• Can a leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23)
• A drop in the bucket (Isaiah 40:15)
• Eat, drink, and be merry (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
• Give up the ghost (Job 14:10)
• Am I my brother's keeper? (Genesis 4:9)
• Fat of the land (Genesis 45:18)
• A lamb for the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)
• The blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14)
• Old wives’ tales (1 Timothy 4:7)
• Soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31)
• From the lips of children (Matthew 21:16)
• Written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15)
• Four corners of the earth (Revelation 20:8)
• Brotherly love (Romans 12:10)
• The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Matthew 26:41)
• Busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:1;Titus 5:13)
• Jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7)
• Potter’s field (Matthew 27:7)
• A household divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25)

So much of our language today contains words, idioms, and phrases from the Bible, and most do not realize the source. “Surely ignorance of the Bible is bound to impoverish one’s appreciation of English literature?” And the writer of the prior quote is an atheist.

An Excerpt From Wake Up! Wake Up! - #1

Love the Gift: A How-To Book

My child, hear my Words, Words of the greatest sweetness, surpassing all the learning of the philosophers and the wise of the world.

The previous chapter closed by suggesting we get to know God better. The process for me involved reading, and the big step was reading the Bible. And to get to know God, that really is the way to start. What could be better? Begin by reading what was written by messengers, witnesses, and apostles of the Lord. You will get to experience history, places, and developments and be enlightened and delighted by what you learn.

What a challenge. Read the Bible from cover to cover. It was quite an experience for me. Or I should say, it is quite an experience, since it continues to this day. Just about every day I read a portion of the Bible; it may be just a few lines or most of a chapter. Something strikes a chord, makes me think about a passage, or a situation occurs that causes me to find an answer or the right thing to say in the Word. I have not been disappointed yet. It is like Ask.com: you go to the reference, and you find an answer to your question.

My initial attempt took over a year. I was often confused or had questions and began to search elsewhere for added clarity, historical evidence, confirmation from another source, or just to learn more about the topic that was presented that for me just needed more detail. I was successful each time. My interest and enjoyment grew. The Old Testament is a difficult read, and remembering all the kings and the tribes of Israel, where and when they came and went, was quite a task. Also, how God was presented took a bit of work to fully comprehend and appreciate. Creation: okay, I got it, but was it successful? Did God achieve his end, especially with Adam’s error? Why the Jews, the chosen people, and all their trials and tribulations and their errors too?

The Old Testament and the New Testament are quite different. The God in the New seems different in some ways from the God of the Old. I know they are both God, but with the New, we now have Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Most of what occurs in the New is forecast in the Old and often in ways that tell the Jews that there will be consequences for their actions. There is a lot crammed into sixty-six books and one thousand or so pages (depending on the font and the footnotes). The Old and the New, however, go together, and in the New there are changes, a means for the mistakes of the Old to be corrected in the form of a new covenant or a new creation. God, his Son, and the Spirit work as a team to transform man, everyone, into being part of that team to make the world the heaven on earth God planned.

The Gift of Love
The gift of Jesus, of God, is love. And the answers to all questions can be found in one place, one source—the Bible. How simple is that, a how-to source? The Bible is the Word of God, God-breathed , for all to read and understand. Admittedly, it is not an easy read. But it is worth the effort, the time, and the dedication because it will open the reader’s eyes to a life that is good. There are many metaphors, some conflicting elements, but taken as a whole, it shows why all people are today, and have been since the birth of Christ Jesus, God’s children. If asked whether some passages as written actually happen, is that the way it all took place (literally), I must admit I cannot answer, but what I can say is that they are true, helpful, and powerful messages.

Seeing God
The Bible is a way of seeing God. It is the means by which God speaks to us every day. God comes to us via the Bible. Conditions of our lives, situations that occur, are addressed by the Bible and by God speaking to us through the Word. Scripture is all encompassing. The Bible is not an exclusive document; it was written for everyone.

Most people read books, some more often than others. My wife reads more than a book a week. But how many of you have read the Bible? It is the biggest seller of all time, written in just about every language and with various translations. The different translations and writings attempt to make the Bible more readable, more understandable, and more widely available to greater numbers of people. It is a resource that has found a way to be there for everyone. Have you read it? If you have time to read a daily newspaper or a book, set aside just fifteen minutes each day to read the Bible. Read the Bible, and the gift becomes more apparent and more readily available.

There are so many stories, so much advice, poetry, odes, songs, and guiding principles. It is a joy to read, and the impact it will have on you as reader cannot be fully appreciated until you yourself get involved with and captured by the Word of God.

Wake Up to Islamic Fundamentalism

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

There is much at play in the World. Conflict appears at the forefront. Most military engagements today involve Islamic Fundamentalists. If the Muslims' were at peace with their own, let alone Israel and the Western World, battles in Iraq would not be on-going. The in-roads in Pakistan by Osama Bin Laden's followers should be of concern to everyone. Growth in Islam in European Countries should also be a warning. We need to know more about Islam and understand their goals. The Christain God and Allah are not the same. A former radical Shi'ite Muslim was quoted in a recent book as saying, "If Islam is so peaceful, why isn't there even one Muslim country that will allow freedom of religion and speech?"

May I recommend the book, What In The World Is Going On? by Pastor David Jeremiah of Shadow Mountain Community College, El Cajon, CA. It will enlighten readers about events in the world and biblical prophesies. The Islamic threat is discussed in an objective fashion. Christians are asked to pray for Muslims and he suggests "Muslims are not beyond the reach of God's grace." If they have access to the Word they will see the Light of our Lord and, though it may not be easy, find a pathway out of the darkness and involuntary acts of submission underwhich they are kept.

100 Days

I don’t know about you, but these past 100 days have widened my eyes to new concerns for those of faith. Herein are my views and concerns. Rhetoric by President Obama as to his believing marriage should be between a man and a woman (during the Rick Warren interview) is questioned in light of his verbal support for the Iowa decision for gay marriage and no statements of any kind for States (Washington, NY, and MD) that have continued their support for traditional marriage. He has vowed to overturn DOMA. Was this a clue to the ‘change’ we can expect?
Obama has authorized an increase in our National Debt, to be paid by many future generations, by spending 3.6 trillion dollars, $12,000 for every man, woman and child in America, exceeding total debt incurred by every President ever elected – all 43. We are facing a Barack Hussein Obama (he used his Hussein name when in Turkey) activist social agenda that may cost far more than dollars already being spent in the ‘emergency’ forums led by Obama. This will not help our economy. Charities may be crippled from his desire to reduce or eliminate the charitable deduction for giving. More government social programs would result – a larger government a consequence.
Untold numbers of unborn babies will never see the light of day because of our new President’s positive posture towards abortion, despite verbal statements for minimizing abortions as an objective. Obama agreed to spend tax-payer dollars to help pay for ‘forced’ abortions in China. Women appointed to positions in Washington, making future decisions for Americans, all have a pro-abortion bias. In a recent White House Health Care Conference not one pro-life advocate was invited. Obama does not support moral or ethical grounds as a reason by medical personnel if they refuse abortions, fertilization or adoptions. They must do even what they do not believe is right. Obama says. Stem cell research using embryonic stem cells which has never found one treatment option (after 25 years) will now be funded by tax-payers, Obama supported; even knowing adult stem cell research has resulted in over 70 treatments. Obama stated on the campaign trail “if” adult stem cells work as well or better (they work!), why stir the pot of moral issues. A child pornography defending lawyer, a lawyer for Playboy, Penthouse and the ACLU is Obama’s choice for Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. The first appointed Federal judge says the name Allah is okay in his state’s legislature’s prayers, the name Jesus is not. Our defense spending will be at pre-WWII levels. Is this an area of savings we can afford; will our security be more at risk under the leadership of a man most able in politics, but now questionably capable at leadership.
Nationalization has not been suggested, but now we the people own a majority of GM, and our President has already fired the CEO. Obama never ran a Company before, only ran a Presidential campaign, let alone demonstrated the ability to judge the quality of an Industry leader.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has reported concerns of the threat of 'right wing extremism' and warns of 'potential emergence of terrorist groups' 'antagonistic toward the new (African-American) presidential administration and its perceived stance on issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions of firearms ownership and use.' The report expresses concerns about Christian Identity groups. She called violent right-wing groups the 'most dangerous domestic threat.' The tea party participants were not mentioned. Obama recently suggested they were of no consequence. Terrorists as we have known them since 911 were not mentioned.
I can only believe this is all part of God’s plan and the Almighty has reasons for what we are seeing in our new Federal Administration. I am not trying to judge Obama, only expressing concerns for the ‘change’ and ‘change’ again we have experienced in 100 days and the repeated prompter speeches and what seems staged press conferences that sound good but are by all appearances designed for each respective listening audience. Consistency on positions on important issues seems lacking. President Obama - you can stop campaigning now and start leading. You won the election. I will continue to pray for your success.

Share Your Story

If you have a story where God entered your life and changed you or someone close to you, please, share it here. Bring God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit to life for others. If you prefer, email me - most have my email address. If you have been part of a Bible Study or new to one, and it has changed you, or enabled you to see others change, please let me know.

Big Bang and God

How did the universe begin? Today, most scientists believe it was with the "Big Bang". Cosmologists react, deflated, their "Static State" theory has been cast aside for one that now holds true as evidenced by major scientific study. In his book, Big Bang - The Origin of the Universe, Simon Singh explains the current understanding of the Big Bang. “First…all matter and energy were condensed to a point and then there was an almighty Big Bang. The term ‘Big Bang’ implies some sort of explosion, which is not a wholly inappropriate analogy, except that the Big Bang was not an explosion in space, but an explosion of space. Similarly the Big Bang was not an explosion in time, it was an explosion of time. Both space and time were created at the moment of the big Bang.” Whether intended or not I made a specific note of Singh’s use of the adjective “almighty” when noting that after everything was condensed to a point, there was an “almighty” explosion. Ironic! To his credit I did not feel Singh expressed a Creator per se as the First Cause, but what he did mention was “What came before the Big Bang?” as a question many, including the cosmologists and atheists may now be exploring; but his answer was quite clear, that question “is impossible to answer - Beyond the reach of science.” Steven Weinberg, a Nobel prize winner for Physics, has supported this revelation as noted by Singh and made mention that it is more that just idle speculation. We now know, have knowledge, are knowers of the cause of our universe and for Saint Thomas Aquinas it means, and with the Big Bang being “beyond…science”, there was a cause, a First Cause, and that is God.

This whole knowledge of the definitive nature of the start of the universe under the Fred Hoyle term “Big Bang” (a theory he rejected) takes us to consider anew the anthropic principle, which states, “any cosmological theory must take into account the fact that the universe has evolved to contain us.” Us is us! Only the Darwin Evolution theories need be reduced to fact now, as the cosmological theories have, bringing us all closer to our Maker, our Starter, our Cause, our Creator, our God.

Even with that our government still supported the launch of a space exploration exercise to determine if we are part of a multi-verse. God or multi-verse?

Christopher Hitchens wrote, “Religion…is…fully aware of the ever-mounting evidence, concerning the origins of the cosmos and the origin of species, which consign it to marginality if not irrelevance.” To this I say – not so fast – have you studied that “silly phrase”, as you call the Big Bang theory and the discovery of DNA, which certainly seems to make the “cosmos is all there is” theory and man emanating from the “ooze” irrelevant thus suggesting strongly God as the First Cause of everything – time, space, matter, energy, earth, motion, animals, plants and man.

The circle that so many scientists and philosophers attempt to contain, studying only that which is within, and not allowing for the eternal law to provide an answer where there may be doubt, needs to be viewed from afar and seen in the light which shines upon the circle. In so doing this will allow for a complete picture to be taken when the flash bulbs illuminate the whole of an idea, theory, or study. Conclusions drawn will be done so without an empty feeling that something critical has been left out or not considered. Doubt can be erased and answers found in the First Cause, if only that is enabled in the knowing. The Big Bang is compelling to the point that looking outside the circle is more justifiable than ever. Next we need to find the “Big Bang” of evolution, and for me that is the Watson & Crick discovery of DNA. Bang, bang, cosmologist, evolutionist, God is back.