The best and most beautiful
things in the world
cannot be seen nor even touched,
but just felt in the heart.
– Helen Keller
Monthly Archives: December 2011
The world is becoming a small village
It is amazing what a small village the world has become. I found a story about people reflecting on the kindnesses they received this year in the village of Yellow Springs. I guess the word-association made me think I was reading about a village near Yellowstone National Park. Once I finished, I looked up Yellow Springs and it is in Ohio. Their reflections on the past year could be written in any city, town or village around the globe. See for yourself by reading the Acts of kindness the whole year long story at the Yellow Spring News.
Happy New Year to you and your family! I wish everyone good health and prosperity in 2012. God bless you one and all!
Anger is momentary madness
Anger is momentary madness,
so control your passion
or it will control you.
– Horace
Jesus teaches about anger (Matthew 5: 21-26)
Bible Summary:
Jesus tells the crowd at the Sermon on the Mount that anger is as bad as murder. He warns that calling your brother names can put you in danger of going to hell. It is so important to make peace with your brother that you are to leave the altar to reconcile and then return to offer your gift to God. He also advises to settle any lawsuit before it gets to court or you will go to jail until you pay the whole fine.
My Thoughts:
Anger: Jesus warns us that we will go to hell for our anger. Anger can actually be a living hell for the people who experience the wrath and the person who is angry. The angry person may experience remorse after the incident, but the scars continue long after for the victims. They can become unsure, risk averse, compliant and allow people to walk all over them. They may even continue the cycle and become angry people too, perpetuating the abuse for generations to come. If you have a problem, please seek help now. At least, study anger management books or sign up for a class. If that does not work, then seek professional help. It is worth it for your friends, family, colleagues, and generations to come.
Jesus says to follow God’s Laws (Matthew 5: 17-20)
Bible Summary:
Jesus tells the crowd at the Sermon on the Mount they must continue to obey the Laws of Moses and teachings of the prophets if they wish to enter heaven. They must follow the Laws faithfully and do what God requires.
My Thoughts:
Laws of Morality: Every community and religion covers the basic laws of morality like not lying or stealing. These and the other Ten Commandments are the laws that Jesus refers to that people are to follow.
Russian Ship Freed in Antarctic
What a great story about world cooperation – the New Zealand air force dropped supplies and equipment to a stranded Russian ship in the Antarctic ice pack, a Korean ice breaker created a lane for the ship to reach open water, and on top of it the Russian ship held a crew of Russians, Indonesians, and Ukrainians. Read the full Russian ship repaired and freed from Antarctic ice story at Reuters.
People of Israel complete God’s Requests (Exodus 35,36,37,38,39)
Bible Summary:
The people of Israel offer all the items God requested of Moses based on the census of 603,550 men twenty years and older, actually too much so that Moses had to ask them to stop. The men build the Tent of the Lord’s presence to house the tablets with the Ten Commandments, the Covenant Box, the table to offer bread to God, the Lampstand, the altar for burning incense, the altar for burning offerings, and the bronze basin. They also make the anointing oil, incense and priests garments, including the breast piece. When all is done, Moses blesses them.
My Thoughts:
Plan into action: A plan is only good when put into action. God plans out in detail what Moses is to have the people of Israel create and they put it into action.
Blessing: we are blessed when we fulfill what God asks of us.
Moses sets up God’s Tent (Exodus 40)
Bible Summary:
Moses sets up the Tent of God’s Presence with the Ten Commandment tablets, two years after he led the people of Israel out of Egypt, and then dedicates it to God. God visits the Tent as a cloud with dazzling lights. Each time the cloud lifts, they move the camp.
My Thoughts:
Worship Center: Moses established the worship center and holy rituals, followed by the Jews for the last 3,500 years. The Christian religions incorporate many of these rituals since Jesus was a Jew and practiced them.
Traveling with God: The people of Israel feared God’s presence with them during the time of Moses, but I am sure most people today would love to have God visibly with them, especially in their time of need or “wandering”.
Prayer: Please be with us God. Help us through our suffering, provide us what we need, give us hope to fulfill our dreams for You, and forever shine Your light upon us to bring happiness and joy.
The Nativity Story set to O Holy Night
I wish you all a merry Christmas! Enjoy this YouTube video of The Nativity Story set to O Holy Night by Josh Groban.
Jesus says you are like salt and light (Matthew 5: 13-16)
Bible Summary:
Jesus tells the crowd at the Sermon on the Mount they are like salt for all mankind and a light for the whole world. “Your light must shine before people, so they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven”
My Thoughts:
Salt and Light: Salt brings out the goodness in foods during cooking. Light shines for all to see. Salt also preserves foods for a long time. So, show your goodness for all to see. Be the example they can follow to preserve mankind forever.