AAs Christians we are supposed to fight a spiritual fight for peace, not a physical one. Even as the signs or "birth pains" point to Christ's return, we are to continue steadfastly to work for peace, feed and clothe the poor, and show others God's love.
Jesus never promoted violence. He told us to love even our enemies and to turn the other cheek. He didn't condemn people but brought his message of love and peace so that others might be saved. He even saved and befriended a prostitute.
Jesus didn't separate himself from others but associated with prostitutes, tax collectors, barkeeps (publicans), the sick, lepers, the possessed, and the dispossessed. He sent his message not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. He didn't show disrespect to people of other faiths but encouraged them to follow him. This is far from the Hellfire and brimstone attacks that occur at the hands of well meaning Christians. The condemnation is what drives so many away from the good news that Jesus brought us. Instead of rallying for war, we should love our enemies and call them to peace. We should give credit where credit is due and I feel that we should give credit to Putin for helping to avert WWIII. If we acknowledge the good in our enemies, they might come to acknowledge the good in us, forming a cornerstone for peace between our countries. Don't forget that Russia was our ally in WWII and helped us to defeat the Nazis. Remember, Jesus said, "Blessed be the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God." Spread peace my friends.s Christians we are supposed to fight a spiritual fight for peace, not a physical one. Even as the signs or "birth pains" point to Christ's return, we are to continue steadfastly to work for peace, feed and clothe the poor, and show others God's love.
Jesus never promoted violence. He told us to love even our enemies and to turn the other cheek. He didn't condemn people but brought his message of love and peace so that others might be saved. He even saved and befriended a prostitute.
Jesus didn't separate himself from others but associated with prostitutes, tax collectors, barkeeps (publicans), the sick, lepers, the possessed, and the dispossessed. He sent his message not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. He didn't show disrespect to people of other faiths but encouraged them to follow him. This is far from the Hellfire and brimstone attacks that occur at the hands of well meaning Christians. The condemnation is what drives so many away from the good news that Jesus brought us. Instead of rallying for war, we should love our enemies and call them to peace. We should give credit where credit is due and I feel that we should give credit to Putin for helping to avert WWIII. If we acknowledge the good in our enemies, they might come to acknowledge the good in us, forming a cornerstone for peace between our countries. Don't forget that Russia was our ally in WWII and helped us to defeat the Nazis. Remember, Jesus said, "Blessed be the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God." Spread peace my friends.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Syrian War Poem
Syrian War Poem
by Cal Jennings
Off on yonder distant sands
The stage is being set
For a frightful holy war
Thst one won't soon forget
That is, if one is left to tell
The miseries of war
Perhaps if one does find a home
Upon a distant star
For on the face of Mother Earth
No life will be maintained
As radiation falls to earth
Upon a weary rain
Blood will flow like rivers swollen
Full of body parts
Our neighbor, moon, will turn blood red
The stars will fall like darts
Not one person will escape
by plane or train or car
All because the drum did beat
A-rum-tum-tum for war
by Cal Jennings
Off on yonder distant sands
The stage is being set
For a frightful holy war
Thst one won't soon forget
That is, if one is left to tell
The miseries of war
Perhaps if one does find a home
Upon a distant star
For on the face of Mother Earth
No life will be maintained
As radiation falls to earth
Upon a weary rain
Blood will flow like rivers swollen
Full of body parts
Our neighbor, moon, will turn blood red
The stars will fall like darts
Not one person will escape
by plane or train or car
All because the drum did beat
A-rum-tum-tum for war
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
War with Syria?
I guess things were getting too peaceful for the Obama administration. It seems that now our president wants to bomb Syria because Syrians were bombing Syria. That makes perfect sense, right?
The claim is that President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on his own people. There are counter claims that the rebels are the ones who used the chemical weapons.
None of the matters to the president, though. What really matters is that he keeps the Orwellian perpetual war going.
Years ago, America decided between a consumer economy and a military economy and chose the latter. It is war and war mongering that keeps the economy going because of that choice. If you dare to speak out against war and violence you are hated and attacked by the powers that be. If you dare to protest, our government will use its own chemical weapons in the form of pepper spray on you, even though it is your right. All the while, millions of women are teaching their children that going to war is honorable. It's not. It's a bloody massacre filled with the death of innocent men, women, and children... not to mention the servicemen and servicewomen on both sides.
It's extremely unpopular to be a peacemaker in America. This "Christian Nation" is so blood thirsty that it doesn't seem to understand that Christ spoke against war, hatred, and revenge. Even the Apostle Paul spoke against it.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
The claim is that President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on his own people. There are counter claims that the rebels are the ones who used the chemical weapons.
None of the matters to the president, though. What really matters is that he keeps the Orwellian perpetual war going.
Years ago, America decided between a consumer economy and a military economy and chose the latter. It is war and war mongering that keeps the economy going because of that choice. If you dare to speak out against war and violence you are hated and attacked by the powers that be. If you dare to protest, our government will use its own chemical weapons in the form of pepper spray on you, even though it is your right. All the while, millions of women are teaching their children that going to war is honorable. It's not. It's a bloody massacre filled with the death of innocent men, women, and children... not to mention the servicemen and servicewomen on both sides.
It's extremely unpopular to be a peacemaker in America. This "Christian Nation" is so blood thirsty that it doesn't seem to understand that Christ spoke against war, hatred, and revenge. Even the Apostle Paul spoke against it.
Romans 12:17-20
New International Version (NIV)
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[b]
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[b]
Footnotes:
- Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
- Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
Monday, September 2, 2013
This 'n' That
My mom got home from the hospital yesterday. She had extremely high blood pressure so they kept her a couple days to try to get it under control. She's doing fine now. They had to change one of her medications.
As luck would have it, either my mom lost her wallet or it was stolen from her purse. Both her ATM card and mine were in her wallet. Now we have to go down to the bank and cancel both of the cards. That means we'll have to withdraw cash to pay for groceries in a few days. It's not a big deal but it's a hassle.
This vertigo keeps making the screen appear to move, so it's difficult to write anything. That along with my blurred vision makes it even worse. I need to get to an opthalmologist to have these cataracts looked at. I just hope my insurance covers it.
Yes, I'm typing completely random thoughts. Since I'm pretty much confined to the house, I have nothing interesting to write about. Since the doctors can't operate on me because my heart is too weak still, I have to live with the physical problems caused by the surgical screw-ups. I can't even help my mom bring in the groceries because of the surgical hernia. It makes me feel pretty weak and useless. I guess I am.
I had really wanted to make a zombie film with Karen's niece and her friends but I don't know if that's going to be a go now that Karen dumped me. It would have been fun just to make a low budget film. Karen's niece was writing the script. She's a very intelligent young woman. She reminds me of a young Katy Anders in more ways than one.
It is hard for me to find purpose in my life right now. I think I've alienated just about everyone. Looking forward, I don't see much of a future. Maybe my sister will end up sticking me in a nursing home where I will rot away until I die. I've already spent a day in one and don't look forward to being in there longer. Sometimes I wish God would be merciful and just take me in my sleep.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,
Cal
As luck would have it, either my mom lost her wallet or it was stolen from her purse. Both her ATM card and mine were in her wallet. Now we have to go down to the bank and cancel both of the cards. That means we'll have to withdraw cash to pay for groceries in a few days. It's not a big deal but it's a hassle.
This vertigo keeps making the screen appear to move, so it's difficult to write anything. That along with my blurred vision makes it even worse. I need to get to an opthalmologist to have these cataracts looked at. I just hope my insurance covers it.
Yes, I'm typing completely random thoughts. Since I'm pretty much confined to the house, I have nothing interesting to write about. Since the doctors can't operate on me because my heart is too weak still, I have to live with the physical problems caused by the surgical screw-ups. I can't even help my mom bring in the groceries because of the surgical hernia. It makes me feel pretty weak and useless. I guess I am.
I had really wanted to make a zombie film with Karen's niece and her friends but I don't know if that's going to be a go now that Karen dumped me. It would have been fun just to make a low budget film. Karen's niece was writing the script. She's a very intelligent young woman. She reminds me of a young Katy Anders in more ways than one.
It is hard for me to find purpose in my life right now. I think I've alienated just about everyone. Looking forward, I don't see much of a future. Maybe my sister will end up sticking me in a nursing home where I will rot away until I die. I've already spent a day in one and don't look forward to being in there longer. Sometimes I wish God would be merciful and just take me in my sleep.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,
Cal
Thursday, August 15, 2013
I Figured It Out
Yesterday I posted something that I had written a couple days earlier then revised. I left a long comment to Katy that was full of fear and anxiety. I didn't realize what was going on until later last night when the anxiety came to a head. Yeah, I got angry about being dumped, but that was just a very temporary thing. Yesterday I started freaking out over EVERYTHING. I had the urge to jump out of the bed from the anxiety. At that point I realized what was going on. The feeling was unmistakable. I have cabin fever.
I've only had cabin fever once before maybe five or six years back in December. My son was driving me to my sister's house for Christmas dinner when I was suddenly gripped with a strong urge to jump out of the car. I made it to my sister's house but sitting through the dinner and chit chat was nerve wrenching. It continued even when I got back home. Come to find out, it was cabin fever. I had heard my grandmother talk about getting it when I was a teenager. It was my mom who told me about when she had it and recognized the symptoms in me that I remembered my grandmother talking about it.
Now, in spite of what some people say, there's really not much you can do about it but ride it out. Valium helps, but if you don't have your prescription, you aren't going to get any relief. It's especially difficult for those of us with anxiety disorder. The odd thing is that it hit me in the Summer. It's generally a Winter affliction. Maybe the darkness in my room because of the jasmine vines covering my bedroom window had something to do with it. Still, I've been out of the house walking, going to the doctor's, and going to get groceries. It's not like I haven't left the house at all. I HAVE been confined to either a hospital bed or my bed a lot this year because of the heart surgery though. Maybe that has something to do with it.
I feel sorry for poor Katy as I unloaded my emotions on to her comment. I don't like doing that to people. I really wasn't myself. It was the cabin fever... either that or a bad trip flashback from something I took in the 70s.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
I'm In Limbo
Yes,
I'm in limbo. You wouldn't think it possible, would you?
Still, here I am, floating in a void, nothing to see, nothing to do,
nothing to look forward to, nothing interesting to talk about... I'm
just in limbo. In fact, I'm not sure how or why I'm typing this
blog.
Unfortunately for me, there seem to be a lot of allergens in limbo. I've been floating around sneezing with my nose running. I'm glad I had a box of tissues with me when I was zapped into limbo. At least sneezing and wiping my nose is something to do now that I think about it. I guess limbo isn't a TOTAL bore.
The one woman in the world who I thought would never betray me... did. My guess is that she got in contact with some other person from high school whom she admired. I'm so used to that happening by now that it barely phases me. It pisses me off a little, but other than that, it's just the same old boring story of my love life. Now I've decided to just wait for my death alone... which would only be a problem if it's going to be a long way off. I've gotten used to being alone so it's not much of a problem for me anymore.
I'm in limbo. I'm in the middle of nowhere. No friends to call on me. No ability to go anywhere. No future to look forward to. No money to do anything. No way to get my bottom teeth pulled. I'll just float here letting my bottom teeth rot, poisoning my system and further damaging my heart until I leave limbo forever.
Everything is fine. I'm in limbo.
Unfortunately for me, there seem to be a lot of allergens in limbo. I've been floating around sneezing with my nose running. I'm glad I had a box of tissues with me when I was zapped into limbo. At least sneezing and wiping my nose is something to do now that I think about it. I guess limbo isn't a TOTAL bore.
The one woman in the world who I thought would never betray me... did. My guess is that she got in contact with some other person from high school whom she admired. I'm so used to that happening by now that it barely phases me. It pisses me off a little, but other than that, it's just the same old boring story of my love life. Now I've decided to just wait for my death alone... which would only be a problem if it's going to be a long way off. I've gotten used to being alone so it's not much of a problem for me anymore.
I'm in limbo. I'm in the middle of nowhere. No friends to call on me. No ability to go anywhere. No future to look forward to. No money to do anything. No way to get my bottom teeth pulled. I'll just float here letting my bottom teeth rot, poisoning my system and further damaging my heart until I leave limbo forever.
Everything is fine. I'm in limbo.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
What is the Greatest Commandment?
What is the Greatest Commandment?
What IS the greatest commandment? We have a couple answers here.
Matthew 22:34-40
New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18
If you look at these verses above, you get two rather than one; however, if you read Galatians 5:14 you get the most important commandment, loving the Lord being assumed:
Galatians 5:13-26
New International Version (NIV)
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Footnotes:
Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
There are reasons for verse 19-21 talking about the acts of the flesh. They all cause someone pain. Some of them cause more than one person pain... sometimes many people. It's all about love, folks. It's all about love.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ is With Us All,
Cal-el
What IS the greatest commandment? We have a couple answers here.
Matthew 22:34-40
New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Footnotes:
Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18
If you look at these verses above, you get two rather than one; however, if you read Galatians 5:14 you get the most important commandment, loving the Lord being assumed:
Galatians 5:13-26
New International Version (NIV)
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Footnotes:
Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
There are reasons for verse 19-21 talking about the acts of the flesh. They all cause someone pain. Some of them cause more than one person pain... sometimes many people. It's all about love, folks. It's all about love.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ is With Us All,
Cal-el
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