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Friday, June 8, 2012

The peace of the Lord transcends the noise of life!
  
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“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”

Arthur Golden


Sometimes the sounds and activities of life seem to intrude and rather like a dentist’s drill vibrating into our consciousness, threatening to take away that peaceful joy that is the energy powering our existence.

Sometimes our minds seem unable to lock down to a purpose, to gain a direction, to hold onto a course of action and to flow towards a goal.

Sometimes even goal setting seems to elude us!

Have you ever felt that way?


I sure hope not, but if you are like the rest of us, these experiences have all been ours at one time or another, haven’t they?

What do we do when this happens?


I always think that Douglas Adams got it right when in his novel “Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy” he points out that the book has prominently displayed on the cover “Don’t Panic!”

We must not panic!


Why not?


God is the creator AND sustainer of everything that exists, existed or will exist!

How does this help me?


If God didn’t care for us, this fact wouldn’t help us, but God we know cares for us and sent himself to this earth as Jesus to give us direction! To give us that ultimate goal that exists when everything else fails us.

Our goal is to do what God designed us to do!

So, what is the goal God designed for us?


He designed us to love himself, God, to love others as ourselves. (See  Matthew 22:37-40). He also wants us to look into the bible to understand his guidelines for our life.

When I find myself overwhelmed by life’s circumstances I like to read two things from the sacred writings. The first is psalm 91, and the second is psalm 23.

Here is psalm 91

The person who rests in the shadow of the Most High God
will be kept safe by the Mighty One.
2 I will say about the Lord,
"He is my place of safety.
He is like a fort to me.
He is my God. I trust in him."
3 He will certainly save you from hidden traps
and from deadly sickness.
4 He will cover you with his wings.
Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety.
He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower.
5 You won't have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night.
You won't have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day.
6 You won't have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness.
You won't have to fear the plague that destroys at noon.
7 A thousand may fall dead at your side.
Ten thousand may fall near your right hand.
But no harm will come to you.
8 You will see with your own eyes
how God punishes sinful people.
9 The Lord is the one who keeps you safe.
So let the Most High God be like a home to you.
10 Then no harm will come to you.
No terrible plague will come near your tent.
11 The Lord will command his angels
to take good care of you.
12 They will lift you up in their hands.
Then you won't trip over a stone.
13 You will walk all over lions and cobras.
You will crush mighty lions and poisonous snakes.
14 The Lord says, "I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.

15
He will call out to me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in times of trouble.
I will save him and honor him.
16 I will give him a long and full life.
I will save him."


and here is psalm 23. . .

1 The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.
2 He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths
for the honor of his name.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
You are with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff
comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
right in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head.
My cup runs over.
6 I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

I have wanted to memorize psalm 23 so that it can comfort me whenever I get a little lost in direction, but so far have not managed to do that. Instead I read these words and realize the God who made and controls everything WANTS to help me.

That gives comfort and strength
!

Then I remember Jesus said as he left earth. . .

"But what I'm about to tell you is true. It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Friend will not come to help you. But if I go, I will send him to you. . . I have much more to say to you. It is more than you can handle right now. 13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own. He will speak only what he hears. And he will tell you what is still going to happen.

14 "He will bring me glory by receiving something from me and showing it to you. 15 Everything that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Holy Spirit will receive something from me and show it to you.”[1]

God leaves Holy Spirit here with us! We are spiritual beings and if we trust in God and His word, we will succeed in recovering our joy and peace.

We are not asked to exclude ourselves from the stresses and strains of life as Christians, but rather to become embroiled in them, changing them from the pain to the glory of God by our spiritual presence that is guided by God’s own Holy Spirit.

We are more than skin and bones, we are more than personality and brains, we are spiritual powerhouses of brilliant light in a world that is suffering darkness.

 Today let’s throw off the covering of sin(selfish, ignorant and nasty things) that Satan wants to use to subdue our light and instead give to others and the world what we have received in abundance, the love of God.

This will change our day into success, no matter what the circumstances!

That’s the day I have planned, what’s your plan for today?


[1] John 16:7-15 NIRV
Fri, June 8, 2012 | link          Comments

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Safe sex is Christian sex!
   
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 The news is now reporting:

The World Health Organization (WHO) said those fears are now reality with many more countries, including Australia, France, Norway, Sweden and Britain, reporting cases of the sexually transmitted disease resistant to cephalosporin antibiotics - normally the last option for drugs against gonorrhea[0]


Makes me think of. . .

So God let them go. He allowed them to do what their sinful hearts wanted to. He let them commit sexual sins. They polluted one another's bodies by what they did.[1]

Gonorrhea is not an illness of people who get married, love each other and stay committed to one sexual partner for life. It’s a bacteria that grows in the warm, moist parts of the body. The US state board of health suggests you are more likely to get this if you ...

1.   have multiple partners
The bible says: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,[2] it also says “That's why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two of them will become one.”
To be balanced, in the old testament, men had the ability to have multiple wives but they were not allowed to stray outside marriage and “legal” relationships. One of the 10 commandments (strong guidelines) is "Do not commit adultery.”[3]

2.   have a partner in the past month with a past history of sexually transmitted disease

3.   don’t use a condom during sex

4.   abuse alcohol or illegal substances (I don’t really get this one!)

God want great sex within a mutual loving relationship with our life partner. That’s the Christian way. With this way, nobody with great love for another will have sex with them without warning them of sexual diseases they had in the past. If they didn’t have these diseases in the past and have been married to one person who also didn’t have them in the past, then they are safe from these diseases. Whether they use a condom or not, they are safe! Finally Christians don’t abuse alcohol and drugs intentionally.

It seems Christian sex is safe sex. It can also be the very best sex! See my blog Great erotic lovemaking and why Christians can do it better! We are privaledged as Christians to do it better, do it safer, and enjoy it more!

What more could we want! Perhaps a spouse. I do pray that those of you searching for a mate for life would pray and look for a God loving person who will love you the AGAPE way!

Now that’s a great thought to start our day (and perhaps enjoy our night at home!)Have a good one!



[0]Dr. Manjula Lusti-Narasimhan
[1] Romans 1:24 NIRV
[2] 1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV
[3] Exodus 20:14 
Thu, June 7, 2012 | link          Comments

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Horrific suicide bombings, what is their purpose?
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    The Canadian Globe and Mail newspaper has a headline that reads “Suicide bombers kill at least 22 civilians at Afghan market”, the paper[1] explains that one suicide bomber detonated a bomb in his motorcycle, and then when people arrived, another mingled with them and blew himself up as well. This killed 22 people in a short time.

Why?

The initial answer is that it was for a cause!

What cause gains from innocent men, women and children getting killed? People who have nothing to do with their situation! This occurrence was apparently to draw attention to a US military base.

Why?



Did the deluded people who did this, think we think any less of the US staff who risk their lives to make our lives and those around them in that area safer?

Not likely!



In fact, our support for the US military grows as a result of the bombing!

Personally, I think Satan is laughing his head off at the stupidity of these two bombers.

I am not! I am sad, very sad that two people can become so deluded and entwined in Satan’s web of lies, that they rocket themselves from life to hell.

I don’t wish them their eternal fate! The bible says mankind see those rebelling against God, and who end up in hell as follows, ...

And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”[2]

Eternity living in this horrible state is not something I want for anyone! Not my worst enemy!

Have you noticed that true Christians who love God don’t take up suicide bombing missions?

Perhaps, as Christians we can clear the world of the evil and tyranny of deluded people, simply by exposing them to the true love Jesus provides. Perhaps we should be less politically correct about the Christian religion, and promote it more. Perhaps, with more Christians we would have less suicide bombers and more loving people?

Today, let’s pray for the brave men and woman in uniform who follow Christ and who try to provide love and support in areas where they are despised and ridiculed. Let’s ask God to bless them greatly, protect them more. Let’s pray for the families of those killed in such a horrible way. Let’s ask God to bring his love into their hearts to heal their pain. Let’s carefully allow God’s Holy Spirit to direct our ways and opportunities, so we can expand knowledge of his love to a needy world.

That’s my prayer and desire for today. What is yours?



[1] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/suicide-bombers-kill-at-least-22-civilians-at-afghan-market/article4234413/
[2] Isaiah 66:24
Wed, June 6, 2012 | link          Comments

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Isn't it strange that at least two of Jesus brothers became his followers?
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Sibling rivalry is common isn't it?
 


Here is what kidshealth.org has to say. . .

"Often, sibling rivalry starts even before the second child is born, and continues as the kids grow and compete for everything from toys to attention. As kids reach different stages of development, their evolving needs can significantly affect how they relate to one another.
It can be frustrating and upsetting to watch - and hear - your kids fight with one another. A household that's full of conflict is stressful for everyone. Yet often it's hard to know how to stop the fighting, and or even whether you should get involved at all. But you can take steps to promote peace in your household and help your kids get along."

It is not often that siblings become good friends, less often that they work for one another and even less often that they take on each other's value systems and promote each other with complete dedication. It's a rare occurrence when this happens!

Jesus was probably the head of his household. We make this assumption because already at the time of the wedding in Cana, his mother seems to be asking him to do things that the head of the house would do, and from that point on his step-father is never spoken of again.

We know Jesus had at least four brothers and we even know their names. James who probably wrote the book of James, Jude who wrote the book of Jude, as well as Judas and Simon. We know these are his relations because the bible says...

Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son? Isn't this the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?"[1]

Notice this verse says the Nazareth townsfolk knew about Jesus family.

Living in a small town people knew a lot about each other so they would have known this family well.

In fact Jesus' comment is quite direct. . .
"A prophet is not honored in his hometown. He doesn't receive any honor among his relatives. And he doesn't receive any in his own home."[2]  

Jesus points out being a servant of God within his own town among his relatives was not always appreciated and that even in his home he had strife.

We often think of Jesus as the child who every parent would love to have, but actually it appears as if it was quite a challenge for his mom. Take a look at luke 2 where Jesus stays behind in the temple without telling his parents, at only twelve years of age.

"After the Feast was over, his parents left to go back home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But they were not aware of it. They thought he was somewhere in their group. So they traveled on for a day. 
Then they began to look for him among their relatives and friends. They did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting with the teachers."[3]


This shows firstly that Jesus often played with other kids and was with the relatives a lot because the parents first start to look in among relatives for him. Then they have to go back to the temple to find him.

Notice they didn't start looking for him for a day! So I guess they really trusted others to feed and look after Jesus. Now they have to walk back a day, get him and walk again for a day just to get to the same place. Imagine how the brothers and sisters felt about that!

Yet, years later when the trouble starts for Jesus, when he is finally killed and rises from the dead, we know at least two of his brothers became promoters of everything he did, said and believed in. Only writings from James and Jude have survived, so we cannot comment on Judas and Simon, but perhaps they also were supporters.

Here is how Jude describes himself...

I, Jude, am writing this letter. I serve Jesus Christ. I am a brother of James[4]

Notice anything strange about this?

If I was writing and if I was from a normal family, I would probably say,
"I Jude, brother of Jesus and James"

Jude does not do this. He writes he serves Jesus! How many brothers do you know, would indicate they serve another brother. This would be an extreme case of loyalty wouldn't it?

Next notice, he doesn't say "Jesus", Jude says "Jesus Christ".


He wants to point out Jesus is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!
 


Jude makes clear the relationship with brother James is NOT the same as the relationship with brother Jesus. His relationship with Jesus is more than that of a man with his brother. It is a relationship of a man with God.

The fact that a brother can say this, points out to the absolutely incredible life Jesus must have led! In normal families we hardly get siblings to agree, never mind serve one another willingly. We never ever get them pointing out their brother is a God!

This is another fact that supports Jesus being the son of God in a simple way. I would like to have known how his sisters thought, but that we do not have the privilege of knowing. We are not even sure how many sisters he had, two definitely, but there could have been more.

When his step-dad died, Jesus would have been eldest in the family and so would have taken on the family business. He would have run that carpentry shop and ordered his brothers and sisters about. He had to get income in to the family to look after them. Food, clothing and shelter for at least seven people became his responsibility.

Jesus worked hard and lived well! He built strong family in his human relationships and with us his followers. Jesus was a real person, who was really loved by those around him.

Today, as we go about our day, let's know Jesus understands our stresses and strains. He wants to help us, teach us and love us. All we have to do is allow Holy Spirit who Jesus left behind, to help us, to guide us.

Let's go have a wonderful spirit filled day and know we have heavenly family!

[1] Mark 6:3 NIRV
[2] Mark 6:4 NIRV
[3] Luke 2:41-46 NIRV
[4] Jude 1:1

Tue, June 5, 2012 | link          Comments

Monday, June 4, 2012

Inconsequential damages
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Ever had one of those days where it seems everything done ends up going in a different direction to that originally conceived or planned?


They are hugely frustrating, or can be!


On those days this flow of things that go wrong seem to continue on and on, not seeming to give us a recovery point where we can be permitted to change the way we think or do things.

This is not the way we want our lives to flow, and it seems like these days get flooded with bad relationships despite our very best of intentions. The direction we end up going is never the one we direct ourselves to originally.

If you are anything like myself, we can ask ourselves “why” or “what have I done”. Christian’s can even get a more distorted view and start asking themselves if they have hidden sin in their lives.

Sometimes this is true! Sometimes there is something selfish, stupid, ignorant or nasty we have done, but often that is not the case.

We need to consider that without the difficult awkward times, our growth as people would be stunted! Our ability to overcome adversity increases when we find a way to communicate with others and change the circumstances towards a God blessed future.

We need the niggling push of adverse circumstances to build the ability to deal with the big issues when they appear. Through the calm acceptance of reality, the application of prayer and the joy of God can grow to greatness and our ability to bring to bear spiritual power in circumstances greatly increase.

Today if there are things going wrong, if life seems to be trying to push us backwards, let’s allow God’s Holy Spirit to direct our true mood and attitude. In the most trying of circumstances’ opportunity will arise, new skills will be gained, and most of all, the joy of God will grow inside us countering the frustrations until they are no longer frustrating. Rather we will see the situation as the opportunity to apply the power of God and reap rewards.

Warriors do not grow in experience, technique, and strength without going into battle.

Practice only takes one so far! We need to face Satan our enemy and take his evil forces on conquering them to recover our day before rising victorious out of those petty unpleasant events. Events that, without the right attitude and focus, can turn the day into pain and distrust of others.

Let’s praise God today knowing that “Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”[1]


[1]  1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV
 

Mon, June 4, 2012 | link          Comments


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Rift in Evil

By Ken X Briggs

  • Published: September, 2010
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  • Pages: 208
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  • ISBN: 9781450250894 

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This suspense thriller centers on Kiara, a beautiful young woman pursued by a murderous group of people, who relentlessly and ruthlessly hunt her and her sisters. Kiara has no idea why she is being targeted! When Kiara and her family turn to the law for help, this fails. Her pursuers’ powers reach deeply into the political and law enforcement world. Family support for her dwindles when they too have to flee her pursuers. Can Kiara escape the clutches of both the law and dishonest big business? With the media broadcasting that Kiara and friends are dangerous and subversive, can Kiara clear her name and bring her pursuers to justice?

 

 
  

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 RiftInEvil.gifThe town of Zinaville is dropped into a spiral of evil causing a young man and a beautiful but abused woman to launch into an investigation that unveils an evil conspiracy.

A horrific mining accident results in Joshua Robyn's father being killed. Joshua struggles both with himself and his townsfolk as he tries to make sense of an incomprehensible situation. Is it an accident or a murder? Why is there a seeming link to evil? Why is his work environment suddenly threatening? What is the conspiracy about and what are they trying to do? As action moves dramatically from exotic African grasslands to the heart of North America's cities, the plot unfolds and the pace quickens. Will there be time? Why is a beautiful abused young woman in the center of this plot?

Evil tendrils tighten on their lives and the interplay between the visible and invisible world shows opposing forces at work.

Will there be a rift in evil?

Will they be able to stop the evil in time?

 

 

 
Click here to order Rift in Evil (ebook or Paper available)
  • Published: September, 2010
  • Format: Perfect Bound Softcover(B/W)
  • Pages: 208
  • Size: 6x9
  • ISBN: 9781450250894 

Available from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, iUniverse. Chapters

 
  
you can email me at Author@KenXBriggs.com
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