My Weekly Devotional

[Jaebius]

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I'm thinking here of something Christians should give up for the season - and beyond.
http://randomfaiththoughts.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-thought-for-week-of-february-27-2017.html

(Lots of students and profs here at school today with ash crosses on their foreheads.)

 

[Mendalla]

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I'm thinking here of something Christians should give up for the season - and beyond.
http://randomfaiththoughts.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-thought-for-week-of-february-27-2017.html

As always, nicely written.

If Jesus died to bring us forgiveness (so we don't have to fear sin); if Jesus taught us that loving one's neighbour was just behind loving God in the commandments; then why do Christians act fearfully and hatefully at times? Attacking atheists and other faiths out of fear that they are somehow undermining their faith. Attacking LGBTQ and others out of fear that their "sin" is somehow going to harm or taint others.

As Yoda said,

Turning that around, it means that if we can turn away from or control fear, we can turn away from or control the other negative emotions that stem from that fear. Of course, the Jedi themselves were partly screwed over by their own fear of emotions, even positive ones, so it is clearly not a teaching that sticks easily.

Christianity (at least the Christianity I came to understand in my Christian days) should be a faith which takes strength from love and grace rather than from fear and anger but I don't always see that, even among liberals and progressives, whose attacks on conservatives sometimes seem rather fearful and angry to me as well.

 

[Luce NDs]

Nothing to fear but fear itself ... if it makes you angry ... you'll stick something where it shouldn't be! Bringing in the sheaves ... carpenter's splinters ...

 

[Jaebius]

As always, nicely written.

If Jesus died to bring us forgiveness (so we don't have to fear sin); if Jesus taught us that loving one's neighbour was just behind loving God in the commandments; then why do Christians act fearfully and hatefully at times? Attacking atheists and other faiths out of fear that they are somehow undermining their faith. Attacking LGBTQ and others out of fear that their "sin" is somehow going to harm or taint others.

As Yoda said,

Turning that around, it means that if we can turn away from or control fear, we can turn away from or control the other negative emotions that stem from that fear. Of course, the Jedi themselves were partly screwed over by their own fear of emotions, even positive ones, so it is clearly not a teaching that sticks easily.

Christianity (at least the Christianity I came to understand in my Christian days) should be a faith which takes strength from love and grace rather than from fear and anger but I don't always see that, even among liberals and progressives, whose attacks on conservatives sometimes seem rather fearful and angry to me as well.

How do you feel, in practical terms, Christians should respond to those they believe - rightly or not - are engaged in sinful behaviors?

 

[Luce NDs]

Does sinful behaviour hurt one or the other of the tyrants, middle or end classes? Fake undies! Could be a true Scots ...

 

[Mendalla]

How do you feel, in practical terms, Christians should respond to those they believe - rightly or not - are engaged in sinful behaviors?

See a human being and engage with the human being, not your sense of their "sin". Make the "sin" a sideline in the relationship. If they invite you over, accept and don't treat it as a preaching opportunity. Just enjoy their company. Maybe you'll discover common interests to pursue with them. Remember that you are not relating to them as "sinless" to "sinner" but as one "sinner" to another. They may see your "sin", too, you know.

That's couching it in Christian terms. The ideal would, of course, be to drop the whole facade of "sin" and recognize that you're human beings, warts and all, and find what's positive and relatable in each other.

 

[Waterfall]

Brilliant! Giving up fear for Lent....a good practice for the long haul.

 

[revsdd]

How do you feel, in practical terms, Christians should respond to those they believe - rightly or not - are engaged in sinful behaviors?

I have no objection to Christians calling out other Christians for their "sinful behaviour." Christians are called to be accountable to one another, of course. But we must always acknowledge that believers have freedom in Christ, and that - in the words of Paul - all things are lawful. It's just that not all things are helpful. Any such calling out therefore should be in the nature of helpful correction rather than angry condemnation. I also have no objection to a prophetic Christian voice calling out society for immoral or decadent behaviour that is clearly evil. Of course, there will be no universal agreement as to what constitutes sin, or immorality or decadence or even necessarily evil - but in theory, I see that as proper Christian behaviour.

I do not think it's appropriate for Christians to single out individuals or to target specific groups for condemnation - especially if those individuals or groups are not Christian. That's tantamount to saying that Christians have the right to impose Christian ethics and morals (a universal definition of which eludes us) on others, which I do not believe is in keeping with the example of Jesus. I also do not think it appropriate for Christians to encourage (directly or indirectly) the perception that particular individuals or groups are more "sinful" than others, or that they are less loved by God than others. Such a perception is an invitation for others to "pile on" and it essentially says that certain individuals or groups are less worthy of respect than others. When we begin to suggest that certain individuals or groups are less worthy, less loved or more sinful than others we open the door to them being harassed, abused, and otherwise victimized.

Essentially, I would say that we need to treat those we disagree with respectfully, be open to dialogue with them, and be humble enough to at least acknowledge the possibility that our opinions about them are wrong.

 

[revsdd]

Today, I'm continuing on the theme of Lenten practices, and thinking especially about the point of fasting, and its ultimate goal. Is it to help us come closer to God, and if so - how does fasting help us do that?

http://randomfaiththoughts.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-thought-for-week-of-march-6-2017.html

 

[unsafe]

evsdd ------your quote ----Is it to help us come closer to God, and if so - how does fasting help us do that?

This is my View

In The Old Testament fasting's primary use was morning ----or when God's judgment was near for disobedience ---or a feeling of helplessness was upon a person --- and at certain ceremonies ----like the Day of Atonement---get prayers answered -----So they fasted to get God to move in their situations and trials ------

These are 2 examples I can think of ----- 2 Samuel 12:13-17 --- Ester 4: 1-3


unsafe says ----and posted scripture

In The New Testament Fasting was done and Jesus teaches on Fasting -----

Jesus actually gave instructions on how it was to be done ----

Matthew 6:16-18 GW
Fasting
16 “When you fast, stop looking sad like hypocrites. They put on sad faces to make it obvious that they’re fasting. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward.17 When you fast, wash your face and comb your hair.18 Then your fasting won’t be obvious. Instead, it will be obvious to your Father who is with you in private. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you ----

unsafe says ---and posted scripture

Jesus is questioned as to why His disciples don't fast ----So Jesus didn't require His Disciples to fast

Matthew 9:14-15 GW ---
Jesus Is Questioned about Fasting

14 Then John’s disciples came to Jesus. They said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often but your disciples never do?”
15 Jesus replied, “Can wedding guests be sad while the groom is still with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast.

unsafe says ----

Jesus fasted only once that I can find ----in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights ------ and the there was no command to fast by Jesus for the 12 Disciples

So it doesn't seem to be an important thing to do as far as Jesus is concerned with Himself and His Disciples -------

So for the reasons that people did fast for in the Bible --morning ----or when God's judgment was near for disobedience ---or a feeling of helplessness was upon a person --- and at certain ceremonies ----like the Day of Atonement -----Prayers answered --getting God to move in their lives --- does this apply today under The New Covenant which is Grace --- is the Question ------


So to answer the Question from the OP ------Is it to help us come closer to God, and if so - how does fasting help us do that?


My answer is NO -------God has already moved ---Jesus paid the price to give us access to all Spiritual things that He accomplished on the Cross and Divine knowledge through the Holy Spirit who abides in us --God Lives in side the believer and gives Grace which is very powerful to help us deal with all things in this life and has provided all Spiritual Blessing for us -------we are able to have strength --courage in our mourning ---feelings of helplessness ---answered prayer ----etc so fasting for theses reasons in my view are fruitless -----Everything we need is a done deal to live in this world by and through our Faith that God has provided Holy Spirit to help and direct us and supply Grace upon Grace to see us through ------

In my view Fasting can't offer anything that God's Grace can't do -------By Fasting we are are trying to buy God's Favour -----and God's favour is already in place for believers -----it is free -----Grace will keep us Humble ----Grace will protect us -----Grace will give us strength ----courage --- and the ability to succeed in what ever comes against us -----

Fasting is a personal choice but the motive behind the fasting needs to be questioned -----Jesus gives specific instructions for fasting in Matthew 6 above ----so if we want to fast we should do as Jesus says -----

Paul fasted to bring his flesh under subjection ----Paul soon leaned straight from God that His Grace was sufficient ------

This scripture below should be taken into account if one wants to fast or do other sacrifices --------Jesus wasn't a fan of fasting since He only did it once and didn't require His Disciples to preform it ---- but He didn't condemn it --He gave rules for it ---

Hebrews 10 is all about sacrifices --fasting is not specifically mentioned but fasting is a sacrifice -----Jesus Christ --the only sacrifice we need ------read all here if your interested https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews 10&version=NIV

 

[BetteTheRed]

I have a friend, in his 60s, who has, since he was a teen, fasted one day every week. It's usually Monday, but if it doesn't happen that day for whatever reason, it happens another. He says it reminds him of his blessings. He doesn't advertise it; unless you know him quite well, you have no idea.

I think it's a spiritual discipline that some are called to.

 

[Luce NDs]

UNSAFE said ...

"My answer is NO -------God has already moved"

So move quickly people, if god has moved on is shee near dead to us? Those with mental flash may get it ...

Tis sacred commentary ... dark, mythy and virtual unknown to those avoiding knowledge ..

 

[chansen]

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I'm thinking here of something Christians should give up for the season - and beyond.
http://randomfaiththoughts.blogspot.ca/2017/03/a-thought-for-week-of-february-27-2017.html

I don't think "perfect love" casts out fear. I think "perfect love" is a meaningless term. And how do you score love in the first place? What casts out fear, is understanding.

This fear of others drives hate. On that we agree. But it's not a perfect or imperfect love that drives out fear. It's understanding the needs and wants and the motivations of others. There is a lot of ignorance across religious divides. It is easy to fear what you don't know, and it's easy to manipulate those who don't know into fearing.

Just like the driving force behind the widespread acceptance of gays and lesbians has been that most people now know someone who is gay and out and clearly not a threat, the fear of other cultures can only be overcome by experiencing people of that culture.

I absolutely believe that most people from most cultures and religions broadly desire the same things, and that Maslow did a pretty good job of describing those things. I do think that religion can throw a spanner in the works, and screw up those priorities in extreme situations, and that religion exploits those who aren't getting basic needs met by giving them a fantasy of eternal rewards in exchange for suffering in this life. But the way you fight that is with getting basic needs met and fostering an understanding across cultures. Extreme religious leaders don't fear bullets and bombs - they fear education. From the Mullahs in Iran to the homeschool-promoting evangelical Christians in the U.S., they fear those under their influence are learning from someone else.

 

[chansen]

How do you feel, in practical terms, Christians should respond to those they believe - rightly or not - are engaged in sinful behaviors?

That's a good question, and I won't pretend to have an easy answer. Christians are between their rock and a hard place.

The more Christians try to push others around, the more push-back they will receive. Because some of what Christians object to, are perfectly fine by secular standards. The more time and energy Christians spend on these wedge issues, the more immoral they look to non-Christians.

But I realize you have this deep belief that you are called to intervene. I guess the only thing I can say is that the more Christians try to project their values and beliefs on society, the more they can expect to be called out on the vacuity of their faith and the depravity of some of their beliefs.

 

[Luce NDs]

In the utopian world that people believe is perfect ... we may gain a hint that this can only be in a state of mind ... although many staid and hard sorts believe "not" in knowing anything, everything or nothing ... and thus ID was nothing they could grip as hard things in the desert.

Ever experience day-old camel droppings being wailed through a desert night? Hard chit to encounter as the urge when hit with one is to respond ... a natural thing called bicameral psyche ... a complex study like examining confusing women ... Psyche and Sophia are that sophisticated in their dance ... you can light these dried out paddies ... and thus be warmed to them on cold desert nights. Arabs refer to them as dark lassies ... shadowy hounding critters?

Gotta lovem as words in garble or caterwauling in passion ... didn't Alice in Wonderland encounter one of those worms ...

 

[Jaebius]

That's a good question, and I won't pretend to have an easy answer. Christians are between their rock and a hard place.

The more Christians try to push others around, the more push-back they will receive. Because some of what Christians object to, are perfectly fine by secular standards. The more time and energy Christians spend on these wedge issues, the more immoral they look to non-Christians.

But I realize you have this deep belief that you are called to intervene. I guess the only thing I can say is that the more Christians try to project their values and beliefs on society, the more they can expect to be called out on the vacuity of their faith and the depravity of some of their beliefs.

A deep belief that I'm called to intervene? No, I don't have any belief that I'm called to intervene. I do believe that I can answer questions if asked, and I do believe that I should be sharing what I believe the Bible has to say with the people in churches I'm asked to teach or preach for.

 

[Luce NDs]

Then there are control freaks that insist ... rites must be followed ... but only theirs ...

 

[Luce NDs]

Recall that missals are only words ... tis the thought that counts and some words fly without thought ... emotional dynamics?

You can look at this from the opposing direction ... not a directive by mire choice ... they way many denied Christians look at it from the foundational dirt where buried ... the oligarchs take demos as just demons ... lo' Eire forms ... alas made from scratch!

Some abstraction required ... prescience?

 

[revjohn]

I don't think "perfect love" casts out fear. I think "perfect love" is a meaningless term.

That isn't you thinking. That is you feeling. That a term has no meaning for you does not render it meaningless, save for yourself and others who are inclined to agree with you. That the same term does, as a matter of fact, have meaning for others likewise doesn't render it meaningful, save for those who ascribe meaning to it.

And how do you score love in the first place?

In the context of 1 John from which the perfect love quote is lifted one does not score love, it is the free gift of God. Also from the context of 1 John the perfect love is not something humans source so much as it is something humans can experience.

What casts out fear, is understanding.

Some fears are certainly cast out by understanding, all fears definitely are not.

But it's not a perfect or imperfect love that drives out fear. It's understanding the needs and wants and the motivations of others.

To some degree. I will set aside the perfect/imperfect love for a moment since there is no mutual agreement on that. Understanding the needs, wants, motivations of others is not nearly as important as understanding our own needs, wants and fears since ignorance of the other begins with identifying what is us and what is other.

There is a lot of ignorance across religious divides. It is easy to fear what you don't know, and it's easy to manipulate those who don't know into fearing.

There is a lot of ignorance period.

Extreme religious leaders don't fear bullets and bombs - they fear education. From the Mullahs in Iran to the homeschool-promoting evangelical Christians in the U.S., they fear those under their influence are learning from someone else.

Note that you qualify religious leaders with extreme. Does the same not apply for any and all who operate in the extreme? Fear of education would operate in any who have staked out a particular turf and seek to have that turf defined as normative would it not?

 

[Luce NDs]

Naiveté is considered a blessing by many oligarchs ... mind blowing storms? Ever confront a raging CEO? ... as opinionated these are based primarily on excluded knowledge and wisdom ... only powerful desires as religiously thye are trained to follow the heart alone ... thus humans sometimes get that rejected feeling ... as if they were in the dark about something devoid from their cognizance ... actually only buried in the sub con science ... so called another immaterial phenomena ... thus when Gabriel toutes ... take note! Generate an image of that seen in the dark ... Jacko Beans struggleg with it ... that lentil oesterus ...

Tis a hard egg to crack ... but one can write accrued poetics about the chitz encountered ... small treasures as mitee in mind?