Music

 Everyone has a different taste for music it is almost like food. Some like the rock and roll , others pop or jazz , R&B  - classical and there are even many genres of gospel. What makes our toes begin to tap or gets us motivated is often found in music. Over the years I tried several instruments guitar , banjo, keyboard and others - my playing is not the greatest but do enjoy music. In church it is nice to hear a song of worship to get in the mood. Even before Jesus time music was always an important part of worship.The timbrel , the harp and the drum were always popular musical instruments and today various off springs of these banjo and guitar. The piano is almost a type of harp played with keys and pedals boxed in to produce a wider range of sounds.
 We are told in the book of Psalms to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.  Not everyone is musically inclined and sometimes we do not have the best voices for the choir. I do believe that God loves worship and it is an important part of being a believer. Even Elvis got his start singing gospel as did the late Whitney Houston and many others. Music is even popular in the Hindu and other religions. American Indians and African tribal drums were considered the most sacred items and possessions. Even in the book of Revelations there are harps played. There are some christian however that will argue music is not appropriate in church services that it should not replace silence. There is a time for silence and also a time for musical worship. Even the American Indians had the drums and silent time, their worship to the Great Mystery was often defined as silent and solitary.
 There needs to be a balance of both music and silence neither is without merit, to me they are like the day and night times. Usually in the morning the sun is up we hear the birds singing , the rooster crows in the new day. At night we can see the moon it is somewhat quiet except for the nocturnal creatures there are always a few crickets singing. Everything is in gentle balance the day and the night. The important thing is that we have the right attitude in all things. If we are in harmony with God and worship out of love it is right on.
 Music has been around as long as worship for a reason, it is an expression of love and appreciation.

Divine Madness

Divine madness-
This phrase was first coined by Socrates the famous Greek philosopher and teacher. He was the teacher of Plato , who later taught Aristotle. He recognized a voice beyond himself constantly keeping him from danger. He would term the voice "divine madness" which was a blessing to all mankind. It was a kind of intuition or sixth sense that we all seem to have.
 Now Socrates most famous saying was  " I know I know nothing " . Here was the most brilliant person of his age and made that profound statement. Socrates had no particular belief system and he would usually answer a question with a question. I know this is something that annoys me - why not give a direct answer. I think it was out of respect for others opinions - some ask a question and may already have an answer but just want your insight or want to see if you know.
 Socrates was not alone in "divine madness" for men throughout history have learned to hear the still small voice. Amazing how some who do not even believe in God recognize a power beyond themselves. Just because a person does not believe - God still exists. Yes- Socrates held a believe in re-incarnation believing there was too much to learn and experience in one lifetime . He also believed in the soul - that it was to be nourished and kept pure and that the unknowable god wanted him to be a philosopher.  We hear of all the famous philosophers Socrates, Plato, Confucius, Buddha and many more all recognized the power beyond their own. Now - I do not blame or fault them for not believing in God. For to believe in God we have to define who God is and since that is impossible we can only speculate.
 As a christian I follow Jesus but it was some time before the knowledge of the Lord or the Light came my way. I struggled for many years before reading the bible and committing to Christ. It was like a great burden was lifted and 35 + years later still believe. Will I ever know all the things of God- like Socrates " I know I know nothing". It was recently that many Christians are beginning to study other religions , perhaps because of the internet with all the knowledge at their fingertips. I enjoy doing comparative religious studies but nothing compares to Jesus.
 Especially like to study holy men of all religions - the gurus, the teachers , the saints and theologians. Yes- I know we should not look on men or woman but it is intriguing. People are amazing and I like to see what drives them. A religion is not as interesting as the people - anyone can write something on paper as to what they may believe or strive to become. The amazing thing about Jesus is that he never wrote a book or a guide. All that is known about Jesus was written by others and Jesus thought the Holy Spirit or comforter was sufficient to teach us.
 I often had a habit of talking to myself - funny but my guess is we all do to a point. Listening is very hard - the holy man is the master of listening. Listening and discerning not necessarily commenting on everything will help you throughout life. We are supposed to carefully choose our words and the impact on others, it is not easy to discipline the tongue yet alone the mind. My goal is to have the mind of Christ, whether it is ever reached is not important but that is my goal.
 Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Imagine if Socrates was able to find the Lord and have a conversation, it almost seems unfair that he was born centuries before. The "divine madness" that is hardly explained away in science, philosophy or even religion is the gift that God gave to everyone to protect us, help in survival and to some a two-way communication giving thanks for that love and protection. There are some who thank God at least a hundred times a day- then there are others who take God for granted. For this I respect the Hindu and the Muslim - they are constantly thanking God - taking time out to pray in the middle of their day. If we were to roll out a prayer mat at work it may be taken as "divine madness" yet millions do and it is a part of the accepted culture.
 God is not a subconscious , God is a higher conscious - much higher.

Listen

 One of my greatest faults is not taking time to listen. I know in the Quaker faith this is one of the key elements and perhaps something I had to learn the hard way. The past few months my health has been poor and I went for a few exams and surgeries. My very nature for anyone who knows me is too work constantly , or spend time repairing or building. When I run out of things at home go somewhere else to keep busy. Last week I spent time in the Intensive Care Unit teetering at a dangerously high temperature convulsing and thinking this was it. God had me where I needed to be quiet and still.
 My first reaction was to pray but instead I listened too weak to do anything else. Being the first in triage my room for the next three days was in front of the nurses station. In the ICU a man was brought in next to me after driving a motorcycle 100MPH into oncoming traffic, who in my opinion was in worst shape. But I had a real nasty blood infection which needed immediate care. The doctor in charge had them add two more IV's and replace the needles with larger ones.  They hit me with antibiotics for bacteria, virus and fungus not having enough time for cultures to grow and analyze. On the second day my temperature went to 102, then 101 and eventually normal.
 During this time I listened to the suffering around me. Men screaming with pain during the night , on all sides. There would be no rest for three days, one thing I also remembered was the nurses station where they talked about their boyfriends and had some laughter amongst the chaos. They were all very good to me - did not like all the needles but it was par for the course. While listening peoples lives unwound around me. My children came to visit and we had a chance to talk about things that eluded us in the past fast paced world. I never felt alone or scared but was reminded of Gods presence in our daily lives. Everything I was hearing , God was hearing. The suffering, the gossip and the laughter it was very powerful.

 Psalms 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

 In the end I recovered went home and prayed but will forever take time to listen. Not just when there is no other choice but on a regular basis. One thing that sticks out in my mind is the doctor saying the bad news is you have blood poisoning - the good news is you are cancer free. Praise God! Sometimes we have to take the bad news with the good.

  

the Bride

  We search the scriptures for the defined church and find that it is a Bride. Yes- a  noun that means a woman about to be married. Here we have a masculine text where often the apostles describe God as being a masculine creator , Yet - God describes himself as I am. 2 Corinthian 2:14 "Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place" (KJV) and in other versions it may not say his but refer to him. In the bible it always speaks of the brethren or sons as Gods chosen. Very few instances does it speak of daughters or sisters in a reference to the unity except when referring to the whole church as a bride. So here we have the Bride which is to come , the Bride of Christ that we await and Jesus describes the event as a wedding in his parable of the wedding feast. If we are awaiting such a bride , as it is clearly stated in Revelations and in Jesus own words, then why is the church hierarchy made of mostly men.
 There are some who would define the church in a physical sense, you sit here another sits there. Actually the church is spiritual and God is spirit. We can only define things in sense of our own vocabulary, we can never define God - since God is omnipotent. We can only make references within our own realm of knowledge. We are describing a time of great happiness, a feast which the ultimate joy is shared. This time the scriptures best rendering is a Bride , in a life we know it is the ultimate procession to see the Bride coming down the aisle. Here comes the Bride we sing and the bride is so lovely.
 Does the Church need woman? Most definitely - without woman there can be no church. Their feminine nature  is essential to be the Bride. It bothers me when women are brought to a lower stature because of the religious traditions institutionally  keeping them from holding offices and teaching. That is why I avoid such churches , some would like to go back 2000 years and re-instate slavery and oppression to woman. The bible was written in a time when there was slavery and woman were oppressed that is the reality. The apostles often wrote in the spectrum of the times they lived because we are in the 20th century I write in the spectrum of our time. Society has evolved since biblical time we do not need to go back to slavery and woman do not need to be oppressed, it is the secular blinders they wear not spiritual glasses. If the church were perfect the wedding would have already happened over 2000 years ago. It took many years of evolution to bring about in society the changes we have now and some parts of the world are not yet evolved. Women are still oppressed in  50% of the world and Yes- because of traditional religious beliefs. Religion not spirituality is oppressing woman.
 Is the bible correct , is it sound in its treatment of woman? I will say it was written over 2000 years ago, it is still the best book for spiritual teaching and good for instruction. We just need to read it with spiritual and not traditional glasses.The Holy Spirit fills women , gifts them spiritually and has done so even before the times of Christ. Without woman there would be no children,  no Bride.
-amen. 

Comparitive Faith

 Why is there Doctrine? Most denominations and christian faiths have a statement of beliefs which I think is great. It is good to know what others stand for or believe before becoming a member or supporting their organization. Perhaps this open statement of faith will help you in making a personal statement of faith. For I believe the church we attend or belong to will not be as important as our personal faith commitment. Yes- we need to find others who believe as we do to encourage us, it is nice to belong to something.
 I have found as we start to compare faiths, those that believe they are right and everyone else is wrong be wary. Because no one knows the hour or day the world will end, and we certainly are continually seeking knowledge of the things of faith and spirituality. We will never be all-knowing therefore it is better to be objective and discern things as they come. When we get to the point where we start shopping for religion or Christianity on the internet, just like we are shopping for a piece of luggage it may be time to take a deep breath and relax , deep breath -relax. You will not find God on the internet, or the TV set, or the radio.
 I was listening to the radio and found God- that sounds so magical , it may be you found something suggestive and perhaps a seed of faith was planted. Do you even know what that person on the radio believes or what Doctrinal statement  is behind the voice. I am all for evangelism but we need to be discerning and take a personal responsibility for our faith. Do not get overcome with the handsome man with the flashy suit of commercial faith. If you find a suitable church that matches close to what you believe and builds on your personal experience be content. Because you have achieved what so few have and that is contentment.
 Three things about finding a suitable place to worship.

1. Do they believe as your personal experience and the Holy Spirit has led you. Is the bible the main book for spiritual guidance. I have read the bible cover to cover and by subject at least 5 times. My    personal feelings are each time it is read new thoughts are discovered. It is very important not to just read it once. God gives us what we need for that day another day we may need something else. Give us this day our daily bread.

2. Do they have a doctrinal statement of faith that you can read and discern. Maybe they have a      complex catechism or additional books you are not at first aware of. You agree with the Nicene and Apostolic creed but not these others. That is alright , take the time to read through them - pray about whether it is something you are willing to accept and if not move on.

3. Do you feel anxious or depressed , are you being misled. Does the church not allow woman to participate and you are a woman. Does it teach prejudice , remember it is about a personal relationship with God. Self denial is not denying oneself spiritual growth and happiness.More important than all the doctrine and beliefs is that you are loved. When you leave the worship service ,  you should have less burdens, more joy and something you are willing to share with others. I remember being told that Jesus was not our friend he was God and we should fear him. I never went back there, Jesus is Lord but also a friend to me. I do not have all the answers but have joy.

peace and joy-
earl.

Ad Somniator

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To the Procrastinator tomorrow has come. To the Dreamer today is here. To the Lord here I am.

The Faith Seed

 A person who has been in the faith for a long time and especially one who has witnessed spiritual manifestation or miracles is not necessarily the one with the most measure of faith. According to scripture it more blessed to have not seen and still believe. We see the excitement of new believers often becoming more ambitious in their salvation after making such a leap. Soren Kierkegaard who was a great christian theologian of the 1800's wrote about this in his spiritual writings. One who is coming from an objective uncertainty and makes that leap has more faith during that moment in their life than any other.
 Does this mean our faith diminishes or does not grow with time. Not necessarily but if the seed of faith is not planted in good ground and watered it will not grow. The miracle of the faith seed , is the size is  compared to a mustard seed being very tiny. How it is made to grow and is cared for will depend on its success. We cannot rely on miracles or follow them to grow to our full spiritual potential. Only faith pleases God , and this is expressed throughout history and scripture. How pleasing is it for a person who comes from objective uncertainty to salvation - very pleasing. We can sense the power of the Lord , when salvation is preached and new believers come to Christ.
 We often look for revival or pray for it in a church, we can see those that grow are those that preach salvation and have an evangelical format. The existing congregation can experience a revival if they make a leap of faith toward other uncertainties. I remember going to church a few times before the message of salvation was preached, what if I had not returned the 3rd time.
 I was starting to be uncertain of keeping my blog but then realized that maybe just one person may get  something from it. If anything it is sort of like writing spiritual  memoirs that you are willing to share. The worst thing to me is to have no beliefs at all , no faith and to not be willing to share it.
My intention is only to share and let the one who reads make their own leap from an objective standpoint. 
 quote:
 Faith is a leap to higher ground , even a flea has mastered the art.