No Need To "Burn" Your Non-KJV Bible

I wrote this in response to a recent blog that condemns any other versions of The Bible besides the King James Version. I have nothing against the KJV, I grew up with that version; and although, my preference today is the NASB, I still refer to the KJV often and uphold it as one of the best translations for a Christian to use.

There are indeed many bad translations out there that have modified The Bible in horrible ways that have reduced The Bible to mockery. However, to say that the only proper translation is the KJV and everything else is Gnostic-philosophy junk is a fallacy; and in no way, can be proven. Furthermore, it undermines the changing power to Christ that many have experienced through these other great and equally accurate translations.

Casting doubt on what God actually says has been a huge strategy of Satan from the beginning; Genesis chapter 3, first of many examples. And casting doubt towards the validity of the words of The Bible would not be a far cry in this strategy of his--he loves to divide and conquer. Division is no stranger within the Christian body, and not only has division been caused over the proper version of the Bible, but in other such issues as commuinion and baptism. Sadly, though, all this division has steered us away into fighting amongst ourselves instead of fighting the real enemy.

My intention in this post is not to stir up more division, as I would be contridicting my beginning message; but rather give an explaination to why a person cannot conclusively state that one version of the Bible is the more accurate while all others are heresy trash that need to be “burned.”

Anyone translating between languages will understand one thing, it is quite an impossible feet to accurately translate between languages. The delimma for any translator is how to properly convey the original idea when wording and language identification can be different from one culture to the next; and more often than some, it is impossible to express the idea of one language in another.

Therefore, the original always supercedes the copy in accuracy; and in a sense, compromise is forced on the translation, as expression of idea is all in accordance to the personal ideas and understanding of the translator.

Many claim that the KJV (King James Version, 1611 AD) as the only true accurate Bible, asserting that the translators of the KJV were divinely inspired just as the original New Testament writers. Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim (not personally claiming it wasn’t, sake of agruement). They also claim that the KJV was the only “perfect” Bible translated into English; but asserting this, does not take into account that word modification or word meaning has its cultural ties depending on the time: example below

I Thessalonians 4:15 (KJV), “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.”

I Thessalonians 4:15 (NASB), “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.”

The main difference, as I highlighted, are the words “prevent” used by the KJV translators and “precede” used by the NASB (New American Standard Version) translators. The word “prevent” changed meaning between 1611 and now; and if you did not know that, this verse in today’s English would cause some confussion.

The issue here are the words you think you know, but through time, have changed meaning; unless you are aware of such wording changes, you will definitely have problems reading the KJV. Furthermore, no hasitation from the KJV translators was given in applying their very culturally based thou’s and shalt’s words. These words do not take from the original idea; however, these words did not exist in the original Greek text. However, the issue of the best translation does not stop at translation word identification, it goes even deeper.

Two main lines of Greek texts exist, which most agree that both date back to the same time, first century AD. The text that was mostly used up until the 1800s was Textus Receptus (a.k.a: Majority or Bynzintine text) related to the Syria region. However, other Biblical manuscripts were discovered in Alexandria (Egypt-North Africa region), which many newer translations stem from; nevertheless, the question of its reliablity has been questioned for centuries.

Erasmus, Catholic Theologian, in 1525, compiled the first Greek text using manuscripts from the Textus Receptus. The Alexandrian manuscripts were available at the time, but for unknown reasons, the Alexandrian text was not used. However, in 1853, Brooke Westcott and Fenton Hort, were the first to compile a Greek New Testament, which took 28 years to complete. They, unlike Erasmus, relied heavily on the Alexandrian text; and what influenced them to go this route was that Alexandian text was written in a more polished Greek writing style, where as, the Textus Receptus seemed more paraphrased in style, which led them to question its’ reliablity.

So, which one is more reliable? Actually no one really knows; however, many studies of the two show that the texts are very must alike in both quality and quanity, agreeing 98% of the time, and that the 2% differences are so minor that they neither show up in translation nor affect understanding.

In conclusion, to assert that Alexandria text is a product of heresy, a rather interesting question can be posed, “Was the Alexandrian texts the only resource the Egyptian Christians had during the first three or four centuries?” If not, no problem; but if so (no evidence to say either way), then the conclusion would be that the Egyptian Christians only had access to this heresy version of God’s Word. But to take such a conclusion would essentially place the doctrine of preservation into a serious dilemma; and if you define preservation in terms of the Syrian Textus Receptus; you would be speaking poorly of God's sovereign care of the Christians in old Egypt.

My advice is this, we must have balance and no translation is 100% perfect, they all have their problems. This does not mean errors or inconsistencies exist in The Bible, but it is important to understand how your translation came to be, what methods were used in its creation, and what crediable Christian scholars and theologians have to say.

Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider in all of this, always seek the Holy Spirit of Christ on all questions; taking the pursuit on your own without the Spirit’s quidance can lead into crucial errors.

Origin Of "Hell": History & Mythology Explains

It is no shock, within the Christian community, that in the original Greek manuscripts of the Holy Bible--Old Testament and New Testament--that the word “hell” does not appears anywhere in it; so…

What is the origin of the word “hell”?

Why the change in translation to “hell” in the first place?

There is much truth that can be applied when one simply takes the time to investigate historical accounts on the “What…?” and “Why…?” certain things as we know them today came about. However, sometimes history does not offer the full conclusions or answers that we are looking for; and with that, it can be helpful to look to other resources that, perhaps, are deemed as mere fiction; but if you looked closely, meaning can sometimes be found to hints of truths.

Mythology: the study of myths

Myth: a story of great but unknown age which originally embodied a belief regarding some fact or phenomenon of experience, and in which often the forces of nature and of the soul are personalized; an anceint legand of a god, a hero, the origin of a race; a wonder story of prehistoric origin; a popular fable which is, or has been received as historical.

The Myth

Most of us are familiar with the Scandinavian Vikings of Northern-Europe; and indeed they were very barbarian like, as most of us perceive; and in realm of religion, very pagan in their beliefs. Their main form of religion and religious rituals varied in geographic areas; however, the foundation of their pagan religion was seen through the mythological stories of Norse; and the god, Thor (god of lighting and thunder powered by his mystical belt and hammer), was the pride of their gods when it came to worship and sacrifice.

Furthermore, as with many other classic mythologies, such as the Greeks; and various established religions, such as Christianity, one major commonality seems to stand out in all them--life after death; a place of paradise and a place of torment--and the Norse mythology was no different. Within the Norse, paradise or the dwelling place of the gods was known as Asgard; and their place of torment or the dwelling place of the evil giants was known as Hel. Their belief in their pagan god/hero Thor was strong, but it was not strong enough; and due to the overwhelming coalitions of the Christian Crusaders to abolish pagan religions in Europe to establish Christianity, the Norse followers symbol the Hammer of Thor was replaced by the Cross of Jesus (1100-1200 AD); however, not all of the Norse mythology would be stripped away, but rather one aspect would remain even till today, which we will later see.

“Hell” Translated

The word “hell” is not found in the original Greek text of the Bible; and likewise, the same is known of the first Latin translation in 4th century AD. The first English translation of the Bible is credited to Oxford professor, John Wycliffe, around 1380AD; and it is here when the first use of the word “hell” first comes on the seen. The origin of the word “hell” actually derived from the old English words “hel” or “helle”, which often referred to as a “nether world for the dead.” The words that were subsequently replaced by “hell” in the English translation from the original Greek Bible were “Gehenna” and “Hades” (some translations today do in fact keep “Hades”). However, this change in translations brings the question--“Why the change to ‘hell’ in the first place?”

This question, unfortunately, has led many over the centuries to theorize various conspiracies on the Christian origin of “hell” and although, entertaining these “hell” conspiracies maybe, all are speculative at best and simply imaginary tales created to discredit Christianity. But if a person is willing to take the time and look into history--the fog of speculations will be made clear in the historic facts.

The History

If you are familiar with the New Testament and the history around that region (first century AD), you will know that the controlling influence was Rome; however, Rome’s influence was not solely their own. Before Rome came into power, a gentleman by the name of Philip II of Macedon (Southeast Europe-Northern Greece) set out to conquer the Greece region (336BC), which he succeeded; and soon after his death, around the same time, his son, Alexander (the Great) continued to expand the Macedonian empire even further-- south into Egypt and as far west to the borders of India. As a result of Alexander’s expansion, a multitude of Greek refugees spread throughout the entire empire, which in turn, led to an influx of Hellionistic thinking (Greek philosophy) to spread and adapt through the empire; and it wasn’t until the 100sBC when Roman rule would eventually conquer Macedonian’s empire and take over for the next 500 years (27AD-476BC).

With the spread of Greek philosophy in the entire Alexander-Roman empire; everything Greek, the language, culture, and traditions, including their mythology, followed, which is one major reason that answers the question--“Why the change in translation…?”

Origin of “Hell”

In Greek mythology, the place of torment for the damned was known as “Hades”; and this important to know, because, many who are not familiar with Greek mythology and the influence it had on the NT cultural times see “hades” and “hell” as two different places--hell for the devil and his angels and hades for Godless humans--but that is all related to some Bible translation swapping around hades and hell; needless to say, the same place is being referred. “Gehenna”, as I mentioned before, is the other word that is replaced by “hell”; and the significance of this word is directly related to Jewish--Old Testament--history. Gehenna, unlike Hades in Greek mythology, was an actual place where many horrific situations of torment, sacrifices, and genocide were performed (also known as the “Valley of the son of Hinnom,”--read Joshua 15; II Kings 23; Jeremiah 2). So, when the NT Jews heard the word “Gehenna”, more than likely, drew an instant picture of a terrible and scary place.

So, of course, Jesus being God, Jewish, and growing up in this first century Greek influenced culture was very familiar with such Greek myths and Jewish history; and He used these two places symbolically to describe an actual place of eternal punishment and death so that both the Greek and the Jew could easily grasp a vivid picture to what He was saying (symbolism such as these are seen throughout the Bible to describe the unscribable--not uncommon). And thus, this brings me back to the Norse mythology and its relationship with the modern English term “Hell.”

Application

Greek mythology, though still present in knowledge in the 1st century, was on a steady decline mainly due to increase of other Greek philosophies, Roman mythology, and the Christian movement; and eventually, through the turn of the first and second centuries, Greek mythologies soon become a forgotten memory of meaning. Moreover, with Christianity growing more and more apart from Judaism, the thought of “Gehenna” stuck with the Jews, but lost any and all meaning with the Christians around the middle ages (500AD).

In light of these lost meanings, John Wycliffe when translating the Latin Bible to English in 1380AD decided to pick a known term at the time from the old Norse mythology “Hel/Hell” to provide, as Christ did for the Greeks and the Jews in the first century, a symbolic representation that created a vivid meaning of a horrific place of torment to the fourteenth century Christian. Nevertheless, call it Gehenna, Hades, or Hell--whatever you like-- it was and is all the symbolic picture of an indescribable place of endless punishment for those who choose to believe in themselves rather than the One God and His only Son, Jesus.

So, all the conspiracies, made up stories, and speculative assumptions about “hell” are nothing more than fictional mythologies themselves that hold no truth; and all it took was a little look at history and the mythology found in it to give us the true answers of the origin of “hell.”

**Source Information: The Human Venture, Fifth Edition; Anthony Esler

And please, by all means, if there is anything you would like to add or take away; this is an open forum--your comment is welcome.

Broad Way...Narrow Way: Two Ways On The Same Road

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. (14) For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”>>Matthew 7:13-14

Most Christians would agree that this passage in Matthew chapter 7 is perhaps one of the most widely known. The principle that Jesus was portraying is simple; there are two ways that every human will follow.

One way is the broad way--the easy way--that many will take. The people who go this way will put their faith on themselves and/or false teacher rather than in Jesus Christ. This way is full of deceit, denial, self-satisfaction, and hopelessness. This way can bring its bright moments for those who chose it; however, in the end, this broad-wide path will ultimately lead to the gate of eternal destruction.

The other way is the narrow way--the hard way--that few will take. Those people who go this way put their faith only in Jesus Christ and deny all selfish desires. This way is full of truth, love, humbleness, self-sacrifice, and hope. This way can bring isolation, ridicule, persecution, or even death for those who chose it; however, in the end, this narrow-small way leads to the gate of life everlasting.

I am sure the depictions of these to ways are nothing new to most of us; and more often then some, we often in vision these two ways as two road from a fork in the road; and then, branching of into two separate directions--one wide leading to hell and a one narrow leading to heaven.

But is there really a fork in the road leading people into two separate roads; or perhaps, just one road leading people into opposite directions?

All humanity, from birth, inherits the nature of sin; and its consequence--“Therefore, just as through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). There is no way around it, we all receive it. So, at birth, all humanity starts walking the same way; and that way is the broad way, which leads to the sin consequence of destruction. However, God through the loving sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, made it possible for humanity to one day choose to overcome this inherited sin and walk another way--the narrow way, back to Him, which leads to eternal life.

The few, who come to the realization of Jesus’ sacrifice, and then, humbly accept it; instantly stop in his or her tracks on the broad way, take a 180 turn, and start walking the opposite way. Indeed, this opposite way becomes very small and narrow; the new Christian is now going against the grain and has to start dodging, weaving, and maneuvering around the many who are going still going the other way-- the broad way.

To give an analogy: Have you ever been immersed in a large crowd exiting out the same door; but then, you realize you forgot something and you have to turn around go back in? Needless to say, it is not going to be easy; and many obstacles, difficulties, and push backs in squeezing and maneuvering around every one instantly becomes your reality; but eventually, through perseverance, you will make it. Well, this is similarly the Christian’s reality in his or her narrow way--many obstacles, many difficulties, and many push backs (set backs) will come; but through perseverance in the Lord, the Christian will make it.

So, I encourage you Christian, as we walk our narrow way; to always seek the Lord for strength because there are many obstacles fighting against us; and we are going to need that added perseverance to get around them.

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”>>James 1:12

The Faithful And True Christian

“If anyone speaks, he [or she] should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he [or she] should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen”>>I Peter 4:11 (NASB)

I have been a Christian for some time now and my life’s focus, even through the darkest of times, has revolved around my Christian faith. My Christian faith does not come from any type of superstitious fear or tradition, but by a strong inward commitment and trust towards my Eternal Savior, Jesus Christ; as only given, through His Holy Spirit. I am a simple person, a simple Christian--no Theology degree here--and all my everything as a Christian, father, husband, musician, and writer comes from the pure passion to serve my Savior.

My life’s focus is to always glorify The One Triune God--The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit--and to convey the Christian message in the most understandable way to anyone who is willing to open his or her heart. I want to break the notion that Christians are nothing but judgmental--"Bible Thumping"--hypocrites, who force their faith on others; but in all the while, not live up to the same principles they apply others to live.

Indeed, there are those Christians who portray this unfortunate hypocritacy. The problem with the “hypocrite” is that they inwardly fail to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all His goodness”; but rather, cling to man made traditions which then results in outwardly misrepresenting the very nature of Jesus Christ. However, there are many who are faithful Christians which earnestly “Seek first...” ; and in doing so, outwardly project the glorious “fruits” of the nature of Jesus Christ--outward expressions are always connected to true inward commitment.

True Christianity, unlike all the other religions in this world, serves no manmade images made out of stone, clay, or precious materials; but rather serves the One True God, The Biblical God of Jacob, the One who Creator of all things and still ever present today. We need nothing manmade, all created things speak to His presence around us. Christianity also speaks of the One Divine Savior, Jesus, God the Son; the One who is God and everything that is of God, The Messiah, The Christ--the One who sacrificed His life only to rise on the third day for the salvation of mankind to all that believe.

The true Christian does not need to symbolize his or her faith by any “proper” method of religious acts, works of good, or look to a statue of a man still nailed to a rigid cross; but rather, we symbolize our faith by our outward projection of the characteristics of Jesus and look to an empty cross of a risen Savior who, by the power of God the Father, overcame death so that we will one day overcome the same.

Christians are everyday people that experience everyday problems; however, with each problem, we seek the Lord’s guidance to see His way through it to persevere and overcome it. Christians are not perfect, we are not made sinless; though some may feel we should be, but that is simply not true. Christians make mistakes just like everybody else, but with each mistake comes a sense of humble acceptance to correct that which we wronged and to blot it out of our life entirely.

In all, what a faithful and committed Christian brings to the world around him or her is the present eternal hope of Jesus Christ that all the worries and problems this world can bring--whatever the severity--are only temporal; and that a true--never failing--sense of peace through a loving spirit, a committed heart, and a life filled with purpose can be gained.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [Jesus’ Holy Spirit] is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh [no longer relying on self] with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. “>>Galatians 5:22-26 (NASB)

What...There Is No Such Thing???

“While attending a black fraternity party, I recently learned it’s a bad idea to profess one’s affinity for Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity. Worse, according to current polls, it appears I may be the only black 22 year old in America who will be voting for Sen. John McCain.

It’s not that I was unaware that being a black conservative Republican puts me in the ultimate “minority.” After all, Shelby Steele’s classic article “The Loneliness of the Black Conservative” has become an article of faith that I’ve all but committed to memory. But I guess I had made the mistake of buying into all that liberal yammering about being “open minded” and supporting “diversity” that I’d deluded myself into believing that a civil, discussion about the herd-like ideological mentality of so many of my contemporaries suffer from was possible.

Boy, was I wrong. Big time!

My official “Negro” card got stripped away. I instantly lost my “blackness.” And now, consequently, I now am greeted with this: “Hey, y’all, here comes The Black Republican.” And that’s when I think to myself, hmmm…so this is how it feels to be an "Uncle Tom." Still, being labeled “The Black Republican” is undoubtedly a promotion from: "Hey, why are you dressed so nice? You got a job interview or something?" Or, worse, “Man, why are you talking like that? You sound white? Who do you think you are? A conservative Kayne West?”

But my path to ideological emancipation began where all the most important things always begin—with my father and mother. Growing up, my Army drill sergeant father was a firm believer in tough love. My parents instilled in us Christian values. But I believe that first part—having an involved mother and father—was critical. With 70% of all black babies being born out-of-wedlock, it’s no wonder black poverty remains entrenched, welfare has become a way of life, and that many of my fellow young black male counterparts choose gangsta life over college.

But it wasn’t until college that I realized I had been ensnared in what John McWhorter calls the “Cult of Victimology.” One of my professor’s pointed me toward a world of literature I’d never been introduced to: Thomas Sowell, John McWhorter, Shelby Steele, Star Parker, Angela McGowan, Larry Elder, Walter Williams—they obliterated the Leftist foolishness that floods my community.

It was then that my eyes were opened to the truth, a truth that my father was willing to give his life for, a truth that hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have paid the ultimate price to pass on to future generations. And that truth is this: America remains the greatest country that God gave to man.

So imagine me, a member of various organizations that largely consist of young black Americans, most of whom are womb to the tomb Democrats and liberals, speaking openly about the many opportunities and blessings we enjoy in our great nation and refuting Michelle Obama’s supposition that America is a “downright mean place..”

Can you say…..social suicide?

"So Jerome,” the partygoers asked, “you’re REALLY a Republican?!"

Duh!

Of course I’m a Republican! And your great grandparents were too!

Yes, I’m a member of the Anti-Slavery Party, the party responsible for: the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (gave former slaves full citizenship rights), the 15th Amendment (gave slaves voting rights), the Civil Rights Act of 1871(protecting southern blacks from the Ku Klux Klan), the Reconstruction Acts, and the 1866, 1875, 1957, 1960, and 1964 Civil Rights Act.

And no, my brothers and sisters, yesterday’s Southern Democrats are NOT today’s Republicans! If so, former Klansman, Sen. Robert Byrd—the highest ranking senate Democrat and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate—apparently didn’t get the memo and forgot to switch parties.

But it’s more than just the history. I’m proud to stand for self-empowerment, personal responsibility, strong family values, small government, low taxes, free markets, a strong military, and individual achievement etc.

And don’t even get me started on which side stands up for the precious 1.4 million unborn children (32% of whom are black), who will be casualties in the war inside the womb. When I see these so-called “black leaders” bashing conservatives for “racist policies,” I wonder how they justify cheering on the political team who proudly defends the annihilation of 13 million black children since 1973.

And conservatives don’t care about black people? I don’t think so!

No, I think I’ll ride with the team who says enough with the welfare cancer that has destroyed people’s innate desire to achieve. Yes, I’ll ride with the folks who respect me enough to consider me their equal and not insult me with Affirmative Action racism. Yeah, I’ll ride with the gang who would rather create effective policies than emotional “feel good” symbolism that robs individuals of their desire to aspire.

So while it may take a little getting used to walking into college parties where I’m known as “The Black Republican,” I now realize I am a newly inducted member of a rich tradition of ideologically emancipated black conservatives. And guess what? I’m more than cool with that. I’m proud, actually.

“The conservative Kanye West”?

Hmmm….

Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Written by Jerome Hudson, a Christian, a Republican, a Conservative, and a sophomore at Tallahassee Community College

Obama's School Day Propaganda

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time; President Obama will be broadcasting an address directly to students in the nation’s public schools for age’s kindergarten to sixth grade. The text of Obama’s school speech has not been made available to parents at this point, although lists of classroom activities for elementary school students and older students are available at the Department of Education website.

This is not the only broadcast Obama has planned. Today, Sept. 3rd at 9:00 am EST, Obama is making a nation wide televised broadcast to many or all public schools to welcome the kids back--a co-worker of mine called his children’s school; and the school did confirm that this was indeed happening today at the above stated time.

I am sure that Obama’s “Welcome back to school” broadcast is just a prelude skem to set up his broadcast for next week; nevertheless, on September 8th, I know my children, who are ages 7, 9, and 11, will be taking that day off. Please take note, Christian parents; this is not just a speech, but a full out program--it’s “Obama Day.” I have been hearing through many--call you local school for the details (I will be)--that before and/or after his speech children will have available literature to “read up” on Obama and/or his agendas and ask questions if they choose. If this concerns you; please, don’t sit on it; call or write your local school and let them know your feelings of concerns (Christian: know the difference between expressing your convictions and attacking with your convictions).

This is blatant--by definition--propaganda by Obama to manipulate our children to his ways. His ratings are at an all-time low (47% approval) and he is desperate to gain back his once “Hopeful” (Hopeless) message. Going after our child proves his lack of respect for the home. I am not “shocked” that our public school system is allowing this propaganda; after all, they are a state governing system. However, though I am aware of this and choose to send my children to a public (“secular” a more appropriate term) school--I do not have to stand for it. Principle alone, whether you agree or disagree with Obama, should strike a core to many; however, many have been fooled for the past eight months and just don’t see anymore.

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NASB)

Just a thought: “Why is his second speech focused to elementary age children and not to junior-high school ages?” Well, it’s simple; any body that has a thinking brain knows the elementary age children are most influenced by the world around them; and typically, if the child have caring parents, by junior-high school age children have somewhat a level grasp on things. However, our teens are not being left out from Obama’s propaganda: “What is one major teen influence besides their peers?” You guessed it: Music. Obama is calling on the music industry to push support for him and work with him to promote his agendas.

If a man or woman has to resort to tactics of propaganda; it truly speaks to the nature of person he or she is. Scripture and history tells us, “Don’t trust them…”

President Obama and his team’s deceit show no boundaries or limits; they will go to any measure to get done what they will. They have proven this time and time again by all their various smoke screens, propaganda, and careful, always planned-out, wording. Obama and most of our other government “leaders” only serve themselves and only care about their “needs”; but we all should known, true leaders, serve and care for the needs of others. May God be with us all who see and know the truth.

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.

Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.

Psalms 5:8-10 (NASB)

Ten Step Towards Simplifying Your Life (Unknown Author)

1> Work toward a healthy sense of who you are. Remind yourself that you are striving for progress, not perfection. God does not expect perfection; only progress.

2> Jump start your heart with an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings daily and practice random acts of kindness.

3> Chose to live in the “now” and not in the past. Let go of yesterday and quit worrying about tomorrow because yesterday is gone and tomorrow will take care of itself. Slow down, take a breath and appreciate what God brings into your life today. Practice saying “no.”

4> Let go of hurts and disappointments, which are the “garbage” of the past. When you make mistakes learn to forgive yourself. Forgiveness means freedom.

5> Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at others. Give compliments generously and openly. Receive compliments gracefully.

6> Gently poke fun at yourself and learn to laugh at your mistakes. A little silliness will help you relax and become less self-conscious.

7> Hang around with positive, optimistic, and up-beat people who enjoy both work and play and know how the get the most out of each.

8> Set realistic goals on a regular basis. Beginnings and change help create exciting energy and new experiences rejuvenate your spirit. Take time to celebrate accomplishments, then reward yourself with a break from the normal hustle and bustle of life.

9> Try to keep your life balanced by prioritizing your wants and needs, and keeping them clearly defined. Need and wants are different; recognize that fact of life. Pray for wisdom and courage to know the difference.

10> Feed your soul at least once a week by doing something you love.

The Atheist (Part Two)

“Taking in separate bits and pieces of the Bible for information alone is like examining the discrete parts of a mosaic before recognizing its overall design. The Christian understanding of God affirms that we have been divinely wired for relationship with God - and that in Christ, God has come seeking us. Therefore, when we come to the bible with an open heart and an open mind, we can expect the sudden clarity of recognizing the living God who calls to us through its pages.

In the wake of the violence of the Bolshevik Revolution, a member of the Russian Imperial Diplomatic Corps immigrated with his family to Paris. His teenage son found himself adrift in the sudden shift from fighting hardship and danger to the relative ease of safety and peace. Happiness seemed meaningless if there was no purpose behind it. He decided that if he did not discover a meaning for his life within a year, he would commit suicide. As he neared the end of the year with nothing to show, the young man asked to attend a lecture by a Christian speaker. He did not believe in God and had absolutely no use for the Church, and the lecture did nothing to change his convictions. Angry at what he had heard, he went home and asked his mother for a Bible so that he could check to see if the Gospels truly supported these views or not. He chose to read the Gospel of Mark because it had the fewest chapters and he did not want to waste any unnecessary time. He was in for a surprise:

‘I do not know how to tell you of what happened. I will put it quite simply and those of you who have gone through a similar experience will know what came to pass. While I was reading the beginning of St. Mark's gospel, before I reached the third chapter, I became aware of a presence. I saw nothing. I heard nothing. It was no hallucination. It was a simple certainty that the Lord was standing there and that I was in the presence of him whose life I had begun to read with such revulsion and such ill-will.....This was my basic and essential meeting with the Lord. From then I knew that Christ did exist. It was in the light of the resurrection that I could read with certainty the story of the Gospel, knowing that everything was true in it because the impossible event of the Resurrection was to me more certain than any event of history.’

This young man became Father Anthony of Sourozh, who established the Russian Orthodox diocese of Great Britain and Ireland. Although he was not looking for Jesus when he went to the Bible, he found Him nonetheless; or perhaps, more accurately, Jesus found him. He was examining the "pieces" of the Bible's witness to Christ, but it was the reality of the risen Christ that revealed God to him which then enabled him to read the rest of the Scriptures in relationship to this central reality.”

An excerpt from the book--Life With God, by Richard Foster--which truly speaks to what can happen when the doors of biasness and pride are closed; and the door of possibility becomes open…God bless you and thank you for reading.