Technology, like money, is not inherently bad in and of itself.
It can also be used to do good, make our lives easier, or more convenient.
After doing the required research, one way I noticed that society could be improved is through the wireless transmission of energy and information. Telephone poles, wires, and "conventional" methods have been holding us back for quite some time. Just like most other people, I get tired of power and information outages that occur during/after inclement weather strikes my area.
Inventor Nikola Tesla began transmitting electricity wirelessly over 100 years ago. Although this is not a new concept, he died broke and penniless at the age of 86 in 1943.
Concerning the nature of this wireless transmission of RF energy, a few general facts should be made plain:
1) It is of high-voltage, but also high-frequency.
In other words, it is totally harmless concerning human exposure.
"In the early 1970's, (William) Hooper had been showing that not all electrical fields are the same. What he called a "motional electric field" was different from the well-known electrostatic fields; the motional electric field results in a force that passes through lead. In other words, the field is unshieldable."- "Angels Don't Play This HAARP" (1997)
2) It can be transmitted over 20 miles in this fashion.
In order to make technological and service advancements like this happen, things would have to be shaken up in the corporate world: mergers and cooperation amongst both information and energy interests.
What are some potential fixes/outcomes of these changes?
- "Flex Fuel" capability to power the turbines that create energy (coal could be phased out for natural gas over time in accordance with free-market principles). Natural gas is cheap, (33% more) efficient (than gasoline), and will become ubiquitous in nature over the coming years.
- Receivers of wireless energy can be placed indoors, avoiding vandalism and vulnerability.
- Reduced staffing at energy and information conglomerates.
This means lower rates.
(Think in the 50% range.)
This also opens up the possibility for localized/personalized, right-sized solutions for high-speed bandwidth access, bringing the internet into reach for more of those who may just have to currently go without, due either to prohibitive cost or geographical reasons.
One potential issue that will arise for some people is loss of use of their kitchen ranges when and if their services were to be shut off.
- Potentially eating corn instead of burning it in our fuel tanks.
Any time you can lower rates or costs, improve services, and increase the expendable income of the average person, this is a plus.
(To be continued.)
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
A Better Mousetrap?
It's no secret: the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") has been an unmitigated disaster.
Glitchy and buggy website aside, there have been quite a few problems with the program.
One of the first that comes to mind is the fact that regardless of what the President said regarding people's ability to keep their health care plans, many people received letters from their carriers stating that they actually would not be able to.
This begs a question.
"How could you put together a better, more efficient health care program?"
Here are few ideas on how it could be possible.
1) Allow people to keep their current plans and doctors if they wish, as promised.
2) Create a larger, international policy exchange that would stretch across international borders.
When insurance carriers compete, you win.
3) Modify the Medicare program so that:
- Those without insurance (no matter what age) could enroll in the program.
- Periodic (just prior to payday, for example), computerized reporting of hours (and wages) would be automatically tracked and sent out to federal authorities. This type of system would help to accurately determine one's eligibility for subsidies, as well as eliminate the need for federal income tax filings. You would just be required to notify your employer(s) of any change in your tax status. You could even reduce the numbers of I.R.S. agents on the rolls. Efficiency is the key, and who likes being harassed?
- Over time, the program would shift from a single-payer model to a subsidized, free-market-based, voucher-run exchange program. One cannot take funds designated for health care funding to buy an iPhone, for example. This would also minimize disruption for those currently in retirement, and approaching retirement.
4) Set up an e-mail based prayer request website.
It would contain drop-down menus and the ability to group similar issues together in a neat, tidy filing and sorting system. You would receive an e-mail notification telling you when your request has been noted and acted upon. You could proceed from there. A small one-time fee (I am a union member) would be required to help subsidize the overhaul and ensure a smooth transition for all of those involved. People waste money on all sorts of ridiculous things on a continuous basis. What value do you place upon your health?
5) With less need for both complex and simple procedures and practices (Oncology, Orthopedic surgery, Cardiology, etc.), the cream would be required to rise to the top. Only the best doctors and prospects would be retained, and their skills could be sharpened and retained using animals for practice. Minimum standards of care would be required, such as making sure someone is available to take care of you at a hospital, and the assurance that you wouldn't be required to travel an inordinate amount of distance to receive the care that you need. Doctors who would be let go could receive vocational training and schooling to place them in a new profession or field of study to keep them gainfully employed. It is obviously not practical to have such an overhaul occur overnight. This would take a few years to take place.
These ideas would help to curb and reduce soaring health care costs.
There's more than one way to skin a cat.
Think about it.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
"The Devil is in the Details"
There's quite a bit of business to attend to, so let's get down to the nitty-gritty, and that centers around the hub that we call the nation of Iran. The devil is in the details, as they say.
Now that chemical disarmament in Syria has been set in motion (how successful the process will be is an open question), and a devastating strike on Iran (precipitating a civil war there that will eventually give rise to the Antichrist) has been offset by (give or take) a couple of decades (see Daniel 11, as well as prophecies about Egypt), we can discuss a few important topics, like the absurd notion of Iran nuking Israel.
Iran, you see, is an overwhelmingly Shiite nation. One of the core tenets of Shia Islam is the belief in the 12th, or "Hidden" Imam, or "Mahdi," (The Antichrist) and his lieutenant "Jesus" (The False Prophet spoken of in Revelation), whose sole aim (which will not be realized) will be the creation of a worldwide Islamic caliphate. He will be a hybrid character, possessing both immense political savvy as well as immense spiritual prowess. He is to play dual roles of a state executive as well as a high priest. The only thing is, there is nothing holy about this man. He is supposed to be Allah's chief representative, but he is a deceiver and a turncoat. He will, in fact, reveal his true colors as Satan's human protege and right hand man. Certainly, I am implying that he will deceive even Muslims. (One thing that is important here to remember is that religion here is nothing but means to specific ends for him: power, theft, death, and destruction. It means absolutely nothing to him, it is merely a vehicle).
He will proclaim to be God himself, and demand to be worshiped as God. He will persecute and execute those within his sphere of influence who dare to oppose him and stick to their religious convictions. His powers are derived from the satanic realm, as are the False Prophet's named "Jesus," who can make fire rain down from the sky. This may cause much confusion, as one might imagine, and it will.
The absurdity of the claim that Iran would nuke Israel and irradiate the temple that their long-awaited Mahdi is going to desolate is not only counter-intuitive, it is absolutely ludicrous. It's one of his main goals, so why would any Shia Muslim who feels it is their life mission from Allah to usher in their last and most powerful prophet and king nuke this temple that is oh-so coveted? They wouldn't, because it just doesn't add up. As a matter of fact, in 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was widely misquoted as saying that Israel should be "wiped off the map," when that was not what he was implying. Although I will stand for Israel's right to exist until the very end, I will not back Zionist lies, propaganda, and warmongering in the slightest.
Pivoting back to Syria, although the U.N inspectors did conclude that Sarin gas was indeed used in the recent attacks on civilian populations in Syria, it shed no conclusive light on just who fired the munitions. Therefore, it is impossible to draw any responsible conclusions from the report, base any drastic actions upon it, nor warmonger or pontificate based upon it. In my humble opinion, it is best to keep U.S. forces out of the situation, be they on the ground, in the air, or in the form of covert operatives behind the scenes. It is not our war, it is not our business, and we should at no point be involved (Unless it is with simple things like bread. How much bread could you donate at the cost of just one simple Tomahawk missile? Just a thought.).
I want my countrymen of every race, color, creed, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion that I will lobby tirelessly for good jobs, sound national security, top-notch affordable health care, sound and fair banking, sound currency, and fair treatment for all.
I want Israel to know that as long as I am around, they will be safe and sound (Jeremiah 33:14-18).
I want the world to know that I will lobby tirelessly with my American colleagues for peace, goodwill, and amicable, fair relations whenever and wherever possible. I want our friends around the world to know that they have a staunch ally here in the United States as we turn the page into the next century. Open hand to open hand.
Now that we begin to pivot toward the home front, and dare I say "peace," let's focus on sprucing this place up, cutting the fat, and turning America into what we know it really could be.
We're going to turn some dreams into a reality.
Now that chemical disarmament in Syria has been set in motion (how successful the process will be is an open question), and a devastating strike on Iran (precipitating a civil war there that will eventually give rise to the Antichrist) has been offset by (give or take) a couple of decades (see Daniel 11, as well as prophecies about Egypt), we can discuss a few important topics, like the absurd notion of Iran nuking Israel.
Iran, you see, is an overwhelmingly Shiite nation. One of the core tenets of Shia Islam is the belief in the 12th, or "Hidden" Imam, or "Mahdi," (The Antichrist) and his lieutenant "Jesus" (The False Prophet spoken of in Revelation), whose sole aim (which will not be realized) will be the creation of a worldwide Islamic caliphate. He will be a hybrid character, possessing both immense political savvy as well as immense spiritual prowess. He is to play dual roles of a state executive as well as a high priest. The only thing is, there is nothing holy about this man. He is supposed to be Allah's chief representative, but he is a deceiver and a turncoat. He will, in fact, reveal his true colors as Satan's human protege and right hand man. Certainly, I am implying that he will deceive even Muslims. (One thing that is important here to remember is that religion here is nothing but means to specific ends for him: power, theft, death, and destruction. It means absolutely nothing to him, it is merely a vehicle).
He will proclaim to be God himself, and demand to be worshiped as God. He will persecute and execute those within his sphere of influence who dare to oppose him and stick to their religious convictions. His powers are derived from the satanic realm, as are the False Prophet's named "Jesus," who can make fire rain down from the sky. This may cause much confusion, as one might imagine, and it will.
The absurdity of the claim that Iran would nuke Israel and irradiate the temple that their long-awaited Mahdi is going to desolate is not only counter-intuitive, it is absolutely ludicrous. It's one of his main goals, so why would any Shia Muslim who feels it is their life mission from Allah to usher in their last and most powerful prophet and king nuke this temple that is oh-so coveted? They wouldn't, because it just doesn't add up. As a matter of fact, in 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was widely misquoted as saying that Israel should be "wiped off the map," when that was not what he was implying. Although I will stand for Israel's right to exist until the very end, I will not back Zionist lies, propaganda, and warmongering in the slightest.
Pivoting back to Syria, although the U.N inspectors did conclude that Sarin gas was indeed used in the recent attacks on civilian populations in Syria, it shed no conclusive light on just who fired the munitions. Therefore, it is impossible to draw any responsible conclusions from the report, base any drastic actions upon it, nor warmonger or pontificate based upon it. In my humble opinion, it is best to keep U.S. forces out of the situation, be they on the ground, in the air, or in the form of covert operatives behind the scenes. It is not our war, it is not our business, and we should at no point be involved (Unless it is with simple things like bread. How much bread could you donate at the cost of just one simple Tomahawk missile? Just a thought.).
I want my countrymen of every race, color, creed, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion that I will lobby tirelessly for good jobs, sound national security, top-notch affordable health care, sound and fair banking, sound currency, and fair treatment for all.
I want Israel to know that as long as I am around, they will be safe and sound (Jeremiah 33:14-18).
I want the world to know that I will lobby tirelessly with my American colleagues for peace, goodwill, and amicable, fair relations whenever and wherever possible. I want our friends around the world to know that they have a staunch ally here in the United States as we turn the page into the next century. Open hand to open hand.
Now that we begin to pivot toward the home front, and dare I say "peace," let's focus on sprucing this place up, cutting the fat, and turning America into what we know it really could be.
We're going to turn some dreams into a reality.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Shutdown.
Well, we're right up against the deadline for the government to shut down, and there doesn't seem to be an agreement between the two houses of Congress and the President on the horizon.
Senate Democrats are poised to strip funding amendments from the bill, and send it back to the House, where they may either approve of it as is, or try another maneuver to put the chains on the current President's signature Health Care legislation.
Boehner would like to put the legislation on the back-burner for another year, as well as repealing the tax on medical devices, which is 2.3%.
Democrats seem to want to pin the blame of a shutdown solely on Republicans, while Obama and the Democrats don't want to negotiate at all on anything. Even with tons of cracks showing in the legislation. Even plenty of unions are up in arms over this law. They claim it will slash the traditional 40-hour workweek and the benefits that they currently enjoy. Everything isn't so neat, cut, and dry.
Why are Obama and the Democrats in such a rush to push this obviously-flawed, destructive piece of legislation forward? The warts are already showing. Is there a better, less expensive system that we can hem together? What are they not telling the general public that they should be aware of? Do we have other options? More tools in our toolbag? More ways to save money? More assets to be incorporated to cut bloated healthcare costs?
If so, shouldn't the WHOLE public be involved in the discussion before we rush forward?
Sen. Chuck Schumer claims "It is extortion. It's holding the good of the country - the economy, middle-class people at risk."
What's really extortion is holding the public hostage and obstructing an open and honest debate without all of the NEW facts out in the public view, so people can decide for themselves just what they really do or do not need, and what is actually necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of this country.
Extortion is holding people's paychecks hostage and blaming the other party because you are so hell bent on the law kicking into gear without open and honest debate, with the entire American populace tuned in and paying attention.
People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, Mr. Schumer.
The Spirit that resides within me has raised almost 20 persons from the grave.
Terminal and inoperable cancers are absolutely nothing.
Let's be totally frank.
You want to cut health care costs?
It is a gift from God.
It is a truly honest place to start.
Senate Democrats are poised to strip funding amendments from the bill, and send it back to the House, where they may either approve of it as is, or try another maneuver to put the chains on the current President's signature Health Care legislation.
Boehner would like to put the legislation on the back-burner for another year, as well as repealing the tax on medical devices, which is 2.3%.
Democrats seem to want to pin the blame of a shutdown solely on Republicans, while Obama and the Democrats don't want to negotiate at all on anything. Even with tons of cracks showing in the legislation. Even plenty of unions are up in arms over this law. They claim it will slash the traditional 40-hour workweek and the benefits that they currently enjoy. Everything isn't so neat, cut, and dry.
Why are Obama and the Democrats in such a rush to push this obviously-flawed, destructive piece of legislation forward? The warts are already showing. Is there a better, less expensive system that we can hem together? What are they not telling the general public that they should be aware of? Do we have other options? More tools in our toolbag? More ways to save money? More assets to be incorporated to cut bloated healthcare costs?
If so, shouldn't the WHOLE public be involved in the discussion before we rush forward?
Sen. Chuck Schumer claims "It is extortion. It's holding the good of the country - the economy, middle-class people at risk."
What's really extortion is holding the public hostage and obstructing an open and honest debate without all of the NEW facts out in the public view, so people can decide for themselves just what they really do or do not need, and what is actually necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of this country.
Extortion is holding people's paychecks hostage and blaming the other party because you are so hell bent on the law kicking into gear without open and honest debate, with the entire American populace tuned in and paying attention.
People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, Mr. Schumer.
The Spirit that resides within me has raised almost 20 persons from the grave.
Terminal and inoperable cancers are absolutely nothing.
Let's be totally frank.
You want to cut health care costs?
It is a gift from God.
It is a truly honest place to start.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Break it Down.
It's high time to tackle some important topics.
The first being sexual orientation, as a lack of knowledge and shoddy research has caused a lot of pain, strife, and misunderstanding.
Most research and scientific evidence points to the simple fact that sexual orientation is innate and inborn. Genetics may play a role (although there is no singular "gay gene"), but the most important factor seems to be prenatal hormones, and the effect they have on brain formation in the womb.
Unfortunately, some people have used scripture to wrongly promote the idea that your sexual orientation is something that can be changed; that it is a "choice." They've promoted the notion that it is unlike the color of your eyes, your height, or your skin color.
One passage commonly used to support that supposition would be Romans 12:2.
It reads, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
We must go line by line.
Precept by precept.
I always keep my "Strong's Exhaustive Concordance" (2010 edition) close by.
The definition of "is" is not even taken at face value, as you may gloss over something extremely noteworthy and edifying.
The word "anakainosis" in Greek is synonymous with "a renewal," and it means "the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life."
It has nothing to do with your being, but your thinking.
It doesn't mean that you are not a "real" Christian or that you have not been praying hard enough if your sexual orientation happens to be anything but heterosexual.
In other words, when you are born again, you gain a new perspective, and see things through the proper spiritual lens. As God wants you to see it.
Another commonly cited scripture would be 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
It reads, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." Some have used this phrase to claim that these people who "have not prayed hard enough" will not ever receive salvation, and are doomed to an afterlife separated from the presence of God."Effeminate" here is representative of the Greek word "malakos."
In this instance, it conveys the message signifying "not simply of a male who practices forms of lewdness, but persons in general, who are guilty of addiction to sins of the flesh."
It is referring to the actions that one chooses to partake in, and nothing to do with ones masculinity or femininity. The passage has been mangled and misused to bash people, which is unfortunate. Only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit can one withstand temptation, and live a life that is pleasing to God. This is not to imply that you will never "mess up," or be perfect (I am certainly not implying that). But I am driving the point home that God loves us all, and to make people feel any worse off or "less than" compared to you and the things that you struggle with is not of God, and it is not Christlike. To single people out and have people jumping off of bridges because of your bigotry is unacceptable.
In reference to Romans 1:25-27, the word "change" in verse 26 is properly and more fully translated into Greek as "metallasso" It continues in the concordance, "This word means totally to surrender one thing for another, and exchange meaning a supposedly equivalent swap."
What does this definition outline?
The concept of Bisexuality.
It's not a new concept.
Furthermore,be encouraged with Romans 8:1, which reads, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Speaking of the Holy Spirit, I must make an important note that many people don't seem to be aware of.
That note would be the fact that the Holy Spirit is of the feminine gender.
Surprised?
What happened?
Research seems to point to the notion that it was the Greek Orthodox church that was responsible for obfuscating this fact in translation. The reason seems to be the fact that Gnostics of that time period were known to have large numbers of women in the ministry, which the Orthodox church did not approve of. Studying old manuscripts, it becomes obvious that Christ himself referred to the Holy Spirit as a "she," of feminine gender.
This makes sense, as creativity is considered a feminine trait, and the Spirit was directly involved in the creation of all that we see and know.
In the book of Genesis, it is conveyed that "the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:26-27 reads, " And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
God created man in the "image," or likeness, of God.
In other words, having both masculine and feminine traits.
This is clear and obvious even when we look at ourselves from a biochemical standpoint.
A man's hormonal makeup is not just comprised of testosterone, but also estrogen.
A woman's biological makeup consists of not only feminine hormones, but also male hormones.
Why is this?
Imagine trying to function with only the qualities of one gender.
If all I could do is grunt and smash rocks, I could never be self-sufficient for any period of time.I simply couldn't last.
The feminine gender of the Holy Spirit brings together the complete picture of a family.
Father, Son, and Mother.
It just makes sense.
The first being sexual orientation, as a lack of knowledge and shoddy research has caused a lot of pain, strife, and misunderstanding.
Most research and scientific evidence points to the simple fact that sexual orientation is innate and inborn. Genetics may play a role (although there is no singular "gay gene"), but the most important factor seems to be prenatal hormones, and the effect they have on brain formation in the womb.
Unfortunately, some people have used scripture to wrongly promote the idea that your sexual orientation is something that can be changed; that it is a "choice." They've promoted the notion that it is unlike the color of your eyes, your height, or your skin color.
One passage commonly used to support that supposition would be Romans 12:2.
It reads, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
We must go line by line.
Precept by precept.
I always keep my "Strong's Exhaustive Concordance" (2010 edition) close by.
The definition of "is" is not even taken at face value, as you may gloss over something extremely noteworthy and edifying.
The word "anakainosis" in Greek is synonymous with "a renewal," and it means "the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life."
It has nothing to do with your being, but your thinking.
It doesn't mean that you are not a "real" Christian or that you have not been praying hard enough if your sexual orientation happens to be anything but heterosexual.
In other words, when you are born again, you gain a new perspective, and see things through the proper spiritual lens. As God wants you to see it.
Another commonly cited scripture would be 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
It reads, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." Some have used this phrase to claim that these people who "have not prayed hard enough" will not ever receive salvation, and are doomed to an afterlife separated from the presence of God."Effeminate" here is representative of the Greek word "malakos."
In this instance, it conveys the message signifying "not simply of a male who practices forms of lewdness, but persons in general, who are guilty of addiction to sins of the flesh."
It is referring to the actions that one chooses to partake in, and nothing to do with ones masculinity or femininity. The passage has been mangled and misused to bash people, which is unfortunate. Only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit can one withstand temptation, and live a life that is pleasing to God. This is not to imply that you will never "mess up," or be perfect (I am certainly not implying that). But I am driving the point home that God loves us all, and to make people feel any worse off or "less than" compared to you and the things that you struggle with is not of God, and it is not Christlike. To single people out and have people jumping off of bridges because of your bigotry is unacceptable.
In reference to Romans 1:25-27, the word "change" in verse 26 is properly and more fully translated into Greek as "metallasso" It continues in the concordance, "This word means totally to surrender one thing for another, and exchange meaning a supposedly equivalent swap."
What does this definition outline?
The concept of Bisexuality.
It's not a new concept.
Furthermore,be encouraged with Romans 8:1, which reads, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Speaking of the Holy Spirit, I must make an important note that many people don't seem to be aware of.
That note would be the fact that the Holy Spirit is of the feminine gender.
Surprised?
What happened?
Research seems to point to the notion that it was the Greek Orthodox church that was responsible for obfuscating this fact in translation. The reason seems to be the fact that Gnostics of that time period were known to have large numbers of women in the ministry, which the Orthodox church did not approve of. Studying old manuscripts, it becomes obvious that Christ himself referred to the Holy Spirit as a "she," of feminine gender.
This makes sense, as creativity is considered a feminine trait, and the Spirit was directly involved in the creation of all that we see and know.
In the book of Genesis, it is conveyed that "the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:26-27 reads, " And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
God created man in the "image," or likeness, of God.
In other words, having both masculine and feminine traits.
This is clear and obvious even when we look at ourselves from a biochemical standpoint.
A man's hormonal makeup is not just comprised of testosterone, but also estrogen.
A woman's biological makeup consists of not only feminine hormones, but also male hormones.
Why is this?
Imagine trying to function with only the qualities of one gender.
If all I could do is grunt and smash rocks, I could never be self-sufficient for any period of time.I simply couldn't last.
The feminine gender of the Holy Spirit brings together the complete picture of a family.
Father, Son, and Mother.
It just makes sense.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Stop the Madness.
Deuteronomy 14:22-28
I'm just going to start off with one single, salient point that I believe is important to know: I grew up in a very “legalistic” church from the days of my youth. In other words, if you had a beer, you were “backsliding,” and someone was off to get the anointing oil to pray for you. The whole “I don't drink, smoke, or chew, and I don't hang with those who do” type thing (Do be mindful of the company you keep, but that is beside the point here. Also, tobacco is horrible.).
Here's another good point to know.
I questioned this “legalistic” thinking pretty much from the get-go.
“If Jesus turned water into wine, you mean to tell me that I can't have a drink? How does that make any sense?”
It just didn't seem right.
And my instincts were backed up when I finally sat under a sermon concerning the Feast of Tabernacles (which is referenced in verses 22-27).
In addition to the first tenth (tithe) which went to the Levites (the priestly tribe), another tithe of your increase was to be set aside for special fellowship with God's people at given places at given times during the year. During these holy times, people came from all over, some bringing fruit, vegetables, oxen, and sheep amongst other things. Yes, “other things” sometimes included wine and liquor.
Why did/do people do these things?
The text already tells us.
“That thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.”
To remind us that God isn't a total killjoy.
He kind of got that rep for some reason.
I feel my spider sense tingling.
Someone out there is about to throw out 1 John 2:15-17.
“Man, those passages seem to contradict each other.”
No, they do not.
Pay attention.
First off, the Feast of Tabernacles, as stated, is a holy act of worship.
This is not the same situation mentioned or described in 1 John.
Not by a long shot.
Second of all, the “love” used in 1 John means “in a social or moral sense.”
As you would a living being, like God.
In their proper places, as responsible adults, there is nothing wrong with these substances.
You can like or enjoy a good Merlot but love God.
Got it?
I wanted to bring it back to verse 26 in Deuteronomy 14 KJV and the key word “whatsoever” (“whatever,” ESV)
Just for clarification.
Using such strong language in the literal sense would indeed conflict with other passages in the Bible, so I looked into the root of this word's presence in the text.
There is no corresponding word in Hebrew, so the translators decided to pick the word up and use it.
In keeping with the spirit (not the letter, obviously) of the text, with wine and liquor in the background (in addition to other things I know and have been told), is it a stretch to say that it'd be strange or outlandish to see an adult show up smelling like he just hunted, trapped, and bagged a skunk at one of these events?
Absolutely not.
Although the type of legalism I described above is a commandment taught of men, and is as filthy rags unto God, it may be this type of contortion, gaps in reasoning or logic, or (unintentional) dishonesty that sends many adolescents away from common sense and off the deep end when they do hit the age when they are able to make most of their decisions on their own.
Recreationally, I believe that marijuana should be treated like alcohol.
It also wreaks less havoc on the body.
Medicinally?
Don't even get me started on the DEA and its bold-faced lie of putting it in the same category as Heroin. It's an outright lie, and everyone knows it.
Let's ignore the evidence and case study after case study of it alleviating symptoms of nausea, MS, migraines, Alzheimer's, etc.
No medicinal benefit?
For chronic pain management, I guess we'd rather shove opiates down patients' throats.
Right?
I'm just going to start off with one single, salient point that I believe is important to know: I grew up in a very “legalistic” church from the days of my youth. In other words, if you had a beer, you were “backsliding,” and someone was off to get the anointing oil to pray for you. The whole “I don't drink, smoke, or chew, and I don't hang with those who do” type thing (Do be mindful of the company you keep, but that is beside the point here. Also, tobacco is horrible.).
Here's another good point to know.
I questioned this “legalistic” thinking pretty much from the get-go.
“If Jesus turned water into wine, you mean to tell me that I can't have a drink? How does that make any sense?”
It just didn't seem right.
And my instincts were backed up when I finally sat under a sermon concerning the Feast of Tabernacles (which is referenced in verses 22-27).
In addition to the first tenth (tithe) which went to the Levites (the priestly tribe), another tithe of your increase was to be set aside for special fellowship with God's people at given places at given times during the year. During these holy times, people came from all over, some bringing fruit, vegetables, oxen, and sheep amongst other things. Yes, “other things” sometimes included wine and liquor.
Why did/do people do these things?
The text already tells us.
“That thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.”
To remind us that God isn't a total killjoy.
He kind of got that rep for some reason.
I feel my spider sense tingling.
Someone out there is about to throw out 1 John 2:15-17.
“Man, those passages seem to contradict each other.”
No, they do not.
Pay attention.
First off, the Feast of Tabernacles, as stated, is a holy act of worship.
This is not the same situation mentioned or described in 1 John.
Not by a long shot.
Second of all, the “love” used in 1 John means “in a social or moral sense.”
As you would a living being, like God.
In their proper places, as responsible adults, there is nothing wrong with these substances.
You can like or enjoy a good Merlot but love God.
Got it?
I wanted to bring it back to verse 26 in Deuteronomy 14 KJV and the key word “whatsoever” (“whatever,” ESV)
Just for clarification.
Using such strong language in the literal sense would indeed conflict with other passages in the Bible, so I looked into the root of this word's presence in the text.
There is no corresponding word in Hebrew, so the translators decided to pick the word up and use it.
In keeping with the spirit (not the letter, obviously) of the text, with wine and liquor in the background (in addition to other things I know and have been told), is it a stretch to say that it'd be strange or outlandish to see an adult show up smelling like he just hunted, trapped, and bagged a skunk at one of these events?
Absolutely not.
Although the type of legalism I described above is a commandment taught of men, and is as filthy rags unto God, it may be this type of contortion, gaps in reasoning or logic, or (unintentional) dishonesty that sends many adolescents away from common sense and off the deep end when they do hit the age when they are able to make most of their decisions on their own.
Recreationally, I believe that marijuana should be treated like alcohol.
It also wreaks less havoc on the body.
Medicinally?
Don't even get me started on the DEA and its bold-faced lie of putting it in the same category as Heroin. It's an outright lie, and everyone knows it.
Let's ignore the evidence and case study after case study of it alleviating symptoms of nausea, MS, migraines, Alzheimer's, etc.
No medicinal benefit?
For chronic pain management, I guess we'd rather shove opiates down patients' throats.
Right?
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