father

Two Jews, Three After-lifes

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

The other day I was struck by an article I’d read about the varied and changing views on the afterlife that Jews have held through the ages. It’s not new for believers of the same faith to believe many different things. Even in ancient times, this was the case. In fact, rabbis made debate a sport in their temples. Amongst the “laymen,” there were even more disagreement as some were not believers (aka culturally Jewish only) and some were not educated in the Torah to any great extent. One person in the article stated that there’s a old saying about the many views they hold on death: two Jews, three after-lifes.

In this article, there were many views, and one had written that they felt ancient Jews believed dust-to-dust meant that we cease existence entirely, at which point God forgets us. I didn’t believe that, but it hurt me for some strange reason. I started to wonder about afterlife in the Bible. I worried on the subject all day (as I’m a worrier).

Finally, I did what I should’ve done from the beginning, and I spoke to God (I’m a slow learner sometimes). The Holy Spirit spoke to me immediately as if He were waiting all day for me to listen. He said do you believe I’m a good God? Did you believe me the many times I said you are my children and I’m your father and I love you as a father in the Bible? Then, would you believe I would ever forget one of my children even willingly? Do you think I would not grieve them and miss them? Do you think that I, an omnipotent father, would not bring them back to my arms once I’ve readied a Safe place for them? Wouldn’t you as a mother? Even humans who are not as good as I nor as perfectly loving would do this. How much more I?

“…and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7

“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am…” John 14:2

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgement…” Hebrews 9:27

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…” John 11:25

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.” John 5:28-29

If you worry that, even if you are saved, you may die to live in a gray formless void (like Hades), burn in torment, or even subsist in a boring eternity of harps and fluffy clouds, why would you think God wouldn’t know your deepest needs and desires? He made you, and He would know how to give you more than you ever could wish or imagine.

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” Luke 11:11

God bless!

Burn Out

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

I’ve learned that a good way to treat burn out is by creativity.

They are complete opposites. Burn out is spurred by ongoing, unresolved stress rounded out by unmet needs. True creativity may be shaped by practice and work, but in essence, it is a free thing, unrestrained by expectations and stress. Children are innately creative as they color outside lines and sometimes on walls. They don’t call themselves uncreative or stop from drawing their stick family because they think their hands aren’t talented enough. They sing without worrying about how squeaky their voices are. They dabble in poetry without realizing, as it falls from lips during hopscotch or while sitting in the trees.

We are all creative beings. God is the ultimate artist, and we, in His image, are as well. God also doesn’t stop painting the sunrise or forming the ears on a newborn calf because He wonders if someone else will disapprove of His style or ability.

Neither should you.

So, the reason I bring up burn out is, quite simply, I’m experiencing it. It’s not because of this blog. It’s due to a number of reasons connected to work and other life stresses, which reach their tentacles into other areas of my life. So, this is why I’ve not been writing consistently the past few weeks.

However, God put the urge to write poetry in my heart for some reason, pulling out my creative urges and reminding me of who I am and why I write here. I don’t like to show off unfinished works of art, but I did before here, and I will again today. I’m reminded that this is not just a place full of essay-like studies, but rather a connection to God’s heart. And God’s heart is full of joy, creativity, and not burn out. He’s healing, and He’s healing me too.

I like to document my journey through learning how to love like Jesus, so here you go. You can love like Jesus by stepping back and being creative once in a while. Write, draw, sing, create. It’s what you were made for, and do it all in love. I love y’all, so here’s my latest poem. It’s about the Father and Son from before humanity. I may add to it later or change a lot, but if I don’t, I don’t. It’s a sacrifice of time and effort on the altar to God. I hope you both like it.

In the beginning there was you and me
Hemmed by darkness
Word; a cord connects us
Echoes
Calls for light from void
When we were, we are, will be
The sounds of thunder
creation freed
All that was hidden is burned,
revealed
A Word, The Word
From edge to edge
a Blossoming begin
A calling from the nothingness
Unfurling, flinging, fly
Torn from the womb of abyss
Bordered now by sky
Summon forth the suns and souls
Topple worlds; plant more anew
A universe full
Once just me and you

God bless!

P.s. if you can’t see the poem as it can get glitchy with the IOS app, switch to your internet browser.

Commandment Series: The Fifth

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

There are many reasons for this commandment.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

In an earlier post, we mentioned submission and how submission acknowledges the Trinity and our governance, as followers, by love and humility. In the Trinity, one might equate the Father to the husband, the Son to the wife, and the Holy Spirit to their child. Now, the Holy Spirit is a being in and of Himself, but He defers all attention to the union above Him. In the same way, a child does represents his/her parents and their character and family name. We must teach our children this fact as well as we can by teaching them the commandments.

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:7

Understandably, not every parent in the world is honorable him/herself, and this law does not necessarily mean to obey evil commands given by corrupt parents. One must always keep in mind the order of authority given to us by God. Parents (or husband after marriage) is an immediate authority; above them is the Holy Spirit, and above the Holy Spirit is Jesus and the Father. If you worked for a company and the owner told you to lock the door by 9pm but the manager told you to keep it open until 10pm, you would defer to the owner’s words as she is higher in authority. So, although all authority is in place for a reason, you are not expected to do evil for parents, spouses, bosses, or government officials. If forced, it will be the authority’s head on the block, believe me.

So, what does God mean by honoring our parents?

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” 1 Peter 5:5-6

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20

Children should obey in everything but evil. This must be assumed. Obedience is one way of honoring your parents, as they are in a position of authority in your life. It’s difficult to be a parent, especially in this world of corruption that we have to prepare you for and defend you from, and it can be very difficult to be a child, too, navigating in the confusing maze of deciding between good and evil. Make it easier for everyone by doing what your mother and father ask of you. You will be lifted up in time.

“If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.” Proverbs 20:20

Don’t wish harm upon your parents, and don’t speak badly of them; this is another way of honoring your parents. I hope this is obvious, but sometimes, we become angry and frustrated with everyone in our lives. That includes our parents. You stand for your parents’ name, so if you speak evil of them, what does that make you?

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22

From the moment we hit puberty, many of us think we know better than our parents. This is not so, and if you are wise, you’ll listen to the words of your elders. You may learn something or not, but you certainly won’t if you turn a deaf ear. Just being a good listener is a way of honoring your parents. Also, sometimes, as our parents get older, they become less physically and mentally able. Try not to become resentful of the extra attention, assistance, or patience they may need. For most of us, our parents were there for us when we were incapable of doing anything but crying, and it is little to ask for us to do the same for them. You will be in their position soon enough, too.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

This also ties in with the prior verse in that your parents may need you to provide for them whether that is because of age, financial disruption, or disease. You honor your parents by caring for their needs. As followers of Christ, we are called to love others and meet needs in the world with that love. If you can’t love and care for your own relatives, you certainly can’t love and care for strangers. Even unbelievers take care of their loved ones.

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32

If you should be respectful of your elders due to their authority and experience , the same goes doubly for your own parents. Let it be said that not all parents are biological. I feel strongly that if someone raised you, no matter who they are, they are also your parents. The 5th commandment pertains to them. Jesus honored both His earthly and heavenly parents.

“And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51

Not only your parents, but also your children, will treasure all you do for your mother and father in their hearts, whether they always show it or not. Don’t expect any more honor from your children than you give your own parents. Most importantly, your Father God will certainly be moved by your actions, and He will exalt you for the love you show them in word and deed.

Father’s Day with God

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is Father’s Day, which depending on who you are and what your relationship is with your own father, may conjure up a lot of mixed feelings. Although I’ve personally been blessed with a loving relationship with my dad, not everyone has. There are people with rocky connections, others who have lost their dads, and still others who don’t even know who that man might be. Where ever you may fall in this continuum, God has a message for you.

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15

The Greek word for “adoption to sonship” is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture. That means you are utterly His child in every way. This isn’t limited to males, just to be clear. It could just as well say “daughtership,” but in the time the Bible was written, that wouldn’t have given the child heirship to the father’s legacy. This means everyone, male and female, inherits the Kingdom of God as His children. He loves you too much to give you any less.

“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:1-7

God, the Father, sent His only begotten Son to die for us so we could claim Him as our dad, too. There are many instances of God being referred to as a father, such as when Jesus was alone and afraid the day before His crucifixion.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

One source states “Abba is a transliteration of the Aramaic used to address God in a relation of personal intimacy. It is a term expressing warm affection and filial confidence.” Consider when Jesus spoke of asking for what you need from God:

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:10

However, God is not a gender and can not be limited to being a father only. He is also referred to as a mother of His children.

“But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.'” Isaiah 49:14-16

How about when Jesus speaks of all the times He’s sent people to guide us, and we weren’t listening?

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ” Luke 13:34

The image of a father traditionally holds him to be the strength and backbone of a family while the mother is typically shown to be the nurturing and comforting one. While us humans fail in many ways, even in parenting, God never fails, and He could be looked at for parenting advice. See how He corrects, guides, and comforts us? He uses few words and lots of love. My favorite verse comparing God to a parent is the parable of the Prodigal Son.

“Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:11-24

Notice that the one son was allowed the freedom to mess up. When he returned, it wasn’t really because he felt guilty about doing wrong (at least from what we’re told). He was just tired of being alone, starving, and uncomfortable. He realized his father’s house was amazing, and he’d taken that life for granted.

When he returned, he did what many of us do when dreading a conversation. He prepared his words carefully. However, his father didn’t hear a word of what his son had prepared. He never thought twice about why his son had returned. He didn’t care. He was just too overjoyed that he’d returned safely, and he ran to his son, embraced him with affection and instant forgiveness.

That father is God and that son is you, His child.

So, however Father’s Day makes you feel this year and whatever relationship (or lack thereof) you may have with your earthly father, God is the truest father, and He is yours. He runs to you daily, embracing you, being your strength, your comfort, and all He wants in return is love. And if your earthly father is no longer in this world, remember God is His father too, and believe me, He’s giving him affection and joy as we speak.

May you all have a good Father’s Day, and don’t forget to send a Happy Father’s Day to your Father, God.

Sources other than Bible: biblegateway, biblestudytools

Powerful Connections

/ EloquentMuse / Leave a comment

I’m going to let you in on something powerful and amazing.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God is on your side. He knows more about you and your life than you do. He knows where all the smallest decisions will bring you and your loved ones. He knows your hopes, your dreams, your fears, your regrets, and your deepest darkest secrets.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:26-31

The almighty God who has risen and tumbled nations, can awake the dead, and formed the massive universe with it’s infinite beauty – loves YOU.

He loves you more than you could ever imagine. If you are a mere image of Him, think of how much more He is, how much more He loves. You think you know about all-consuming love, but you have no idea when it comes to Him. He loves you so much, He sacrificed His son for you and calls you (yes, YOU!) His child. The King of literally everything calls you His child.

“‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthian 6:18

You have connections.

So, how you could ever worry about anything? You’re worried about your finances? What is money to God? He owns everything you need and want. You’re worried about relationships? God is all about love and connection. He’s on it. I bet you’ve told your best friend, your co-worker, maybe even the stranger bagging your groceries about your worries. Have you told God? Have you asked for help from God? Have you truly believed that God is bigger than this world and your worries?

One morning, a few days ago, I was struck once again with petty worries about finances. It hit me that I’d never taken this specific issue to God. So, I poured my heart out to God for about five minutes and went about my day. That very afternoon, we had unexpected money show up in our account. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

This was a need. However, what about something you want? I’ve always felt selfish whenever I ask for something I only want from God. It’s like, He’s providing all my needs, why should I want for more? Let me tell you something, child of God.

God is your heavenly dad, and as a parent He wants your joy and your smile. He wants to be the one who causes it. Bring your desires to God. Understand that sometimes you won’t get what you want. You may not understand why right now, or ever, but some things you want aren’t the best for you. Sometimes, He has something greater in store. Still talk with Him as a child would ask a parent.

A couple years ago, when I was struggling with anxiety issues, I really wanted a window by my work cubicle to see the sunshine and the rain. I felt peaceful anytime I reconnected with the outside world. At the time, there was really only two windows available to cubicles, and those were not possible for those with my job title. Lo and behold, it was a few months later when they started renovations. You won’t believe me. They built windows, and I finally had my window cubicle. The impossible became reality. Such a small desire, and God made it happen. I’m convinced He rebuilt the building just for me.

God transcends time and space. He will provide for you. He’s waiting, arms spread open, for you to run into his embrace. He’s waiting for you to speak to Him exactly what’s on your mind, including all the rage, the tears, and the pain. He wants to connect with you, one-on-one.

Would you talk with Him today, and give Him a piece of your heart? If you want or need something, why wouldn’t you speak to One who owns all?

If you’re interested, here are more verses about this subject:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” James 14:13-14

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'” 1 Kings 3:5

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20