Opus 2026-267: Texas Leadership

This past primary runoff day Texas bit a bullet for the country. We had a runoff between Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn.  The Talking Heads like to think that Cornyn had a chance but I’m glad to report that at least for this one time the citizens were paying attention.  Paxton won by over 20%.  Based on what I felt, I thought it was a forgone conclusion, but you never know who’s counting the ballots.

So now the media is moving on and trying to act like Paxton’s rival in the general election has a chance.  He probably has less a chance in the general population than Cornyn had with the Republican base.  The Democrat is a basket case.  The question is will Texans rest on their laurels and figure they’ve done enough or will they keep fighting to bring the country back to its roots.

Now that the primaries are over there’s really not much we can do to improve things.  In two more years when the elections come around we will have another chance to clean out some of the RINOs.  I’m hoping that even though Trump can’t run, he will be very vocal and who you will endorse.

I hope that we have an ongoing statement of don’t mess with Texas.  I would love to extend that to Don’t Mess with US.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-266: Political Precedence

The recent visit by President Trump brought up the danger of Mainland Communist China invading Taiwan.  The carefully worded language is offensive and dangerous.  The Communists insist that Taiwan is still apart of their empire.  They think that because it was once so it is always so.  If we accept that logic then we will need to face the consequences.

Think about Mexico once controlling our Southwest.  La Raza advocates Mexico taking back the land it surrendered in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.  For some reason they think their claim is more genuine than Spain or the Apaches.  Like so many political positions it is illogical and self-serving.  It still exits.  If Taiwan belongs to China then Santa Barbara Mission belongs to Mexico.

This is also the attitude that the Muslims have.  They take it a step farther.  They seem to feel that any area they have ever controlled is still theirs.  They conquered the Eastern Mediterranean by destroying the Christian armies and later the Christians themselves.  The fact that Egypt used to be one of the centers of Christian culture is immaterial.  It is now, and forever will be, Muslim by their way of thinking.

Think about historical precedent for us.  The United States was once a part of Great Britain.  American residents considered themselves British citizens.  If we accept the thinking of China then Great Britain has the right to invade Washington again.

Where does this thinking stop?  One line that needs to be set in concrete instead of drawn in the sand at low tide on a windy day is the use of force.  Even that is slippery.  Does Texas have the right to declare itself an independent country?  Can New York declare that it is a city state on the ancient Greek model?

Unfortunately the principle of the sword will never go away.  Human nature being what it is armed force will always have the final word.  Some people might bring up Ghandi and India using nonviolent resistance.  If he had tried that with the country under the control of Pol Pot or Mao the world would have never heard of him.  We as a free people will always need to keep our swords sharp and do everything we can to dull the blades of our adversaries.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-265: The Seasonal Tradeoff

Today, as I write, a glorious morning is developing.  It is one of those days where the entire visible spectrum is evolving in front of my eyes.

At the same time the mosquitoes are feeling their oats.

Is one worth the other?

Decisions. Decisions.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-264: Does God Have Needs?

The classic answer is that such a thought is heresy.  To declare that God has needs implies that He is incomplete and that makes Him less than the God of the Bible.  Okay.  I won’t make this a statement of doctrine…but I will speculate.

Who are we to declare that God does not have needs?  He is the one who is God.  Sure we were created in His image and that is why we have the potential to ask stupid questions, but that does not make us the Authority.

Did God create us because He craves the unpredictable?  Is that why free will exists and we are confronted with the philosophical problem of evil?  We are obviously not on God’s level but I would imagine that even God might get a bit bored creating universes that are predictable.

My son was postulating that the current discoveries in quantum physics said that even the laws of nature can vary.  To me these ideas are just theories and speculation but he has a point.  I am not confident that some of these things can be proven but evidently they are finding that physical matter acts differently when observed by a conscious mind.  How you would prove that is beyond me but let’s go with that.  It would mean that even the “evolution” of the universe would vary if God is watching.

This could be a feature and not a bug.  We tend to think it limits God’s omni attributes but again, that is our opinion, not necessarily His.  It may be why there are so few who will find the narrow gate of salvation.  It would be the result of a sifting process that produces Olympic athletes with the millions of wannabes dreaming in front of the TV set.

I believe that we bring joy to God’s heart by free will choices to love and obey.  Does God need that joy?  I don’t know that I would go that far but it would seem that He wants it.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-263: An Opportunity

The recent conflict with Iran gives us an opportunity to grow as citizens in a republic that still allows many liberties.  The actions going on and the motives pushing things are one focus of our attention.  The problem we have is that the “news” we get is so often just a reflection of the writers wishes, not an account of facts.  This is true on both sides of the political spectrum.

This is what presents an opportunity.  We have a real chance to do some serious thinking and honing of our ability to think and process the information we have available.  The media and government have gotten so good at spinning the news that we can’t just sit down in the morning with a newspaper and feel we know what is going on.  I can remember my dad doing that.  I can remember a time when the nation would tune in the evening news and feel like we had a handle on the world.

We were naive.  If you are old enough to remember Walter Cronkite giving the gloomy analysis of the Tet Offensive of 78 and how that spelled a total defeat for America then you are old enough to be a victim of media shaping of history.  The Tet Offensive was really a tremendous victory for America and South Vietnam.  The Communist forces, attacking during a truce when they knew we would not expect it, were still decimated and had to back off.  That is not what Cronkite reported and the nation sank into despair.

We are still too naive.  The spin masters are getting ever better at camouflaging what their real positions are.  If we have a moment of simple acceptance we open ourselves to the fraud.  This demands more vigilance than we often apply.

So what do I recommend?  I thought you would never ask.  First, start with a grounding in principle.  Know your founding documents.  For Americans that involves the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.  Christians will add the Bible.  You don’t need to have every jot and tittle at your fingertips but you need to know that when a talking head mentions the government granting us our rights they are giving a deception not a description.  God gives our rights.  The Government is supposed to protect them.  Defining marriage and other moral positions is also clear if you are grounded.

Once you have the basics then always go with the big picture and refuse to do a Chicken Little every time someone declares the end is near.  As an example I would bring up the constant litany of how Donald Trump is failing us.  I would be the first to admit that I do not support some of his big spending solutions.  I am worried that he might get dragged into sending ground troops into Iran.  I am also sure that I can’t believe anything I hear about him being either a saint or sinner.  The big picture is that he loves America with a passion.  He has done the things he promised to do, or at least tried to get congress to get them done.  Has he been married more often than he should?  That is obvious, but you also need to notice that all of his ex-wives speak highly of him and his children seem to be worthwhile human beings.

Go for the big picture.  America has made mistakes.  Why do we have to say that every time we talk about America?  Because we have been listening to the media and academic world that hate America.  The big picture says we are the most noble of civilizations.  We forgive.  We share.  We respond to the needs of the world.  It takes time and memory to embrace the big picture but we owe it to ourselves, not to mention our descendants.

Think big.  Buckle up.  Grab hold.  Scream if you have to, but enjoy the ride. 

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-262: How Many Beers?

As my mind was wandering faster than my intelligence I had a question pop into my mind:  How many beers would it take to get me to accept a tattoo?  It is a question that will never be resolved because I can’t stand the taste of beer, but the concept is still out there.

I see people doing things that question their humanity.  I guess you might say it confirms their humanity.  I watch people who supposedly know which shoe goes on which side take off on skateboards and try to ride the rail that was originally installed for safety beside the stairs.  How many beers did it take to start them off.  How many nights sleep did they miss to even come up with the idea?

I have never watched the programs but I understand there are TV broadcast that have people eating live beetles for money.  Who thought of that?  Who came up with the idea of snow boarding and escalated it into doing flips and spins?

My idea of crazy is driving with the windows down or going out in public with no sox.  An adventure is eating with chop sticks.  Recently I went full strange and put hot sauce on my baked potato.  Why?  Because it was there and looked ignored.  Actually it was quite good.

I would suggest that you limit your beers if you wonder if you could stand on your head while riding a motorcycle or anything else that might get me invited to your funeral.

Color me boring.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-261: The 613 Fantasy

If you have ever spent any time considering the Law of Moses and the Apostle Paul you have probably come across reference to the 613 commandments and how it is impossible to keep them.  In my opinion that is just a smoke screen.  I have looked at the 613 and when you eliminate the duplication and the laws that only apply to a small part of the population at a specific time in history, you come up with a much smaller number.

I am of the opinion that the Law of Moses was not a spiritual standard but a basic book in civics and civilization that was delivered to a bunch of ex-slaves who had no idea how to have a responsible society.  That is my opinion and I am sticking to it.

I did come across something that I think reinforces that.  I have been reading a book on the Crusades by Raymond Ibriam.  One of the constant events when the Muslim armies took over a town was the focus on rape and brutality.  In a very real sense that was a mark of the times.  Pagan warriors looked at it as their right when they finally broke through the walls.

An example of that from ancient times comes from Plutarch’s Lives in the chapter about Lucullus.

“That day he tarried there, but on the next, and those that followed, he traveled through Sophene, using no manner of violence to the people who came to him and willingly received his army.  And when the soldiers were desirous to plunder a castle that seemed to be well stored within, ‘This the the castle,’ said he, ‘that we must storm,’ showing them Taurus at a distance; ‘the rest is reserved for those who conquer there.’”, p. 610

This is a recurring theme as the general tried to keep his soldiers in check and on task.  They wanted to pillage, rape and kill.  He wanted to win a war.

This also emphasizes the difference between Islam and Christianity. When you read the Koran and Hadith you see a pattern of sexual expression that is denied in the Bible. This came to mind as I was thinking about a section of the 613 dealing with sexual contact.  It is titled “Laws of Forbidden Relations”.  Here they are as the printout appears.

139     Not to have relations with your mother     Lev. 18:7
140     Not to have relations with your father's wife     Lev. 18:8
141     Not to have relations with your sister     Lev. 18:9
142     Not to have relations with your father's wife's daughter     Lev. 18:11
143     Not to have relations with your son's daughter     Lev. 18:10
144     Not to have relations with your daughter     Lev. 18:10
145     Not to have relations with your daughter's daughter     Lev. 18:10
146     Not to have relations with a woman and her daughter     Lev. 18:17
147     Not to have relations with a woman and her son's daughter     Lev. 18:17
148     Not to have relations with a woman and her daughter's daughter     Lev. 18:17
149     Not to have relations with your father's sister     Lev. 18:12
150     Not to have relations with your mother's sister     Lev. 18:13
151     Not to have relations with your father's brother's wife     Lev. 18:14
152     Not to have relations with your son's wife     Lev. 18:15
153     Not to have relations with your brother's wife     Lev. 18:16
154     Not to have relations with your wife's sister     Lev. 18:18
155     A man must not have relations with a beast     Lev. 18:23
156     A woman must not have relations with a beast     Lev. 18:23
157     Not to have homosexual relations     Lev. 18:22
158     Not to have homosexual relations with your father     Lev. 18:7
159     Not to have homosexual relations with your father's brother     Lev. 18:14
160     Not to have relations with a married woman     Lev. 18:20
161     Not to have relations with a menstrually impure woman     Lev. 18:19

Notice there are over twenty commandments here but they could all be condensed to just a few thoughts.  And all of them would be covered by the second greatest commandment that Jesus mentioned in loving your neighbor as yourself.

So don’t get to hot and bothered at the mention of the law unless you are determined to have homosexual relations with your father (number 158).

Plutarch.  The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans, Translated by John Dryden.  New York:  The Modern Library, ND.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-260: Embrace the Frustration

I think we all have come to plateaus and walls in our lives.  We are making progress.  We are enjoying life at its current level.  Wham!  Life barges in and stops us in our tracks.  To be honest it isn’t always a sudden trauma.  It may be something that sneaks up on us when we are not paying attention.

I had a change in my life that kept me away from playing my guitar and leading in worship.  Years later when I tried to pick it up again I found that my fingers had grown stiff, my memory was vague and my voice was creaky.  Because I could still join in congregational singing I was okay.  Then my voice got worse. I was facing the abandonment of music.

It was frustrating.

I am working on the chords but it is an uphill battle.  I decided to work on something my fingers seemed to be able to do and explored playing the melody line.  It worked in the key of C but most songs are written in other keys . What to do?  Many songs I loved were written in five flats.  If you are not into music it is like putting your Oreos into single serving pickle jars.  You need someone else to open them.

I chose not to let the frustration rule.  I used to joke that I would give anything to be able to play the piano…except the time and effort.  Since I have plenty of time for naps I decided I had nothing to lose and started putting in the time and effort.  It has been working.  I can now turn to any song in the hymnal and play it so that a generous soul would admit that they recognized it.

I will never be professional.  I don’t need to be.  My musical discernment is at a low enough level that I can enjoy what I am doing and hope to improve as I go.  I assume God is able to read the joy in my heart with His ear plugs firmly inserted.

How many other areas of life can I seek to conquer?  How many mountains can I try to climb?  Time will tell.  Let me encourage you to look at areas of frustration and start putting in the time and effort to defeat the frustration.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-259: God Filters

I think we all would admit that there are large numbers of people who refuse to listen to what God is trying to tell them.  In Romans, Paul talks about how the glory of God is obvious in creation.  People, if they are listening, will see that there is something bigger than us, what we would call God.  Having said that they refused to listen to His clear statements in scripture and to the voice of the Holy Spirit, trying to guide their lives.

What I hadn’t thought about in those terms before, is that God may also have a filter where He does not listen to what we say.  I have often stated that God does not hear the prayers of the unrighteous.  I think we can document that in several places.  One place,

(Jer 7:16 KJV)  Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

And even in the book of Proverbs, it seems to say that after a lifetime of thumbing our nose of God if we then decide to get desperate and calm on Him there’s a good chance He will thumb His nose at us.

(Pro 1:26-28 KJV)  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

So I was thinking this morning about how grateful I am for the blessings of God and, the best way I can explain it is, I am emoted my feelings towards Him.  I have to believe that when I do that He picks up on that and I like to think it brings Him pleasure.  If that’s true, and it is a big if, God would also be receptive to the pain, agony and suffering of human beings.  Which brings me to the idea of filters.  I think it’s very easy to accept the idea that God filters out the agony that people go through when they are responsible for the agony.

Consider the difference between a masculine approach and a feminine approach.  Women tend to feel your pain.  Men want you to walk it off.  I mean that as a generalization, not a stereotype.  Women tend to be more into feelings and emotions.  Men tend to be into action and strength.  One of the problems we’re having in education and society is a whole is that it’s becoming feminized.  We’re more concerned about someone’s feelings than we are about whether they got the job done and did it right.

God is love.  We know that.  Words like loving kindness and mercy are common in the Old Testament.  The first part of the definition of love is patience, and if God is love than God is patient.  There are all indications that God wants to give people blessings and the joys of life.  There are even more indications that those people keep filtering out God’s directions and insist on going their own way.  Was Israel deported?  We all know it was.  The northern Kingdom was so evil that we don’t even know what happened to them.  The southern Kingdom seem to have enough of a remnant left that God brought them back later.  The reason for all this is their continued and repetitive insistence that their way was more important than God’s way.

So I would submit for today that yes, God filters out a lot of the pain and suffering that people go through.  There’s not much He can do for us if we refuse to respond.  He can make all kinds of offers, promises, procedures, priorities but if we don’t respond, there’s little He can do to solve our problems.

I for one want to do everything I can to make it so that God will be blessed by my obedience and my attitude.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-258: Inner City Solutions

I recently experimented with a podcast by Anton Daniels called the “Morning Millionaire”.   He was commenting on the decision of Walgreen’s to close one of their stores in Chicago and the response of the community.

Daniels was showing and commenting on a press conference in front of the store that was closing.  It had a bunch of respectable looking, middle class type people holding professionally printed signs and a local city alderman was at the microphone.  He was going on with typical socialist talking points.  At one place he declared closing the store was a “first degree commercial crime.”  Daniels asked what that was.  It was obvious that none of the people in the choir were the kind who would be stealing and attacking.  They did represent though, the kind of people who raised the ones who were stealing and attacking and seemed to not be willing to do anything about the crime.  The solution was attack the rich.  I am not sure you can force someone to keep a business open.

There a a lot of ways to solve the problem.

First, get serious about the culture of the neighborhood.  Here was a large store, part of a nation wide chain that probably had a full time security presence and locks on much of the merchandise.  In spite of that the store could not keep its employees safe nor stop the pilfering.  They probably had a hard time getting qualified people willing to work in those conditions and found it impossible to make a profit because the residents of the community, who were protesting the closing, were stealing so much.  If the parents and grandparents in the area did not look the other way when their offspring went on a theft spree then the problem could be solved.  

It didn’t happen and it is not going to happen.

So the store closes.  What do we do about the loss of a pharmacy?  Daniels suggested that the people of the area get together and open their own store.  If it is so simple, do it yourselves.  He did not seem to expect that to happen.

I think one of the ways to deal with the needs of the shut-in and elderly is for the churches of the community to step up to the plate and begin being the church.  If this is like many urban areas there are churches of all sizes located everywhere.  Some are just houses with a sign.  Some are old mainline congregations.  What a marvelous opportunity to reach out to others.  It would not take a lot of organization or money to get people in the pews to stop by a shut-in’s house, pick up the prescription and have it filled.  In fact, in this internet age, the doctor calls in the perscription and just about anyone who know the birthday of the patient can pick it up for them.  I know because I have done it.

Are you part of a denomination wanting to reach the inner city?  Here is an open door to both meet real needs and present physical evidence of the love that you proclaim you have for people.  Let the cure begin.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-257: God’s Coffee Shop

As I get older I find myself speculating on what eternity will be like.  One of the things that I keep reminding myself it is going to be much better than what is going on now, as good as that is.  My life is incredibly blessed.  This week I have had grandchildren sneaking into the room to wake me up from my nap and then jump on my lap.  I have been inflated a pool for them and watched them cavorting in the water.  I’ve had breakfast with my son.  I’ve gone to dinner with friends at church.  I found things to argue about at the church Bible study.  I watched the sunrise.  I’ve swatted mosquitoes.  It has been a rich and varied week.

But as I get older, I think of what’s going to happen when I finally cross that great divide.  It occurred to me that the world will go on without me.  I thought about how the United States continued when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.  People still went to work, had babies, built houses, and all the other things that go with life.  When I’m gone, the sun will still come up, and the breeze will still blow.  The sad part of it is that I think about how I can’t have my grandchildren wake me up anymore.  My assurance is that God has something so much better that I can’t even comprehend it.

As my mind rambled, I thought about sitting in a coffee shop in heaven and having an old friend come in and sit down across from me.  What would we talk about?  Politics certainly wouldn’t be of interest.  By that time, our theological differences would be nothing but laughing matters.  What in the world would we talk about?

The thought came that perhaps when you ordered your coffee and pastry that you couldn’t have when you were a diabetic on earth that you could look up at the board and see the question for the day.  Maybe it will be like fortune cookies with a topic inside.  What would that question be?  I would tell you, but you wouldn’t be able to understand it.  One reason you couldn’t understand it is because at this point in life, I wouldn’t be able to understand it.  Rest assured, though that it would be a scintillating and provocative topic.

You don’t like coffee?  Perhaps an eternity that fault will be removed.  If it is too stubborn, then there will be cranberry juice available and possibly even chai.  I shutter at the thought now.  Then it won’t bother me at all.

We were created in the image of God and that gives us the ability to use our imaginations and create things that don’t exist, but we would like to.  Consider that in eternity God may get real joy out of providing us deep in meaningful insights and experiences that we could not even begin to put our arms around in this life.

The anticipation is great.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-256: Celestial Public Library

As I am sitting worshiping and having a great time, I think about how little we know about the conversations that went on between Moses and God.  Think about it.  Everything that we know is fit within just a few pages and it is all carefully edited to give us the information we need in order to get our reservation in eternity.  That’s the whole purpose of what is in the Bible.  It’s not a science textbook.  It’s not a DIY manual.  It is the path to salvation.

I wonder if there will be a library in heaven where we can go and check out books that will share with us the conversations that God had with Moses when no one else was around.  All those things that Moses never wrote down might be preserved on books on tape.  We might have his original journals that we could read.

And he’s just one person that God has talked to over the centuries.

Of course, in reality, we can probably sit down with Moses and ask him ourselves, but for those of us who enjoy a good book, I look forward to getting my library card issued.  Of course, in eternity we may not need library cards, we may even have individual iPads that can call everything up.

It boggles the imagination.  I enjoy being boggled.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-255: Exceptions and Excuses

My wife just had one of those discussions that Doctors seemed to love to have about dietary needs and long-term health involving such things as high blood pressure and diabetes.  I always get a kick out of those discussions after I get over being uptight.  I get tired of being told to stop smoking and cut out the alcohol because I have never smoked and you could put all the alcohol I’ve ever consumed into a 1 quart milk bottle.  They love boilerplate because they can be very definite.

One of the issues that always comes up is that Oreo cookie that you’re planning on having.  Of course you deny it.  You act like it never happened.  Unfortunately your blood sugar knows.  The same would go for that meal you have when you go out with the family.  We have a way of saying, “Oh well, this one time will make any big difference.”  We’re right, and we’re wrong.

This is where we get to conceding, admitting, recognizing and implementing the difference between exceptions and excuses.  For most people, one meal rich in all the things the doctor tells you are bad for you will not really make any big difference.  The significance here is the word “one”.  Remember the Lays potato chip commercial, which said, “Bet you can’t eat just one”?  If there was money placed on it I probably could.  Just as long as there was an ending time where I could have the second.  But one doesn’t hurt me.

My problem is that I continually recite that mantra until the bag is empty.  The problem is when my wife asked me to bring home a couple of packages of triple stuffed Oreos and I know she’s going to eat them.  She may only eat them one at a time.  She may keep them frozen.  But they do get eaten and the exception becomes nothing but an excuse.

I don’t know how many times I have had a good day in controlling what I eat and then something will happen and I will say, “Oh well….”

Learn the difference between a genuine exception and a flagrant excuse.  If it’s your 50th wedding anniversary and you want to spend money at a restaurant that you normally could not afford, go for it.  Don’t make the same plans when you celebrate your one week anniversary of cleaning the living room.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-254: Inspired Confusion

I don’t think we truly understand the difference between inspired and inspiring . It may be just because we don’t stop to think about it.  It may be because we don’t want to know the difference.

The Bible is inspired.  We have a firm statement of that.

(2Ti 3:16 KJV)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That is a statement of faith.  It is a required belief if you are going to be a Christian.  Once you get beyond that statement, you get into variations.

For instance, you get into the issue of the transmitting of the actual written word of God.  In the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, we have variations.  We have the issue of translation.  It is almost impossible to get 100% accuracy when translating from another language.  There are always nuances and assumptions that we may not be privy to.  Add to that the fact that the language we speak is changing, even as we speak it.  Grammar rules change.  Definitions of vocabulary changes.  All kinds of things are going on.  None of those effect the statement that scripture is inspired.

Scripture is not always inspiring.  Compare the 23rd Psalm with the recitation in the book of Numbers of how many warriors each tribe had at that moment.  If you find them equally inspiring, my hat is off to you.  You are incredibly insightful in your understanding of what God is saying.  Most of us would find the 23rd Psalm deeply stirring.  It speaks to our soul.  It reassures our mind.  How many warriors Zebulon had doesn’t do anything for me.  Of course that’s my personal observation.

So scripture can be inspired without being inspiring.  When you add the fact that the Holy Spirit speaks to us as we read the Scripture and speaks to us through the scripture, then that adds another dimension to how what is inspired can become inspiring.

In the same way, but from the opposite point of view, there is literature which we can say is inspiring, but it’s not inspired.  I think of something many people have read is the writings of CS Lewis.  I think of the book Mere Christianity.  Many people around the world would attest to the inspirational quality of his writings.  Others might bring up CK Chesterton.  I think of some of the medieval writings that I find very inspirational.  Having recognized that they are able to stir my intellect in my emotions, they are not inspired.  They are not on the level with scripture.

The difference is real. The difference is significant. Make a note of it.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-253: The Law Umbrella

People like to make a big deal about not being under the law anymore. They like to specifically focus on how sinning does not matter much any more.  They claim we can ignore the statement in Hebrews about going to church.  And of course tithing is blatant legalism.  There are many other areas this involves.  Obedience is optional.  Righteousness is impossible.  Free will does not exist.

My question for today is of another nature.  I want to know, if it’s in the prophets or the histories or the wisdom literature, is it technically part of the law?  Are the statements of Jesus the law, after all, they were proclaimed after Moses had been dead for millennia.  

This is a semi-serious question.  People like to say they don’t need to tithe because that is under the law.  How about adultery and theft?  Is that acceptable now since we are not under the law? There is something in people’s thought process that refuses to look at the long term implications of the ideas they stand on.  I keep asking these questions of people and they look at me like I am crazy.  

Maybe I am.  I still want to know.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-252: Headlines: Texas Hope

I saw a brief note this morning that Trump had finally made an endorsement in the Texas runoff race for the US Senate between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn.  It is about time.  Early voting started Monday.  He went with Paxton which was the MAGA choice.  

I have lived in Texas about nine years now.  Cornyn has been in the Senate that entire time and I have watched him Rino his way through every issue.  I don’t know that I would say he never did something right but I noticed a pattern of uniparty loyalty.  

Paxton is just the opposite.  I am sure he has made some decisions I would disagree with but I can’t remember what they were.  On the other hand he has been consistently on the side of liberty and rejection of federal heavy handedness.

I think that in the general election Paxton will have no trouble with the basket case the Democrats has nominated.  It will be a Republican replacing a Republican so the states on all the charts will not change but, oh what a difference it will make in how things move forward.  It will be like a reduction for the Democrats of one vote.  The senate might start putting America first again.  Is it too much to hope for?  

Keep the faith, pray without ceasing and make your voice be heard.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-251: Trusting Turkey

Recently Powerline had an interesting article about a Trump initiative.  It involved developing a trade route through Armenia as a go around of the northern route through Russia and the southern path via Iran.  It is called the Trade Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).  It is an interesting idea but I don’t put a lot of long term confidence in it.

Why?

Because it involves Turkey.  Turkey went through a phase where the moderate, secular Muslims were in control.  That has changed.  They are moving back to the traditional stance.  That is a long history of treaties and promises that are broken at the first convenient place.  It goes back to Mohamad promising to go easy on the Jewish tribe if they would surrender and then beheading the men, raping the women and selling any left alive into slavery.  That was the pattern down through the crusades and the modern expression of Jihad.

Can a leopard change its spots?  If it did, it would still be a leopard.  Or remember the fable about the frog giving the scorpion a ride across the river.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-250: Watch the Bandwagon

The Rubio bandwagon continues to roll out the election psyop.  The recent post on Power Line went whole hog on Rubio.  It went so far as to say that J.D. Vance had no constituency and list all of the establishment elements of the Republican Party that like Rubio. It was blatant.

The Marco Rubio that we are seeing now gives me no problems.  As far as i can see he is doing a good job and expressing very pro-American attitudes.  I still have memories of him straying into the center lane of the establishment in the past.  Has he learned his lesson?  Has he genuinely changed?  Possibly.  Is it just a matter of sensing the winds?  Possibly.  He would certainly do better than anything the Democrats have to offer.

At present I still like J.D. Vance.  I also like what I see in Ron DeSantis.  In fact there are a strong group of new faces that deserve time in the sun.  If we can survive 2026 then 2028 will be an interesting year.

The problem we face is that even with a majority in all three positions of power the Republicans are playing uniparty instead of moving the country ahead.  We need even more primaried out. Make sure you let your voice be heard.
    
homo unius libri

Opus 2026-249: Uncharted Revelation: Chants

My memory tells me there will be a lot of chanting going on.  I think I will try to gather them as we go.  In Chapter 4 we have two examples.  There is some theology in these chants.  The first centers on the holy and eternal nature of God.  

(Rev 4:8 KJV)  And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

There are only two places where you get the three holies.  The other is in Isaiah 6:3.  

Then we have a major reason to worship God.

(Rev 4:11 KJV)  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

If you don’t know what the eys, wings and horns are all about then you can focus on the glories of our God.  I will join you there.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-248: A Little Imagination, Please

Somewhere in the last few months there was a takeoff on Star Trek.  I think it was called Star Trek Academy.  I don’t think I saw anything but mocking comments.  Will they ever try to actually redo the original series?  

You would have to vastly expand the command deck to make allowance for all of the currently popular ethnic groups and genders that we have in our culture.  You might need to develop new technologies to give each of them an important place in the pecking order.  You might also need an off-screen secondary control deck that actually worked the ship around the DEI hires but that might be too much honesty.

Which points out you would have to rework the introductory dialogue where it talks about going where no man is gone before.  That would be unacceptable.  You would need to work in some kind of pronoun recognition.

What if conservatives decided to remake the series?  You would, of course need to rename the ship.  You might want to make it the Free Enterprise.  There would need to be episodes where they could not get the dilithium crystals replaced because of government price controls and maybe issues getting the registration renewed.  There is a whole universe of topics that were ignored.

The opening monologue would need to make allowance that intellegent watchers might wonder how they could go where no man has gone before and keep finding men.  And the problem of everyone speaking English would need to be addressed.  I noticed in VI they talked about universal translators but I don’t remember that in the series.

It is questionable that such a remake would be recognizable.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-247: Acre Again

One of the sub-genres of science fiction is alternate history.  There are stories that chart history in a world where the South won the Civil War.  I remember enjoying one that had the earth invaded by alien armies in the middle of World War II.  It can be very entertaining if well written.

Currently I am reading a history of the Military Orders of the Crusades, the Templars and Hospitalers.  I just got through the part where the last Christian citadel was smashed and the survivors fled.  It was gruesome.  Of course you need to understand that the standards of the day were totally different than today.  It was still gruesome.  Basically every Christian who was not able to get on a boat was doomed.  The first step was to rampage through the city looting, killing and raping.  Somehow there were people who survived and they faces a very certain future:  slavery.  That was it.  Most men were killed, women raped and sold, children sold.  It was a brutal time.

My thoughts turned to modern times.  What if you were writing a story in the future about the fall of the modern nation of Israel to the forces of Islam that surround it.  It would be a replay of the Middle Ages.  The events of Hamas attacking on October 7 would give you a preview.  There would be slaughter that made the Holocaust look like a playground.

And, if the media plays its assumed role, we would know nothing about it.  Just like they ignored the real conditions in the Soviet Union and acted like there were no concentration camps in Nazi Germany you would hear nothing about the millions of Jews executed.

And what about the aftermath.  Would there still be Christian tours of the Holy Land?  Would Americans still be getting baptized in the Jordan?  Probably.  The mass graves would not be labeled.  The fees would be much higher but the potential for making money off of suckers would be a strong attraction.  Of course there might be occasional hiccups as tour buses were bombed but that would be blamed on Zionist terrorists.

Let us hope that those stories are never real history.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-246: Sounds of Authority

My journey begins as we were studying Jeremiah.  We were in chapter 31 and came across this verse.

Jeremiah 31:9 (KJV) They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

The theme in this section seemed to be God gathering His scattered people from around the world.  It could easily refer to something in the end times.  The discussion went down a road full of assumptions and concrete traditions that did not necessarily help us understand what the Bible was telling us.

Somehow the phrase “walk by the rivers of waters” was lifted out and it was suggested that this referred to the captives in Babylon.  Since the theme was gathering in, that was a plausible explanation.  The a resounding voice quoted something.

Psalm 137:1 (KJV) By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

The voice was deep and sure.  It spoke with authority.  Everyone looked wise and nodded his head.  At that point I was good with the concept even though Babylon was not mentioned in that section of Jeremiah and the language seemed similar.  (Later research showed that the word in Psalms was totally different than the one in Jeremiah.).  I was okay with the statement at that point but the voice of authority had to add one little point that soured his punch with me.

The Voice declared two things with great power.  He said that David was speaking prophetically and reflecting the return predicted by Jeremiah.  Wow.  What an insight.  It was spoken like you could take it to the bank without a deposit slip.

I have this problem.  I like to read the actual quote in context.  I was not doubting the voice of authority.  I was just confirming in my own mind what I was hearing.  When I read it for myself it has more staying power.

Alas.  The Psalm did not say David had written it.  One of the traps we fall into is assuming that common knowledge is true.  If you polled the population, those who did not ask “What is Psalms?” Or “Who is David?” would assume that David wrote Psalms and Solomon wrote Proverbs.  I was in that camp for years, until I started reading and thinking for myself.  One thing that comes clear when you read Psalms with your brain engaged is that David did not write all the Psalms.  How do I know?  Because the Bible says so.  I know that there are many people who would argue with me because their pastor said David wrote them.  Don’t argue with me, read what the Bible says.

To further complicate the issue, there are many Psalms that don’t say who wrote them.  Now in my way of thinking if most of the chapters have what newspapers call a “by line” then when there is no attribution we don’t make an assumption based on our wish list of absolutes.  If he had said, “It doesn’t say, but I think David wrote this.  If David wrote it then he was speaking prophetically”  I could have nodded with the rest of them.  Instead he was making an absolute declaration which I am sure fit in with his chart of the end times.  That I reject.

My point is, don’t accept voices of authority just because they have a deep, resonating sound supported by rock hard certainty.  Read for yourself.  Think for yourself.  Listen to the Holy Spirit yourself, because He will speak to you.  For me it also takes another step and makes me skeptical of anything else The Voice has to say, but that is just me.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-245: Moderate Is Not a Synonym for Reasonable

I picked up a discussion where Douglas Murray was reviewing the problems presented by Islam as it invades the west.  Generally he makes sense but he lost me when he uttered the popular canard saying that most Muslims are peaceful.  That is similar to saying that most Germans were peaceful in 1943 because they were not in the army.  It is like Christians who acknowledge that evil trash that comes from Disney but they still buy Disney products that they consider clean.  In so doing they subsidize the attempts that Disney makes at destroying the culture.

Moderation often means just not wanting to take a stand or make waves.  A moderate Muslim is like a moderate Democrat or a moderate Christian.  Moderate Democrats continue to vote for people who are pushing abortion, sex change operations, drap queens reading to children in libraries and just about any other vulgar activity.  Moderate Christians often endorse the same activities.

We need to stop being moderate.  Courteous, yes.  Polite, usually.  Willing to listen and engage in discussion, always.  That being said we need to be very clear about where we stand.  It is easy to let people think we agree with them by saying nothing.  Say something.  Make it the truth.  Stick to your guns. 

Your grandchildren will thank you.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-244: Another Case Ignored

I know a fair number of believers who like to ignore the if/then portions of scripture.  It would make sense to assume that the word “forever” means forever.  Generally that would be true but how often have you used a word like that and known that it probably is not literally true.  How many young lovers have promised to love someone “forever”?  Have you seen the acronym “BFF”?  You can always hope but probability not.

We run into this in scripture when people talk about the “forever” promises made by God to David, Solomon and Israel in general.  The thesis is that God will never turn His back on His chosen people.

What do you do with this?

2 Kings 23:27 (KJV) And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.

What fascinates me is the people who claim to want to take scripture literally but they only do it when it meets their system.  God is going to do with Judah, the southern kingdom, what He did with Israel, the northern kingdom.  In case you were not paying attention, at this point in scripture they have been relegated to the dust bins of history for a couple of hundred years.  Even today we still wonder about the Lost Tribes.  He is also promising to do away with Jerusalem.

It is necessary for us to allow figures of speech to be figures of speech.  Take for instance this statement,

1 Chronicles 14:17 (KJV) And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

I have no confusion myself what this means.  I also know what it does not mean.  I don’t think that the Olmec got the message.  I doubt if China read the memo.  Obviously it is a figure of speech.  Go to the NT.

Luke 2:1 (KJV) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Again, I don’t think that the Bantus of Africa got the word.  We all understand that this means all of the Roman Empire, not what it says.

Think of all the cultural statements we make.  Ancient cultures were no different.  Have you noticed how often the number 40 comes up?  Does it mean a literal 40 or is it a similar statement that I might make at the doctor’s office, “I have been waiting forever.”  If we lived in ancient Israel we might say, “I have been waiting 40 days.”

Always read with your mind turned on. It sometimes also helps to listen to others.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-243: New Laws: Laugh It Off

Somewhere recently I read an alleged quote of C.K. Chesterton to the effect that you know a fanatic because they have no sense of humor.  I recently had an experience that seemed to point me toward a similar train of thought.

I had an appointment with a specialist to look down my throat to see why I have such chronic hoarseness.  It has been going on for years and it was time to check it out.  Well and good.

I was checked in by a young woman who seemed to know how to punch buttons on the computer in front of her.  She was well rehearsed in the steps to take to get me ready to see the next in line.  She lacked two things.  One, which is the thread I am following, was that she had no sense of humor.  I am used to kibitzing with people.  Most people take it well but there are some who just look at you or take you literally when it is obvious you are joking.  Second, although she had been trained in procedures to check me in and ask me questions, any time I got off the script I got a blank stare.  This was the kind of response of someone who is well trained in following the numbers but ignorant of why.

Okay.  She was basically pleasant even if she was unresponsive.

Enter the Nurse Practitioner.  It quickly became apparent that she was also lacking in the sense of humor department.  Since this was where the rubber met the road and I wanted good information, I backed off and tried to keep my one liners in check.  The rest of the exam went well.

I did not get into any sensitive areas, well at least not much, but it became clear based on appearance and responses that both of the people I dealt with would line up with the woke crowd.  I don’t know if it affects their ability in medicine but it certainly tells me they are not used to considering all the options.

I might suggest at this point that congress mandate a new law.  I think that children should be taught what it means to have a sense of humor.  With some it would be a waste of time but to paraphrase a slogan I have heard, “If we save one it will be worth it.”

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-242: Get out of Your Bubble

One of the Pod-Casts that I will usually consider is Uncommon Knowledge.  Recently Peter Robinson was interviewing a wonk named Michael McFaul.  I had never heard of him.  He has written a lot of books with you can buy but the local libraries have none of his work.

The discussion went many directions regarding foreign policy.  They started with Russia since McFaul had been very involved in negotiations through several presidents.  They then went to China and so forth.  Interesting.  I did not get the feeling I could take everything he said to the bank.  When you serve at high levels of administration for both parties it says a lot about your “flexibility”.

What moved me toward writing him off was his comments about how we need to become more united as a country.  While I like the sentiment I am also aware that the issues that divide us are important and can’t just be glossed over.  I am aware that the far left in this country are not out to get along but to destroy what has made us unique in history.  They want to destroy all of the liberties in the Bill of Rights and increase the power of the Federal government.  They want the elites to make our decisions for us because they are wiser than we are.

There is no middle road on abortion.  There is no middle road on mutilating the bodies of children nor is there a middle road of honest elections.  There are some things that spell compromise as surrender.  McFaul seemed like a genuinely decent human being.  He is intelligent and well educated.  He is also incredibly naive and living in a Ph.D. Bubble.

He needs to get out more.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-241: Facing the Inevitable

Let me give you one of the most divisive statements ever made:

Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

The first three words begin the division. “In the beginning…”.  You would think this would be obvious but the pagan version of scientists have been denying even this bit of the obvious.  Science has been claiming there was no beginning ever since the Enlightenment became the dominant force in the West.  Their mantra has been that the universe is infinite at both ends.  In the early years when they were basing their theories on philosophy and personal necessity, that is understandable.  But we know more today and the truth is still ignored.

So Christians have always had a bone to pick with the pagans.  When you add the next word it gets even testier.  “In the beginning God…”.  Here is where punctuation might help.  As the secular scientists began to look at the evidence they themselves were collecting it became clear that the universe was not eternal.  So they would translate this, “In the beginning ?”  They didn’t know and had nothing but cool science fiction themes to work with.  Much of the science fiction writing I have read is trying to fill in the blank where the question mark goes.  Imagination is a wonderful thing to base a novel on but is not a foundation for reality and real science.

Christians of course would use different punctuation.  We would switch the question mark for an exclamation point. “In the beginning !”  This is a basic assumption that the early scientists had which allowed them to develop the scientific method and move deeper into discovering how things work from a single cell to a galaxy.  If you can’t make that assumption then you can’t depend on your answers.  Just picture how your day would go if the law of gravity decided to act on a part time basis,

Intellectuals like to cover it up but every field of study begins with assumptions that cannot be proven or are conditional.  Does 1 + 1 equal 2?  Not in computer binary language. Some things are taken on faith.  It would help if they would stop denying that basic reality.

We know where it began and who began it.  The rest we are still working on.  Enjoy the adventure.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-240: Deja Vu

This morning I had a flashback from my Hawaii days.  The bugs arrived.

We used to own a condo in Hawaii and had some great vacations there.  One year we stayed six weeks.  I always felt like it took at least a week to get adjusted and after that you could really enjoy.

One of my rituals was beach worship.  I never set an alarm but I would wake up around 4:00 AM, make a pot of coffee, gather my guitar, Bible and lawn chair and head for the beach.  I would then sit there playing hymns I had memorized and eventually doing some reading as the day decided to join me.  It was a glorious time.

I knew it was time to head back to the condo when the flies arrived.  It was about the same time every day.  It was like they had set an alarm.  One minute I was in glory, the next in a cloud.

That happened to me today.  Suddenly the bugs were everywhere.  After a few waves of the hand I realized my morning on the porch was over.  That is okay.  God is everywhere and He was already waiting for when I got to my recliner.

Embrace your environment.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-239: Intended Consequences

I am listening to Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs) interview Will Swaim (?).  The term “unintended consequences” was used in regards to the unions and environmentalists.  I am reasonable sure the term is a smoke screen.  There may be a few people that believe the nonsense but the leadership has an agenda beyond lining their own pockets.  They intend the long term consequences.

Traditional Americans have been brought up to think the best of other people.  The commissars and thugs of the left have been brought up understanding that is the way we were brought up.  They know the rules we play by and giggle with glee when they are able to use our adherence to the rule of law to destroy us.  Picture two men in a duel.  The noble one points his pistol in the air and fires it off, signifying his honor is satisfied.  The scumbag uses the pause to take very careful aim.  One is praised, the other lives.

Get over assuming everyone plays by the rules or interprets them the way they were intended.  Think of the judges who found the right of privacy in the Constitution when it had been missed for 200 years.  Think of the crimnals who practice being insane so that they will be let off from paying for their crime.  Think of the lawyers who talks circles to end up lying.

It is not unintended consequences.  It is the ultimate goal.  

What can we do about it?  The first step is to recognize who they are and how they operate.  The second is to vote and speak up to enforce the laws that are already on the books.  Learn which judges rejoice in an opportunity to press their opinions as they sneer at the law.  We can get things straightened out but we have to start with honest introspection.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-238: Of Two Minds

I am coming out of a part of my down cycle.  There are days in which I can go for long periods of time content to stare at the wall and daydream.  I tend to think of it as classic nursing home mentality.  I could be content to just veg out and not struggle with anything but getting enough fiber in my diet.

There are other times when ideas seem to be lined up waiting to pop into my head.  The issue is finding enough time to write them down.  That leaves nothing for developing them and making them coherent.  Then I top out and head down again.

I have grown used to it and accept that there is little I can do about the down times.  One reason is that when I am overcome with ennui I don’t care about doing anything about anything.  There is still that little voice down inside poking me in the ego and saying, “Get up and do something. Take that first step.”  I am good at ignoring that little voice.

Which will it be?  One side says writing on Blogger is enough.  The other side says, “No. Explore some other platforms.  Go out in a blaze of glory.  Have posts lined up so that you are dead for a month before anyone knows it is over.” 

If you are getting old I am sure you know the feeling of your teenage attitudes locked in your wheelchair body.  Sometimes it is a drag.  Other times it is a glorious challenge. I wait to see what the rest of the day holds.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-237: Not So Parallel Thoughts

Nirvana does for the soul what the ocean does for a person who falls overboard, dies and is eaten by the fish.  The body does not cease to exist as atoms but is dissipated through the entire world. In that thinking the soul does the same in the universe.  And of course this step comes after a long series of reincarnations gradually working you up to being worthy.

The Bible teaches a totally different explanation of what happens after death.  The individual never dissipates or disappears.  The person remains intact whether they are destined for heaven or hell.  You will be aware of yourself and God.  I assume there will also be some recognition of others.

The method of sorting is also different.  Eternity is not based on a long series of lives based on personal effort but on the acceptance of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  The two beliefs can be parallel.  That does not mean what you think it does.  Reach back to your high school geometry.  Parallel lines never touch each other.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that all religion is the same.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-236: Don’t Help the Chick

I am watching a podcast from Reasons to Believe in which Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink are discussing AI coding.  I won’t try to summarize their discussion except to look at one observation they made.  Zweerink was reporting on some research and how it affected the work of different programmers.  It made people at all levels more productive but there was a more significant point.  The lower level programmers were more productive using AI helps but they were stagnant in developing new skill or new code.  The experienced programmers added new areas of progress to their productivity.  The point they drew was that the years of effort in learning to produce code had made it possible for the senior people to grow and advance with the AI.  Use of the shortcuts provided was keeping the low level people on a plateau.

That resonated with me.  There is a principle in life that says when you do things for people that they can do themselves you are not helping them but you are making them weaker.  I saw this in education with the introduction of computers and ready-made science kits.  The technology brought them to completion on a set project but did not develop the skills to move beyond the canned outcome.  Because they did not have to struggle they developed no intellectual muscle. 

Schools have begun allowing students to use calculators instead of learning their multiplication tables or the process of long division.  If all you want are bookkeepers then that may be enough. If you want rocket scientists or people to design bridges they need to develop a deeper understanding of how things work.

Let me repeat an observation I have made multiple times.  When chicken eggs are approaching the moment of hatching, people want to help the baby chicks to break out of the shell.  They are so helpless and we are so sensitive.  The sad truth is that if you do the work for them and they don’t need to struggle, they will not set loose the hormones that will allow them to get strong and thrive.  Your shortcut may shorten their lives.

I am only part way through the podcast but I think one of the conclusions will be that AI can be a useful tool but it can also be a shortcut that inhibits human progress both collectively and individually. 

Be leery of shortcuts.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-235: Morning Crutches

To be honest, every morning does not start with me leaping out of bed with praises and songs bursting from my lips.  Often, usually, I am in a state of neutrality.  I am somewhere between mildly positive and vaguely negative.  Because I don’t want to drift I try to find habits that will get me moving in the right direction.

Today in my usual routine I was reading Psalm 33.  As I read I was splashed with views of the God I worship.  It was a joyful picture.  After reading the entire chapter and looking over some of the terminology, I found myself thinking about how Yahweh contrasts with other gods of the world.  I will confess I have not studied those gods with any depth but I have been listening to discussions of them all my life.  They have a different set of adjectives.

The adjectives I would use to describe the gods of Greece, Scandanavia, nomads of the steppes, Africa and such start with powerful, that is a given, but from there the choices go downhill.  Can you say narcissistic?  How about capricious?  Childish also fits the bill.  They definitely tend to be immoral by the standards of the Bible.

I would assume there are some deep thinkers in their followers who go beyond that but that summarizes my knowledge.  When I say “deep thinkers” I mean people like Marcus Aurelius who wrote a famous book on Philosophy, Meditations. Being deep does not mean being consistent.  Depending on where you read, he sounds in one place like a traditional Roman with the fickle gods and at another place like a Bhuddist who believes in reincarnation.  Some places he writes like a monotheist and even sound like a Christian.  You can find anything you want, kind of like Alice’s Restaurant.

When I think of Yahweh as He is revealed in the OT and in the person of Jesus I think of a whole different set of words.  Yes, you have power but from there you follow a different branch.  In the OT a key concept if loving kindness and mercy.  The NT has agape, love.  Love is defined with such words as patience and kindness.  These are not momentary weaknesses like the Roman gods but basic parts of His personhood.

I rejoice that I live in a society that was at one time based on those values.  Whether the future will continue that way or we will descend into the world of Conan the Barbarian remains to be seen.  Either way I expect that the real, living God will not change and His promises to the faithful remnant will stay in effect.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-234: A Cave or a Shield

As I look at the antics of congressional leaders who are supposed to be representing us and leading the country and instead see clowns, syncopates, RINOs and inside traders, I often despair.  I feel driven to prayer and calling upon God.  I am not sure that doesn’t make me worse than them.

Too often we look at prayer and trust as last ditch efforts that we implement when we retreat to a place to cower down and hide.  When we finally realize we are on the losing end we turn to God in desperation.  Don’t tell me you have never been there.  We need to make “there” our first position, not our last.

I had a song going through my head.  The segment that kept going through my head was, “You are my hiding place…”.  While I am sure there is a time to expect God to hide us we should be making our theme song more “Onward Christian Soldiers” than “Hiding in Thee.”

Think about the armor of God discussed in Ephesians 6.  If you look at verses 10-13 you get such words as standing, wrestling and against.  There is nothing about putting on the armor to hide in a cave.  Of course there is nothing about charging forward either.  Everything mentioned is defensive except the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.

God does speak of being a hiding place but He also talks about being a shield, a fortress, a rock.  We are called to stand up and face the music.  While we do that we need to rest in the knowledge that we have done our prayer time, that we live in trust and that the end results are really in God’s hands.  It means not living in fear.  God may allow us to go through hard times but keep in mind that His remnant will always be better off than the ones His anger will be directed toward.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-233: Monday Pulpit: Honor System

Sunday in my regular reading schedule I came across this verse and wrote about it for a future post on my devotional blog,

Proverbs 10:9 (KJV) He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

My point was that we need to live in such a way that people trust us.  Then I read this as Josiah is getting serious about getting the temple back in shape,

2 Kings 22:7 (KJV) Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

Coincidence?  Sure, why not?  Strange though.

Here in the OT we have an example of what I was thinking about.  Was this originally a preaching point for NT Christians?  I doubt it.  It was an observation that there were people of honor in ancient Israel.  At the same time the Holy Spirit uses things we read to teach us lessons, encourage us, clarify things, in short, whatever we need.

We need to be reminded of what Christian culture should look like.  I can remember when your word was your bond.  I can remember when contracts were sealed with a handshake instead of multiple pages of legalese.  I can remember never locking the house.  That was a culture based on the Bible and having an expectation that people would walk uprightly.

Pray for those days to return.  Live in such a way that your corner of the world embraces that moral standard.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-232: Franklin and Trump

One topic that comes up in Christian circles is the spiritual status of Donald Trump.  I don’t claim to have the final word on who is saved and who is damned, that goes without saying, and I don’t present it as a cop-out on taking a stand.  I have heard nothing credible that would make me think Trump has put his faith in Christ . One thing I have noticed though is that he is open in his comments.  He does not try to learn the jargon so he can pull the wool over our eyes. 

The first time I saw this was in his first campaign.  He was being interviewed on a Christian talk show and being asked some very direct questions.  He clearly did not understand the lingo but just as clearly he was trying to be honest.

I was glancing through a book on my shelf that I intend to get to some day.  It had one chapter on the spiritual stands of various Founders.  One that I looked at to determine if the book was reliable concerned Benjamin Franklin.  I did not read everything they had but what I did read was adequate to establish the author. The following quote is rather long but I think it is worth reading.

“You desire to know something of my religion.  Here is my creed.  I believe in one God, the Creator of the universe. That He governs it by his Providence.  That he ought to be worshiped.
That the most acceptable service we render him is in doing good to his other children.  That the soul of man is immortal, will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be fundamental points of all sound religion.  As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals, and his religion, as he left them to us, is the best the world they ever saw, or as likely to see.  I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes; and I have with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubt as to his divinity, though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I soon will have an opportunity to know the truth with less trouble.  I see no harm, however, in it being believed, if that belief has the good consequence, as probably it has, of making his doctrines more respected and observed, especially is it as I do not perceive that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the believers of his government of the world with any particular marks of his displeasure.”  Pages 157-8

What struck me was the similarity between Franklin and Trump. For all of their intelligence and exposure to Christians, neither one seemed to understand what the issues were.  Neither was hostile.  Neither tried to claim something they were not. 

I find that encouraging.  Years ago I read I read Franklin’s Autobiography.  I don’t remember any claims to faith in it.  At the same time God used him in the establishment of our country.  May He use Trump in the preserving it.

The attitude of Franklin was very similar to Trump

Morris, Benjamin F.  The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.  Powder Springs, Georgia:  American Vision Press, 2007.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-231: Strong Silent Type

Why don’t we experience regular conversations with God?

By regular I mean two things. First, regular in the sense of frequent and commonplace.  Second, in the sense of conversations that are oral and clear.

I started thinking about the times that God seemed to meet with specific individuals.  The Patriarchs would be an example.  He spoke verbally with Abraham at the beginning.  Later the trinity stopped by his tent for lunch.  God wrestled with Jacob.  He had regular dialogues with Moses.

One example of regular communication would be Jesus.  We have no credible accounts of His childhood so it must have been as normal as you could expect from the Incarnate One.  Remember how he went to Mary and Martha’s house for dinner.  Children would come and climb on Him.  When you think about it there were large parts of Jesus’ life that we have no record of.  So I guess you could say that God did have regular communication.

I am aware that God does communicate.  We have the written word, interpreted by the Holy Spirit.  We have the Holy Spirit Himself who can speak to us.  I am aware of that.

Why does God not make appearances more often?  I would suggest that it is for our benefit.  I can’t claim to have divine insight into the effects of such access but God, who is capable of appearing, refrains.  As in so many questions I have the concept of being created in His image and having free will comes to the fore.  God wants us to serve out of love and personal decisions, not because we have been coerced into it.  That is, at least, my opinion.  God may feel different about it and I wait to learn.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-230: Fullfillment

One of the key concepts we find in scripture about the mission of Jesus is,

Matthew 5:17 (KJV) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Most of the comments I hear on this have to do with contrasting law to faith but I don’t think that is the point at all.  It certainly isn’t the point Jesus was making.

We see a similar statement in Luke.  Was Jesus saying He had fulfilled this already?  Notice that Matthew is speaking about the early ministry of Jesus and Luke is dealing with the last moment.

Luke 24:44 (KJV) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

I find it interesting that He spoke of fulfilling things that we don’t think of fulfilling.  Prophecy, sure, but how do you fulfill a law?  You can keep a law or obey a law but fulfill?  We see some possible misunderstanding.

I also look to the words of Jesus on the cross when He called out,

(Joh 19:30 KJV)  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Was Jesus saying He had fulfilled this already?

Paul talks about the Law being fulfilled,

Romans 8:4 (KJV) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

And,

Romans 13:8 (KJV) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Perhaps one of the keys is when it talks about “the law” as opposed to laws.  Are the two expressions the same?  On the surface we see the same word but that does not mean that Jesus and Paul have the same concept in mind.

My current understanding is that Jesus fulfilled all of the purposes of the law and prophets when He shed His blood on the cross.  That moment was the focal point of all human history.  It was the purpose that God implied to Abraham when He spoke of blessing all nations.  My view makes it difficult for those who have glorious eschatological charts that need to be endorsed.

Israel was chosen by God.  It’s whole purpose was to supply an earthly setting for the redemption that came through Jesus.  God still loves them.  They are invited to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.  They are not the cutting edge any more.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-229: Blessing Not Luck

And it was definitely not skill.  I am referring to the recent attempt to take out President Trump. I read an article at American Thinker.

The article was analyzing the release of enhanced video from the scene.  The author describes how the perpetrator went into a room which should have been secured, but wasn’t, to assemble the shotgun he had under his coat.  While in the room a K-9 unit entered the room and then went on with no reaction.  When the shooter came out with the shotgun a group of security types down the hall saw him and “ran” the other way.

My point here is not to analyze what he said about the film or even cast stones at the Secret Service and White House security, although that needs to be done.  My point is to remind us that in pagan terms the only thing that keep the president from harm was “luck”.

I say “in pagan terms” because it is becoming clear that what is keeping President Trump vertical is not luck but the grace of God.  Blessings.  More than coincidence.  It certainly isn’t skill on the part of the Praetorians.  God has His hand on Trump.

This does not mean he is qualified to be your pastor.  It does not mean we should let our guard down.  It does not mean they will never succeed.  It means that we need to continue to call upon God and live righteous lives ourselves.  Trump is not the Messiah nor is he the Antichrist.  He is a tool that God is trying to use but we need to realize the success of Trumps efforts depends more on whether God’s people are living as salt and light than on the wisdom of his advisors.

So keep trusting.  Keep praying.  Live in repentance.  Be the faithful remnant that God will be preserving.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-228: Uncharted Revelation: The Eyes Have It

I can feel myself bogging down on this project.  

One of the questions that cannot be answer and yet is has to do with all the eyes in chapter 4 and 5.  Someone said they reflected wisdom.  I am not sure what gives a scholar the insight to proclaim that.  If he were a farmer he might make some reference to potatoes.

While we are on eyes, look at the description of the Lamb,

(Rev 5:6 KJV)  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

I assume that this Lamb is Jesus but why seven eyes and horns?  Are the eyes on the end of the horns?  Are they at the base?  Does it matter?

Another important question would be, “How do you justify all the time you spend trying to figure this out?”

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-227: Can Ignorance Be a Blessing?

We live in an age awash in education and resources.  Think of the literacy rates in the developed world.  While there may always be a small minority who are incapable of learning to read, most of those who cannot read at grade level need to put the cap of accountability on their own head.  History is full of people who learned to read in the face of violent opposition.  My mind goes to Frederick Douglass.  It was illegal to teach a slave to read so he had to find ways to do it himself.  In that same period you had uncounted people like Abraham Lincoln who had very little formal education but kept seeking out knowledge.

We live in times when education is available.  Is that a good thing?

Which is worse, a culture where knowledge was freely available but people seemed determined to remain brainwashed or one in which there was little book learning but the practical bent of people allowed them to progress in their lives?  I prefer the former because it allows me to dig deep even in a world of shallow soil but over all I am not sure I am better off.

As usual, I tend to think in spiritual terms.  We have long periods of history in which the great unwashed masses had no access to the Bible.  The entire world was run by powerful elites who themselves could not read and, if they could, usually did not.  My heritage is Europe so look at it.  Consider Charlemagne.  He was illiterate as a young man.  He recognized the importance of learning because he did not want to be forced to rely on priests who served another master.  He learned to read at some level but never did get the hang of writing.  He was the tip of the iceberg. 

How did you come to know God in an illiterate, ignorant age?  What was the basis of salvation if you could not access the basic words of life?  Imagine being forced to rely on what the priest told you and it was possible that he could not read either and was making it up as he went along.  Were any of those people saved?  I would imagine so but on what basis?

Very possibly it was the same basis as today.  It is possible to know all the right doctrines and quote all the right verses and still not be part of the Body of Christ.  You have to ask yourself what the basis of Abraham’s salvation was.  He had no written Bible.  All he had was folklore passed down and a few conversations with a mysterious Supreme Being.  It was enough.

Ultimately God is looking at our hearts.  Do we trust in Him?  Do we follow Him as best we can?  It is possible to wander down this road too far and drift into heresy but the Bible repeatedly talks about faith and trust in God.  It supersedes the law.  It is the basis of doctrine.
Ultimately we are dependent on God’s grace and mercy.  Knowing my limitations, I am good with that.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-226: How Do You Spell “Useless”?

I am sure there are many ways.  My current nomination is “Encyclopedia”.

In my desire to understand Islam I have begun trying to read through the Hadith.  In one of my introspective moments I wondered what the encyclopedia could tell me.  When I used to try to get my middle school students to do research for term papers I limited their use of encyclopedias but tried to get across they were useful for getting a short overview of a topic.  That was all I hoped for.  I was to be sadly disappointed.

There was no article on the Hadith.  It is possible I could have consulted the index that comes with the set and find a page it was mentioned under another topic but I wanted a quick result not a drawn out adventure.

I have an encyclopedia on my shelf that I picked up free.  It has a well known name.  I guess it was another example of getting what you pay for.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-225: Wake-Up Call

I am wondering if the latest attempt to murder President Trump will backfire of the hate mongering elites.  In the different bits I read I noticed several things and put them together in my head.

All of the media types in attendance dived under the tables very quickly when they heard shots. It would have done my heart good to see it.  It probably occurred to a few of them that they might be in the way of a random bullet which they would have cheered on if it were heading for the president.  They realized that they are not immune to the wild men of the left.  What is ironic is that if the Marxists take over then these same liberal reports will be some of the first stood against the wall.

Then I heard that the whole room cheered when they realized the president was okay.  I take that with a little grain of salt and know that some cheered because they did not want to be picked out.

Did you notice the similarities between this shooter and the guys that flew the planes into the buildings in NY?  All were well educated.  All were well trained.  They came from good families.  They went in knowing it would not turn out well for them.

I wonder if some of these antics will be enough to get Joe Average to start thinking. I won’t buy any stock in it but I can dream, can’t I.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-224: Click Bait: Really?

The headline read, “The Great Tribulation: What Matthew 24 really says.”  If I were living in Communist China and all the Bibles had been confiscated or was illiterate, this might be a good question.  In reality it is a bit of a silly question.  If I want to know that Matthew 24 says I don’t need to listen to a podcast that explains it to me.  I can open a Bible, the library has them and most churches would be glad to give you one, and read it for myself.

I am seeing a growing number of these kinds of themes.  One that always cracks me up is someone I have never heard of sharing his favorite Bible translations.  Why would I care what his favorite is?  I would be more curious about his position on the Five Solas or TULIP theory. 

We seem to have lost the ability to think for ourselves.  Let me encourage you to read the book yourself instead of building your thoughts on the conclusions of others.  If you really don’t know enough Hebrew to come to a conclusion, join the club.  Compare translations and explore the context.  You may find that your opinion is as reliable as any “influencer” on the internet.

I have confidence in you.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-223: Of Two Minds

I am coming out of a part of my down cycle.  There are days in which I can go for long periods of time content to stare at the wall and daydream.  I tend to think of it as classic nursing home mentality.  I could be content to just veg out and not struggle with anything but getting enough fiber in my diet.

There are other times when ideas seem to be lined up waiting to pop into my head.  The issue is finding enough time to write them down.  That leaves nothing for developing them and making them coherent.  Then I top out and head down again.

I have grown used to it and accept that there is little I can do about the down times.  One reason is that when I am overcome with ennui I don’t care about doing anything about anything.  There is still that little voice down inside poking me in the ego and saying, “Get up and do something. Take that first step.”  I am good at ignoring that little voice.

Which will it be?  One side says writing on Blogger is enough.  The other side says, “No. Explore some other platforms.  Go out in a blaze of glory.  Have posts lined up so that you are dead for a month before anyone knows it is over.” 

If you are getting old I am sure you know the feeling of your teenage attitudes locked in your wheelchair body.  Sometimes it is a drag.  Other times it is a glorious challenge.  I wait to see what the rest of the day holds.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-222: Dark Thoughts: A Pagan Morning

I have often quoted the words of Paul about how even those who do not know the God of the Bible through His revealed word know Him from His creation.

Romans 1:18-20 (KJV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

While it is true I find it usually a blithe declaration that I seldom embrace literally.

This morning, on the porch, I got a great taste of God’s glory.  I found that I had not looked at the written word yet because the horizon had such promise.  At the moment it has an appearance I have not seen before.  Picture a scene showing a volcano erupting and hot, glowing lava flowing down the mountain side.  Now turn it over.  That is the sky this morning.  It is a sea of red and gray with highlights of glowing orange and it is all flowing to pass over my head.

Truly I can see the glory of God in the creation.  I feel like a pagan waking up to an awareness that those Jews in Israel may know something I don’t.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-221: Reciprocity

I continue to meditate on the attributes of God.  I am not sure I am making any progress.  At times it is like trying to climb the sheer face of a mountain.  You know there is a peak.  You can get different clues about it but you just can’t get very far off the ground.  Part of that is because He is God, with all that involves, and you are not.

At the same time I wonder how much reciprocity there is in the statement that we were created in His image.  We look at Him and strive to grow in His image.  How much of understanding ourselves can help us understand the Almighty.

Personhood is an example.  I flinch when I say that God has three persons, not because of the
mystery of the trinity but because it seems so insulting to limit Him by what we would consider a mark of humanity.  But again, we were created in His image so maybe the concept that we are individual, self aware, free willed beings comes to us because we are like Him.

Curiosity would not be one of those but creativity might.  Remember what curiosity did to the kitty cat.  Animals have curiosity.  Creativity not so much.  I was watching a video that said some animals make tools.  Okay.  They learn to push a stick down a crack to force a bug out.  They have been doing that trick as long as there have been bugs hiding in the ground.  When will they turn the stick into a spear?  When will they glue to sticks together at one end to make tweezers?

I can communicate with God.  I cannot communicate with a worm.  That should tell me something about myself, God and worms.

The quest to know and understand God continues.  It will be eternal and that’s a good thing.  It does not mean eternal frustration but eternal discovery.

homo unius libri