Friday 31 August 2012

God and Nature.


In the beginning humans mistook nature for God.

Nature is indifferent to human beings.
God is not.

It is a mistake to model our image of God on nature.

Nature is the law of the jungle.

Nature is autonomic, i.e. not consciously controlled by God.

God does not intervene in nature.

God transcends nature.

In the presence of God, "The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them."  Isaiah 11:6 (NRSV)
"nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."  Micah 4:3b (NRSV)

God is the source of all peace (Islam - the names of God).

God is gentle.

God is sublime.

There is nothing to fear.

God is our Father.

Cry out to God and He will hear.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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What Does God Require of Us?


Honesty.
Sincerity.
Integrity.

Justice.
Equality.
Mercy.

Charity.
Generosity.
Tolerance.

Contentment.
Faith.
Love.

Most of all :
Love.

Love is faithful.  Love is kind.  Love is wise.

Love is the water without which we cannot live.
Love is the cure for all ills, the universal panacea.

If you have love you will never die.

Give love!


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Thursday 30 August 2012

The Mistake.


The mistake that the writers of the Torah, the writers of the Psalms and the Prophets, and the writers of the Gospels made was to revert to the ways of the world, i.e.: might and power, superior strength, violence, the sword, triumph over enemies.

Because in the world these things win we presume that God wins in the same way.

But God does not.
God prefers to lose rather than resort to violence and force.
God is gentle and non-violent.
The gentle light of love.

"'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"  Zechariah 4:6b (NRSV)

Moses, David, Israel expect God to destroy their enemies.
But it does not happen.

No one is destroyed.

God waits.
God waits until we see.
See that nothing is gained through violence and force.
God will not answer prayers for revenge or victory by force.

"'From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.'"  Matthew 11:12 (NRSV)

So rather than praying for evil to be destroyed we should pray for those who do evil to be healed and reconciled to God.
For those who we call evil to be made whole.

God will not destroy them.

"'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.'"  Luke 6:27 (NRSV)

This is Jesus teaching and we should follow it.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Wednesday 29 August 2012

Words of Love.


Childlike love (Gk: storge) :
(i)   for mother.
(ii)  for father.
(iii) for brothers and sisters.

Romantic love (Lt: amor) :
(i)  for women.
(ii) for men.

Sexual love (Gk: eros) :
(i)  for same sex.
(ii) for opposite sex.

Fraternal love (Gk: philos) :
(i)  for people of our own culture.
(ii) for people of other cultures.

Parental love (Gk: storge) :
(i)  for our own children.
(ii) for other young people (mentor).

Universal love (Lt: caritas) :
(i)  for everyone.
(ii) for everything.

Love of God (Gk: agape) :
(i)  adoration.
(ii) devotion.


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Tuesday 28 August 2012

Gays and Lesbians.


Gays and lesbians are despised and persecuted by religious people the world over.

Since AIDS the gay community has been in crisis.

The malevolent forces in the music and entertainment industries have compounded our suffering ten fold.

I wonder if those who take the Bible literally have ever read Ezekiel 16:

"I will restore their fortunes, the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and the fortunes of Samaria and her daughters, and I will restore your own fortunes along with theirs" Ezekiel 16:53 (NRSV)

"As for your sisters, Sodom and her daughters shall return to their former state, Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former state, and you and your daughters shall return to your former state.  Was not your sister Sodom a byword in your mouth in the day of your pride, before your wickedness was uncovered?  Now you are a mockery....."  Ezekiel 16:55-57a (NRSV)

It clearly states in the Bible that God will restore Sodom to its former state.

As for Sodom being a byword - that sounds strangely familiar.

But God is with those who suffer.

God will wipe away our tears.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Monday 27 August 2012

The Scapegoat.


"He shall take two goats and set them before the Lord at the entrance of the tent of meeting; and Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for Azazel.  Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for the Lord, and offer it as a sin-offering; but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over it, so that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel."  Leviticus 16:7-10 (NRSV)

(Azazel is thought to be a desert demon of some sort).

"When he has finished atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat.  Then Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and sending it away into the wilderness by means of someone designated for the task.  The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a barren region; and the goat shall be set free in the wilderness."  Leviticus 16:20-22 (NRSV)

This is the origin of the scapegoat.

It is ironic indeed that this grotesque ancient ritual was visited on the Jews in Germany under Adolf Hitler.

It lives in infamy as the cause of the holocaust.

It has reappeared in the modern world as blame.

During the 1980s right wing politicians scapegoated liberals and gays - making use of the fear surrounding AIDS - for political advantage.

Now we see the Vatican trying to scapegoat homosexuals in order to deflect the blame for the child sexual abuse scandals.

It is significant that Pope Benedict XVI was raised in the Hitler Youth.

(It is obvious to everyone except the Vatican that the cause of the child sexual abuse is their own policy of celibacy).

Fortunately most Christians find these suggestions ludicrous.
But there is always a minority that will take them to heart and persecute the innocent.

Will they see the truth before the Church is destroyed completely?


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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God is Love.


"'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin'"  Exodus 34:6b,7a (NRSV)

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might."  Deuteronomy 6:5 (NRSV)

"Moreover, the Lord will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live."  Deuteronomy 30:6 (NRSV)

"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."  Leviticus 19:18 (NRSV)

Many of these statements in the Old Testament are followed by threats of punishment. These are qualifications which have been added on to the statements of God's benevolent nature by frightened prophets.

An example of this practice appears in the New Testament.  In Luke 14 the story of the wedding banquet stops after the multitudes attend the banquet.  In Matthew 22, however, there is an additional sequence in which those not having an appropriate garment are cast into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This clearly demonstrates that additions of punishment were added to some sections of the Bible.

The law of the Old Testament is telling Israel how they should live in the world.  It enjoins us to live honestly, truthfully, with love and compassion for our fellows.

This is the spirit of the law which came to us out of Moses love for his people.

It is a manifestation of God's love for the world.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Sunday 26 August 2012

God's Ways.


Many people in the world are acting wrongly in the name of God.

We must have a clear understanding of God's ways:

God does not punish us for our errors.

God does not hate (or despise).

God understands all His creatures and loves them unconditionally.

God does not take sides - no one will be destroyed.

God does not kill.

God is trustworthy and reliable.

"'For I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishment.'"  Jonah 4:2b (NRSV)

Christianity is not a Revelation style battle against evil - one side against another.

Christianity is the Gospel of love :
Love your enemies.
Love God and neighbor.

The message of the prophets is one of social justice :
To care for the widow, the orphan, the stranger, the homeless.....
To treat workers fairly and provide employment for others.

"'For the Lord does not see as mortals see, they look on the outward appearance, but the lord looks on the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16:7b (NRSV)

God does not win, conquer, or dominate.

God is with the least, the forgotten, the loser.

God comes in last place.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Saturday 25 August 2012

Jonah.



The position of the prophet Jonah over the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel is most significant.

First of all it relates to the deep (the unconscious) which existed before the separation of light and darkness (the first panel of the ceiling).

Secondly, it represents the resurrection - Jonah was three days in the belly of the whale, Jesus was three days in the tomb.  This is "'the sign of the prophet Jonah'" Matthew 12:39b (NRSV) that Jesus spoke of.

Thirdly, the figure of Jonah leans heavily to the right as if casting a net.  This recalls the story when Jesus tells the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and it is overwhelmed with fish.

Fourthly, Jonah looks upwards towards the Separation of Light and Darkness. He looks directly at the light of God.  This reflects his words, "'I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishment.'"  Jonah 4:2b (NRSV)

Lastly, the last word in the story of Jonah is that God spares the city of Nineveh for pity citing many ignorant people and animals.  (This echoes God's word about Sodom and Gomorrah).

So in effect God's mercy is over the judgment.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken form the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Friday 24 August 2012

He.


It will be noted that I sometimes use the personal pronoun He when referring to God.

This is not because I wish to ascribe a gender to God but because there is no word in English which means He/She/andMore.

I use He because this is consistent with the collective unconscious archetype through which I have experienced God, i.e. The Father.

If anyone out there knows of a personal pronoun in another language which includes masculine, feminine, and more then please let me know.

You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post.


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Things to Come.


What are the changes which have come with Aquarius?

The main thing is the social safety net (welfare).
This includes things like maternity leave and superannuation.

It undermines the power of the corporations.
Which is why they constantly attack it.

After its sojourn in Capricorn Pluto moves into Aquarius (2025).
At this time we may see revolutionary changes to the power structures of society.

At present the profit oriented superannuation schemes ensure that we have no say in how our money is used.
There may be an increase in shareholder activism.

The internet will become a powerful instrument for social change.
It will harness the world's conscience.

Aquarius represents the parliament and the state.
The parliament may legislate to force the corporations to be more socially responsible.
There may be an increase in state ownership.

The attitude towards crime may become more oriented towards rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The United Nations will become more important again.

Governments may be forced to become more aid oriented.

Gay marriage will be sanctioned.

Attitudes will change.

People will become more global conscious.

Humanitarianism will thrive.

Environmentalism will increase.

We will see the end of the class system.

All these things are yet to come.


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Thursday 23 August 2012

Crystal Clear.


It's not black and white.

It's not about winning.

It's about the blossoming of the heart.
Tears, understanding, sympathy.

It's about everyone.
All are brothers and sisters.

It's not about harsh penalties.
It's about forgiveness.

It's not about revenge or retribution.
It's about another chance.

It's not about naming and shaming.
It's about reconciliation.

It's not about justifying evil.
It's about transcending evil.

Life is not God's rewards and punishments.
Life is what we do to each other.

"'Do to others as you would have them do to you.'"  Luke 6:31 (NRSV)

God withdraws to leave a space into which we can grow by putting into practice what we have learned.

The multi-media is full of Satanism.
Everyone is infected with its poison.

Our lives are ruined.
Our ideals are destroyed.
Our search is sabotaged.

We have been betrayed.
Betrayed into the hands of devils.
They have betrayed gays and lesbians.

It's subtle sabotage.
A knife in the back.

Backwards, upside-down, and negative.
The darkness of materialism and decadence.
Selfishness and superficiality rule.

Everything is taken at face value.
Despite the poison within.

"'The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16:7b (NRSV)

Man of bronze, feet of clay.
Strong, handsome exterior, fear and cowardice within.

Look beneath.
Look within.

What do you see?
What do you feel?

This is the true person.

You must have integrity.
You must have courage.
You must have love.

No one sees the devil on the stage.
No one forgives the sex offender.
No one risks radical love.

We all stick to our prejudices.
And the world is lost.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ  in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Wednesday 22 August 2012

Throwing Rocks.


"Why?  Why?  Why?"
We are constantly being told (by the media) to blame God for serious crimes.

But God is not responsible for these crimes.
We do them to each other of our own free will.

God is blameless.

We are constantly being told (by the media) to seek justice in the form of severe punishments.
"Lock them up and throw away the key."
"Make them suffer."
"Burn in hell forever."

But Jesus said to forgive those who wrong you.

God does not punish sinners.
He loves them also.
He does not condone what they do.
But He does not hate sin.

This does not make evil O.K..

God transcends worldly things.
One definition of holiness is without evil or sin.

The reason for suffering is sin.
The reason for sin is fear.
Fear is forgiven.

Rehabilitation, re-education, reconciliation.
These are God's ways.

Jesus does this when he tells the man healed of an evil spirit to go and tell the Pharisees he has been made clean and can be reconciled with society.

We are constantly told (by the media) to throw rocks at sinners, especially sex offenders.
This recalls the woman taken in adultery.
Jesus says, "'Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'"  John 8:7b (NRSV)
After they have all left he says to her, "'Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?'"  John 8:10b.
Then, "'Neither do I condemn you.  Go your way and from now on do not sin again.'"  John 8:11b (NRSV)

It has been pointed out that Jesus tells her not to sin again.
But it depends what you call sin.

Many of those opposed to homosexuality say that this applies to us.
That homosexuality is a sin.

But I disagree.
Homosexuality is no more a sin than heterosexuality.

Most people who commit serious crimes do not want to do what they are doing.
If they knew that they could appeal to God and be relieved of their sin they would be overjoyed.
But they do not.

We can pray for them to understand and be relieved of their demons.

Some say that homosexuality is a demon.
It is not.
Homosexuality is love - love for someone of the same sex.

Those who oppose homosexuality are gripped with fear - fear of transgression, fear of hell.
But there is no hell.

Homosexuality is love - love for a person of the same sex.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Tuesday 21 August 2012

Sabotage.


Aquarius will support increased equality and humanitarianism.  Globalization in the form of international brotherhood will develop.  The internet will increasingly create a global village.  We will be a family of humanity.

However, any positive effects of these strong influences will be sabotaged by Satanists in the rock music and entertainment industries.  They are already playing the role of saboteur in the rainbow generation pushing drugs, promiscuity, and insanity.

The effects of Aquarius are virtually nullified, even negative.

God's plan to make the world a better, more just place by reducing poverty and supporting the powerless will be sabotaged to the point where any benefits are negligible.  They may even make it worse through their constant efforts.

God will lose.  Aquarius will lose.

This is compounded by the fact that any humanitarian movement is opposed by rich conservatives who use their media to propagandize against anything which will cost them money or challenge their power - social or political.

They conduct hate campaigns in the media.
They try to shift public opinion.

This influence combines with the black sabotage in entertainment to make progress impossible, even though there is a clear majority of Aquarian souls.

At the moment Uranus in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn.  This means that the progressive forces will actively challenge the conservative powers.  And as Uranus is the larger planet there is some hope that the rebellious forces may win out.

The vitriol of the conservatives is caused by their fear.  The fear of socialism and losing their privileges and wealth and their hold on power.

Anything that the rainbow children may try to do will be perverted by Satanists disguised as saviors.  Bad people will be encouraged and rewarded, good people will led astray and damned so that everyone will be going to hell.  That is their intention.

(But there is no hell).

So we must make it known that rock musicians, entertainers, and sportsmen and women practice Satanism and black magic and people should not listen to them, follow them, or copy them.

Sex and drugs and rock and roll, selfishness, materialism, promiscuity, darkness, malice, lies, cowardice, opportunism, money, celebrity, fame.....
All these things will be done to sabotage Aquarius.

We are seeing the downfall of institutionalized religion.

Humanitarian work and charity are becoming secular concerns.

Spirituality is increasingly becoming individual.

But even if the rainbow children practice some sort of spirituality on an individual basis the web of evil will be too strong for them.  Nothing will work.

I know this.  I tried.

It was only when I joined a religious community and called on God through prayer that I was able to make any headway at all.

So group spirituality is necessary.
It will not work on an individual basis.

Whether this is the Church or something new I do not know but group spirituality of some sort is vital.

God does not favor an adversarial approach.  He makes peace between warring factions.  He tries to unify His house.

So instead of trying to win out against opposing forces we should try to make peace with them.

In the Church we should talk about fear and have compassion for our opponents.

In society we should have sympathy for those who manipulate, bully, and threaten us.

We can have sympathy for their fears.
  

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Monday 20 August 2012

Idols.


Men and women hanker after the idols of the earth :
riches, fame, pleasure, status, power, adulation, possessions, victory, glory.....

And they will corrupt themselves for them.  They do :
violence, torture, intimidation, extortion, lies, murder, even selling their souls.....

And the world will call them great and good, even champions of the Church.

They scapegoat the innocent and the good out of fear of losing their privileges.

Perhaps we can pity then for that.

For crime brings with it fear.
Fear of discovery.  Fear of retribution.

Pray for them to be redeemed and made free.
Free of corruption, free from avarice, free to act responsibly towards others, to provide for others, rather than amassing wealth and power.

They do crimes in the world :
exploitation, collusion, political donations, child labor, sweat shops, slavery.....

And they use their media outlets to whitewash their image, their brand names, their logos.

"Take your dividend and be happy with that."

"Don't rock the boat."

"Don't ask questions."

We profit from their crimes.

And no one says a word.


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Open Your Heart.


"'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.'"  Luke 6:27,28 (NRSV)

Always we come back to the words of Jesus :

"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"  Matthew 22:37 (NRSV)
"'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Matthew 22:39b (NRSV)

"'I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.'"  Matthew 9:13b (NRSV)

This is evidence from the mouth of Jesus that God redeems evil.

We are to treat all people on earth as our brothers and sisters.

We are to love everyone.

Spirituality is not some proposition held in our minds.

Spirituality is centered in the heart.

"'The Lord looks on the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16:7b (NRSV)

We are anchored in the love of God.

Open your heart.

Let your heart bloom like the rose.

Overcome your fear.

Give love to all.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Sunday 19 August 2012

Redemption.


God is impartial not indifferent.

"'For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.'"  Matthew 5:45b (NRSV)

Evil is a label we attach to the inexplicable.
There are reasons for evil.

"The Lord.....is patient with you, not wanting any to perish."  2 Peter 3:9 (NRSV)

But God does not do evil.

In the new paradigm - a holistic vision - the only evil is that consciously chosen by some as an intellectual alternative to good.
There is no independent source of evil.
There is no Satan.
There are no dark forces or powers.

Only God's love.

The shortcomings of humankind are enough to account for all the evil in the world.

Humans are a conglomerate of genetic and environmental factors :
Birth.  Childhood.  Education.  Experience.
All evil can be explained by these.

There is no devil.
There are no demons.
There are no dark powers.

Hitler's fury and hatred are conceptual.

Jesus' love and forgiveness are universal.

God does not destroy evil.
He redeems it.

So :
"'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.'"  Luke 6:27,28 (NRSV)


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Bad.


We are being fed bad behavior all the time on C.D. and T.V..
It is passed off as human nature.
People, especially children and adolescents, copy it without realizing what they are doing.

Death and sex are a solid diet.
It is covered up with white to blind you.

People think that because there is no Satan there can be no Satanists.
They are in denial.

There are Satanists!
They believe in Satan and act accordingly.

We're being poisoned, sabotaged, betrayed.
They hope that we will transgress.

We cannot go to hell, however.
There is no hell to go to.

But bad behavior dominates.
To the detriment of all.


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Saturday 18 August 2012

Blame.


Satanists manipulate the unconscious to create a particular effect.

That effect is blame.

Blame of hippies.

Blame of homosexuals.

This suits certain elements within the right wing.

They scapegoat their political enemies in order to win.

But the prejudice and fear which created this effect in the 1980s has diminished considerably and the result is that now the effect is much less pronounced.

In fact we are closer to a resolution.

In the end the right wing will have to accept homosexuality and socialism in the same way as they had to accept the end of slavery and women's rights.


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Friday 17 August 2012

Peace.


Upon catching sight of God everyone automatically assumes that they win.

But the problem with winning is that someone has to lose.

"'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'"  Matthew 25:40 (NRSV)

"'Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called children of God.'"  Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)

God does not win one against another, God makes peace between us.

God is not the enemy even of His own enemies.

So do not try to win but try to make peace with your enemies.

"The Lord.....is patient with you, not wanting any to perish.'"  2 Peter 3:9 (NRSV)

To God there are no sides.

The first step is forgiveness for whatever they may have done to you or your loved ones.

The object is peaceful co-existence without interference or violence.

God will let even Satanists live.  He will not punish them or force them to conform.  He will try and make peace with them.

This is wisdom.

Do not take up arms.

Pray for peace.

Peace on earth and goodwill to all.

Empower the powerless.

Respect dissenters.

Include everyone.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Thursday 16 August 2012

Homosexuality.


The reason that I have not addressed the subject of homosexuality to any great extent is because I have reached the final stage of identity development where my homosexuality has become second nature to me.  It is just one aspect of my personality and does not dominate my life.

Others have studied the subject in detail and written extensively about the Bible passages and doctrines which relate to homosexuality.  I concur with the scholarship which finds that the brief references to homosexuality have been taken out of context and misinterpreted.

Needless to say I do not believe that God condemns me because of my homosexuality. To the contrary I believe that God is using me as a gay man to make peace between His Church and the gay community.

My experience of God is that He does not harp on matters of sexual morality.  We saw this with Jesus and the woman who was taken in adultery.  He drew in the sand and refused to condemn her.
This is in striking contrast to his Church which is obsessed with sex and sexual morality.

Homosexuality is much more of a problem for God's Church than it is for God's self.

God loves me as I am.

God's presence is with me.

God speaks to me - a gay man.


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Changing Direction.


When you are under attack or being overpowered, rather than battling against your oppressor or trying to use superior force or violence, you can pray for them to understand, show mercy, and see more clearly and so open their hearts.

God does not use force or violence.

God enlightens and teaches.

Pray and study the scriptures.
Love God and your neighbor.
Resist temptation.
Pray for those who abuse you.
Love your enemies.

Open your heart.


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(The image has been slightly modified.)

The Way of the World.


The reason why most hippies and baby-boomers left the Church was because the older generation did not do what Jesus said.  They went to Church every Sunday but they did not do it.  They were asleep.

My father went to Church but in his weekly life he did not practice Christianity.  "Its a jungle out there!"  You have to compete and beat the next guy or he'll do it to you.

This culture of brutality comes from the top.  Captains of industry, our corporate leaders, have no faith in the teachings of Jesus.  They won't work.  You have to outdo the next guy.

Intimidation and threat is their answer.  They rule by violence (implied) and fear.

The answer to this of course is to have faith in the teachings of Jesus :
"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you mind.'"  Matthew 22:37 (NRSV)
"'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Matthew 22:39 (NRSV)
"'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"  Matthew 5:44 (NRSV)

And do it!

The more that the religion of force and violence is taught in our Churches the more their adherents will bully others.

Their image of God as the ultimate bully causes them to put their faith in violence and force.

This is an error.
God is not a god of judgment and punishment.
God is love.
God is forgiveness, mercy, understanding.
God is truthful, trustworthy, and reliable.

God and Jesus will come to dwell with those who do what Jesus said.

In fact the philosophy of superior force and violence is Satanism.
The biggest, baddest, bully in the jungle.

Winning by violence is the basis of black magic and witchcraft - to kill all opposition to your own will.

Perhaps this is why Satan says to Jesus that all these things - power, strength, authority - are delivered to him.

This is an illusion.
There is no Satan.
The way of the world is evil.

In fact the hippies with their philosophy of peace and love were closer to the teachings of Jesus than the Christians.
Peace, love, non-violence, anti-war, counter-culture, anti-establishment....

But the hippies were betrayed by their rock stars and reconstructed by their enemies. Most have sold out their original philosophy of peace and love and now worship selfishness and worldly success.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)


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Tuesday 14 August 2012

Bullies.


A video of a fat boy retaliating against a bully in school appeared on television.

This stimulated a debate about how to handle bullying.

The fat boy was suspended for retaliating but many supported his actions.

Bullies are people who are afraid of being bullied.  They are so frightened that they strike first in order to scare off potential predators.  They pick on people more vulnerable than themselves.  This creates the impression that they are not to be messed with.

The culture of violence comes from the top.
At the grammar school which I attended the old headmaster had been open minded and lenient.  Under him the school had had a reputation for children not bullying others. He was dismissed because the parents thought he was too weak.
The new headmaster was an Englishman who brought with him the British school tradition of discipline.  Under his authority bullying thrived.

The culture of fear and violence comes from the top.  From the headmaster to the teachers to the students.

The new headmaster at my school came from the British public school tradition of strict discipline.  This is based on violence and fear.  He may have had a violent father.  He definitely had a violent headmaster.

We can see this bullying in our politicians and media, also in sport and movies.  While we are showing our children this example we will never stop the bullying in our schools.

So the fear is passed down from generation to generation.


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Monday 13 August 2012

Love.


Life is about love.
The presence and the absence of love.

All books are about this.
Finding love, losing love.

Drugs are a substitute for love.
The feeling of love.

Fame is a pale facsimile of love.

Sex is the consummation of love.
All sex is looking for love.

To be loved is good but to love another is better.

In life we learn to give love.
To open our hearts to others.

This is the cause and the purpose of life.

Give love to whomever you encounter - near or far.


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Sunday 12 August 2012

Spirituality.


What could we be doing?

Listening to sacred music.
Thinking of the poor and disadvantaged.
Studying the scriptures.
Living forwards :
- thinking of others.
- idealism.
- voluntary poverty.
- humility.
- common sense.
- non-violence.
- enlightenment.
- people           }
- contentment} will make you happy.
- love               }
Moderation.
Sobriety.
Religion.
Spirituality.
Faithfulness.
Wholesomeness.
Self-respect.
Self-esteem.
Responsibility.
Level-headedness.
Forgiveness.
Love.
Courage.
Strength.
Truthfulness.
Trust.
Kindness.
Integrity.


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Satanism.


What is it doing?

Selling CDs.
Obsessing everyone with sport (distraction).
Making us watch.
Living backwards :
- self-centredness.
- materialism.
- status.
- egotism.
- insanity.
- violence.
- darkness.
- money}
- fame   }  will make you happy.
- sex      }
Partying (playing hard).
Drugs.
Black magic.
Witchcraft.
Promiscuity.
Depravity.
Degradation.
Humiliation.
Deadbeats (dropouts).
Bloody-mindedness (the furies).
Revenge.
Hate.
Cowardice.
Weakness.
Lies.
Distrust.
Cruelty.
Corruption.


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Friday 10 August 2012

Witchcraft.


Female rock stars use witchcraft as a source of feminine power.

They would harm you even to death.
And they would lead you into hell.

They believe that in return the devil will grant them fame and fortune.
But there is no devil in reality.
Their deal is an illusion.
Their malice is for nothing.
Fame and fortune follow talent and work not some illusory contract with the devil.

They will lie and even pray in order to whitewash their image.
But this is whiting their sepulchers.
They pose as saviors or even saints.
But they are false messiahs.
They may support gay rights but this is just a blind.
They are insincere and deceitful.
As if they could deceive the whole world.
Their prayers are blasphemy and profanity.

So look beneath the surface and you will see their evil.

Don't give them your money.
And don't follow them.

Pray to God.
And listen to His classical music.

You will be the better for it.


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Thursday 9 August 2012

Counter-Culture.


God's ways are profoundly counter-cultural.

Our culture demands that each person or family must be independent and self-sufficient.  Each must have a house or a flat with hot and cold water, a car, a television, a washing machine, a stereo, a microwave, a DVD recorder, and furniture.....

This is very good for the economy but not very good for society.  It is also very expensive.  It requires us to earn more and more money causing us to become increasingly dependent on corporate elites.

Our culture also demands that people support themselves and are not a burden to others.  This is mitigated by the welfare system which is so unpopular with the corporates.  But the welfare system is impersonal - there is no contact between the taxpayer and the recipient - this obviates any feelings of obligation or guilt.

We do not expect to help anyone outside of our family circle.
The disabled, the destitute, the marginalized are expected to look after themselves.  Even within families unmarried singles are marginalized.  For them it is cold and lonely.

This is caused by fear of obligation.  We fear that the outsider will become a burden on us so we avoid them.

God's ways are different  :
God wishes us to befriend each other, including the poor, the sick, the widow, the fatherless - i.e. the destitute, the disabled, those who are marginalized and excluded.  God wishes us to have them in our homes and feed them.

It is God's wish that we open our hearts and love one another.  Especially those beyond the church's door who may be lonely and isolated.

God's way is warm and inclusive.

We should be brothers and sisters characterized by love for each other.

Visiting, excursions, meals should not be done out of obligation or fear but out of genuine friendship and love.


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Wednesday 8 August 2012

Scoring Points.


We are so used to thinking of people as good or bad that it is hard to get out of the habit.  (In most cases we are the good guys and they are the bad guys.)

If we are to change this teaching to one of universal love we must address the resulting problems.

In order for those who have placed their value in doing good works to be O.K. it must be explained to them that they are valued and loved no matter what they have done.

Where there is fear of punishment for not doing good works it should be explained that there is no punishment in any case.

In order to be like God we must do no harm to others.

As we are encouraged to love others, helping them will follow naturally.

So we may be doing the same things but with a motivation of love rather than a motivation of fear.


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The Middle East.


The modern state of Israel was established without the consent of the local Palestinian population.

The two have virtually been at war ever since.

Until we can establish a live and let live attitude between them the use of violence and force will continue unabated.

The two peoples are children of the same God.

But it is anti-semitism to the Israelis and Zionism to the Palestinians.

They say, "We are the children of God.  They are the children of Satan."

Turning the other cheek would break the cycle of violence and revenge.

But until we can pray for our enemies and see that they are our brothers and sisters the violence will not stop.

"'What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.'"  Luke 18:27  (NRSV)


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Violence.


When a situation arises where someone is being harmed in some way:

- if it is possible to stop it without resorting to violence then we should do so without hesitation.

- if it is not possible then we should pray for the perpetrator to overcome the fears and terrors which cause them to act violently (mercy).

This extends to war:

- if it is possible to stop war without resorting to arms then we should act.

- if it is not possible then we should pray for the aggressors to overcome the fear which drives them and have a change of heart in order to stop the violence.

If we resort to arms we become entangled in violence and revenge.


N.B.  Terrorists are people who are terrified (usually of God).

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Monday 6 August 2012

What We Need to Know 2.


The Bible says to love God.
How can we love God if we are afraid?
Fear expels love.

But there is nothing to fear.
God will not punish us.

Pray to God.
Give your heart to God.
Study the scriptures.
Cry out to God in distress.
God will hear you.

We have been taught to treat God like the school headmaster.
But God is a loving Father.

We have been told that God's right hand rewards the worthy and God's left hand punishes the wicked.
But this is not so.
God's right hand prompts us and God's left hand reconciles.

We should not fear God.

If there is a question we should pray about it.
"'Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.'"  Matthew 7:7 (NRSV)

Seek God's face.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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What We Need to Know 1.


Although our minds are important - we cannot act coherently in the world without first deciding what we think - your soul is not in your head it is in your heart.

Love has always been of secondary importance in religion.  It is the perennial bridesmaid.  Many have made it second to moral rectitude, others have made it secondary to the powers of the mind, or what we believe.  Others have made love secondary to what we do in the world.

The Bhagavad-Gita says that those who choose the way of love are greater than those who mortify the body, those who seek knowledge, or those who do good works.

Paul says you can prophesy and know everything but if you have not love it means nothing.

We have been misled.  We have been told that other things are more important than love.  The world has told us that money and status and possessions will make us happy. They will not.  It is our relationships which make us happy and what is that but love.

It is important to get these things clear in our minds before we begin to act.  Jesus said, "'first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.'"  Matthew 7:5 (NRSV)

We must get these things right.  But that is no end in itself.  That is preparation for what we do next.  Which is how we live our lives.

I live my life by those things which I know to be true:
- that God is near the heart.
- that God does not punish us.
- that there are no sides/no enemies.
- that God treats sinners and saints the same.
- and that is with love.

One penny each.

We are all equal in the sight of God :
The most intelligent scholar is equal with the village idiot.
The most devout Christian is equal with the godless.

But that does not mean we receive nothing.  A penny each.  The penny is love.  And that is enough.

But we are not here to receive.  We are here to give.  To give love to whomever we meet.

Ask yourself, "What does my heart say?"  And follow that.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved,)

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Sunday 5 August 2012

The World.


God's values are not the values of the world.

The world values:
victory, fame, money, status, material possessions, physical beauty, beautiful things, pleasure, intoxication, sex.....

We are fed these values constantly by the media.

Even our education reflects these values - they are the things we are taught to aspire to.

The world loves success and power and uses violence and fear to achieve them.

But God says that what we do to the least matters.

The world cheers winners and ridicules losers.

At first we expect God to be like the world:
i.e. to win, to use violence and force, to reward and punish - these are worldly values.

Jesus' disciples constantly misunderstand him.

The Book of Revelation in which the God of power and might conquers evil reflects the worldly values of victory and glory.

But the Father judges no one.

We should help the powerless, the losers, the nobodies, the sick, the disabled, the poor.

Celebrity culture in which our attention is monopolized by the rich and famous is a thing of the world.

Idealism, charity, unselfishness, mercy, compassion, welfare, socialism, weakness, truthfulness, humility.....all these things are despised by the world.

God comes last.  He doesn't win.  And there are no sides.

It is the world that killed Jesus:
the powers and authorities of the world.

When he was captured he said nothing.  He allowed them to bruise and kill him.  And he forgave them.

God did not stop them because they would not listen to His prophet and God  does not use force.

We live in darkness in the world.

Through Jesus we begin to see.

Through prayer we come to know God.


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Saturday 4 August 2012

A Space.


When God withdraws He leaves a space for us to move into:
-to give love,
-to grow,
-to share in the work,
-not just leave it all for Him to do.

When this happens we see who will help and who will not.

"'They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.'"  Matthew 23:4 (NRSV)


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Reconciliation.


If we intend to reconcile those who have turned away from God we must first make a safe place for them to do so.

This means we must teach:

There is no judgment.
Otherwise they may become judgmental Christians.

There is no hell.
Otherwise they may turn from dragging people into hell to sending them.

There is no Satan.
Otherwise they may become violent crusaders.

Sex is O.K. with God.
Otherwise they may repress their sexuality.

Homosexuality is O.K. with God.
Otherwise they may become anti-gay.

There is no Fall.
Otherwise they may become Jesus freaks.

Christianity is not the only path to God.
Otherwise they may become exclusivist converters.

God is unconditional love.
Otherwise they may hate sinners.

In other words we must teach the new paradigm.

If we teach the new paradigm in the Churches then there will be a safe place to reconcile the Satan worshipers who control our popular culture.

This black web of evil must be replaced by a golden net of love which penetrates deeper into the unconscious than backtracking or subliminal suggestion.

This unseen hook may already exist in some of the teachings of black magic - the whole of the law is love, the rose and the lily, love is the real magic.....

As this is the truth then perhaps this is the Ariadne's thread with which they can be reconciled.

The rest is false knowledge which comes from the false teachings of the Church:

Original sin.
Judgment.
Satan.
Sex phobia.
Anti-gay teachings.
Jesus is the only path to God.
We earn salvation through good works.

These are the same things that need to be changed in order to make a safe place for reconciliation.

So the cause and the remedy are the same, i.e. to change the negative teachings of the Church.

We should advocate the new paradigm as energetically as we can so we can address the cause and the remedy for modern Satanism.

Once we have created a safe place we can call an amnesty:
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission
-where the truth is told
-and forgiveness is granted = reconciliation.

This is entirely voluntary.
They may not be willing to surrender to a judging God.

But this is a false image of God.
This is the reason that they turn to Satan in the first place.

So the false image of God must be changed.

We must teach the new paradigm - the true image of God which at the same time satisfies the intellect of a modern educated public.

Then perhaps the reconciled musicians and celebrities may spin forwards and advocate a new faith which will lead people back to God.


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The Dawn.


It has been said that the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

And when the sun rises it sheds its light on both evil and good.

You will see evil and corruption.

But you will  also see the goodness of God.

And the good news:

All are forgiven.

Peace on earth and goodwill to all.


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Friday 3 August 2012

The Darkness.


It has been said that God returns with a new revelation when the world is at its darkest.

It is dark now.

Satanism dominates the popular culture.

The official culture of the world is secular rational economic materialism - which is corrupt.

The Churches are failing and their leaders are blind.
Their cathedrals are full of violence and abuse.

War rages on.

It is dark indeed.


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Thursday 2 August 2012

The Father Judges No One.


I have never known God to be angry or to judge anyone.  God is always compassionate and understanding - knowing, as we may not, the reasons for people's actions.

Neither does Jesus judge.  When the woman who has been caught in adultery is brought before him and the Pharisees tempt him to judge her he draws in the sand and will not be moved.  "'Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'"  John 8:7b (NRSV)  When they have all left  Jesus says to her, "'Neither do I condemn you..'"  John 8:11 (NRSV)

Today we encounter such things in the ostracism of criminals and abortionists etc..

Do we realize that we are throwing rocks?

"' Your sins are forgiven.'"  Luke 7:48 (NRSV)

So we should not look to God for revenge or punishment of our enemies.  This was the mistake that David made : to assume that God was on the side of the righteous to the detriment of others.

"The Lord....is patient with you, not wanting any to perish."  2 Peter 3:9 (NRSV)

What does it mean to love your enemies?

Perhaps it means that we should understand them, understand their motives, their past.  Then we may be able to pray for them.

God exhorts us to visit criminals in prison not to throw rocks at them.

It is the lesser understanding that thinks in terms of rewards and punishments, or of combating and destroying evil.

The deeper understanding knows that there are reasons for our actions and that all people are our brothers and sisters.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Sports Commentary.


While you are watching the sport you are subtly absorbing the words of the commentators.

This is riddled with violence and Satanic ideas :

"Bashing them up like the school yard bully."
"Putting them to the sword."
"A dagger through the heart."
"Kicking them to death."
"Hurting them."
"More pain to come.'
"A world of pain."

This is done deliberately by some.

Sports obsession, celebrity culture, stardom - all these things are propagated to the detriment of life's true purpose : love, compassion, understanding, mercy, forgiveness, and social justice.


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Wednesday 1 August 2012

Prayer.


My experience of prayer is that when we pray (usually for others) we put ourselves in a state of mind which is totally benevolent - a blessing - and in this state we become merged with God in a kind of communion.

In this state we wish others well :
that they recover from illness and be made whole,
that they be helped in their troubles,
that they be comforted,
that they be strengthened,
that they be protected,
that their pain be soothed,
that their suffering be relieved.....

Sometimes we pray for improvements in the world :
more love,
more compassion,
more understanding,
peace,
generosity,
wisdom.....

"'Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'"  Matthew 5:48 (NRSV)

God is sublime, serene, sensitive, subtle, spiritual rather than spirit.

One of the definitions of the word holy is free from sin and evil = perfect = all good.

"Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another."  Zechariah 7:10b (NRSV)

Our task is to become more benevolent, more spiritual.

So, far from being morally indifferent or ambiguous, God is all good.

"'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.'"  Matthew 5:44, 45a (NRSV)

Become a living blessing to all, even those who hurt you.

Then you will be like God.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Standard Revised Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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Heaven?


"'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven'"   Matthew 5:12a (NRSV)

The idea that those who suffer on earth are rewarded in heaven is questionable.

If there is no hell because there is no punishment then perhaps there is no heaven and no reward.

The parable of the laborers may hold a clue - each receives a penny no matter how long he has worked.

There are no woes to suffer and no great rewards.  Each of us will receive a penny and that will be enough.

Mediums do not describe people in heaven or hell they describe people with their loved ones.

Love then is the key.
It has been said, "If there is a heaven it is in the human heart."
And love is its own reward.

Give love then and let that be your reward.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)

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