Monday 31 December 2018

Paganini.

                                     

When we think about the counter-culture of the 1960s and 1970s we think long hair, flared jeans, and marijuana.

This was inspired by the rock bands of the era.

Paganini was a virtuoso violinist of the early 19th Century.  It was rumored that he had sold his soul to the devil for fame and fortune and the perfection of his art.

He was known for his wild, unkempt appearance and the ferocity of his playing style.

The rock legends of the 1960s were also rumoured to have sold their souls to the devil for fame and fortune and the perfection of their art.

They were also known for their wild, unkempt appearance and their loud rock music.

We have since seen rock musicians take a different look.

But drugs and decadence are a constant theme.

My point is that perhaps the rock legends of the 1960s were devils in the style of Paganini.

Many of them followed the teachings of Aleister Crowley who was a known Satanist and black magician.  His writings include instructions on how to make a pact with the devil.

I believe that the whole of the drug-soaked counter-culture was a curse induced by the rock music of the time.

And that the rock bands that inspired it were secretly Satanic.

Jesus said that a tree is known by its fruit.

The fruits of rock music are: drug addiction, criminality, promiscuity, divorce, depression, degradation, suicide, and apostasy.

My prayer is that you will see.

And turn to God and be healed.


Photo Credit: clasic_lasuperlativ Flickr via Compfight cc

Sunday 30 December 2018

Intimacy.



Homosexualtiy is Love!


Photo Credit: hgomezherrero Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)

Monday 24 December 2018

No Hell.


The first No Hell, the angel did say,
Was to certain wise scholars in search of the day.
In search of the day when the light will be born
Into black human darkness where Jesus is scorned.

No Hell, No Hell, No Hell, No Hell.
Born is the King of Israel.

They followed a star shining in the East
That led men to freedom where ignorance ceased.
And to the Earth it gave great light
That banished the darkness of our human night.

No Hell, No Hell, No Hell, No Hell.
Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star
More wise men and women from countries afar
Came seeking truth and building upon
The firm foundation the wise men had won.

No Hell, No Hell, No Hell, No Hell.
Born is the King of Israel.

Then all agreed that God does not judge,
And all rejected the fear of His wrath.
For in the end we are blessed from above
And cherished and honored within God's Love.

No Hell, No Hell, No Hell, No Hell.
Born is the King of Israel.


Photo Credit: Wise Men.

Sunday 23 December 2018

Prayer.


May Light

Break into

Your darkness.

May Life

Vanquish

Death.

May God

Banish

The Devil.

May Love

Open

Your Heart!


Photo Credit: Alexey Lesukov.

Saturday 22 December 2018

Satanism in Sports.

                            

Satanism is rife in sports.

Whether it be football, cricket, or basketball, tennis, or even horse racing the lure of big money and fame has corrupted many.

The traditional path of selling your soul to the devil was popularized by the rock legends of the 1960s and many have secretly followed their lead.

So that now a web of evil permeates our popular culture.

Violent and sinister words and images are common in sports commentary and advertising.

So don't ignore objectionable incidents in sports.

They may be the work of Satanists hidden in our entertainment and media.


Photo Credit: cyclo1000 Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 21 December 2018

Goodness.

                            

Because most people are basically good we don't expect others to be otherwise.

So when people lie to us and cheat us we are taken by surprise.

There are people out there who delight in malice and evil.

But because this is alien to us we are unaware of it.

This is especially the case if it is covered up with a veneer of goodness.

Some people who embrace evil will delight in deceiving us.

And we swallow the deception whole.

Secretly they are laughing at us for being so naive.

So don't assume because you are good that others are good also.

This is plainly not the case.


Photo Credit: Dasha May Flickr via Compfight cc

Thursday 20 December 2018

Love Someone.

                                           

If someone came to me searching for an answer I would say to them: "Love someone."

Because love puts you in touch with your soul.

And if there is no one in your life to love then love God.

God will requite your love.


Photo Credit: alaridesign Flickr via Compfight cc

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Hearts of Stone.

                            

When we look at our darkening world we see war, poverty, violence, death.....

But most of all we see hearts of stone.

The hard-heartedness and cruelty of those in positions of privilege is unprecedented.

And what is it that hardens hearts but fear.

We have little faith.

Faith that God will provide.

But God said, "I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh."  Ezekiel 11:19 (NRSV)

This is God's promise.

And the world needs it more than ever. 


[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.]

Photo Credit: sue_p32 Flickr via Compfight cc

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Benediction.


Beautiful Angel.

Body of Life.

Eye of Light.

Agent of Love!


May your life

Be Bountiful,

Free  from danger,

And full of Joy!


Photo Credit: Colt Studio.

Monday 17 December 2018

Normal.

                            

What we consider normal is not what it seems.

Normal is to watch T.V., to listen to popular music, to go to the movies, to follow sports, to work, and to sleep.

But much of our materialistic culture is contaminated with negative messages.

Advertising on the T.V,, radio, and billboards all around us creates dissatisfaction and envy.

We are infected with viral avarice.

But quite apart from these obvious negatives our popular culture is saturated with the covert evil of Satanism.

Rock music and reality T.V., movies and sports are populated with people who have sold their souls for fame and fortune.

The products they create are dark and poisoned with evil.

I came across a movie the other day which was aimed at teenagers.  It started with the lead character - a seventeen year old girl - telling her teacher that she was going to kill herself.  It went on to depict her as a loser full of confusion, obsessed with sex, and constantly put down by her peers.

This is sabotage - self-destruction, sexpectation, and suicide - all passed off as a joke.

Reality T.V. is no better.

So don't watch something or listen to something merely because it seems normal

Look more closely and see whether it is helpful or harmful.

Then you will be free.   


Photo Credit: MCaputo_InNow Flickr via Compfight cc

Sunday 16 December 2018

Our Father.

                   

One of the theories of life on Earth maintains that God is somehow involved in everything that happens.

God is Sovereign for example.

This is  a close relative of Prosperity Theology which says that what we experience on Earth is the direct result of God's approval or disapproval.

These theories claim that God is in control.

But the Book of Job challenges these ideas.

And most people realize that what we experience on Earth does not reflect Natural Justice.

I would say that what we experience on Earth us the result of people acting out of free will.

God does not intervene unless called upon.

And God does not smite or punish evil.

"'Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
Their children are established in their presence and their offspring before their eyes.
Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them.'"  Job 21:7-9 (NRSV)

So what is God's way?

Jesus said, "'I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.'"Mark 2:17 (NRSV)

Jesus always says, "'Your sins are forgiven.'"  Mark 2:5 (NRSV)

God's way is the way of forgiveness.

The way of mercy.

The way of Love.

And His Love is for everyone.

Not just the righteous or the good.

For all are His children.

And He is our loving Father. 


[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.]

Photo Credit: Hazboy Flickr via Compfight cc

Saturday 15 December 2018

Jerusalem.

                            

"'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!'"  Matthew 23:37 (NRSV)

This is God's wish - to gather His children to Him in Love.

And who are His children?

Everyone in the world.

And why does this not happen?

Because those in charge of His religions are not willing - they do not understand Him - and they do not want this egalitarian dream.

They are full of fear.

They are full of pride.

They lust for power.

And they enjoy privilege.

It was no coincidence that it was the religious authorities who killed Jesus.

Those in league with the Roman State.

Neither was it a coincidence that creedal Christianity began at Nicaea - this is when Christianity became the State Religion.

The creeds of Christianity do not contain one word of  Jesus' teachings.

Jesus taught to love God and love our neighbor.

Jesus' only commandment was that we love one another.

This is in keeping with God's wish to gather His children to Him in Love.

This is the true Covenant.

A Covenant of Love. 


[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.]

Photo Credit: www.CoralTours.org Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 14 December 2018

God.

                            

The trouble is that human beings cannot conceive of a God who is not like us.

We judge each other.
We expect Natural Justice.
We impose rewards and punishments.
We use violence to resolve conflict.
We retaliate.
We blame.
We hate.

But God does none of these things.

God is transcendent - beyond our human failings.

God is Love.

And it is Love that He will give us.


Photo Credit: Teruhide Tomori Flickr via Compfight cc

Thursday 13 December 2018

Loved!

                            

So if God is not Natural Justice.

If God does not reward good and punish evil.

What does God do?

In the end perhaps we are not rewarded or punished.

But Loved!


Photo Credit: Iqbal Osman1 Flickr via Compfight cc

Wednesday 12 December 2018

Fall in Love.


The Waters of Aquarius

Are the Waters of Love.


Photo Credit: FotoGrazio Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)

Tuesday 11 December 2018

Respect Him.


If you love him.

You will respect him.

Respect:

His wishes.

His rights.

His vows.


Photo Credit: Musclelover.

Monday 10 December 2018

The White Horse.


The White Horse

Personifies Goodness.

He practises Virtue.

He embodies Obedience.

And he gains

The Peace of

The Garden of Heaven.


Photo Credit: Mrs Airwolfhound Flickr via Compfight cc

Sunday 9 December 2018

I Am a Rock.


I am a Rock.


I am a Child of God.

I bow only to Him.

I give Him my whole heart.

I give thanks for His Love.


I am a Rock.


I take refuge in God.

I hope in Him.

I seek His Face.

I love Him dearly.


I am a Rock.


Photo Credit: PadillaStudios Flickr via Compfight cc

Saturday 8 December 2018

Value.

                            

Do not be surprised if the world does not value you.

What God values is of no use to the world.

The world values: sex-appeal, money, ego, fame, status, possessions. power, and authority.

God values: honesty, integrity, charity, humility, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, faith, and love.

Jesus said that the world hated him.

And it was the powers and authorities of this world that killed him.

Despite what the Church may tell you.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, ' Do not look on his appearance, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16:7 (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.]

Photo Credit: lewisnjohn Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 7 December 2018

Fear.

                            

It has been said that there are only two things in the world:
Love and Fear.

So what of evil?

People turn to evil out of fear.

People corrupt themselves out of fear.

Fear that good will not work in the world.

Fear that good won't make money.

Fear of losing.

Fear of missing out.

Fear that good guys come last.

Hatred of religion and absence of faith combine to corrupt them.

And ego covers up their fear.


Photo Credit: #Bea Flickr via Compfight cc

Thursday 6 December 2018

Bad.

                                        

Who told you sex is bad?

Who sang "I'm bad!"?

Who made bad glamorous?

Who made bad good?

Contrary to popular opinion it was not the Church but Satanists in the popular culture.

Rock stars and celebrities brainwash everyone and the Church gets the blame.

This betrays their roots in Satanism.

They corrupt everyone and blame God.

This is the conundrum which we face.

So don't just take things at face value.

Look beneath the surface and see the malice and evil that lurks there.

Then you might understand.


Photo Credit: Kervin R. Flickr via Compfight cc

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Tuesday 4 December 2018

From Russia With Love.


A Romantic Russian

Basks in the balm

Of a beach sunset.


Washed by the waves

Of an Ocean

Of Love.


Photo Credit: Michael Sidorychev.

Bad Fruit.

                            

Jesus said, "'No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit.'"  Luke 6:43 (NRSV)

I would suggest that the attitude of orthodox Christianity towards sex in general, and homosexuality in particular, has borne bad fruit.

The repressive attitude which the Church has traditionally brought to sex has produced the scandals of child sexual abuse.

And its attitude to homosexuality has produced persecution of gays and lesbians all over the world.

So, if these doctrines have borne bad fruit, they must be bad doctrines.

My prayer is that the Church will wake up and change these bad doctrines before it is too late.

The Church must admit its guilt and change or Christianity will die out altogether.


[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.]

Photo Credit: Anwar.Shamim Flickr via Compfight cc

Monday 3 December 2018

Life Eaters.


When we take Communion

We eat the Bread of Life.


Photo Credit: enoc_vt Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)

Sunday 2 December 2018

Abundance.




"I came that they may have life,
and have it abundantly."  John 10:10 (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.]

Photo Credit: julien.clergeaud Flickr via Compfight cc

Saturday 1 December 2018

Life.




"What has come into being in him was life,
and the life was the light of all people."  John 1:3,4 (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.]

Photo Credit: Rorals Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 30 November 2018

Sabotage.


Bowie Clone and Upside Down.

The latest Satanic stab in the back.

Death.


And we thought it was about Rock Hudson.


Photo Credit: David Bowie.

Thursday 29 November 2018

The Holy Spirit.


The Holy Spirit.

God's Breath.

The Breath of Life.


Photo Credit: Pai Shih Flickr via Compfight cc

Love Him.


Amid

The tangled turmoil

Of Youth.

Realizing

You are Gay

Will prove

A test of

Courage

And of

Strength.

But knowing

Who you are

Will be

A Rock

Between

Desire

And Faith.

And in the end

What Saves

Is One:

Love Him.


Photo Credit: PatinaLatina Flickr via Compfight cc

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Love.

                            

How can we bring love where there is hatred?

First of all we must uncover the fear which is at the root of hatred.

Then we must address that fear.

We can remind them that God is Love.

We can encourage them to pray (for their enemies as well).

We can open our hearts and show unconditional love to everyone.


Photo Credit: pat.thom974 Flickr via Compfight cc

Tuesday 27 November 2018

Companionship.

                            

How can we bring companionship where there is loneliness?

We can remember to call someone on the phone.

We can visit someone we would normally ignore.

We can speak to someone who is left out.

We can overcome our prejudice.

We can refuse to rationalize our neglect.

We can pray for them.


Photo Credit: pinnaclepixelphoto Flickr via Compfight cc

Monday 26 November 2018

Affection.

                            

How can we bring affection where there is neglect?

First we must overcome our fears.

Then we must open our hearts to others.

We must respond to invitations.

We should not shy away from intimate contact.

We must remember those whom we neglect.

We must pray for others.


Photo Credit: primuscare Flickr via Compfight cc

Sunday 25 November 2018

Strength.

                            

How can we bring strength where there is weakness?

We must be strong ourselves.

And this does not mean forceful or violent.

We must be consistent and reliable.

We must not be afraid.

We must not judge or look down on others.

We must be patient.

We can appeal to God for strength.


Photo Credit: Nebojsa Mladjenovic Flickr via Compfight cc

Saturday 24 November 2018

Courage.

                            

How can we bring courage where there is fear?

We can show courage ourselves.

We can contradict imaginary fears.

We can encourage understanding where there is prejudice.

We can remind them that there is help available.

We can remind them that God will help.

We can encourage them to pray for help.


Photo Credit: *TheDayDreamer* Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 23 November 2018

Understanding.

                            

How can we bring understanding where there is prejudice?

We can encourage contact between the parties.

We can encourage them to have open minds.

We can contradict stereotypes and misperceptions.

We can encourage humility where there is egotism.

We can remind them that all people are equal before God.


Photo Credit: Colombaie Flickr via Compfight cc

Thursday 22 November 2018

Forgiveness.

                            

How can we bring forgiveness where there is judgement?

We can remind people that if they are judging others they are also judging themselves.

We can refuse to hold a grudge.

We can bury the hatchet.

We can start again.

We can encourage people to pray and experience the forgiveness of God.


Photo Credit: w_cbeye@sbcglobal.net Flickr via Compfight cc

Wednesday 21 November 2018

Faith.

                            

How can we bring faith where there is cynicism?

We can tell of our own faith experiences.

We can tell them how to read the Bible.

We can encourage them to pray.

We can show them the positives of religion.

We can ask for forgiveness.


Photo Credit: Trung Võ | 0908140493 Flickr via Compfight cc



Tuesday 20 November 2018

Hope.

                            

How can we bring hope where there is despair?

We can encourage people to look at the positives instead of the negatives.

We can tell them stories of unexpected good fortune.

We can tell them of miracles.

We can teach them to pray to God.

And He will give them hope.


Photo Credit: Minhson Nguyen Flickr via Compfight cc

Monday 19 November 2018

Peace.

                            

How can we bring peace where there is war?

We can initiate dialogue between the warring parties.

We can encourage forgiveness where there is injury.

We can mediate with wisdom and patience.

We can listen.

We can address each others' fears.

But if all these things fail we can pray to God for both parties to see the light and make peace.


Photo Credit: seanwalsh4 Flickr via Compfight cc

Sunday 18 November 2018

Light.

                            

How can we bring light where there is darkness?

We can apply the light which is the wisdom that we have learnt during our lives.

But ultimately the Light comes from God.

So in order to see clearly we must pray to God and form a loving relationship with Him.

Then we will begin to see clearly.

And only when we can see clearly can we bring light to others.


Photo Credit: Piyushgiri Revagar Flickr via Compfight cc

Saturday 17 November 2018

Here I Am.

                                        

Here I am, Lord.

Ready to do your work on Earth.

And what is your work on Earth?

To bring light where there is darkness.

To bring peace where there is war.

To bring hope where there is despair.

To bring faith where there is cynicism.

To bring forgiveness where there is judgement.

To bring understanding where there is prejudice.

To bring courage where there is fear.

To bring strength where there is weakness.

To bring affection where there is neglect.

To bring companionship where there is loneliness.

To bring love where there is hatred.


Photo Credit: Lawrence OP Flickr via Compfight cc

Friday 16 November 2018

Water Carriers.

                            

One of the volunteers at church commented that we all carry water with us these days.

She was referring to the bottled water that everyone consumes daily.

In response I reminded her that we all carry water in the garden due to water restrictions brought on by global warming.

We also expect bottled water at a restaurant or cafe before a meal.

I suggested that we are all Water Carriers because this is the Age of Aquarius.

The volunteer responded by informing me that she was an Aquarius herself.


Photo Credit: healthsia Flickr via Compfight cc