After viewing a few popular preachers I was instinctively turned off by their rotund appearance. I had to ask myself, 'Am I being over critical or is there a real issue here that I am just discovery that needs to be looked at closer'? You see, I thought it seemed hypocritical that Preachers are quick to condemn a carnal sin like adultery or homosexuality, but remain totally silent (it seems) on another carnal sin like gluttony. So I got my Bible out to see what it says abut over eating, and rather than give you verbatim quotes, I will give you quick summaries.
For starters, over-eating is not praised anywhere in the Bible; it is in fact looked down upon., (Proverbs 23:1-3). It is also a characteristic of ungodly people-Philippians 3:19. Can a Christians truly be holy or distinct if they cannot control their appetites? I knew a Christian that was so over-weight that whenever he talked, his breathing was very labored. How many people would find such a heavy person's witness credible or true? Isn't that another way of living in sin? Paul does tell us to be tempered in all things, (including eating) in ICorinthians 9:25-27. Common sense should tell anyone that if a person engages in excessive behavior then that behavior should disqualify them from leading others; that at least part of their lives is out of control and not under God's direction. (see Timothy 3:2 for proof). Add to the fact that there is currently a famine and a food shortage in many parts of the world only adds to the calloused nature of over eating. When we over eat our appetite becomes our god because it is that tasty morsel that ultimately concern us; not the God of the universe. (See Philippians 3:19). I pray that my attitude has not been too harsh.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
a story for Christmas
Attached is a story I wrote for a paper that was passed out locally during an outreach. It' s genre is historical fiction. In other words, the characters did exist but the dialog in the story is more to bring a point across and to give you idea what it was like living around Jesus time. Here goes:
Courage
With much being said about the Child and the recent visit of the group of Magi in our area; that caused me to recount a visit with the Child’s father Joseph Ben-Jacob, it was with the utmost curiosity that I sought out the Child’s parents; particularly the father-Joseph Ben-Jacob. As you will found out, it is fact that controversy has followed Joseph’s family that fuels such strong curiosity.
During a hospitable meal of flat bread and salted fish, we talked about many things-from yokes to dumb oxen. However the conversation took on a more serious tone when I asked Joseph this pointed question: “Joseph why did you decide to wed Mary? Nobody would have looked down upon you for divorcing her.”
Joseph paused for a moment giving me a thoughtful and intense look. He then took a deep breath and then proceeded to talk: “I did think about divorcing her. The law would not have condemned me for divorcing her. There were even those who were encouraging me to stone her.”
“But you didn’t stone her.”
“I couldn't", came Joseph’s reply in a soften voice.
Joseph continued: “There were even those who got very excited and gleeful at the idea of executing Mary by stoning her. Even though the thought of adultery from Mary pained me, I never wanted her dead. So I was going to send her away quietly with a bill of divorce.”
“But obviously you didn’t do either Joseph, what changed you mind?”
“It was a dream that I had. It was like no other dream I ever had before.”
“What made this dream so different Joseph?”
“This dream involved a visit from an Angel. This angel called me by name. This angel knew that I was thinking about divorcing Mary. This angel knew that I feared the reproach of men and for Mary’s welfare. This angel correctly identified my ancestor.”
Joseph continued: “When an angel in a dream knows you so intimately it bears all the marks of the Almighty Himself.
“What did the Angel tell you in the dream Joseph?”
“He reassured me that the Child was holy, (and not the result of adultery), and that I should proceed with the betrothal.”
“Any regrets Joseph?”
“No, but Mary still receives cold-hearted stares when she draws water. Some people seemed so disappointed that they couldn’t condemn her or brand me a fool.”
“Such courage!” came my response.
“No! Such a wonderful God that gives courage!” corrected Joseph.
Courage
With much being said about the Child and the recent visit of the group of Magi in our area; that caused me to recount a visit with the Child’s father Joseph Ben-Jacob, it was with the utmost curiosity that I sought out the Child’s parents; particularly the father-Joseph Ben-Jacob. As you will found out, it is fact that controversy has followed Joseph’s family that fuels such strong curiosity.
During a hospitable meal of flat bread and salted fish, we talked about many things-from yokes to dumb oxen. However the conversation took on a more serious tone when I asked Joseph this pointed question: “Joseph why did you decide to wed Mary? Nobody would have looked down upon you for divorcing her.”
Joseph paused for a moment giving me a thoughtful and intense look. He then took a deep breath and then proceeded to talk: “I did think about divorcing her. The law would not have condemned me for divorcing her. There were even those who were encouraging me to stone her.”
“But you didn’t stone her.”
“I couldn't", came Joseph’s reply in a soften voice.
Joseph continued: “There were even those who got very excited and gleeful at the idea of executing Mary by stoning her. Even though the thought of adultery from Mary pained me, I never wanted her dead. So I was going to send her away quietly with a bill of divorce.”
“But obviously you didn’t do either Joseph, what changed you mind?”
“It was a dream that I had. It was like no other dream I ever had before.”
“What made this dream so different Joseph?”
“This dream involved a visit from an Angel. This angel called me by name. This angel knew that I was thinking about divorcing Mary. This angel knew that I feared the reproach of men and for Mary’s welfare. This angel correctly identified my ancestor.”
Joseph continued: “When an angel in a dream knows you so intimately it bears all the marks of the Almighty Himself.
“What did the Angel tell you in the dream Joseph?”
“He reassured me that the Child was holy, (and not the result of adultery), and that I should proceed with the betrothal.”
“Any regrets Joseph?”
“No, but Mary still receives cold-hearted stares when she draws water. Some people seemed so disappointed that they couldn’t condemn her or brand me a fool.”
“Such courage!” came my response.
“No! Such a wonderful God that gives courage!” corrected Joseph.
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