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Did you know that this Hebrew word for peace is first used in Gen.15:15, where Yahweh tells Abram (later Abraham) "Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace (shalom); you shall be buried at a good old age." Since we know the divine promise was to Abraham, a "good old age" is going to be the best part of his life and joining his ancestors it's blessing of completeness (another meaning of shalom). Since "shalom" can be used for greeting or parting, it seems appropriate even in the cemetery (after a final committal is said) i.e. "For as much as the spirit of the departed has returned unto GOD who gave it, we therefore commit his body to the ground--earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust--looking forward to the general resurrection with the return of our Lord Jesus to judge the world; at Whose coming in glory and majesty, the earth and sea shall give up their dead and we shall all be changed; and along with the bodies of those who sleep in Him, to be made into the likenes of His own glorified body when this mortality puts on immortality, this corruption becomes incorrupt and this eartly one is made heavenly. So shall we ever then be with the Lord. SHALOM" or So long --for now, till we meet again in heaven.
ANGELFIRE 2-07-07 Nov.19th is President's Day as we recall that they've all been men up to now. But that could change along with so many firsts: Speaker of the House is first ever woman. First Asian to be secretary general of the U.N. First black coach to win the Super Bowl. First war (Iraq) that we ever launched pre-emptively. But back to President's Day, have you ever noticed the Lincoln Memorial picture on the green side of a five dollar bill? It seems to be set inside a football, with our national motto on top where the laceup straps would be. Is that why football's such a very American sport. In England their "football" is named rugby. It's more like soccer, which all other nations also play. But American football is our version of rugby and the main sport over here. I didn't get to see any of SuperBowl 41 down in Miami because we were conducting worship in LARC's chapel. We'd been warned that very few inmates would likely attend and that was indeed the case. But the ten of them present, with the three of us--Dallas Wade, Glen Simonsen & myself-- had a great service just the same. I sang them the new words I'd written to an Oklahoma favorite football song, Boomer Sooner: CHRIST IS COMING BACK FROM HEAVEN/ SOON HE'LL BE HERE/ SAINTS WILL ALL CHEER// COMING WITH HIM/ ARE THE SPIRITS/ THAT WERE TAKEN/ TO RE-AWAKEN// It's a brand new day for everyone/ who has gained salvation through God's heavenly Son// So the hour has come/ to be caught away/where our Savior King will have His final say// Great is the Father, great is the Son, great Holy Spirit--three in ONE.
I sang it to the inmates and Glen said I should do so again on "Song With Spoken Word." Thus, another one that I'll also sing began coming to me right then at LARC. I've named it "Christ Hearted Men." You might recognize this familiar line: "Start me with ten who are stout hearted men and I'll soon give you ten thousand more." The ten inmates attending (instead of seeing the game that I'd also have liked to watch in hope of seeing our PV player) was my inspiration. So it's my re-write of "Stout Hearted Men," which most folks my age probably will recognize. Just tune us in Thurs.6:30 as both these well known songs are "baptized" with new Jesus words. I'll also show that magnificient photo of PV's historic tower, and how it's a giant cup being lifted up. So long/Shalom
ANGELFIRE 2-10-07 I CAN ONLY GUESS WHY SOME OF "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Since He and His "cloud of witnesses" are the audience that counts most of all, then the closing was proper, even though I ran out of time before getting to lift up that sunset view of PV's historic landmark (maybe "Parousia Tower" like a huge cup with a lid on top). That's what I want for a regular closing if time doesn't run out, and I mean for more than just my little program.
Valentines are for sweethearts here in America, and I suppose all over the globe. But in marriage, that's only to our spouse. We've seen news of a female astronaut being charged with the attempted murder of her rival for a NASA guy, though she had a husband and three children. What a bizarre quick trip when she drove straight from TX to FL without any pit stops on the way, to confront (and worse) that other lady astronaut over the man. Those words of Jeremiah apply even in romance, "the heart is desperately wicked. Who can know it?" Now we have to wonder about long space journeys with mixed crews together. The same Bible words can be said about that infamous Playmate who died mysteriously back in FL, where she'd come after bearing a child in Bermuda five months ago. She was to inherit a huge fortune from her late husband, but now she too is "late." Maybe the baby girl gets the estate. But it's not a happy Valentine's climate this year. I used to like the big red heart symbol sometimes used for Jesus. There was even a song "Oh Jesus Blest Redeemer, Sent from the Heart of GOD," that's magnificient. But not romantic love, which rises out of eros (sexual attraction) rather than agape. Though the second heavenly kind is central to the Gospel, eros is the Greek word for "love" that's not in the N.T. at all. So it must describe something that's only from this flesh rather the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22). Yet the greatest commandment of all, Deut.6:5, is to love Yahweh with all our heart, soul and strength. Clearly we need regenerate hearts for such agape (Greek word). Maybe that's why the English word agape, just says "with mouth wide open." Such divine love surely is from clear out of this world. We can find it only in Christ as our Savior. He's been called "the man for others" because His whole life was giving instead of getting, others rather than Self. We are commanded to love others as much as ourself. His agape went beyond even that, when He laid down His life for sinful humanity. So our banner is the Cross. When we "cross" out self for another soul's sake, we fine our true selves being renewed in Him. Here's a song: My desire, to be like Jesus. My desire, to be like Him. His spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me. In deed and word, to be like Him."
This month celebrates the end of black slavery in our land, yet addictions are the new form of that evil. I'm indeed thankful for AA and other such programs of deliverance. So many commercials for new pharmaceutical treatments keep saying "Talk to your doctor." Now let me recomment a daily talk to Dr.Jesus. He's always available though appointments (scheduled times) are best; He's ready to listen and will offer guidance and grace for your problem or need. Just try it and see how things go in your life. I've heard that tne smoke free policy at PV General Hospital that began Jan.1 is working out. That's getting rid of some "nicotine slavery" I'd say. We can sing "Where the air is so pure..." for our Home on the Range once more.
So long/Shalom(completeness)
ANGELFIRE 2-14-07 This letter from PV's own Hooter Brewer seemed to me almost a state Centennial Valentine, as he shared memories of when we both began grade school at Lee: Joe, This...is a spin-off to the article you wrote recently about your P.V. boyhood alma nater, I was there,,. and remember singing a musical tribute to our state...When we sang it at Lee in the '30s, most of us knew that the title was Oklahoma, A Toast. We called it ...our state song.. All the teachers attended the assemblies held at the bottom of the steps at Lee when we sang it. They were: Ruby Perry--our principal and kindergarten teacher, Evelyn Baker--1st grade, Miss Hill--2nd grade, Lora Ray--3rd grade, E Edwina Ray--4th grade, Irene Murray--5th grade and Virginia Lewis--6th grade. Miss Perry would stand near the two water fountains in the center of the bottom floor and direct the singing with her eyes closed.. I never learned Miss Hill's first nam because Miss Baker decied to keep me in her room for the 2nd grade level. Miss Baker, my favorite, taught both 1st and 2nd grades to me..Another Lee favorite was Charles Rayburn. With respect we called him Charles-the-Janitor. That was his full name to us.. Facts about the two songs follow. Emmalu and prefer th words and tune of the original. Please print both if space permits.. Regards, L.E. ("Hooter") Brewer.. 6th grade class '39-'40
Surely hope both sets of words can be printed, but especially OKLAHOMA, A TOAST. I felt I was singing it's chorus from memory, but of tune for both verses I had no recollection. Just like the new one better I guess. Since I only went two years to Lee, I probably have the chorus sounding more like Boomer Sooner. When I began 3rd at a one room country school in S. IL, I saw that Lee had offered so much more. The one teacher had all six grades. There was no running water, hence the boy and girl privies out back. And no electricity. It was almost as rural as Woodland School that my brother and I had attended one summer when we lived at Ft.Arbuckle with our uncle Dick and aunt Katheryn (Hightower) Grant. I even started kindergarten in Garden City KA. Then 5th at Mt.Vernon Lincoln, 8th at Mt.Vernon Casey Jr.Hi. and 9th-10th at Mt.Vernon Township Hi. So all the memories linger, but somewhat scrambled, until 11th & 12th in PV High. So thanks Hooter, for the data at Lee.
I read again in Mt.25 the parable Jesus told of the maidens with their lamps waiting at the bride's home for the groom's arrival. "And at midnight a cry was heard: Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!" (25:6) It seemed such an unlikely hour, yet I thought of the tornados that hit in FL even later in the night, and suddenly too. It compares to other references i.e. "like a thief in the night." So the Lord's return, might be when the world is mostly asleep, as depicted in the wise and foolish virgins parable. Here and in other references, Jesus describes His return as a wedding. Thus current efforts to blur the meaning of marriage in relaxing the laws of our states are doing damage to the Gospel. Since the family is most basic to society and marriage of one man to one woman is the start up for families, ANGELFIRE supports the callfor a Constitutional amendment giving citizens such a Biblical definition. GOD's blessing has been upon our nation while His book has been it's guide. He's allowed us the freedoms we so love. But with ever increasing abuse of them, there looms a day of Wrath to come.
ANGELFIRE 2-17-07 Jim's story "Burying the Past" was timed to perfection, being on Valentine's Day and right in the middle of black-history-month. I knew that Bethlehem cemetery was African-American, but had not thought about Mt.Olivet having no black burials in all it's history. Since I go by there twice daily, I stopped to asked Mike the sexton about it. After finding the grave of Otis T. Warren, I saw where he'd lived from July '41 until Dec.'06 and felt assured that there's no such thing as race in the hereafter. Souls are without color but are all precious to GOD the Creator, while red is the color of our Redeemer's blood, and It makes all the difference for eternity. Thanks Jim for that important report.
All the news about Anna Nicole Smith's short life also fit the Feb.14 theme. It has echoed that of Marilyn Monroe's over half a century ago, who was called "America's Sweetheart" back then. If reports that Monroe was her "idol," (a word I dislike), then such a similar outcome only seems logical. And when big money gets involved, then hideous things can happen. Yet her mother will finally gain the nation's respect, if not the money. Anna Nicole certainly lost it from everyone else except lawyers pretending sympathy in order to get some of the loot. Yukety yuk.
One of the reasons for standing firm against Iran is the possibility that their leader Abudinejab might be overthrown by Iranians. If we'll just back our own Bush a little longer, we might see that happen. Bush has shown himself a tough guy, and being nice doesn't seem to work since we know how often "nice guys finish last." (especially toward macho Islamic radicals). As we keep praying for our troops, we should also include their Commander-in-Chief. Remember that Iran's ancient prophet Zoroaster taught that everything was a war between light and darkness, Mazda and Ahriman. The latter is where ancient Israel gained it's satan doctrine which is first mentioned in 1 Chr.21:1. The word means "adversary" and is a name of later inclusion in our Bible. Now Iran and radical Islam use it to describe us as "The Great Satan." One way to refute such a charge is for Americans to live as a Godly people. See any such signs in the daily news? Yet our media constantly flaunt the opposite and glorify a Vegas type culture. Sometimes I feel that they are actually on the other side because Satan seems much more exciting! Do you? Those holy people of ancient Israel would have stoned such women as Monroe or Anna Nicole instead of drinking in their whole cup of poison. So long for now
ANGELFIRE 2-22-07 How good to see all the improvements to be added in Garvin county from the vote last week. Yet city elections are still to come. So as I write this on President's Day, let me again recall America's "cowboy president" Teddy Roosevelt, whose term was right before our statehood began in 1907. PV's historic tower of 1903 is like a big teddy bear to me. He must have been of help to us for getting into the Union. And besides seeing Tom Mix, Roy Rodgers and Gene Autry movies, I also recall my "kin folks," the Grant brothers of Ft.Arbuckle: T.S.(Tom), C.W. (my uncle Dick), and Perrin (Britches). Dick could tell tales from the cowboy era to us kids like none I've heard since. And they showed a love for that big Arbuckle Ranch which all three sons had inherited. It was just west of the Indian Meridian, as well as that famous Chisholm trail up to Dodge City. We know the claim of that place to be a Cowboy Capital,(mainly from being on the railroad to ship cattle). Once "Dodge" was a main car brand, but now it means trouble. I was somewhat offended by a comparison of PV to it that I read in the Democrat last month. I this as a peaceful place. Movies like "High Noon" showing a small town shoot out are the image that place in KA has. "Getting out of Dodge" is an expression for avoiding some hostile standoff or showdown.
Yet Iraq looks that way now with Bush vs Abudinejab. A cowboy shootout is when irate words leave two cowpokes approaching each other to settle anger with their fists, and one reaches for his gun instead. The other has to be quicker on the draw and shoot first, or he's a goner. If he lives, his reputation stays clear, since the other went first for a lethal weapon. The rest of the nations are trying to get out of Iraq (or Dodge) as the deadline on Iran arrives to back off of making nuclear power. And now Russia's Putin appears to be taking their side. Since GW is from that cowboy state of Texas, he may swagger some but he's not bluffing, as I see it. Now some critics have said that the deal six countries have reached with N.Korea to stop their nukes, may yet cause Iran to try holding out for bigger pay-off concessions from us; but if it gets a fist fight instead of shootout for right now, that's ok. Though with all that oil, Iran doesn't really need nuclear power very much. Abudinejab must also have his eye on nukes down the road, and may eventually have them, unless he's overthrown by other Iranians who are not just trying to get out of Dodge. Again I say, let's pray for our president. So long for now
ANGELFIRE 2-25-07 One show I like on our local channel KJCS is at 8 every Sunday morning, when Jack Pack presents various music groups. A song they sometimes offer is "God on the Mountain." I think the lady's name is Peggy who sings it so dramatically: "Life is easy when you're on the mountain with the One Who hears you're prayer. Then things change and you're down in the Valley where you try to reach Him, yet He doesn't seem down there. But God on the mountain is still God in the Valley. When things go wrong, He'll sure make them right. And the God of the good times is the God of our bad times just as God of the daytime, is still God in the night."
I just wrote that from memory, so may not have the exact wording. Just wanted to pass on the blessing it's been to me as well as the Scripture and good message Jack always has right at eight oclock. Those call letters mean "King Jesus Is Coming Soon," which is the blessed hope we share when we believe the Gospel. I've always sought to relate it to cosmology (creation of the whole universe). On OETA I watched an interview of a professor in that study tell of his book "View From the Center of the Universe." His wife co-authored it and she's a philosophy scholar. The mood of their "View" is not to articulate theology but to strongly imply a Supreme Intent that is demonstrated from our earthly location, right were we are finally able to behold the cosmos in this 21st century of "probability thinking." Listening to them was like a wind from heaven blowing into my mind (long since regenerated from science and philosophy into faith and prayer). For me that "Intent" originates in the Hebrew's highest heaven, SHAMAYIM-- dwelling place of GOD and all the Holy Angels. It's beyond the rim of physical creation (which Aristotle called "metaphysics" when he set down his frame of physical or objective reality for this world) which natural science has abolished from it's secular agenda, considering it mere speculation. I usually spell the divine name in capitals to depict transcendance, which means above and beyond this immanent realm that we humans can almost fully investigate through our microscopes/telescopes/electroniscopes. So in this age of probability thinking, we are seeing divine design as more probable, rather than mere chance and chaos (factors mentioned in Genesis 1:2 as "darkness on the face of the deep"). So long for now...
ANGELFIRE 2-28-07 If you read the Democrat's comic strip Geezer, who is our own PV superhero, then you've seen the repair he just made of our historic tower and the word he painted up on it. It's a term that links so much with the state of Israel, though it's known internationally for "peace." First use of it in the Bible is Gen.15:15 about Abraham. That's where we get R.I.P. as a standard inscription on tomb stones (rest in peace). And it also links to Jerusalem (city of peace). In Ezra 4 we learn that when the Jews who returned from captivity in Babylon, were rebuilding it, some Samaritans wrote to king Artaxerxes in Persia saying they had previously been barred from such reconstruction. So the king stopped them. But in Ezra 5 we read later where Darius the Mead, who had conquered Persia, allowed and gave aid to their mission. He'd found records where Cyrus the Great had also ordered such help before him. Thus Jerusalem was not a city for rebellion, but peace (salem) among the nations. So Zerubabbel came back to rebuild it's temple and Nehemiah also to erect again it's walls. All that is voiced in the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom." Thus, it's use for both greeting or parting by modern Israelis. What a wealth of Bible history it retains. In Tel Aviv, at the main street's north end, is a tall building named Migdal Shalom, or Tower of Peace. It's the main target that Iran probably want's to hit whenever they make a nuke. They've used Scuds in previous attacks, but like their ancient Persian ancestors, they still hate the Jews and seek to replace them with their Islamic salaam (peace) instead. A new coat of paint on our PV historic tower can now mean peace in both terms of shalom or salaam; especially if it's painted white, which is an international cease-fire color.
So long for now...