ANGELFIRE 10-14-08 Another millionaire space tourist has arrived at the ISS (International Space Station) to spend a seek or so with the two crewmen there. They will come back together, as new a new crew arrives. The American guest made his fortune in Video Games which have become a major world wide industry by now, but his father was famous as an American astronaut and this trip has been the son's lifelong dream. I'm guessing that Columbus must have sewed the seed of such yearning, which we still glorify here in the USA. Space travel has given this Age of Humanity a new paradigm for leaving the Old World and going beyond it. I watched that voyage depicted in 1492 on channel #61, which told of three successive other ones which left Christopher bankrupt and out of royal favor with the Spanish monarch. Thus his name wasn't used for designaion of the New World, but that of the writer named Americus Vesputus (North and South America). Columbus finally back home in Italy lay poor and forsaken by his wealthy friends, bankrupt and disillusioned, yet still praying as he died. It was two more centuries before he gained the fame due him for that Oct.12 discovery as Admiral of the Nina, Penta and Santa Marie. It was the English who acknowledged it and him the credit. So we celebrate that event with our Columbus Day. And maybe America's root of ambition in life is drawn from such an example, flawed though it was in other ways, to never turn back. Now millionaires visiting the ISS continue such a theme. Yet there's greater adventure for all who walk daily in the footsteps of Christ. He leads us into an eternal realm of heavenly glory. As I read from Acts 3 just now, it brought back a song version of that prayer miracle adventure I've always enjoyed: "Peter and John went to pray. They met a lame man on the way. He stuck our his palm and asked for an alm and this is what Peter did say, 'Silver and gold have I none. But such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.' He went walking and leaping and praising GOD, walking and leaping and praising GOD (repeat to ending) 'I say to thee rise up and walk.' It was the power of heaven demonstrated there and then as a heavenly breakthrough right after the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Apostles plus others. And that's glorious beyond all human achievement. Next year, 2009, has been designated International Year of Astronomy by the UN. It will begin with a global meeting of astronomers in Paris and the agreement most have reached on cosmology. It is called The Standard Model (or Big Bang theory). Another view named Plasma Cosmology is sure to draw attention and may upset TSM, or even replace it. But The Standard Model still has room for Creation of this universe, which Plasma Cosmology might make void. My hope is for a convergance of both in the science of astrophysics to the glory of GOD, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. Solong/Shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 10-17-08 This column seeks to view heavenly reality being shown to us already in earthly eventualities. You might say it's a parabolic way of thinking. Or perhaps analogical or metaphoric mindset of a seer. But the effort to pick a place for Garvin county to locate it's 911 center gives me Godly thoughs because that's the number to call for help. And all over our land it's known that way. Now with the economic crisis we are seeing the government's trying to become our 911. Yet there could be a slash in that sort of earthly help--Godless but not Satanic like 9/11. The way we say the numbers can reverse their meaning: "nine one one," or "nine eleven." What a radical swing the second is from the first. We want none of that at all. Yet Nine One One sounds heavenly, doesn't it. Of course it carries a sense of urgeny also. To be able to punch it in without any other numbers is just super, because in an emerency our minds should not have to endure any hinderance or distraction. I wish the new center could be located right beneath PV's Historic Tower, just for symbolism, though it's not likely to be feasible. Yet that way the uplook would be suggested by it's pointed cap on top. So even down in our beloved Valley, the outlook for emergencies would be also an UPLOOK (toward the heavenly Father). Shalom from the seer, JosephA@webtv.net
ANGELFIRE 10-22-08 "Joe the plumber" is a powerful new voice in our presidential race. I saw him interviewed last night and really liked the guy. First view of him had been a couple of weeks ago with his wrench lifted up in hand protesting so much government take over in business. Though he had not attended the Obama rally, he was engulfed at work by the crowd. So he made his protest against so much "socialism" coming into America. Of course that word is a no no for both political parties. But it launched him into the lime light. I've long wondered where that expression of "calling a spade a spade" had come from. Had thought perhaps from poker, since that ace of the game is so prominent, and other suits run as diamonds, hearts, clubs clear down to spades (first two so nice but the second two sounding a bit brutal). My dad, who really knew the game, used to tell us boys to wash up for dinner because our hands were "black as the ace of spades." That was when we shovelled coal up in IL way back in the thirties. Yet now I can see plumbing as where "calling a spade a spade" began. They have to use such a tool quite often for real down to earth work that often gets dirty. Your household plumbing runs down underground, where plumbers may have to go to unclog the drain pipes. We hired a couple of PV guys to fix ours here at the Pinkhouse last year. And they got it done to keep on working, where others had only evaded our deeper problem. When I asked the two why good plumbers were so hard to find, they said that our Vo-Tech schools don't recruit and train enough of them. Now this "Good Joe" in current political news is a symbol to me of our need for the nation. Just as a household must have the free flow of good water in and waste water out, a country needs fresh rivers flowing into the land and drainage flowing out. That's parallel to the nation's political life as well. I still remember my visit for a month in England back in the sixties, how pleased citizens were with their newly begun socialism. Then it got such a choke hold on their economy that rationing later became common; finally Margaret Thatcher was elected to break it up when she became their Prime Minister. And I've prayed we don't ever go down that same road here in the US. We've long sung "God Bless America" and thus far He has allowed us to stay a free nation which still votes. As we look to casting ours two weeks from now, let's seek His will at the ballot box. It's like the "secret place" where our Lord Jesus said to go and pray; not to be seen of men on earth but rather heard on High, so that even this realm of dirt can be "plumbed" sacred, to the glory of GOD our Father and Yoshua the Son our Savior. SoLong, Shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 10-24-08 One headline today say's "Nervous US Optimistic on Economy." That's just five words that surely give us all a lift. I marvel at how much a potent headline can do for even this little column, though I'm never told who creates them. So with the global recession all around, America still has kept some optimism. Hallelujah! Yet pungent brief affirmations can also be so potent as to provoke animosity. Some might even read MS-NBC's with "what a blind nation" as their angry reaction. "Doesn't everyone know we're on the edge of bankruptcy?" They see all the bail-outs with everyone wanting more help in their finances!" Here at Halloween it's super scarey as we see how we fit the description Shakespeare gave in words of that Elf, "What fools these mortals be." Puck was talking about amorous affairs, yet monetary matters rate even more to us Americans. I saw this other heading on CNN: "Palin Goes Glam" and so had to ask Niece if that 150,000 bucks she's spent to dress herself up fancy wasn't way too brash at this stressful hour. Niece said no, that it probably wasn't her own idea, but the Republican party's for some glamor. Must be hard getting used that way in politics, though we know how much pretty looks count in this TV age. I'd rather just see all the bright colored pumpkins shining here in WW's PUMPKINFEST. My late uncle C. L.. Hightower used to call his lovely young California wife "Punkin." I learne that it was an expression of endearment in times long past. Now, if Sarah Palin really wants to "Go Glam" she could bring her new make-up and clothing wardrobe stash of cash down here to WW on Sat. Oh yes, then also go up to the third birthday celebration at PV's Toy & Action Figure Museum. I frequently watch C-NBC to learn how the oil market's declining and the Dow too. Gasoline gets cheaper every week which I like. Thus our Dollar continues to rise against the Euro. Which also seems good to me, yet petroleum is still the "black gold" of this era despite all our efforts to switch to alternates. So let's pray for the Lord's coming again very soon, as this old world disappears into the past. Here's a song of our Hebrew Savior that I love: "Turn your eyes upon YOSHUA, Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." SoLong, Shalom, JA
ANGELFIRE 10-29-08 Growing up in PV always going to church, one of my favorite songs there was "Master the Tempest is Raging," that's also so apt nowadays It described how the Apostles felt aboard that ship they feared would sink during the storm at sea. Searching for the Lord, they found Him sleeping peacefully and woke Him with their cries of alarm: "Carest thou not that we perish? How canst thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatn'ing a grave in the angry deep?" It's exactly like the opening chapter of Jonah. Yet Jonah was disobedient in running from GOD, while the Savior demonstrates the peace (shalom) of absolute obedience. And from that Divine example, they draw inner strength as He takes command: "The winds and the waves shall obey my will, PEACE, BE STILL! Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea, or demons, or men or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies; They all shall sweetly obey My will! PEACE, be still, PEACE, be still! (repeat with ending as) PEACE PEACE be still!" That double "shalom" means perfection or perfect peace in Hebrew. It's how the text goes "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." (Isa.26:3) Recently I've been reading a book on prayer by Andrew Murray (19th century missionary writer down in Africa) entitled "With Christ in the School of Prayer." What a resource we have in prayer. And yet we neglect it to our own peril. Jesus clearly showed us the way as He slept (like deep prayer?) during that storm at sea. Their anxious cries (prayers) intruded into His somnambulism of perfect shalom until He woke up and took command of their frightful situation. Though alike, it also made a profound contrast to Jonah's storm at sea response. Still, He reinacted that prophet's being swallowed by the monster Leviathon just as our Lord went to the cross and into death to then rise up victorious. In our private prayer time we can also make our spiritual journey when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ daily, hourly and "moment by moment" (which is another song I've recalled and sing by heart mentally at quiet times). That's why I enjoy singing aloud anywhere I'm welcome. It's always for the King who is coming any day now after His people, all those who trust in Him despite the storms of life. SoLong/shalom-shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 10-31-08 We ended last time with mention of "Moment by Moment," a song giving existential expression to the Gospel: "Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine; living with Jesus a new life divine; Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine, Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine." Written back in 1921 by May Moody, it yet shows our election (just days away) as a National Moment for Christians. Nearly a century ago that song fit the new age of Prohibition that had just begun. By '33 the nobel experiment was discarded, though it did leave an enduring imprint. Tuesday's outcome offers more/less reliance on government, though it's not nearly as conspicuous here almost a century later. The import of that song was the individual's accountability, which has been basic to America. But it's been gradually fading unless Nov.4 brings a turn around. Afterward, 2009 is going to be the International Year of Astronomy sponsored by UNESCO. That search for thd Higgs boson will be resumed at the Large Hadron Collider near Geneva which belongs to CERN. Some have called it "the God particle" because finding it will verity a divine Creator. It seems the Big Bang theory is gaining credibility in contemporary astronomy, and it leaves room for a "SOMEONE in the great somewhere." That quote is from a song my dad loved called "I Believe." It was popular back in the fifties, but atheism has grown enormously since then. In fact, what I've read about plasma cosmology, newest discovery in cosmology, may be pointed in that direction. It's proponents are critical of Albert Einstein's lead beyond three dimensional matter, though he believed in a Creator. We welcomed him here when the Jews were so persecuted his native Germany. Now his name is revered amongst us, though Muslim nations don't share our feeling. His E=Mc2 was basic to our making of the A-bomb in '45. And sub-atomic physics has now extended it's impact into astrophysics, where gravity no longer is seen to rule. Electro-magnetism is the Force in the macrocosm instead, and even redefining the microcosm. Unless the Christ returns first, we'll all be learning about a "Cosmic Web" in 2009. Instead of that United Field Theory sought after by Einstein's disciples, it's a uniting of all creation by plasma filaments (strands) that link up planets, stars, nebula and galaxies. They carry the current which is lighting our sun, named Sol, much like electricity does towns and cities. Plasma is the 4th state of matter now being found throughout all Creation, but known down here on Earth in the neon we've long seen as stuff (not gas but plasma) inside those glowing signs which light up as signs (and even florescent tubes). So fasten your seat belts everyone for an awesome YEAR! I mean "buckle up" with regular Bible reading and prayer. Such preserves your moment by moment existence, until He appears in glory! SoLong and Shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 11-07-08 WW had it's Pumpkin Festival with a beautiful pumpkin patch, but it's all gone now except for "Howdy" (world's tallest scarecrow) who still stands on Kerr Blvd. We missed him for a year or two, but he/she is dressed in new attire giving the warm welcome to all crossing our town on highway 29. And Americans have made their choice between more than black or white Tuesday. It was also young adult Obama winning over senior citizen McCain to lead us in the coming four years. So next time it could be choosing which female president, Hillary or Palin. We see old barriers keep falling as we venture into new arenas of history. But I don't guess we'll ever have a teen elected to the top post, as Muskogee did for their mayor a couple of months ago. He's been on TV and become famous for being the youngest one anywhere. He will surely go on to greater things in OK, and maybe beyond. It inspires me after all my years here on Earth, and keeps me reaching out in faith. My own was given a lift by the tide of change shown in our great state of CA, where marriage is now being Biblically reaffirmed . And all those gay unions that surged out there may yet be ruled illegal under state law. That Constitutional marriage amendment is again being considered to define it according to the Book, between one man and one woman; though getting passage had seemed nearly impossible just months ago. Now a major state like CA could set for us a conservative trend (even as we are headed for letting down so many other barriers). It now appears that several large minority groups across the land are favoring a Biblical marriage law. And the issue could become another sign of our Savior's soon return for His Bride. We must not forget that the Gospel includes hope of final redemption. Theologians use a Greek word, parousia, which was borrowed from the days of Alexander the Great. In his empire, the king of a particular nation would suddenly "appear" at it's main city for a surprise inspection. Then he would subsequently report to the Emperor, which was judgement day for that nation. Thus the greatest Parousia is when King Jesus re-visits this world for a final report to His Father, ALMIGHTY GOD. Our world has now become fully globalized and everything fits together for that awesome event to take place. Even the International Year of Astronomy, IYA2009, which ANGELFIRE has previously mentioned, might just be a stage setting for His "glorious appearing" which Christians await as the blessed hope: good news for those who have made ready and a time of terror to all who are unprepared. I hear the clock in downtown PV as it gongs as "Christ will be here. Let's make ready. Soon He'll appear, so hold steady." SoLong & Shalom JosephA
ANGELFIRE 11-11-08 Our Weekend edition story on Glen Murray's survival through WW II was just right for this Veteran's Day. He and wife Betty are surely a blessing to PV, along with so many veterans from that and other US wars. But the warfare for individual human survival is universal. And in it each birthday celebrates one's continued Earthly existence. We live on by winning battles against disease, accident or calamity until finally we finish our course. Having a sense of purpose gives us the motivation to overcome despair, which Satan trys to impose. The Captain of our salvation faced him on the Cross and won a victory that's confirmed by that glorious Resurrection. Of course, I mean the Lord Jesus Christ, who transcends "religion." Our LJC is presently at the right hand of POWER, from where He will finally return to reign on Earth; but He can also be with us personally in each moment of combat against our enemy down here, the devil. So keep on praying and trusting in the Lord Jesus, who loves you and wants to be your nearest and dearest Friend. I've been reading up on astronomy again for 2009 which is the IYA (International Year of Astronomy). The vastness of this Universe can frighten your soul unless you keep in touch with it's Creator: "The Word (or Son) was with God and the Word was God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." Jn.1:2&3. Believers know Ultimates by faith, which are clear beyond the science of astronomy. Such is stated in Heb.11, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Of course Satan will be using his devious tactics to delete any evidence of a creation or of the Creator. I tend to sense him in that "Principle of Uncertainly" added to 20th century physics (1927 by Heisenberg, Hitler's favorite scientist). But the Bible starts with GOD/Elohim; "In the beginning..."/ It's not the personal Name YAHWEH, but can be read in the plural so as to include Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Now what I've said is not just "religion" being imposed on nature, but far deeper reality which is more basic than even the facts of natural science. Let's keep the faith and all fight the good fight, till our Lord and Savior returns with the spirits of the departed saints plus the holy angels angels, as He comes in His full glory! Shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 11-14-08 The familiar G-7 is being enlarged by 13 more nations, so that it's G-20 meeting tomorrow (Sat.) here in our D.C. area. It's patterned after the one in Brenton Woods, N.H., back in '44. That time it set up plans for economic reconstruction of those we defeated in WWII. They could use our dollar as their monetary standard. That way we'd make them loans and our banks would prosper along with their recovery. It was a financial blessing both ways drawn from America's forgiving outlook. We'd stand tall as they were flat on their faces. Ever since then our dollar has enjoyed special rank, until now. Added to this planning group for the global economy are those wanting to move away from our dollar's special place: Brazil, India, China, Russia, S.Africa, Mexico, and Turkey. The original seven will feel it's sway diminished in finance as the IMF and World Bank undergo changes from this summit. French president Sarkosy gave GW the idea for it in a meeting they had at Camp David recently. Instead of being coach, we'll be just a player on the team hereafter. Maybe that's better, but then who is taking over? As the Democrats take over it does look more democratic world wide, though our long joy ride on the dollar is coming to an end. I've been reading Scriptures on wealth and they point above as the Source. Though ungodliness has grown widespread in our land, the LORD has been patient when we repent of our money worship (avarice). Wealth is a powerful tool, but becomes satanic when it gets our full allegiance. The very name of Wall Street now has a smell of rotten eggs (instead of nest eggs). We must seek first the Kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, trusting that all our other needs will be added unto us. Thus our Savior taught in His sermon on the mount. And thus He demonstrated in a life of absolute obedience to the Father. Now we await His return with heavenly reward for all the faithful. Financial Secretary Henry Paulson asked for a trillion dollar bail-out saying that we faced a financial Armageddon. We are seeing how much more it may cost now, and wondering if another five trillion might yet be needed. Still, faithful believers have a greater treasure within us, "Christ, the hope of glory." I feel betrayed now by that "compassionate conservatism" talk, but will keep looking unto JESUS, the author and finisher or our faith. He will "finish" it by coming back again! "What a day that will be, when my Savior I shall see. The One who saved me by His grace, and I shall look upon His face. Then He'll take me by the hand and lead me through the Promised Land. What a day, glorious DAY, that will be!" SoLong/Shalom, JosephA
LORD'sDAYextra Have not written this for a long time (for online readers only). The word "duplicity" fits so much of life in this hypocritical world. It means cunning or deception and is encountered at every turn in human relations. As I face another birthday this month, I wonder if being born in 1927, year of The Principle of Uncertainty, has any connection. That seems to be the opening for evil in this physical Universe. The devil can slip through it's cracks, which are found mostly in man himself. With Halloween just past, I also think of the false faces we put on to fool each other. That's more than just child play. It's rampant in politics, public affairs and even private relationships. So duplicity is why this is a fallen world in which we mortals exist. I was nine years old when I first encluntered leaving it. It was when I'd sneaked my brother's bike onto a driveway than ran down to the highway. I wanted to show the other kids I could stay up on it, so I shouted to them riding it down the drive. All I'd learned was to stay erect, but not how to stop. As a car was coming I should have turned but could only concentrate on not falling to either side. A voice inside said "Going to see God and all the holy angels" as I plunged straight ahead. The car full of school teachers hit me straight on and I flew up off the bike, then down on the pavement to crack my skull. I only recall waking up in the hospital next day with my head in a bandage. Now it's going to be nine-times-nine (nine, like months till birth, means new. So I'll turn super new. In astronomy it "nova.") years and I still recall that Voice, "Going to see God and all the holy angels." Maybe that will be IYA2009. Or better still, the glorious appearing of King Jesus at His return from heaven. Hallelujah There is no duplicity in Him nor the departed saints He will be bringing for Resurrection Day. Satan will be banished away, along with lies and deceptions. Shalom=peace,prosperity&progress for His own
ANGELFIRE 11-18-08 It's Tuesday and I trust my car will start as usual to go for the papers. What would we do without our automobiles? Yet it appears this morning that the Big Three bail-out is in jeopardy because of opposition in Congress, mostly from Republicans. Since all 77 of our counties (sacred number) here in OK voted for McCain, I feel sure there's no tears locally for Chrysler, Ford and GM; especially the last biggie. It's long been seen as some sort of royalty, ever since Eisenhouer's era when that word "affluence" became so common. Then I recall in '79 how Chrysler got bailed out. Bob Martin and I have talked about it several times lately. He feels it was a good thing that paid for itself, but I've had my doubts because it set a precedent that GM would like to follow now, even though it's their own fault that they've been making too many kinds of cars and with union labor that causes their non-competitive prices. So now, looking at bankruptcy, they have their hand out for a federal rescue. Did you see Sunday's cartoon in the Democrat? Uncle Sam was facing an ocean of outstretched hands, all of them with pleading palms up positions. He was still standing tall, but could soon have both pockets pulled out empty. In my teen days they called that showing your "Hoover flags" as your pockets hung out on both sides of your trousers. It was just a way to demonstrate that you were broke, saying "Can't you see my flags." But those were actually days during WWII when prosperity had returned, so we could joke about being broke. As I think of today's global economic crisis, I wonder what will give us positive motivation without a big war. Having the Axis powers for our common enemy certainly did energize all Americans. Of course every civilized nation now will surely oppose terrorism (and politicians can make the most of that). But maybe this war on it has found a satan that's necessary even for economic motivation. Though the real Satan is far too subtle to be so easily used for temporal purposes. He infiltrates our politics and even the noblest schemes of man with his vile, deceptive cunning ways. I think Neocons took us in with a notion that being pro-Israel would enable us to have unlimited debt because we're on God's side. What a twist! Thus, in 1 Cor.13 we read those familiar words of Paul's example, "When I was a child I thought as a child,... but when I grew up, I put away childishness." We need adult attitudes in our nation's leadership to deal with the hard realities ahead. For such we must keep praying. Adult faith is a prayerful perspective toward all current events; a true GOD CONSCIOUSNESS, which includes the blessed hope of our Lord's soon return. Come Lord Jesus! SoLong/Shalom, JosephA@webtv.net
ANGELFIRE 11-21-08 If you noticed, my column for today came out Wed. instead, so now I'll must use a song of this Thanksgiving season. It was composed by David, the shepherd boy who became Israel's beloved king, Ps.23. We forget that these were to be sung in worship, so here's a contemporary John R.Peterson version that hints also of the Mayflower voyage: "A pilgrim was I and a-wand'rin, In the cold dark of sin I did roam; When JESUS, the kind Shepherd found me. And now I am on my way home. SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS, ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE (repeat). He restoreth my soul when I'm weary, He giveth me strength day by day. He leads me beside the still waters. He guards me each step of the way. (chorus above) When I walk thru the dark lonesome valley, my Savior will walk with me there. And safely His great hand will lead me to mansions He's gone to prepare. And I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever. And I shall feast at the table spread for me. (chorus)." Implicit herein is our Savior's final return for His church, which will continue an everlasting Communion with Him and together with one another. Such a glorious "Thanksgiving" that will be. He's letting me see things ahead of time now, like today's column already given to me on Tuesday. Then wasn't that a fine photo of a model Mayflower in our Wed. edition, being viewed by children at the library. A blessed American holiday is THANKSGIVING. SoLong/Shalom, JosephA
ANGELFIRE 11-28-08 As we turn attention now from Thanksgiving Day to Nativity Night, we've already been reminded that it all begins with giving. Ps.92 says "It's a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD; and to sing praised unto Thy Name, O Most High. To show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness at night." So an attitude of gratitude begins with the vertical dimension at Xgiving and then grows also horizontally, as we prepare to greet the One born for others down here on Earth. The Cross links both dimensions, vertical in the shema (thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength) and the horizontal as our royal law (it is more blessed to give than to receive). Christ united the good, the true and the beautiful in a sinless and perfect life offered up to His Almighty Father. And that Incarnate life began with His birthday. So I call it "Christbirth," to describe the blessed Event in Bethleham where Mary delivered her firstborn from above in that stable, to lay Him in a manger. The big division in church history between Catholic/Protestants and Eastern Orthodox Christians is about the Incarnation (GOD becoming a human) and the Atonement (Jesus the Son paying our debt for sin). The latter way has been our Catholic/Protestant view, while Orthodoxy stresses the former. Thus, while we in the West proclaim what Christ did for us, they focus on what He continues to do in us. Justification and sanctification are the theological terms for each truth, both being part of the whole Gospel. So piety spreading later among Protestants has brought back much of the Eastern element, though it's still based on the Atonement. And we really celebrate that with our Good Friday/Resurrection days. As we look now toward the International Year of Astronomy, IYA2009, the issue of creation will get new attention I'm sure. And Christians need to be anchored in Scripture because there will so much of that New Age interpretation surfacing again, which call's the Universe enough of God in it's self, so that no Creator exists. Let's read again Gen.1 and Jn.1 to get O.T. & N.T. texts for standing firm (if that year does actually come to pass). It will mark the 400th anniversary of Galileo's break with the medieval earth centered view of the Universe, as he sided with the astronomer Copernicus who showed that it moves around the sun. Now we know that it's all too vast for us to even look for a center. But we believers must keep centered in the faith of a divine Creator who also owns this world. "The earth(universe) is the LORD'S and the fullness thereof; the world and all those who dwell therein" Ps.24. When you've made something, you own it; but you might need buy it back out of love if it should be stolen. Thus the Gospel of our loving Savior who redeems us from death and satan, and is soon coming again for His own; Sing it with me JESUS IS HIS NAME, YES JESUS IS HIS NAME. JESUS IS HIS NAME, OUR SAVIOR. ANGELS PROSTRATE FALL. CROWN HIM LORD OF ALL. YES, JESUS IS HIS NAME. SoLong&Shalom, JospehA@webtv.net
LORDsDAYextra 11-30-08 I'm a day late with this but just have several unedited ideas. The studies I've done toward IYA2009 have me dreaming of the cosmos. In fact I had a vision of the Spirit lately which I attribute to my prayers directed to Him. Pastor Clay Shannon had suggested such and I had been trying. Anyhow, I was praying for the Men's breakfast early last Wed. and saw on my spaccled bedroom ceiling a gigantic oval shape of light. It was so much like the galaxies and spiral nebula that we associate with the cosmos. I went ahead with the prayer but must admit my ceiling had already become a "higher sky" to me as any light getting into the room makes various points shine, some bright and others hardly visible. So the bright central One had become for me that last I AM spoken by Jesus in Rev.22:17 "I am the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star." As I was focused in prayer upon it the vision appeared;. I've felt it was to signify sacred meaning in IYA2009 that's coming up. We all know that Feb.17 is when TV all goes High Definition. I have a feeling that our understanding of astronomy will be changed so that the Creator is more fully revealed in His handiwork to persons of faith. And it may have the opposite effect on unbelievers.
ANGELFIRE 12-02-08 We just saw a headline that India is demanding Pakistan hand over terrorist suspects for the awesome attack in Mumbai, their main economic center (which my generation called Bombay). It's over on their west coast up toward Pakistan. That war between the Muslims of Pakistan and Hindus of India was way back in the fifties, after the British pulled their Tommies out to hand the Commonwealth/dominion over to Mahatma Gandhi. The first Muslim friend I ever made was a Pakistani here in WW named Abdul. I met him right after 9/11 when there was so much U.S. anger and suspicion of anyone from that region. But I saw him as a peaceful young man. He didn't show hate toward anyone. Now he's back there, home with a Pakistani wife and their child, plus his own family. who are prominent in that nation. But he may yet return to WW (or Davis) to work again for his cousin, Nazire, who runs a convenience store here and owns another down in Davis. From what I've heard, those terrorists were from disputed territory between India and Pakistan. So the UN may have to punish them. But it surely won't ignore such an international crime that was planning to kill thousands instead of the 200 or so. One report claimed it was to be an Asian 9/11, (though capturing and holding hostages was a far different tactic). The most dangerous reality is that both nations have nuclear weapons. Now that's why the world can't remain mum about Mumbai. If terrorists get hold of nukes over there, then our recession and failing economy will seem mild in comparison. I think the head of India is named Singe. That name sounds hot to me, a lot different from Mahatma Gandhi, who kept his cool until finally assassinated in '49 while leading a march of passive resistance to the British rule over greater India. Martin Luther King jr. took that struggle as a role model for his campaign ending racial segregation here in America. Now our eyes are on Asia again. Thailand's also in great turmoil too, all signs of the end times. But the Gospel of the Lord Jesus includes His soon return to take His church as a Bride. So let's be ready and hold steady. SoLong &
ANGELFIRE 2-02-08 We just saw a headline that India is demanding Pakistan hand over terrorism suspects for that awesome attack in Mumbai, their main economic center of 19 million (which my generation knew as Bombay). It's over on their west coast up toward Pakistan. That war between the Muslims of Pakistan and Hindus of India was way back in the fifties, after the British pulled their Tommies out to hand the dominion over to Mahatma Gandhi as it divided. The first Muslim friend I ever made was a Pakistani here in WW named Abdul. I met him right after 9/11, when there was so much U.S. anger and suspicion of anyone from that region. But I saw him then as a peaceful young man. He didn't show hate toward any nation. Now he's back there, at home with a Pakistani wife and their child, plus his own brothers and parents. who are prominent in that land. But he may yet return to WW (or Davis) to work again for his cousin, Nazire, who runs a convenience store here and owns another down in Davis. From what I've heard, those terrorists were from disputed territory between India and Pakistan. So the UN may have to punish them. But it surely won't ignore such an international crime that was planning to kill thousands instead of the 200 or so. One report claimed it was to be an Asian 9/11, (though capturing and holding hostages was a far different tactic). The most dangerous reality is that both nations have nuclear weapons. Now that's why the world can't remain mum about Mumbai. If terrorists get hold of nukes over there, then our recession and failing economy will seem mild in comparison. I think the head of India is named Singe. That name sounds hot to me, a lot different from Mahatma Gandhi, who kept his cool until finally assassinated in '49 while leading a march of passive resistance to the British rule over greater India. Martin Luther King jr. took that struggle as a role model for his campaign ending racial segregation here in America. Now our eyes are on Asia again. Thailand's also in great turmoil too, all signs of the end times. But the Gospel of the Lord Jesus includes His soon return to take from these calamities His church, as a Bride. figurtively speaking. So let's be ready and hold steady. SoLong/Shalom, JosephA@webtv.net