Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”. (Matthew 22:40, NKJV)

There is an old saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
I am not sure how the “godliness” part applies to gasoline engines, but I can tell you - from experience - that cleanliness does make a big difference - to go, or not go!
Assuming that the hardware is all in place, and the proper fuel is supplied, there are still two things that have to occur at the right time: The proper fuel to air mixture must be pulled into the cylinder (carburization) and the plug needs to spark at the right time (ignition).
The spark part is easy to check: Grab ahold of the spark plug wire and spin the engine!
Not really!!
Take the plug out and check it - part of the cleanliness routine. Then spin the flywheel and check for a spark at the plug. Got spark? Good; the ignition part is ready to go.
Now, to the fuel part - carburization - a part that can drive you nuts! Not just fuel, but the proper ratio of fuel to air. A speck of dirt, a cloggage in any part of the system, messes up the entire process.
If I have the parts that make up the ignition system, along with the fuel tank and the carburetor, I have an engine, ready to go.
No?
You’re correct! There are valves, cams, pistons, a crank shaft and many other critical parts. So what is the “greatest” part of a working engine?
The Pharisees asked Jesus to tell them what kind of law, of all the laws, is the most important. It is a trap, as verse 35 attests. It is like asking, “What is the most important part of an engine?”
At the very least they're asking him (they think) to choose between moral law and ceremonial law, to declare an ultimate allegiance either to the Pharisees (who would have generally focused on the moral law) or the Saducees (ultimate guardians of the ceremonial law as operators of the temple).
Both parties get caught up in observing a minutia of details and trivia. When to pray; how to pray, what to wear; what to eat; what is considered to be work - etc, etc . . .
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all you are AND your neighbor as yourself. From this all the law and prophets hang."
This is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 22:37.
The first and greatest commandment concerns our relationship toward and with God, and is like the spark of an engine: Sure, we might “fire” only part of the time - not consistent in our relationship to God. Our “timing” might be erratic; we are not in synch with God’s plans for us.
Maybe our devotion becomes “short circuited” by things that draw our attention away from God - things that become our idols, focusing on our wants & desires, not our needs. On worldly things, trinkets & treasures, habits & pleasures. But the bottom line is: either you have a total commitment to God, or you don’t.
So - Love the Lord, your God with all of your being.”
People! Your “Neighbors.” And who is my neighbor? That’s like the carburetor of an engine: lots of small things can mess up the mixture. A common belief limited such neighborly relationships to their friends and companions, and one of their own religion. It was said, "Do not I hate them that hate me?"
Jesus acknowledged that was a common saying, beginning in Matthew 5:43 (part of the Beatitudes, chapts. 5-6-7 of Matthew’s gospel). He said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Loving the Lord God with all our being, and extending that love to all of God’s creation, still lacks one import part: Most of us know by heart John 3:16 :
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:17 adds that the people of the world will be saved through Him.

Seeds for Thinking (©) 1996 - 2011 by Leland Hubbell

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

There are many things in this world that most people find to be beautiful or exciting; things that bring a swell of appreciation or satisfaction. Majestic trees, rolling plains, and towering snow-topped mountains bring travelers from afar just to view them. Amber waves of grain stir the artist in one way, and the farmer in another. Each has their own, personal emotion and association with the scene spread out before them. The artist thinks in terms of form, color, and texture - the farmer recalls the planting, the weather during the growth stages, and anticipates the harvest.
Truly, we don’t all like the same things, or see the same meaning in them. As a beekeeper, the sight of a swarm of bees marching into the hive, flowing like a living river, means that they have accepted their new home, and the queen bee is probably safely inside the hive. Opening a hive while a “honey flow” is in progress (the bees have nectar and pollen sources to feed upon) is a beautiful sight in my opinion. There is an order, a purpose about their actions, as they go about their work. The thrill of seeing white-capped honeycombs means sweetness ahead for the beekeeper, and food for the bees through the harsh winter.
Most people, though, see only a stinging insect, best left alone, and honey is to be bought at the store.
Sometimes the beekeeper spots trouble in the hive. The words “queenless” stirs the beekeeper into special action. The queen is the mother of the hive; she is the glue that holds it all together. Without a queen, there will be no young bees, and the colony will soon die out. There is a sense of disunity, a lack of purpose that can be felt by the experienced beekeeper. They are saying by their actions, “We are in trouble here!”
When they are without a laying queen, and no fresh bee eggs, they are powerless to do anything about it. But I am not a bee; I have resources that they know nothing of. I can do things that are impossible for them. I can restore a new queen for them. By a simple action (for me) I can make the difference between life and death for that colony of bees. All they have to do is accept my gift.
So, also, can God do things that are impossible for us. He has given us Life Eternal, in His Son Jesus Christ. All we have to do is humbly and earnestly accept that gift.

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)

“Respect everything; fear nothing.” At first glance, this adage may seem to be at odds with the scripture from Proverbs. I think that there is much to be said for respect, compared with fear.
Fear is to “be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening; an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain.”
Respect, on the other hand, is “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements; agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement)”; and, “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others”
For example, I am not afraid of electricity, having worked with it in many ways, but I have a good, healthy respect for its power and what it can do to the body. I have worked with many rotating mechanical devices, again having the capability to inflict major damage, but I do not come quaking and shaking as I approach a farm implement. I do not experience an “unpleasant emotion” in these situations; rather, I hope I exhibit a “due regard for” the qualities that make them powerful.
Now let’s apply this to a Biblical theme, in keeping with the scripture. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22” 37, 39)
To me, this approach to the great commandment speaks more of respect than of fear, according to my dictionary: “Deep admiration, and due regard.”
Let’s look at a case where a lack of respect resulted in fear, as represented by the ark of the Testimony, or Covenant. The Ark was an embodiment of God's presence with the Israelites. The atonement cover (or "mercy seat") that covered the ark was God's throne (2 Sam 6:2) and God's presence was above it (Lev 16:2); It contained the stone tablets of the Testimony (Ten Commandments) a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. The mercy seat was covered with gold. Two winged figures (cherubim) faced each other with outstretched wings. It was designed to be carried by four men, using poles inserted into rings on the sides of the ark.
God had given the Israelites many rules concerning the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be kept in the Most Holy Place in the temple, hidden from view by a curtain (Ex 26:33). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only after he had undergone ceremonial cleansing, made sacrifices to atone for his sins and the nation's sins, and burned incense to conceal the atonement cover (Lev 16). When the ark was moved, it was covered with at least 3 layers of cloth by the priests to protect others from seeing it (Num 4:5-6, 15, 18-20);
Certainly, we may say that the presence of the ark struck fear into the hearts of the Philistines, who had captured it in battle (See 1 Samuel, chaps 5, 6). Giving glory to the God of Israel, the Philistines returned the ark to the Israelites at Beth Shemish.
The Israelites rejoiced to see the ark, and made a burnt offering to the LORD. However, their curiosity led the men of Beth Shemish to open the lid, and to look in the ark, which, out of respect for its symbolism of God’s presence, they were not supposed to do. The LORD struck the people with a great slaughter. (1 Samuel 6:19) Since God's presence was on/over the ark, they were actually coming into the presence of God - and without the least sense of reverence (respect?) towards Him.
And the men of Beth Shemish said, “Who is able to stand before this holy LORD god?” (vs. 20)
Who, indeed! Those who show respect for, and have a feeling of deep admiration for, the abilities, qualities, or achievements of The LORD, expressing love for Him with all heart - soul - mind, should have no need to feel fear.

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:24, NKJV)

Sometimes we need a little help finding our way. Imagine what it would be like to try to find a chosen destination in a location where there are no street names, no building numbers, and no maps to guide you.
The LORD led the people on the Exodus with His own GPS - God’s Positioning Service - as they traveled through the wilderness. A pillar of cloud led the way by day, and a pillar of fire gave them light by night. ( Exodus 13:21)
Navigators - navel and airborne - lacking such heavenly accommodations, long ago developed methods of using compass readings, a chronometer (clock), and sightings of the sun and stars to determine latitude and longitude, thus, their position on the earth’s surface. Surveyors used similar methods on land.
Navigational skills and knowledge require study and practice to develop accuracy. Let’s face it - we don’t want to be at the mercy of someone responsible for guiding us to a chosen port, whether sea or air, who hasn’t mastered navigation.
Naming cities and streets, assigning numbers to highways and building locations, and publishing maps and directories helps even us ordinary travelers, but it is still a chore to navigate in unfamiliar territory. Enter the new navigational technology - the Global Positioning System (GPS).
A GPS system uses signals from orbiting satellites to determine latitude and longitude anywhere on earth - and even above the earth. The latest commercial units are feature-packed marvels that can direct you to a chosen location, show a map of streets and roads, indicate the speed limit and the speed of the vehicle, and calculate the arrival time, among other data. Many have search options for finding rest stops, service stations, restaurants, and more. All in a little package about the size of a deck of playing cards!
Consider that someone had to collect and assemble all of that information. The GPS may pluck the geographic coordinates seemingly “out of the air” from those satellites, but those basic data have to be interfaced with the display screen. From satellite to screen, it seems to me that God is still playing a major role, providing the physics, science, and source of the intellect behind it all.
Another “early” GPS system was in use at the birth of Jesus - the star in the heavens that pointed the way to the manger bed of the Christ Child.
A more important form of God’s Positioning System appeared, manifesting the Divine Presence in the tabernacle, and later, in the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13). As noted by the psalmist, “You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:24)
Jesus, the Christ, has set the example of the ultimate GPS. As is written in Hebrews, 12:1, “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (New King James Version).
The satellite-based GPS unit is a very handy device to guide us while traveling, but we need God’s Positioning Service to guide us to avoid sin and reach the reward of His presence in glory.

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Seeds For Thinking
by Leland Hubbell

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Scripture: For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24, NKJV)

Welcome to Fluffy Cloud Heaven! Mess up a little bit in your earthly life, and when you get to heaven you will get:

A rusty old halo, skinny white cloud
Second hand wings full of patches
A rusty old halo, skinny white cloud
Robe that's so wooly it scratches.

This is the heaven often depicted in art, story, film and song. People become angels when they die, complete with wings. They wear a long, white robe, sport a halo, and float around on clouds. Entrance is via Pearly Gates, guarded by St. Peter. He will check his big book of naughty and nice records, and as noted in the song, “A Rusty Old Halo,” reward you accordingly. The rich and stingy have to travel “Coach” class.
However, if;

While you're on earth you should shine like a star
Brighten up the corner wherever you are
Doing each day the best you can do

then you receive “First Class” accommodations. Non-smoking section.
If you really mess up Big Time, then you are sent to the nether regions, “smoking,” of course, with flames and pitchforks. Well, not really a pitchfork, but an ancient weapon called a trident. Think Roman gladiators. Greek gods. Get the point?
When the first Soviet cosmonauts orbited the earth, the Soviets took the opportunity to score a point for atheism by declaring that there was neither God nor heaven to be seen. Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man to orbit the earth, apparently never said such words; the phrase originated from Nikita Khrushchev's speech at the plenum of the Central Committee of the CPSU, where the anti-religious propaganda was discussed. Actually, they affirmed that a “Fluffy Cloud Heaven” doesn’t exist. God’s Eternal Kingdom lies beyond time and eternity, not over the rainbow nor in the clouds.
Author C. S. Lewis states in “Mere Christianity,” “All the scriptural imagery (harps, crowns, gold, etc.) is, of course, a merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible. . . . People who take these symbols literally might as well think that when Christ told us to be like doves, He meant that we were to lay eggs.”
(See Matthew 10:16)
What is the true heaven like? According to the scriptures, it will be filled with the glory of God. It will be inhabited by God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and the Just. There will be peace, joy, rest, and righteousness.
Nothing perishable will exist there. There will be no sorrow, no pain, no weeping or wicked people. People will neither marry, nor give in marriage. Night and death will not exist.
Heaven - God’s Heaven - is a place of everlasting bliss. “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

Seeds for Thinking (©) 1996 - 2010 by Leland Hubbell

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: God told Jeremiah, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV

People made do with a lot of things that were not otherwise available in the depths of the great depression. Mom collected string. Oh, she collected lots of things, but the string from the feed sacks that Dad brought home from the feed mill was carefully wound into a ball and placed in a unique string dispenser, a ceramic figurine of a whistling girl. The string came out of a small hole in the cherry red, pursed lips. String was the solution for the myriad tasks necessary to hold the world together. We just reached up and pulled out what was required for the task at hand.
Mom also used the cloth from the specially printed feed sacks to make dresses, shirts, and even bed sheets.
Many purchases at the stores were wrapped in paper, which was pulled from a big roll on the counter. The proper length would be cut off with a sharp snap over a blade on the dispenser, and neatly folded into a package containing the purchase. The clerk then reached up to a spindle and pulled out some of that marvelous stuff - string - tied it all together, and off you went.
That string, too, went into the string dispensing figurine in our home.
We can learn a lot from a piece of string. Did you know that the length of a piece of string - any piece of string - is exactly twice the length of one end to the middle? Works for ladders and such, too! Try it - you will amaze your friends and confound your enemies.
You can tie a piece of string around your finger to remind you to think about something. String is a general practitioner in the memory department, however. Specialized memory is still up to you.
Here is another, even more important property - and reminder. String can be pulled; it can not be pushed.
This is the proof: Find a length of string (about two or three times the length of a six-inch ruler) and lay it out on a smooth, flat surface. Carefully place a finger on the end nearest you and push it away from you, keeping the string in a straight line. Hey! I said straight! What’s with this tangle?
Now place your finger on that same end, and pull it toward you. The string will neatly follow. Why is this so important? Think about management techniques and leadership styles. People are a lot like string; we don’t like to be pushed. The ‘pushy’ boss only succeeds in making a tangle of things, tying people up in stress.
People can be led, however; people will be pulled by or drawn to a wise leader. They will follow. That is God’s plan, as expressed to Jeremiah.
Imagine that we are like a piece of string, and God is on one end, drawing us toward Him with loving kindness. Why, then, is everyone not freely drawn toward God? Because we are caught up in a tug-of-war between two opposing forces. Satan is pulling, twisting, applying whatever force he can to get us to go his way. Believe me, Satan’s way is not the direction to where you want to spend eternity.
Unlike string, though, we have a choice. Jesus will cut us off from Satan’s pull, if we accept Him, and give lovingkindness a chance to work. The Holy Spirit will help pull us toward God.
Yes, we can learn a lot from a piece of string.
March 25, 2007

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Scripture: Paul wrote, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
(Romans 13:8)
“and if there is any other commandment, all are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Romans 13:9b) NKJV

Love! Oh, how we love to use the word love. We have ‘love’ nouns; we have ‘love verbs. My Merriam-Webster’s© lists entries for:
calf-love; courtly love; free love; light-o’-love; love affair; love apple; love beads; love child; love feast; love grass; love handles; love-in; love-in-a-mist; love knot; love seat; make[1, verb] platonic love; puppy love; self-love.
Definitions include, but are not limited to:
(1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; ‘maternal love for a child.’
(2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers.
(3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests.
(4): an assurance of love “give her my love”
2 : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion “love of the sea.”
(5) : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration *baseball was his first love.*
(6) : a beloved person : DARLING - often used as a term of endearment.
(7) British - used as an informal term of address.
(8) : an amorous episode.
(9 ): a god or personification of love.
etc. . . . . ad ifinitum.

So - what does it mean when we read the word “love” in the Bible? Some raise the question of what kind of ‘love’ Jesus really had for the “Beloved Disciple” and for Lazarus.
Rest assured that it wasn’t erotic love, because the Greek language has specific words, four of them, that we English speakers all lump under the common word, love. The original New Testament uses only two of the four words - philia - brotherly, (love) unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another concern for others, and; agape;
The fatherly concern of God for humankind; a person's adoration of God.
This is a partial listing of quotes from the New Testament that use a form of agape in every instance:

* God is Love.
* Love never fails.
* Love one another.
* Love your neighbor.
* Peter, lovest thou me?
* See how he loved him.
* For God so loved the world . . . .
* Love suffers long, and is kind.
* If I have not love, I am nothing.
* He who loves another has fulfilled the law.
* Now abide faith, hope, love,
* But the greatest of these is love.

March 4, 2007