So…the Nas Ticks: Prelude to Innersextions

on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 By James Richardson

Confidential: It’s eight o’ clock. Where are we in the construction of the chambers?

-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: There has been a clearing of the foundation so that there can be a restoration of the basement. You must be patient as irrigation is needed to clear out toxicity.

Confidential: Understood. I assume James and Rod are still recruiting the others.

-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: Yes, although James has had trouble getting people to commit to the cause. That last betrayal and ambush really wounded him.

Confidential: So we heard…at least he’s reconnected with his core team again. There maybe hope that God may end the cycle once and for all.

-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: I would certainly hope so. Come LORD Jesus. Make haste to your people.

The Cure – Nas

Many aeons ago, there was a group of teachers that imparted esoteric knowledge. Because of their secretive and often Xtra-Biblical nature, they were shunned by the Church. They’re known as the Gnostics; name coming from the Greek word Gnosis meaning having knowledge. The Gnostics took learning very personal and allegedly were critical thinkers often challenging the Orthodoxy of the Day. For any outsider, they would agree that Gnostics were merely rebels and false teachers unless:

They understood the promise given to the church of Pergamum.

¹⁷Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the HIDDEN MANNA, and I will give him a white stone, with a NEW NAME written on the stone that no one knows EXCEPT the one who receives it. Rev 2:17 Emphasis added

Teaching esoteric and wait for it…

wait for it…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
wait for it…
.
.
.
exoteric knowledge was a part of Discipleship.

²⁵It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they had called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. ²⁶So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ²⁷What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. Matt 10: 25-27 ESV

Now as ambassadors of Christ, let’s redeem some aspects of their teachings and throw away the others. For it will be useful in the future. Gnostics believed that the material world is inherently evil due to its flawed nature. (An objective truth if you do not subscribe to the Monist philosophy). Where it gets fuzzy is that they believed the material world is unredeemable and NOT created by the true God. It came from a lesser deity called the demiurge. The problem of this teaching is that it allows for complete denial of Jesus Christ. It is one thing to deny Jesus by name, it is more dangerous to deny him in essence.

Erica: Could we change the pronouns from him to her?

Me: Yes. It’s implied through the text.

Pamela: What if we’re non-binary? Can we use other pronouns?

Me: The text uses inclusive language ‘all’ so that would permit other pronouns.

Now we have been able to redeem LBGT & Gnosticism. For what purpose though?

It gives stronger premises to redeem the New Age Movement.
It provides systems of knowledge to recover lost narratives.

My hope after we deal with the LGBT community is further talk about what true perfection looks like in Christ, and uncover mysterious teachings in love. I am eager to do the latter in the context of music as I want to share all the things I learned from my mentors when I left music behind. When I get to my safe place, I’ll really start recording music again. I’m so excited! Lord please keep me alive until my work is done! Let my life be an inspiration to many to be their true selves in Christ. Let me free recording artists to not worry about having fans or making hits unless it is about tearing down the Kingdom of Evil. In your matchless name, Amen.

CONFIDENTIAL: I see you passed one of the gates. Good job. You’ll need to get stronger if you are going to continue to safely merge dimensions. We’ll see you on the other side….

Passage To Dissect

Look at the following passage:

²Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 4:2 King james version

What rules can you perceive goes with Exegeting passages from the text? What rules should follow when it comes to adding to a text?
What secrets or hidden implications can you find in the passage? What does that tell you about HIDDEN MANNA?

If I Had a Pharm, O What Animals I Would Have

on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 By James Richardson

One day I told someone special how adverse I was to taking pictures. I always felt it was unnatural and if it was candid, let it be done with consent. Being reflective as I am, I try to test my own beliefs to see the merits of it. There was a point of time where I had a healthy dose of self-hatred seeing the future of all things WAAAY ahead of time. Somewhere down the road though, I became foolish and unbalanced; what should’ve merely been a cocoon became a donjon of endless rejections. I’m getting better though. We’re getting better. Keep on praying for my family as I pray for yours.

Remember when Phat Farm and Baby Phat was hot fashion? I just recently found out why these brands died down. It’s sad when certain language becomes dated because the fashion is no longer in style. Like girl, you ‘thicc’ and I like that Phat; that Baby Phat. I don’t know what’s more tragic, realizing you’re getting old, learning about the vice that surrounded Phat Farm or being ignorant of it’s phantom twin being virtuous. Sorry guys, I’m still recovering from being fed partial truths for a good portion of my life. So bear with me here. I’m not trying to be irresponsible with my words. I’m doing my best to convey invisible realities. Shout out to Russell Simmons for setting the standard that you can be more than a recording artist.

Blue Ice

Today’s Gospel reading comes from Revelation 21:

⁶And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. ⁷The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. ⁸But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Rev 21:6-8 ESV

Now I typically don’t like teaching from Revelation because I believe if you were misreading the Old Testament and the Gospels, you have a very funky view of this book. In other words, if you took for granted small details in earlier passages, more than likely you’re overlooking nuggets in the Book. Never mind getting into details within the Creation Story and other stuff; the point I’m making is that there is a particular nuance here: for now we’ll focus on the word ‘sorcerers’.

In the Greek, the word is pharmakeus, which may play a role in where were get the word Pharmacy. The idea is that potions were magical remedies that brought about healing. It would be incorrect then to use this word as an indictment against pharmaceuticals much in the same way that saying affirmations are casting spells. After all, Jesus did say he would cause those who believe to drink from the spring of the water of life…

Evie: You just had to go there didn’t you?

Me: **shrugs shoulders**

7 Illegal Drugs that Can Be Used AS Medicine

Now I’m not here to pull your strings and somehow delude you to become an addict. As many doctors have found positive uses for what is typically known as recreational drugs, I reveal them to you. My advice is to be cautious when using any substance whether prescribed or not. Neither the judgment of you or doctors are infallible. So as Paul would say, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. With that in mind, let’s move forward.

Cocaine – Did you know that this drug has been used as a topical anaesthetic in South America because of its numbing properties? These effects are known to also alleviate headaches. How sway! Doctors are discovering its advantages to treat irritable bowel disease and other problems with the gut. I wonder when did people decide that putting Coke in Coca-Cola was a problem?
Heroin – Is commonly used as pain management in hospitals. Avoid using pain killers as a way to relieve pain as it is highly addictive.
Magic Shrooms – Another remedy against headaches, obsessive compulsive disorder, and can even remedy depression and anxiety. But being honest here, people turn to shrooms for their psychedelic properties.
Ketamine – also known as ‘Special K’. No, no, no not the cereal here. Ketamine is found to be helpful in tranquilizing horses. There have been studies to suggest ketamine can also cure depression.
MDMA – Otherwise known as ecstacy, E, or X. Studies show it has the potential to treat PTSD. Don’t use it as some caffeine stimulant though.
LSD – Weird fact! In Norway, LSD is known as a possible treatment for alcoholism. I’m not exactly sure if it truly makes them clean, or give them side effects considering their hallucinogenic nature.
Cannabis – Long known as pain relief for chronic illnesses, it has been proven to relieve PTSD, nausea, and some cases of glaucoma and Crohn’s disease.

The Beastly Cures

Not to put some lofty – I told you drugs aren’t that bad – in your face. In a society where black and white thinking abounds, there is more room for the virtue of moderation to take center stage when forming an opinion. A mature person will weight the pros and cons of any issue, Biblical or not. Again, this isn’t to say that all things are redeemable. There are certain things that should be avoided at all costs. Nevertheless, all things can be reconciled to Christ and is the job of true ambassadors to facilitate His work.

Between ten and twenty/

I was a silly rabbit/

Stuck in a compound/

Between proteins & fatty acids/

I begged for magic/

You should’ve seen my top hat/

Sleight of hands hating/

The pitiful poor cat/

Eyes peeled to her smile/

Got them screamn’ loud/

Searching her head like I brows/

Free from corruption/

As I sit in this luncheon/

Our love’s sky-rocketing/

Throughout every function/

F3, F3, was that the right key?/

It can’t be fantastic without the Trinity/

You got 33 seconds
to fulfill your ministry/

So eat and have faith/

Here comes the end of History/

Natural High – Blood Stone

The shortcomings of man should not persuade anyone to lose hope in the Final Consummation. It’s unfortunate of what we’re hearing in marriages; Derrick Jaxson and Chris and Paige comes to mind. For those who are married, now is the time to look to Jesus to make every crooked place straight & rough place plain. He will lead us into all truth in His righteousness. So therefore in honor of the National Drug and Alcohol Awareness week, I say to you love Christ until you reach your natural high.

Until next time,

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

— Gal 6:8 ESV

The Bishop’s Opening

on February 19, 2021February 19, 2021 By James Richardson

CHAPTER ONE

America’s Red Flag

¹Here is what God is saying concerning the United States:
The colors of your flag are red, white, and blue;
why then is your land only red?
²The sounds of violence are within the ear shots of babes;
the musician no longer plays their instrument,
and the singer has ceased from singing.
³Nations have turned their backs on you;
even those who plead to you for their lives,
for you have exchanged vitals for vitriol.
⁴Open your eyes and weep! Feel remorse!
For your transgressions have piled up,
and you have prized rubies over me.

His Story of Slaves

⁵I showed belligerence to your fathers;
when I punished them with the sword and with whips,
my wrath was on display as in a stadium.
⁶I impoverished them even to the depths of their soul,
but my Holy Ones can afford my delight and favor;
for the sweetness of my charm has never left my necks.
⁷They have found their standing in Me,
and become my most precious of Messengers.
Because of this, they will receive my inheritance.
⁸Doesn’t my name bring about salvation?
Does it not both deliver and destroy?
Dare to praise me, and you will find refuge.

The King’s Meme

⁹For I am the LORD, a consuming fire;
Yeshua, the LORD of hosts.
I was severed from my brothers as in the days of Joseph.
¹⁰And my brothers came to me saying,
“Who are you to tell us you’re the King?”
And my authority is challenged.
¹¹Therefore I instructed my muses to prepare a drink for me
with hyssop; for a libation, but for themselves.
Let them pursue pleasure within reason,
lest the serpent beguile them.
¹²I commanded the powers to irrigate the land with dryness;
that the country shall thirst with nothing to quench,
and the ungodly shall drown in their appetite.
¹³Those who have respect to my name shall not be in chains,
they shall remain untarnished;
uninhibited and will escape the grip of the despot.
¹⁴Still the sacrilegious shall burn in their corruption;
it shall be heaped upon them as coals of fire;
yes even as meteors of wormwood.
¹⁵Their souls shall be tormented forever;
left desolate with no one to restore,
for they despised the only hand that could rescue.

A Waning Church

¹⁶O Israel, my ministers have become dispassionate;
my prophets are apathetic,
for their bloodshot eyes have not seen peace.
¹⁷And the minds of the wise agonize,
they seek knowledge from dusk until morning,
and yet no solution is found to cure.
¹⁸Because at the end of the Day, they’ve forgotten Me.
I am the Day, the Bright Morning Star.
The grind that the LORD requires has ceased amongst them.
¹⁹Therefore dancing shall cease from the clubs,
and skipping from the hearts of the streets.
Giddiness shall be known as an ancient relic;
²⁰And the vigor of the strong shall fail;
even the fragrances and cosmetics.
Let those who keep judgment accept bribes no more!

²¹Keep the ways of the LORD and he will preserve you;
You will continue on Highways that the profane cannot enter.
²²You will rest in the loveliest pastures that God has provided.
Justice shall be your front and rear shield.
For only the pure in heart can enter my presence.

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Sikhing in Redemption

on February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 By James Richardson 1 Comment

Exploring Religious Text

FOREWARD: I do not speak Punjab and I have little exposure to Hindi. Learning Hindi was practical for me due to the nature of work I had to do in the past. The goal is to find Christ’s Immanence in all text; something that is easier to do within Abrahamic Religions than outside. The path of seeing Christ in all calls out to me as a deep longing I hold. I made this post public to invite those who are intrigued by such notions to join me in this Journey of Discovering Christ.

The following is an excerpt of the first Vaars of Bhai Gurdas ji. Vaars in this context is referring to literature within Sikhism and shouldn’t be conflated with the seven days of week in Hinduism.

Greetings to the Guru, Satnamu, the mantra recited. (2-4-7)
The substance of salvation is absorbed out of the abyss. (2-4-7)
ਜਨਮ ਮਰਨ ਭੌ ਕਟਿਆ ਸੰਸਾ ਰੋਗ ਵਿਜੋਗ ਮਿਟਾਯਾ॥ (1-7)
Sansa, this is the world, suffering in birth and death. (2-4-7)
At the feet of the Guru, the Sat Shabad is liberated. (2-4-7)
Bhai Bhagat Gurpurab Kar Naam Daan Ishnan Dridhaya. (2-4-7)
The seed has borne fruit. (2-4-7)
At first, I was breathless, but I could not hear anything. (2-4-7)
ਰਕਤ ਬਿੰਦ ਕੀ ਦੇਹ ਰਚ ਪਾਂਚ ਤਤ ਕੀ ਜੜਤ ਜੜਾਈ॥ (2-4-7)
The wind and the water merge with the fourth earth without hesitation. (2-4-7)
In the Punch, the Creator of the sky is absorbed in the sixth invisible. (1-7)
The five elements, twenty-five times the enemy, the friend, the body together. (2-4-7)

NOTE: The numbers after the text looks like they belong to a musical system. There seems to be a common theme of salvation in Eastern Religions. If salvation is in Jesus alone, there needs to be more objective proof in words and deeds. The phrase, ‘In the Punch,’ I believe is more likely to refer to a place in India rather than some juice or action.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

When reconciling foreign cultures, it’s good practice to NOT conflate names and take note of titles. How can we find Jesus in the passage?

What similarities are there with the Vaars and the Bible? What are the differences?

What are the five elements being referred here in the poem? In what ways is such knowledge useful and irrelevant?

Ask, and it will be given you; SIKH, and you shall find, knock, and the door shall be opened to you. Matt 7:7 ESV Eisegesis added

READ BLOG ‘THE L.A.M.B IN ISLAM’ >>>

Thanks for the Dish

on November 26, 2020November 26, 2020 By James Richardson

You gotta appreciate the Internet. Although it can be a dark and unhealthy place at times, look hard enough and you’ll find reasons to smile – including how petty people can be.

Petty cake, petty cake

Bakers man

Bake me a cake

As fast as you can.

So, I didn’t know how many of you leaders have great cooking skills! (I’m not being smart here.) Have you seen this cake from T.D Jakes? Man listen! Ya’ll can say whatever you wanna say about these folks, but if I hear them preaching Christ and Him crucified, they alwrite with me! And I love bacon! So T.D Jakes and I have a connection already. I love baking because it’s an exact science; what you put in, keep out, where you store it, how long you bake it all play a part in how the food tastes. Let that marinate, because there’s a word in there somewhere.

Now in the last devotional we continued learning about the fundamentals in Hermeneutics and doctrines concerning Biblical Authority. I’ve also proved my case for advanced cultural studies. To do a recap of the main course of thought, I’ll put up a semi-controversial proposition. Test my logic:

No statement in-and-of-itself is absolutely true, for it betrays the full meaning of absolute. The Bible is not the source of absolute truth. Rather, the Book is a conduit pointing people to everlasting veracity.

A person cannot justly disprove the final claim in the argument without being a spiritual person, for they will have to test the spirit behind the words and not simply judge what’s on the page. Like in today’s devotional scripture:

⁵As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4:5 ESV

Stay Wok

Unfortunately, I haven’t had any drinks in a while, especially after having to go into urgent care. I was told it would take about two weeks to heal and I’m doing better. So thank you all who prayed for me and those who are suffering now. We are more connected than some of us would imagine. For those who may want to experience this fellowship, my charge is the same…

As for you, always be sober-minded… 2 Tim 4:5a

Charge: $0.00

When I was in my twenties, I didn’t drink coffee that much because it had the opposite effect on me. Here I am trying to pull an all-nighter and coffee would put me right to sleep. Now it works like a charm, although I try to avoid drinking it to stay awake. I like natural grace.

Did you know that the effects of losing days of sleep can have the same affect as being buzzed? The disciplines of watching is not for the faint of heart. It’s going against a lot of conventional wisdom as you’re intentionally imposing on yourself bouts of insomnia. And for what purpose? Well at least for the following:

³I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 2 Tim 1:3 ESV

Not exactly sure why the woke community call themselves ‘woke’ for. At best, they are only conscious of the social ills that are plaguing our neighborhoods. Yet when it comes to experiencing what it’s like to be united to the God who never sleeps nor slumbers, there tends to be ignorance of the traumas many are experiencing. Additionally none are aware of how transcendence begets freedom and reconciliation, so they are ignorant of any real solutions beneficial for future generations. Great skill is required for those builders who receive criticism from misunderstandings, impatience, and prevailing opinions. To put trust in anything other than the sacred Godhead is begging to be out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Suffering Succotash

And now for Final Jeopardy: This character won an Academy Award as the star in the toon “Tweetie Pie”.

Isn’t it fascinating what hell people are willing to go through in chasing after something? You know how much hell I went through even though I wasn’t running? Man let me give it to you straight.

Endure suffering…2 Tim 4:5b

Hopefully, that was forward enough. There’s no way around it. Godliness in this life comes with pleasures and pain; prosperity and poverty, sickness and health although many people may have experienced an unbalance of one of the two. Nevertheless, every man has to bear his own cross, and if he will be benevolent, he will also bear the cross of others. Now just a small word out there for our eager martyrs: 1.) Don’t be throwing yourself in situations you weren’t trained for and 2.) Don’t put yourself in a position where you are a risk to yourself and others. Listen if you are watching for days on end and you need to go out to get from point A to point B, take an Uber. There are plenty of ways you can die on a hill without committing suicide. True love doesn’t do harm to their neighbor.

Evangel Casserole

Have you ever had shrimp deviled eggs? Man let me tell you sumthin’, those jokers are fire! A whole lot can be said through cooking. Just so we’re on the same page, I don’t discriminate. I’m an Equal Opportunity Eater; vegan or non-vegan, I be eating. I fast too though… Balance.

Do the work of an evangelist…2 Tim 4:5c

To which we explained in our previous devotional that evangelizing is not bound to open air preaching, neither does it need to be relevant, focused, or fiery. The Word of God is free and will do it’s work in advancing the Kingdom, whether Jesus is openly proclaimed or not.

The Final Dessert

And so we come to an unspoken rule in Hermeneutics in which I’ve hinted at plenty of times although it isn’t apparent; keep interpreting, break it down, and then break it down again; expound on it, and expound some more.

Fulfill your ministry….2 Tim 4:5d

__________________________, because there is infinitely more things one can do with their life. All things are certainly possible with God, except for many it is less probable because we are either unwilling or doubting what is possible. Keep believing.

By the word keep I mean to maintain a state of being, whether that is actively open or more reserved.

You shall not add to the word that ___________, nor take from it, that you may __________ the commandments of the Lord your God that _________ command you. Deut 4:2 ESV

Just like a scientist

would test and experiment

and discover new things

even at atomic levels,

a man of faith would seek out the glory of God in the world and beyond. There are many things that I am grateful for this year; Life, family, friends, health. Thank you again for those who kept me in your prayers.

So in closing this devotional I hope we can leave behind dogmas keeping us from understanding people and the world we live in. May we be more ready to speed up the return of Christ; in unity of faith looking for the Final Consummation of Everything. Even as I work to renovate my own marriage to my sweetest caramel of a spouse; Shandra. Remember our covenantal bond, for the word is suffe’ring’ for a reason. I love you dearly and always. Happy Thanksgiving!

All in the Aisle

on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 By James Richardson

One of the good things this pandemic has brought about was more adoption of ways of delivering products. In store pick-ups and curbside deliveries have been crucial in helping to keep long lines down while social distancing. I hope this continues long after things clear up rather than having the full on cashier-less store. Yes, I still have faith in retail stores in spite of massive closedowns. No need to hear comments from the peanut gallery.

So, my wife found this gem of a book recently just laying on the check-out counter as she was purchasing some items. Such a historical book and makes a great addition to our book collection. In our previous devotional, we talked about additional rules of Hermeneutics including juxtaposing and integrating words. Today I hope to do three things here:

Give a little more information about Biblical interpretation
Give a short talk on Biblical Authority and the difference between infallibility and inerrancy.
Provide further grounds for exploring other religions and cultures in great detail.

In the last post, I made a suggestion to not weaken the potency of words in order to suit our understanding. For those who are well acquainted with the Bible, they know how powerful words can be and the danger behind weaking it. It’s good to remind us here that the rules behind Biblical Interpretation are not arbitrary rules given by some scholars, it is written in the Bible itself.

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. Deut 4:2 ESV

Gee is that all?

There are two types of interpretations: exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is interpreting the text by the author according to the author’s word in context. Eisegesis by contrast is importing your own ideas of meaning into the text. Generally speaking eisegesis is shunned and for good reasons yet not altogether correct.

The prophets of Judaism had warned Israel about failing to discern between good and evil. (Read Is 5:20-21; Ez 22:26) The Jews many of times fell away from serving God to serving idols keeping themselves from reaching the Promised Land. It is also proverbial wisdom to avoid eisegesis although wisdom will sometimes clash.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Prov 30:5-6 ESV

Vs.

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. Ecc 3:14 ESV

Blue Diamond
Crazy isn’t it?
The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg
The Peanut Roaster
Cashews
Planters Peanuts
The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg

Grace to Write

Because God’s Word is and should be held in high regard, eisegesis is commonly avoided in respect of authority. For who would talk back to the highest authority? A Supreme being does not stand to be corrected. These are the premises concerning the infallibility of the scriptures. However, with Logic, a distinction must be made between infallibility and inerrancy. These are two different words which imports two different sets of meanings. I am preparing to make a dangerous claim. Please take the time to consider my propositions:

If something is inerrant, it must be infallible. The inverse is not true. Something can be infallible and contain errors. The Bible contains many errors, perhaps more than we would like to admit.

Haven’t we already proven deviations from God’s Word with translations alone? Are there other inaccuracies in the Bible? I can find them. Can you?

And yet…

beTween inTerpreTers

The righteousness that comes from law keeping states that one must be careful to not make mistakes to be right with God. The righteousness that comes from grace states that one has fulfilled the law through simple faith in Christ. The former strives to maintain the integrity of the letter. The latter maintains the purity of the Spirit. As our beloved Matthew would write:

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered peace, and the peaceful subdue with passion. 2 Matthew 11:12 TPV (The Prototypical Version)

And so I maintain an epigrammatic expression that I have said once and will say again: One cannot honestly assert the existence of transcendental truth without recognizing objectivity as lies by way of omission.

Why would God give His Word to mankind with ‘mistakes’? Allow me to give an explanation. Do not take it as absolute truth. Perhaps God withholds his revelations to test the faithfulness of his people. Faithfulness in loyalty, in belief, in accuracy, and in reflection. Perhaps in the same way a person is given a standardized test with multiple choices, God gives His Word to his people. No one expects all the answers in a multiple choice question to be correct.

(T)All (TEST)In(G) the(S)Is

I’d like the solve the puzzle Pat. What great fortunes await those who do the will of God! What glory there is for those who worship God in spirit and in truth; in true righteousness and holiness, without pretense and a false estimation of one’s productivity. For without Christ, all of one’s works are corrupt. To deny Jesus who is the Messiah; the Perfect One, would essentially be denying One’s full potential. And I’d hate to see many souls continue to be infidels on the day of judgment. For on that day I’m sure as Alex would agree as well, that for those unbelievers the question still remains: What is Double Jeopardy?

Now let’s go to our devotional verse in 2 Timothy. I will not break it down this time. I’ll let you do it and come up with your own reasoning. Try to consider why I would explore different texts across religions and cultures. Just a few notes here and then I’ll ask a question:

¹⁵And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Tim 3:15-16 KJV

Excuse the Old English here. I’ve always been an old soul. Note the omission of holy between verses 15 and 16. Paul believes scriptures were given for a purpose. The following question does not challenge those purposes, but for whom or what those purposes are for. Choose the BEST answer:

When a person reads the Word of God, who should be instructed?

God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain!

And yet there are some who will deny things in spite of sufficient evidence. What a way to go when tenacity becomes stubbornness! May we be persistent in what is good and true. For this marks the end of an error. I’m sorry did I say error. I meant to say Era. That’s that accent kicking in.

What are your thoughts about this devotional? Do you believe people should counter God’s word? Do you think the Bible contains errors? Please give your comments below.

This Pet’s Catalogue

on October 20, 2020October 30, 2020 By James Richardson

It was inevitable that in doing this I should arrive at new results, and it is perhaps understandable that in the end I have felt impelled to present these results not only in the dry form of a catalogue, but also in a more connected and personal one. – Alfred Einstein

I was caught off guard when she brought her in the house. We had not too long ago talk about our mice problems and possible solutions to keep them out – and here she is – wandering about with her soft black eyes scurrying around the place. “Her name is Hannah,” Shandra said with her playful smile. Now I’ve turned down my wife’s request for getting a puppy hundreds of times and I wasn’t so sure about how I felt about feline security as an addition to the family. My reasoning was that my history with cats weren’t the best; I got scratched in the face, splints in the web of my fingers, and even fought over banana pancakes. Furthermore, I felt slightly disrespected in Shandra getting the cat without discussing it. As it turned out, Hannah was a terrible hunter and the winter cold seemed to keep the mice at bay. Nevertheless, Julia was enthralled with her presence. And nothing could be more satisfying than watching my daughter get a sense of warmth and peace when Hannah is around. I too, developed a deep connection with her in a fitting way.

Scheduled Fruition

6:04 p.m.: It’s fascinating to see how initial plans evolve over time.

12:01 a.m.: Because things hardly ever go the way it’s designed.

3:10 p.m.: How you prepare for success is directly correlated to how you define it.

9:15 a.m.: Are you more concerned about results, or the journey and progress made to achieve it?

¹⁴Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 1 Tim 4:14(a.m.) – 1 Tim 4:15(p.m.)

Personally, I struggle with being too hard on myself for not meeting deadlines. I hate being late and having to switch gears if inconveniences arise. Another pet peeve of mine is last minute stuff; last minute favors, last minute planning, last minute hustling etc. Over the years I’ve become more understanding as abrupt changes could come as a result of unforeseen circumstances. I also know that everyone doesn’t think on the same plane as I do which is why I tend to stay out of controversy. My thoughts about Ice Cube is this: I’d rather see a celebrity make genuine attempts at bettering our community than make platitudes about justice. There’s nothing like speaking ill of a system while benefiting from what it oppresses. Whether you think he has good intentions with bad judgment, a bold leader who can use his platform for political change, or being a tool for a political party just remember there are at least 2 sides to every story. There’s no need to be flippant fighting over banned pancakes.

Delayed Syllabus

3/1/1650 BC

I used to pride myself on being patient. I would say that it was my strongest personality trait. I’m learning more and more that true patience is eternal and there is still much virtue to grow in. At what point do we think we should stop being faithful? Are there things or people we should put a timeline on? Are those things and people concerning others or ourselves? Is it practical to commit to unconditional loyalty?

4/10/1650 BC

I am reminded of Israel as Moses went up the mountain to receive the Decalogue. They were in the wilderness outside of their comfort zone; no house to stay in, no food to eat or drink, possibly in danger of undomesticated animals. I understand the mixed feelings they have for this Supreme Being; one who is so powerful that they are set free from bondage, one who plagued Pharoah with supernatural disasters and parted the Red Sea but is now waiting again for Moses to come with some law.

10/19/2020 AD

I understand because it’s not readily apparent that God’s acts are not one time events, they are constant. I can believe this because I know for certain that my heart is designed to think of time non-linearly. I mean what does it really mean to be in a moment? Didn’t that moment just pass as you are reading this? Are you now trying to anticipate the next moment? That’s how I look at the 10 Commandments. Its spiritual implications transcend the times as it foreshadowed the promise God would have for all His people through Jesus.

¹²Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Ex (8:12p.m.)

CCCLXXIV

Adonai,

We have been shattered to pieces; our families are broken, our country is divided, and our world is in decline. There are many who are battling resentment and depression and corruption because of the injustices that surround us. We ask that you open our hearts according to your Spirit. Make us willing to receive your teachings as we approach critical times. Separate and isolate us to make us more like you. Give us grace to see past the corruption and enter your Promised Land-not in some form of escapism, but in stirring up your tender mercies in the steadfastness of Christ. May we no longer be byproducts of dysfunction. Amend the laws that makes us progenitors of poverty. For you are the Prince of Peace and Lord of Justice. Your truth extends from generation to generation.

Amen.

Tallying Darlings

While some of us have already given birth to a new chapter in their life, the rest of us – me included – are still laboring for greater dimensions in life, love, and godliness. For me this is all about evolution being conformed into the image of Christ in all of His glory. I look forward to a new era of Christendom where the faults of previous generations will not go unchallenged; where true restoration will happen amongst His people, and a quickening of Christ’s return coming through His exaltation in and through our lives.

However, I also understand people needing more tangible expressions of justice and mercy. It’s one of the things my wife and I have been discussing for a few months now and have decided to be true business partners in cultivating this amongst ourselves and in the world. We are looking to partner in Economic Development across the country, redeeming culture along the way while journeying to manifesting perfect love. Yes, this is our little baby and just like Hannah, we’re dedicating the first fruit of our endeavors to God. We invite all those who may want to partner with us to prepare yourselves for our expedition. All we ask is that we may remain open-minded, respectful, and honest in our dealings with each other.

10 – year Projection

¹Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
²Are you single? Married?
³Are you going back to school? Teaching yourself? Have a mentor?
⁴Are you emotionally and mentally stable?
⁵Are you in good shape? Are you more laid back?
⁶Are you making impacts on community development?
⁷Are you becoming politically aware and speaking to your political leaders?
⁸Do you have a job? What is your career growth? Will you consider intrapeneurship?
⁹Are you owning a business? If so, what are your key products or services you’re selling?
¹⁰How will you invest your time, talents, and resources to enrich yourself and others?

Because while 10 years can go pretty fast for some, for others it can feel like 10 centuries. Isn’t that right Dave? You know how I nip things. It’s amazing how things are comin’ full circle. We’re running victory laps. Stop sleeping on us Millennials.

Bond Compari’sons’

Treasury Bond: $100
.75% yield
Maturity 10 years

Our Bond: Priceless
Infinite yield
Maturity Timeless

Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and not moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:33-34