An upright bass is a giant “fiddle” which a person plays standing next to it. I love the story behind the bass fiddle that I learned on and I thought you might enjoy hearing it:
A musician friend of my brother was fishing with some buddies. He snagged what he thought was a large fish. However, as he started to reel in his “catch,” he realized that it was much bigger than a fish! In fact, he needed help getting it in without breaking his line, possibly even his pole! He summonsed his friends for help and they worked together to land the “monster”! Much to their surprise, their “catch of the day” was an old bass fiddle!
I’m sure that there were many speculations among these fishermen regarding how on earth this bass ever ended up in the river and how long it’d been there. I can almost hear the “fishing” tales flying!
The instrument lovers of the group concluded that they must attempt to preserve this new friend. With TLC, they gave it a new back, using floor under-layment and screws, a fresh coat of paint and a new set of strings. One final thing was necessary! It needed a name! So … they called it “The River Boat”!
Knowing that my brother, Art, wanted to learn to play a bass fiddle, “The River Boat” was passed on to him. He played it for several years and was told by a number of seasoned musicians that it was the best sounding bass they had ever heard!
After of few years of learning on and enjoying “The River Boat,” Art had an opportunity to purchase a beautiful, nearly new bass fiddle at a very reasonable price. He decided to take the offer, but knew that he didn’t need two basses. Knowing that I’d always wanted to learn, he said to me one day, “Why don’t you take ‘The River Boat’ home with ya?” Realizing that “The River Boat” had become Art’s close “friend” with sentimental value for his musician friends, I choked back tears and responded, “Really? Are you sure? What if I accidentally damage it or something?” He assured me that he’d like for me to take it and not to worry if something would happen to it. I felt so honored!
I had so much fun learning and felt a connection with my brother every time I played “The River Boat”! Often when I played publicly, I would share its story and then talk about how God took the trials in my life and transformed them into something which beautifully glorifies Him, just as He did with “The River Boat”!
One day I opened its case and one entire side was coming unglued and pulling away from the rest of the instrument! I panicked … then I prayed!! I called my musician friends and asked them to pray for the necessary extensive surgery! Having heard its story, it seemed that everyone who played in our band felt a special fondness for “The River Boat.” They were all devastated! A few days after the shock had settled, Gary & I worked together to loosen the strings and loving re-glue this instrument which had become a dear “friend.” Although we had no clue what we were doing, “The River Boat” seemed to make it through our amateur surgical abilities just fine, thanks to all the prayers!
A few weeks later, I had placed “The River Boat” on the ground next to our motor home while we were loading other instruments etc. after a music event. The shadows were settling in such a way that Gary couldn’t see as he came around the corner. He tripped over “The River Boat” and his knee landed right in the center of its belly! Not wanting to see the damage, I slowly opened the case and found that its body was shattered! I felt sick! My first thoughts were, “How will I ever tell my brother? He trusted me with his “friend”!
We were scheduled to play in a few days and there was no way that we could attempt the necessary surgery and have “The River Boat” ready on time. In fact, we weren’t sure that “The River Boat” would ever be playable again! So… we made a quick trip to visit a fella who made bass fiddles. He had several available that I could choose from, but my heart kept coming back to one that was painted Ocean Blue. It reminded me of “The River Boat” story. We brought “Big Blue” home and I’ve been playing it since.
We eventually took the time to painstakingly put “The River Boat” back together and returned it to my brother who was very understanding and seemed pleased with our reconstruction. In fact, he planned to hand it down to another friend who wanted to learn.
Yes, “Big Blue” and I are now good friends. However, there is a place in my heart for the “The River Boat” that another bass will never fill!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
THE PLACE WHERE JESUS DWELLS
This past weekend we attended an “organic church conference” in LeRoy, MN. I’m not even sure where to begin in describing the experience. There were only a few of us in attendance, but the presence of Jesus was very strong!
The couple who hosted the “conference” are two of the most hospitable people I think I’ve ever met. They obviously had little to share financially. However, not wanting those attending the conference to incur the added expense of hotel rooms, meals, etc., this couple hosted all of us in their home! When the wife wasn’t preparing meals for us she’d say, “There’s food in the freezer and pantry. Help yourself to whatever is here!”
These “goat farmers” welcomed us to their humble abode with open arms, having deep appreciation for what the Lord has provided them. They shared that when they told their new neighbors which house they live in, their neighbors’ response was, “Oh! We didn’t think anyone even lived there!” With barrels, palettes, machinery and appliances scattered all about their yard, there was barely room to walk. However, between and around each “treasure” burdock grew profusely! If you know anything about burdock, you know that their pretty flowers turn to burrs which stick to everything that touches them! Regardless, goats love burdock and many of them were freely roaming the yard eating these tasty “wild flowers”!
Between conference sessions, some of us helped feed and milk goats while others prepared meals. Because I’ve had a desire to obtain a milking goat it was interesting to learn about their milking system and exciting to milk a goat for the first time! One “city slicker” attendee wasn’t nearly so fascinated. Unaccustomed to farm life, he was utterly disgusted with the number of flies! I teased him about how nice it would be when both hands are busy to have horse skin to shake the flies away!
Gary & I had parked our motor home in the driveway of this farm. Throughout the night the little goats were curiously clunking around underneath and inviting themselves to climb up and down the steps to our front door! The roosters worked in unison and were like a non-electric alarm clock, snooze option included! Before dawn was even thinking about cracking, one rooster would sound his alarm….and about ten minutes later another would sound his reminding prompt. They took turns until we finally gave in and got out of bed!
Each morning and night, once the work was done, we all sat around the kitchen table eating, sharing, laughing, crying, and exhorting one another! There have been few instances when I have experienced the presence of Jesus so strongly amongst a group of His people. Yes, we all brought our part; however, the more I got to know this precious couple the more I recognized the love of Jesus flowing from every pore in their bodies! Consequently, I found myself not wanting to leave their presence!
Have you ever noticed that
those who experienced the presence of Christ, followed Him everywhere?
They didn’t care if they ate!
They didn’t care if they had to walk many miles.
They didn’t care what they had to leave behind.
They just longed to be in His presence!
Before the weekend was over, I think everyone there was more than willing to forego rest and wade through the burdock and goat manure (maybe “city slicker” was even willing to be eaten-up by the flies), in order to be in the precious presence of one another. Why? Because it is the place where Jesus dwells!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
The couple who hosted the “conference” are two of the most hospitable people I think I’ve ever met. They obviously had little to share financially. However, not wanting those attending the conference to incur the added expense of hotel rooms, meals, etc., this couple hosted all of us in their home! When the wife wasn’t preparing meals for us she’d say, “There’s food in the freezer and pantry. Help yourself to whatever is here!”
These “goat farmers” welcomed us to their humble abode with open arms, having deep appreciation for what the Lord has provided them. They shared that when they told their new neighbors which house they live in, their neighbors’ response was, “Oh! We didn’t think anyone even lived there!” With barrels, palettes, machinery and appliances scattered all about their yard, there was barely room to walk. However, between and around each “treasure” burdock grew profusely! If you know anything about burdock, you know that their pretty flowers turn to burrs which stick to everything that touches them! Regardless, goats love burdock and many of them were freely roaming the yard eating these tasty “wild flowers”!
Between conference sessions, some of us helped feed and milk goats while others prepared meals. Because I’ve had a desire to obtain a milking goat it was interesting to learn about their milking system and exciting to milk a goat for the first time! One “city slicker” attendee wasn’t nearly so fascinated. Unaccustomed to farm life, he was utterly disgusted with the number of flies! I teased him about how nice it would be when both hands are busy to have horse skin to shake the flies away!
Gary & I had parked our motor home in the driveway of this farm. Throughout the night the little goats were curiously clunking around underneath and inviting themselves to climb up and down the steps to our front door! The roosters worked in unison and were like a non-electric alarm clock, snooze option included! Before dawn was even thinking about cracking, one rooster would sound his alarm….and about ten minutes later another would sound his reminding prompt. They took turns until we finally gave in and got out of bed!
Each morning and night, once the work was done, we all sat around the kitchen table eating, sharing, laughing, crying, and exhorting one another! There have been few instances when I have experienced the presence of Jesus so strongly amongst a group of His people. Yes, we all brought our part; however, the more I got to know this precious couple the more I recognized the love of Jesus flowing from every pore in their bodies! Consequently, I found myself not wanting to leave their presence!
Have you ever noticed that
those who experienced the presence of Christ, followed Him everywhere?
They didn’t care if they ate!
They didn’t care if they had to walk many miles.
They didn’t care what they had to leave behind.
They just longed to be in His presence!
Before the weekend was over, I think everyone there was more than willing to forego rest and wade through the burdock and goat manure (maybe “city slicker” was even willing to be eaten-up by the flies), in order to be in the precious presence of one another. Why? Because it is the place where Jesus dwells!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, September 2, 2010
KINGDOM (WITHOUT) QUESTIONS
Have you ever been told that you shouldn’t ask, “Why” or that you should simply accept God’s Word for what it says without questions? I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been accused of asking far too many questions! It has even been suggested that I “need to learn to just believe!”
The truth is I haven’t always had so many questions. In fact, I pretty much accepted and taught what was passed along to me for many years. Oh, I studied Scripture. However, I read with lenses that had been tainted from ideas and opinions of others.
At some point, I felt prompted to begin to ask questions and to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through the Scriptures. When the answers of others didn’t match up with what I was learning, I became very unsettled. I was beginning to realize, like Thomas Merton, that
The unanswered questions
aren't nearly as dangerous as
the unquestioned answers.
Jill Carattini shares in her article entitled, “Kingdom (Without) Questions”
"The kingdom of God is for the gullible," I read recently. "You enter by putting an end to all your questions."
It's true that Jesus moved all over Judea pronouncing the reign of God and the kingdom of heaven as if it were a notion he wanted the simplest soul to get his mind around. But simplicity was not what hearers walked away with. With great disparity, he made it clear that this kingdom was approaching, that it was here, that it was among us, that we needed to enter it, that we need to wait for it, that we desperately need the one who reigns within it....
Contrary to putting an end to one's questions,
the kingdom of God incites inquiry all the more.
What is the nature of this kingdom? Can it be all of these things? Who is this messenger? And what kind of proclamation requires the herald to pour out his very life to tell it? Whatever this kingdom is, it unmistakably introduces to a world far different from the one around us, one we cannot quite get our minds around, with tensions and dynamisms reminiscent of the promise of God to answer our cries "with great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). It is a kingdom that tells a story grand enough to master the metanarratives which otherwise compel us into thoughtless, gullible obedience. It is a kingdom with a king whose very authority exposes our idols as wood and reforms our numbed minds with great and surprising reversals of reality.
In this kingdom Jesus proclaims we are shown a God who opens the eyes of the blind and raises the dead, who claims the last will be the first, and the servant is the greatest. But his proclamations did not cease with mere easy words. Jesus put these claims into action, placing this kingdom before us in such a way that forbids us to see any of it as mere religion, abstraction, gullibility, or sentimentality....
The kingdom he proclaimed in life and in death continues to unravel our own....
In this world of gullibility, crafted ignorance, and much distraction sounds a clarion call for a new means of perception. Living somewhere between this foreign kingdom of God's reign and the familiar kingdom of earth, some of us never fully see or live in either. Still others somehow find themselves moved beyond the familiar borders of the world they know, to the very threshold of the kingdom of God where, longing to see in fullness and relishing here and now, they discover the one who reigns.
(excerpts from “Kingdom (Without) Questions,” by Jill Carattini, A Slice of Infinity, originally printed 02 July 2010 (www.rzim.0rg). Used by permission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.)
God isn’t impressed with credulous acceptance of what someone else teaches us. In fact, unless we become serious students of God’s Word, we are easy prey to false teachings. Instead, we are encouraged, “If… you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with your whole heart and with your whole soul” (Deut. 4:29). If the totality and depths of one’s being is required to find God, how can we rightly consider that His Kingdom is one without questions or that a quick “sinner’s prayer” purchases an entrance ticket?
If you find God with great ease,
perhaps it is not God that you have found.
– Thomas Merton
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.
The truth is I haven’t always had so many questions. In fact, I pretty much accepted and taught what was passed along to me for many years. Oh, I studied Scripture. However, I read with lenses that had been tainted from ideas and opinions of others.
At some point, I felt prompted to begin to ask questions and to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through the Scriptures. When the answers of others didn’t match up with what I was learning, I became very unsettled. I was beginning to realize, like Thomas Merton, that
The unanswered questions
aren't nearly as dangerous as
the unquestioned answers.
Jill Carattini shares in her article entitled, “Kingdom (Without) Questions”
"The kingdom of God is for the gullible," I read recently. "You enter by putting an end to all your questions."
It's true that Jesus moved all over Judea pronouncing the reign of God and the kingdom of heaven as if it were a notion he wanted the simplest soul to get his mind around. But simplicity was not what hearers walked away with. With great disparity, he made it clear that this kingdom was approaching, that it was here, that it was among us, that we needed to enter it, that we need to wait for it, that we desperately need the one who reigns within it....
Contrary to putting an end to one's questions,
the kingdom of God incites inquiry all the more.
What is the nature of this kingdom? Can it be all of these things? Who is this messenger? And what kind of proclamation requires the herald to pour out his very life to tell it? Whatever this kingdom is, it unmistakably introduces to a world far different from the one around us, one we cannot quite get our minds around, with tensions and dynamisms reminiscent of the promise of God to answer our cries "with great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). It is a kingdom that tells a story grand enough to master the metanarratives which otherwise compel us into thoughtless, gullible obedience. It is a kingdom with a king whose very authority exposes our idols as wood and reforms our numbed minds with great and surprising reversals of reality.
In this kingdom Jesus proclaims we are shown a God who opens the eyes of the blind and raises the dead, who claims the last will be the first, and the servant is the greatest. But his proclamations did not cease with mere easy words. Jesus put these claims into action, placing this kingdom before us in such a way that forbids us to see any of it as mere religion, abstraction, gullibility, or sentimentality....
The kingdom he proclaimed in life and in death continues to unravel our own....
In this world of gullibility, crafted ignorance, and much distraction sounds a clarion call for a new means of perception. Living somewhere between this foreign kingdom of God's reign and the familiar kingdom of earth, some of us never fully see or live in either. Still others somehow find themselves moved beyond the familiar borders of the world they know, to the very threshold of the kingdom of God where, longing to see in fullness and relishing here and now, they discover the one who reigns.
(excerpts from “Kingdom (Without) Questions,” by Jill Carattini, A Slice of Infinity, originally printed 02 July 2010 (www.rzim.0rg). Used by permission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.)
God isn’t impressed with credulous acceptance of what someone else teaches us. In fact, unless we become serious students of God’s Word, we are easy prey to false teachings. Instead, we are encouraged, “If… you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with your whole heart and with your whole soul” (Deut. 4:29). If the totality and depths of one’s being is required to find God, how can we rightly consider that His Kingdom is one without questions or that a quick “sinner’s prayer” purchases an entrance ticket?
If you find God with great ease,
perhaps it is not God that you have found.
– Thomas Merton
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
PARASITE FREE PETS
We recently obtained three precious little “mouse catchers” from our Amish friends. I think they had one of every possible color and combination of colors! The Plank girls lovingly helped us handpick from three litters! I think the girls were having even more fun than we!
We decided upon a black and white one which we’ve named, "Rev." It looks like he is wearing a black shirt with a white “pastor’s” collar. “Laity” seemed to me to be the perfect name for the gray one since he was close to dying. But Gary thinks it sounds like I’m calling this little fella, “Lady.” We’ve considered naming the pretty little calico “Silence,” since traditionally (but wrongly!) “women are to be silent in the church.”
I guess we’ll eventually figure out their names. However, the health of our new little friends became much more important than names when “Laity” developed rapid respirations and wheezing! We had noticed the day before that one of them had vomited a worm.
Often momma cats that have worms will pass worms on to their litter.
If one has worms….they all have worms!
So, I got busy doing some research and discovered that often the worms will pass through the lungs. I knew I needed to act quickly, especially for our little “Laity” friend, but I knew that if I destroyed the worms too quickly this could make matters worse! I kept researching and praying!
My first step was to attempt to strengthen their kidneys so that the waste from the destroyed worms could safely and effectively be eliminated. I did this by giving them parsley tea:
• Cover and cook 2 cups fresh parsley (2/3 cup dried) in 3 cups water for 3 minutes.
• Strain and throw away the parsley.
• Keep 1/2 cup tea in refrigerator and freeze the remainder; thaw as needed.
• Daily mix 1 tsp. parsley tea with 1 tablespoon chicken broth, sprinkle over and mix into their food.
After one week, I continued to supply the parsley tea and began to slowly attack the worms by providing Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture.
This was difficult to calculate for such little ones. I mixed together:
• the smallest possible drop Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture
• 1 teaspoon parsley tea
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth.
Daily, I sprinkled this over and mixed it into their food.
I used precautions when cleaning-up their messes. Their vomit and stools are extremely infectious and worms are often passed on to humans!
After a week of eliminating the worms, the focus needed to be turned to their eggs. Cloves kill worm eggs! However, cloves are very potent! Measuring carefully, I daily mixed:
• one of the smallest drops possible of clove oil (a very small pinch of powdered cloves will work)
• one teaspoon parsley tea
• one drop Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture
• one tablespoon broth.
For one week, I daily sprinkled this over and mixed it into their food.
Now that this regime is completed, I’m working at maintaining parasite free pets by continuing to offer (twice weekly for cats and daily for dogs):
• one teaspoon parsley tea
• one drop Black Walnut/Wormwood Tincture
• 1 drop clove oil (or small pinch of powdered)
**Note: All ingredients are based on amounts for an animal weighing 10 lbs. Yes, a three hundred pound cat would get 30 drops per day, but…. work up to it by increasing by one drop daily! (www.mountainroseherbs.com) is a great resource for the ingredients.
After a few short days of the Black Walnut/Wormwood Tincture “Laity’s” breathing returned to normal. They all look very healthy and are even more playful than when we first brought them home!
Now… we’re back to the difficult challenge of naming them. “The Rev” is a keeper. He seems to know that he’s in charge. However, “Laity” is now full of life and “Silence” is everything but quiet and submissive!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.
All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.
We decided upon a black and white one which we’ve named, "Rev." It looks like he is wearing a black shirt with a white “pastor’s” collar. “Laity” seemed to me to be the perfect name for the gray one since he was close to dying. But Gary thinks it sounds like I’m calling this little fella, “Lady.” We’ve considered naming the pretty little calico “Silence,” since traditionally (but wrongly!) “women are to be silent in the church.”
I guess we’ll eventually figure out their names. However, the health of our new little friends became much more important than names when “Laity” developed rapid respirations and wheezing! We had noticed the day before that one of them had vomited a worm.
Often momma cats that have worms will pass worms on to their litter.
If one has worms….they all have worms!
So, I got busy doing some research and discovered that often the worms will pass through the lungs. I knew I needed to act quickly, especially for our little “Laity” friend, but I knew that if I destroyed the worms too quickly this could make matters worse! I kept researching and praying!
My first step was to attempt to strengthen their kidneys so that the waste from the destroyed worms could safely and effectively be eliminated. I did this by giving them parsley tea:
• Cover and cook 2 cups fresh parsley (2/3 cup dried) in 3 cups water for 3 minutes.
• Strain and throw away the parsley.
• Keep 1/2 cup tea in refrigerator and freeze the remainder; thaw as needed.
• Daily mix 1 tsp. parsley tea with 1 tablespoon chicken broth, sprinkle over and mix into their food.
After one week, I continued to supply the parsley tea and began to slowly attack the worms by providing Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture.
This was difficult to calculate for such little ones. I mixed together:
• the smallest possible drop Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture
• 1 teaspoon parsley tea
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth.
Daily, I sprinkled this over and mixed it into their food.
I used precautions when cleaning-up their messes. Their vomit and stools are extremely infectious and worms are often passed on to humans!
After a week of eliminating the worms, the focus needed to be turned to their eggs. Cloves kill worm eggs! However, cloves are very potent! Measuring carefully, I daily mixed:
• one of the smallest drops possible of clove oil (a very small pinch of powdered cloves will work)
• one teaspoon parsley tea
• one drop Black Walnut/Wormwood tincture
• one tablespoon broth.
For one week, I daily sprinkled this over and mixed it into their food.
Now that this regime is completed, I’m working at maintaining parasite free pets by continuing to offer (twice weekly for cats and daily for dogs):
• one teaspoon parsley tea
• one drop Black Walnut/Wormwood Tincture
• 1 drop clove oil (or small pinch of powdered)
**Note: All ingredients are based on amounts for an animal weighing 10 lbs. Yes, a three hundred pound cat would get 30 drops per day, but…. work up to it by increasing by one drop daily! (www.mountainroseherbs.com) is a great resource for the ingredients.
After a few short days of the Black Walnut/Wormwood Tincture “Laity’s” breathing returned to normal. They all look very healthy and are even more playful than when we first brought them home!
Now… we’re back to the difficult challenge of naming them. “The Rev” is a keeper. He seems to know that he’s in charge. However, “Laity” is now full of life and “Silence” is everything but quiet and submissive!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.
All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
APPEARING TO REACH HEAVEN
When I was a young girl, I learned to interlace the fingers of both hands with my palms together and joyfully recite, “Here’s the church!” Then, with my little index fingers pinched together and pointing way up to the sky, I would imitate, “Here’s the steeple!” Finally, with my palms turned upward and the tightly interlaced fingers visible, I proudly proclaimed, “Open the doors and see all the people!”
Having accepted what I was taught, it never dawned on me to question the idea of a steeple. Not only are they littered across the skylines of the country-side and cities, they are commonly the focal point of famous paintings, hymns and poems. As a budding Christian, I simply accepted steeples as part of the “church” structure and marveled over their beauty along with most everyone else. In more recent years, however, I’ve questioned the history and purpose of these prominent formations.
The first biblical mention of such a structure is noted in Gen. 11:3-9,
“Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”
In determining to “make a name for ourselves,” the Babylonians were demonstrating their aspiration for independence. They didn’t want their selfish desires stifled by their Creator’s sovereign plans. The notion to build a city communicated their determination for permanence so as “not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” They were aware that living cooperatively would accomplish their desire for human achievement and power; “nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”
But, why an obelisk (steeple)? The first century Jewish historian, Josephus explains the construction of the tower as a prideful act of defiance against God ordered by the arrogant tyrant Nimrod, the “father” of the Babylonian fertility cult. The phallus came to represent his religion and phallic-appearing towers were built on high places visible from far distances in honor of the fertility gods (1 Kings 14:23). In fact, The Encyclopedia Of Religions (Vol. 3, p. 264) states that Queen Semiramis in Babylon erected an obelisk one hundred thirty feet high in memory of Nimrod!
When God scattered the people of Babylon they obviously didn’t leave their pagan beliefs behind!
“Sacred” buildings of all religions of the world have obelisk-like
pillars, spires and towers appearing to reach heaven as part of their construction.
Have the people of God simply followed tradition without realizing its meaning or relationship to the religion of Babylon? Nowhere in Scripture does God ask His people to erect such a structure. In fact, He condemns it!
As followers of Jesus, we are called to “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:2). “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles [phallic symbols]” (2 Chron. 14:2-3). What about us? Will we choose to be obedient to God’s command, “You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces” (Ex 23:24)?
(http://thedissidentblog.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/the-origin-of-the-church-steeple-new-motivational-poster has a helpful, extensive bibliography for those interested in researching this topic for themselves.)
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Having accepted what I was taught, it never dawned on me to question the idea of a steeple. Not only are they littered across the skylines of the country-side and cities, they are commonly the focal point of famous paintings, hymns and poems. As a budding Christian, I simply accepted steeples as part of the “church” structure and marveled over their beauty along with most everyone else. In more recent years, however, I’ve questioned the history and purpose of these prominent formations.
The first biblical mention of such a structure is noted in Gen. 11:3-9,
“Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”
In determining to “make a name for ourselves,” the Babylonians were demonstrating their aspiration for independence. They didn’t want their selfish desires stifled by their Creator’s sovereign plans. The notion to build a city communicated their determination for permanence so as “not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” They were aware that living cooperatively would accomplish their desire for human achievement and power; “nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”
But, why an obelisk (steeple)? The first century Jewish historian, Josephus explains the construction of the tower as a prideful act of defiance against God ordered by the arrogant tyrant Nimrod, the “father” of the Babylonian fertility cult. The phallus came to represent his religion and phallic-appearing towers were built on high places visible from far distances in honor of the fertility gods (1 Kings 14:23). In fact, The Encyclopedia Of Religions (Vol. 3, p. 264) states that Queen Semiramis in Babylon erected an obelisk one hundred thirty feet high in memory of Nimrod!
When God scattered the people of Babylon they obviously didn’t leave their pagan beliefs behind!
“Sacred” buildings of all religions of the world have obelisk-like
pillars, spires and towers appearing to reach heaven as part of their construction.
Have the people of God simply followed tradition without realizing its meaning or relationship to the religion of Babylon? Nowhere in Scripture does God ask His people to erect such a structure. In fact, He condemns it!
As followers of Jesus, we are called to “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:2). “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles [phallic symbols]” (2 Chron. 14:2-3). What about us? Will we choose to be obedient to God’s command, “You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces” (Ex 23:24)?
(http://thedissidentblog.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/the-origin-of-the-church-steeple-new-motivational-poster has a helpful, extensive bibliography for those interested in researching this topic for themselves.)
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, August 12, 2010
SPIRITUALITY - ARE YOU NOT TO JUDGE THOSE INSIDE THE CHURCH?
It is common for brothers and sisters in Jesus to declare, “We are not to judge one another!” The truth is, there is judgment that is necessary, and there is unacceptable judgment which is harmful. For example, in response to the reports of sexual sin within the church of Corinth, Paul responded, ”I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present” (1 Cor. 5:3). Was Paul sinning in his judgment?
Was Paul misleading God’s people when he taught,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside”
(1 Cor. 5:12, 13).
If judging one another is wrong, how can we live out what God’s Word teaches?
• “I urge you brothers to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way” (Romans 16:17).
• “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
• “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not” (Malachi 3:18).
• “I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false” (Rev. 2:2).
• “..if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?” (1 Cor. 6:4-5).
• “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment” (John 7:24).
Has God commanded us not to judge and then contradicted Himself? No! Instead, He has given us very clear instructions regarding how to judge:
1) Scripturally – God’s Word, not our opinions and traditions, is our measuring stick! "To the law and to the testimony: if they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). ”Put everything to the test. Hold on to what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).
2) Prayerfully - "Give your servant a discerning heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and bad: for who is able to judge this great people of yours?" (I Kings 3:9).
3) Without favoritism - "To show partiality in judging is not good” (Proverbs 24:23). “My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1).
4) According to Spiritual manifestation - We are not to judge according to what others say about someone or even what one says about themselves. We are not even to judge according to the measure of a person’s “Christian” activity. Rather, the determining question is, “Are they producing spiritual fruit?” (Matthew 7:16).
5) With mercy – “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:12-13).
6) Without hypocrisy – “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
It is true that Jesus warns those who judge with a fault-finding and condemning spirit, because their hypocritical attitude is no better than the one they are accusing. However, read in context, Jesus’ words, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” must be seen as a precursor to His instructions regarding the proper heart condition necessary before we can rightly and effectively minister to another (Matthew 7:1-5).
Could the rejection of God’s Word concerning judging one another be, at least in part, why the church is often indistinguishable from the world? Rather than resisting judgment or being judged, should we not invite this vital dimension of love into our lives?
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Was Paul misleading God’s people when he taught,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside”
(1 Cor. 5:12, 13).
If judging one another is wrong, how can we live out what God’s Word teaches?
• “I urge you brothers to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way” (Romans 16:17).
• “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
• “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not” (Malachi 3:18).
• “I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false” (Rev. 2:2).
• “..if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?” (1 Cor. 6:4-5).
• “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment” (John 7:24).
Has God commanded us not to judge and then contradicted Himself? No! Instead, He has given us very clear instructions regarding how to judge:
1) Scripturally – God’s Word, not our opinions and traditions, is our measuring stick! "To the law and to the testimony: if they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). ”Put everything to the test. Hold on to what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).
2) Prayerfully - "Give your servant a discerning heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and bad: for who is able to judge this great people of yours?" (I Kings 3:9).
3) Without favoritism - "To show partiality in judging is not good” (Proverbs 24:23). “My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1).
4) According to Spiritual manifestation - We are not to judge according to what others say about someone or even what one says about themselves. We are not even to judge according to the measure of a person’s “Christian” activity. Rather, the determining question is, “Are they producing spiritual fruit?” (Matthew 7:16).
5) With mercy – “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:12-13).
6) Without hypocrisy – “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
It is true that Jesus warns those who judge with a fault-finding and condemning spirit, because their hypocritical attitude is no better than the one they are accusing. However, read in context, Jesus’ words, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” must be seen as a precursor to His instructions regarding the proper heart condition necessary before we can rightly and effectively minister to another (Matthew 7:1-5).
Could the rejection of God’s Word concerning judging one another be, at least in part, why the church is often indistinguishable from the world? Rather than resisting judgment or being judged, should we not invite this vital dimension of love into our lives?
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, August 5, 2010
FAITH, HOPE & LOVE AT WORK IN THE EKKLESIA
My husband, Gary & I recently attended the 11th annual Searching Together Conference in St Croix Falls, WI. The theme for this year was FAITH, HOPE & LOVE AT WORK IN THE EKKLESIA. The purpose of this conference is to encourage brothers and sisters to come together to mutually edify one another in love. Although the conference is attended by only forty –fifty people, these are brothers and sisters from around the world! This was our second year of attendance and I can honestly say, I’ve never attended anything more accurately representative of God’s Kingdom!
The conference is set-up in such a way that it emulates Paul’s instructions, “when you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation” (1 Cor.14:26). There seemed to be a deep understanding among those in attendance that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7)!
The expression of oneness of the body of Jesus (1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:28, 1 Peter 2:5) was evident in that there was never an indication of:
• racial or cultural distinction – God’s people from various countries were accepted, appreciated and loved without a tone of any earthly country being God’s “chosen nation”.
• social distinction – People from all walks of life joined us without a hint of favoritism related to social status being expressed.
• gender distinction – Men and women alike were equally involved in the teachings and open discussions resulting from a shared persuasion that in the body of Christ there is neither male or female.
• pastor/laity distinction – No one attempted to be nor sought for another to be “the expert” because it was recognized that all the ekklesia (called out ones) are being built into a holy priesthood.
My heart was touched by those who understand and acted upon God’s admonition to “confess your sins to one another” and by those who responded in prayer (James 5:16). The precious transparency of some and the tenderness offered in response still linger in my mind. I was impressed with the universal deep awareness that intimate sharing, including admonishing in love, truly is for the purpose of strengthening the people of God (1 Cor. 14:26).
I often wonder when I observe what many consider “church,” if there is any genuine life amongst God’s people. However, as I reflect upon these three memorable days, I am assured that faith, hope and love are at work in the ekklesia!
We’d love to have you join us next year. It’s a family reunion you won’t want to miss! Stay in touch at www.searchingtogether.org!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
The conference is set-up in such a way that it emulates Paul’s instructions, “when you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation” (1 Cor.14:26). There seemed to be a deep understanding among those in attendance that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7)!
The expression of oneness of the body of Jesus (1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:28, 1 Peter 2:5) was evident in that there was never an indication of:
• racial or cultural distinction – God’s people from various countries were accepted, appreciated and loved without a tone of any earthly country being God’s “chosen nation”.
• social distinction – People from all walks of life joined us without a hint of favoritism related to social status being expressed.
• gender distinction – Men and women alike were equally involved in the teachings and open discussions resulting from a shared persuasion that in the body of Christ there is neither male or female.
• pastor/laity distinction – No one attempted to be nor sought for another to be “the expert” because it was recognized that all the ekklesia (called out ones) are being built into a holy priesthood.
My heart was touched by those who understand and acted upon God’s admonition to “confess your sins to one another” and by those who responded in prayer (James 5:16). The precious transparency of some and the tenderness offered in response still linger in my mind. I was impressed with the universal deep awareness that intimate sharing, including admonishing in love, truly is for the purpose of strengthening the people of God (1 Cor. 14:26).
I often wonder when I observe what many consider “church,” if there is any genuine life amongst God’s people. However, as I reflect upon these three memorable days, I am assured that faith, hope and love are at work in the ekklesia!
We’d love to have you join us next year. It’s a family reunion you won’t want to miss! Stay in touch at www.searchingtogether.org!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
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