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
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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
Thursday, July 29, 2010
SPIRITUALITY - PLAYING CHURCH
When our daughters were young they often liked to play “church”. It was interesting how they concluded which role each of them would hold. I don’t recall there ever being any prayers said to guide them in their determinations. Instead, the decisions were made according to perceived abilities.
Susan, the oldest was selected to be the organist because she was the most capable pianist. Julie, the middle one was selected to be the pastor because she had a good, LOUD singing voice. And ... because you can’t play “church” without an audience, that role was thrust upon Laura, the youngest.
Julie’s personality made it natural for her to dictate to the others how things were going to run in their “church”. However, Laura was never easily persuaded. In fact, Laura often complained that she always had the “unimportant” job and that she didn’t like having to always do what Julie and Susan decided!
Julie would demand, “I’m the pastor and it’s my job to make decisions!” Susan would assert, “That’s the song that I know how to play. SO…that’s the one we’re gonna sing!” In her frustration with never having any say, Laura would retort, “Why do I always have to be the audience?”
As a result of sitting in a “church” pew every Sunday listening to their daddy preach, the girls had several liturgies memorized. However, because it was the one they heard most often, #158 was typically their service of choice!
When our girls get together now as adults, they reminisce and laugh about their childhood “church” services. Sometimes Gary & I fear that our sides are going to split from laughing so hard listening to their stories. Yet, when I think about the narrow view that they were given for all those years of God’s Kingdom and the family life of His citizens, my heart breaks!
All too often the fellowship of God’s people “play church” in similar stifling ways:
• Decisions are made without prayer!
• The “pastor” runs the show!
• The seminary graduate is the only one qualified to teach!
• The only folks capable of sharing God’s love through music are those “trained for the job”!
• Repetitious services having little to no presence of the Spirit’s power in them!
• And the concept that there should even be an “audience” in the Church at all!
Oh, the devastating affect this approach has on God’s Kingdom! Rather than “everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation” (1 Cor. 15:26), the “audience” is oppressed from lack of participation. Sadly, unlike Laura, offering little if anything of themselves, the majority feels unneeded or has expectations to be bottle-fed. While the “pastor” and musicians are puffed up over their “important roles,” the fellowship gradually becomes dehydrated from lack of Living Water and weak due to lack of exercise. And we wonder why “the church” is lifeless!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Susan, the oldest was selected to be the organist because she was the most capable pianist. Julie, the middle one was selected to be the pastor because she had a good, LOUD singing voice. And ... because you can’t play “church” without an audience, that role was thrust upon Laura, the youngest.
Julie’s personality made it natural for her to dictate to the others how things were going to run in their “church”. However, Laura was never easily persuaded. In fact, Laura often complained that she always had the “unimportant” job and that she didn’t like having to always do what Julie and Susan decided!
Julie would demand, “I’m the pastor and it’s my job to make decisions!” Susan would assert, “That’s the song that I know how to play. SO…that’s the one we’re gonna sing!” In her frustration with never having any say, Laura would retort, “Why do I always have to be the audience?”
As a result of sitting in a “church” pew every Sunday listening to their daddy preach, the girls had several liturgies memorized. However, because it was the one they heard most often, #158 was typically their service of choice!
When our girls get together now as adults, they reminisce and laugh about their childhood “church” services. Sometimes Gary & I fear that our sides are going to split from laughing so hard listening to their stories. Yet, when I think about the narrow view that they were given for all those years of God’s Kingdom and the family life of His citizens, my heart breaks!
All too often the fellowship of God’s people “play church” in similar stifling ways:
• Decisions are made without prayer!
• The “pastor” runs the show!
• The seminary graduate is the only one qualified to teach!
• The only folks capable of sharing God’s love through music are those “trained for the job”!
• Repetitious services having little to no presence of the Spirit’s power in them!
• And the concept that there should even be an “audience” in the Church at all!
Oh, the devastating affect this approach has on God’s Kingdom! Rather than “everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation” (1 Cor. 15:26), the “audience” is oppressed from lack of participation. Sadly, unlike Laura, offering little if anything of themselves, the majority feels unneeded or has expectations to be bottle-fed. While the “pastor” and musicians are puffed up over their “important roles,” the fellowship gradually becomes dehydrated from lack of Living Water and weak due to lack of exercise. And we wonder why “the church” is lifeless!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, July 22, 2010
SPIRITUALITY - HE WILL LOVE YOU!
It breaks my heart every time I hear someone conclude that they feel as though they have messed-up so badly that Jesus could never forgive them. Psalm 103:3 says, “He forgives all your sins”! There are no exceptions! Jesus will never turn away a truly repentant heart. Psalm 103:4 goes on to say that Jesus “redeems your life from the pit.” It doesn’t matter how far you have fallen! Too often people believe that they have to “get their life straight” before they can turn to Jesus. The reality is He loves you just as you are! He will give you the strength to get your life in order. He just wants you to come home!
I’d like to share with you the lyrics of a song that I love to sing, especially when the Lord places it on my heart that there is someone in the audience who is ready to hear it.
HE WILL LOVE YOU
*Adapted from the lyrics of Cherry Keaggy & Charlie Peacock
Is your heart empty; no hope or clue?
Listen to me brother, what I’m sayin’ to you
Jesus is Savior and He is a friend
And He’ll never forsake you. He’ll be there ‘til the end
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
You say that you’ve fallen far, far away
You remember the Father but forgotten how to pray
There is forgiveness. No need to run
The Father is waiting. Won’t you go ahead and come?
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
Come on home. You have been away too long
Come one home to the place where you belong
Come on home. He won’t ask you where you’ve gone.
It won’t matter just as long as you come on home.
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
Won’t you go ahead and come?
Won’t you go ahead and come?
Won’t you go ahead and come?
My prayer is that you would find rest and peace in the assurance of His unconditional love! Just come home!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
I’d like to share with you the lyrics of a song that I love to sing, especially when the Lord places it on my heart that there is someone in the audience who is ready to hear it.
HE WILL LOVE YOU
*Adapted from the lyrics of Cherry Keaggy & Charlie Peacock
Is your heart empty; no hope or clue?
Listen to me brother, what I’m sayin’ to you
Jesus is Savior and He is a friend
And He’ll never forsake you. He’ll be there ‘til the end
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
You say that you’ve fallen far, far away
You remember the Father but forgotten how to pray
There is forgiveness. No need to run
The Father is waiting. Won’t you go ahead and come?
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
Come on home. You have been away too long
Come one home to the place where you belong
Come on home. He won’t ask you where you’ve gone.
It won’t matter just as long as you come on home.
And He will love you so completely
And He will heal you every wound and scar
He will receive you just for the askin’, Uh-huh
He will love you just are you are
Won’t you go ahead and come?
Won’t you go ahead and come?
Won’t you go ahead and come?
My prayer is that you would find rest and peace in the assurance of His unconditional love! Just come home!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, July 15, 2010
STEWARDSHIP - MAKING NON-TOXIC LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Fragrances, phosphates, chlorines and petroleums in most laundry detergents have adverse effects on the environment and on our health. Even for careful label readers, choosing non-toxic products can be tricky.
According to Investigator/Professor Anne C. Steinemann, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Affairs, University of Washington, laundry detergent companies are not required to disclose all chemicals including those classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law! Consequently, labels often read something like this: “Ingredients include surfactants (anionic and nonionic) and enzymes.”
My understanding is that Seventh Generation is one of few companies which produces truly safe products. Although, I’ve never used it, they offer a laundry detergent that is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, free of chlorine, phosphates and petroleum-based ingredients, as well as artificial fragrances and dyes. A 50 oz bottle for 32 loads can be purchased for as low as $10.56 = $.33/load.
However, not only is it important to be good stewards of our bodies and the world in which we live, spending wisely is no less important. Thirty-three cents per load may not sound like much until you discover that…
you can make non-toxic liquid detergent
for
$.01/load!
I’m not kidding!
Ingredients:
1/3 bar Fels Naptha (1/3 bar Zote or 1 bar of Ivory will work)
½ cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)
½ cup 20 Mule Team Borax powder
*Note: All these are typically in the Laundry section
• Grate soap and place in sauce pan
• Add 6 cups water
• Heat until soap melts
• Add soda & borax
• Stir until dissolved
• Remove from heat
• Pour 4 cups hot water into a 2 gallon bucket
• Add soap mixture & stir.
• Add one gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir
• Allow to set for 24 hours
• Stir mixture – (Consistency - egg drop soup)
Use ½ cup of laundry gel per load. As a pre-soak, add ½ cup to enough water that just covers items needing treatment and soak over-night before laundering as usual.
Soap residue is what causes laundry dinginess and color loss. Its abrasiveness also shortens the life of our clothing. Vinegar is not only inexpensive; it’s amazing for many things, including laundry! Vinegar removes this residue! I purchased a laundry softener ball and fill it with ½ cup of vinegar. When placed on top of the clothes in the washing machine, this ball will dispense the vinegar during the rinse cycle. Since using this, I’ve noticed a difference in the brightness of our clothes!
Give it a try! It’s very easy, lots of fun and it works as well, if not better than any commercial product I’ve ever tried.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to help!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
According to Investigator/Professor Anne C. Steinemann, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Affairs, University of Washington, laundry detergent companies are not required to disclose all chemicals including those classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law! Consequently, labels often read something like this: “Ingredients include surfactants (anionic and nonionic) and enzymes.”
My understanding is that Seventh Generation is one of few companies which produces truly safe products. Although, I’ve never used it, they offer a laundry detergent that is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, free of chlorine, phosphates and petroleum-based ingredients, as well as artificial fragrances and dyes. A 50 oz bottle for 32 loads can be purchased for as low as $10.56 = $.33/load.
However, not only is it important to be good stewards of our bodies and the world in which we live, spending wisely is no less important. Thirty-three cents per load may not sound like much until you discover that…
you can make non-toxic liquid detergent
for
$.01/load!
I’m not kidding!
Ingredients:
1/3 bar Fels Naptha (1/3 bar Zote or 1 bar of Ivory will work)
½ cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)
½ cup 20 Mule Team Borax powder
*Note: All these are typically in the Laundry section
• Grate soap and place in sauce pan
• Add 6 cups water
• Heat until soap melts
• Add soda & borax
• Stir until dissolved
• Remove from heat
• Pour 4 cups hot water into a 2 gallon bucket
• Add soap mixture & stir.
• Add one gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir
• Allow to set for 24 hours
• Stir mixture – (Consistency - egg drop soup)
Use ½ cup of laundry gel per load. As a pre-soak, add ½ cup to enough water that just covers items needing treatment and soak over-night before laundering as usual.
Soap residue is what causes laundry dinginess and color loss. Its abrasiveness also shortens the life of our clothing. Vinegar is not only inexpensive; it’s amazing for many things, including laundry! Vinegar removes this residue! I purchased a laundry softener ball and fill it with ½ cup of vinegar. When placed on top of the clothes in the washing machine, this ball will dispense the vinegar during the rinse cycle. Since using this, I’ve noticed a difference in the brightness of our clothes!
Give it a try! It’s very easy, lots of fun and it works as well, if not better than any commercial product I’ve ever tried.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I’ll be glad to help!
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, July 8, 2010
NATIONALISM - PUT YOUR SWORD BACK IN IT'S PLACE!
I have obviously “stirred up a hornets nest” with my last article regarding America’s national anthem. I would like to share some responses that I have offered to others which may or may not be helpful for you in understanding my heart.
It seems that the most stimulating point in my previous article was the suggestion that, as followers of Jesus, we are never to respond with violence. Please know that I do not approach this subject with an insensitive heart. I have three older brothers who fought in Viet Nam. As a little girl, they were my heroes! My only child will be leaving for Afghanistan in a few days. If I were going to kill others to protect anyone, my mothering heart would likely be more tempted to murder in order to protect my son than anyone on this earth! Yet, I have to keep coming back to, not what my sinful nature wants to do, but what would a follower of Jesus do?
I can’t rationalize this in my mind or I will always come back to, “Surely God would want me to protect my son!” I must come back to, “What does God’s Word say?”
Yes, God commanded OT Israel to go into battle. They were God’s chosen people and God held them accountable to keep true religion alive and pure. All other countries were and are not God’s chosen people. Citizens of God’s New Testament Nation are scattered all over the world and they have been given no command to wage war of any kind against anyone. In fact, Jesus has given His people a new command, “Love your enemies” (Matt 5:43). “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
I don’t think we can get around this!
It isn’t that we sit back and do nothing as members of Jesus’ nation. I’m not suggesting pacifism. Yes, Jesus warns of coming battles, but His Word tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the spiritual realm. The weapons used by Jesus’ followers are not to be weapons of this world. Instead, we are called to stand firm in the full armor of God:
• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• sandals of peace
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• SWORD of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
• And prayer.
(Ephesians 6:10-18)
It is our sinful nature which desires to talk around and attempt to rationalize all of this. I do it too! Yet, if we are truly seeking to be followers of Jesus, we must remember,
“My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.”
Therefore, we must
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and
lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him
and
He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5
One of Jesus’ disciples, in “self-defense”, cut off the ear of one who came to arrest Jesus. We must listen carefully to Jesus’ response to his actions, "Put your sword back in its place! For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt 26:52 – 53).
As followers of Jesus, we also have legions of angels at our disposal if we would only call upon Our Father. Instead, we often lack trust and/or desire to be the god of our own lives and the "savior" for others.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
**Note: If any of my readers are interested in studying this further, in addition to God’s Word, I strongly recommend “God & Country” or Christ’s Kingdom? by Jon Zens and Cliff Bjork - http://www.searchingtogether.org and “The Myth of a Christian Nation” by Greg Boyd.
It seems that the most stimulating point in my previous article was the suggestion that, as followers of Jesus, we are never to respond with violence. Please know that I do not approach this subject with an insensitive heart. I have three older brothers who fought in Viet Nam. As a little girl, they were my heroes! My only child will be leaving for Afghanistan in a few days. If I were going to kill others to protect anyone, my mothering heart would likely be more tempted to murder in order to protect my son than anyone on this earth! Yet, I have to keep coming back to, not what my sinful nature wants to do, but what would a follower of Jesus do?
I can’t rationalize this in my mind or I will always come back to, “Surely God would want me to protect my son!” I must come back to, “What does God’s Word say?”
Yes, God commanded OT Israel to go into battle. They were God’s chosen people and God held them accountable to keep true religion alive and pure. All other countries were and are not God’s chosen people. Citizens of God’s New Testament Nation are scattered all over the world and they have been given no command to wage war of any kind against anyone. In fact, Jesus has given His people a new command, “Love your enemies” (Matt 5:43). “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
I don’t think we can get around this!
It isn’t that we sit back and do nothing as members of Jesus’ nation. I’m not suggesting pacifism. Yes, Jesus warns of coming battles, but His Word tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the spiritual realm. The weapons used by Jesus’ followers are not to be weapons of this world. Instead, we are called to stand firm in the full armor of God:
• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• sandals of peace
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• SWORD of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
• And prayer.
(Ephesians 6:10-18)
It is our sinful nature which desires to talk around and attempt to rationalize all of this. I do it too! Yet, if we are truly seeking to be followers of Jesus, we must remember,
“My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.”
Therefore, we must
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and
lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him
and
He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5
One of Jesus’ disciples, in “self-defense”, cut off the ear of one who came to arrest Jesus. We must listen carefully to Jesus’ response to his actions, "Put your sword back in its place! For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt 26:52 – 53).
As followers of Jesus, we also have legions of angels at our disposal if we would only call upon Our Father. Instead, we often lack trust and/or desire to be the god of our own lives and the "savior" for others.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
**Note: If any of my readers are interested in studying this further, in addition to God’s Word, I strongly recommend “God & Country” or Christ’s Kingdom? by Jon Zens and Cliff Bjork - http://www.searchingtogether.org and “The Myth of a Christian Nation” by Greg Boyd.
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