Meditation Benefits

Hi -

The subject report from NBC Nightly News shares about the benefits of meditation in schools.
 
http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/meditation-curbs-violence-san-francisco-schools-n277131

Great Earthquake

Hi -

The following was brought to my attention tonight, via a YouTube video.

How likely is it that scribes or whoever recorded -- would FAIL to mention -- in the Bible -- A GREAT EARTHQUAKE relative to what happened.

Matthew is the ONLY gospel that mentions the GREAT EARTHQUAKE.
All of the gospels, though, mention the "first day of the week." 

You mean to tell me that they record the "first day of the week" but THREE gospels don't MENTION a GREAT EARTHQUAKE?  That's NO MINOR DETAIL.

CAPS MINE

"Matthew 28:1-2 - KJV

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a GREAT EARTHQUAKE: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."

"Mark 16:1-2 - KJV

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun."

"Luke 24:1 - KJV

Now upon the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them."

"John 20:1 - KJV

The FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre."

Really, They Lived THAT Long?

Hi -

The Bible mentions folks living until ages such as:

eight hundred years -- Genesis 5:4 - KJV
nine hundred and thirty years -- Genesis 5:5
eight hundred and seven years -- Genesis 5:7
etc.

REALLY? They lived THAT long?  I HIGHLY doubt it.

What?! Atheists/Agnostics Preaching the Gospel

Hi -

It really came as a surprise to me to read the content in the subject article.

Here's the link:

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/atheist-ministers-leading-faithful/story?id=12004359

EXCELLENT YouTube Video Series

Hi -

I do NOT embrace ANY labels . . . or attach ANY labels, brands, sects, religions to myself. What I do is purpose, in earnest,
to steadfastly flow in LOVE AND TRUTH.

So for the record, I'm NOT a Muslim, Hebrew Israelite, Mormon, Christian, atheist, agnostic, etc. Rather I am LOVE AND TRUTH -- to the extent that I presently know how -- while continuing to live, learn and IDEALLY -- to amend, as deemed necessary.

Yesterday, I began watching a YouTube series that is done in brief segments (all less than 20 minutes).

For those inclined to learn . . . I HIGHLY recommend listening to the
series IN ITS ENTIRETY. Yes, ALL of it. I LEARNED a lot from the
subject series that is INDEED beneficial.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA0C3C1D163BE880A

Red Text in Bibles

Hi -

I wonder who wrote the words shown in red text in some Bibles attributed to Jesus, as if verbatim -- word for word -- though those subject words in red were written MANY years AFTER Jesus walked the earth in the flesh.

The red words in text are LENGTHY, -- in FOUR gospels, and a bit in Acts.  It's NOT possible to quote someone VERBATIM -- word for word -- at such LENGTHS -- ESPECIALLY MANY YEARS later . . . which is when those red words were written.

Inspiration doesn't MEAN necessarily VERBATIM -- WORD FOR WORD,

When Jesus was on the mount of transfiguration -- the Bible DOES NOT mention any scribes being there.

Who took NOTES when Jesus was described as being alone -- YET His very verbatim words were recorded in the Bible as to WHAT HE UTTERED when He was ALONE, according to scripture?

It's NOT possible for HUMAN, FLAWED SPECIMENS to quote -- at that length -- verbatim -- word for word -- MANY years later -- AFTER Jesus walked the earth in the flesh.

Who "recorded" when Jesus was ALONE with -- the Bible says "the devil"? It was expressed that it was JESUS and the devil -- period.  Yet, the words THOSE TWO UTTERED -- verbatim -- word for word -- were "recorded" in the Bible.

I don't, however, agree relative to Jesus and the LENGTHY red text in some Bibles attributed -- as verbatim -- word for word -- expressions UTTERED by Jesus - EVEN WHEN HE WAS ALONE . . . with NO ONE present to SCRIBE.

That doesn't effectively explain when no scribes were present -- and when Jesus was ALONE -- with the Bible says -- "the devil -- and how those words were "recorded" in the Bible as being expressed by Jesus and the devil -- if only THOSE TWO were present for that subject encounter.

###

More reasons why I AND OTHERS -- REASONABLY -- don’t believe that the Bible content is ENTIRELY accurate and WHOLLY true.

Those STANDING There Did Taste Death . . .

Hi -

 "Matthew 16:28 - KJV

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

My response:

Those STANDING there (as the Bible records that Jesus expressed) DID TASTE OF DEATH . . . AND they DIDN'T see the Son of man coming in his kingdom (as the Bible records that Jesus said.)

Yet ANOTHER reason that I and others don't believe that content in the Bible is ENTIRELY true. Our beliefs are sure justified in that regard.

###

Again the subject scripture:

"Matthew 16:28 - KJV

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

Greater Works Than Jesus?

Hi -

The Bible records these words attributed to Jesus:

"John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

###

It says about Jesus:

- he raised Lazarus from the dead. - John 11:43, 44 - KJV

- he TOUCHED a man's ear, and it was reattached after being cut off - Luke 22:50, 51 - KJV

- he miraculously turned water in to wine. - John chapter 2.

###

Again -- "John 14:12 -- (CAPS mine)
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS THAN THESE shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

###

The question on the floor is -- what GREATER works have those who believe on Jesus done? What greater works THAN JESUS? as scripture says in John 14:12 - KJV?

###

I don't believe ANY. Folks who believe that Bible content is ENTIRELY true would do themselves a benefit to seriously RECONSIDER.

Book of Revelation

Hi -

Review if you're inclined.

I googled the Book of Revelation and read some interesting things expressed about it.

1. But people have clashed over the meaning of Revelation ever since it was virtually forced into the New Testament canon over the protests of some early church leaders, Pagels says.

Resource link:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/31/four-big-myths-about-the-book-of-revelation/

2.  Revelation was the last book to be accepted into the Christian biblical canon, and even at the present day some Nestorian churches reject it.^[19] It was tainted because the heretical sect of the Montanists relied on it^[20] and doubts were raised over its Jewishness and authorship,^[21] and it was not until 419 that it was included in the canon.

Religious Interpretations

One entry under the Religious Interpretations section from the Wikipedia site (link below) says this about the book of Revelation:

Idealist, or Symbolic, which holds that Revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Resource link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Revelation

The Beauty of Scriptural Allegory

Hi -

This is a striking and very interesting piece.

http://www.spiritofthescripture.com/id331-the-beauty-of-scriptural-allegory.html

16 Spiritual Reasons NOT to Take the Bible Literally

Hi -

This link's content may enlighten some folks . . .

http://www.spiritofthescripture.com/id2292-16-scriptural-reasons-not-to-take-the-bible-literally.html

Putting the Scripture in Proper Perspective -- Parts One and Two

Hi -

Excellent pieces.  Links below to parts One and Two of "Putting the Scripture into Proper Perspective."

http://www.spiritofthescripture.com/id324-putting-the-scripture-into-proper-perspective-part-one.html

http://www.spiritofthescripture.com/id328-putting-the-scripture-into-proper-perspective-part-two.html

Striking Article -- "Why God is Light and Love!"

Hi -

I found the article deeply interesting, indeed!

http://www.spiritofthescripture.com/id393-why-god-is-light-and-love.html

Some Christians and Their Anti-Christ Modes . . .

Hi -

I posted this topic on Facebook today.  The subsequent dialogue is striking in particular areas. You may be inclined to read some of the relative comments. Note: I'm not sure how long Facebook keeps posts in their system.

Here's what I posted there today, December 16, 2014:

Many Christians speak about folks being anti-Christ while so many of them, in their own lifestyles -- are anti-Christ -- according to the teachings expressed in the Bible that so many claim is the Word of God. Yep, many of the professing Christians live anti-Christ lifestyles. One area that Christians often fail in -- is demonstrations of love. So often love flow is lacking in Christian lifestyles.

Of course, there are some truly loving Christians who prove it with their lifestyle attitudes.

How is it explained that some NON-CHRISTIANS have such steadfastly loving spirits -- and prove it with their consistently LOVING actions?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritleaddiscussion/permalink/871218612900106/?pnref=story

Misquoting Jesus

Hi -

Below is a link to a brief YouTube video, "Misquoting Jesus."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQW5lm3hR2M

The Word of God Hoax

Hi -

Link to article, "The Word of God Hoax."

http://new.exchristian.net/2014/03/the-word-of-god-hoax.html

Guest Posts from Tony Suggs

Hi -

Used by permission -- authored by Tony Suggs:

THE PATH TO PEACE Although your life may be in turmoil, you have within you the ability to stay calm and peaceful every moment of your life. Like any attitude or emotion, you are fully in charge. Can anyone else make you happy? No, you may feel happy, but that is your choice. It is this way for all emotions. In your daily life, your attitude of gratitude will open doors to realms of deep personal peace that you have possibly never experienced before.

If you often get upset over small details or things that others say or do, it is likely you would benefit by taking more quiet time to remain balanced. With practice, you have the ability to master your emotions to the point where nothing can upset you. You will understand that each person is walking their Path and responsible for their actions. You will be in a place of unconditional love, knowing you are responsible only for the things you say and do.
Within you lies the ability to overcome any obstacle, whether it is a physical ailment, difficult relationship or challenging event. You have the ability to choose what you wish to experience. With your conscious intention and focus on changing speech patterns, negative thinking and reactionary behaviors, you will mold your life into magic, experiencing peace beyond understanding.

To get to this point of peace, it will take much attention, especially in the beginning. At first, it may be tedious to monitor your thoughts, however, with diligent practice you will quickly realize your weak areas and be able to change them. Each habit you master opens new doors of healing. As you change your way of thinking and monitor related habits, your brain waves change as well as the patterns that holds these habits in place. You now have the ability to change the old tapes and re-write new patterns and habits more fitting for the life you wish to live.

Living consciously involves looking at every aspect of your life, every choice you make. Once you are consciously aware of your patterns, you can make the choice to keep them or to change them. Your patterns must be constantly monitored until your desired habits become first nature. You will then remain in peace no matter what circumstances are presented to you..Namaste..

###

Claim your self-empowerment, and focus on your being an energy transmitter just like a tree holding the Earth with anchoring itself. Feel the Earth with trust, and let her support you. Let her teach you how to focus on your inner portal..without needing to look for anything outside. Become a tree where you can feel your roots anchoring into the Earth. And open your arms & mind to expand your new aligned self. You are your own portal NOW! Embrace it. Namaste.

Scriptures Inspired by God

Hi -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible

"2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

"Leviticus 25:44-46

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids. Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land:and they shall be your possession. And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever:but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour."
"Exodus 21:1-2

Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve:and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing."

"Exodus 21:4

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself."

###

Okay, 2 Timothy 3:16 says that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . for instruction in righteousness.

We read in Leviticus 25:44-46 about people BEING BOUGHT and people being the POSSESSIONS of others and people being BONDMEN forever.

We read in Exodus 21:4 about a family being BROKEN UP.  It says, "the WIFE AND HER CHILDREN SHALL BE HER MASTER'S and the man "SHALL GO OUT BY HIMSELF."

###

The questions on the floor are:

So -- such conduct was INSPIRED by GOD? 2 Timothy 3:16 says it is . . .because it's SCRIPTURE, we know.  And 2 Timothy says that scripture is "given for instruction in righteousness."

Slavery was INSPIRED BY GOD?

Breaking up a family is INSPIRED BY GOD?

According to 2 Timothy 3:16, ALL OF THE ABOVE from SCRIPTURES is INSPIRED BY GOD.  And according to those who believe that the Bible is the Word of GOD, such was INSPIRED by GOD.

What's RIGHTEOUS about buying people and breaking up a family as SCRIPTURE expresses?

I don't believe that a loving GOD would INSPIRE or APPROVE of such conduct. Yes, I believe that the Bible contains SOME truths and wisdom . . . But I sure don't believe that GOD inspired ALL that's in it. 

Men wrote the Bible content.  Some of those men had selfish and vain agendas, such as support of having people as POSSESSIONS -- buying people and breaking up families.  That's some mess of men - NOT GOD.  Ain't no way, I'm going to believe that GOD was EVER on board with those types of actions. Others share my beliefs in that regard.

Inspired by GOD and righteous?  Yeah, right. Puh-leeze.

God's Word Endures and Stands Forever

Hi -

How interesting is the content of the scriptures cited below? They say that the word of God and His truths ENDURE AND STAND FOREVER.

The questions on the floor are -- if the word of God endures AND stands FOREVER . . . why do folks CURRENTLY DISREGARD God's FOREVER words and truths from the OLD TESTAMENT? Old Testament FOREVER words, such as Exodus 31:15 - KJV, which says, "Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

###

So since, ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES, the words and truths of God endure and stand FOREVER -- are folks being disobedient to the word of God by not putting to death (Exodus 31:15 - KJV) those who work on the Sabbath?

And what about all of those other OLD TESTAMENT WORDS OF GOD THAT ENDURE and STAND FOREVER? Folks, for the most part, currently disregard those FOREVER words and truths, too.

Some folks say that we're now under grace, and not under law. But the subject scriptures say that the Word of God endures and stands FOREVER. And in the NEW TESTAMENT, 1 Peter 1:25 says, "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." Isaiah 40:8 - KJV says that God's word shall STAND FOREVER.

###

So we get it from the OLD AND NEW Testaments -- that the Word of God endures and stands -- FOREVER. Those scriptures ain't saying nothing about law and grace. Those scriptures say -- that the word of God endures and stands -- FOREVER.

###

Really, did GOD REALLY write those WORDS OF GOD THAT ENDURE AND STAND FOREVER . . . -- or did flawed men write them?

Here are some scriptures that express that THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS TRUTHS ENDURE and STAND . . . -- FOREVER:

"Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

"Psalms 119:89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."

"Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."

"1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

"Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

"Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord."
###

So why are so many folks disregarding God's FOREVER words in the Old Testament . . . such as putting to death folks who work on the Sabbath, etc.?

###

I sure am glad that folks don't follow that FOREVER and other nonsense . . . that I don't believe GOD wrote or expressed. Flawed men wrote the Bible content . . .