There are some conversations  that just are not worth having. Welcome to the “the porch”. This is a place where we are free to ponder most anything. The rules here are simple…we ponder most anything but do not expect a solution. We believe that there are certain times that we need to get stuff off our minds and chests… I like that ole saying “it is what it is.” My grandfather many years ago gave me some advice that I practice every day. When you are faced with an issue that requires a decision always go with the one you can live best with. You can always change your mind but misery costs more than it is worth. The number one conversation that I believe is not worth having is this transgender thing. You can ponder on it, even step it up a notch and mull over it… “it is what it is.” If I step away from pondering this trans thing and rely on common sense, even go as far as to consider Science as a neutral arbitrator, wait, I do have to consider the Creator who has provided us with this dilemma… God made all things and that includes Man and Woman… Is God real? If you can’t accept that, then this is one of those conversations that aren’t worth having, ponder on that awhile. I don’t wish to be harsh but my faith and in this instance Science proves my point. You can do whatever you want…add, take away and even believe but the fact is your DNA does not alter how wonderfully you were made. So nuff said…To put it crudely… “if your swinging  this gender thing is a mind thing.”

Kurt

I have had this on the desk for awhile now and things have changed. The Methodist church did not split, it ruptured…losing churches, people and whatever influence it may have at the table… so to speak. I have evolved in some respects, evolved in political speak means I was wrong about some things, I have changed my mind. Stay by all means…Accept the spiritual hopscotch…never! Open Doors, Open Minds, Open Hearts…As my God has commanded me I shall do my best to do just that… I will obey my God with all my heart and mind and I will never pass an opportunity to defend the scripture… the word of God… so that some for the connivence of personal, cultural or agenda driven issues prevail over His word. I would also remind you that this particular subject is not exclusive to the Methodist Church. Many other denominations have gone down this same road. 

  The following is an excerpt from that Blog, of 2015:

“Experience has taught me that the act of avoidance is akin to blissful ignorance. Wake up! This elephant is not going to go away. There is a debate that encompasses the whole of the United Methodist Church, is divisive at its very utterance and is quietly destroying the faith. It is particularly disturbing because the leadership of our denomination is itself spinning in the wind in hopes that enough dust will cover a subject that draws lines quicker than a room full of architects with pencils and drawing tables.” Here is the link to that blog if you wish to read it.

https://fromthepewblog.com/2015/03/22/the-elephant-in-the-pew/

The usual path to such issues that impact the doctrine and the Discipline of the United Methodist Church follow a set pattern of procedures that allows opinions from those in the pew, on committees, church councils and others sources of input and hopefully prayer…lots of it. I left the “church” shortly thereafter because I found the issue so compelling that it interfered with good judgement but most of all with a Christian attitude of love and tolerance. Covid a few years later put the issue on hold…or you might say exasperated all sides involved in this. There was one thing that I found odd…the almost total silence from the pew concerning this issue. What was the issue that caused me to leave? From the past blog:

“The subject of discussion is Homosexuality, Same Sex Marriage and what the church believes to be the correct path forward. Like the Israelites we too have been wandering in the wilderness, for at least forty years, and having our faith questioned. For us there seems to be no Mosses and the Promised Land is hidden from view behind trees of words.”

So I was gone for awhile but not out of church. First lesson I learned is that my haste to act was wrong and I in a way had abandon my faith just as John Mark abruptly left Paul and Barnabas after they had arrived at Perga on that first mission trip. I also learned that there was a need for fellowship, it is a big part of the christian community, which I have now come to refer to as the community of faith. Denominations and doctrine do not sustain faith and I might add convenience should not be a factor in our response to God’s call in our life. 

After returning to the Methodist Church a few years ago and having time being away from the arguments of doctrine, committees and the uncertainty of direction the church would go, I now view this Elephant In The Pew differently. As United Methodists we must not abandon our church that is no longer a valid action. When I look back and reassess, I discover I had as the saying goes “the wrong end of the stick”. The first problem was I had to find peace with was my lack of biblical understanding. Notice I said understanding, not knowledge.You see as confusing as this might be I needed wisdom… and that comes only from God. You work hard you can acquire knowledge but lady wisdom is found only in God…it is a divine gift. These next twelve words have encouraged a million words or more.

Leviticus 18:22 – Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 

The next thing I have learned is that the lack of leadership from those in positions of influence and power in the United Methodist Church were busy pretending that there was no elephant in the room and it was my opinion that they preferred to keep it out of the “pew”. Most Pastors do not like unhappy folks in the pew…that type of atmosphere tends to encourage divisions among the congregation, upsets the DS and draws the attention of the Conference, not in a good way. I am just a Layman, I have served over the years on various committees, did chair the Church Council at one time and taught Sunday School. I mention this only as a point of reference that I at one time felt I knew the views in the pew of these hot button topics. The other reason being that I was looking in the wrong places…pointing with the wrong end of the stick. This headline caught my attention…. Methodist Leaders say ‘rebellion and dysfunction’ over LGBT issues splitting the denomination. (Jon Brown June 9, 2022 Fox News) Still no news from the “The Pew” the leadership act as if we know nothing. 

Now about that stick… everyone likes to play with numbers so here is what I believe. This is not a numbers game, this is about those who would pervert the scripture to advance their own Ungodly agenda. Gay Rights, LGBT and all the baggage that comes with it is squandering the ability of the faithful to share the word…Jesus Christ is the Son of The Living God…in whom, through whom, there is Forgiveness and Salvation…Life Everlasting. We of the faith are overlooking one important command…

Matthew 22:37-40 

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

So my final words to you on this subject would be to understand these points of thought. Consider not leaving the Methodist Church over the “rebellion and dysfunction” that keeps us from being Christ Like in our behavior. The God we serve is a God of Restoration, not Condemnation. Let’s get on telling the good news and never fall back from our responsibility of speaking out about those things and behaviors that separate us from our God, welcoming all to His Table. Would like to hear an AMEN from the Pew. 

PS…Another’s Salvation is in God’s hands only… Try to love and be there for all people… Leave Judgement to God

Life is Good

jk

Well as I started my usual research path I knew from the first inquiry that I would need my dictionary close at hand. There is a very different meaning to what is referred to as Social Justice  compared to the view the Bible presents as Christian Justice, guess it is how you view it. First word that had me reaching for the dictionary was “egalitarianism.” For this discourse I will define it as a doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. Now it is my belief that there is an often common view that it is a case of the rich exploiting poor and is at times a force that causes division among people as we let emotions overcome judgement as to the root cause. When it becomes the cause of the social justice warriors and cultural expediency we find these “buzz words”: “income redistribution,” “property redistribution,” and “equality of outcome ” which in turn promotes a platform that transforms itself  into political, social, economic and civil rights agendas. It also brings to the forefront another factor that we are hearing about more and more each day. The darling of the social justice warriors “redistribution of wealth.” Nuff said, let’s move on to the Christian view with Biblical insight and guidance.

What is the Christian view of social justice? Christians believe that we serve a God of Justice. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

Within the biblical view are these descriptions which are meant to depict these avenues of needed justice… we should care for the fatherless, the widow and those people who the scripture refers to as a foreigner, exile, and alien. These folks have no way to fend for themselves and usually have no support system. Other points to be considered… This from Jesus… He makes known to his followers, Matthew 25:40  And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Also consider…“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (James 1:27) So we do have an obligation and for christian believers a Godly and moral responsibility to care for those less fortunate. We all realize that there are none among us that are without sin. Sin is never a solitary thing, it affects all those around us and places us circumstances of great challenges. God in his wisdom and mercy has made provisions in the old and new covenants to care for these outcasts of society. God knows that, due to the fall, there will be widows, fatherless and sojourners in society, and He made provisions in the old and new covenants to care for these outcasts of society.You might say God put his stamp of approval on such actions by commanding us to go among the people and bring the gospel message to even the outcasts of society. 

Now to wrap all this together and up consider these points. The Bible and christian assessment of justice is much different than that of society. Our path is much more aimed at the individual than society in general and is fortified by this scripture…Matthew 22:39  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ In this society today we christians find ourselves replaced or at least demoted to government and society and cultural changes… there is very little love in programs and agendas…Only the Mercy,Grace and Love of God through Jesus Christ can heal the suffering of sin and earthly trials. Christ is our Savior and only at His returning will God’s love and justice prevail.

Life is Good…God is Justice

jk

It is done, stick a fork in it and move on…but there are those who refuse to do just that. It is an every four year sickness that affects millions or more Americans. Actually the total vote count till now that were effected by this time around is 148,559,203 and there is no shot you can take for it. I have heard that there is a Jack Daniels that recommends at least four shots every four years starting about August and lasting through November 5th, also while it won’t stop it , I have been told it will help you through it. Now I have been mulling this thing over and I believe I have found something that is worthy of a good Ponder. Oh , you didn’t ask but a Mulling is a close relative of pondering. With that in mind let’s ponder on this four year thing. 

“The 2024 presidential election was the second most expensive since at least 1998. In total, $5.5 billion dollars was spent on the race by presidential candidates, political parties and independent interest groups trying to influence federal elections, according to Open Secrets. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $2.2 billion less than the 2020 race, the most expensive on record. When congressional races are factored in, the cost of 2024 campaigns jumps to $15.9 billion.

In 2024, Democrats spent about $6.7 billion, Republicans spent about $7.6 billion, and third-party candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., spent a little more than $500 million. Adjusted for inflation, that’s more than 2.5 times as much as any third-party candidate since 2000, when third-party candidates spent nearly $197 million.”

(PBS. Nov 5, 2024 6:50 PM EST) 

This was an exercise in improbability, most of us would most likely say “only in the movies” In the Presidential race one candidate had been convicted of numerous felonies and was awaiting sentencing. The other was in the early stages of dementia, which I must add most people thought he had gone on past that. So to sum this up…many thought one of them should be in prison, the other one in an institution. Then to add to the seriousness of this every four year thing They try to shoot the felon and they replaced the other guy…oh don’t worry about him,  they figured he wouldn’t know but wouldn’t you know it…his wife told him. He got mad about it. Now the guy they shot, I hear he is ok…He was within earshot…he got mad too. I could write much more but I got to get back to my ponder. For those of you who read this…Ponder This…

This four year thing cost 15.9 Billion  Dollars … that would do a lot of good for a lot of people.

Titus 1:1

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.

This Epistle to Titus was written A.D. 66. This week there is one difference we will mention. The two letters to Timothy and now this one to Titus can be viewed as Pastoral Epistles and are intended to encourage the brothers in the faith. Titus, was left in Crete to lead the church which Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys. Paul instructs Titus as to the qualifications to look for in leaders for this church. Titus 1:12 is an interesting verse… Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, ‘The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.’  Paul has graciously warned Titus of these people. Paul always sought ways to encourage Titus and the others as the worked and grew in the faith. Paul shares this with the younger Titus… Titus 3:3-6, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

I find it interesting how Paul ties everything together as he mentors these young leaders upon whom the future of the church is dependent. Instead of just pointing fingers Paul names and points out the shortcomings of those who would rebel, decide or claim certain aspects of the battle they are fighting. Titus and the other leaders must be on guard against the Judaizers, those who sought to add works to the gift of grace which produces salvation. The simple way to explain this would be to point out that their claim, circumcision and adherence to the rituals and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law were still necessary  Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. In Pauls mind this was wrong, in my mind simply put they were saying “you have to be a Jew first, before you are accepted here” bit harsh on my part but that is how I read it. Paul seeks to lead us to the understanding that we must learn how to live a life that is pleasing to our Lord. We should avoid those things that strive to imitate the good way. Paul writes…Titus 1:16 “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good”  Every day we must stand strong in “The Faith” by renewing our minds through the way we live and the guidance of The Holy Spirit.

Philemon…

Philemon 1:1

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—

The Book of Philemon was written in approximately A. D. 60. An unusual book in a couple of ways. First of all it is the shortest of all Paul’s writings…335 words. Second it deals with slavery, which was a prevalent practice at that time. Philemon was a slave owner who had heard Paul’s preaching and had become a Christian. The tone of the letter implies that Paul was in prison at the time it was written. Onesimus was the slave who’s actions were the the subject of the letter. Onesimus robbed his master, Philemon, and ran away, making his way to Rome and to Paul. It is thought that over time Paul had visited Philemon’s home and had come into contact with Onesimus. One other interesting fact is that even though Philemon was a slave owner he also hosted a church in his home. Because of Paul’s witnessing to him it appears that both Philemon and Onesimus had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Consider this…Onesimus had run away and had found Paul in Rome…Paul was now in prison but the one thing that remained true was, Onesimus was still a slave and he was the property of Paul’s friend Philemon. Paul’s request was simple…Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ and not merely as a slave.

Here we are introduced to a new way of thinking… There is the attribute of accountability and responsibility. This book puts the spotlight on the difference between law and grace…the covenant of grace between Jesus Christ and those who believe. When everything has been said and done, Paul had sent Onesimus back to Philemon with the promise of retribution for property and monies taken from him. The only request Paul made was that as a friend and brother in the faith of both men was that Philemon accept Onesimus back as a brother in the faith and consider that in his judgement of him. The truth is we all we be called to answer to God for our actions.

Life is Good

jk 

These two books will complete this series with one exception. My Sunday School Class are is this time working in The Book Of Romans…I will at some future date add that book to this series. This collection of the Pauline books contains 13 books of the New Testament and when I include the book of Romans, they total 32,402 words. Quite a Legacy for the apostle Paul. Thanks to you who have stayed with me and I also must acknowledge a wonderful web site that has been my source of information. Visit them please, they are a great study guide.

gotquestions.org 

Spent most of my day dealing with a mail program problem that was so unusual that it was no surprise that a doodle head like me did not see it… right there in front of me all day. It was my problem but got it corrected late afternoon. When I had a little down time and after some serious pondering I was grateful for the time it occupied me today. Religion and politics are two subjects that can get these rocking chairs on the porch moving fast enough to burn the runners. I try to avoid them both when writing or doing a little porch pondering… because they both tend to encourage debate and you know how I feel about that… someone always has to lose. How you vote is best kept close to your chest and should at least reflect you values… that’s where this voting thing gets a bit personal. Values or Politics… either way one or the other is the loser but which ever way it falls there is a cost. Me, I tend to always vote my values which simply means that between you and me there is a good chance that we won’t be in agreement. Consider this… we live in a world that has forgotten how to disagree and be nice about it. I will vote for God, Family and Church… you can fill in the value factor with that. I was not a fan of President Obama but one thing he did say has stayed with me through the years gone by… “Elections have consequences.” Ponder on that!

Kurt  

1 Timothy was written by Paul in 62-66 A.D. they were written to encourage Timothy in his responsibilities for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church, also other churches in the province of Asia. The letter provides instructions for the ordaining of elders including also ordaining other people in the various offices of the church. It is in simple terms a leadership manual for church organization and administration. One amazing fact is that some of these instructions are part of the churches structure today. We find some verses in this book that encourage and instruct also some that are in this day problematic due to cultural changes over the years. 

1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:1-3, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”

1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 2:12, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”

There are many things to consider about Timothy that perhaps for that day and time stand out. First of all Timothy had been a great help to Paul in his ministry. Timothy was a Greek  and his father was Greek and his mother was a Jew. Paul was more than just a mentor and leader to Timothy, he was like a father to him… 1 Timothy 1:2  I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. Paul urges Timothy to be on guard for false teachers and false doctrine. He then writes a great deal about expected pastoral conduct. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers, and the church’s responsibility toward single members, widows, elders, and slaves. Paul shares his concerns about the manner of worship in chapter 2. Paul completes this part of the letter with attention to developing mature leaders for the church (chapter 3). Paul always encourages Timothy to stand firm, to persevere, and to remain true to his calling. I would say to you reading this…Stand Firm In The Faith!  There are things written in this book that defiantly form a pattern of Old Testament writings. Paul continues on to point out that Jesus is a Savior to all that call upon his name, He is the mediator between God and man. For Jesus Christ is Lord of the church and it is Timothy’s task to serve His church. While I am most likely repeating myself but it is plain that Paul’s aim here is to instruct his “son in the faith”, as to the work and ministry of a pastor, the qualifications for an elder.These same qualifications of a deacon are just as important and pertinent today as they were in Timothy’s day. The letter is a template for those who would lead and serve. We must be one body with many responsibility always contending for the faith and avoid false teaching. Every follower must stand firm and persevere.

Book two of Timothy was written while Paul was once again in prison in Rome shortly before he was put to death in A.D. 67. Imprisoned in Rome again, Paul felt lonely and abandoned. How many times when talking to older folks have they expressed the thought that their time was near. Paul recognized that his earthly life was likely coming to an end soon. At this time in his life his greatest concern was to express concern for the churches and specifically for Timothy. Paul used what time he had left to encourage Timothy and others to do two things. To stand strong in the faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

2 Timothy 3:14 

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

 2 Timothy 4:2   

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Paul continues writing to Timothy stressing the importance of remaining passionate for Christ and to remain firm in sound doctrine. He reminds Timothy that he must avoid ungodly beliefs and practices and to flee from anything immoral. Timothy and his followers must be mindful that in the end times there will be both intense persecution and a falling away from the Christian faith. It is important to keep their  eyes on the goal…Live a Godly life in Christ and your reward will be in heaven. We must strive to avoid both false doctrine and ungodly practices.  

 2 Timothy 4:8  

And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

 Life is Good

jk

Acronyms  are a large part of our lives today. Seems that more and more people find a sentence in the Kings English requires more time than they are willing to invest. I note that because not since WW2 have we as Americans been assaulted by such a deluge of such proportion of these alphabetical gymnastics. But be that as it may I hope you enjoy your visit to the porch. If you are not 80 yet read this anyhow. Most of us will by this time of life could and will need this advice. I am pretty sure of this because I had a vision…I know it was a vision because I was awake at the time. It was a simple vision but one of great importance to us who have reached this pinnacle of our life. It is easy to remember…Just three letters will get you there. PDC… These three letters will serve you well. P…Prayer… D…Doctor… C…Cops… I pondered on this for a while and it still seemed like a reasonable thought. Now this prayer thing is a definite must. No matter what you think now my friend, we all need God in our lives. Been said, preached and taught about for ever. Why even Jesus prayed every day…The Father our God, creator of all things is understood to be rather fond of prayer. Now that doctor thing. NO way any of us can get by that. It ain’t like the ole days most of the doctors now are specialists. They are now Cardiologist’s, Pulmonary, that’s lungs and such, Neurologists, that is just a few of the specialists, why there are even Doctors that take care of your toes…well now to be fair they can can do the whole foot. The day of the “Doc” at the door with his little black bag… those days are gone. These folks are large part of our life and one other thing about this doctor thing. For many of us 80 or older, a large part of our social life takes place in their waiting rooms. This next one really is for everyone but us old folks love seeing the “the boys in blue.” Remember that phrase of a while back…Who You Gonna Call? They do so much for us and like that guy said on the TV… “It’s Free.” No matter what, where or when they are there for us. If we fall in the park and can’t get up they will come. They can help you across the street, and they can help you get that wheel chair out of spot most rational people would not try to go. I am not making light of any of this… these guys every one of them know CPR not to forget some of them have even delivered a baby! This of course is not a concern of ours. But they do one other thing of great wonderment. They risk their lives to keep us safe…all of us. Well thats it, ponder on that awhile!

Kurt

This week we welcome aboard Silas. It is believed that Paul wrote this Book with the help of Timothy and they were joined by Silas. Silas was a leader in the early church, a fellow missionary with Paul, and a “faithful brother”. He was a Hellenistic Jew who, it seems, was also a Roman citizen . He is also referred to as “Silvanus” in Paul’s Epistles (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:1). (Wikipedia)

The book was written in approximately A.D. 50. Paul writes this letter to clear up some misconceptions about the return of Christ and to pass along some instructions about holy living. 

1 Thessalonians 4:14. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. (NLT) We have to deviate from the summary mode here for just a moment. In those days an early Christian Churches continued to grow there were always moments of uncertainty that could cause misunderstanding and division. These verses point to the wisdom of Paul’s leadership and staying on the right path. Consider this: 

“First Thessalonians 4:13–18 represents an important shift in the subject matter of Paul’s letter. Realizing the Thessalonians believers needed further teaching about Jesus’ return (the rapture) and specifically about what happens to Christians who die before Jesus returns, Paul turns to address these vital matters.” (Got Questions) 

It is very clear in biblical writings that Jesus warned that true prophets of God would always be opposed by the unrighteous. Consider these points or key takeaways from this book First Thessalonians. We can have faith and blessed assurance that Christ will come back for us…both the quick and the dead. We also have the assurance that we those in Christ, will not suffer God’s wrath. Paul also instructs us how to walk the Christian life daily.

We continue now with the second book of Thessalonians which was written in A.D. 51-52. Timothy and Silas once again join with Paul to write this book. The Church still had misconceptions about the Day of the Lord. They had drifted from their task and in their moment of lessening faith they had weaken in their resolve to the point they were being persecuted badly. Paul again writes to try and clear up these misconceptions and comfort them in this time of uncertainty. Paul reminds them that they serve a God of justice…so remain strong in the faith, keep up the good work and that God will avenge those who have been giving them grief by giving the persecuted ones relief. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.(NLT)  Paul goes on to thank them for what they are doing, he prays and explains what will happen on that “Day of The Lord.” Paul then encourages them to stand firm and stay away from those who do not live by the gospel…those not of The Way. Paul refers to Old Testament passages, which confirm and recognize the OT prophets. You may research these yourself. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 it is in reference to Daniel’s prophecy regarding the “man of sin” (Daniel 7–8).

Like many of these books of the Pauline Epistles 2Thessalonians offers some practical advice we can use in our day and time. There are some explanations of the end times and Paul encourages the people to work hard for what they have and have gained.  2 Thessalonians contains prayers we can pray and are an example for us on how to pray for other believers today. In layman language… “for a sequel it does as well as the 1st book..”

As always, thank you for coming by the “Pew” this week.

Life is Good

jk

Back on the porch again and the weather is like an early summer day. This is where I like to do my pondering and my condition at the moment does not always let me get out here. As we age we do spend some time, some of us learning to accept what we know is one of the rewards of age… death. The book of  Ecclesiastes has a lot to say about the futility of life and the seemingly useless tasks we undertake but the joy of this life overwhelms us in the present…so enjoy, drink and be merry. I will remind you that at the bottom of that glass or bottle is that thing called reality. As some of you know I messed my knee up, the surgery failed and now I am confined to a wheelchair. Before I got to the chair I spent some time in a nursing/rehab facility and it was there that I met William. We had time to talk and get to know something about each other, I couldn’t walk and William was confined to the bed. He was totally unable to do any thing but feed himself and even then they had to raise his bed where he could sit up to eat. He had no family close enough to look after him…he was alone. I won’t say we became friends but for the next two months we each became a little bit of light in an otherwise dark room. Here in this room I learned a lesson that would serve us all well. Now from early conversations I became aware that William was an ole “my daddy and my grandfather were Democrats” and I was a Goldwater-Reagan Republican…nice pairing considering the election was just a few months away. We talked a lot but that’s when I discovered, earnest discussion is far more productive than earnest debate. William was a well educated man, simple folk though but he had a passion for movies. I soon learned his collection included some silent movies and a vast collection of movies in the prime of the movie making era. William soon learned that not only was I interested in what he had to say but enjoyed just letting him educate me in a thing he loved. So here is the “Ponder of the week.” I learned that we all can find common ground even in a small dark room we became a light to each other. But the big takeaway was that we all need to learn the art of Discussion and put aside the need to Debate. Debates demand someone has to win… Discussions only require that we listen. Here is the simple key to it… When we discuss something…we are exchanging ideas, when we debate we are presenting opposing arguments. So ponder this…talk or argue ?