Red and Rover
Some years ago a movie made the claim that “all dogs go to heaven”. I know a cat person who claims all kitties do too. I’ve heard preachers make an argument for both sides. Who can say for sure? Most people I know haven’t actually been there. Considering the complete loyalty and devotion good dogs have towards their people, it is hard to imagine heaven without them.
Hudson barks at his own farts. Talk about your embarrassing revelations.
“Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” – James 2
The other day at the Life Tree café discussion group, the discussion was about where was God when everything went haywire in your life. Everyone had instances where their relationship with God helped them through the tough times. The question was then raised, how do the people who don’t know Jesus get by? Which brought to mind this verse from Galatians 5;
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.”
I know I can say that life with God, is much better than life without.
“Watch that you don’t treat a single one of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don’t you, that their personal angels are constantly in touch with my Father in heaven?” [Matthew 18:10] (the amplified says the angels “look upon the face of my Father”. The Message is so much clearer to me.)
Oh my gosh, reading The Message version of the bible has been a game changer (and large print). It flows! The clarity and the meaning leap off the pages also. I just compared that verse in the Amplified version, there’s no comparison! Check out this next passage, Matthew 10: 38-39: “If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.” Try and figure that one out in the Amplified! (38 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [[o]cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.39 Whoever finds his [[p]lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].)
It is easy on many nights to read 5 or more chapters! And understand it!
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
— Robert Frost
(1874-1963) American poet, received four Pulitzer Prizes
Source: The Road Not Taken
“I watched John Paul II pray once. He closed his eyes and went to a place deep within himself. It became instantly clear to me that this extraordinary man lived his incredible life from that place deep within. If you do nothing else in your life, find that deep place within yourself.”
Daily Inspiration
[For you classic collector auto buffs, your eyes don’t deceive you. That is indeed the highly sought after ’89 Aerostar.]
The Christian life is simply not sustainable without daily prayer.
[BenReed.net]
That was an intriguing ‘Daily Inspiration’. What defines a prayer? Is it more than just talking to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as you go throughout your day? Does it require a sit-down and letter format, “Dear God … “. Define prayer?
Iowa life 