I don't have network television (by choice) so I get most of my news from the internet. The last few days it seems all anyone can talk about (me included) is Paula Deen. Paula Deen and Who is Jumping on the Drop Paula Deen Bandwagon. The latest of these is Walmart. Smithfield and Food Network have already done the same. So why is Paula Deen now a pariah? Because she used a word that no one -and I mean *NO. One* should ever use--twenty years ago. Because of this and the court battle she and her brother Bubba are going through, people are split between calling her a racist and being happy that she's going through all of this and standing loyally behind the queen of Southern cooking.
Each person has the right to research this and make up his or her own mind about Paula Deen, and whether or not to support the companies that so quickly dropped a woman who helped them bring in big bucks over the years. Personally folks, twenty years ago I was younger than I am now and I can almost guarantee I did or said something that I wish I hadn't. I don't know a person on this earth who is perfect and hasn't made a mistake or two. Granted, I don't know Paula personally, although I'd be pleased to meet her. But I can tell you this: I don't care so much about what she did or said in the past. I care about the person she is now. I could very well be proven wrong, but I will not judge her for a mistake in the past, especially since she has apologized for it. But as for the companies and individuals who are name calling and doing the politically correct thing, I feel nothing but pity.
Make no mistake. Racism is an ugly, ugly thing. But you know what? So is judging a person for something done in the past while ignoring the present. If we are going to hold Ms. Deen's feet to the fire for what she has said in the past, we need to take off the blinders when it comes to many, many celebrities and politicians, as well as ourselves.
In quoting a scripture that is much used (and abused), Jesus told the Pharisees, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" at the woman who committed adultery. That was a sin punishable by death, and the crowd would have been in the right to carry out that punishment. However, when faced with examining themselves, no stones were thrown at this woman. I'm seeing an awful lot of stones being cast today at one woman.
When the crowd dispersed and the woman was left alone with Jesus, he didn't condemn her. They both knew she had sinned. He told her, "go and sin no more."
If we are to hold one woman accountable for something she did in the past, we had best be prepared to be honest with the world and ourselves, holding others and especially ourselves accountable to that same impossibly high standard. How can we crucify one while allowing others to do the same?
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: Lazarus
Good morning! I'm so sorry I'm late. On the first day of Hubby's weekend things tend to go topsy turvy around here. It takes a little bit to get back on track.
Today we are reading chapter 11 of John. This is the account of Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus was sick, and he was ill enough that his sisters called for Jesus to come. But Jesus stayed where he was for two days before he journeyed to Bethany. He already knew that Lazarus had died, but he was going so that others might see the glory of God and believe.
When Jesus arrived at the house, Martha came out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. Martha showed her faith by telling Jesus that if he had come earlier Lazarus would be alive, but "whatsoever thou wilt ask of the God, God will give it thee." (v22)
Jesus assured her that Lazarus would rise again, to which she replied she knew that he would in the resurrection.
25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Martha confessed that she did believe, she believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.
Mary wasn't quite as happy to see Jesus as Martha had been. Her sister had to come to her and tell her that Jesus wanted to see her. He was not yet in town, but nearby. Nevertheless, Mary went to him, and cried at his feet. She was very brokenhearted that her brother was dead and told Jesus that if he had been there, Lazarus would not have died.
Jesus asked to be taken to the burial spot. Jesus wept. He had great love for his friends, Martha and Mary and Lazarus. At the cave where Lazarus lay, Jesus asked that the stone covering it be moved. Martha wasn't sure what to think because she told Jesus, He's been dead for four days. He stinks by now!
When the stone was taken away, Jesus prayed to God and then he called in a loud voice:LAZARUS, COME FORTH.
Lazarus, bound head to foot in burial clothes, came out of the tomb. He was alive once again! Many who witnessed this miracle believed on Jesus. Some went straight to the Pharisees, who decided that Jesus must surely die. They couldn't have all the people believing in Jesus.
If I hadn't believed that Jesus was the Christ, I think I surely would have believed right then and there, having witnessed a man dead 4 days come out of his grave. I probably would have fainted right there on the spot as well. I can't grasp the emotions that must have been in Martha, Mary, the others who witnessed this, and Lazarus himself. What are your thoughts on this?
Today we are reading chapter 11 of John. This is the account of Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus was sick, and he was ill enough that his sisters called for Jesus to come. But Jesus stayed where he was for two days before he journeyed to Bethany. He already knew that Lazarus had died, but he was going so that others might see the glory of God and believe.
When Jesus arrived at the house, Martha came out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. Martha showed her faith by telling Jesus that if he had come earlier Lazarus would be alive, but "whatsoever thou wilt ask of the God, God will give it thee." (v22)
Jesus assured her that Lazarus would rise again, to which she replied she knew that he would in the resurrection.
25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Martha confessed that she did believe, she believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.
Mary wasn't quite as happy to see Jesus as Martha had been. Her sister had to come to her and tell her that Jesus wanted to see her. He was not yet in town, but nearby. Nevertheless, Mary went to him, and cried at his feet. She was very brokenhearted that her brother was dead and told Jesus that if he had been there, Lazarus would not have died.
Jesus asked to be taken to the burial spot. Jesus wept. He had great love for his friends, Martha and Mary and Lazarus. At the cave where Lazarus lay, Jesus asked that the stone covering it be moved. Martha wasn't sure what to think because she told Jesus, He's been dead for four days. He stinks by now!
When the stone was taken away, Jesus prayed to God and then he called in a loud voice:LAZARUS, COME FORTH.
Lazarus, bound head to foot in burial clothes, came out of the tomb. He was alive once again! Many who witnessed this miracle believed on Jesus. Some went straight to the Pharisees, who decided that Jesus must surely die. They couldn't have all the people believing in Jesus.
If I hadn't believed that Jesus was the Christ, I think I surely would have believed right then and there, having witnessed a man dead 4 days come out of his grave. I probably would have fainted right there on the spot as well. I can't grasp the emotions that must have been in Martha, Mary, the others who witnessed this, and Lazarus himself. What are your thoughts on this?
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: Search the Scripture
Good morning! I'm so sorry it's been a few days since I've written. I dealt with horrible headaches last week, and I ended up just needing to take a few days off and relax a bit. I hope your weekend and Lord's day was a good one. Mine was; this was one of the Sundays in the month that my family was able to attend both morning and evening services.
We are still in chapter 5 of the book of John. Jesus is in Jerusalem and had healed a man on the Sabbath. There were those who wanted to kill Jesus for this, because to them it seemed he cared not for their laws. No work was supposed to be done on the Sabbath;it was a day of rest! In verses 19 through the end of the chapter (please read it for yourself, I may make mistakes) Jesus talks to them. He tells them that he is here to do his Father's will, not his own. God gave him authority of judgement over us. Jesus told the listeners that there would be a time when the dead would hear his voice, foretelling the resurrection. He spoke of John the Baptizer, who bore witness to Jesus. Jesus chided the people, saying that they had chosen to listen to John for a time, but apparently stopped.
The people knew the laws they were to obey but they hadn't paid much attention to the promise. "Search the Scripture," he told them (v 39). Pay close attention to verses 42 through 47. Jesus said he knew their hearts, and they did not have the love of God in them. They trusted Moses, but mostly about the law. Moses wrote of Jesus, but apparently they had chosen to disregard that and did not see what was right in front of them. The final verse says
47. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
When Jesus was tempted of the devil, each time he answered, It is written. The only way to fight temptation is to know what the bible says. He tells us quite plainly in word as well as example, search the scriptures.
A young man was invited to church by his friend. He listened to what was being said, but he was skeptical. Surely the bible did not say what these people were saying! He did what others do when looking for answers or trying to prove another person wrong: he read and searched the scriptures. He not only was baptized into Christ, he became a preacher. He had found the truth and he had (still does )a great burning desire to teach others.
Have a great day.
We are still in chapter 5 of the book of John. Jesus is in Jerusalem and had healed a man on the Sabbath. There were those who wanted to kill Jesus for this, because to them it seemed he cared not for their laws. No work was supposed to be done on the Sabbath;it was a day of rest! In verses 19 through the end of the chapter (please read it for yourself, I may make mistakes) Jesus talks to them. He tells them that he is here to do his Father's will, not his own. God gave him authority of judgement over us. Jesus told the listeners that there would be a time when the dead would hear his voice, foretelling the resurrection. He spoke of John the Baptizer, who bore witness to Jesus. Jesus chided the people, saying that they had chosen to listen to John for a time, but apparently stopped.
The people knew the laws they were to obey but they hadn't paid much attention to the promise. "Search the Scripture," he told them (v 39). Pay close attention to verses 42 through 47. Jesus said he knew their hearts, and they did not have the love of God in them. They trusted Moses, but mostly about the law. Moses wrote of Jesus, but apparently they had chosen to disregard that and did not see what was right in front of them. The final verse says
47. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
When Jesus was tempted of the devil, each time he answered, It is written. The only way to fight temptation is to know what the bible says. He tells us quite plainly in word as well as example, search the scriptures.
A young man was invited to church by his friend. He listened to what was being said, but he was skeptical. Surely the bible did not say what these people were saying! He did what others do when looking for answers or trying to prove another person wrong: he read and searched the scriptures. He not only was baptized into Christ, he became a preacher. He had found the truth and he had (still does )a great burning desire to teach others.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Word
Good morning! What a beautiful day! We have the opportunity to attend bible study tonight, and fellowship with other Christians. That makes me so happy. I have much to be happy about today, actually. This is the beginning of my husband's weekend so I get to spend some time with him, and today we are beginning the book of John.
I have never read John before, at least not in it's entirety. I'm sorry to say that in my years as a Christian I haven't read the bible through. That is one of the reasons I began this part of my blog. I am enjoying reading and learning, and I hope you are as well. The bible is a precious message to us from God, and I hope you don't mind that I am slow to go through it. I want to take at least two days for the first chapter. I want to be able to soak it in.
The first few verses of the chapter make me smile and fill me with awe at the same time.
1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Wow. Christ was there from the very beginning. He created this world. God and Jesus are one and the same, yet the Father and the Son are two different parts. I understand it, and at the same time my feeble brain fails to comprehend it fully. But Jesus was there, from the beginning. He saw the progression of man from Adam to Abraham to Noah to Moses and all through the line. He came to this earth as a human to save us all from our sins, and he was rejected by his own people. But the people who believed and followed, and this includes us, was given a most precious gift: the gift of eternal life.
Before Jesus came to earth, his cousin John came first. John was the voice in the wilderness, calling others to repentance and baptism. Others asked if he was the Christ, or Elijah or some of the other prophets. He told them each time no, he was not. He was there to pave the way for Christ. He, who considered himself unworthy to even unloose the latchet of Jesus' shoe, would baptize Jesus. John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove. What a glorious sight that must have been!
I'm going to stop right here for today. If you have not read the chapter I do hope you will. I look forward to learning more each day with you. Have a great day.
I have never read John before, at least not in it's entirety. I'm sorry to say that in my years as a Christian I haven't read the bible through. That is one of the reasons I began this part of my blog. I am enjoying reading and learning, and I hope you are as well. The bible is a precious message to us from God, and I hope you don't mind that I am slow to go through it. I want to take at least two days for the first chapter. I want to be able to soak it in.
The first few verses of the chapter make me smile and fill me with awe at the same time.
1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Wow. Christ was there from the very beginning. He created this world. God and Jesus are one and the same, yet the Father and the Son are two different parts. I understand it, and at the same time my feeble brain fails to comprehend it fully. But Jesus was there, from the beginning. He saw the progression of man from Adam to Abraham to Noah to Moses and all through the line. He came to this earth as a human to save us all from our sins, and he was rejected by his own people. But the people who believed and followed, and this includes us, was given a most precious gift: the gift of eternal life.
Before Jesus came to earth, his cousin John came first. John was the voice in the wilderness, calling others to repentance and baptism. Others asked if he was the Christ, or Elijah or some of the other prophets. He told them each time no, he was not. He was there to pave the way for Christ. He, who considered himself unworthy to even unloose the latchet of Jesus' shoe, would baptize Jesus. John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove. What a glorious sight that must have been!
I'm going to stop right here for today. If you have not read the chapter I do hope you will. I look forward to learning more each day with you. Have a great day.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Moses, Elijah and Jesus
Good morning! Today is definitely a day for a cup of hot tea or cocoa! I must confess, although I love all the smells and beauty of fall and winter time I'm not really a big fan of the cold. But in order to have some of the things we like, there must be some cold weather, yes?
I must confess something a bit more serious as well. Yesterday's reading was on taking up the cross daily. I'm grateful to have the chance for that today. Yesterday I set the cross down in anger because of a situation I found myself in. It's been resolved now, and my little hissy fit didn't last too long, but there it was.
I write these cup of tea posts to encourage anyone who reads them, and I freely admit that I am constantly in need of teaching and encouragement. I am so thankful for God's forgiveness.
Today's reading is short and sweet. Luke 9:28-36. Luke tells us that 8 days after teaching about taking up the cross daily, Jesus took Peter, James and and John up to the mountain to pray. The other three grew sleepy, but Jesus prayed and his face and clothing were altered. His raimening was white and glistering, according to the king James version. Glistering means it was shining, glittering. Moses and Elijah joined him, and the three discussed Jesus' death.
Peter, James and John saw the three together, and Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to see the three together. He wanted to build three tabernacles on the spot, one for each of them.
Then a cloud came over the scene, and a voice was heard saying, This is my beloved Son. Hear him. (v35) When the cloud lifted Moses and Elijah were gone.
I must confess something a bit more serious as well. Yesterday's reading was on taking up the cross daily. I'm grateful to have the chance for that today. Yesterday I set the cross down in anger because of a situation I found myself in. It's been resolved now, and my little hissy fit didn't last too long, but there it was.
I write these cup of tea posts to encourage anyone who reads them, and I freely admit that I am constantly in need of teaching and encouragement. I am so thankful for God's forgiveness.
Today's reading is short and sweet. Luke 9:28-36. Luke tells us that 8 days after teaching about taking up the cross daily, Jesus took Peter, James and and John up to the mountain to pray. The other three grew sleepy, but Jesus prayed and his face and clothing were altered. His raimening was white and glistering, according to the king James version. Glistering means it was shining, glittering. Moses and Elijah joined him, and the three discussed Jesus' death.
Peter, James and John saw the three together, and Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to see the three together. He wanted to build three tabernacles on the spot, one for each of them.
Then a cloud came over the scene, and a voice was heard saying, This is my beloved Son. Hear him. (v35) When the cloud lifted Moses and Elijah were gone.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Pharisee's Hous
Today we are finishing chapter seven of the book of Luke. Beginning in verse 36. A Pharisee wanted Jesus to come to dinner. A woman, who was a known sinner, came in and stood behind Jesus. She carried with her an alabaster box of oil. With her tears she washed Jesus' feet, and dried them with her hair. She used the oil to anoint Jesus' head.
The Pharisee saw all of this and could not understand why Jesus would even let this woman touch him. Surely if he knew this woman was a sinner he would not! (Paraphrase)
Jesus told the man a parable about a man who had two debtors. One owed 500 pence, the other owed him 50. Neither man could pay their debts, and the man forgave them both. Jesus then asked, which will love the creditor more? Of course the Pharisee answered, the one who owed the most.
Then Jesus explained that while the Pharisee did give him water with which to wash his feet (as was customary at the time), the woman did so much more. Jesus forgave her sins. This made those at the table wonder more about who Jesus is, that he could forgive sins.
The Pharisee saw all of this and could not understand why Jesus would even let this woman touch him. Surely if he knew this woman was a sinner he would not! (Paraphrase)
Jesus told the man a parable about a man who had two debtors. One owed 500 pence, the other owed him 50. Neither man could pay their debts, and the man forgave them both. Jesus then asked, which will love the creditor more? Of course the Pharisee answered, the one who owed the most.
Then Jesus explained that while the Pharisee did give him water with which to wash his feet (as was customary at the time), the woman did so much more. Jesus forgave her sins. This made those at the table wonder more about who Jesus is, that he could forgive sins.
Friday, November 11, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Lineage of Jesus
Good morning and happy Veterans Day to you. My gratitude and deep respect, not only for the service members themselves, but also the families who have celebrated or postponed birthdays, holidays and other happy occasions, who don't get to kiss their loved ones hello or goodbye every day, for those who had to sit or stand as they received news that a son or husband gave their all to this country. I am the daughter of a retired Army serviceman, the great something daughter of one who served in the Federal military during the war between the states, the wife of a husband who gave ten years to his country and would gladly have given more. While he never went to war, he was willing to do so. May God bless all our service men and women and their families.
Now, why do I mention our veterans in a post reserved usually for the life and legacy of Jesus? While Jesus was not in the military for his country, he was at war. He gave his life so that we may live. Our military give their time and sometimes lives for our freedoms; Jesus gave his life for our very souls. And because of the freedom of choice which comes not from our government but from our heavenly Father, we have the choice to accept that most precious gift, or to set it aside and say, no thank you in word or deed.
Today, in verses 21 to the end of chapter three in Luke, the beloved physician Luke tells of the beginning of Jesus' ministry as an adult. He was about 30 years of age, and had been baptized by John the baptizer. Verse 22 is a wonderful testament:
22. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The bible does not say whether there were witnesses to Jesus' baptism. But can you imagine the awe one would have being a witness to this? Wow.
The rest of the chapter goes into the genealogy of Jesus, from Joseph's family line. One would expect the lineage to go back as far as David, but Luke traces the family all the way back to Adam. This is very impressive because no one living can do that anymore. although we know that if we could go back that far, we would all find Adam and Eve in our family history. Truth be told, I skimmed through the genealogy and will have to go back and re read it to fully appreciate it. I hope you take the time to read the chapter. Have a wonderful day.
Now, why do I mention our veterans in a post reserved usually for the life and legacy of Jesus? While Jesus was not in the military for his country, he was at war. He gave his life so that we may live. Our military give their time and sometimes lives for our freedoms; Jesus gave his life for our very souls. And because of the freedom of choice which comes not from our government but from our heavenly Father, we have the choice to accept that most precious gift, or to set it aside and say, no thank you in word or deed.
Today, in verses 21 to the end of chapter three in Luke, the beloved physician Luke tells of the beginning of Jesus' ministry as an adult. He was about 30 years of age, and had been baptized by John the baptizer. Verse 22 is a wonderful testament:
22. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The bible does not say whether there were witnesses to Jesus' baptism. But can you imagine the awe one would have being a witness to this? Wow.
The rest of the chapter goes into the genealogy of Jesus, from Joseph's family line. One would expect the lineage to go back as far as David, but Luke traces the family all the way back to Adam. This is very impressive because no one living can do that anymore. although we know that if we could go back that far, we would all find Adam and Eve in our family history. Truth be told, I skimmed through the genealogy and will have to go back and re read it to fully appreciate it. I hope you take the time to read the chapter. Have a wonderful day.
Monday, November 7, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus the Child
Good morning! It's a beautiful Monday, isn't it? Today we are still in chapter two of the book of Luke. We begin in verse 21, with the circumcision of Jesus.
As was the Jewish law, Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth. It was then that his name was announced. When Mary's days of purification were over, they took baby Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. There they met Simeon, who was a devout man in his faith. He had been promised that he would be allowed to see the Christ before he died. The Holy Spirit was upon him and he knew that Jesus was the one. Holding the babe in his arms, he praised God. He also mentioned in his praise that the Christ would be there for the gentiles as well as the Jews (v 32).
At the temple at this time also was a prophetess named Anna. She had been a widow for many years , and never left the temple. She stayed there, fasting and serving God. She too gave praise to God upon seeing the child.
Jesus was taken back to Nazareth to be raised. When he was twelve years old he went with his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover. When it was over, Mary and Joseph headed for home, not realizing that Jesus was not with them. They thought he was among their group of family and friends traveling with them. When they stopped after a day's journey, they could not find him. Any mother who has lost sight of her child for a moment knows the thoughts Mary had during the time they were searching for him. They found him in the temple, talking with those who had studied the law greatly. The men he was talking with were greatly impressed with his knowledge. Joseph and Mary were upset that he'd not been with them, but Jesus calmly answered, Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I'd be doing my Father's business? He wasn't being disrespectful, he was just showing his ministry early. Mary and Joseph probably did not understand all of what was going on, but Luke says Mary pondered all these things in her heart. She knew her son was special-the angel had told her so. But Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and grew up.
As was the Jewish law, Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth. It was then that his name was announced. When Mary's days of purification were over, they took baby Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. There they met Simeon, who was a devout man in his faith. He had been promised that he would be allowed to see the Christ before he died. The Holy Spirit was upon him and he knew that Jesus was the one. Holding the babe in his arms, he praised God. He also mentioned in his praise that the Christ would be there for the gentiles as well as the Jews (v 32).
At the temple at this time also was a prophetess named Anna. She had been a widow for many years , and never left the temple. She stayed there, fasting and serving God. She too gave praise to God upon seeing the child.
Jesus was taken back to Nazareth to be raised. When he was twelve years old he went with his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover. When it was over, Mary and Joseph headed for home, not realizing that Jesus was not with them. They thought he was among their group of family and friends traveling with them. When they stopped after a day's journey, they could not find him. Any mother who has lost sight of her child for a moment knows the thoughts Mary had during the time they were searching for him. They found him in the temple, talking with those who had studied the law greatly. The men he was talking with were greatly impressed with his knowledge. Joseph and Mary were upset that he'd not been with them, but Jesus calmly answered, Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I'd be doing my Father's business? He wasn't being disrespectful, he was just showing his ministry early. Mary and Joseph probably did not understand all of what was going on, but Luke says Mary pondered all these things in her heart. She knew her son was special-the angel had told her so. But Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and grew up.
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