Profound and Sometimes Preposterous Ponderings of Pete

Helpless! Helpless!  Helpless! Why oh Lord have you rendered me so? You have taken my youth. You have taken my strength. You have left me a fool. You have told me that the pot has no claim on the potter. You have have told me that wisdom is for those who ask. Then why dear God am I adrift at sea? Why Holy Father do I feel so alone? Why do I feel like my faith is lost? Why is my honor questioned at every turn? Why is your voice silent to me? Why do I feel like I have no protection? I know of and ashamed of all of my sin. I know that you forgive me when I repent. I know you are strong when I am weak. I know that what I call good, to you is small. You and you alone are God. For me there are no others. You died so that I would live. You showed me your glory. You have adopted me as a son. Forgive me Dad, my friend, my teacher, for I see so dimly and my faith is little. You my God are the only one Holy! Your glory is evident in all that I see! I will praise...

There are many, many, many, many (have I said many enough?) different definitions of church. Place of worship House of prayer Religious gathering place These are just a few very general definitions that can be applied to almost any religion. So let's be a little more specific to Christianity. cathedral temple sanctuary tabernacle Lord's house mission + aforementioned Again just a few of the very many.  Now let's see how God defines church. Where do we do that?  (I know it's a leading obvious question) In His Word. The first mention of church in the New Testament is in the book of Matthew chapter 16.  Where Jesus asks: 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, ...

God sees everything black and white! He has no shades of gray! God cannot abide with sin! Etc.  Etc. Too many times I have heard these exclamations.  To my detriment, I have even said some of them myself.  I was mistaken in my application and so is anyone who has made the same proclamations. Let's take the easiest one first.  God cannot abide with sin! This statement makes no sense.  I will show you why or rather His Word will. Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reas...

Proverbs 24: 15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; 16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Romans 3: 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; Romans 4: 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. I used to think, Proverbs 24:15-16 was about sinning.  It can be applied that way, but I now believe that it is both a warning and a promise. We will investigate that shortly. The problem, is that Romans 3 appears to be at odds with Proverbs 24 and further down, at odds with  Romans 4.  If no one is righteous than how can t...

Usually, this time of year, I post a lament or suggestions about the Christmas season.  I think I am taking a different tack this year. Our church, The Adventure Four Square Church in Draper Utah, is doing a mini serious of sermons called This Changes Everything. The sermons are great. But the title is what has me thinking.  Even if you don't believe in Jesus Christ and His Bible, you might be able to see my point. (I welcome different viewpoints as long as they are given with respect.) Whether or not you believe in the man , His existence has been well documented and His teachings changed the world. This is so historically apparent. I would ask my readers to think about these questions.  If Christ never came what would humans be like?  Would we today be revolted by slavery?  Would we desire peace over war? Would the need for vengeance for all wrongs be overwhelming?  Would anyone ever forgive anyone else?  If you did believe in God, would you w...

It is hard for me to feel the holiday season, when I know that on the other side of the world as well as many other places, 12 year old girls are being forced into prostitution and being murdered for their troubles. I had a great meal yesterday and I am thankful I live here and that my 5 daughters are relatively safe. But when you know and have met these children, it gives a very different perspective.  It makes you appreciate the blessings you have been given even more but at the same time, makes you intolerant of those who complain about the blessings they have received. How do I reconcile these feelings?  I am human.  How does God reconcile these feelings?  He created these children, both the victims and the criminals.  When I die, I am promised that there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more fears. But for God, He remembers all. How deep is His love?  How deep is His grief? Forgive me if I am scattered in my writing.  I am broken-hea...

So I guess it has been a kind of eventful year and I have a lot for which I am thankful.  Here is my top 10 countdown.  I know # 1 is the same and will always be the same but it is here anyway. 10) I learned how to like cauliflower. 9) Started stem cell therapy on my hip 8) I lost 40 lbs by going Keto. I now weigh about the same as when I was in High School. 7)  Corinne has lost 60+ lbs by going Keto and she feels much healthier and still looks hot.  6) My daughter Sarah, the third in our family to do so, graduated CVSOM. (Kevin was first, Brenda Emerson was second) 5) Daniel is in flight school and is becoming a pilot. 4) I was finally able to get Disability which helped us get a new car (not brand new but brand new to us - 2011 Honda CVR) 3) A new grand daughter to spoil. 2) Corinne started a new career which keeps her busy, earns money, helps people, and has made her exceedingly happy. 1) I was bought and paid for by Jesus Christ and so h...