Spiritual Ponderings

  Therefore I urge you , brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good , well-pleasing , and perfect will of God . For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably , as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith . (Romans 12:1-3) Caterpillars can’t fly. But butterflies can (only a bit different than birds do). Caterpillars don’t fly, yet I wonder if they might be born with deep, innate cravings to do so…. If caterpillars are destined to fly, yet have no equipment to do so, isn’t that the ultimate frustration? What is the identity of a caterpillar? Is that identity permanent, or temporary? Does a caterpillar have any choic...

 I just finished a dream about my dad giving a sermon in my church that mentioned briefly principles of love in child training. A news magazine heard about it and wanted us to give them recordings so they could report on it. I was a bit puzzled since he had only referenced in a small way concepts I have been sharing for years. They kept asking dad if he was the elder of our church, but he kept evading the question, which made me wonder a bit, for he no office while I was the head elder. I did not mention anything, but wondered why all of this was happening. I secretly felt that if they had heard me speak on the same principles that they could learn much more than the small notice my dad had mentioned, yet again I said nothing but simply cooperated by trying to figure out how to find a tape recording of his presentation. Yes, its all a bit strange, but that is how dreams are many times. This went on for some time during the night with other scenarios playing into the dream, yet i...

If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you , leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly , while you are with him in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge , and the judge deliver you to the officer , and you be cast into prison . Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny . (Matthew 5:23-26) He said to the multitudes also, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens. When a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don't interpret this time ? Why don't you judge fo...