Do You Like It Soft Or Hard? Zanjan: God sent Moses to tell Pharaoh “Let my people go”. Obviously, this is an absurd demand. Given how possessive kings, slave owners, and military and religious leaders are, who would pay attention to a lone nut bar? Clearly, Moses wasn’t alone. A British Queen would have said “Off with his head!” A Turkish President would have said “I won’t throw people in jail for insulting me anymore.” Yet, oddly, Pharaoh gives Him a chance to explain - not to suffer fools, something tells Pharaoh that Moses is worthy of challenge. Thus, he throws down the gauntlet. What ensued was a lengthy, yet fair trial. Scripture says God “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart. Then, God “softened” it, then hardened it again. Who’s actually in control? If we take it that we’re all subject to a greater power, we need to look at power differently. Could it be that we all need God’s PERMISSION to obey Him? This leaves us to ponder what it takes to obtain that. So, how do you prefer your faith – soft or hard?  briansmythe: This reminds me of a song , come to think of it everything reminds e of a song what the hoo (Edited by briansmythe) Zanjan: The stage for the future is set. That's why it's written 'the sins of the fathers are visited on the sons to the seventh generation". Our first learning tool is by 'imitation' (soft); thus, each of us is shaped by our environment, the thing that determines the first spiritual lesson. The first sticks hard - there's no escaping that. Learning the other lessons depends on the degree of hardship experienced while growing up, followed by one's willingness to accept change (hard). This is the time in history where it's possible to break the generational mold but it wont be easy. Heroic is the first who does it; joyous is the one who comes after him. (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: My GG passed away in 1941 - not 2 thousand years ago. Now, tell me where you've been the last 4 days - let's see if I believe you Zanjan: By the way, the ancients didn't have the comprehension of human behaviour that we possess today - that's why the scriptures had to repeat themselves. Took my client to church today; there was a guest preacher, who talked about the GREAT Commission (orders to the Christians), found in the 4 gospels (MMLJ). Then he had sheets passed out, listing the "50 commandments of Jesus", which are to be obeyed. In less than 2 seconds, I realized the list was merely this pastor's interpretation. Included, were some of the Commandments Moses gave, which I think is odd because people should have grokked the obvious even by then. Most of the New Commandments, to my view, aren't actually Commandments - as in THE LAW - but guidance to live by. You know me, I have to critique everything - the pastor had left out a couple of important ones, one of them being to "Observe communion" (as per instructions given at the last supper). Yes, I giggled. This same pastor had, just moments before, said that Christians need to become disciples of Jesus (seriously devoted students). I'll vouch for that; out of the 44,000 denominations of Christianity that exist in the world today, so many of those believers are totally ignorant of their own religion. So much for the Great Commission - those in other religions who are better informed will carry that torch. It's not for weenies. (Edited by Zanjan)  ghostgeek: Where have I been these last four days? The same place I was the previous four day, and all the other days for the last few years. Making sure my mother lives another day. I haven't been posting so much here lately because I've had the urge to write another story. It happens sometimes. Zanjan: Well, as long as you're not hussying around with some bimbo forum outside the Religious Forum............ I understand you have to strike while the iron is hot; got a few in the fire right now myself....ok, that's always the case but, I know what you mean. Living on earth is not the time to take it easy. ghostgeek: Are there such things as "Bimbo Forums"? Have I been leading the life of an anchorite? Why am I always the last to know about these things? Answers please, on the back of a tomato skin. Zanjan: Yes, there are Bimbo Forums. I'm not at liberty to name them because the back of the tomato skin says: "Discretion is the better part of valour". If you're the last to know about these things, it's because you've never owned any teenagers in your life. Get with the program, man - this is why we have kids. All that hard work to bring them up pays off in the long run, if only to be better informed about the criminal code. (Edited by Zanjan)  jzuma1: The true heart can touch the poison of hatred without being harmed. From beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light. Zanjan: Unfortunately, certain individuals die still hating.....not soon enough for some. Like the poor, haters are always with us -> corralled into small groups. In practice, our spiritual job is to spot and rope the slowest one out for branding. That would be a young one, of course. So as not to traumatize the prize, ya gotta be an animal whisperer. Light goes into the ear first. Zanjan: It's been a busy month for me, the kind where everything has to happen at once. That's ok; soon enough, a listless quiet will appear to level things out. Like my plants, I'm glad we have cold, blizzardy winters here - gives me a chance to regenerate after going 60 bears for 6 months. Zanjan: Not at my place but they occasionally wander into town. Nobody feeds them because they tend to take yer arm off so, we let them feed themselves. At my place, I get coyotes, deer, skunk, badgers, various species of rodents, and a plethora of seasonal birds from hawks to eagles. Year round, we have the usual sparrows, partridge, prairie chickens, and owls. Once, we had a moose stay with us for a week - he ate a whole willow tree. This year, I have a gorgeous ring necked pheasant I've called George. Over winter, they all dine on our compost bin. Some even eat 4 year old pickles. (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: Nice to see you, Wonder!  The devil has its attractions, eh. Way too easy. Sometimes, I go off to academic forums - with their bow ties and tuxedos, they tend to be a bit dry but, occasionally, I'm in the mood to challenge my patience. You know, we can't grow if we don't have a little stress in our lives, a few uphill hikes. Some seem to think that the Kingdom of God has none of those opportunities, that they can rest forever in heaven without doing anything. Methinks those people are already resting. If our souls exist forever, then the our whole lifespan on earth is tantamount to a nano second of that. Seriously, we're just seedlings here. Although we all need protection, we also need to feed and be tested by the winds of change. (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: Think of a lobster; its shell is its home. That hard shell always remains the same size but the lobster is continually growing. Eventually, the lobster becomes very uncomfortable and is compelled to do something about it. He deliberately heads into some rocks and rubs until his tight shell is sloughed off. Ahhh, relief! However, he's vulnerable at this point so must withdraw into seclusion (take refuge) for awhile until his soft skin becomes hardened. Humans are like that - they don't do anything without a reason. Their home doesn't grow, it just fills in. It's not until they're experiencing pain and discomfort, that they find the incentive to seek relief. What they seek doesn't always fix their current situation. They should realize that what they actually need is functional improvement. If one wants it soft ALL the time, they're not growing any flesh (muscle) - they're wasting away. Use it or lose it. (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: Hi Wonder! Been several decades since I've had fresh shellfish but, I still remember their taste as if it was yesterday.....Atlantic seafood is amazing. | Religion Chat Room 28 People Chatting Similar Conversations |
....that's hilarious,you guys!