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intelligent design rael

Has anyone read the book Intelligent Design: Message From The Designers?

Intelligent Design: Message From The Designers

free download at www.rael.org

Yes, great book that brings science and religion together in a logical and plausible manner (finally!)

If reading the e-book becomes a bit tiring, there's also a printed version available on amazon.com.

Intelligent Design is Real and Atheist Scientists Are Stupid

saint anselm

The University of Iowa, Tom Brokaw, and Why Every Student (Young and Old) Should do their Research

This past weekend while watching the Michigan vs. Iowa Football game there was a commercial on for one of the Universities that I couldn’t get out of my head, even after the Wolverines’ crushing defeat (and it didn’t help that QB Tate Forcier suffered a concussion either.)

I’m speaking of the recent University of Iowa ads featuring famed broadcaster, Tom Brokaw.  Currently running on a national level, these ads feature the narration skills of the future Hall-of-Fame Broadcaster reciting lines of (Tradition, Respect) same old stuff every other University today does with their commercials to lure unworthy undergraduates and chad-swinging freshman to their schools.

However, when you elect to have a Alumni read something for your institution, you would expect to see a graduation date at the end of the TV ad…or at least the name of the person talking, to gain accreditation for your abilities to get someone to a level of fame (like Brokaw himself).  However, at the end of this ad, there is nothing but “University of Iowa.”  So the question is…why don’t they let people know?

It might be because Mr. Brokaw in fact never graduated from the University of Iowa.  Brokaw himself dropped out after he was unsatisfied with the atmosphere there, saying he majored in “beer and co-eds”. Later, Mr. Brokaw received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Dakota in 1964. Besides that, Mr. Brokaw has also been awarded honorary degrees from:

Boston College; Brandeis University, the California Institute of Technology; College of William & Mary; Dartmouth College; Duke University; Emory University; Fairfield University; Fordham University; Florida State University; Johns Hopkins University; Northwestern University; Providence College; Saint Anselm College; University of Notre Dame; University of Oklahoma; University of Pennsylvania; along with Washington University in St. Louis.

Thus, the question I pose to ask is…why University of Iowa?  Why would you have an Alumnus who was unsatisfied with his education at your institution, come back and do a nationally televised commercial?  (Probably because they figured no one would connect the voice to Brokaw and take the time to look it up.) If you knew he was willing to do it…why not give him an honorary degree just for doing that?!?!?  I mean, Emory University gave the man a degree! (And I’m sure it’s a fine school)

So today, I call upon the heads of the University of Iowa to realize exactly what a bad example they have set by having a former dropout lead the way for future students to come to the school and by all guesses, probably major in exactly what Mr. Brokaw did….(“beer and co-eds”)

Nevertheless, there is the result, and I’m sure that when the call actually came from the University of Iowa 46 years after Mr. Brokaw dropped out of the institution, Tom probably dignifiedly just sat back in his chair, recalled his days at the school, took a look at the 19 degrees hanging on his wall, and chuckled.

About the Author

jesus lighter

My Little Finger is Thicker Than My Father's Waist in Bible Versus Quran

Before dealing with the topic of the Finger in Quran versus Bible versus sciences, it is mandatory to remember that the total words in the Bible are 788,280 while the total words in the Quran are 77,473. It follows that, the Bible is more than 10 times the Quran word-wise. The Finger is mentioned 43 times in the Bible and five times in the Quran, i.e. the Bible mentions the Finger about nine times as does the Quran. In other words, the Bible has the potential of more than 10 times (word-wise) and about nine times (subject-wise) than the Quran to talk about the Finger.

------------------

The Finger in the Bible:

The finger of God is found in five verses:

Exodus 8:19

The magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hard…

Exodus 31:18

When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

Deuteronomy 9:10

The Lord gave me two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. On them were all the commandments the Lord proclaimed to you on the mountain out of the fire, on the day of the assembly.

Psalm 8:3

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

Luke 11:20

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

===

Blood and alter are mentioned in seven verses; in them blood is mentioned 12 times and alter is mentioned 15 times

Exodus 29:12

Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:25

Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:30

Then the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:34

Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 8:15

Moses slaughtered the bull and took some of the blood, and with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar to purify the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. So he consecrated it to make atonement for it.

Leviticus 9:9

His sons brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger into the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; the rest of the blood he poured out at the base of the altar.

Isaiah 17:8

They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made.

-----

Psalm 144:1

[ Of David. ] Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

---

Dip the finger is found in five verses:

Leviticus 4:6

He is to dip his finger into the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the Lord, in front of the curtain of the sanctuary.

Leviticus 4:17

He shall dip his finger into the blood and sprinkle it before the Lord seven times in front of the curtain.

Leviticus 9:9

His sons brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger into the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; the rest of the blood he poured out at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 14:16

dip his right forefinger into the oil in his palm, and with his finger sprinkle some of it before the Lord seven times.

Luke 16:24

So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

---

Blood and the finger are cited in 10 verses:

Exodus 29:12

Take some of the bull's blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:25

Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:30

Then the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 4:34

Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 8:15

Moses slaughtered the bull and took some of the blood, and with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar to purify the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. So he consecrated it to make atonement for it.

Leviticus 9:9

His sons brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger into the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; the rest of the blood he poured out at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 16:14

He is to take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the atonement cover; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the atonement cover.

Leviticus 16:19

He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.

Numbers 19:4

Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.

Isaiah 59:3

For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things.

---

Genesis 41:42

Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger…

Esther 3:10

So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.

---

A huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot

2 Samuel 21:20 and 1 Chronicles 20:6

In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He also was descended from Rapha.

---

'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.

1 Kings 12:10 and 2 Chronicles 10:10

The young men who had grown up with him replied, "Tell these people who have said to you, 'Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter'-tell them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.

----

Job 1:12

The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Proverbs 6:13

who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,

tablet of your heart

Proverbs 7:3

Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

do not spend your strength on women

Proverbs 31:19

3 do not spend your strength on women,

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting

Song of Solomon 5:5

I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock.

Isaiah 2:8

Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.

Isaiah 58:9

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

Jeremiah 52:21

Each of the pillars was eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference ; each was four fingers thick, and hollow.

Daniel 5:5

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote.

Matthew 23:4

They (The teachers of the law) tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Luke 11:46

Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue.

Mark 7:33

After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue.

Luke 15:22

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

John 8:7

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

We have seen the Lord

John 20:25

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

John 20:27

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

==============================================

The Finger in the Quran:

Noah's debates with the unbelievers.

This issue of Noah debates with them is not mentioned in the Bible.

How stupid they were? Instead of listening to Noah, they used to put their fingers in their ears and they feel proud.

Unfortunately, this is the case nowadays with the Quran.

Surah: 71, Verse: 7

Each time I (Noah) called them so that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers in their ears and wrapped themselves in their garments, and persisted becoming very proud.

Mohammad and the unbelievers

The first battle between Muslims and them

In that Battle, Muslims were 300 and the unbelievers were more than 1000, and Muslims had beaten them

Surah: 8, Verse: 12

And when Allah revealed to the angels, saying: 'I shall be with you. Give courage to the believers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.

In that Battle, Muslims were 300 and the unbelievers were more than 1000, and Muslims had beaten them

The Hypocrites, 1) their parable.

Surah: 2, Verse: 19

Or, like (those who, under) a cloudburst from the sky with darkness, thunder and lightning, they thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of every thunderclap for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers.

The Hypocrites, 2) their faith, fingertips and rage!

Surah: 3, Verse: 119

There you love them, and they do not love you. You believe in the entire Book. When they meet you they say: 'We, believe. 'But when alone, they bite their fingertips at you out of rage. Say: 'Die in your rage! Allah has knowledge of what is in your chests. '

The fingertips in the Afterlife!

The Quran answers the question of the unbelievers:

Can Allah gather the bones of the dead and make the dead alive again?

The Quran does not only say: YES but also say that Allah will restore the fingertips of the dead. This answer has a very deep scientific meaning because we know the fingertips of each one are special entity that is different from one to another in their fingerprint. Each one of us has its own fingerprint.

That is why, the meaning of restoration of fingertips in the Afterlife uses the scientific findings of fingerprint to serve up an important religious purpose which is the topic of the Afterlife.

This meaning is not found in the Bible.

Surah: 75, Verse: 3- 4

3) Does man think that we shall not gather his bones?

4) Yea Verily. We are able to restore his very fingertips!

Back to the main topic of my series of articles; this is my question to you smart readers: "Is the Quran quoted from the Bible "? And which book uses modern scientific findings to serve up an important religious purpose?

About the Author

Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil
Prof. of Clinical and Chemical Pathology,
Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control Unit,
Ain-Shams University. Cairo, Egypt.
And,
President of the Egyptian Society of Inventors.
Member of the Egyptian union of Writers

from jesus to paul

Paul : Founder Of Christianity?

When one looks at the seven books that most scholars attribute to the apostle Paul (Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon, and I Thessalonians) and survey the doctrinal landscape of modern-day Christianity it's easy to draw the conclusion that Paul is the founder of Christianity especially in light of the fact that Jesus didn't come to start a new religion.  <!--more-->

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It was Paul that basically formulated the meaning of the resurrection. It was Paul that established the first Christian communities, kept people on course, encouraged, and corrected doctrine when local disputes broke out. While Peter, James, and other church leaders carried on the memories of Jesus the man, in Jerusalem, Paul was busy positing the spiritual side of Jesus- the Christos!

Paul struggled with first time questions and comments. It seems as though every community that he founded and birthed became beset with a different set of theological questions as Paul advanced doctrine on the run: literally. He was chased and thrown out of towns. He was whipped, stoned, and otherwise nearly killed for the theological stands that he took.

As a personality, Paul was unique as well.

Paul addressed things that Jesus seldom mentioned, nor got into at all. Paul introduced views on sexuality (individuals and married people), promoted his concepts of idols, and opined on Greek philosophy: all things that were new to the "teachings of Jesus". And then there's the biggie. The Jewish Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles and opened up a whole new world for Christianity to grow and evolve, as it did.

Jesus didn't come to start a new religion. He simply said three foundational things that rocked the world at that time. jesus said follow me. Jesus said love God. Jesus said love your neighbors. But, Paul made the simple pronouncements of the historical jesus into a RELIGION full of hard to comprehend doctrines, dogmas, rules, and rituals. Those that came behind Paul would try and make sense of some of his very convoluted and seemingly contradictory statements (especially regarding the role of women) as Christianity took on the flavor of Paul.

You know what I'm talking about don't you ladies? 

Is there any wonder Christianity today is seeing a dwindling following in America? The term "Christian" needs some practical definitions and a far more simplified approach to life: something like what Jesus advocated and demonstrated, and not so much what Paul created.

About the Author

As a spiritual-futurist, I have a BA degree majoring in history. One cannot know the future without knowing the past which holds clues to what is on the horizon. The world is in such a rapid expansion of knowledge that we are close to entering a tipping point that will forever change earth as we know it.

Art Deco

art-deco lighting

Art Deco Antique Lighting Tips For Your Home
The first moment you go into a apartment, the colorings, style and layout produce a very first and lasting effect on you. Art fans acknowledge that illumination is an fundamental piece of home decor, and that the most stylish home rooms comprise of antique lighting! Antique lighting produces classy, ambient and elegant design to any house, giving it the artistic advantage over various homes. Identifying the perfect lighting setup needs smart planning and matching with the general theme of the home. Incase it is your very first time, you can consult an knowledgeable designer for assistance.
With the benefit of the world wide web, you are able to search an many inventory of design tips for lighting your home. You could employ search engines to locate the best brands, discount types, and also hot dealers. Several internet sites will contain pictures for anyone to browse, as well as be on the lookout to get excellent bargains. You will also get evaluations of the items from former buyers, and then choose which product suits you best.
Some may take pleasure in following a minimalist design pattern, and for these kind of individuals, art-deco antique lighting might be a fine choice
What are art-deco lights?
Art-deco lighting came around the beginning of the 20th century and subsequently grew to become very fashionable thereafter. These kind of fashionable lamps were famously recognized for the architectural attractiveness to the design and geometric angular shapes. The majority of of the lamps were made of chrome since this metal happened to be the novelty at the moment. The usage of glasswork was outstanding - several sandblasted, a few etched, and a number of enameled glasses make these types of lights exclusive as well as exquisite! These types of art-deco antiques are nowadays still many of the most amazing works of art form available on the market.
Suggestions for lighting your rooms with art-deco antiques
Art-deco lights and lamps are created to custom match the distinctive designs, dimensions, and styles of your home. In the bedroom for example, you can take pleasure in a relaxing design such as PSL/C119. This model adds the tranquility and calmness to your bedroom. For a different classic bedroom attractiveness, you could consider an art-deco style lantern. Looking to style your bathroom? Try an art-deco bath room lamp! Specialists say art-deco antique ceiling lights work fantastic for the living room ambiance. These opaque lamps may function excellent on the walls or anywhere to match your visualization and creative lighting needs!
Over all, have fun with designing your house lighting, and enjoy sharing your classic, elegant homes with friends, family, and loved ones.

About the Author

This author has been a keen fitness fanatic for a few years. This author is not only keen on Anger Management, Exercise, Video and Information Technology but checkout his websites on Art Deco Antiques andGarmin GPS Systems

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---

experiencing jesus

Read Matthew 26:37, 38 ; Mark 14:33,4 what was Jesus experiencing here at Gethsemane?

He was experiencing true horror and feelings of revulsion at what was coming upon Him. In Mark 14:33 ekthambeisthai describes someone in the grip of a shuddering horror or a terrified surprise. Ademonein includes confusion, restlessness and grief, as caused through mental distress. Perilypos (v 34) indiicates deep grief, intensified in this case by the addition of the words 'unto death'. His very life was threatened by the extent of this extreme dread that filled his soul.

It was of paramount importance for Himself, for the universe and all mankind that He should not fail in this task. Real temptations beset him on the eve of His agony. That was why he took those disciples with Him, to watch and pray with Him. Hell was doing its fiendish utmost to divert Him from the Father's will. Had the redemption of the world depended on the prayerful diligence of the disciples, it would never have been accomplished.

To Jesus, there in the garden, the outcome may not have been clear. Never when facing temptation do we see Him deriving comfort from the fact of His own perfection. All that we see is His having recourse to the very same weapons as are available to ourselves; the company of his fellow-believers, the word of God, and prayer.

is jesus unique

Unique People

One of my greatest limitations was my parents- unknowingly. But now that I know that I am one of my children's greatest limitations, what do I do? Change of course! Unfortunately anyone who comes off as different is misunderstood at best and shunned at worst. Maybe even ostracized or killed. Why are we so afraid of that which we don't understand or that which is different?

Remember what they did to Jesus?

We have learned from society in general that "different" is uncomfortable. We have learned from our churches that being different can be cultish. We have learned lots of things that we should never have been taught. We need to get beyond our "belief systems" that divide. When will we learn the lesson that life is really about letting go of beliefs that demean others or elevate us?

It's the truth that sets us free! Do we know it?

If truth was not what we were following but what another group was, would we embracde their ideas or hold tightly to our own. You know what the majority would do.

We arer all unique people with different callings but having said that WE ARE ONE! When I think what I shouldn't about you, I injure me. We must take advantage of these unusual times to increasse our own individual consciousness so that we can increase the collective consciousness.

Who have you put in a box? Who have you judged and in so doing placed another set of chians upon their psychological imprisonment? Might I suggest the kids with purple hair, the teenager with tattoos, the mid aged man with an earring, and the thirty five year old single woman with a short skirt (and body enhancements).

You and are are UNIQUE PEOPLE!

We are headed into UNIQUE TIMES- times of enlightenment.

Can you handle it? How you are handling the diversities of today is a good clue about the previous question. How we do now is how we do tomorrow. How we do anything is how we do everything.

About the Author

ernie@lrchouston.com

saint grace clothing

The Morning Light of His Favor and Psalm 30

Psalm 30 reads as follows from the New King James Version of the Bible:

  1 I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
         And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
 2 O LORD my God, I cried out to You,
         And You healed me.
 3 O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
         You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.[a]
         
 4 Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
         And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.[b]
 5 For His anger is but for a moment,
         His favor is for life;
         Weeping may endure for a night,
         But joy comes in the morning.
         
 6 Now in my prosperity I said,
         “I shall never be moved.”
 7 LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
         You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
         
 8 I cried out to You, O LORD;
         And to the LORD I made supplication:
 9 “What profit is there in my blood,
         When I go down to the pit?
         Will the dust praise You?
         Will it declare Your truth?
 10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
         LORD, be my helper!”
         
 11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
         You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
 12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
         O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Central to psalm is the theme of God’s personal favor to a given individual. In the Gospels, it says the sun shines on both the just and unjust and this shows how God’s favor comes to all men, deservedly or not.

But this psalm is more about a direct confrontation with God’s favor that is hashed out, and discussed directly with God. Also, the psalm talks about avoidance or being spared as part of the favor. What you might not necessarily count as a favor is something you were spared from, in that you might not have know what it would have been. But this indeed is part of God’s favor.

In verse 4 it says," Sing to the Lord you saints of his, praise his holy name."

The difference it seems within this psalm is that it is addressing those who are already favored by God as his saints. But within this, there is still a struggle to find and secure God’s favor. Even being a saint doesn’t guarantee across the board God’s favor. Further seeking must be done to find and secure God’s individual favor. Verse 6 thru 7 says," When I felt secure I said, “ I will never be shaken, Oh Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm, but when you hid your face, I was dismayed."

There was a time when the psalmist here felt God was favoring him. But either way, the psalmist David is calling what has happened a matter of God’s favor towards him. God’s favor was upon him and then it wasn’t and referred to this rather directly.

Sometimes, that boldness in prayer is just not there. Secretly, I might be seeking God’s favor, or at least making an inquiry towards God’s favor in a matter, yet I might just behave in a way I believe is pleasing to God, hopefully obtaining his favor but never discussing it rather directly. Let’s not jinx my chances by talking about it.

But this psalm is talking about approaching God and naming the situation as having God’s favor upon it or not. Because God’s favor comes with a lot and He doesn’t want us to miss his favor. Verse 5 says, “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime, weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

 

That joy comes in the morning, signifies that that the Lord will put light to his favor. We are called to see the light of his favor and walk in it. This is why it is important to inquire of the Lord’s favor. If you do have favor towards something or a way to go, but you don’t see the favor, you might miss out on the favor. While the favor is not an obligation of the Lord, you can ask if it is there, that you be able to see it in the fullest light so that you don’t miss it. The symbolic nature of the troubles of the night turning into joy in the morning means that we can get up and find our way around in the morning light of His favor.

 

The probable context of this psalm is that the psalmist was seriously ill but had been healed or recovered. But the trouble of the night could also represent an extended or lingering problem where the sight of the Lord’s favor seems distant and almost incomprehensible. We know morning comes but if we didn’t know that, it might seem like the idea of morning was almost impossible from the darkness of the night. And it can be hard to believe that great favor or favor of a light time can springboard for extended and mounting troubles. David felt secure like the mountain, but the lost of that place of security sent him into a spiral of overwhelming difficulties. Lingering troubles have an unfavorable flavor to them. It can have you feeling cornered, overwhelmed, being set up for failure, being in conditions unfavorable to your personal concerns and interests,  and from this position it is hard to believe in the possible truth of a lifetime of favor. But reflection and introspection needs to make upon the enabling power of the Lord towards the favor he might bring you. If you don’t believe it and its possible extended nature, you might not act within the favor.

 

 

For example, somebody is contemplating an extended vacation in the tropics. They are really hoping for several weeks of rest, relaxation and adventure or extended rest, relaxation and adventure.  If they are starting to see the trip as maybe having one good day at the outset and one or two good days in the middle and otherwise having a rough stay in the region, they might actually cancel the trip because they don’t see it as an overall favorable thing and maybe it isn’t worth it. This is why the concept of whether extended favor is true or even possible, affects how we think and decide from a given point. The psalm is presented a lifetime of favor, but even a believer might not believe that especially from certain points of heavy trouble. Therefore they might miss the favor. This is just another reason for being bold about what the Lord’s favor is but also wise about it as well, so that you will take that trip into the Lord’s favor.

 

 

Another aspect is the trouble passing by, just as night passes into the day. The troubles will pass and favor could be found from that point on and as this psalm is saying even favor for a lifetime. The significance of the morning light is that there is a visibility to that favor that comes from the Lord. Since we need to see the light o the favor to walk in it, we can more boldly ask for the favor and the sighting of it. An approach to prayer might be asking the Lord, ,that if the favor is there, that you may see it in the light of His love as fully as possible so you don’t miss it, so you take the right turns and immerse in the favor.

 

 

One point here is that difficulties might remain, and it might be a question of having to bear them rather than God giving us relief. The favor though, might yet come in the morning, with rejoicing being a sign towards the presence of God’s favor showing its way, or making its appearance. This is something to ponder and consider in prayer as to what I might be praying for. What I want, the favor I want, if I look at it, is something indeed that I want to be long lasting, or was it to be a long standing favor and indeed it might be that way and if it is that way or can go that way, it is important to the paths I am choosing. For example, would someone say study for something for years, say in a field that requires particularly long periods of study in this era such as to be a physician, if they thought the whole process would come into favorable terms for say just a couple of years? More likely they are thinking of this as a potential multiyear commitment that might span decades. The favor of a lifetime that is there is something that you want to be aware of earlier. For example Grandma Moses started painting late, and this is a famous story, but she may have had favor for painting from a much earlier age, and if she had followed the light of this favor earlier, both she and the people that enjoy her painting could have been further blessed by them. So it is also important to see the light of favor even from youth.

A young person may be called to the ministry early, and the adage, today if you hear his voice comes that day, not at a later point just as favor comes in this morning light and this day. Some youthful person might be a great intercessor right now.

Or a healing can be a really big favor especially as it spans the distance of time, instead of walking with a limp for years, someone might be walking free and easy for years. And indeed, if someone is seeking healing from God, they hope it lasts. For example, logically if someone is deaf and wants to be healed supernaturally by God, they are thinking about hearing not just for a day or two but from this point on.

Then God might have something for you that is amounting to his personal favor that you just haven’t tapped into partly because you just don’t believe it could be true or that it could be something that you could stay in. It would be like someone looking over favorable seas to chart across the Atlantic by boat, but figuring soon enough conditions will change. But here, in this psalm, it is talking about God’s favor that is so encompassing, so far reaching that conditions towards this favor will have staying power thru the grace of God’s visible presence within that favor, as indeed God is not hiding his face as David felt when he was now out of God’s favor. Indeed the grace of God’s favor will take into a form that has a high level of visibility, where it can be actually seen in events in an individual’s life. The verse number 6 and the first part of 7 implies that God’s favor was quite visible to David, his mountain was made to stand firm and a mountain symbolizing something that is visible and stands out visibly, and is not hidden and indeed has an overshadowing presence as a mountain does. But also the mountain meant that God had lined up things in David’s favor, that was synchronization with the events of David’s life.

 

In verse 11 and 12 is says," You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Ultimately, this favor, or removing of the difficulties was actually done by God, and the purpose that was fulfilled is that God is creating the ideal space where the psalmist can again have his heart towards God in a fashion that is not silent. This psalm in particular cites the gift of voice and of singing to the Lord. But also overall going into God’s favor is not a matter of walking into a silence, but is something that we refer to in voice and in song. It is of no advantage to sit in silence and wait for God’s favor.

 

Favor is always light according to this psalm and we should boldly seek the light with humble deference to what this light might be for us individually in the Lord’s plans and guidance for us as individuals.

It would be almost absurd to buy a lottery ticket and talk at length about what you are going to do when you win, given the extreme odds against ever winning. So, I might buy a lottery ticket and forget and not even check the numbers to see if I won.

But you certainly want to check events of your life against God’s favor and see if any given event might be a sign of God’s favor coming to you and in seeking God’s favor we want to certainly keep on discussing it rather directly with God in prayer and acknowledging its presence as we experience the favor, and keeping silence between you and God with regards to praying about his favor is not the way to go.

In the gospels we are admonished to watch and pray and you might add to pray and watch for God’s favor. We don’t look to the ground to see if the sun is in the sky and we also don’t keep silent to see if God’s favor can be discussed very specifically and on an ongoing basis. And again, his lasting favor is another reason for ongoing or perpetual prayer since the detail and specifics of the favor need to be discussed with God on an ongoing basis with an attitude of thanksgiving in recognizing the actual graces that are present. Extended favor is an invitation to extended prayer.

About the Author

virgin mary picture

Does anyone know of the story of a picture with the virgin Mary holding the baby jesus with a cut on her face?

Its something to do with a soldier attempting to cut down the picture with his sword and when he cut the face it began to bleed.
Please help.
10 points to the best answer.

never heard of that...can't wait to see the reply's and I'm going to inquire about that further

Virgin Mary Image On Bronx, NY Tree!

jesus reader

In the Bible versus the Quran: Jesus Rebuked the Demon, and the Boy was Healed

The mustard is mentioned five times in the Bible, all of them are in the New Testament being not mentioned at all in the Old Testament. 

The mustard is mentioned two times in the Quran.

Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?

Jesus replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

The Quran mentions more miracles that have been done by the Lord Jesus e.g. when he talks while he was a new born.

In addition, The Lord Jesus put two difficult criteria for a faith that is as small as a mustard seed.

According to the Lord Jesus, you will never ever find a Christian who has a faith as small as a mustard seed. 

The Quran does not put such criteria for a small faith.

In addition, the Quran says that Allah shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, Allah will bring it (to account): and enough are we to take account.

================================

 

The Mustard in the Bible:

 

Matthew 17:20

 

New International Version

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

 

New American Standard Bible

And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

 

English Standard Version

He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

 

King James Version

and jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

----------

 

Luke 17:6

 

New International Version

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

 

New American Standard Bible

And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.

 

English Standard Version

And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

 

King James Version

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

================================

 

The Mustard in the Quran:

 

Chapter 31: LUQMAN (LUQMAN)

Verse 31:16

 

QARIB:

On the day of resurrection we shall set up just scales, so that no soul shall in the least be wronged, even though it be the weight of a grain of mustard seed we will bring it we suffice as reckoners.

SHAKIR:

And we will set up a just balance on the day of resurrection, so no soul shall be dealt with unjustly in the least; and though there be the weight of a grain of mustard seed, (yet) will we bring it, and sufficient are we to take account

PICKTHAL:

And we set a just balance for the day of resurrection so that no soul is wronged in aught. though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard seed, we bring it. and we suffice for reckoners.

YUSUFALI:

we shall set up scales of justice for the day of judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it (to account): and enough are we to take account.

 

The meaning of the verse:

And Allah shall set up the just balances for the Day of Resurrection; on the Day of Judgment, there will be a balance which will weigh only good and bad works (so that no soul is wronged in aught) no one will have his good works diminished nor his evil works increased. (Though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard seed, Allah will bring it; He requites for it.

And Allah suffices for reckoners to count all things; Allah is enough as Preserver and Knower.

================================

 

Back to my question to the smart and interested reader:

Is the Quran quoted from the Bible?

About the Author

Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil
Prof. of Clinical and Chemical Pathology,
Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control Unit,
Ain-Shams University. Cairo, Egypt.
And, President of the Egyptian Society of Inventors.
Member of the Egyptian union of Writers