Righteous vs Rebellious!

I used to believe that righteousness was synonymous with holiness, a lofty ideal that felt impossibly out of reach. My mind, steeped in a carnal perspective, viewed righteousness almost as a distant star; I could admire it, yet never hope to touch it. The weight of my sins loomed heavy, convincing me that spiritual purity was an unattainable goal for someone like me. It wasn't until I delved into the dictionary that I began to peel back the layers of my misunderstanding. According to Merriam-Webster, "righteous" is acting according to divine or moral law, embodying a state free from guilt or sin, and exhibiting a justifiable moral compass. This definition struck me, yet I still struggled with being free from sin or possessing virtuous morals. It became increasingly clear that my inclination to resist what was right, in favor of what was wrong, was a form of rebellion against God’s commandments, a silent act of defiance that I had failed to recognize until now.

Rebellious was defined as tending to fight against or disobey authority; it suggests being stubborn, defiant, and uncontrollable. This description reflects how I once lived, and in retrospect, I’m ashamed.

I found myself out of alignment with God’s Will, living an imbalanced life that I didn’t fully recognize then. Distractions consumed me—chasing material success, seeking validation from others, and neglecting my spiritual health. In this state of rebellion, I thought I was in control, but the deeper I ventured into this chaotic lifestyle, the more disconnected I felt from my true purpose. It took a moment of reflection and inner turmoil to realize that I had strayed far from the path of peace and fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with divine guidance.

Divine Guidance has been a fundamental aspect of existence since the creation of the Earth. Each day was designed with specific purposes, reflecting a divine order established by God. The sequence of days showcases the potential of creation, highlighting how much can be accomplished within a six-day framework. A seventh day is dedicated to rest and reflection, allowing humanity to express gratitude and recognize achievements throughout the week.

The calendar is also structured to align with the natural cycles of seasons and time, intended to support human life. However, humans have altered these systems throughout history to fit their needs, often deviating from the original divine plan. This deviation can be traced back to the early moments of human existence, where the Fall from Eden symbolizes a departure from divine alignment. The influence of a rebellious angel, Satan, led to the introduction of rebellion into the world and a subsequent misalignment of humanity with God’s intentions. Humans possess the inherent ability to discern between good and evil, yet they chose to disregard this understanding, resulting in a discord with the divine design.

Throughout the Books of the Bible, numerous examples illustrate how the faithful fought against those who opposed God's laws. "righteous" refers to individuals who possess strong moral values, adhere to God's will, and observe His commandments. However, this can also raise questions about judgment, particularly regarding the distinction between those deemed "right" and those who may be perceived as "wrong" and deserving of punishment.

I express this sentiment because it is evident that rebellions are erupting across our nation and around the globe. The tumultuous nature of humanity's defiance against order and authority will persist until we wholeheartedly align ourselves with God's divine will. Amidst this widespread chaos and uncertainty, we must seek clarity, truth, and understanding from the One who graciously imparts wisdom to all who earnestly seek it.

 

Always The Good Shepherd!!!

The other day, as I was darting around town running errands, I couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming gridlock on the roads. It was mid-morning, when you’d expect things to be relatively calm, not the chaotic surge I witnessed. I found myself pondering the origin of all these vehicles and the thoughts swirling in the minds of their drivers. 

Living in a vibrant college town adjacent to a bustling military base means my surroundings are a tapestry of students bustling with ambition and retirees enjoying the leisurely pace of life. The atmosphere is always charged with energy, yet on that day, it felt different—more urgent. 

With massive executive orders looming on the horizon, promising cuts and freezes that will ripple through our community, it struck me that we can’t afford to drive around aimlessly. Each car on the road seemed to carry a purpose, an unsaid mission with a destination etched in mind. Maybe, just maybe, we’re all navigating through the same storm, seeking clarity amid the uncertainty. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that we have more in common than differences. Yet, I feel the one difference that has separated many of us has always been the colors of our skin.

People chase their unique happiness in a free, vibrant nation, driven by personal goals and desires. Yet, in this pursuit, they often set aside the spirit of unity, prioritizing individual satisfaction over collective strength. With these new changes, many see societal alterations that can and will affect us all. Why are our elected leaders not standing up for the people, instead of sacrificing us to the wolves that are foreign and domestic? 

I’m reminded of the biblical verses about the Good Shepherd in John 10. It doesn’t matter which version; they may be written differently but have the same meaning. I’m using the New International Version (NIV).

“11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

The Good Shepherd selflessly lays down his life to safeguard his flock, a collection of wandering souls who have strayed, captivated instead by those who chase after their ambitions. This growing distance between the shepherd and his flock paints a poignant picture of alienation. Yet, beneath the shadows of their separation, the Shepherd's sacrifice resonates with profound significance, echoing through the corridors of time. As the seasons change and the years unfold, he will ultimately return, a figure of unwavering authority, to judge the flock with compassion and righteousness for all eternity.

 

 

 

Why Not, We're On the Road To a Breakdown!

            In the current atmosphere, it’s a miracle that people haven’t completely lost their composure in their daily lives. The wave of anger and frustration many of us feel following the recent election is palpable. I genuinely believe that powerful interests manipulated, bought, and paid for the election. The electoral colleges tilted decidedly towards the far-right candidates and were waiting to be exploited for their advantage. We are watching people showing up who they are in real time.

What’s unfolding under this administration, particularly with the barrage of executive orders, should be no surprise to anyone paying attention. After all, we were given ample warnings about the direction things might take. It seems as if we have grown somewhat immune to the political shenanigans and controversies emanating from the highest levels of government, yet this has hardly dulled our sense of dissatisfaction. We are not amused by the lack of transparency, accountability, or genuine leadership we had hoped for during this critical time. In the current atmosphere, it’s nothing short of a miracle that people haven’t completely lost their composure in their daily lives. The wave of anger and frustration many of us feel following the recent election is palpable. I genuinely believe that the election was manipulated, bought and paid for by powerful interests. The electoral colleges tilted decidedly towards the far-right candidates, were waiting to be exploited to their advantage. 

What’s unfolding under this administration, particularly with the barrage of executive orders, should be no surprise to anyone paying attention. After all, we were given ample warnings about the direction things might take. It seems as if we have grown somewhat immune to the political shenanigans and controversies emanating from the highest levels of government, yet this has hardly dulled our sense of dissatisfaction. We are not amused by the lack of transparency, accountability, or genuine leadership we hoped for during this critical time. 

Today marked the climax of a shameful week characterized by embarrassment, humiliation, and apparent bullying from the President and Vice President toward the leaders of England, France, and Ukraine. It begs the question: Why do entitled individuals often behave so foolishly? How can we possibly blame the Ukrainian President for his reluctance to embrace peace when our President seems to dismiss the notion of harmony within our nation? 

The administration may have framed the cacophony of shouting and the uncivil discourse as a robust defense of the nation’s interests. Still, it undeniably resembled a coordinated assault meant to assert dominance over perceived weakness. This so-called weakness surfaced as an inability to convey coherent thoughts, becoming a grotesque display of vitriol from leaders lacking essential diplomacy and respect.

It was a pitiful sight to witness the exchange. Just the day before, at a cabinet meeting, Elon Musk appeared to dominate proceedings, while only a week prior, the President seemed diminished in the Oval Office, overshadowed by Musk and his toddler son during their press engagement. If this was an attempt to project strength following a series of disheartening events, it came across as a cowardly exhibition, lacking substance and gravitas.