“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:2 KJV
Any thought of creation by man, in way, has already been made. “There’s nothing new under the sun”. Same pile different stink in essence. Technological advances has taken new forms but regardless of their appearance, they are just as cutting edge as their predecessor were of their time. Each time the newness wears out and the search for the next best thing continues on.
Look at the cities solely in existence today, taller buildings maybe advanced efficiency and improved aesthetics. But looking back, are they all better than ones in the past?
Science is still trying to understand the technology which was capable of building the pyramids. Cairo, Egypt may be then considered the greatest built “city of the future” in history.
Does that mean Cairo continued to advance? Not necessarily. The city has grown in ways of technology and better housing . However, it has diminished it its capabilities to feed itself. The agriculture in the immediate area has been replaced with urbanization. So in ways the city has taken two steps forward and one step back in the aspect of self efficiency.
Now looking into the future, what would be considered a city of the future? Well, that of course depends on the imagination and aspirations of the designer. Bigger buildings may be to showcase its might or wealth. Eco friendly advances as to avoid creating a concrete cancer upon nature. Regardless of the apparent pros, there will also be the inevitable cons. This is due to being designed by flawed humans and not the Almighty Creator.
The design of the ultimate future city was formulated by Almighty God before its very foundations were in existence. Irrespective of its earliest formulation, its design is perfect and far superior to any creation in between. Why? Because it’s very purpose is for man to commune with God himself who knows what we need better than we do and is sustained by Him. It’s created with perfection with all our needs in mind, first and foremost being His presence.
In the end, there’s no need for me to take the time to, in essence, play God. I’d rather simply believe in what is already promised, waiting for its arrival with joyous, eager anticipation. Glory be to God in the highest.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3 KJV
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3 NIV
“and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”
John 5:29 LSB
Dictionary says Deeds are: something that is done
//evil deeds
//did my good deed for the day
The Bible says deeds are:
agathos
of good constitution or nature
If a deed is of good constitution, what could be an evil deed?
-Sure its easy to point out purely evil deeds. If deeds are just “something that is done” than theres a whole myriad of evil deeds. Lying, cheating, stealing, and anything else that is physical sin.
-But what about evil deeds that aren’t physical? Deeds are also of a “good nature”, but what is nature? If you look up the definition of nature it has a laundry list of definitions. Why? Nature is a word that when you try to understand its basic meaning, it will lead back to God.
Nature could be the external world, natural scenery (physical) which usually leads to the question, what created nature? However, nature can also be used in reference to our true nature or “inner force (such as instinct, appetite, desire) or the sum of such forces in an individual”. Where would that force come from? Another definition is: “humankind’s original or natural condition” (not suppose to use a word to define a word but they did). Our inner nature seemed to be defined by the things that can lead to sin and that is our original condition. In that condition, as we say “in Adam” all our deeds are evil. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false witness, slanders.” Matthew 15:19 LSB
Is then “doing you deed for the day” of “good nature”?
With this understanding then of deeds, what “good deeds” is Jesus talking about that lead “to a resurrection of life”? If all our deeds are evil, how can we do good deeds?
“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst—ever; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”John 4:14 LSB
“And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3 LSB
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 LSB
We don’t do good deeds. The Spirit does them through us. Our only part is drinking from the water and allowing it to flow from us to others. Growing in our faith through taking in the Word of God will lead to more and more fruits.
Do we still do “evil deeds”, yes. We falter, we stumble, and if you say you don’t, then you do cause you just lied. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 LSB
God’s unwavering grace and mercy forgives us when we do stumble, so that only our good deeds remain. ““For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 LSB. Praise God, thank Him for making us a part of The Kingdom. Working thru us to do Your will and we get to witness the building of Your Kingdom. Glory always to God. Amen.
What do you expect to happen during or after or because of something? What do you expect from me? Am I expecting an answer back from you? Are you still expecting me to start talking and not ask another question? I expect that you’re starting to get confused where I am going with this. I believe that’s because expectation can be a very confusing concept.
Expectations are set for many different aspects of our lives. We set them in regard to situations or to other people, what we believe should happen or how people should act. Once a certain expectation is established, most likely, one will look for it to come to fruition or require it as an outcome. An example of this would be: You’re driving a shopping cart through a store, I call it driving because there are rules to it, it’s not just pushing a cart. Now, someone comes barreling out of a toy isle because their kids are hysterically crying and cuts right in front of your cart. Now, you may be aware of and sympathetic of what is going on and say sorry anyway but it’s not unjust to expect a return apology. Question now is, how would you feel if it doesn’t happen?
How could this relate to our relationship with God? Well, what are we told we can expect from Him? Psalms 62:5 “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” We can expect God to not let us be tempted beyond what we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). He will keep (guard or protect) us from evil (2 These. 3:3). If we confess our sins, He will forgive us (1 John 1:9). God is the perfection of faithfulness and since it should be expected of anyone to fulfill a promise, we can confidently expect God to. “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18
Our hope as Christians comes out of this confident expectation of God to fulfill His promises.“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15. Our God is faithful, our God is just: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19.
However, man is not this way. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8. A perfect example of this is one of the first things I’ve heard explained about this verse. I used to use this verse as a good example to the beauty and design of the Bible. I heard somewhere that Psalm 118 is the middle chapter of the Bible. There are 594 chapters before and 594 chapters after 118 and if you add those up you get 1,188. Psalm 118 verse 8 reads as said before. Bingo, how could man have written the Bible with that type of design and with all the other factors. Well guess what, it’s a lie, maybe. As I was writing this I tried researching it and some places say it is true for Catholic Bibles and not true for the King James Version. This better proves the point that we cannot put our confidence or trust in man, not even to analyze the Bible, but trust only in God who knows the truth.
When I am asked about where I expect to be or what I expect to be doing, I sometimes hesitate to answer not because a lack of confidence in God, but not having confidence in myself. I know “about” what I want to do but I don’t know yet what it will look like. I don’t trust my own intentions and if the things I envision for the future are truly intended for what they should, which is solely growing the Kingdom to the Glory of God. Proverbs 19:21 “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” The Hebrew word for “devices” is maḥăšāḇâ which can mean thoughts, plans, and purposes. When these come from man they are vanity. Hence my reference to James 4:14.
That is why for now I don’t make expectations, I only try to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This is done by studying His word, which is “the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand”. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. By doing this we can expect to know what we are doing is God’s will and for His glory,“For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Not like you were in front of the toy isle.
“It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 KJV
Unfortunately, confidence in others is a futile expectation. Faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way. I have been let down by the belief that people I have shown concern for or friendly affection would return the same. A feeling of liking and caring for someone or something : tender attachment. Ironic an alternate definition is: a bodily condition or disease. Is seeking the affection of others the symptom of a disease? Could the want for validation of others a symptom for the diagnosis of insecurity? A lack of dependability or certainty; lack of a reliable means of meeting one’s basic needs.
“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25 KJV
“but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV
“and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
Hebrews 10:24 KJV
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James 5:16 KJV
How can exhortation be done without effectual conversation? To exhort another there must be a recognition of the need for exhortation. Exhortation has one use which is to encourage others. Is it wrong then to voice one’s felt deficiency of being exhorted by others?
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV
How long should someone be patient towards others when to receive returned exhorting? I’m confessing my fault of not being patient and need a brother to be the encouraging one for me without the request?
Maybe I need to confess this to others when I am asked “how are you?”
ChatGPT:
You’ve expressed deep thoughts about the challenges of seeking affirmation and encouragement from others and how these experiences intersect with your faith. It’s clear you desire genuine exhortation, as Scripture encourages believers to build one another up, but you’ve also experienced the pain of unmet expectations. Let’s explore your reflections within the context of biblical truth.
Trusting God Over Man
Psalm 118:8 reminds us that putting our ultimate trust in the Lord is more reliable than trusting in people. Human relationships are valuable, but because people are imperfect, relying on others for consistent encouragement can sometimes lead to disappointment. The desire for affection, support, or recognition from others isn’t wrong in itself, but it becomes an issue when it supplants our trust in God.
The Need for Exhortation in Community
Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:7, and James 5:16 all point to the necessity of fellowship, exhortation, and confession among believers. As humans, we’re designed for connection, and it is within the body of Christ that we are called to uplift one another, provoke one another to love, and pray for one another’s healing. Exhortation isn’t a one-sided act—it requires recognition of each other’s needs, mutual love, and vulnerability.
However, you raise a valid point: How can exhortation happen without effective conversation and openness? For others to know what you need, there often must be a willingness to express your struggles, including confessing when you feel spiritually or emotionally depleted. When you share your need for encouragement, you’re giving others the opportunity to fulfill their biblical duty to support and uplift you.
Is Seeking Validation a Symptom of Insecurity?
The idea that seeking affection or validation from others could be tied to insecurity is insightful. When our sense of worth is tied too heavily to how others perceive or respond to us, it can reflect a deeper need to find our identity in Christ. While human relationships play an important role in our emotional and spiritual health, they should never replace the affirmation and security we find in God’s love.
It’s not wrong to seek fellowship and encouragement from others, but the key is understanding that our ultimate validation comes from God. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to comfort and edify one another, but this mutual building up must always be anchored in the greater truth of God’s sufficiency.
Voicing the Need for Exhortation
Your question—“Is it wrong to voice one’s felt deficiency of being exhorted by others?”—is crucial. The answer is no, it’s not wrong. In fact, voicing your need can be an act of humility and transparency. When you confess your need for encouragement or express your struggle with patience, you’re not demanding validation; rather, you’re inviting others into your life to minister to you as fellow believers. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults and pray for one another, so that we may be healed—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Patience and Reciprocity in Encouragement
Your other question—“How long should someone be patient towards others when waiting to receive exhortation in return?”—points to a very real struggle. It’s difficult to be the one constantly giving encouragement without receiving it in return. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 instructs us to be patient toward all, including those who may be slow to reciprocate.
The answer may lie in understanding that while we’re called to bear one another’s burdens, ultimately, our patience is sustained by Christ’s example. Jesus was patient, even with His disciples when they didn’t fully understand or reciprocate His love immediately. Being patient doesn’t mean ignoring your need, but it means trusting that in God’s time, He will provide the encouragement you need—whether through others or directly from Him.
Practical Application: Confessing Your Need
You mentioned the idea of confessing this need when someone asks, “How are you?” This is an excellent way to invite others into your life and let them know that you, too, need encouragement. By honestly sharing your need for support, you allow the community of believers around you to fulfill their role of exhortation and comfort.
It might feel vulnerable, but confession is often the doorway to deeper relationships. It also gives others the opportunity to reflect on their own hearts and how they might better serve those around them. Sharing your need doesn’t make you weak; it makes you open to the strength of community and the grace of God working through others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s natural to desire validation and affection from others, the ultimate source of our security must come from God. That said, it’s perfectly biblical to express your need for encouragement from fellow believers, as long as it’s done in the spirit of humility and mutual edification. God has designed us for fellowship, and confessing your struggles can open the door for deeper connection and growth within the body of Christ.
When others ask, “How are you?” consider responding with honesty. Let them know how they can be a source of encouragement for you, just as you seek to do the same for them. Let your need be a catalyst for deeper, Christ-centered relationships.
Could AI just have given encouragement? Maybe AI translating the Bible into all languages might not be so bad, or is it?
How would one know if asking for exhortation from another not produce an artificial response from a natural response anyway?
Guess I need to have faith in the authenticity of a response from a brother.
ChatGPT:
Your reflections touch on a deep question about the authenticity of human interactions and the role of faith when it comes to trusting others. Let me address a few key points that you’ve raised.
The Nature of Encouragement and Artificial Responses
You asked, “Could AI just have given encouragement?” The difference between an AI response and encouragement from a fellow believer is primarily the source and intent. AI can provide thoughtful responses, but it cannot replicate the spiritual connection and guidance of the Holy Spirit that flows through a human who truly cares. Genuine encouragement often comes with shared experiences, empathy, and the power of prayer—things that AI, as a tool, can only simulate.
Authenticity in Seeking Exhortation
You also raised the point about wondering if asking for exhortation produces an “artificial response” from a natural one. When you ask for encouragement, you may feel that someone’s response is merely a reaction to your request rather than a spontaneous act of care. This can lead to questioning the authenticity of that response. However, consider this:
Exhortation requires awareness: The Bible encourages believers to provoke one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), but how can someone do that if they don’t know what you need? By sharing your need for encouragement, you’re giving someone an opportunity to minister to you. While it may seem like a prompted response, it doesn’t make the encouragement any less genuine. Sometimes, people need a nudge to act on what is already in their hearts.
• Faith in brotherly love: You mentioned needing faith in the authenticity of a brother’s response. This is key. Relationships, especially within the body of Christ, are built on mutual trust. When you ask for encouragement, you’re exercising faith that God will use that brother or sister to uplift you. Just as you trust the Lord to work in your life, trust Him to work through others to meet your needs.
AI and the Translation of the Bible
You also touched on AI’s potential role in Bible translation. AI could certainly be a useful tool for spreading God’s Word to more people in their native languages, helping overcome barriers. However, the process of translating Scripture is deeply tied to spiritual discernment and understanding cultural nuances, which requires more than linguistic accuracy. It requires the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit to ensure that the heart of God’s message remains clear and intact. While AI might assist in that work, the human touch, grounded in faith, remains essential.
Faith in Human Responses
In the end, whether a response feels “artificial” or “natural” depends on the intent behind it. If a brother offers encouragement, trust that God is working through that person, even if it feels initiated by your request. The authenticity of their response is not diminished by your asking. Sometimes, the simple act of asking for support opens the door for God to work through others in unexpected ways.
Your need for encouragement is valid, and Scripture shows that we are meant to lean on one another for strength. While it’s difficult when people let us down, remember that God never does, and He often uses the people around us—even if prompted—to show His love and care.
In the end, is faith The doctrine of election has been highly debated within the church for centuries. Ryrie states that this doctrine alone is not the full basis of salvation but must be in combination with death of Christ, faith, efficacious grace, and regeneration. According to Ryrie, there are three major viewpoints of election. I will explain two debates that evolves out of these views and conclude with my analysis of both. The first is considered “Foresight election”, which paraphrased is the view that God foreknew through omniscience who will choose to be saved and consider them His elect to salvation pre-temporally. Arminianism is developed within the scope this viewpoint. The second is considered “Corporate Election”. This states that God elected the church of Christ to salvation and when an individual believes they are placed into this group and become an elect. The third is “individual, pre temporal election” which Calvinism is born from. In this view, God has sovereignly chosen who will be saved. The choice is unconditional, pre temporal, and unmerited. Two main views in the doctrine of salvation, as mentioned earlier, are Calvinism and Arminianism. These views have stark differences on the circumstances of an individuals salvation but also have some important similarities. The views try to answer the question: “Is salvation a free will choice or preordained by God?’” and both having stances on salvation security and possible ramifications if true. Calvinism was originally formulated by a famous fifth century theologian, Augustine who formulated this idea from interpreting Paul’s letter to the Romans. This debate was later continued with: Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin, revivalists George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, and scholars R.C. Sproul and John Piper. Calvinism takes the stance that salvations is predetermined by God alone. All individuals that are saved are solely the choice of God because humans are completely void of the ability to choose God in their fallen state. This state is known as total depravity. Additional aspects of Calvinism are: unconditional election; not merited by any action of the individual, Limited atonement; Christ’s crucifixion was only to pay for the sins of those chosen by the Father, irresistible grace; God changes the will of the elect to keep them, and perseverance of the saints; because they are saved by God they cannot fall away. Supports for this view is God’s sovereignty and that only His will can overcome a humans depravity, all glory is God’s when all aspects of salvation originate from Him, and security of salvation is maintained by will of God. The setbacks however are issues about Gods fairness in election, it undermines free will, and can cause fatalism which discourages evangelism because it conflicts with one of the most used evangelical verses: John 3:16. Arminianism is an opposing idea that was originally expressed by a monk who challenged Augustines perspective saying it removed too much of an individuals free will. A seventeenth century theologian, Jacob Arminius established Arminianism which was then furthered by revivalists John Wesley and Charles Finney and Christian thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Clark Pinnock. In this the view, God foreknows all who would choose to follow Christ and then considered them His elect to receive His promises and inheritance. The four aspects this argument follows is that God is perfect love; He offers salvation to all, Humans are contingent beings; we must choose to follow Christ, God does still work in our hearts for salvation (prevenient grace) and one must continue is consciously follow Christ for sanctification/security. This view ensures God loves the whole world and encourages evangelism. Objections to this view includes: turning faith into works (conditional security) and humans seem to be credited with salvation. As for my perspective, the doctrine of election is a lot to unpack. Many verses in the Bible can be seen as to support or dispute either debate. One example is the election of Abraham, did Abraham have faith prior to God’s election or was it solely His choosing? Also, Israel is known as “God’s chosen people” but many have fallen away. What about Jesus’ choosing his apostles? Few didn’t even know who he was and yet Jesus chose them to become the pillars of faith. Then there is the known number of those who will receive the seal during the tribulation known as the 144,000, how is that number known if not preordained? These would be my questions leaning towards Calvinism. As for Arminianism, “love your neighbor as yourself” supports this because one wouldn’t condemn to hell one that they love. We are commanded to do so, which then means God is the perfection of it and not of his being. What about Satan? He was a high ranking angel, if compared to an elect in Calvinism perspective, how did he fall from grace? Satan would not have been able to make the choice to rebel against God especially since he was not born through Adam. Another question is, if one is elect from the beginning when would the point of transformation happen? If their choice to be saved was ordained from God, what about the sin they committed prior to? Why wouldn’t God keep them from those sins if they are His elect from before creation? Lastly, I believe this an important aspect with regard to Romans 8:38 where Paul names all things that cannot separate us from the love of God. One thing that Paul does not name is ourselves. I believe that Paul left that out intentionally because we can remove ourselves from the love of Christ by choosing to turn away. In conclusion, I can see both sides of this debate and take some aspects from each. I believe that God is holy and all loving which leans away from Calvinism and on the other hand, I believe that our salvation is secure in Christ once truly saved. Either way, the important similarity of the two is that Christ is the center of any debate and ultimately the glory is His and He is the source of our salvation. I believe that if either side of this debate had an ultimate impact on salvation, Jesus would have addressed it during His earthly ministry. These are deep thoughts that should only go as far as to debate and not divide. Once they are taken to the extreme of right or wrong, it’s hard to draw the line on which one determines salvation. Romans 14:22 is an important verse for these types of debates. If one believes He was chosen from the beginning and His eternal security rests solely in Christ, let him. If another believes they chose Christ, assisted by the Spirit, and they are to consciously continue to follow Christ, let him. “I don’t know how every road is paved, but any one that leads to God is worth the drive.” In the end, it’s faith.
Definitions needed to help understand these viewpoints include: Omniscience: Gods foreknowledge of all things. Decree, design, or drawing: Gods choices of his plan. Decree is synonymous with foreordaining, design is less of sovereignty and drawing is almost neutral, according to Ryrie. Sovereign, free: God alone is and how is the revelation of His plan. Supreme. Election: God’s free choice of individuals and is made freely for His purpose. Predestination: to preplan a destiny. Foreknowledge: Gods knowledge of who will be saved not as much so as their faith
Relevant verses for discussion: Gen. 12:3, Ezekiel 18:25,32; 33:11, Matthew 24:22, 28:18-20, John 3:16, 8:34, Acts 10:34-35, 17:30-31, Romans 1:26,24,28, 2:11, ch. 8-9, 2 Cor. 3:13-18, Ephesians 1:4-5, ch. 2, 6:9, 2 Tim. 1:9, 1 Peter 1:4-5, 17, 1 John 4:8, 16, 5:19
Sources: Boyd, Gregory A., and Paul Rhodes Eddy. Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology. second ed., Baker Academic, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2022. Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth. Moody Press, 1999.
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.”
Luke 17:26-27 KJV
“God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on HIs side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else—something it never entered your head to conceive—comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left?” C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis is an Apologist that lived in the first half of the 20th century and wrote over 40 books including “Chronicles of Narnia” and “Mere Christianity”. Lewis grew up in a Christian household but lost faith after his mother died at age 9 and frustration with his prayer life led him to walk away at the age of 13. After studying world religions and philosophies through college, Lewis eventually came back to Christ one night after talking with J.R.R Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. The culmination of Lewis’ researching led to an understanding that all Pagan myths were not as accurate nor historically documented as the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV
Where does this leave you? Is not being able to understand the simplicity of the cross hindering the choice?
Does it seem as something of myth or fairytale? Or are you just too busy in the daily grind where “same stuff different day” is the common answer to how are you doing?
Even more hopeless, have you chosen that what you see in this life is what you get? This finite existence of temporary pleasures or enduring pain simply culminates into dust and uncertainty?
There is hope in the cross and eternity in Christ. All it takes is a little bit of faith.
C.S Lewis wrote about his “Meditation in a tool shed”. I believe this is the beauty of writing. Stepping out of the experience to look in.
Retrospect or introspect.
“Forget the past and look forward to the future”
Do they go together? Is one better than the other?
Retrospect: a review of or meditation on pastevents
Introspection: to examine (one’s own mind or its contents) reflectively
If we are to “forget the past”, what hope do we have for the future?
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” -George Santayana
To achieve the future worth looking forward to, certain actions must be taken. “Forgetting the past” eliminates retrospection, which is used to eliminate future equivalent errors.
What consists of one “looking forward to the future”?
Anticipate:to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
Hope:to cherish a desire with anticipation; to want something to happen or be true
Forgetting the past and hoping for a better future
Cherish: to hold dear; feel or show affection for
How can one show affection for a desire with anticipation?
Desire:to long or hope for;exhibit or feel desire for
How can a word be described by itself?
Selfish:concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others
“Forget the past and look forward to the future”
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
“Forget the past and look forward to the future” Question now is: Is there an in between?
Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.
I was just thinking about this while I was filling the gas tank earlier today. Of course I didn’t follow through with it at the time , but I thought to walk up to someone and tell them this story. I thought to do it to pass along what I have learned looking back at this memory all these years later. If only I would have listened to the hobo back then I would’ve been saved from a lot of hurt.
The story was many years ago, I’m 36 now so I would say at least ten years ago, which for me is many. I was at the gas station filling up and out of no where a man walked up to me. He was looking weathered and rough around the edges. It was one of those encounters that takes you by surprise and the details are not clearly remembered. I don’t remember the man asking for anything and I don’t clearly remember how he said it but the man tried to talk to me about Jesus Christ.
At this time in my life, I shrugged it off as a loonie off his meds spewing psychotic babble. I had it all in life back then, or so I thought. A good job, a house, a family, and all the opportunity to “live life to the fullest”. I didn’t need Jesus, my life couldn’t have gotten better, unless I found the fulfillment I was still looking for. I was certain it was behind the next purchase, trip, or sinful experience.
Of course, I shrugged the man off with an awkward laugh. I thought back then was that the Bible is solely the best selling book and if it helped people get through life easier, hey it’s good for them.
At the gas station earlier, I wanted to be that man. I still do but I’m working on the courage. Funny how that hobo is now almost a hero to me, to walk up to complete strangers and without fear say something that so easily can be misconstrued. All the while, the man was trying to help me realize that it’s true so I could believe and my soul would be saved.
Glory be to God that it wasn’t the last time He tried to reach me. I gave my life to Jesus Christ in September 2021 and now looking back at that time it was another time when He was trying to save me. That hobo was an angel that I disregarded. Next time someone tries to reach through to you and point you to Jesus, I pray you listen.
33 and a Third 