WORD and images

 Isaiah 40:8

King James Version

8 The grass withereth, 

the flower fadeth: 

but the word of our God 

shall stand for ever.

I'm going back to how I used to write before.

GOD gave me my own way of writing when I was a kid.

I didn't even need images then.

Given a word, I could write volumes on it.

Given a theme, the result would be the same.

That's how I found essays were easy for me.

How I loved writing essays!

It was like second nature to me.

Others are good at math.

Others are good at debates.

Others are good at academics.

I have an easy time writing.

I don't know when I started deviating.

Perhaps, it started when someone gave me my first camera -- a Nikon autofocus -- in 1984.

That started the pictures rolling.

Opportunities in the media came in the mid-80s.

Somehow, people "felt" I could write.

Hired as assistant editor, I did short interviews for an expat newspaper.

My weekly "inquiring photographer" section naturally called for photos.

My British editor loaned me a cool cam that took two frames at a time.

As photojournalist, I was also covering the business, arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

Naturally, I was tasked to take pictures of events.

Hired to write for a public relations agency, I had to come up with captions for beauty, and fashion, photographs.

Hired to be managing editor for a business journal, all the more photographs were needed.

Now that I look back into those, I can safely say those jobs made me deviate from how I normally write.

To just write freely, without images.

As born again over 57 months now, of course, I don't write, as the world would have me write.

I have a different MASTER.

I've been writing for GOD.

I write about His laws.

I write about His commands.

I write about His warnings.

I write about His prophecies.

Doing all that makes me workman, and watchman.

Caring for your soul, as well as for mine.

Today, I've decided to go back to how I started writing.

Without images.

No distractions for me, or you.

That ought to be a good sign.

Reflective of my growth as a student of SPIRIT.

Considering how the world's going.

Having a perpetual obsession with images.

Bombarding our brains with too many competing images.

Now, they even add music, to every image on social media.

It's really a "watch me", "admire me" generation now.

As born again, my brain is wired differently.

Where before, it's been said:

"Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words."

-- Wikipedia on Arthur Brisbane quote

Today, SPIRIT fed me a different thought:

"The WORD is worth a thousand images."

(A word like "JESUS", for one.)

Further:

"GOD's WORD suffices."

Now, without the distraction of searching for appropriate images for my posts, I can focus solely on GOD's WORD.

And really meditate upon it.

As a baby Christian in 2019, I had a "frenzy" of sorts.

All because I waited so long to know ABSOLUTE truth.

And when JESUS led me to it, I just wrote, and wrote, and wrote.

I couldn't fill enough notebooks, blogs, and posts, to "document" my findings.

Today, the "frenzy" is gone.

Serenity has taken its place.

Now, I can truly savor GOD's WORD.

But that 57-month frenzy had a purpose.

All the ground work was laid, serving as foundation.

Now, I can merely draw from those, as links.

Now, I make time to write, and edit, longer, and slower,

The volume of ideas remains the same.

If anything, there's more to write about now.

And I need not be bogged down searching for images.

Images can be an addiction.

Watch most people everywhere.

They're glued to phones.

Taking a selfie here.

Taking pictures of almost everything.

Documenting every breath, meal, look, or festivity.

And sharing it with the world, who does the same.

With many platforms to enable us.

I'm done with images.

All the images that matter, are in my heart now.

Plus, of course, we have hard copies from photographs.

I come from that generation.

GOD's WORD speaks for itself.

Through the articles SPIRIT inspires me to write.

GOD's WORD suffices.

It is POWER on its own.

With no help from me, or anyone.

It's so powerful, it's all that will remain.

JESUS confirms GOD's declaration through this verse:

Matthew 24:35

King James Version

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, 

but my words shall not pass away.

The only thing that will remain, is GOD's WORD.

The perfect image for the WORD?

JESUS.

John 1:14

King James Version

14 And the Word was made flesh, 

and dwelt among us, 

(and we beheld his glory, 

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) 

full of grace and truth.

Related material:

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Curious name HANNAH

 

1 Samuel 1:2

King James Version

2 And he had two wives; 

the name of the one was Hannah, 

and the name of the other Peninnah: 

and Peninnah had children, 

but Hannah had no children.

Definitely a curious, if not strange, day yesterday.

The name "Hannah" surfaces, within minutes of each other.

From one sci-fi movie I saw partly --

"Linguist Louise Banks's daughter Hannah dies at the age of twelve from an incurable illness."

-- "Arrival" movie on Wikipedia

to a documentary, as I shifted to another station:

Host Hannah Fry on "The Secret Genius of Modern Life".

-- Daily Motion

I also learned a new thing.

The word "palindrome".

"A palindrome is a word, number, phrase, or other sequence of symbols that reads the same backwards as forwards, such as madam or racecar"

Like the year 1881.

And HANNAH.

In the science fiction movie "Arrival", little Hannah remarked her name reads the same backward, or forward.

That was my first encounter with the word "palindrome".

What is it about the "Hannah" name today?

Came in two's, one after another.

That's a rare occurrence, so I need to check.

I let SPIRIT lead the way.

I waited for His usual "clues", and "prompts".

What did He want me to find out?

Should I check?

SPIRIT knew I would.

He didn't make me "workman" for nothing.

First, I check "The Name Book", and here's what I found:

Next, I check Scripture.

What does the Bible say?

Is there a "Hannah" in the Bible?

For sure.

We learn that she was childless, so she prayed to GOD.

1 Samuel 1:10-11

King James Version

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, 

and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, 

O Lord of hosts, 

if thou wilt indeed look 

on the affliction of thine handmaid, 

and remember me, 

and not forget thine handmaid, 

but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, 

then I will give him unto the Lord 

all the days of his life, 

and there shall no razor come upon his head.

GOD granted her wish to have a "man child":

1 Samuel 1:20

King James Version

20 Wherefore it came to pass, 

when the time was come about 

after Hannah had conceived, 

that she bare a son, 

and called his name Samuel, 

saying, 

Because I have asked him 

of the Lord.

Another curious thing I discovered today:

In the movie "Arrival", little Hannah died at age 12.

With Hannah's son, Samuel, Christian Answers wrote this:

"Here his bodily wants and training were attended to by the women who served in the tabernacle, while Eli cared for his religious culture. Thus, probably, twelve years of his life passed away."

TWELVE stands for "GOVERNMENTAL PERFECTION".

Best of all?

Hannah did not forget to thank, acknowledge, and praise the LORD:

1 Samuel 2:1-9

King James Version

2 And Hannah prayed, and said, 

My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, 

mine horn is exalted in the Lord: 

my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; 

because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy as the Lord: 

for there is none beside thee: 

neither is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; 

let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: 

for the Lord is a God of knowledge, 

and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, 

and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full 

have hired out themselves for bread; 

and they that were hungry ceased: 

so that the barren hath born seven; 

and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: 

he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: 

he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, 

and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, 

to set them among princes, 

and to make them inherit the throne of glory: 

for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, 

and he hath set the world upon them.

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, 

and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; 

for by strength shall no man prevail.

She also prophesied about JESUS:

1 Samuel 2:10

King James Version

10 The adversaries of the Lord 

shall be broken to pieces; 

out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: 

the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; 

and he shall give strength unto his king, 

and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Fulfilling her promise, she sent her son, Samuel, with her husband, Elkanah, to Eli, the priest.

1 Samuel 2:11

King James Version

11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. 

And the child did minister unto the Lord 

before Eli the priest.

Samuel grew up to be a fine boy.

1 Samuel 2:26

King James Version

26 And the child Samuel grew on, 

and was in favour both with the Lord, 

and also with men.

He became a prophet for GOD.

I honestly love being born again.

I never know where SPIRIT will lead me.

But one thing I do know --

It's wonderful being a student of SPIRIT.

It's ALWAYS an ADVENTURE in LEARNING.

From this article, another was "spawned".

And maybe, that will spawn another.

That's how we got to create over 100 blogs.

One verse at a time.

One article at a time.

One discovery at a time.

Even one name at a time.

I thank GOD for His GRACE.

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Image: Free Bible Images

BIBLE versus babble

 

Habakkuk 2:2

King James Version

2 And the Lord answered me, 

and said, 

Write the vision, 

and make it plain upon tables, 

that he may run that readeth it.

These are dark days.

So, which one will you follow?

The BIBLE, or the world's babble?

Let SPIRIT, and Scripture make things clear:

The BIBLE is the WORD of GOD.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

"Babble", as defined by Merriam-Webster is:

: to talk enthusiastically or excessively

: to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds

Would you rather be clear, or would you rather be vague?

Would you rather be saved, or would you rather perish?

Would you rather belong to JESUS, or would you rather belong to Satan?

It's time to SHUN "profane babblings".

Unbelievers are in great danger.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

King James Version

3 But if our gospel be hid, 

it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world 

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

King James Version

3 But I fear, lest by any means, 

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, 

whom we have not preached, 

or if ye receive another spirit, 

which ye have not received, 

or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, 

ye might well bear with him.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

2 Timothy 4:1-3

King James Version

4 I charge thee therefore before God, 

and the Lord Jesus Christ, 

who shall judge the quick and the dead 

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; 

be instant in season, out of season; 

reprove, rebuke, exhort 

with all long suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come 

when they will not endure sound doctrine; 

but after their own lusts 

shall they heap to themselves teachers, 

having itching ears;

JESUS said, even the "elect" will be "deceived":

Matthew 24:23-24

King James Version

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, 

Lo, here is Christ, or there; 

believe it not.

24 For there shall arise false Christs, 

and false prophets, 

and shall shew great signs and wonders; 

insomuch that, if it were possible, 

they shall deceive the very elect.

JESUS is the ONLY WAY back to GOD:

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

The decision, as always, is simple.

GOD, or Satan.

Bible, or babble.

Holiness, or sin.

Eternal life, or eternal fire.

Born again, or heathen.

I've chosen GOD's WORD.

I've chosen JESUS.

I am born again.

That's why I'm able to write these.

My heart, and mind, are clear.

Guided by SPIRIT each day.

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Image: Stock Snap on Pixabay

ETHICS is unethical

 

Psalm 25:21

King James Version

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; 

for I wait on thee.

Why is ethics unethical?

What makes me say that?

Well, let SPIRIT, and Scripture, teach us.

GOD made me born again, so I follow His WORD.

First, what is "ethics"?

Merriam-Webster defines it as:

: principles of conduct governing an individual or a group

: a consciousness of moral importance

: a guiding philosophy

Wikipedia defines "ethics" as:

"Ethics or moral philosophy is the philosophical study of moral phenomena."

Second, let's go to its history:

"It has its origin in the ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, the concept of Maat was used as an ethical principle to guide behavior and maintain order by emphasizing the importance of truth, balance, and harmony.[175] In ancient India, the Vedas and Upanishads were written as the foundational texts of Hindu philosophy and discussed the role of duty and the consequences of one's actions.[176] Buddhist ethics also originated in ancient India and advocated compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of enlightenment.[177] Ancient China saw the emergence of Confucianism, which focuses on moral conduct and self-cultivation by acting in accordance with virtues, and Daoism, which teaches that human behavior should be in harmony with the natural order of the universe."

-- Wikipedia

Third, what gave ethics away:

consciousness

philosophy

ancient Egypt

Maat

ancient India

Vedas

Upanishads

Hindu philosophy

Buddhist ethics

enlightenment

ancient China

Confucianism

self-cultivation

Daoism

natural order of the universe

Complex, philosophical, worldly.

In sharp contrast to the simplicity of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

And the simplicity of what JESUS taught:

Mark 12:29-31

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; 

The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment 

greater than these.

Matthew 22:40

King James Version

40 On these two commandments 

hang all the law and the prophets.

Fourth, it's all very well if I had not been exposed to those philosophies.

In my search for ABSOLUTE truth, GOD "allowed" me to explore such, among many other things, through new age.

From 1995 to 2019, I had been reading up on esoteric knowledge.

That's 24 years of investing my time, and money, to such.

I bought, read, and even sold such books.

To my great horror now, of course.

Fifth, I learned of those many "gods".

And yet, I couldn't seem to "pin" down truth.

It always remained elusive.

A seeming forever mystery.

Or so, I thought.

UNTIL GOD made me born again 56 months ago.

That's when I really had that "aha" moment.

Making me drop ALL research and studies.

The BIBLE was ALL I needed.

GOD was all I needed.

JESUS was all I needed.

The HOLY SPIRIT was all I needed.

I couldn't possibly have understood the Bible, and GOD's TRUTH, unless SPIRIT taught me.

Everything I know now, is through GOD's GRACE.

He knew I searched so long.

He took mercy upon me when I finally surrendered my human knowledge.

And that's when He gave me HIS knowledge.

Through His commands.

Through the teachings of JESUS.

Through the guidance of SPIRIT.

Which are all found in Scripture.

The world offers "ethics".

JESUS offers simple commands.

Which threatened His enemy , of course:

2 Corinthians 4:4

King James Version

4 In whom the god of this world 

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, 

should shine unto them.

Why are we listening to the enemy?

How can our ethics be infallible?

It serves many gods.

If you don't believe me, check "FOUNDATION".

You'll begin to know who you really serve.

In almost every aspect of work you do.

You will be horrified, too.

It's time to wake up from the fog.

We have been asleep too long.

JESUS clears that fog.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Its time to be FREE from the world's lies:

2 Corinthians 3:17

King James Version

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: 

and where the Spirit of the Lord is, 

there is liberty.

Ethics has something to do with "philosophy".

Right there, and then, it's questionable.

For it is NOT of GOD.

Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

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STATE of spying

 

Jeremiah 17:9

King James Version

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, 

and desperately wicked: 

who can know it?

"Cold War."

"Out in the cold."

"Coming in from the cold."

Notice the common word.

The common "cold".

How much do you know about espionage?

Documentaries of fallen spies tell us a bit.

Same with books, movies, and autobiographies.

Of course, they won't reveal all.

Or maybe, if they do, that's decades after.

When all the proponents, and participants, are long gone.

And that's when we unravel the deceit, danger, defense, and destruction.

It takes a certain person to be a spy.

Perhaps, you have to be cold, cool, calculating, creative.

What do they teach at the "agencies"?

They'll teach you all the tricks.

Perhaps, the most is "not to get caught".

That you might not "expose" the whole operation.

After all, if you do get caught, it's your turn to "spill the beans".

Or to reveal the "moles".

Usually, at the point of extreme suffering, or death.

Extraction of what you extracted.

The bonus being you give out your own state's secrets.

Spy.

Counter-spy.

Too complex.

Too intricate.

Too damning.

Is this really patriotism?

Perhaps, the most dangerous spy is a woman.

Ever heard the saying "behind the fall of a man, is a woman"?

But that's only if women are your type.

What if you're LGBTQ?

They'll create your counterpart.

We all have weaknesses.

That's the most dangerous information of all.

Agencies will use those, for their own ends.

It will destroy lives, families, governments, nations.

And most of all, you.

These days, you don't even need to train as a spy.

We have voluntarily given our information.

Every time you cross a street, cctv's are everywhere.

Every time you open your phone, call, text, take pictures.

Every time you turn on your computer.

Every time you share on social media.

Everything we've shared online, is information.

Hackers are modern-day spies.

They steal our information all the time.

And they hold us hostage for it.

All information is fair game for those who want to have it.

Goodbye to privacy.

It's all big data now.

Processing all that information.

Filed for "future" use.

For all who wish to "purchase" it.

Would satellites be bumping each other in space?

Every country probably has launched a satellite.

I don't care to research the subterfuge.

I don't care to delve into the deceit involved.

It's too ungodly for a born again heart.

All I care is what Scripture says:

Romans 14:10-13

King James Version

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? 

or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? 

for we shall all stand 

before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, 

As I live, saith the Lord, 

every knee shall bow to me, 

and every tongue shall confess to God.

12 So then every one of us 

shall give account of himself to God.

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: 

but judge this rather, 

that no man put a stumblingblock 

or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

I'm not here to destroy, diminish, or defame.

As workman for GOD, I'm here to write, watch, warn, wait, worship.

To tell you to get our act together.

To get right before GOD.

To be born again.

To know the laws of GOD.

To believe in JESUS.

To be taught of the HOLY SPIRIT.

To return to the LORD.

To ask for forgiveness.

To sin no more.

Because the Rapture is imminent.

It can happen ANY moment.

After which, the Tribulation.

Where no man would want to experience tremendous suffering, and witness GOD's WRATH.

What good would spying be then?

What good would those arsenal of secrets be?

What good would intelligence superiority be?

These will hold you back from knowing the LORD.

Seeking destruction of another, is an abomination to the LORD.

Mark 12:29-30

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; 

The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:31

King James Version

31 And the second is like, namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment 

greater than these.

Matthew 22:40

King James Version

40 On these two commandments 

hang all the law and the prophets.

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Image: Clipart Library

CLIQUES don't CLICK

 

JESUS warned us about the proud:

Luke 18:9

King James Version

9 And he spake this parable unto certain 

which trusted in themselves 

that they were righteous, 

and despised others:

What leads us to GOD?

Who succeeds?

How do we get converted?

Who teaches us plainly about Scripture?

As born again, I can say it's through SPIRIT alone.

At least, that's my personal experience.

In the mid-80s, a couple tried to convert me.

They were born again.

They saw I was having personal problems.

They were kind, sweet, and accommodating, and I'm grateful for that.

But I can't help feeling they took "advantage" of my momentary weakness.

Not really giving me time to think it over.

They just "pounced".

Before you know it, they were praying over me.

And I didn't really know what was happening.

Nothing has sank in yet.

They invited me to their born again circle.

All family members, with respective spouses.

Rich folks.

Their group gave themselves away one day.

I was searching for a cake, for some occasion.

One of the born again women sort of "scoffed".

"Oh, we bake our own cakes."

And that's when the mood changed.

How is it that a simple statement like that turned me off?

How is it that a so-called woman of GOD would scoff at a young "recruit"?

How is it that anyone would scoff at another's meager attempts for gifting another?

But I'm glad GOD shooed me away from them.

It was to be His way.

Not through their way.

The lessons would not have stuck with me.

I'd have belonged to a "clique".

Merriam-Webster defines "clique" as:

"a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons"

How very apt!

That's EXACTLY the feeling I got from that group.

How could GOD's WORD settle upon your heart, in such a proud group?

As you can guess, I stayed away from the group.

And have sought GOD, the best way I knew how.

Simply.

Privately.

Quietly.

I don't belong to a "clique".

I never could.

I prefer independent study.

Quietly studying things.

Weighing things.

Piecing them all together.

In the peace, and comfort, of my own mind.

Until I get that "AHA" moment.

With the HOLY SPIRIT giving me "prompts".

And TONS of guidance.

It's how GOD created me.

Studying on my own, mostly.

For His Own, perfect purpose.

Cliques don't click with me.

GOD picked me up when I was at my lowest, 60 months ago.

He showed up five months after, and made me born again.

That worked.

The lengthy wait.

The TOTAL surrender.

I've been born again 55 months now.

I don't know how it will be for you.

But I'm pretty sure, it will be according to GOD's plan.

He's always had His eye on you.

2 Timothy 2:19

King James Version

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure, having this seal, 

The Lord knoweth them that are his. 

And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ 

depart from iniquity.

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Image: Clipart Library