The News:
An American claims a million dollars to a florist because it sent to his home a letter of gratitude by a shipment of a dozen roses... destined to his lover… The problem was that the wife of the petitioner discovered the gift and the existence of the lover… The client and now petitioner, Leroy Greer, affirms that the message of the florist broke his marriage. The florist sent a message to the residence of Greer to thank him the purchase and to propose him a discount upon future purchases. That letter was found for his wife who called the florist to obtain details about the shipment. The business sent then a copy of the receipt, accompanied of the note directed by her husband to his lover, as well as the name and direction of the last… "I only want to tell you that I love you and that you are very important to me", was the message of the unfaithful husband… The wife of Greer asked for divorce using the message as proof of the infidelity of her husband… (reform.com)
Comment:
First some irrelevant questions: How much would be the discount offered by the florist? The news doesn’t say, but in order to save a million dollars, this shameless man probably would have to consume a "lot" of roses. Would this guy be capable to ask his secretary to order the roses? In what time of the year orchids flourish? Would this guy be capable to deduct the roses from his taxes? On what basis, did this guy calculate the amount of the lawsuit? Did he really consider that one million dollars is worth his marriage? What a terrible testimony! Whoever values himself a little bit, never would change a marriage for such a handful of money.
(Editor: Do you want me to send copy of the text to your wife?)
(Author: Thanks. It is not necessary. She always reads my Blog.)
(Editor: My admiration!)
No mister Greer, it wasn’t the letter of the florist what broke your marriage, it was you by not honoring your wife. The unfaithful husband is not the one that is discovered, but the one that seeks an alien woman even with just the mind. It is not a matter of not being caught, is a matter of not conceiving it. Adultery is not about a sudden moment, but a process that takes some time its development. Martin Luther said that: "I cannot impede that the birds fly upon my head, but I can impede that they nest on it."
In this particular occasion the secret was discovered because of the florist, but no infidelity remains hidden. By definition, any infidelity involves a minimum of two persons and thus, the lost of control. It is impossible to have guarantees that the other person is not going to say something. And even then, assuming that the other part remains quiet, there will be always a saddened and disappointed witness of the adventure: God.
This time it was the letter sent by the florist, but other mechanisms exist so that the truth will be known: detectives hired by the suspecting wife, the very same wife acting as a detective (I know a case in which the wife enclosed herself in the trunk of the car in order to surprise her husband), suspicious attitude of the husband, and even extortion from the lover.
What does it say the Bible:
Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. (Proverbs 6:27-29)
Let’s no fool ourselves, never is going to remain secret such a thing as an act of infidelity.
viernes, 24 de agosto de 2007
martes, 21 de agosto de 2007
Korean Missionaries Abducted in Afghanistan
The News:
One of the 23 South Koreans in the hands of the Taliban was murdered in the east of Afghanistan… "He was sick, he couldn’t walk and the Taliban members just shot him", related to the press Khowaja Sedeqi, one of the members of the delegation that carries out the negotiations with the insurgent Afghans that maintains abducted the Korean missionaries… (laverdad.es)
Comment:
Two missionaries have been executed, among them the shepherd and leader. Although two women have been freed, nineteen remain in captivity, among them 16 women. Several of them sick.
It seems that to carry the Word of God has its price. Since the death of Jesus, many missionaries along the history have died, some in deplorable conditions, but they have accepted martyrdom with a sense of pride, the pride that comes by obeying the call to spread the Gospel.
The first thing that is important to emphasize is that these missionaries were there, willing to follow the call of God. We read in Isaiah 6:8:
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Not less important is the courage they had in assuming a mission in a country so full of conflicts and as dangerous as Afghanistan. When they found the second Korean missionary body in that country, signs were found of physical torture. A thing that is outrageous, but certainly, God didn’t promise tourist destinations or leisure trips.
Even Paul suffered a great deal because of the Gospel and more than once he was close to die. He offers testimony of this in 2 Corinthians 11:25-27:
Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.
Matthew 10:16-18 says: Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
Even though we can think that these words are dedicated to "the missionaries", peculiar persons that have the ability to sleep on the ground, to eat raw cereals with water only once a day, that do not shave (they have always long beards), that are capable to live with the same clothes during a month and that have an enormous facility to learn "tongue-twister" dialects, we better think twice. Maybe God is speaking to us all, not just to them.
Perhaps we should at least be so brave as to invite our neighbors to the Sunday service. Considering that the worst we will receive, if they don’t accept, is an ugly look or a shut door, how much courage is required? In America we have the freedom to preach Jesus and, to be sincere, little advantage we take from it.
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15)
These missionaries were brave and we firmly believe that this will carry a result, if not in the short term, in the long-term regarding the spiritual fight that is developing in those countries. We should maintain unanimously in prayer for these missionaries.
What the Bible says:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
The reward that they will receive should motivate us to place a little more effort in spreading the Gospel. Shouldn’t it?
One of the 23 South Koreans in the hands of the Taliban was murdered in the east of Afghanistan… "He was sick, he couldn’t walk and the Taliban members just shot him", related to the press Khowaja Sedeqi, one of the members of the delegation that carries out the negotiations with the insurgent Afghans that maintains abducted the Korean missionaries… (laverdad.es)
Comment:
Two missionaries have been executed, among them the shepherd and leader. Although two women have been freed, nineteen remain in captivity, among them 16 women. Several of them sick.
It seems that to carry the Word of God has its price. Since the death of Jesus, many missionaries along the history have died, some in deplorable conditions, but they have accepted martyrdom with a sense of pride, the pride that comes by obeying the call to spread the Gospel.
The first thing that is important to emphasize is that these missionaries were there, willing to follow the call of God. We read in Isaiah 6:8:
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Not less important is the courage they had in assuming a mission in a country so full of conflicts and as dangerous as Afghanistan. When they found the second Korean missionary body in that country, signs were found of physical torture. A thing that is outrageous, but certainly, God didn’t promise tourist destinations or leisure trips.
Even Paul suffered a great deal because of the Gospel and more than once he was close to die. He offers testimony of this in 2 Corinthians 11:25-27:
Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.
Matthew 10:16-18 says: Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
Even though we can think that these words are dedicated to "the missionaries", peculiar persons that have the ability to sleep on the ground, to eat raw cereals with water only once a day, that do not shave (they have always long beards), that are capable to live with the same clothes during a month and that have an enormous facility to learn "tongue-twister" dialects, we better think twice. Maybe God is speaking to us all, not just to them.
Perhaps we should at least be so brave as to invite our neighbors to the Sunday service. Considering that the worst we will receive, if they don’t accept, is an ugly look or a shut door, how much courage is required? In America we have the freedom to preach Jesus and, to be sincere, little advantage we take from it.
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15)
These missionaries were brave and we firmly believe that this will carry a result, if not in the short term, in the long-term regarding the spiritual fight that is developing in those countries. We should maintain unanimously in prayer for these missionaries.
What the Bible says:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
The reward that they will receive should motivate us to place a little more effort in spreading the Gospel. Shouldn’t it?
martes, 14 de agosto de 2007
New Camp for Addicts to Internet
The News:
Thirteen percent of the 20 million Chinese people younger than 18 that use Internet are classified like addicts… China set in motion an experimental summer camp to help 40 youths to suppress their addiction to Internet… The program of 10 days will accept youths between 14 and 22 years old that previously answered to a questionnaire and to a psychological evaluation, indicated the newspaper China Daily… In the camp, the youths will receive treatment against depression, fear, low disposition to deal with others, panic and anguish… Because worries about murders and crimes of youths related to Internet, the Government is taking measures to diminish the number of addicts to the web prohibiting new cyber places and establishing restrictions for violent videogames … (reform.com)
Comment:
It is curious how even the positive things, like the existence and usefulness of the Internet, can be transformed in the hands of men in something negative. I don’t have to mention the thousand advantages of the Internet (this Blog wouldn’t exist without Internet and my friends at the office would be the only ones reading me), but now we must consider also that Internet could be as harmful, or more, than TV.
(Editor: It doesn’t seem very appropriate the explanation that you placed between parenthesis)
(Author: You take care if it is correct, I am in charge to decide if it is appropriate or not)
(Editor: Aren’t you going to ask me why do I think so?)
(Author: OK then, ¿why do you say that?)
(Editor: First, it is presumptuous to imply that is an advantage to publish your Blog, second, we don’t know if even your friends would read you, third, we don’t know if someone aside from your friends is reading you, fourth…)
(Author: Stop, stop… Jeez! I’ll never ask you again!)
(Editor: Do I remove it?)
(Author: ¡Mmghmh!)
(Editor: Is that a yes?)
The same Internet that serves to spread the Gospel can be used to create porn sites and communities of addicted web users. The same television that serves to carry news and events in real time to homes can be used to send messages (subliminal or direct) of consumption, dissatisfaction with one’s life and also as an alienation vehicle. The cell phone that serves for mobile communication can be used for blackmail and extortion. The cars that nowadays can reach astounding velocities and that serve to reduce the time of trips can also be the cause of premature death of a whole family upon incurring in an accident for lack of caution.
Where is the problem? It doesn’t seem to be in the technology by itself, but in the wrong use that some of us apply to it. It is not evil to desire a car that can transport us comfortably, but we fall in wickedness upon aspiring to a car that destroys the economy of the family and upon conducting it violating the speed limits. It is not evil to be connected to Internet and to check the electronic mail every morning, but we fall in wickedness upon get distracted with contents that take our minds to lust, envy, or gossip. It is not bad to communicate with another person through the computer, but it is the inability (or unwillingness) to go out and relate face to face with others.
What the Bible says:
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133)
Science, technology, medicine, etc.., are all part of human progress that man achieves thanks to the capacities that God gave him. It is something that we should never forget. Everything, after all, originates in God and will go back to Him. Let’s honor Him in everything.
Thirteen percent of the 20 million Chinese people younger than 18 that use Internet are classified like addicts… China set in motion an experimental summer camp to help 40 youths to suppress their addiction to Internet… The program of 10 days will accept youths between 14 and 22 years old that previously answered to a questionnaire and to a psychological evaluation, indicated the newspaper China Daily… In the camp, the youths will receive treatment against depression, fear, low disposition to deal with others, panic and anguish… Because worries about murders and crimes of youths related to Internet, the Government is taking measures to diminish the number of addicts to the web prohibiting new cyber places and establishing restrictions for violent videogames … (reform.com)
Comment:
It is curious how even the positive things, like the existence and usefulness of the Internet, can be transformed in the hands of men in something negative. I don’t have to mention the thousand advantages of the Internet (this Blog wouldn’t exist without Internet and my friends at the office would be the only ones reading me), but now we must consider also that Internet could be as harmful, or more, than TV.
(Editor: It doesn’t seem very appropriate the explanation that you placed between parenthesis)
(Author: You take care if it is correct, I am in charge to decide if it is appropriate or not)
(Editor: Aren’t you going to ask me why do I think so?)
(Author: OK then, ¿why do you say that?)
(Editor: First, it is presumptuous to imply that is an advantage to publish your Blog, second, we don’t know if even your friends would read you, third, we don’t know if someone aside from your friends is reading you, fourth…)
(Author: Stop, stop… Jeez! I’ll never ask you again!)
(Editor: Do I remove it?)
(Author: ¡Mmghmh!)
(Editor: Is that a yes?)
The same Internet that serves to spread the Gospel can be used to create porn sites and communities of addicted web users. The same television that serves to carry news and events in real time to homes can be used to send messages (subliminal or direct) of consumption, dissatisfaction with one’s life and also as an alienation vehicle. The cell phone that serves for mobile communication can be used for blackmail and extortion. The cars that nowadays can reach astounding velocities and that serve to reduce the time of trips can also be the cause of premature death of a whole family upon incurring in an accident for lack of caution.
Where is the problem? It doesn’t seem to be in the technology by itself, but in the wrong use that some of us apply to it. It is not evil to desire a car that can transport us comfortably, but we fall in wickedness upon aspiring to a car that destroys the economy of the family and upon conducting it violating the speed limits. It is not evil to be connected to Internet and to check the electronic mail every morning, but we fall in wickedness upon get distracted with contents that take our minds to lust, envy, or gossip. It is not bad to communicate with another person through the computer, but it is the inability (or unwillingness) to go out and relate face to face with others.
What the Bible says:
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. (Psalms 119:133)
Science, technology, medicine, etc.., are all part of human progress that man achieves thanks to the capacities that God gave him. It is something that we should never forget. Everything, after all, originates in God and will go back to Him. Let’s honor Him in everything.
viernes, 3 de agosto de 2007
Former Champion of Formula One Loses Driving License
The News:
The Brazilian Nelson Piquet, former three-time world champion of Formula One, began this Monday to take a road course of education, after that got suspended his driving license for accumulating too many traffic infractions… The local press indicated that Piquet, one of the three Brazilians that have achieved the Formula One world championship, lost his license after receiving a huge quantity of infractions by excess of velocity and wrong parking… It was also suspended the driving license of his wife Viviane, who joined with Piquet in the road course of education… The Piquet marriage, whose son Nelson of 21 years is a test pilot with the team Renault of Formula One, should attend 30 hours of classes during eight days and to pass an exam before recovering their licenses… Piquet is one of the most renowned pilots arisen in Brazil and champion of the maximum car racing category in 1981, 1983 and 1987. (reforma.com)
Comment:
I Suppose that many of us dream of driving one of those F1 cars at maximum speed, of course before realizing that in the real world, a soda truck deliveryman will block our road and that if we try to pass, the mother of our neighbor will appear at the steering wheel conducting on the high speed lane at 30 mph.
In the races, if new tires are required, the pilot approaches the pit zone where a team of technicians will change the four tires in 20 seconds flat. In the real world, what happens if we require to change only one of the tires? We park, we open the vault, we remove all the junk that blocks us (including a bowling ball, an ice box still with remainders of food, etc.) and we put them aside. We seek the elevator and realize that the lever bar is missing. It’s useless to discuss with the spouse who took it to crack pecans without returning it to its place. While we think about a substitute, we remove the spare tire and realize that is almost flat… In short, everybody has his own story, but the twenty seconds convert into an hour, if we have enough creativity to solve all the problems. Not considering that we will forget the bowling ball on the side of the road.
Of course that it’s enticing to live in that special world where the driver is king, but the true thing is that we live in cities designed for a lot less cars of the ones that really circulate and that we must accept the rules, which if followed by all, would permit a fluid circulation and an easier location of parking spaces.
Neither the three championships of Piquet give him the right to skip the rules, neither should do political positions, personal influences, or famous names. We all must obey the traffic regulations.
What the Bible Says:
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. (Titus 3:1)
When the Bible was written, cars didn’t exist (if they did, I suspect that Paul would have written at least two more Letters), but the mandate is simple: to respect the authorities. Please, don’t be one of those who are transformed upon holding a steering wheel, remember that the grace of Jesus is capable to reach still those drivers that suddenly turn left in places where is prohibited. Pray for them.
The Brazilian Nelson Piquet, former three-time world champion of Formula One, began this Monday to take a road course of education, after that got suspended his driving license for accumulating too many traffic infractions… The local press indicated that Piquet, one of the three Brazilians that have achieved the Formula One world championship, lost his license after receiving a huge quantity of infractions by excess of velocity and wrong parking… It was also suspended the driving license of his wife Viviane, who joined with Piquet in the road course of education… The Piquet marriage, whose son Nelson of 21 years is a test pilot with the team Renault of Formula One, should attend 30 hours of classes during eight days and to pass an exam before recovering their licenses… Piquet is one of the most renowned pilots arisen in Brazil and champion of the maximum car racing category in 1981, 1983 and 1987. (reforma.com)
Comment:
I Suppose that many of us dream of driving one of those F1 cars at maximum speed, of course before realizing that in the real world, a soda truck deliveryman will block our road and that if we try to pass, the mother of our neighbor will appear at the steering wheel conducting on the high speed lane at 30 mph.
In the races, if new tires are required, the pilot approaches the pit zone where a team of technicians will change the four tires in 20 seconds flat. In the real world, what happens if we require to change only one of the tires? We park, we open the vault, we remove all the junk that blocks us (including a bowling ball, an ice box still with remainders of food, etc.) and we put them aside. We seek the elevator and realize that the lever bar is missing. It’s useless to discuss with the spouse who took it to crack pecans without returning it to its place. While we think about a substitute, we remove the spare tire and realize that is almost flat… In short, everybody has his own story, but the twenty seconds convert into an hour, if we have enough creativity to solve all the problems. Not considering that we will forget the bowling ball on the side of the road.
Of course that it’s enticing to live in that special world where the driver is king, but the true thing is that we live in cities designed for a lot less cars of the ones that really circulate and that we must accept the rules, which if followed by all, would permit a fluid circulation and an easier location of parking spaces.
Neither the three championships of Piquet give him the right to skip the rules, neither should do political positions, personal influences, or famous names. We all must obey the traffic regulations.
What the Bible Says:
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. (Titus 3:1)
When the Bible was written, cars didn’t exist (if they did, I suspect that Paul would have written at least two more Letters), but the mandate is simple: to respect the authorities. Please, don’t be one of those who are transformed upon holding a steering wheel, remember that the grace of Jesus is capable to reach still those drivers that suddenly turn left in places where is prohibited. Pray for them.
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