4th Edition Newsletter- (September 13th)

D’s Spiritual Guidance Newsletter-4th Edition
-a weekly publication (published Saturdays)


Intro
There's a certain kind of happiness to be had out of sending this out, whether it's sharing the Word to some effect or just knowing that someone reads it. Nonetheless, I hope in some way, this newsletter offers something well worth it, and that my efforts here have not been in vain. Still, to any readers, thank you for your interest, and God Bless.

-D


Words of Wisdom

"Those who cannot love want power."
-Guggenbuhl-Craig

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it."
-Confucius

"One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever."
-Ecclesiastes 1


Passage

1 John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.


Sermon

Take a look at this week's Bible passage. The sentiments are so simple yet so extraordinary. It speaks in only a few words, about sacrifice, friendship, and life itself. It is a testament worthy of much recognition I think. Although the meaning is powerful and worth talking about, let me first speak briefly about the nature of its particular writing. Notice, for one, that it deviates slightly from your most commonly recognized Bible verse in that it is easier to read and digest. More or less, it is simple. But does this mean that it bears less meaning than some longer or more in-depth samples? Of course not. Whether you are a philosopher or just another reader of the Bible, meaning can be made clear in the easiest of ways. Alot like the particular meaning of this text.

What I like most about this passage is that it is straight-forward. It presents its meaning clearly, although that's not to say that deeper, more intricate passages are lesser in quality. No, it is the meaning that we should focus on most of all. From the passage, it speaks first off about love, but to what effect? Romance? Brotherly love? Something else? In most cases, I believe the Bible refers to a kind of love in God, a kind of faith not only in the Lord, but in one another for great potential or bitter fall. So, yes, in a way brotherly love. Then, it goes on to talk about laying your life on the line for your friends. Does this sound familiar to you?

As much as it seems a moral cliche, "taking a bullet" for someone is even mentioned in the Bible, however you choose to take it. It often prompts us all to ask ourselves whether or not we would take a bullet to save someone we hold dear to us. Most of us would of course say yes, but how many of us would go to it when it's actually the moment of truth? I certainly hope none of you ever have to be put in that situation, but picture in your mind this: sometimes, our so-called "bullets" that we take are not bullets at all. They can come in the form of anything, from an oncoming trouble to a minor problem. Do you sacrifice to help your friends or family dodge these metaphorical bullets?

Consider again, another kind of "bullet", an obstacle that no man since has faced. Consider Jesus. On the cross, taking perhaps the ultimate bullet for us all, friends, sons and daughters in God, he laid his life on the line and lost it for our sake. Therein is the sole part of "laying your life on the line". If you knew you would die, without a shadow of a doubt when taking that bullet, metaphorical or not... what would you do? Remember this: yes, Jesus died for us, on the cross for all to see. But was he not resurrected three days later to proclaim his triumph over death as the Son of God himself? In the same way, we all one day will fall, but if indeed we took those bullets, steered our course to help dodge them out of sheer love and devotion, we will one day rise above this and be resurrected in soul and in Heaven. For that, my friends, is the greatest love of all.

Amen.


Sidenotes

So, as I was sitting this time wondering what to think up for a quick sidenote, I was thinking about including another thing about prayer... But then, I thought I'd try something different. The subject this week is something you don't usually hear about in a religious dialogue, and for (sort of) good reason: humor. Laughter is the best medicine, but it also separates the cruel and sick from the good-natured depending on dosage. But how this relates is a different story. Take into consideration most general views of clergy, pastors, priests, ministers, etc., etc. They are most often portrayed as uptight, humorless men in black coats and starched white collars with strict dispositions and a judging view of things. This is an irrational stereotype. Pastors and priests carry with them a certain degree of seriousness, true, but this is because the nature of their work is indeed serious. You cannot be a stand-up comedian and a successful and powerful preacher at the same time. Sure, it would be a little more interesting, but what would you gather from it? Humor is a subject that uneasily sits on the minds of most religious professionals when talking about their beliefs. Sure, we all can have a good laugh about church or religion every once in awhile, but this is where a certain dividing line on the subject must be drawn. It is good to have a degree of humor in your life, but you must balance it with a hint of seriousness. Going totally one way or the other leads to poor perception and misunderstanding. A healthy mix of the two is a good thing to possess, even in a religious life. Pastors and priests- they all have a good side. We're all human and we all have to laugh from time to time, enjoy a good joke, or be a good friend to all around us, but when it gets down to business, there is sometimes a need to be serious about what you believe. So, all in all, what's best is to find your balance. If you find that you are a bit too strict or a bit too lackluster about whatever you feel is right in your life, adjust your guidlines a bit but always leave room for God wherever you are and whatever you do. This is the way to inner peace and understanding.


Subscribers List

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Feedback

None yet. Send any comments, rants, raves, suggestions or any questions to dspiritmail@yahoo.com with the subject “Feedback” and I will post it below. I will also answer any spiritual-oriented questions you have in the newsletter if you include them in your email. Feel free to contact me anytime via email.


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[Note: if you liked this newsletter, send it on to as many people in your contacts as you can. Encourage them in whatever ways you can to believe, love, laugh and know the truth always. God bless, and hope to see you again next week.]