<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/thoughts/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Steve Aves - My Thoughts , Thoughts</title><description>Steve Aves - My Thoughts , Thoughts</description><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/thoughts</link><lastBuildDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:18:57 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[The Last Rifleman]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/the-last-rifleman</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/The_Last_Rifleman_poster.jpg"/>This is a wonderful film!]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_vjef2fH4RRSbzqIHi98YDg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_DZg5HCQeSbiQq_6romzKNg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_6CPJLzfbT_mTWttJCyB8sg" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_JjXgcMLzQsiurllu7Woafg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><div style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size:24px;">The film is wonderful! Tear-jerker at the end (in happiness).</span></div>
<div style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size:24px;">A comment by a German soldier who had been at D-Day struck me: &quot;It's hard to find out you lost the war, it's harder to discover you were on the wrong side.&quot;</span></div><div style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size:24px;">Yeah, twice! I wonder how the German people continue to trust their government.</span></div></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_AkvlAnq00KfAKrJHuXpB8g" data-element-type="video" class="zpelement zpelem-video "><style type="text/css"> @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_AkvlAnq00KfAKrJHuXpB8g"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_AkvlAnq00KfAKrJHuXpB8g"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } </style><div class="zpvideo-container zpiframe-align-center zpiframe-mobile-align-center zpiframe-tablet-align-center"><iframe class="zpvideo " width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-ZvOkhgti1E?enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen id=youtube-video-1 data-api=youtube></iframe></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:48:52 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Following Jesus is hard]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/Following-Jesus-is-hard</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>Following Jesus is hard. It always has been, but especially at this moment in time.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_M3Rf3V8pQka13yKTi8i_Ag" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_c8vN_u84Tiara9P4KPC8HQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_VkROqxozSWSDvjsZvBci4Q" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_Lvwt1rBNTquGFEh_EQKBbg" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span>Following Jesus is hard</span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_RhHfa6tqRk6HxE6VH0F_Pg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><div></div><div><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Following Jesus is hard. It always has been, but especially at this moment in time.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Below is part of today's Lectionary readings</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><br/></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>The Righteous Judgment of God</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Therefore you are without excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others, for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth. Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Romans 2:1-4 (NRSVue Strong's Bible)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Do Not Judge Others</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-weight:400;">“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”</span></p><span style="font-weight:400;">Luke 6:37-38 (NET)</span></div><div><br/></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:34:51 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[1 Kings reminds me of "The Godfather" Film]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/1-kings-reminds-me-of-the-godfather-film</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>The daily Lectionary recently had readings from 1Kings, chapter 2. I was reminded of "The Godfather" film.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_tYqa3bzhR0yzjJFowJE0lQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_H9ztUcSHRCqxayWSLCmEVA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_XfSrrAJEQtyHSGsQPhGW-A" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_Omtg6DRtSP2xFpCMs9zipw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The daily Lectionary recently had readings from 1Kings, chapter 2. I was reminded of &quot;The Godfather&quot; film. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Check out the information below and see if you agree with me.</span></p></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_v2o37zOHndSCxZwXdRl8WQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:20px;font-weight:400;">The film clip below is like <a href="#DavidFinalWordstoSolomon" target="_blank" rel="">David’s Final Words to Solomon</a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;"> Don Vito and Michael Corleone talk</span></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_vxf7kIyDBZgLeaRkur5_Fw" data-element-type="video" class="zpelement zpelem-video "><style type="text/css"> @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_vxf7kIyDBZgLeaRkur5_Fw"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_vxf7kIyDBZgLeaRkur5_Fw"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } </style><div class="zpvideo-container zpiframe-align-left zpiframe-mobile-align-center zpiframe-tablet-align-center"><iframe class="zpvideo " width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fuWkcKbBQkg?si=lnDoY8MhL032xzkl" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_YAmUMrnEm-gf-wlS3wSo9Q" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:20px;font-weight:400;">This clip correlates with <a href="#SolomonSecurestheThrone" target="_blank" rel=""> Solomon Secures the Throne</a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;"> The Godfather I (1972)- Baptism Scene, Michael Kills all the heads of the other families</span></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_bPUYfvQ1NOK-pNizYfcQwg" data-element-type="video" class="zpelement zpelem-video "><style type="text/css"> @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_bPUYfvQ1NOK-pNizYfcQwg"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } @media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width:991px){ [data-element-id="elm_bPUYfvQ1NOK-pNizYfcQwg"].zpelem-video iframe.zpvideo{ width:560px !important; height:315px !important; } } </style><div class="zpvideo-container zpiframe-align-left zpiframe-mobile-align-center zpiframe-tablet-align-center"><iframe class="zpvideo " width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Pf8BkFLBRw?si=FqUk8ExywvEh-r2d" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_koSIYoDhuIUjw24OfpEO_g" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;">​<span id="DavidFinalWordstoSolomon" title="DavidFinalWordstoSolomon" class="zpItemAnchor"></span>​<span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:700;">David’s Final Words to Solomon</span><br><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">&nbsp;When David was close to death, he told Solomon his son: “I am about to die. Be strong and become a man! Do the job the LORD your God has assigned you by following his instructions and obeying his rules, commandments, regulations, and laws as written in the law of Moses. Then you will succeed in all you do and seek to accomplish, and the LORD will fulfill his promise to me, ‘If your descendants watch their step and live faithfully in my presence with all their heart and being, then,’ he promised, ‘you will not fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ </span><br><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> “You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—how he murdered two commanders of the Israelite armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. During peacetime he struck them down as if in battle; when he shed their blood, he stained the belt on his waist and the sandals on his feet. Do to him what you think is appropriate, but don’t let him live long and die a peaceful death. </span><br><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> “Treat fairly the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and provide for their needs, because they helped me when I had to flee from your brother Absalom. </span><br><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> “Note well, you still have to contend with Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who tried to call down upon me a horrible judgment when I went to Mahanaim. He came down and met me at the Jordan, and I solemnly promised him by the LORD, ‘I will not strike you down with the sword.’ But now don’t treat him as if he were innocent. You are a wise man and you know how to handle him; make sure he has a bloody death.”</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Then David passed away and was buried in the City of David. David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem thirty-three years. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"></span><span id="SolomonSecurestheThrone" title="SolomonSecurestheThrone" class="zpItemAnchor"></span>​<span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:700;">Solomon Secures the Throne</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> Solomon sat on his father David’s throne, and his royal authority was firmly solidified. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> Haggith’s son Adonijah visited Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. She asked, “Do you come in peace?” He answered, “Yes.” He added, “I have something to say to you.” She replied, “Speak.” He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine and all Israel considered me king. But then the kingdom was given to my brother, for the LORD decided it should be his. Now I’d like to ask you for just one thing. Please don’t refuse me.” She said, “Go ahead and ask.” He said, “Please ask King Solomon if he would give me Abishag the Shunammite as a wife, for he won’t refuse you.” Bathsheba replied, “That’s fine; I’ll speak to the king on your behalf.”</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> So Bathsheba visited King Solomon to speak to him on Adonijah’s behalf. The king got up to greet her, bowed to her, and then sat on his throne. He ordered a throne to be brought for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand. She said, “I would like to ask you for just one small favor. Please don’t refuse me.” He said, “Go ahead and ask, my mother, for I would not refuse you.” She said, “Allow Abishag the Shunammite to be given to your brother Adonijah as a wife.” King Solomon answered his mother, “Why just request Abishag the Shunammite for him? Since he is my older brother, you should also request the kingdom for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> King Solomon then swore an oath by the LORD, “May God judge me severely, if Adonijah does not pay for this request with his life! Now, as certainly as the LORD lives (he who made me secure, allowed me to sit on my father David’s throne, and established a dynasty for me as he promised), Adonijah will be executed today!” King Solomon then sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he killed Adonijah. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> The king then told Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your property in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but today I will not kill you because you did carry the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and you suffered with my father through all his difficult times.” Solomon removed Abiathar from being a priest for the LORD, fulfilling the LORD’s message that he had pronounced against the family of Eli in Shiloh. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> When the news reached Joab (for Joab had supported Adonijah, although he had not supported Absalom), he ran to the tent of the LORD and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar. When King Solomon heard that Joab had run to the tent of the LORD and was right there beside the altar, he ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, “Go, strike him down.” When Benaiah arrived at the tent of the LORD, he said to him, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But he replied, “No, I will die here!” So Benaiah sent word to the king and reported Joab’s reply. The king told him, “Do as he said! Strike him down and bury him. Take away from me and from my father’s family the guilt of Joab’s murderous, bloody deeds. May the LORD punish him for the blood he shed; behind my father David’s back he struck down and murdered with the sword two men who were more innocent and morally upright than he —Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. May Joab and his descendants be perpetually guilty of their shed blood, but may the LORD give perpetual peace to David, his descendants, his family, and his dynasty.” So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up and executed Joab; he was buried at his home in the wilderness. The king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada to take his place at the head of the army, and the king appointed Zadok the priest to take Abiathar’s place. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> Next the king summoned Shimei and told him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and live there, but you may not leave there to go anywhere. If you ever do leave and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will certainly die. You will be responsible for your own death.” Shimei said to the king, “My master the king’s proposal is acceptable. Your servant will do as you say.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> Three years later two of Shimei’s servants ran away to King Achish son of Maacah of Gath. Shimei was told, “Look, your servants are in Gath.” So Shimei got up, saddled his donkey, and went to Achish at Gath to find his servants; Shimei went and brought back his servants from Gath. When Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had then returned, the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “You will recall that I made you take an oath by the LORD, and I solemnly warned you, ‘If you ever leave and go anywhere, know for sure that you will certainly die.’ You said to me, ‘The proposal is acceptable; I agree to it.’ Why then have you broken the oath you made before the LORD and disobeyed the order I gave you?” Then the king said to Shimei, “You are well aware of the way you mistreated my father David. The LORD will punish you for what you did. But King Solomon will be empowered, and David’s dynasty will endure permanently before the LORD.” The king then gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada who went and executed Shimei. </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> So Solomon took firm control of the kingdom.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">1 Kings 2:10-46 (NET 2nd Ed.)</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><span>&nbsp; <br></span></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:44:49 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[God is Sovereign]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/god-is-sovereign</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>The Apostle Paul explains to the Jewish Christians who are concerned about their fellow Jews who do not accept Jesus as the Christ, that God is sovereign.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_HODcDY91TDCLvCuhTZYyHQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_-1CfI0O-R2-xliTy6QhHQA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_svciFwLJRH632hZF-Di-6w" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The Apostle Paul explains to the Jewish Christians who are concerned about their fellow Jews who do not accept Jesus as the Christ, that God is sovereign.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">13 As it is written,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">“I have loved Jacob,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">but I have hated Esau.”</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">14 What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">16 So it depends not on human will or exertion but on God who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I may show my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">God’s Wrath and Mercy</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">19 You will say to me then, “Why then does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who indeed are you, a human, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Romans 9:13-21 (NRSVue Strong's Bible)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 08:09:48 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[God's Countenence ]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/gods-countenance</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>So, THAT is what is meant by "the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_HODcDY91TDCLvCuhTZYyHQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_-1CfI0O-R2-xliTy6QhHQA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_svciFwLJRH632hZF-Di-6w" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Verse 26 has a larger punch when you understand what &quot;countenance&quot; meant to the Jewish people back then.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">The Priestly Benediction</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">22 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">24 The LORD bless you and keep you;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;">26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">27 “So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Numbers 6:21-27 (NRSVue Strong's Bible)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">OR</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">26 May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Numbers 6:26 (NLT)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">OR</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Numbers 6:26 (NIV)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Noun: countenance</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">1. The appearance conveyed by a person's face</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">2. Formal and explicit approval</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">[WordWeb.info]</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">63tn v. 26 The last line of the blessing also has first the image and then the parallel interpretation—for God to lift up his face is for God to give peace. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;">The idea of the fallen face is one of anger (see Gen 4:6, 7); and the idea of the hidden face is that of withholding support, favor, or peace (see Deut 31:18; Pss 30:8; 44:25). If God lifts his face toward his people, it means he has given them peace—peace, prosperity, completeness, health, safety, general well-being, and the like.</span></p><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Numbers 6:26 (NET 2nd Ed.)</span></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 12:12:51 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Law and Gospel]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/The-Law-and-Gospel</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>Lectionary examples of Martin Luther's Law and Gospel]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_HODcDY91TDCLvCuhTZYyHQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_-1CfI0O-R2-xliTy6QhHQA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_svciFwLJRH632hZF-Di-6w" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The Lectionary reading for today highlights for me the distinction Martin Luther made between <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_and_Gospel" title="Law and Gospel" target="_blank" rel="">Law and Gospel</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><span><br></span><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">Martin Luther recognized that the Word of God brings a different kind of healing through the Law and Gospel. “Law” describes what God requires. It demands perfection: a standard we cannot meet. “Gospel” describes what God provides so that we may live.</span><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">First reading is from <a href="# The-Wickedness_of-Judah" rel="">Isaiah 1:1-20</a> (LAW). It is kind of long, but the poetry of the writing makes it flow well.</span><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><span></span><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The second reading is from <a href="#Life-in-the-Spirit" rel="">Romans 8:1-8</a> (GOSPEL). The apostle Paul explains what the gospel means.</span><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span><br></span></p><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;">​<span title=" The-Wickedness_of-Judah" class="zpItemAnchor"></span>​<span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;">The Wickedness of Judah</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">2 Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">for the LORD has spoken:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I reared children and brought them up,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">but they have rebelled against me.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">3 The ox knows its owner</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and the donkey its master’s crib,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">but Israel does not know;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">my people do not understand.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">4 Woe, sinful nation,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">people laden with iniquity,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">offspring who do evil,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">children who act corruptly,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">who have forsaken the LORD,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">who have despised the Holy One of Israel,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">[[who are utterly estranged!]],</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">5 Why do you seek further beatings?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Why do you continue to rebel?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The whole head is injured,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and the whole heart faint.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">6 From the sole of the foot to the head,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">there is no soundness in it,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">only bruises and sores</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and bleeding wounds;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">they have not been drained or bound up</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">or softened with oil.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">7 Your country lies desolate;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">your cities are burned with fire;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">in your very presence</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">aliens devour your land;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">8 And daughter Zion is left</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">like a booth in a vineyard,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">like a shelter in a cucumber field,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">like a besieged city.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">9 If the LORD of hosts</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">had not left us a few survivors,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">we would have been like Sodom</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and become like Gomorrah.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">10 Hear the word of the LORD,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">you rulers of Sodom!</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Listen to the teaching of our God,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">you people of Gomorrah!</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">11 What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">says the LORD;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and the fat of fed beasts;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I do not delight in the blood of bulls</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">or of lambs or of goats.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">12 When you come to appear before me,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">who asked this from your hand?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Trample my courts no more!</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">13 Bringing offerings is futile;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">incense is an abomination to me.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">New moon and Sabbath and calling of convocation—</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">14 Your new moons and your appointed festivals</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">my soul hates;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">they have become a burden to me;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I am weary of bearing them.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">15 When you stretch out your hands,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I will hide my eyes from you;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">even though you make many prayers,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I will not listen;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">your hands are full of blood.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">remove your evil deeds</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">from before my eyes;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">cease to do evil;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">17 learn to do good;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">seek justice;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">rescue the oppressed;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">defend the orphan;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">plead for the widow.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">18 Come now, let us argue it out,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">says the LORD:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">If your sins are like scarlet,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">will they become like snow?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">If they are red like crimson,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">will they become like wool?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">19 If you are willing and obedient,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">you shall eat the good of the land,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">20 but if you refuse and rebel,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">you shall be devoured by the sword,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Isaiah 1:1-20 (NRSVue Strong's Bible)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="#Top" rel="">To Top</a></span><a href="#Top" rel=""><br></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span id="Life-in-the-Spirit" title="Life-in-the-Spirit" class="zpItemAnchor"></span><a href="#Life-in-the-Spirit" rel="">​</a><span style="font-size:14pt;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;"><a href="#Life-in-the-Spirit" rel="">Life in the Spirit</a></span><span><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit., 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit., 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed, it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Romans 8:1-8 (NRSVue Strong's Bible)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="color:inherit;"><span><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="#Top" rel="">To Top</a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><br></p></div>
</div><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p></div></div></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2024 08:38:25 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Support One Another]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/support-one-another</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_HODcDY91TDCLvCuhTZYyHQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_-1CfI0O-R2-xliTy6QhHQA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_svciFwLJRH632hZF-Di-6w" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_q25xcxOQQxeNT25bv5fiSQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia to encourage them, give them direction on what it means to be a <a href="#LOVE-SUMS-UP-THE-LAW" rel="">follower of Jesus</a>, and to counter the teaching of a few Jewish Christians who taught that the Galatians had to be circumcised AND follow ALL the Jewish laws.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Paul believed the law to follow, now that Christ had come, was only the &quot;<a href="#LOVE-SUMS-UP-THE-LAW" rel="">law of Christ</a>.&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">What is striking to me are verses 1 to 5. Paul says the way to reestablish a sinner is to use the &quot;spirit of gentleness,&quot; and not to condemn nor shame them. Boy, unlike today with &quot;cancel culture.&quot; Paul adds that if you are following &quot;the Jewish rules,&quot; remember that &quot;you're unique, like everyone else,&quot; so no bragging rights. Besides, “<a href="https://www.olivetree.com/bible/?query=John.8%3A3-11&amp;version=CEV" title="Read the story here." target="_blank" rel="">Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her</a>.” John 8:7.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The values Paul expounds is contrary to today.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the <a href="#LOVE-SUMS-UP-THE-LAW" rel="">law of Christ.</a> 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each one will carry his own load.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Galatians 6:1-10 (NET 2nd Ed.)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;">​<span id="LOVE-SUMS-UP-THE-LAW" title="LOVE-SUMS-UP-THE-LAW" class="zpItemAnchor"></span>​<span style="font-size:12px;font-weight:400;">LOVE SUMS UP THE LAW. AUGUSTINE: The “law of Christ” means the law of love. The one who loves his neighbor fulfills the law. The love of neighbor is strongly commended even in the Old Testament.&nbsp;The apostle elsewhere says that it is by love that all the commands of the law are summed up.&nbsp;If so, then it is evident that even that Scripture which was given to the covenant people was the law of Christ, which, since it was not being fulfilled by fear, he came to fulfill by love. The same Scripture, therefore, and the same law is called the old covenant when it weighs down in slavery those who are grasping after earthly goods. It is called the new testament when it raises to freedom those who are ardently seeking the eternal good. EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS 58 [1B.6.2].</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12px;font-weight:400;">Galatians 6:2 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture)</span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:33:56 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lenten Reading]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/Lenten-Reading</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/files/Blog Files/worship_bible.jpg"/>During the season of Lent , I deliberately take time in the morning to read the Bible using the Lectionary as a guide. Investing the time reading gives ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_RnERPcnkRxmmeRSoKtHjIw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_0yKPrQP6QKqFFxEMeQtd5Q" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_6_cwKUliR-u8WPyvTyLQnA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_vs7NfhteQD-BlGvjRAlwnw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_vs7NfhteQD-BlGvjRAlwnw"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">During the <a href="https://www.livinglutheran.org/2019/03/a-penitential-season/" title="season of Lent" target="_blank" rel="">season of Lent</a>, I deliberately take time in the morning to read the Bible using the <a href="/lectionary-readings" title="Lectionary " target="_blank" rel="">Lectionary </a>as a guide. Investing the time reading gives me a sense of wholeness, and direction.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">I notice common themes. For example, the word &quot;light&quot; is a very important descriptor for the early Christians:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> of all people. 5 The </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">, but he came to testify to the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">. 9 The true </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">, which </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">enlightens</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> everyone, was coming into the world.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">John 1:1-9 (NRSV)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> is already shining. 9 Whoever says, “I am in the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">1 John 2:8-11 (NRSV)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">For it is the God who said, “Let </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;">light</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">2 Corinthians 4:6 (NRSV)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>Peace,</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>Steve<br></span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:20:16 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Merry Christmas!]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/merry-christmas</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/20231225_074002.jpg"/>I woke up at 1 AM and saw my little creche. I decided to hang with Jesus for a while to wish hm Happy Birthday.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_fxSed8kRTyyM8lTW1OR5Bg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_NsPwbGi3QDOwgjhR5E1_fg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_yAijQGRuRci1iL7SIjTf_g" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_YsKuDF1qStaujMcV4HcZsw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true">Hanging with Jesus on Christmas Morning<br></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_E9VubH9OZMmwojiBZCjmzA" data-element-type="imagetext" class="zpelement zpelem-imagetext "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_E9VubH9OZMmwojiBZCjmzA"] .zpimagetext-container figure img { width: 200px ; height: 380.05px ; } } @media (max-width: 991px) and (min-width: 768px) { [data-element-id="elm_E9VubH9OZMmwojiBZCjmzA"] .zpimagetext-container figure img { width:200px ; height:380.05px ; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { [data-element-id="elm_E9VubH9OZMmwojiBZCjmzA"] .zpimagetext-container figure img { width:200px ; height:380.05px ; } } [data-element-id="elm_E9VubH9OZMmwojiBZCjmzA"].zpelem-imagetext{ border-radius:1px; } </style><div data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="left" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimagetext-container zpimage-with-text-container zpimage-align-left zpimage-size-small zpimage-tablet-fallback-small zpimage-mobile-fallback-small zpimage-overlay zpimage-overlay-effect-static-bottom hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
            type:fullscreen,
            theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/20231225_074002.jpg" width="200" height="380.05" loading="lazy" size="small" alt="Angel-eye view of my little creche" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span><figcaption class="zpimage-caption zpimage-caption-align-center"><span class="zpimage-caption-content">Angel-eye view of my little creche</span></figcaption></figure><div class="zpimage-text zpimage-text-align-left " data-editor="true"><div></div><p style="margin-left:40px;">&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"> I woke up at 1 AM this morning, needing some water. Walking to the kitchen my little creche caught my eye (it is hard to miss sitting on an end table with the light on within it). </span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><div style="color:inherit;"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">I felt drawn to sit next to &quot;Him&quot; on His birthday, particularly since there is a love seat right next to the creche.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Reaching for my Kindle, I opened it to my favorite devotional book by Philip Yancey. The reading for December 25 contained:</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">&quot;</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">In the Old Testament I found myself identifying with those who boldly stood up to God: Moses, Job, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, the psalmists. As I read, I felt I was watching a play with human characters who acted out their lives of small triumph and large tragedy onstage, while periodically calling to an unseen Stage Manager, “You don’t know what it’s like out here!”</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">Job was most brazen, flinging to God this accusation: “Do you have eyes of flesh? Do you see as a mortal sees?”</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">Every so often I could hear the echo of a booming voice from far offstage, behind the curtain.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">“Yeah, and you don’t know what it’s like back here either!” it said to Moses, to the prophets, most clearly to Job. When I got to the Gospels, however, the accusing voices stilled. God, if I may use such language, “found out” what life is like in the confines of planet Earth. Jesus got acquainted with grief in person, in a brief, troubled life not far from the dusty plains where Job had travailed. Of the many reasons for incarnation, surely one was to answer Job’s accusation: Do you have eyes of flesh? For a time, God did.</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">&quot;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Yancey, Philip. Grace Notes: Daily Readings with Philip Yancey (p. 409). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Mon, 25 Dec 2023 12:19:58 -0600</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Econtalk Discussion on Space Settlement and A City on Mars]]></title><link>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/econtalk-discussion-on-space-settlement-and-a-city-on-mars</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.steveaves.com/images/a city on mars.jpg"/>This is a fascinating podcast about the current realities of humans not living on planet Earth. Very timely topic that goes with my post about Space is dangerous to humans.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_sOU86V_BSqWbOSMR1HwLPw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"> [data-element-id="elm_sOU86V_BSqWbOSMR1HwLPw"].zpsection{ border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_zDsc0xfVSa6Ktrdjkjn3gQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_B2Q7AM-JQcKmkh_OY5nZ_Q" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_j_1ANV8AQlih4IVOWLQ7xw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style> [data-element-id="elm_j_1ANV8AQlih4IVOWLQ7xw"].zpelem-heading { border-radius:1px; } </style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true">I am not a space-travel curmudgeon, but the realities....<br></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_Y8vBcXnETvuUT1DdPNOSag" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_Y8vBcXnETvuUT1DdPNOSag"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">This </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">is a <a href="https://www.econtalk.org/zach-weinersmith-on-space-settlement-and-a-city-on-mars/" title="fascinating podcast" target="_blank" rel="">fascinating podcast</a> about the current realities of humans not living on planet Earth. Very timely topic that goes with my post about <a href="https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/the-universe-huge-beautiful-and-hostile-for-humans" title="Space is dangerous to humans" target="_blank" rel="">Space is dangerous to humans</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">The following is just the start of the discussion:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-weight:700;">Russ Roberts</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">Let's start with some of the myths, as you do in the book, that people have about this. Somehow if we travel into space, we're going to be able to start the world anew--a Garden of Eden, free of the constraints of human failure, either international conflict and so on, a sort of utopian vision, which I think is very common and very appealing. What's wrong with that?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-weight:700;"><a href="https://www.smbc-comics.com/" title="Zach Weinersmith" target="_blank" rel="">Zach Weinersmith</a>:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">I suppose that the obvious thing wrong with it is just that humans remain social apes, and there's no reason to suppose there will be a discontinuity with history.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">My older brother is a Constitutional scholar..... 'Well, how would you write the Constitution for Mars if you were going to do that?' First question--he's a tweedy conservative--he said, 'Well, who's going?' Which, nerds tend to think, well, we just need the right people and the right set of rules and nothing bad will happen.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">He was, like, 'No, they're not going to be discontinuous with the culture. They come with a culture. There's no way to undo it.' And so, you have to, like humans always have done, exist within these constraints.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">So, the moon is very hard.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">...for example, there are two days' night--fortnightly days, fortnightly nights--meaning it's, like, 14 Earth-days of day, 14 Earth-days of night. So, it gets extraordinarily cold and extraordinarily hot.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;">You're exposed completely to radiation. So, on Earth, even the International Space Station is protected by Earth's magnetosphere, which blocks or reroutes ionizing radiation. You don't have that on the moon.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">I kind of thought about this. Humans would bring their current cultures with them. We do not get along here, why would we get along somewhere else? The environment of space - as in WHAT environment?!</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">Again, a podcast well worth your time to hear.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;">p.s. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:rgb(45, 11, 11);">Zach Weinersmith</span><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-weight:700;"><span style="font-weight:normal;">has a graphic novel for children called &quot;<a href="https://www.econtalk.org/zach-weinersmith-on-beowulf-and-bea-wolf/" title="Bea Wolf" target="_blank" rel="">Bea Wolf</a>,&quot; based upon the classic Beowulf. </span><br></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p><p style="text-align:left;text-indent:0.25in;"></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:41:27 -0600</pubDate></item></channel></rss>