Category Archives: Religious

Most anything dealing with the religious nature of life. This could be interesting, or not, or enlighting, or perhaps, inbetween

He 2018-38

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Sounds like a prayer or a psalm of some sorts.  I believe this was something I wrote as a plea to God and to let Him know I was aware of Him also.

He – 2018-38

He shall be my light and salvation

To hide me, shelter me from my worst fears

Allow me to sing, to dance and be merry,

With joy and happiness of a knowing protection

Be gracious to me, when lonely and afflicted

Forgive me, when I have gone astray

Create in me a clean, pure heart,

Protect me from my own transgressions

Become my strength, a shield against adversity,

Gird me with gladness of living and life

Comfort me in my worse times of grieving and despair

Deliver me from the evils of the world

Cleanse my mind of wrongful thoughts, words and deeds

Save me from those that would do me wrong

Praise be to God, for He is the one, the only one

To have the power to be, to do, for life everlasting.

Peace,

Den Betts          bettsden@gmail.com

Getting Closer to God 2018-36

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Getting Closer to God  2018-36

To get closer to God involves taking a step, or many steps, in the overall process. The first “step” is to decide that you WANT to get closer and could involve saying first, that you believe in God.

Saying this and believing it are two things. Maybe having some doubts would be in order and this, I think, is ok.  For instance, I KNOW there is a God, the one God of the Universe, BUT sometimes the evil one puts doubting roadblocks in my mind and that is to be expected. 

OK, let us say we are sure, in our minds, that there is a God, or at least, are trying to believe it. The first sure step is done now, so moving onward…

Anyone can say they believe in God, but to take the plunge and continue toward getting closer to God, has barriers to getting closer to Him, and if anything, we do that ourselves with our own volition.

Another thing, we cannot have a time driven goal to achieve getting closer to God, it does not work that way. Setting a date to accomplish this goal is not the answer, doesn’t work that way.

Earlier, I mentioned an overall process involving many steps. Any steps taken in getting closer, are not numbered 1 – 2 —  3 or anything like that type of system. There is NO SET ORDER or DIRECTIONS to be taken in getting closer; simple as that.

I have written before, that in the process, I have taken 2 steps forward and 1 backward in my quest to get closer to God.  I remember reading a book by St. Teresa of Avilla, a 15-century psychic, and she described her journey in the book “Seven Mansions” which was likened to moving through rooms with doors and when she went through rooms with doors and was going from room to room, she found that there was, at times, another door that had to be reckoned with in her journey, which was unexpected. Another 2 forward and 1 back type of journey.

Sometimes we MUST do this in our quest —- visit the past room before continuing onward. This can be frustrating, upsetting, and demoralizing. We want instant gratification and sometimes do not want to wait or be sidetracked in what we are doing. 

A good start on our journey is to begin with the Spiritual Disciplines as outlined in Richard J. Foster’s book, “Celebration of Discipline”. In it, he has us study the 12 tools for spiritual growth, which will also guide us in getting closer to God. It is an easy read and organized well for any to understand and follow.

One book to use on our journey is Josh McDowell’s book “More Than a Carpenter”, which gives an overall lead into believing in God. Another, is C.S. Lewis book “Mere Christianity”, which gives an overview of being a Christian.  I believe all are at Amazon.com for purchase.

The very best book to read is the Bible and to use the Scriptures as a guide to God’s way of life.   The Old Testament tells stories of the Hebrew living from the time of Abraham, and this is a great way to hear the history of God.  The New Testament is about the man-God, Jesus Christ, whose life, as written, is the mainstay of the Christian faith.

This post is NOT a detailed plan of getting closer to God, but instead, a guide to begin the journey. There are various practices I could, and maybe will in the future, mention to give insight as to how to make the journey better or at least be on the right track to continue.

I welcome any questions, suggestions or insight about this posting.

Peace,

Den Betts          bettsden@gmail.com

Anger and Hatred 2018-29

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Hatred and Anger   2018-29

Why do “some” have so much bitterness and perhaps anger and hatred for those of other faiths, skin color, or ethnic origins?

Where is the love of all in their lives? And, do they claim any sort of religious beliefs like being a Christian? If so, do they not realize that the god-man, Jesus, touted nothing but love for all? Even, if not a Christian or any other faith, is not love a much better attitude towards people of the world?

It is hard to understand the thinking of those that have these feelings of hatred. What story do they have to share that could explain how they feel?  How can they be proud of having Anti-Semite,  racial prejudice, or abhorrence for others in their thoughts or actions?

There is NO answer to these questions that make any sense. I can only pray that time will resolve the issues for them, and in their place, understanding, love and caring for fellow mankind will result.

Hatred towards others is like a slow festering boil that keeps hurting and hurting until expunged and removed. This can happen, but a decision to take action must be made and then acted on, which is hard to do at times.

Many have removed God from their lives or have never had Him there as a guiding light, such as Jesus Christ is for those that believe. He IS the light of the world and coming to this conclusion takes time and perseverance, and simply belief.  Reading Scripture and learning about the man-God that taught love instead of hate is a start, but only a beginning.

The time where we learn from the teachings of Jesus and then mirror the things it takes, will be the finalization of the journey of life with God, or at least a continuation.

Peace,

Den Betts                       bettsden@gmail.com

Does God Exist? 2018-24

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Does God Exist?  2018-24

OK, I now ask the question as to whether He exists, but I also now state, I believe He DOES exist! 

I cannot prove it, of course, but, I can say equivocally, YES, He does exist!!  But, I am not going to explain now, why I think this is a fact.  It is, period!!  My blogs have shown how I feel in this subject, but I post this as an answer to a blogger that asked me, what I believe.  So, yes to those that think no…….

Confused!? Don’t be!

What I think though, does not matter, because trying to prove He exists is a lost cause, since it is unprovable. A non-believer, cannot prove there is NOT a God too, so, a stalemate ensues.

Too many holier than thou people and absolute atheists both have their agendas they want to have and go on and on about how they are right, and the other side is wrong. Too bad!  The FINAL say will be when both die, and they find out which side is correct.  I like to think that both will find out that their journey of life continues after death.

I am 76 and hope to be around for a while yet, and based on my family’s DNA it may happen that my wishes will be so.  I have much to learn yet about life and want to experience the living of it.  It is sad when those that I know have died and their lives might have been prevented if they had chosen a different life style. So be it.  

Anyhow, does God Exist?  Well, I said yes and will stand by that statement. He is alive, He is active, He is aware, He is present and with us always. Great feeling and comfort knowing this is a fact in my mind. 

Peace,

Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ 2018-20

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Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ  2018-20

I am TRYING to become a disciple of Christ, but it is not easy, believe me!

I remember a study course I was involved in called “The Reveal” and one of the excerpts was showing stepping stones in a path toward becoming closer to Jesus Christ. It seems like I am like the typical traveler two steps forward and one backward, in going or getting closer to Jesus.

Such a life!  I say, it is NOT easy for sure, in accomplishing the trip, or journey, toward this destination. The old saying nothing, at times, is easy or nobody promised easy in life. True!

Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ involves allowing the way of life to take precedence over everything else in life, which is difficult to many today.

In other words, I must do more than look or just act like the one I am following!  I must copy and emulate how Jesus Christ was and is, not an easy job.

I number of years ago, I partook in an affirmation of baptism at an Easter Vigil service and my friend Paul, was my sponsor at the church.  After I was re-baptized, as a Christian I then made a statement to those in attendance.   I declared that I was hereby submitting myself to God and surrendering myself to Jesus Christ.

As of that weekend, I did become a true follower of God and a disciple of Jesus.  I am happy and glad that the one God of the Universe is a patient God.  He heard me and was witness to my action then and I realize that now. 

For whatever His reason was then, He let me know His power, His presence, and Activity and has allowed me to mature and nurture myself as his follower and disciple of Jesus.  I THINK, I am fulfilling His wishes and what His purpose for me in my journey to become His follower and disciple of Christ.

It has taken some time and is still a work in progress.  I consider myself somewhat of a poor student though, but have come to also realize He takes what He wants and uses those he desires to fill His needs in life.

For now, let me leave you with my normal ending of my discourses:   I have found out and therefore know, that God is Alive, He is Active, He is Aware, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS,  ALWAYS, He  is present with us.

Thanks be to God,

Peace,

Den Betts                                                            bettsden@gmail.com

Cancer Check/Surgery 2018-19

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Cancer Check/Surgery Done!  2018-19

I write this to allow others to know what I, and some others not just know, but believe.

I had a rather bad case of basal cell carcinoma a couple of years ago and had it taken care of by my doctor, Doctor Garcia. Since then, I have had regular 6-month checkups to make sure I am cancer free.

I had one exam, 7 months ago and had no problem. Last month was my 6-month checkup and the doctor saw two areas that were suspicions of not being correct. A biopsy was taken of both of them and they were analyzed. One came back as basal cell carcinoma.

Today I had it taken care of, with what is called MOHS surgery. This is a specialized surgery that is for cancer removal.

I cannot stress enough that anyone that has a unique, unusual growth on their body, MUST have it checked out to see if it is cancerous.  My latest growth was NOT there 3 months ago.  I knew I was going to have my 6-month checkup and had it early this month, and it was found out.  Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growth cancer, versus the melanoma cancer, which is fast growing and more dangerous to have growing on you.

I implore you to not take some growth for granted and fluff it off. Do NOT be stupid and think you are that smart to ignore something that will kill you in a most unpleasant way.

Enough of that…..   

I thank God for his Presence, the feeling of His being there this morning with me, giving me comfort, for consoling me, and showing He cared for me.  His hands guiding those of my surgeon, who, with his education, training, and experience made my incision small, and complete.  I felt His Presence and appreciated it as I appreciated the doctor doing the surgery.  

Thanks be to God,

Peace,

Den Betts

MARTIN LUTHER Quotes 2018-16

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MARTIN LUTHER    2018-16     Posted 2-13-18

 

Martin Luther was a German monk, priest, composer, theologist, and professor of the 15th Century and was a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation. The Lutheran religion of today is named after Martin Luther.   He made many statements and is quoted herein as just part of the thoughts that he had.

The below quotes are taken at random and are offered now:

 

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.  
 

To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. 
 

Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are.
 

I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen. 
 

Pray, and let God worry.  

 

The fewer the words, the better the prayer. 

 

You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.

 

Martin Luther

Pray, Listen, Talk with God 2018-10

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Pray, Listen, Talk with God  2018-10

 

Talking with God is Praying – How many of us pray with forethought and in the correct way?

Hearing from God is Listening – How many of us do this, really listen for Him to speak?

Conversing with God is Praying, Hearing/Listening and Talking – How many of us hear and listen?

Therefore:

God is there and waiting for us to pray, hear, listen and converse with Him!

His plan is known if we read of it in the Scriptures of the Bible.

The Word is His word in the Bible and gospels, which allow us to know what we should do.

For today, it takes each of us to pray with forethought, to listen for His word and in the listening, to hear Him speak to us.

Not easy, but possible to do so, and it takes some effort. It also takes trust.  Trust after knowledge that it is possible. 

Then understanding.  Understanding that what you hear is what you hear – your God speaking to YOU!

Then compliance.  To comply with what you hear and now understand as being His Word.

And, this takes time and Work, or, at least, effort!!!

It takes time to reach the point where you believe what you hear is the God of the Universe and not a made-up fiction of inside your mind. It takes work to prepare yourself for the experience of hearing and excluding fabrications of non-God thoughts.

And, that takes Faith.  Faith in the Creator, that He hears your prayers.  Faith that He, after hearing from you, has spoken to YOU!

Then, after listening and knowing you have heard from Him:

The Knowledge that you can converse with your maker on a One on One relationship with Him. Wow, what an experience to have with God!

Glory be to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth and you.

Peace,

Den Betts               bettsden@gmail.com

Spiritual Growth 2018-09

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Spiritual Growth    2018-

Ever wonder what it would take, or more importantly, what you could do to achieve anything like Spiritual Growth in your life? No, well, consider this anyhow. Yes, then also, read on!

Maybe you are wondering what action you could do, to enhance any one thing, to achieve more of a closer relationship with God.

There are things like doing meditation with prayer, that could or could not help. Finding a church that suits you is another thought, but it may not work for you either.  Seeking someone to council you is another, but then again, it just may not work.

What would work? There are varied things to consider, but I might make this suggestion, which is a simple (not much of a cost either) thing to consider.  It COULD, no WILL, involve something from you, namely — YOUR TIME!  And, not that much of it, I might add, and even that will be up to you to control. You can put as much time into this as you desire.

So, what is it!  Taking a Bible (any version) and reflecting on the meaning of Scriptures therein, and therefore, it will be like using the Word of God as a mirror to reflect back the truth of Scripture on our actions, decisions and events of our daily lives.  Hmmm, interesting to state…..

Just like exercise is somewhat of a pain and takes up our valuable time, the reading of Scripture requires us to contemplate, and meditate on the Words written. There ARE guides to help us untangle the mysteries and power of God’s inspired Words, such as study guides, Bible primers, devotional books and others, that will enable us to understand the uncertain aspects that are written.

Reflection on Scripture might, just might, raise awareness of the Spiritual benefits and motivate us to adjust our daily routines to continue to do this reflection.  In the process, Spiritual Growth can be the ultimate benefit.

I feel there is NOTHING matters more to us, than time spent on God’s Word for achieving Spiritual Growth. The going to church, service activities, small group meetings, etc, ARE important overall, but, reading Scripture beats all.

We can say we are not religious, but instead, Spiritual!  As a statement that sounds neat or good. It also sounds terrific maybe, but just saying it does not mean anything.  Actions speak louder than words.

A simple action, that has minimal cost other than our time, is the main way of expressing our commitment to God. Starting to read just a verse daily from the Bible and contemplating its meaning, is a large, very large, beginning to Spiritual Growth.

I invite you to begin anew with your thoughts about God and His son, Jesus Christ. Allow them into your life, absorb what is said and become one that God looks at with favor.

Take the time and quit using time involvement as an excuse not to increase your Spiritual Growth with God.

Peace,
Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Religious NUT !? 2018-08

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Religious NUT   !?    2018-08 

I recently met a friend, that saw me and said, without any hesitation, “Are you a religious nut now?” This was out of the blue after I had just met him again, after a longish period of time. I was totally surprised, at that moment of time, by his question.

I looked at him and blurted out, “cashew or almond?” My reply was an off the cuff retort and somewhat of a smart-ass answer to him.

He was not expecting this and just stood there and blinked a couple of times.  I regrouped and asked, “WHY do you ask?” This wasn’t going well for him I guess, and he was noticeably embarrassed, perhaps for asking and doing so as an introductory hello statement.

I left him off the hook and offered “Is this because of the cross that I wear?” being the only thing that came to mind right away. I started wearing a cross, that I made, after an incident, which changed my life forever; another story later, perhaps…..

He looked down at it, at my chest, and said, “Eh, no! It is actually because of your posts online that you make and that I follow. You seem to post a lot of religious things now!”

I paused and thought a moment, and then said, “Yes, I have begun or continue to post my thoughts on what I believe!”

He asked if I was trying to preach to people, including himself. I told him no, and that I am just telling my story on how I feel towards God and Jesus Christ. I continued and stated, “I believe in what I believe and feel that I, as a fledging disciple of Christ, want to let others know how I feel, in relation to where I am in my journey.”

He asked, “What journey?”  I looked at him and could see he was serious and I said, “My journey in getting closer to God!”  His comeback was, “Oh!   OK!”

I guess that satisfied him and we went on with what I would call normal conversation. Later I thought about what we first discussed.

He was more used to my OLD self and not the NEW me.  I get that! I appreciate his honesty in asking me though.  We were friendly in the past and I did or do not want to jeopardize our relationship. I let him know that I am still the person I was before, but have a different look at life now.

It is unknown, how many people think his way and it does not matter. If any have problems with what I post, move on, and don’t read them; easy as that. I do hope that you read them, and in the reading, get something out of them.  I am always open to questions of any sorts about my new life now.

As I have expressed before, I will still love you, respect you and Yes, still like you too.

Thanks be to God,

Peace,
Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com