The purpose of this page is to take a different look at the scriptures; to view the bible from another side. The hope of this page is to allow dialogue of the sacred writings in order to assist us in our journey.
This page is in its infancy; which means up regular updates will be made until it reaches its full potential.
Below is a sample of what you might expect.
What do you think were Adam & Eve’s expressions the first time they bit into a piece of fruit? I recently watched a program where the female character had been taken over by these newly created Nanos. She and her husband were sitting by a campfire eating an apple when she gasped with wondered amazement at how delicious the apple tasted. I wonder if that could have been something close to the response Adam and Eve had the first time they tasted an apple or a pear or strawberries? I began to think about their experience in their newfound surroundings.
I can only imagine what it was like to open their eyes for the first time after the breath of life had been breathed into them. What beauty engulfed them as they sat up taking it all in. I wonder if the Father was standing over them and he was the first thing they saw or was he off to the side waiting for them to take it all in before noticing his presence? Do you suppose they embraced immediately or do you suppose it was a more casual greeting? I would tend to think it was an immediate embrace.
They were perfect like God being made in his image. They would not need to build a relationship with him; they would simply have a relationship with him that grew stronger and deeper.
Do you think they were hungry or thirsty? Do you imagine the Father offering them something to drink or eat? Do you suppose they had a favorite fruit or vegetable?
How about a favorite place to visit? Why would any of this be important anyway? It would be important for this simple reason; their life, walk, and relationship with Father God should not be any different than ours. To be sure there will be differences.
For instance, even though we have been made and created in the image and likeness of the godhead, when we first open our spiritual eyes to see the vast beauty before us, our willingness to draw close to the Father will vary because of the baggage we could be carrying.
For instance, we might have a problem with authority figures, or with father images or trust issues because of past failed relationships. The Father understands all of this and patiently waits for us to experience the warmth of His embrace. Another difference is that we will not know the joy that Adam and Eve knew of walking and talking face to face with the Father until later in our relationship.
This tends to create a challenge that can become a huge hurdle for some, perhaps even many. This is why I believe that this section is so important for us to understand. Today I need to imagine what it will like for there will be a day when I no longer have to imagine. The challenge of the unseen will give way to the reality of the seen; and I am not talking about dying and waking up in heaven. There have been countless stories about Christ’s encounters that people have experienced. I have been privileged to experience a couple of my own. The recently released movie about the boy who went to heaven while on the operating table is but one of many examples.
My family and I were recently watching a DVD of Christian Comedian Tim Hawkins. In one segment he was making fun of Christianese by talking about praying a “hedge of protection” around someone. The segment was quite humorous but got me to thinking about the way we Christian’s talk.
There is one saying that I am most guilty of using each time I pray. It is to “Put on the Whole armor of God.” I began to think about that and ask myself a few questions. One of my first questions was, “Where did I get this from?” I realized that I have used this phrase quite a lot. I wondered if it was biblical, man-made, or some combination of the two—like “hedge of protection.” I have learned through the years that sayings and expressions often begin from an accurate reference in the Bible, but gradually have a word added or omitted thus changing its original meaning or intent.
Fortunately to “Put on the whole armor of God” is biblically intact. It comes from the Apostle Paul’s writings to the church at Ephesians. In this particular section he is writing the young church about properly treating family, spouse to spouse, parents to children, children to parents. Within that context he adds this instruction, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT
Think about this. He has just concluded writing a thought process of proper behavior towards family and seemingly without taking a breath adds, “Oh by the way, a final thought!” Is it possible that there is some correlation between family and demonic strategies? Could it be the Lord—working through the Apostle—knows something about how the adversary of Christ works to attack families and is offering advice or wise counsel as to how to combat those strategies? Perhaps a thought for another time.
To “Put on” comes from a Greek verb, which carries the idea of sinking into a garment. This is important because of the connotation it implies. It is far greater than “throwing” on a shirt so I can go outside, or to “put on” a pair of pants so I will be presentable. The idea behind the word is that of a garment that you especially enjoy wearing; one that you may even consider your favorite garment. Do you know the one I am talking about? Perhaps it is a sweater during cold days or a swimsuit for going to the beach. You do not just put it on; oh no, you “slide” into it and why? Because it makes you feel good or it looks good on you—there could be a hundred reasons why—but they are your reasons and for that you attend to this garment more than most.
This is the idea behind “to put on.”
What is this favorite garment that we are to “sink” into? It is the complete or whole armor of God. There is an idea to explore another day—Does God wear armor?
This garment is to be a favorite piece of clothing that we enjoy having on.
Think about this. I am reading a letter from a respected leader, perhaps I know him, or have even met him. He is speaking about how to tend to the family—to honor them, respect them—the usual stuff, when out of nowhere he says, “And finally make sure that your favorite piece of clothing is the complete armor of God!” I would think it should get your attention, wouldn’t you?
There is a purpose why this particular garment is to be so important to you. It is to offer you protection from the deceit or trickery of diabolos commonly referred to as the devil.
This line of thinking can certainly be taken much deeper, but consider the context of what is being said. Treat your family with respect while you wear your favorite garment—the complete armor of God—so that you will be able to protect yourself from the deceit and trickery of diabolos.
Can you see how this helps to put the Apostle’s writing into context? Can you understand how this garment is meant to be a friend—as it were—to you? Do you understand why it must be a necessary part of your wardrobe? A few verses later the scripture explains the various pieces of armor—perhaps a study at another time.
My wife is currently reading the book, The Monuments Men by Robert Edsel. It chronicles the story of a group of soldiers commissioned with retrieving works of art from the Nazi’s during world war two. She commented how brilliant Adolf Hitler was describing the extremely detailed plan he had in place to transform Germany into the center of everything. He had an elaborate plan that included millions of people following his every command. This prompted a conversation about Satan and his plans and schemes to enslave all of mankind into following his every command. The point to be grasped is that he is not to be taken lightly, ignored, or discounted. Once you understand that he has an elaborate plan to rule everything—including you—you can better understand the purpose of God’s armor.