"Wise Men Talk"

 "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
 Plato (429-347 BC)

Death Threats For Your Political Views?

So much for tolerance, courtesy and “may the best person win” attitude. Death threats for your political views? No. Politics are not that important. One of the definitions for democracy is “equality of rights.” Let ALL people have their political rights without death threats. I am aware that politics can be a haven for disoriented, but passionate people. However, let us be reminded, a death threat is serious business. I recommend that those offenders reserve their passions for the pursuit of freedom, justice and love. Not for murder.

What Is Life, Anyway?

What is life, you ask?  I know the answer to that question can be varied, and at times complicated.  Nevertheless,  I will be very brief with my answer:  "Life is what you make it."  I am not the author of that quote, but I have embraced it for approximately 50 years.  I do not think anyone claims to be the author of that quote.  I think the quote contains possibilities, encouragement and hope.

Yes.   "LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT."

I Am Now 75

I am not bragging about it.  Most people don't.  Four days ago, I turned 75 years of age.  Believe me.  I am very grateful to God to  have reached this point in my life.  What a blessing!  I belong to Jesus.  He belongs to me. 

When Your Heart Is At Peace

I will be brief.  As far as I am concerned, my words will reflect common sense and logic.  If you fill an empty glass with water, you will have a full glass of water.  What will you do with that glass of pure water?  Drink it?  Share it?  Water your plant(s) with it?  That glass of water can be of much benefit.  It can be of much benefit because you have access to it.  That is of key importance: access.  Let me now get symbolic.  What if you have peace in your heart?  What if your heart is not troubled? What if your heart is not angry?
What if your heart is not jealous or bitter?  What if your heart has a spirit of kindness in it?  Pour it out.  Let others benefit from it.  Will you lose it if you pour it out?  No.  Unlike the water in the glass; when you use it you don't lose it.  You get a refill.  And then you get another and another and another, and so on.  So.......how does one gain access to peace?  You follow it.  You find it.  You pour it out.  And then you do it again and again and again.  Be thirsty for it.  Drink up.  Pour it out.   Be thirsty again.  Drink up.  Pour it out. Being thirsty for it, drinking it, pouring it out; and following it.  What a beautiful trip it is!

The "Rock"- His Knockout Power

"You all know about his knockout power. But you may not know that Rex Layne had his teeth sheared off at the gums by a Marciano punch, or that Roland LaStarza’s arms were broken in his fight with the Rock. When was the last time that has happened with a modern fighter?"

Taken from Ringtalk July 31, 2014

The Political Labels Change

"If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today." 

Thomas Sowell (1930- )
Writer and economist

What an interesting point of view!     (RD)

The Great Mediator

                                         THE DISPUTE
Jesus mediator Question: "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?" Answer: A mediator is one who mediates, who acts as an intermediary or go-between, to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute. There is only one Mediator between mankind and God and that is Jesus Christ. We’ll see below why God has a dispute with us, why Jesus is our mediator, and why we are doomed if we try to “go it alone.” God has a dispute with us because of sin. Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). God hates sin, and sin stands between all of us and Him. “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). All human beings are sinners by virtue of sin we have inherited from Adam, as well as the sin we commit on a daily basis. The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not just physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11–15). The rightful punishment for sin is an eternity in hell. Nothing we could do on our own would be sufficient to mediate between ourselves and God.
                                     
                                          THE SOLUTION                                   
No amount of good works or law-keeping makes us righteous enough to stand before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16). Without a mediator, we are destined to spend eternity in hell, for by ourselves salvation from our sin is impossible. But there is hope! “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus represents those who have placed their trust in Him before God’s throne of grace. He mediates for us, much as a defense attorney mediates for his client, telling the judge, “Your honor, my client is innocent of all charges against him.” That is true for us also, as some day we will face God, but as totally forgiven sinners because of Jesus’ death on our behalf. The “Defense Attorney” took the penalty for us! We see more comforting proof of this truth in Hebrews 9:15: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” It is because of the great Mediator that we are able to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ Himself because on the cross He exchanged our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). His mediation is the only means of salvation.

Deshaun Watson (Quote)

"People have their own decisions, we're all grown men and once the ball is ready to be kicked, we're ready to play." 
(Deshaun Watson)

Deshaun Watson is a rookie Quarterback for the Houston Texans of the NFL.  In the first 6 games of his professional career, he passed for 1597 yards and 18 touchdowns.  This is phenomenal.  Several days ago, he injured his knee in practice.  He is out for the season. This, of course, is sad.  But it happens in football.  It is a rough game.  Especially with the pros.  (RD)

Hello, November

Hello, November.  Your first day of this year should end in about five minutes.  I look forward to this month.  You are one of my favorites.  Good times.  Good friends.  Good celebrations. And yes, good football! Welcome to my life.  You are special.  You are November!