Legalistic Disguises

 

It is that time of year where people are gearing up to celebrate Halloween. I though this would be a good time to discuss certain things.

Most of my stories I have taken from outside sources. I do, of course, have permission to share them. This is one story that is personal. It began, as I recall, a journey of waking me up to the garbage around me.

When I was a small child I frequently got severe migraines. My family took me to Texas State Optical for an examination. The Doctor there said I had a severe eye disease, that would eventually leave me blind.  The news devastated my parents. After some prayers and lengthy discussion with close personal friends of theirs, I was taken to another Optometrist. This Doctor gave me a detailed examination. His diagnosis was two fold.

• 1. I was growing at an accelerated pace. He pointed to some stretch marks within my pupils as being evidenced of this.
• 2. My eyes would grow steadily worse as long as I was growing. When I stopped growing, my eyes would stabilized.

My parents asked if there was any evidence of any eye disease that he could detect. The Doctor asked who told them this? When he discovered the name of the doctor, he wasn't surprised. He was very angry at such dangerous statements from a "two-bit" doctor! Time would tell that this 2nd Doctor was indeed telling the truth. My eyes did stabilize, but my eyes are very bad. When I was growing up I would get severe headaches if I took them off for any extended period of time. If I wasn't trying to go to asleep, I had to wear glasses as long as I was awake. When I say my glasses are important to me, there is a good reason for it.

 For those who wear glasses, this should not come as a shock. There have been times in which I have placed my glasses by my bedside table. When I would wake up in the morning, I would at times find that I had knocked them off onto the floor. There were times in which I would be suffering from severe migraines will trying to look for my glasses. I would close my eyes to prevent the light from penetrating as much. This amounted to a blind man groping around in the dark.

As I stated, there was one incident that started my journey to waking up to the garbage around me.

This painful, yet true story begins when I woke up one morning. I reached for my glasses, only to discover they weren't where I put them. I look around on the floor and the immediate surrounding areas to no avail. I asked my wife (now ex) to  help me find my glasses. She started to complain. She went into a tirade about me taking better care of my personal belongings. She refused to help saying that this should be a lesson to me.

I told her my migraines were coming back, and it was hard to think much less look for something very important to me. She refused to help. She refused to help even when I told her I was going to be late for work.

She got our kids together and used this as an example for them. She used this to show that they should take better care of their personal belongings, and to not be like "their father"! As I said, it woke me up to the garbage being spread around me.

That being said, the glasses represent certain things in your life. They represent those things which focuses your attention on what is truly important. Those who try to take "your focus" of the truly important things do not have your best interest in mind. If they truly loved you they would want you to focus on the truly important things. The top picture says that in taking away your focus they have exposed themselves for who they truly are! For all the "legalistic excuses" for their "behavior", they in reality are some cold hearted, mean spirited people!


Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens, Editor

Human and the Human Animal, Part II

 

The next thing I want to discuss is what I call the "Black Hole" personality.

If you look up a "Black Hole" you notice that it is a collapsed star. The gravitational pull is so strong that not even light can escape. In the dark of space, it is uniquely camouflaged. The only real way to even notice that something is even there is to observe the light around the event horizon. 

This is the type of person that constantly needs to be fed with "chaos". Chaos is part of who they are. They are at ease in this environment, and even thrive in it. In the previous blog (Human and the Human Animal, Part I) I mentioned the "Problem Seeker". It is the "chaos" this person brings to the table of the "Black Hole". Whether or not they know it, they are joined at the hip. They feed off of each other and sustain each other.

Like a Black Hole, they are hallowed out versions of the person they used to be. A deep chasm is in the place where their "heart" once used to be. This personality feeds upon everyone who attempts to get near, attempts to help, etc. The "black hole" is all take. It cannot give anything in return.

This team of the "black hole - Problem seeking" is one you need to be careful of. They have a vested interest in keeping their wounds open. They don't wish for their wounds to be healed. Any such attempts at suggesting, or even pointing out valid solutions will be met with resistance. If you know this type of personality, it is my suggestion to be very wary, and to escape while you can.

Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens

Human and the Human Animal, Part I

Several years ago, I found myself much in the same predicament as the Prodigal Son did. I couldn’t blame anyone but myself, yet I made a valiant effort to do so. In the end, I found myself driving people, solutions, and answers far away from me. Here are some character traits that I found within myself as I began the long walk back home.

The Problem Seeker

This is where I would have a solution to a problem that did not exist. In the wild, animals use their instincts to alert them to potential problems. Most of the time it works rather well, yet there are times when those same instincts have been fooled. There are times when those same instincts are used to the hunter’s advantage.

I define the term “problem seeker” in the following way: a person has a solution but no problem to apply it to. Therefore they actively go and seek the problem that will fit their solution. Even if they have to create the problem. They go from problem seeker to problem creator all in an attempt to apply a solution that may or may not work in their unique atmosphere.

The Problem Creator

By definition this is a difficult person to deal with. They don’t, of course, create the same type of problems. They just create different problems. At the center of all the trouble is them trying to custom fit the problem to their unique solution. This may be a solution that may never have been needed. To this end, they will use all types of manipulative tactics to achieve their ends.

Is this you?

The Problem you are seeking lays within your own heart, mind, body, and soul. First look deep within your own self and fix the problems there before attempting to fix other problems that may or may not exist.

Management Mistakes

One of the worst things management can do is to promote them. If Chaos seems to worsen after they have been promoted, you more than likely have promoted an intentional problem seeker/creator.

Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens

Fights, Garbage, and Ice

 

Disclaimer: I was sent a message by someone. I have turned their message into the following three picture poem.  Each message is connected, and yet can stand alone. It is my hope that those trapped in situations this describes finds hope that there is a solution. That solution is Yeshua HaMashiach! He came, after all, to set the prisoner free! He came to make the lame walk! He came so that the blind could see!

There are those in this world that try to do the right things. What they find is fight after fight! It seems as though nothing they do is "correct"! They try and master walking on "thin ice" yet fail miserably time after time!

If this is you please take note of the following scripture found in Proverbs 10:11-12. This says: The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strrife: but love covers all sins.

You see, there is nothing inherently wrong with you. The problem lies within the person that seems to find enjoyment in stirring up strife, angst, and turmoil.  Eventually, you may find that you are losing bits of pieces of the person you once used to be! Is this you?

You are being treated like a garbage dump! They see you as the person they can "dump on" without fear of reprisal. They don't see you as an equal. They don't see you as being worthy of respect, dignity, and honor.

Love, my friend, does not do that! For some this may be the first time someone has even mentioned that. It is, however, unfortunately true! They don't love you! Respect is a two way street.

All the garbage they have dumped on you has led you to a very depressed state of affairs. Life is hard enough already. You don't need someone who claims to love you to make it even harder!

It takes a heart that is cold as ice to continue to treat someone as badly as they have. There is a good reason to escape such nonsense. Once you are free, I urge you to not look back!

Forgiveness is not about them. Forgiveness is for you! Forgive them, and then work on forgiving yourself. Bitterness, if allowed to grow, will turn into the same hatred as they subjected you to. This is not what you want!

For some, it may not be easy. It may take years of working on it. You may feel as you are in a desert of sorts. They may try to lure you back, but I strongly urge caution before making any decisions. Are you willing to go back into the same type situation you are now ashamed of? 


Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens, Editor

 

A Doctor or a Witch Doctor?

 

What I find deeply disturbing is postings like this in the realm of Social Media. What makes this even more so, is when it comes from someone who claims to be a believer in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).

When you take a look at the person "brewing", you find that it resembles a lot like a "witch doctor".  In the time of mysticism and deep superstition, the witch doctor held sway.

When people got sick the witch doctor was seen as a way of driving "evil spirits" away. Yes, they did use a lot of herbal remedies that we use even to this day.

A Doctor has study the realm of Medicine, and is often divorced from all things "spiritual".  A Witch Doctor may have done some good things, but there were some things that stemmed from mysticism, superstition, and a deep sense of ignorance.

In the realm of Ancient Greek and before, people used different mind altering drugs in order to talk to the "gods". It was in this "deep state" that certain messages were said to emanate from the "gods".

It was never intended to be applied toward the healing application of medicine to assist the human body in fighting off diseases.

The Logical Fallacy of Equivocation is in play here. Pharmakeia is where we get the word "Pharmacy", but it is without the "spiritual aspect" of it. A Pharmacist may know the different types of drugs, but he is not licensed to prescribe drugs. That is within the purview of the Doctors.

This person is solidly against the use medicine. He believes the use of them amounts to "Witchcraft". He believes (as stated in the picture) that vaccinations caused his daughter to have Autism.

The Autism Science Foundation has posted several articles showing there is no link between autism and vaccines. In fact they state the following:

Quote:

A Decade ago most researchers agreed that we needed to study vaccines in relation to autism. We had to reconcile the fact that the number of vaccines children were receiving was increasing, and at the same time, the number of children who were being diagnosed with autism also was on the rise. Fortunately, this was a question that could be studies - and answered - by science. We looked at children who received vaccines and those who didn't, or who received them on a different, slower schedule. There was no difference in their neurological outcomes. Multiple studies have been completed which investigate the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination in relation to autism. Researcher have also studied thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, to see if it had any relation to autism. The results are very clear; the data show no relationship between vaccines and autism.

End Quote

 

From a personal point of view, I find there is a difference between taking "mind altering" drugs for the purpose of achieving some heightened spiritual state and taking medication in order to assist your body. I struggle with depression. It isn't something I can just "shake off". It is a chemical imbalance within the brain. In addition to this, I have a defect within the blood vessels in the brain stem. In a certain section the blood vessels are smaller than normal. Periods of High Stress can cause this section to erupt in severe pain. For this reason I not only watch what I eat, but also take medication to reduce my cholesterol level.

I am glad to see some people using critical thinking when it comes to things like this. Look at what happened with the Salem Witch Trials! People were being accused of being a witch over the slightest things! It is things like this that drives people away from Yeshua instead of toward him!

I understand that the person above is deeply wounded over his daughter. There is a passage within the New Testament that speaks to this issue. In John 9, people asked Yeshua (Jesus) who had sinned so that a certain man was born blind. Yeshua answered him by stating that no one did, but so that the works of God could be manifested in him.

Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. - John 9:3 KJV

We live in fallen world. Bad things happen to people. Bad things happen to both what we would consider "good" as well as "bad" people. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. 

Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens, Editor

Is it time to walk away?

Dear Reader,

I would like for you to consider the following questions, for a moment. 

Do you find yourself hating the situation you find yourself in?

Do you find yourself tired of having to walk on "thin ice"?

Do you find yourself dreading what tomorrow may bring?

Do you find yourself in a "no-win" situation?

I have found myself in these situations. I hated going home. I hated waking up. I hated leaving for work. The situation I found myself in was unbearable, and the way of escape was hidden from my eyes. Let us now turn to the story of the Hebrews in Egypt. The Pharaoh, in your story, is the one who seemingly holds all the power to make decisions on your behalf. Every decision made doesn't seem to take you into consideration. You are just a number! You are not an individual with thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Is this you?

There is ONE who challenged the Pharaoh (in your life). He told this Pharaoh to let you go! His name is Yeshua (Jesus)! Like the Hebrews in the scripture, you will enter into the desert! Here you will have to unlearn a lot of self-defeating habits. You will have to unlearn a lot of things. The desert is a place where you are forced to think on what is truly important and to get rid of those things that aren't! 

The Land of Promise is not for those who will take "their Egypt" with them!


Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens

Soundbite Christianity: Reducing the Truth to palatable bits and pieces

This puts forth the idea that that a lot of Christian's have resorted to "sound bites". One prime example comes from Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11,  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of Shalom, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end."

People will often quote that to someone going through a particularly rough time. Some will remind themselves of that one particular scripture as a way of bolstering themselves.

What they don't realize is that when you find that particular section in Jeremiah, you find certain things that is conveniently left out. Some of these things include:

• Jeremiah told to not pray for the people, for G-d would not listen. (Jeremiah 7:16)
  
• G-d called the Heathen Nations from the North towards Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 1:15)
• The Prophets prophesied falsely giving the people "false hope". (Jeremiah 5)
  
• This false hope just covered a seeping wound. (Jeremiah 6:14)

They were about to go through some very hard times. G-d said that their own wickedness would correct and reprove them. They had hardened their heart toward G-d. They listened only to that which tickled their ears and warmed their hearts.

Jeremiah 2:19, "Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backsliding shall reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and that my fear is not in you, says the Lord, the Lord of Hosts."

The Priests and the Prophets alike had given the people false hope. They knew there was a gaping wound in the Nation as a whole. They applied only false hopes and delusions of Goodness. The People didn't want to listen to the words that Jeremiah was called on to say. In the end, according to tradition, the Prophet Jeremiah was stoned to death by his own countrymen. The words of Jeremiah had been proven right. The false hopes they relied on had withered away. They were faced with stark reality of a world that hated them! Where were the "feel good" sound bites to get you through the day? Those sound bites must have been awfully bitter!


Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens 

Pretext, Pretext

 

Farm Life

Looking for a good caption on this picture. What does this say to you?

Or, how about this one? What does it remind you of?
 

Enter your best caption in the comments below. Be sure to mention whether it is for the top or the bottom photograph. The winner of this caption contest will win that photo in an 8X10.



Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens

Harvest Time

 

Several months ago, I came across a farmer bringing in his crop of wheat. Here we see a combine being used to cut the wheat. It is a lot of work. The Farmer needs help in bring in the crop. He uses different people using different machines.

This can be used as a metaphor to denote several things. The first of which different people have different talents. Yet, when they pull together using their different talents that the crop is brought in.

Here we have a Tractor pulling a Trailer. It is used to pull up next to the combine as it is cutting wheat. It is designed so that the combine doesn't have to leave the field. This allows the combine to transfer the wheat to this trailer. This is then taken to an awaiting truck.

Here is a prime example of what I am referring to. The Combine is continuing to cut wheat, but is transferring the load off so that it can be taken to an awaiting Truck.

Here we have that same trailer with its precious commodity transferring the wheat to an awaiting truck. The truck will then take it further for processing.

An up close examination of the wheat reveals several things. Do you notice the stalks that are standing straight and erect? Do you notice those stalks that are slight bent over?

This is a good example of the "Wheat and the Tare" parable as told by Yeshua. Those standing erect could be considered the Tares. They also could be considered the immature. As they mature they start to bend. Thus, the advice given by Yeshua is wise. For in taking out the Tares, you could be taking out the immature who need time to grow.

Look at how beautiful the mature wheat stalk looks? It is ready for harvesting! So when the time of harvesting is at hand. Those that remain "Tares" have been given enough time  to mature and to grow.

The Harvest is done. The Crop is brought in. Now the Combine needs some attention. The servant gets attended to after the harvest season.












Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens

Slow Down, and enjoy Life!

 

Have you ever noticed that people are busier than ever? They seem to be rushing to here and there and never being able to find what they are looking for?

This picture is my interpretation of people running away from something. This is shown by the blue streak on the left. The Red Streak is people running to something.

It is my opinion that both are missing the point.

Beauty can be found in least likeliest of places. People rushing to find something of value are missing it for that exact reason.

Time time to today to Enjoy the beauty that G-d has placed right in front of you. 

Sincerely,

David A. Kitchens, Editor