increasing our desire for God

When our passion for God is greater than our desire for other things, the appeal of other things, fades. This enables us to turn away and not seek them as our chief thing - i.e. as our God.

But how do we increase our desire for God? We must start with faith. 

Other things are usually more alluring and give greater immediate gratification than pursuing God. However, when we ¹believe God is superior - even if He doesn't feel like it in the moment - this strengthens our desire for Him i.e. our desires and actions fall in line when we pursue God by faith. Stepping out in faith on the ²promise of partaking in more of His love, beauty, wisdom, integrity, power, etc increases our passion for God, reducing the need to experience these before we step out. We are told on five different occasions "the just shall live by faith" for good reason.

But to do so takes ³incredible faith. To take up our cross and deny ourselves is difficult because it is contrary to our natural feelings and desires. We are asked to walk away from anything we normally derive a sense of pleasure, meaning, purpose and love from in the belief that God is greater. A Cross is painful. It feels more like death than life. 

And it is. It is death to self-gratification and self-salvation. But this is where God best meets us, and we experience His power most. As Paul stated, when he is weak - in his natural strength - he is strong in His dependence on God and his actions for Him. We can deny ourselves something we desire more at the moment, if and when we believe God is ultimately a superior pursuit - even though the allure of something else feels greater and God may not feel superior at that moment.

In short, if our faith is ³great enough, it will carry us forward in obedience, stirring in us a desire for more of God. If we are having difficulty in obeying God, we don't redouble our efforts, we must feed and strengthen our faith. 

Recap and summary

We can deny ourselves something we desire more than God when we believe He is a superior pursuit - even though the allure of something else feels greater and God may not feel superior. When we believe God is superior - even if He doesn't feel like it at the moment - it increases our desire for Him - i.e. our desires fall in line with our actions of pursuing God by faith. Stepping out in faith on the integrity of His character, love, power, wisdom, beauty for us, etc. versus our feelings often results in a greater passion/feelings for God. 

However, taking up our cross and denying ourselves is not an enjoyable feeling. A cross is painful. It feels more like death than life. But it is also where God meets us and we experience His power. As Paul stated when he is weak - in self-reliance - he is strong in his dependence on God.

A recap.

So the question becomes, how do we increase our faith? We are told faith comes by hearing. Hearing what? The word(s) - ²promises - of God. Promises of what? About ⁴who God is; that God is for us, not against us and loves us with infinite boundless love. The greatest evidence of this is what Christ did to restore us back to His Father. If God gave us that which we needed most - removal of our condemnation and shame so we would be restored back into good standing and relationship with the infinitely loving and beautiful God - how much more is He willing to give us everything else necessary to know Him more? We must remind ourselves of all that God has done for us to strengthen our trust in the promises of what He has yet to do for us. 

For a discussion on how God addresses our two greatest needs through Christ, click here.

For a further discussion on self-denial, click here. 
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¹There are various kinds or levels of belief. I am not talking about belief-faith on a casual level but at the level we would stake our very lives on. That is the belief God calls us to. 

A story to illustrate. 

Jason was laid off from work unexpectedly. After a few weeks, as hard as he tried, he couldn't find anything. So he ran an idea by Chad while working out one day - they were formally on the same high school gymnast team and regularly worked out together.  

Jason said, "since I have always been athletic with a great sense of balance, and also want to launch out with a business of my own, I was thinking I could walk across the small canyon on a tight rope pushing a wheelbarrow. You know the one just outside of town. I'll use the publicity to launch myself as a personal trainer and build a clientele. What do you think? Do you think I can pull it off?" 

Chad said, "You were the state champion, so if anyone can do it, you can Jason. I think you should go for it. " 

So Jason began training. Chad had some media experience and contacts, so he offered to reach out to his contacts to promote the event. Chad believed in Jason that much, and Jason trusted Chad would do an outstanding job. 

As things progressed, Jason would periodically ask Chad, "do you really think I can pull this off?" Chad always replied, "Absolutely. If anyone could do it, it's you." Being encouraged by Chad's support, he continued.

Finally, several weeks later, the day of the big event had come. As they set everything up, the crowd and the local media started showing up to capture it all. They estimated there were at least 1000 people there. 

Jason and Chad were excited but nervous. As Jason positioned himself on the rope with the wheelbarrow, he looked over at Chad one last time and asked, "do you really think I can do this?" Without hesitation, Chad said,"absolutely," to which Jason replied, "Great, get in the wheelbarrow." 

There is a difference between saying we believe God and getting in the wheelbarrow. When God asks us to trust Him, He's saying get in the wheelbarrow. 

²And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Heb 11:6 

What is the nature of our reward? It is experiencing more of God who is the source of life, love, and all things. For more on this click here.

³And incredible faith occurs when we see more and more of how huge, loving, wise, etc. God is. If you have small faith, it is only because your understanding of God is small. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you more so your faith becomes greater. 

⁴This is why it's vital we go to God and his promises regularly. Call it quiet time, or a time of worship or devotion. What it's called doesn't matter; what occurs during that time does. 

This is also why meeting together with fellow believers is vital. It stirs our faith and helps us see God in action in the lives of others. All these things remind us of God's faithfulness and stir us to greater faith.

How "End times" teaching aids Globalism.

The following history behind Dispensationalism is part 4 of a 5 part paper at 

https://thotsaboutgod.blogspot.com/2010/02/doom-and-gloom-of-dispensationalism.html 

I am posting it as a separate article for those who may not be interested in the weakness of the biblical foundations behind the "last days" or "end times" teaching. After reading this part below, you may wish to read my entire discussion on dispensationalism. To do so you can click here or the link above. 

4. The history behind Dispensationalism

(Dispensationalism teaches the world will be destroyed by God but before it is, a rebel to God - the Antichrist - will rise up and set up a one-world government where you can do nothing economically without His permission or his mark i.e. 666 or the Mark of the beast).

The first 3 sections of the complete paper (linked here) dealt almost exclusively with various scripture passages on why the Bible does not teach this widely held view (commonly known as Dispensationalism). 

Now we will see if the history behind this teaching can shine any light on its problematic rise and influence. 

The promotion and expansion of Dispensationalism appears to have had considerably more to do with the political views of Zionism, than with the teaching of scripture. A little-known document called The Blackstone Petition or Blackstone Memorial called for the re-establishment of the State of Israel almost 120 years ago, in 1891. It was submitted by a lay minister/real estate developer named William Blackstone (not to be confused with the British attorney who wrote “Commentaries” on Common Law in the 1700s).

http://www.jewishmag.com/146mag/brandeis_blackstone/brandeis_blackstone.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Eugene_Blackstone

Blackstone was a “student” of John Nelson Darby’s teachings, who was considered the “Father of Dispensationalism."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Nelson_Darby

Even though most of us have likely never heard of Blackstone and his petition, it was not an insignificant document at the time, considering some of those who signed it. For example, J.P. Morgan, John D., and William Rockefeller, who were signers, also happened to be key “players” in forming the *Federal Reserve System implemented in 1913 under which our country’s monetary system now operates. (For an excellent book on the issues regarding the Federal Reserve I highly recommend http://www.webofdebt.com)

If the involvement by these signers seems unimportant or irrelevant, you may also wish to read

http://web.archive.org/web/20090503204211/http://www.taxtruth4u.com/money.htm which addresses our current monetary system. This will help tie this part together. NOTE: The link immediately above is from the Internet Archive, known as "The Wayback Machine" because my original site no longer exists.

Is it merely a coincidence these particular gentlemen were signers of this petition? If you understand the destruction and deception of the Federal Reserve System as discussed in the links above, this simple fact alone makes their - aka the "banksters" - early support and promotion of the dispensational system highly suspect. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. If the connection is not apparent at this time, I encourage you to do your own research. The links above will be a good starting point. If you really dig around, it gets even more "interesting." To understand why I say this, be sure to read the article on Blackstone on the above link and also linked here for convenience.

It should be pointed out of the 413 signers of this Petition only a total of 15 were either rabbis or of Jewish or Hebrew descent. That is less than 4% of the 413 signers. In addition, one of the Jewish signers happened to be a banker and President of a bank called “International Bank.” Yet this petition was supposed to be about bringing Jews back to their “homeland” not about finance or politics (the more you dig, the more you will discover how "big money" and corrupt government have been connected for well over 100 years in the USA via the Federal Reserve. To read this list of signers, you would think this petition had more to do with some corporate business venture instead of a spiritual/religious effort.

The rest of the signers were a mixture of Protestant clergymen, representatives of several major national newspapers (early promoters of fake news?), politicians, government workers such as postmasters, judges, clerks, and even some collectors of revenue, along with a variety of businessmen. The whole list can be found at

http://web.archive.org/web/20080515083850/http://www.amfi.org/blackmem.htm (Also no longer on a website but from the internet archives). Considering the apparent nature of this petition to reestablish Israel as a nation, this was a curious mix, wouldn’t you agree?

The rabbit hole goes even deeper when you consider that J.P. Morgan and its interests also purchased controlling interest of every major newspaper - 25 in all - at that time (1915) in order to control the information going to the public to protect “their interests” but not necessarily to report the truth.

The banksters (the private banking system called the Federal Reserve) realized when they pushed through the Federal Reserve Act in 1913 that to pull off the control of the newly implemented money system they would need to also control the information to the public via the news. This would allow them to divert the public away from and hide this subtle but very significant takeover of commerce of the entire country through a totally corrupted money system, which is exactly what they did over 100 years ago.  

To the shock of anyone learning this for the first time, the mainstream media has actually been controlled by the "banksters" since that time. This is not "conspiracy theory" but documented in the Congressional Record of 1917 on page 2947. If you wish to see a photocopy and discussion of this in the actual Congressional record, click here. 

As a further indication of the influence and control of the media, I offer you these additional quotes.  

"There is no such thing, at this date of the world's history in America, as an independent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you who dare to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinion out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the street looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my' paper, before twenty-four hours my occupation would be gone. The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth; to lie outright; to pervert; to vilify; to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and I know it and what folly is this toasting an independent press? We are the tools and vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities, and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes. 

-John Swinton, former chief of staff, The New York Times, in a 1953 speech before the New York Press Club 

"We are grateful to the Washington Post, the New York Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promise of discretion for almost forty years... It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subject to the bright lights of publicity during those years. But, the world is now more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries".

-David Rockefeller, in an address given to Catherine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post and other media luminaries in attendance in Baden Baden, Germany at the June 1991 annual meeting of the world elite Bilderberg Group. 

"We are going to impose our agenda on the coverage by dealing with issues and subjects that we choose to deal with".

-Richard M. Cohen, former Senior Producer of CBS political news

 "Our job is to give people not what they want, but what we decide they ought to have" 

-Richard Salant, former President of CBS News

"Only the small secrets need to be protected. The big ones are kept secret by public incredulity"(i.e. disbelief)

-Marshall McLuhan, media 'guru'

Comments in (  )’s and or with emphasis mine.

Why take so much time to address the news media in a paper on the teaching of Dispensationalism? If you get nothing else from this article, please understand this: the current political and monetary system has subtle but clear connections to a system that is far more encompassing than simply a particular theological worldview. For this financial/political system to survive, we must remain ignorant and apathetic to the true nature of events related to the "banksters" activities and the corrupt monetary system they set up and use to control all financial transactions, and therefore the necessity and importance of controlling the information ("news") outlets. Truth, care, and action by you and me are the globalist "banksters" biggest fear. That’s why any exposure of this information is often aggressively attacked with considerable effort to discredit it. If you have read this far, you are apparently neither apathetic, and you can certainly say you are no longer as ignorant. 

But it is our fault as the church as much as anyone’s (maybe more so) on why this monetary/political system has thrived and exists to this day.  And it is also our problem to solve. Politicians have proven they are not interested in truly addressing this corrupt banking system. In fact, they helped to implement it - either directly or indirectly - benefit from it, and allowed it to continue unchecked by turning a blind eye at a minimum.  

Am I saying the "banksters" created this theological system called Dispensationalism? Not at all. I do think, however, that they saw in dispensational teaching a perfect ²opportunity and vehicle to heavily influence the church to aid in implementing a one-world system aka globalism, and gain the support of the church to advance their deception. The "banksters" no doubt realized if the church could be convinced that the Bible predicts the coming of a one-world system under some diabolical opponent to God Himself (i.e. the "Antichrist"), then to resist it is futile (remember the Borg in the Star Trek TV series?). The globalists figured no good Christian would go against what the Bible predicts is inevitable. A clever, highly deceptive, and effective strategy. As a result, a very large portion of the church universal has bought into Dispensationalism to this day. 

Though our understanding of the subject of this paper must be formed primarily from scripture (which I address here) the political/ historical/ financial roots of Dispensationalism play a far greater role in the promotion of this teaching in the church than many may realize. Since the focus of Bible students is mainly on understanding what Scripture teaches regarding the “end times” this lack of awareness of its historical roots is understandable. However, I believe knowing the history behind the promotion of this doctrine is of no small significance or consequence and should be considered more closely by all students of the Bible. Therefore, I have taken the time to address this side of this rather involved subject of Dispensationalism (which can be read here).

I believe it is the intention of globalist "banksters" who seek to rule us (whoever they may be) that we buy into the pessimistic mindset fostered by Dispensationalism (we address this pessimism in part 5 “Two World Views…”). The result is we unintentionally (on our part, not theirs) look to our "rulers" for solutions to our problems and not to God. -- I believe this also in part explains why Futurism (how the world ends) and particularly Dispensationalism is such a widespread and popular notion among many non-Christians as well. No other teaching -  purportedly based on scripture - is more widely accepted by non-Christians than this “end time” doctrine and apocalyptic view of the world's future. 

This in itself should raise a red flag about the validity of this teaching. Are not the things of the gospel normally foolishness to the world? Christ’s words “broad is the road that leads to destruction…” may be very appropriate here. I believe those who wish to rule over us count on the church, doing just what we are doing, which is next to nothing when it comes to infusing the culture with the gospel and advancing God's kingdom here and now (His reign over the hearts and minds of all who look to Christ as their king) and speaking out against the corruption at all levels, especially within ³Government. The pessimism and passivity created by the belief in an inevitable future destruction of earth taught by Dispensationalism aids the advancement of a one-world government and plays right into their hands -- after all, according to Dispensationalism, a one-world government headed by a political figure called “The Antichrist” is predicted in the Bible so why waste time to resist it. 

I think if the establishment and promotion of Dispensationalism were not expressly to create a passive church - which indirectly aids the advance of one-world government - it has certainly been cleverly utilized toward that end.

I also think attempts to label ³a Preterism as anti-Semitic - yes, believe it or not, it’s true...labeling someone as a racist of any kind is a common and effective hot-button issue. It is a convenient diversion from discovering the truth. And if you understand that Satan is ultimately behind anything that neuters or distorts the truth, the church’s effectiveness on culture and government, and the advancement of God's kingdom in the world, all of this is not beyond reason but in fact makes perfect sense. If you further study the history behind Dispensationalism, if it isn’t already apparent, it will become more apparent how all of this is connected as you dig in. 

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¹Some believe Zionism is the main player behind globalism. I have concluded it is merely a useful tool of the real players - i.e. the "banksters" (Rothschild - the founder of the central banking system in England - being an Ashkenazi Jew) 

- Zionism is a diversion used by the banksters to promote globalism (one world government). Globalism is about power, money, and control, not a particular religious view or system. Making it about a religious view (with racial implications) also aids them in creating division within the church. For a discussion on how Zionism helps promote identity politics and racism, click here. One of the strategies of globalists is to accuse their opponents of the very things they are most guilty of. 

²Possibly they saw and sincerely believed this teaching was justification for one world government. 

Most centers of influence and power, such as the church (media, government, and other major centers of influence such as entertainment, social media, sports, and the like), start out well but are infiltrated and commandeered to advance the "bankster" aka globalist agenda in one fashion or another.  This is a clever but diabolical strategy because these institutions are centers of influence for a reason - i.e. they've gained the trust of so many and are far less likely to be suspected of anything nefarious. They are perfect "candidates" to gain control over the minds and lives of others and culture and society as a whole because of the trust they gained in their beginnings.

³For those who raise the question of obeying the authorities discussed in Rom 13, keep in mind Christ’s most scathing criticisms were against the Pharisees who were the religious authorities in Israel during Christ’s time on earth. If you care to read more on this click here.  

³a which teaches the "end times" the Bible speaks of was a historical event, not in the future.

For a look at what the bible really says about the promise to Abram (later named Abraham) regarding the nation of Israel, click here. 

This is only part 4 of a 5 part paper. If you wish to read the rest of the paper this current post is taken from click here.

For a further discussion on what promises God actually made to Israel click here

If you wish to discuss any of the points addressed in this article or have any questions, message me at  

thotsaboutGod@gmail.com Ask for Jim. God Speed

What is God telling us when we fail?

If past tasks or ventures - business or otherwise - have failed, it doesn't automatically mean you should stop trying or that God doesn't want you to succeed or be successful. It *may simply be because you are attempting to succeed through your own strength and direction, not God's. The bottom line is to never stop seeking to be as productive as possible. We are called to bear much fruit. In doing so we bring God glory (Jn 15:8).

Do you wish to advance-succeed so you can bring honor and glory to yourself or to God? If the latter, we have God's support, if the former, we do not. 

Christ said ask anything in His name - i.e. for His honor - and you will have it (Jn 15:7). So seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened **to you (Matt 7:7-8). You can't ask for better support or sign of his desire for you to succeed. 

For a discussion on whether we can miss God's will click here. 

For a discussion on the importance of excellence, click here.

For a discussion on the necessity of great effort, click here.

For more discussion on why there ultimately is no failure for God's child, click here. 

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*It may mean this is not the direction God would have you go, but it may not. Before you assume anything, search your heart to be sure you are doing it for the right reason i.e. for his honor, not your own. Once you have, then you can more accurately assess if it is His direction and calling for you. 

** Note this doesn't say the door will be opened "for you" but "to you." God doesn't want us to stop once we go through the door as if opening the door is our end, but to continue walking with him once the door is opened, because there is yet more to do. Getting the door open isn't our goal, it is only the beginning. Walking with Him in advancing his glory is why the door was opened to begin with.

where do we get the strength for self denial?

Where do we get the strength ¹to deny ourselves? To do things well for ²others - i.e. to love our neighbor as we love ourselves - requires extraordinary strength.

Why? Instead of focusing on our own needs and indulging in ³self-affirming and self-comforting behavior, our focus is on the ⁴needs of another. This clearly is not easy. On our own, without outside aid, it is not possible long term and difficult at best short term.

Denying ¹ourselves can only occur when we look to God for strength through increasing trust and dependence on Him.

What is it exactly we are asked to believe/trust in and how does this give us strength?

We must recognize/believe in our worth, significance, value to God, etc. i.e. we see ourselves as valuable because we know/believe God sees and feels this way about us. Our sense of value is not based on our own estimation, our circumstances, how we feel, or how others treat us but on how God views us i.e. as his infinitely beloved child. The evidence of His love is sending Christ to do all that we necessary to fully restore us back to Him. It is by believing this is God's view and posture towards us that we draw strength. Therefore, God himself and His disposition of infinite love toward us, is the source of our strength.

The essence of the strength necessary to deny ourselves is believing we are significant, loved, important, etc to God. When we really and truly “buy-in” to this, we no longer need to affirm ourselves by doing things to gain approval-acceptance. We know we are already affirmed. Now we do things because we already have affirmation, not in order to gain it. And not just a limited and temporary affirmation but an infinite and permanent affirmation by God Himself, who is the only infinitely and eternally valuable being in the universe. There is no greater affirmation then that which comes from the infinitely valuable i.e. God himself.

What exactly is the nature of this strength? In a word, it is simply knowing I am valuable to the God of infinite worth. When we fully grasp and believe this, nothing else matters. Or to say it as Paul does, if God is for us, who can be against us.

We are called to abide -- firmly remain standing -- in this belief and awareness of God's love/value for us. We are told by Christ himself to never lose sight of our being cherished and precious to him.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide -- continually remain -- in my love." John 15:9

How can we be certain God feels this way about us? He not only tells us but demonstrated it by actions. Looking intently into what He and His Son put themselves through and denied themselves of to restore us back to them in their infinite love is our proof and reminder. This is why we do communion regularly, to remember the actions that Christ took on our behalf.

For a further discussion on why the value of the one who values us matters click here. 

For a discussion on why God loves the unlovely, click here. 
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¹we - self - still need to be nourished if you will, emotionally and spiritually, but not through self effort but in and through God.

Denying our self and death to self are tied together. There is no death to self without denying our self and to deny our self results in death of self. Death to self is not literal or absolute i.e. we –self– don't die but we die to self loving, self comfort and self-sustaining behavior/actions.

Nor is death to self, devaluing ourselves, it is knowing our true value is in Christ and loving others out of the infinite fountain of God's love for us and others.

This is a life-long process and the essence of our spiritual maturity i.e. our day-to-day sanctification.

²God, our neighbor, and other brothers and sisters in Christ.

The closer and harder we look the more of his love we discover.

³Self affirming activities are endless. It’s simply any activity we engage in to make ourselves feel good. This can be done through drugs, sex, achievement, entertainment, recreation; being better or different from others to make ourselves stand out - i.e. look more significant than others to gain praise and on we can go. Fill in the blank. It’s important to understand none of these things in themselves are necessarily wrong or bad. All things are created by God for His glory and our joy when used properly. Why - to what end - we seek them is the problem.

⁴This does not mean we find no joy in helping others, but that joy is in the others' joy, not in the joy itself.

Keeping COVID-19 aka Corona virus in perspective

Posted March 25, 2020 when shut downs were just beginning.

Be sure to watch this powerful interview after reading the below. 

There are two primary factors we must know to accurately assess the significance of any virus.

1. How deadly is it?

2. How contagious is it?

These are very different aspects that must be considered separately.

If a virus is both highly contagious and deadly, we have a significant problem.

If it's highly deadly but not very contagious, that means few will get it but those who do have a high risk of dying.

If it's highly contagious but not very deadly, many will get it, but very few will die from it. Certainly unpleasant, but not very life-threatening. Not unlike the flu. 

The bottom line is both must be true for a virus to be of epic proportions and justify drastic measures.

As the numbers come in it is becoming clearer Corona is in the latter group. Though it's still uncertain how *contagious it is - it may turn out to be less contagious than originally thought - one thing is becoming clear, it's not very deadly at all. They are even saying many will get it and not even know they had it or they will display virtually no if any symptoms i.e. asymptomatic - which unfortunately is being played up to create more fear i.e. how do we know who has it?!

Death is no good for any reason, but the vast majority - not all - of deaths from this virus are the elderly (75 and older on average) who have a significant preexisting illness. This is statistically, a very small segment of society. This is exactly why the number of deaths compared to other viruses is low. If this spread as far as it could go, it would still be to a small - though certainly not unimportant - segment of the population. As of this post (3/25/20), we are around 1000 deaths compared to well over 20,000 (next to last bullet point in the blue box of the CDC site) for other flu-like viruses to date. Regular flu appears just as deadly. Curiously, this is rarely a part of the conversation in most reporting. When it is, those who raise it are often ridiculed by mainstream media.

So why all the fear and caution around Covid? The media overall - which has a history of biased reporting - is doing very little balanced reporting, raising considerable and unnecessary fear. They play up the scary parts - potentially highly contagious - and are quiet about the reassuring parts - low death rate to a small and feeble segment of the population (btw this isn't a derogatory statement but an observation. I happen to almost be in this age group). When this latter point is mentioned it is only in passing and rarely focused on. We constantly hear about the rising number of deaths and infections, but we rarely hear the significance of who is dying and under what conditions. 

Also, what proportion are those deaths compared to the number infected? Just on the reported infections, we are not that far from the percentages of the regular flu. The number infected is larger than reported - possibly much larger - which would make the ratio of those dying to those infected much lower i.e. making COVID-19 even less deadly than regular flu. These ratios are very significant but rarely mentioned.

Also, like past virus scares, COVID-19 is new so there is virtually no immunity built up. However, as more low-risk segments are exposed, it actually helps build our collective **(herd) immune system as a society, helping prevent future outbreaks - the very strategy behind vaccines - yet MSM wrings their hands over it resurrecting when cold weather returns. Since the death rate is low and among a small segment, "social distancing" - which isn't social at all, it's physical distancing - may actually be counterproductive - though it's certainly wise to quarantine those with symptoms as with any flu or flu-like virus. I am more than willing to self-quarantine if it allows the low-risk population to resume regular activities. Just like we do with any other bug.

I think there are also political reasons for the hype and worth exploring, but not the focus of this piece. If you wish to know my opinion, feel free to leave a comment.

There are still some unknowns about this virus, so the media (and we, along with the various governmental bodies) assume the worst. At a minimum, the points raised in this piece should have an equal part of the discussion instead of being minimized or ridiculed. This would go a long way in increasing understanding and reducing fear. 

The fact that the media is not addressing these, undermines their credibility at best. But what we know is important and encouraging. As the actual data comes in, hopefully, it will be disseminated. There will then be a declining concern and the solutions to address it must be modified to fit the latest data.

There are also some very good reports coming in on the effectiveness of the malaria drug HCQ (go to the 2:21 mark of this video) combined with other medicines. Unfortunately, this too is being quieted, downplayed, ridiculed, or outright misrepresented by the media.

The biggest outbreak is a virus, but a virus of fear. Due in great part to the sensationalist media. What is needed is facts, not fear.  Making decisions based primarily on fear never results in the best outcome. We must also engage our reason.

Fear is the enemy of truth and also the friend of deception. Lies ride on the coattails of fear. 

The bottom line... based on the facts there is much more room for optimism than originally thought. I predict this will be a none story by the end of May if all the facts are considered. 

For an update on the total number of deaths projected click here. 

If interested the following articles address some of the above points as well:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8076395/Leading-doctor-claims-coronavirus-isnt-deadly-feared-death-rate-1.html

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/is-the-coronavirus-as-deadly-as-they-say-professors-claim-more-data-needed-to-know-mortality-rate

https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-coronavirus-as-deadly-as-they-say-11585088464

**For an interesting article on herd immunity, click here. 

If you are wondering why I have a less than charitable view of the main stream media click here. 

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*I am doing a personal experiment on how contagious this virus is - don't worry, I am the only person at risk. I'll explain later. I am only 3 days in (assuming a 14-day incubation period. Some are now saying the average incubation time is 5 to 6 days) and will give a report in 11 more days. If interested, I'll come back then with the results.

Update as of April 1st, day 8:  No symptoms whatsoever.

Update as of April 8th, day 15: Symptom-free with one day past the guesstimated 14 day incubation period.

So what was my test? I went shopping at the grocery store and did what I normally do. I took no extra precautions. Opened the store door, grabbed a cart, bought some trail mix (using the "public" scoops), and ate some once I got in the car, with no precautions i.e. no gloves, no hand washing etc. Some might think I am crazy but I have done enough research to believe otherwise - not to mention I taught high school Biology and my best grade in college was Biology. My "experiment" began on March 23. Granted, one person's experience may not be worth much scientifically, but it helps confirm for me what I already believe is the case. The whole covid scare is more hype than science. I also helped my friends (March 28) who work with the homeless. They have a trailer that houses portable showers/ laundry units and take them to a camp here for the homeless. So we went and helped 30 folks get spruced up a bit with a warm shower and clean their laundry. I took no precautions than I would any other day.  Again, this is not likely to convince anyone of anything. btw feeling fine but a bit tired after being on my feet from 9 to 5. Pretty good for a 66-year-old dude, I suspect.

Update: as of Oct 2021 I have not experienced sickness of any kind and have not taken any precautions since my experiment e.g. I do not "social distance" or wear a mask... ever.

the incarnation - God became one of us

Some of the following thoughts are more implied than explicitly stated in scripture. I feel however it is worthwhile to consider these things as long as we understand we can not hold on to things too firmly unless they are clearly supported by scripture and aid us in better knowing, loving, and trusting God. Possibly by offering the below thoughts, others can bring forth more direct support from scripture for or against the things I discuss and whether they are in line with the overall message of scripture. 

Now to the topic at hand.

Prior to the actual event, the incarnation - i.e. God taking on flesh and blood and living among us - was only a thought in the mind of God (Father, Son, and Spirit) from all eternity past, which had not and did ¹not take place until the actual event occurred i.e. though settled from eternity past in the mind of God. It had not occurred in actual time and space prior to then. Time is real because created things are real and time matters... at least in this present existence. 

The incarnation - and all related events - occurred in real time (even though scripture says Christ was slain before the foundation of the world). Scripture indicates the decision of Christ's dying to restore mankind back to His Father was a settled matter from all eternity past before the ²actual event occurred. The ³timeless God had in some mysterious manner entered into and participated in time on an intimate and personal level. God, out of His infinite love, for the first and only time, had inextricably bound Himself to his creation through an observable, measurable act of sacrificial giving of his very being in and through Christ. 

Because all of this involved creation, we - as creatures - could (and can) relate to it - and also to God because of it. Which is exactly why God did it by His own choosing. He desired to connect with us on a level we could relate to. As one of our pastors once said, "in some actual way, God bound up his own happiness with ours." 

The creation and the rebellion of man was also the means by which Christ put His love for His Father on display in a way He had not and - I would argue - could not if not given the opportunity to act in actual time and space before a watching world or if the Son had not acted upon that opportunity - i.e. had failed to complete the task/mission given by the Father. 

This also displayed a love for us in a way we would not have fully known and could not have appreciated in the same way if we ⁴had not rebelled. 

The creation, our rebellion, the incarnation of Christ, and restoration of man were all opportunities for the Son to more fully demonstrate His love of and for the Father; and demonstrate the Father and Son's love for us, His image-bearers. 

Christ willingly and obediently took on the suffering of entering this broken world as a man and took on the cross to honor his Father. This allowed him to act on the love he always had from all eternity past for and with the Father in a new way. Not because the Father needed proof of His Son's love but so the Son could put on display, by direct and personal action, how great his love for his Father was; which also demonstrated how Great His Father was. 

In turn, this says to us, if Christ's love for the Father was great enough to give up everything for it, how great the Father must be and worthy of this same love from us. 

All of this was, in fact, a way for the Son and Father to act out their love for each other in a new and fuller way. Not to prove their love for each other but to demonstrate it to us more fully through circumstances that had not occurred prior to creation i.e. through ⁴man's rebellion, Christ's incarnation, and the restoration of mankind taking place. 

The love of the Son for the Father was so great that Christ gave up full communion with the Father, for a time, not just to demonstrate his love to the Father but so others might also see and take part in it. He was so moved by his Fathers love he longed for others to partake of it as He did. 

The "others" piece of this is evidence that this act was an overflow of the love between the Father and Son for others - not to get something from creation that God lacked but by and through creation, experience something of Himself He had not yet experienced. 

God acts out of the fullness of who he is, not out of lack or need. He, who is the source of life, love, and all things, needs nothing. He has always had Himself. Everything apart from Him depends on Him for existence. But could we say the creation, rebellion, and redemption of mankind allowed God to more fully take part in who He is through the incarnation of Christ? It is an interesting question we likely will not get the answer to fully until eternity? 

Christ's love for us was so significant He gave up, in some unfathomable way,  something of the preciousness of his communion with his Father and of his ⁵status - or at least the dynamics of the relationship changed - so he might bring others into that same communion with the Father he knew from all eternity past. 

And maybe he, in some incomprehensible way,  gained something more (different) of and from the Father, and gave something more to the Father, by bringing others into that union between the Father, Son and Spirit.

None of this came about because of anything lacking in God but out of the fullness of who He is and his desire to share Himself with others so they too might know the joy of the union and fellowship between Father, Son, and Spirit.

Christ now knows the joy of seeing the love received and rejoiced in by those He gives it to; the Father first and those the Father gave to the Son. A love only possible because of his actions, i.e. Christ - at least for a time - gave up something of the most precious, full and unlimited union and communion with his Father so others might also have it for all eternity (2 Cor 8:9, John 15:11; 17:13; Matthew 25:23). And in giving and sharing it, he finds great joy (Hebrews 12:2)

  

Showing our love by our actions is the most complete way of expressing our love. Words and thoughts are important, but actions provide the opportunity to give evidence of the love we feel and speak of (or in the case of the Son and Father, had felt and spoken of to each other from all eternity past). We are this way because God is this way. We are in his image.

For a fuller discussion on God taking part in time click here. 
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¹This also means the reason Christ died - our sin - was also determined from eternity past i.e. God knew from all eternity past that mankind would rebel from their original design.

Some argue since time is not a part of God's existence but a part of the created order, God knows and sees all things as equally present. So the events of Christ's incarnation, life, death, and resurrection as a man did not occur in sequence to God as they do for us, who exist in time. Yet because of Christ's incarnation - his becoming a part of creation - they did. Though we may not find specific passages in scripture that state this explicitly, these are conclusions we can draw implicitly from other things about God we know from scripture, such as his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. 

²Then again, since everything is present to God, he possibly has already experienced it on some level. A mystery of the Infinite eternal God who stepped into time as a man.

³when we understand that God, before creation, had not taken part in or been "restrained" by time, we know the extent to which God in and through Christ "limited" himself for our sake. 

⁴I think this partly explains why the angels are so intrigued by our redemption. They can't relate to it because it is alien to them. Possibly they are fascinated by God's pursuit of us in love - the extent of it - even when we don't fully love Him in return. Because of our redemption and also being in the image of God, we will experience the glory of God in a way the angels will not, which in part, might explain why we are higher than angels and the highest of all God's creatures. 

⁵maybe for eternity as Christ is still a man - and God - whereas before he was not confined to a local body but was everywhere present along with the Father - though the various theophanies may indicate Christ was localized before the incarnation, certainly at least for brief periods of time. We are uncertain if these were only specific manifestations at the time or the ongoing state of His existence prior to His incarnation. Christ's birth seems to indicate these prior manifestations were temporary, not His state from eternity past. 

What is interesting is even though God appeared as a man in these theophanies, those who experienced them had an obvious sense they were not dealing with a mere man. There was something about these appearances that clued them they were dealing with more. But we are not given an explanation of exactly what that was.

Abraham: Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” (Genesis 18:1–3)

Jacob: Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. . . . And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”

And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:24–25, 28–30)

condemnation removed - righteousness assigned

We have two subtle and deeply embedded needs. We need relief from guilt, shame, and a sense of failure. We also need to know we are valuable, significant, worthwhile. The former removes something bad from us, and the latter asserts or gains something good for us. 

Though these are separate needs, they are connected. The former (guilt/shame/failure) eats away and diminishes our sense of the latter (value/significant/worth). To fail at a task is to feel worthless; a loser as they say. *Guilt and a sense of worthlessness are directly tied together. 

When we speak of Christ's work for us, we usually focus on the former - God's removal of the just condemnation for our **rebellion. Our greater awareness of this need, more than the need for a sense of value, maybe due to our constant and deeply embedded feelings of guilt and shame. Being ***relieved of pain (shame) can feel more urgent than gaining something we strongly desire (importance) e.g. We are not going to be concerned about our appearance or achievements right after dropping a large rock on our toe. 

For this reason, the need for being valued and significant is not often thought about when we consider all that Christ offers us but is at least equal to, if not more important when it comes to our long-term faithfulness to God. 

Christ lived a life of perfect faithfulness (obedience) to His Father - never-failing and always succeeding - to the point of feeling abandoned by His Father and enduring the most shameful death. This perfect life of faithful obedience is now fully assigned-credited to us as if we lived His life of perfect faithfulness if we accept his offer. When we do we are viewed by God as perfect in our faithfulness - even though we are far from it. 

We are now equally admirable and loved by the Father as Jesus is. This isn't a feeling, it's an objective reality. It is how God sees us if we are in Christ. 

John 15:9 as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

How would we describe the Father's love for His Son? Whatever way we describe it, it is the same love the Son has for us. This kind of love is not possible unless we are perfect in God's eyes. A perfection lived out by Christ and fully assigned-credited to us. Just as Christ was treated as the rebels we are - wholly condemned - we are now seen as a perfect and complete success the same way Christ is - wholly accepted and approved of. 

For an extended discussion of our guilt and shame, click here and here.

For a further discussion on being hard-wired for greatness, click here. 

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*Depression is the result of a deep sense of failure and guilt, leading to a feeling of worthlessness. If this is left unaddressed, it can lead to suicide.

**i.e. Our rebellious distrust of God. Distrust leads to unfaithfulness in giving God his rightful and due recognition as the one and only all-glorious God worthy of all thanks.

***The most successful people in business I have known over the years said they were driven far more by fear of loss than a desire for gain.