A Fantastic Bible Study Resource

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

A friend of mine told me about a really great website: e-sword.net. I've checked it out and I'm passing on the word (I'll provide a permanent link on this blog shortly).

This site provides free, downloadable Bible study software with copious volumes of resources for Bible study. The basic download includes the King James Version of the Bible, a commentary, a tool for setting up a Bible reading schedule, and a tool for keeping track of prayer requests. To augment your basic download, you can also download (for free) as many additional resources as you desire, including Bibles (28 English translations, 3 old English translations, and 47 foreign language translations - including Hebrew and Greek), commentaries, dictionaries, maps, graphics, devotions, and a whole bunch of other resources. It it's all very simple to use and there's lots of features to help you get the most out of your Bible study. One feature I really like is that you can create your own parallel Bible with up to four translations of your choosing. Cool!

As you may have gathered, I've already downloaded this gem and started using it. This is the most excited I've been about Bible study in quite some time. Thanks, J!

No, But This Is Creepy

Some of you have said that my previous post regarding the prediction of the next (now current) Pope was creepy. But I have to disagree...these Burger King ads are creepy:

On Earth As It Is In Heaven

The word catholic by definition means universal; yet the Roman Catholic Church, staunchly holding on to its ancient practices, including the denial of Sacraments to those who are seen as unfit, hardly fits the mold of a universal church.

I’ve attended some beautiful Catholic masses, even communion masses. I even felt a part of the worship experience. But alas, I was not allowed communion. Funny, though. I was tempted to take part last week when I attended a funeral mass. How would they know I wasn’t Catholic? Probably because I don’t genuflect or cross myself very well.

When Jesus offered the first Holy Communion, he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Notice he didn’t go on to say, “…except for...” Jesus ate with sinners and excluded no one from the Gospel. As we say in the United Methodist Church (and perhaps yours, too), “Christ invites to his table all who repent of their sins…”

Only Jesus Christ was the perfect human being. All of us are sinners. The one who says is not, is actually sinning just by saying so. No number of Hail Mary’s is needed to wash away your sins – God forgives you before you even utter the words. Talk about grace and mercy!

While it has been going on for quite some time in the United Methodist Church – as well as other denominations – the ordination of women into the clergy has been a hot-button issue. I still know of some people who changed churches because they were unhappy about a woman becoming their pastor. I wonder what they think now that the bishop of our conference is a woman. Frankly there is nothing in the Bible to suggest that women should not be ordained. In fact, Galatians 3:28-29 states that all Christians are equally gifted spiritually: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” My personal observations confirm this quite substantially.

Allowing priests to marry is a hot topic in the Roman Catholic Church. This probably originated from the Apostle Paul who stated that being unmarried frees one from concern, and allows one to dedicate their life to pleasing the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:12) That’s quite understandable. However, I think human nature keeps us distracted from doing the Lord’s work anyway, married or not. I also think it would be more difficult for a celibate priest to objectively practice marriage counseling (unless he’s been married before). I also believe that marriage is the best way to practice a covenant relationship with God. In light of the dwindling numbers of Roman Catholic clergy, I think it’s time to let them marry. But what do I know? I’m just an ignorant Protestant.

The Roman Catholic Church wishes to reach out to more people. And I admire that Pope Benedict XVI is vowing to stand up for traditional Christian values. The Church has a deep-rooted tradition of beautiful and edifying art and music. But the fact of the matter is that the Roman Catholic Church is still too inclusive and unforgiving. In order to reach out, the church needs to abandon some of its man-made (dare I say Pharisee-like) practices, and to truly embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Glory of the Olive Elected Pope

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." Revelation 1:12a,17-18

Today I got a taste of how St. John must have felt when Christ came to him with the Revelation.

We have to back up two weeks. In a nutshell, I posted an article regarding the Prophecy of St. Malachy. According to this prophecy, which has been nearly impossible to discredit, the second-to-last pope was elected today. The prophetic phrase attributed to this pope is Gloria Olivae -The Glory of the Olive. The meaning of "olive" has been unclear. Perhaps it is a reference to the Mount of Olives where Jesus preached about the End of the Age (Matthew 24). It may also refer to the belief that this pope would come from the Order of St. Benedict (the Olivetans).

As far as I could tell as I studied the backgrounds of potential successors (notably Joseph Ratzinger), none were of the Order of St. Benedict. Then a thought was placed in my mind (and I quote myself from my April 5 post: "perhaps the next pope will take the name Benedict XVI..." Needless to say, I was anxiously awaiting the election of this new pope.

This morning around 9:00 there were murmurs around the office about the white smoke at the Vatican. Holy smokes! After logging into various news websites, I could confirm for myself that the new pope was elected. Not too surprisingly, it was Cardinal Ratzinger. Hmmm. In those first few moments, though, they hadn't said what name he took. Everyone was buzzing about the new pope now. I was getting anxious. C'mon, guys, what name did he take? Then when it first came up that he took the name Benedict XVI, I was absolutely stunned - shaky, even. Just like John must have felt when he found himself in Heaven with Christ. So the words I had conveyed were true.

It's interesting to note that St. Benedict himself predicted that before the end of the world, his Order would "triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil. " From what I've learned about Pope Benedict XVI so far, he strikes me as a man will do just that, standing up for fundamental Christian values in the face of considerable opposition.

I never imagined that I could share a word of prophecy - His Very Word - and it would come true. And yet God has used me in that capacity. It is very, very humbling - if it weren't for my faith, I'd be terrified right now. But just as Jesus comforted John, he is comforting me too. I just pray that I can remain attentive to God's promptings, and do whatever he has planned for me. Time is running short.

Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Funny Google Search

I didn't believe this until I tried it.

1. Go to Google.com
2. Type "French military victories"
3. Press the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button

And you get this.

Happy surfing!

Requiem For A Dad

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis. (Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.) -
-- prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours

I had a phone message from my good friend, Little M, on Sunday night. He called to say that his father, Big M, had passed away the night before. In the past several years, Big M has had his share of health problems. Now the Lord has called him home.

I think Little M summed it up best when I talked to him on Monday. Big M wasn't only his dad, but he was a dad to all of his friends. How true. I remember the occasional outing with Little M when Big M would tag along (or was it the other way around? It didn't matter - Big M was cool). Little M was best man at my wedding 12 years ago. We both recall fondly how Big M and my dad were hitting it off. I think Big M was getting into the wedding just as much as S and I's families were. But after all, Big M was an important part of my life, too.

Today's funeral mass was a fitting celebration of Big M's life. The priest had a wonderful sermon that truly touched my heart. He asked us how we were responding to Big M's passing. The answer was simple for me: I was there to thank God for Big M.

It was good to see Little M and his family again. I hadn't seen his mom since the wedding (she was quite surprised and delighted to see me). I had a nice visit with his sister, S, and met (again) his niece and nephew (who were just little tiny kids last time I saw them), plus many others, including Little M's cousin, M (who had some great stories from Little M's and S's childhood). The gathering at the house afterwards was a joyous occasion. Big M was fond of his Coors Light, and there was plenty of that (and other brands) to give him a last toast or two.

Little M and I have known each other 23 years now. We had grown pretty close in the early years, but lost touch. It had been quite some time (a couple of years or so) when I met up with him and told him I'd met S. A couple months later, I was asking him to be best man at my wedding. After that I hadn't seen him again until last summer. I regret letting myself squander this friendship over the years for numerous petty excuses. Big M was a casualty of that oversight, and I regret that I never saw him again after my wedding.

But being with the family today was a healing experience for me, and not the least bit awkward. Except for the absence of Big M, we just picked up where we left off. It was unconditional love.

Big M's legacy will live on - that we can be thankful for. But the world is certainly an emptier place without Big M. I saw his smiling face in the obituary - I will definitely miss that until I see again in heaven.

So long, Big M. You were a great dad.

St. Malachy: Prophecy and the Popes

As I was looking around the internet for articles about the Pope, one in particular caught my eye. In fact, a Google search revealed a lot about this topic. Turns out that St. Malachy - the first Irish saint canonized by a pope - had quite the gift of prophecy. This 12th Century bishop had a vision of the next 112 popes (and anti-popes) starting in his current time. He wrote a short line of Latin text briefly describing some characteristic of each pope. Skeptics have had a hard time disproving these prophecies.

The 112th - and last - prophecy concludes, "the seven-hilled city [Rome] will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End." Friends, between April 17 and 22, the conclave of Cardinals will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel for the sole purpose of electing the pope which corresponds to the 111th prophecy.

Here's what St. Malachy's prophecy said about the last three popes:

Paul VI - 1963-78. 108th prophecy: Flos florum - Flower of flowers. His coat of arms consisted of three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms).

John Paul I - 1978. 109th prophecy: De medietate Lunae - of the half of the moon. Born in the diocese of Belluno (beautiful moon) and baptized Albino Luciani (white light). He became pope on August 26, 1978, when the moon appeared exactly half full. It was in its waning phase. He died the following month, soon after an eclipse of the moon.

John Paul II - 1978-2005. 110th prophecy: De labore Solis - from the labor of the sun, or of the eclipse of the sun. Was born May 20, 1920 in Poland (coming from the East just as the sun does) during a near-total solar eclipse over Europe. His funeral on Friday corresponds with a near-total solar eclipse over the Pacific and Americas the same day. Has traveled around the around the world, "giving light to the entire world." Like the sun, he worked tirelessly and incessantly.

Here's what St. Malachy said about the next pope:

Gloria olivae - The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. St. Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

Here's a thought I have: perhaps the next pope will take the name Benedict XVI???. Anyhow, the events of this next month could prove quite interesting.

And finally here is what St. Malachy wrote about the last pope - "In extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Peter the Roman, who will feed the sheep through many tribulations, at the term of which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the formidable Judge will judge his people. The End."

interestingly enough, if you read Tim LaHaye's and Bruce Jenkin's Left Behind series, you will note that the bad new pope in their story took the name Peter Maximus. No accident there.

Jesus said that we shouldn't try to set a date for his return, for only God the Father knows anyway. But he did say that we would be able to read the signs. This may or may not be a sign, but it's gotten my attention. For now I'm just sitting on the fence as far as this prophecy goes, but needless to say, I will be watching the election of the new pope with keen interest.

Keep watch, my brethren. Keep watch.

---

Source links:

www.crystalinks.com/papalprophecies.html

www.catholic-pages.com/grabbag/malachy.asp

http://newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/4/3/180901.shtml

Terri Schiavo: More Reflections

This week has seen two high-profile deaths that seem to contradict each other. We have seen the passing of Pope John Paul II, a man who was able to choose the course of his remaining days and embrace the end of his life in dignity. And we have witnessed the passing of Terri Schiavo, a woman at the center of a controversy which ended tragically, regardless of what her wishes may have been. There was nothing dignified about her death.

I've already lived a full life. From this point on, each new day is an additional blessing. When my time comes, I don't want to be further delayed from meeting Jesus face to face.

But that's just my opinion. Your opinion may be different and it is just as valid. The point here is that you need to get in it writing.

If you don't have a living will, make one out. There are a lot web sites where you can do that, some for a nominal fee. Here in Arizona, we can go to the Attorney General's website and download any and all the forms (including Medical Power of Attorney, etc.) we need. They also have complete instructions for filling them out and filing them. Perhaps your state's attorney general has a similar resource.

End of life decisions are very personal. That's why it is important to let them be known to your loved ones.

Tragically, the Schiavos and the Schindlers have been wounded; perhaps they will never be reconciled. At least Terri is finally at peace.

Pope John Paul II: Reflections

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

The passing of Pope John Paul II about an hour ago marks the end of worldwide death watch like the world has never seen. Then again, this Papa (I rather like the Italian translation) has perhaps touched more people than anyone else in history with the exception of Jesus Christ himself. Even yours truly - an atheist-turned-Methodist - has been praying for the Papa.

It was September 14, 1987 when Pope John Paul II made a visit to the Phoenix area and held mass at ASU's Sun Devil Stadium. Although I didn't attend the mass, I had seen a map published in the newspaper showing the route his motorcade would take from the stadium to the bishop's residence. I figured this was the only time in my life that I'd ever see a real live pope. When the TV news reported that his motorcade was on the move, I drove to the intersection of Central Avenue and Glendale and stationed myself on the northeast corner. I knew I was in the right place because shortly after I and others arrived there, Secret Service agents also showed up. We knew he'd come by shortly.

Coming from the west came the familiar - but nonetheless curious - sight of the popemobile. The motorcade turned north on Central towards the bishop's residence nearby. And there he was, standing (or sitting?) within that clear, bulletproof box. We waved at him, and he waved back to us - to me! I will never forget that night. Hard to believe that was almost eighteen years ago.

Interestingly enough (to me, anyway), we have been to each other's hometowns - I was in Krakow in 1990 and I have a few pictures of the church where he served as archbishop.

The Papa was an extraordinary man. Some say he was controversial in his views when in actuality he was merely upholding the Gospel. He stood firm against the tyranny of Communism, first in his native Poland. From then on, a virtually bloodless revolution overthrew the Communist regimes of Europe. He averted a war in South America (the peace treaty was even signed in the Vatican) and pushed for humanitarian reforms in many dictatorships. He apologized on behalf of all Christianity for not doing enough to stop the Jewish Holocaust. He apologized on behalf of all Christianity for the Crusades against Islam. Pope John Paul II did what all Christians are asked to do - humbly asking for reconciliation - and assertively asking us to do the right thing.

During his life, Karol Jozef Wojtyla was an outstanding example of a Christian. In his final days, the Papa also demonstrated an outstanding example of how to die with dignity. The grief we share is for ourselves, not for him. For surely is sharing in his Master's happiness.