Biblical Diet [Repost]

12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. — 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)

In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 6, apostle Paul teaches the church of Corinth on the basics of Christian freedom and here eating habits are given some special consideration. “Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial,” Paul explains.

Corinth, like many of the biblical locations, is in Greece by the Mediterranean Sea. It is not surprising that the Mediterranean cuisine with its rich vegetables, olives, figs and fish dishes is renowned for its health benefits. From the Jewish challah, bread that symbolizes the manna that fell from heaven, to the honey-coated baklavas of the more recent times these snacks are good for us in right proportions.

Five loaves and two fish 

Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food, but what other foods are especially good for the stomach, according to the Bible? For green health enthusiasts out there I am happy to give you the answer that basically any fruit or vegetable, nut or seed, that you can put into the ground and it will reproduce will do marvels for you.

I am cautious of all kinds of genetic and chemical engineering, and I don’t buy the arguments its proponents make that doing it the new way is the same as the old. Maybe one day we’ll all turn vegetarian in our diet like in the original garden of Eden, but it must be something God, and not some lab or lobbyist, will then bring forth in the next chapter of human life.

Meanwhile, meats such as bison (buffalo), venison (deer) and lamb are something our Lord would eat, and which make appearances in the Bible in positive light. Not pork though, and not in the unsanitary conditions of the desert! Pork and shellfish are nature’s garbage collectors and there’s a warning about them in the Scriptures, which I’m not in the position to downplay so let’s not overindulge on those, shall we.

Then of course it is important not to make any food or drink our idol, and you obviously might like to skip something that’s used for some shady ritual. And please don’t forget table manners!

14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. — Romans 14:1-3 (KJV)

As the New International Version puts it in Romans, Chapter 14, “The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.” So we as believers indeed have this freedom of conscience, let’s not lose it.

It is good to remember we all live in different circumstances around the world, and even a fellow Christian on the same supermarket aisle may have to opt for the different item for various reasons. Same thing with fasting, which is a good, biblical practice, but may seem a luxury or pose a danger for someone driving to work each morning.

We’ll end with the words of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

11Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. — Matthew 15:11 (KJV)

God bless you, Dear Reader.

[This article was originally published on wisemansolomon.com on June 1, 2020.]

Listen Before You Answer

There are three ways to listen.

Listening to hear something to disagree with

Listening to hear something to disagree with is usually the least productive. Interrupting speakers doesn’t build friendship and it hardly convinces anyone that they are in the wrong, even when they are. So why would anybody do this? Pride and prejudice.

3It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. — Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

Listening to hear something to agree with

Listening to hear something to agree with is good with small talk, but likely to move problems forward and so saying “yes” as any kind of false agreement on important matters is to be avoided. There are even people who take silence as agreement so you might want to keep that in mind to avoid future trouble.

3Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? — Amos 3:3 (NIV)

Listening to understand

Then there is listening to understand. Listening to understand doesn’t involve value judgment or condescension (false humility, pride’s subtle cousin). Once you listen and fully understand the other person’s point of view you can then offer your correction, or walk away if need be.

10Christian brothers, I ask you with all my heart in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to agree among yourselves. Do not be divided into little groups. Think and act as if you all had the same mind. — 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLV)

There is such power in Christian unity that we should not let misunderstandings get between us.

19“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

God bless you, Dear Reader.

King of Kings [Repost]

Chess is a game of universal appeal that everyone can enjoy, but now I want to share some semi-allegorical thoughts from my Christian point of view; the usual drill. I really enjoy writing these as the thoughts are quick to form and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.

The first rule in chess is to allow your king room to move. The king that stays too closely surrounded by its own pieces will get easily trapped and that ends in those the most embarrassing, quick defeats. Even good players can experience them if they let their minds wander or multitask too much.

On the other hand the very idea is to protect your king and go after your opponent’s, so this must be a nuanced approach. By the rule of thumb, to kibosh the aspirations of knight that cannot move straight forward is to step right in front of them, and rook that only moves on its track can get ambushed behind the corner.

Some say chess is a feminist game, and I suppose there’s something to the joke; the pawn, after advancing far enough will likely benefit from becoming queen at the other end of the board, which the rules then allow, but let me tell you something, a good player will usually defeat them before they get that chance. How? By utilizing every piece in attack, including the king, which can be the real game changer you were looking for.

I have seen players who seem to have their strategy together act so timid about moving their king unless directly threatened, I will wreak havoc with mine and brutally destroy them. Like president in republic or captain at sea, king needs a reliable inner circle who will offer help but do not interfere in decision making. Their task is to follow orders or walk the plank.

Read the rules before you enlist

As Christians our King is Jesus Christ. Are you limiting Him? Telling Him you can take care of things, and go visit Him only on occasion? Saying this is something for me to handle, I’ll call when I really need, don’t want to bother. Or maybe you say I’m too far gone, thank you very much. That’s fake humility.

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)

We should always consult God first, and not fret or get weird about it. You know, like in chess, our King of Kings is the only mover and shaker we really should be concerned about. As king He expects protocol if we want to stay close and as good shepherd may ask us to do so for our protection, but we shouldn’t tell Him not to move when He must do something bold to take care of our lives and His Kingdom, of which all of us Christians are part of by His grace and mercy alone.

Chess, not checkers

And finally, let us remember team play with everyone. There’s unity and diversity in one body. Don’t think you can replace someone else just because you want to. You may do that and accomplish some things on your own, yet do horrible damage to your team; like in games and sports, most importantly in our collective Christian life that is also meant to benefit those not yet part of it.

17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. — 1 Corinthians 12:17-18 (KJV)

God knows the best balance of function, and has chosen to reveal it in His Bible. We may not yet fully understand why there are certain qualifications that really must be met, but they are getting clearer each day (there’s an excellent, timeless book called Leadership is Male by David Pawson I’d like to recommend regarding the topic).

4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. — 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 (KJV)

God bless you, Dear Reader.

[This article was originally published on wisemansolomon.com on May 1, 2020.]

Desert Island Dreaming [Repost]

I would like to be Robinson Crusoe, minus the part how he got on the island. Yes, I would try it for a month… or maybe a day or two. The story of the resourceful castaway having to build his own cabin from scrap, raising crops from a handful of barley and defending himself against all odds is a fine read for sure, read it a couple of times.

Even though the 1719 novel by Daniel Defoe is riveting and chock full of surprises, it is the hero’s willingness, and indeed ability to live in the moment that makes the classic such compelling reading. In the fictive world of antiheroes and superheroes and all kinds of desperados and villains it is refreshing to find a character who is not into navel gazing (or chewing the scenery). Crusoe is plain heroic, understated and overachieving at once.

He is also a Christian, who immerses himself in the Bible. It is the character’s newly built faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that gives him the repentance, the deliverance and the encouragement to go on. There are many pages I could quote, that encapsulate the universal Christian conversion in frank, timeless terms.

July 4.—In the morning I took the Bible; and beginning at the New Testament, I began seriously to read it, and imposed upon myself to read a while every morning and every night; not tying myself to the number of chapters, but long as my thoughts should engage me.  It was not long after I set seriously to this work till I found my heart more deeply and sincerely affected with the wickedness of my past life.  The impression of my dream revived; and the words, “All these things have not brought thee to repentance,” ran seriously through my thoughts.  — The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe

In one sense or the other we as Christians are all “Robinson Crusoes” marooned between the Biblical Egypt and the Promised Land, not all of us crossing the Red Sea as smoothly as the televised testimonies. Some of us get stuck in quicksand for what seems the most of our lives.

The Bible is not an all too solitary book. It accounts historical facts of people who had their times of isolation and reflection, but the emphasis is not on those times; The Bible is all about God’s interaction with His people and His people interacting, sometimes clashing with other people.

Reading something like the Book of Joshua can be a daunting task, but I consolidate myself with the notion it’s probably for the best I don’t prefer the wars; they are not meant to be pleasant reading.

The Psalms are more to my liking, with varying themes. The good news for lonely people and those of us who have failed is our value is never determined by our worth to society, not even by righteous standards, let alone any superficiality associated with highflying.

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. — Psalm 34:15-16 (KJV)

13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; — 1 Peter 3:13-14 (KJV)

I like how the Amplified Bible clarifies in 1 Peter, Chapter 3, that if we should suffer for the sake of righteousness, though it is not certain that we will, we are still blessed i.e. happy, to be admired and favored by God. This puts to rest two false readings into the verses, that somehow suffering is the proof that we are in the wrong, or that we absolutely must suffer in order to be happy.

God is not schizophrenic. We must learn to be reasonably steady whether the times are good or bad, being thankful for the good times.

Don’t be looking for trouble

People have an amazing ability to adapt to most any circumstance they face. This can be both an asset and a weakness, depending on the situation. I cringe at declarations and prayers on wanting to suffer for the cause, as if Christian life was a game. This makes about as much sense as wanting to drive an ambulance as close to the cliff as possible. Let’s make sure to move toward the right direction in orderly fashion so we won’t have to adapt to anything negative that could be avoided – including shipwrecks.

God bless you, Dear Reader.

[This article was originally published on wisemansolomon.com on April 1, 2020.]

Spiritual Warfare is Real

Imagine a drunkard driving a school bus. Then imagine a drunkard who doesn’t drive at all. Who should be stopped first?

I don’t like to give such examples when I am talking about something different, because allegories have their limits, but I’m sure you got the point. Once someone becomes a leader or authority over anyone else, they are putting others at risk, and are most certainly the bigger danger than someone who simply sits in the bus minding their own business. For the driver, the safety of their passengers is and should be their whole business.

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. — Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

Our struggle is “[…] against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12 NLV) The enemy hits where it hurts the most. A dirty bomb is placed where it does the most damage. A mafia syndicate gets control of organizations, not street peddlers. The higher up the evil is in the heavenly realm, the higher up it reaches in the physical. If you are struggling to manage your own household (1 Timothy 3:12), how do you think you will manage as a pastor when the bigger demons get involved? I am meaning to scare you, I really am. The danger is real, not academic or trivial. Not a mere principle, but a concrete threat that won’t be settled by saying it shouldn’t be so.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! — Matthew 18:6-7 (NIV)

So, can a bad pastor or world leader be forgiven by God? That’s actually a strawman argument in this context and not our business to estimate. Of course we don’t know everything about their lives and we can’t know if they whispered a prayer of repentance on their death bed. But we do know they ruined a lot of lives. Innocent lives, lives of people who trusted them, lives of people who had no choice but to live with the consequences caused by them and their ilk.

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. — James 3:1-2 (NIV)

Look at the country you’re living in and look at its leaders. Church leaders, municipal leaders, kings, prime ministers, elementary school teachers, recruiting firms (the modern-day slave traders?) Add anyone in a position of power in there. The poor and the disenfranchised are blamed for not earning their share but who is really sabotaging things on a big scale?

This is not a game

The enemy does not play by the rules. He doesn’t ask if he has a right to attack, he attacks when he can. It’s not fair. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10) He doesn’t ask, “Hey, do I have permission to enter?”  He doesn’t look for a door or a bank vault or victim that is challenging enough for the gentleman thief. A predator attacks the weakest, and it is the job of the leaders and elders to protect them, and you can bet the enemy who wants to slaughter a busload of people will aim his fiery arrows (Ephesians 6:16) right at the person at the driver’s seat.

I know many repeat the old saying “even the devil is God’s devil” and all that, trying to pass the ultimate responsibility for everything that happens to God, but we are not machines or automatons, and a sure way to lose under attack is to think it’s ordained by our Father.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. — 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Think. If you know you’re not qualified to fly that airplane, whatever you do, please don’t take passengers.

God bless you, Dear reader.

Mount of Beatitudes [Repost]

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. — Matthew 5:43-45 (KJV)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers some astonishing insights to the workings of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the natural, it would seem suicidal to do some of the things He is saying. Are we supposed to endure any hardship from just anyone, because they can quote back to us Jesus said so? Well, no.

Before getting to the message we must consider the recipients, let’s in fact read it from Matthew 4:23-25.

23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan. — Matthew 4:23-25 (KJV)

There are two important points I’d like to make. First, Jesus began by healing all who were sick, those suffering with various diseases and pains, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, paralytics. Second, nobody was directly excluded from the Sermon on the Mount that came next, but what was required was a kind of active participation, willingness to walk an extra mile.

Ability and motivation

Did you catch that? If we are to meet a crazy person who demands a shirt off our back, we must first get them healed and then see if they still need it. We do not put these burdens on the sick or the elderly who are already struggling by telling them to give away their rights to invading enemies howling at the gate.

The Amplified Bible explains we are to simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate, maintaining our dignity, our self-respect, our poise. The other people’s attitude, or even our own self image does not dictate our behavior towards others or ourselves. God has a standard for loving-kindness, and it is respect for the rights of ourselves and that of the others. We are not to pluck our or anyone else’s eye, it is an idiom meaning “cut that out!”, stop doing the thing that disturbs you or puts you or someone else in harm’s way.

16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

Perfection in Biblical sense means maturity. For instance, in Luke 22:36 Jesus tells those of His disciples who do not already own a sword to buy one. It is not for summer theater, those who carry a sword in dangerous times must be willing to use it if necessary.

Maturity, not conceptional illiteracy

A chapter taken out of context is a pretext, and we must consider even the peaceful Sermon on the Mount as part of the bigger picture the whole Scripture paints. Our Savior was speaking to His followers, those of us who chose and continue to choose to follow Him every day. Therefore it would be foolish to impose the Sermon on the Mount on all people as official, secular or religious law.

Experts who say the Constitution of the United States and several others are compatible with the New Testament reading of the Bible are correct,  but they do not mean these Constitutions are the Sermon on the Mount, or even the Ten Commandments – they mean these Constitutions deliberately enable the practise of these Biblical teachings for each Biblically mature and balanced individual who chooses to do so without harassment or intimidation by the secular or religious powers that be.

Our right to meet our accuser and demand for reliable witnesses also rise from the Bible. Even in Old Testament Israeli servitude was contractual and/or limited to a set number of years. That it continued to exist in New Testament times cannot be used to justify slavery; not slavery based on color or creed, and not slavery for the state.

These freedoms are threatened by people with different agenda, by those who cannot – or will not – understand the difference. They demand that we submit our principles at their altar, by taking our verses deliberately out of context or outright denying them. Let’s make sure our individual, rational and collective attitude spells out NOT ON OUR WATCH.

God bless you, Dear Reader.

[This article was originally published on wisemansolomon.com on March 1, 2020.]

The Court of the Mongoose King

In the Jubilee year of the Mongoose King, the resident male mongooses got together to celebrate and boost the morale of the Kingdom holding its own against the jackals, the snakes and the birds of prey. Small in stature, their strength was in their unity and unwavering support for the King.

Migwi the mongoose was happy to receive his invitation to the palace, though it was for the common townsfolk. There would be plenty of tasty food and the atmosphere of jolly camaraderie the mongooses enjoy so much.

“I know you,” said his wife. “Once you leave this burrow so I cannot see, you start carousing and behaving like a rascal again. Please remember me while you’re gone.”

This angered the husband. “How can you say that my love? Have I ever shown you disrespect in all these years?”

“No, my darling. I am sorry.”

“I also happen to know that the King is looking for new civil officers to replace the old guard. This jubilee may be our opportunity for the good life.”

The history and appearance of the palace was a story unto itself but suffice to say the mongooses had done a marvellous job carving and shaping the existing rock formations to their need in addition to having a well-organized burrow system for underground housing and food storage. Migwi entered the premises along with a herd of his townsfolk, buzzing with excitement.

The chatter quieted as the Mongoose King in all his prestige appeared. The king gave a short welcome speech and disappeared to the inner chamber reserved for the upper echelon, the tables filled with food and drink thus becoming the main event. Migwi made sure not to put too much or too little on his plate, knowing the food was there to be enjoyed but within limits. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

As the hour grew late, the voices became louder and some of the guests were heard cracking jokes about the grandiose looking mud sculptures of the palace room and even the fine linen cape of the Mongoose King himself. Migwi moved away from the rabble and struck a conversation with the officers who were overseeing the party. An ardent sports mongoose, he was happy to find much in common with the skilled game hunters of the King’s clique.

Migwi’s wise and respectful conduct was clearly observed by the senior officers. When the jubilee celebrations were over, he was told he might be summoned before the King in the near future.

And so Migwi returned home with much to be happy for. He had not only carried himself with poise and dignity, but he had also made the best of the opportunity to perchance become a civil officer.

That called for celebration with the little wife in the safety and comfort of their little burrow.

“Remember my dear, once sworn in, you will no longer be able to crack bad jokes on serious matters,” the wife said, pouring the fruit wine.

“Yes, no more bad jokes, my sweet. The Mongoose King will never know what a fool he is letting a rascal like me join his inner circle. Where’s my harp? Mfalme ni bingwa, mfalme ni shujaa…” 🎶

The next day Migwi was summoned back to the palace much like he had anticipated, but this time the atmosphere was different. The Mongoose King sat on his throne with a stern look on his face.

“Migwi, it has come to our knowledge that you have behaved unworthy of for our officer in training,” the King said. “Therefore, we have decided to relieve you of your citizenship duties altogether.”

“But that’s not fair, Your Majesty!” crumbled Migwi. “The other guests were the ones behaving like that. Unlike them, I never said a word until I got home, and I only said it in jest.”

“That may be so, but you were the one wanting to become the King’s officer,” was the reply. “We put you in close surveillance hoping you’d prove yourself worthy of the special consideration, but the birds outside your burrow reported you made fun of the King and sang unsavory songs about him. That is inexcusable. King’s officers are on duty every hour of the day and behavior such as yours risks putting the Kingdom in peril. Guards, take him away!”

Migwi and his family were escorted outside the gates of the Mongoose Kingdom and were told never to return. If they perchance found their fortune in the desolate wilderness, the annals of the Mongoose King do not tell.

The moral of this story is found in Ecclesiastes 10:20, “Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” (KJV)

God bless you, Dear Reader.