Render Unto God

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 'If we render unto God all the things that belong to God, there would be nothing left for Caesar' (Dorothy Day)  I find Dorothy Day's interpretation excellent when it comes to the possible meaning of Mark 12:17. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them." (NLT) What if the whole point is that he (Caesar, 'the man') owns nothing? Sure, he'll have his coin for a time, but not for long. He can have his stinking taxes. Will it bring him glory? Will it lift his empire to be greater than the Kingdom of God? "No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand." (Is 40:15 NLT)


Follower of Jesus, non-conformist, preacher, poet, blogger, graduate of Highland Theological College, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend, Learning Assistant (ASN) Outdoors. Late diagnosed Autistic.

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This Weeks Top of the Posts

Take Heart: A Catechism

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Take Heart A Catechism By David Holdsworth  FREE DOWNLOAD Authors Note: There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum. (1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer? A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name.  Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15 (2) Q. What message does scriptures give to tho
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Spurgeon for Peace!

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"If there is anyone who should be opposed to strife and bloodshed it is the man that names the name of Christ. Spurgeon considered the spirit of war to be absolutely foreign to the spirit of Christianity…. Modern conservative, fundamentalist, and evangelical Christians, all of whom might claim him as one of their own, have much to learn from Spurgeon, not only for his example of an uncompromising and successful Christian minister, but also for his consistent opposition to war and Christian war fever." - Laurence M. Vance  “We are up to the hilt advocates for peace, and we earnestly war against war. I wish that Christian men would insist more and more on the unrighteousness of war, believing that Christianity means no sword, no cannon, no bloodshed, and that, if a nation is driven to fight in its own defence, Christianity stands by to weep and to intervene as soon as possible, and not to join in the cruel shouts which celebrate an enemy’s slaughter. . . . Today, then, my bret
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Death and Nativity

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Even death is going to die! Silent night, perhaps not. Holy word, holy life for certain. Born to live, born to love, born to die. Nativity Angels sing, demons tremble, kings panic, wise ones give, shepherds rise. Calvary Angels sing, demons tremble, kings panic, wise ones weep, sheep scatter. Eternity  Angels sing, demons tremble, kings panic, wise ones kneel, found sheep liberated. And death, o death, sting vanquished, swords to ploughshares! Death, o death swallowed by victory! Even death is going to die!
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Suffering

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Who has all answers?  The faithful answer is that  I just don't know?  Free Will and The Light All pilgrims suffer daily Worship God anyway Not a twisted king   Absolute power hungry Micro managing  Free will is our choice Humans, angels, and demons Creatures and nature  Yes, troubles will come  Not all use free will for good   Lasting negatives World variables  There are good things and bad War: light and darkness Troubles since the Fall Freely, wilfully humans sin Treking east of Eden It's not all judgement Who sinned, man or parents? Born blind for His work Tool of redemption  Not suffering judgement  Jesus eye opener  Light of the world Miraculously heals a man.  Was blind, but now I see. Who has all answers?  The faithful answer is that  Only He surely does *** This poem is based on the following article that I wrote: I don't have all the answers. In fact, the truly faithful answer to some questions is "I just don't know," and that is the faithful answer.
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What in the world?

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"Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God." (From the Message paraphrase of Phil 2). "What in the world?" It is the phrase that comes to mind during family, school ground, work place, media and halls of power politics, alike. In the world where joy is stolen by human bad behaviour. In the world where fights and arguments break out daily from the home to the halls of power. In this world we are to be lights. To show it a more excellent way. This is no easy task, but by His grace may each of us be able to respond to "What in the world?" with a glimpse of another world. A better world.
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Happiness Replay

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A positive moment in time was an autumn day when I was sweeping leaves on Kilravock Castle grounds.  These are some feelings in that moment:  Contentment. The gentle breeze touched my cold red cheeks. The leaves rustled as I walked and swept the drive way up to the Scottish Castle, my home and job of those years. A crisp beautiful sound comes from the leaves. It reminds of childhood and a simpler time. I could do this job forever. Not only because I suspected a gust of wind would mess up what I started (and frankly didn't mind), but also I found something I enjoyed. Hard work outside. It was a job of solitude suited to a contemplative introvert such as I. One of many tasks. But, a special one that made me feel useful and one with the wild wooded Highlands of autumn around me. I felt at home, though I always knew the Castle was not my home, but the home of an ancient clan. Though I simply worked there I found home, not in Castle walls, but in the beauty of nature. I found a moment o
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Testimony

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Grace Alone. My heart yet afar off. Christ dies for me. My heart drawn to Him. Christ rises for me. Grace: Be still and know that I am God. My heart broken. Christ comforts me. My heart angry at, the world, the flesh, the devil and even to my shame family and Him whom I have pierced. Christ calms me. Grace: Be still and know that I am God. My heart yearning for a better world. Christ encourages me. Grace: Be still and know that I am God. Lonely, My heart blessed with a beloved. Desiring a child, My heart blessed with a baby. My heart blessed with family. Grace Alone: Be still and know that I am God. *** Based on my Christian Testimony. Some verses of note -  John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we ar
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Rise

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There is a song with the lyric "l get knocked down, but I get up again..." In turn I like the image of a Phoenix rising from the ashes. It makes me think how we Christians should never accept defeat. Indeed our Lord has conquered that evil trinity of the world, the flesh and the devil. He made a spectacle of death. His enemies had him marked down as defeated, crushed forever, but he rose again in victory and still rises. He too encourages us, though storms may rage, to rise from the rubble. To run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint, to mount up on wings like eagles! So rise up church, roar like a mighty lion! ln Christ we have the victory! (This post was also kindly featured as a guest post in the Primitive Quaker Journal, The Call).
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Children of Abba

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    But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:14)   Children of Abba lift your eyes to Him.  He knows our hearts. He is Father. We are sons. Heirs of His grace.   He knows we work hard in trying times. He has known days of toil. Days of labour.   He knows we get burntout at times. He wept over Jerusalem and in the garden. Jesus wept.   He knows our tiny mustard seed faith faulters at times. He knows what it is to be tempted. Yet He endured.   Our childlike hands must join His as He guides us to safety.  Become childlike not childish.   Our weakness will fade like mist as His strength becomes our strength.  Become childlike not childish.   Our Abba, Our Father.  Lift your eyes to Him.   (A devotion originally written for team forum while working at Redwoods Caring Foundation with slight adjustments).           
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A Stand

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The lone figure emerges from the mist, his long white beard blows in the wind. A peculiar sight for guard and prisoners alike. Soon more emerge as the old man advances. 7, 14, 21...soon a hundred unarmed saints. 'What do they want?' 'Who are they?' 'Are these the followers of Jesus?' 'Surely not, or they like others would sing louder as screams echo from death train.' 'No, no my brother it is them.' 'Why have they come?' The lone figure pushes gunmen aside. 'Can't go in there!' Guards cry. Heeding them not he stands in the midst of the prisoners. Eyes of surprised prisoners, Eyes of dumb struck guards, Eyes of bold congregation standing at the gate.'What will he do?' 'What can he do?' 'Tomorrow to death camp we go.' But then... Lifting up holy book he roars prophetically the words of Ruth 1:16, 17. A thunder of applause within and outwith the gates. Gates that will not prevail. Guards disband for the W
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