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Her lifestyle is not yours to judge and any child is a gift from God so congratulate her and keep praying that she hears Gods voice

I been listening to podcasts by the Orthodox Church various ones. I don’t hold to there position on Mary and icons. But I am finding a lot of there teaching is spiritual nourishment. Nothing heretical I have found. They teach repentance on a daily basis. They say if you sin get up and confess it right away. I believe that too. I rather listen to the Orthodox Church then the word of faith teachers. Like Copeland and others.

Wasn't there one on a Mount somewhere?

I so often find it amazing how after hearing a sermon at church, and receiving one of my devotionals in my emails, they both address the same topic I had been concerned with. Like gears from different sources that mesh together to bring about a common understanding of the word. For myself the devotionals I receive expound the word of God, Neighbor. In layman terms, like you said to 'inspire, reveal, encourage, point out something, edify etc. And to verify to me how we all experience similar ups and downs, and learn how God has provided his word to show us how we can apply his wisdom to our situation we're in. The two I receive are both from old friends I have known for years, working class guys just like us, who are led to reveal their thoughts to bless others according to God's word. Gives me new insight so often that bless me. And receiving them in the morning gives me a great start on the day ahead. "devotions as compared to God's inspired word the Bible" The devotionals I receive are the word of the bible as revealed from another brother sharing these nuggets of truth. Not compared to the word but led by the word from the word to bless others, as says the word to do. Thanks Neighbor...

I will venture there is an overlap. To continually experience Christ is to continually solve problems. I look for that in all things material and spiritual. For me it is a given that the apostles and saints are used of God to that end.

I think you're doing fine, @Thewhitedove. The lure of fleshly religion to condemn this or that is what you are to overcome, not being kind and compassionate toward your colleague. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Remember this: conviction is godly and a work of the Spirit, but condemnation is ungodly and a work of the flesh. The one who convicts this woman is the Lord; our place is to be gentle, meek, and patient. Our example is what speaks to others. Being pointed at, accused, and condemned is the example of defiled religion. It's powerless and hollow, lacking love.

Of course you can "honor God" - by treating her with love and acceptance, by being kind and patient with her, by being the closest thing to Jesus she will ever likely encounter besides Jesus Himself (ideally). The child is now a reality - and loved by God. There's no reason you have to stop being friendly towards her. We were all corrupted by sin - before we found His grace. This friend is no different. She, like many others, has been deceived into thinking her sexual proclivities are morally acceptable. With a baby on the way, she is about to go through some challenging times (as is true for all new parents). This is an opportunity to show Her the love of God. Pray for her, see if she has needs you can help meet, get other Christians around her if possible. Only Jesus can give her righteousness. If you show her His love, perhaps He will use you to turn her heart towards Himself in repentance. If she asks, be honest about the truth - that God loves her overwhelmingly but is very clear regarding His disapproval of homosexuality. Then the choice will be hers as to what she does with that information. But otherwise, be Jesus to her as much as you have opportunity. "Love never fails".

It seems to me that while cups are literally containers from which to consume whatever they are filled with, figuratively "cups are a statement about allotted portions given for related reasons to those specially chosen to partake of them." Psalm 16:1-11 A Michtam of David. (1) Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. (2) O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." (3) As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." (4) Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. (5) O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. (6) The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. (7) I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. (8) I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. (9) Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. (10) For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (11) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

@mel85 I agree wholeheartedly with the above. Mel, don't think so much about the evil one. Instead when something starts to assail you, remember some Scripture verses to combat the situation. Remember the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. And take the helmet of salvation for protection of your mind. Ephesians 6 is good to dwell upon...the armor of God.

Sister, you are ever in my prayers. As you said, you are trying! Do not discount that as being a glorifying testimony to your faith in God. Even in these incredible trials, you know His will, you desire His will, you are fighting tooth and nail to stick to His will, resisting the devil telling you to give up, resisting the evil one's temptation to end your life before God is ready for it to end. You are fighting hard. You are a warrior. The devil has not defeated you. You are standing for God's truth and His will. Do not think for a minute that God is not very pleased about your show of faith in this time of great darkness in your life. God is allowing the devil to test you, and so far, you have not given in. You have not let the devil convince you to distrust God, you have not let him to convince you to orphan your precious children. You are an inspiration to me (and I imagine everyone else here). When I think of the struggles in attitude I have had at times over the past few months and days with the stress of moving, despite it being nowhere near your level of stress, I can only stand in awe of your faith. I hope one day to grow to be able to fight as hard and as successfully as you have been. Do not hold in those tears. "JESUS WEPT" (John 11:35) Did you get that? Let me say it again. "JESUS WEPT" (John 11:35) Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, very God of very God, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Light of the world, Prince of peace...he wept! Your tears are not shameful. They are not weak. They are not displeasing to your loving Father in heaven. And guess what the very next verse says: "So the Jews said, 'See how he loved him!'" (John 11:36) Jesus wept openly, in front of others, in front of his disciples, in front of believers, in front of non-believers! Do not be ashamed of your tears. Do not hide them. Do not hide your pain. Do not think it makes you weak or a failure of a Christian. Do not hesitate to keep seeking help. God is not finished with you yet!

James 1:14 (NKJV) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When a believer is tempted it is generally tempted with the desire towards the sin it has given way to before….. These are the strongest of temptations because the sinful flesh has chosen to lay hold of these for one reason or another in the past…. These are the sins that still dwell in one that one has to reckon themselves dead to, for these desires are real and very much still alive in one…. This is where the reckoning oneself dead to these desires comes in, for the believer has died and not the sinful desires that are still alive in one; for the believer has died when Christ died… It is believing and maintaining this faith that is the fight of faith, for as long and as painful as this fight is, if one maintains one’s faith in their death in Christ, victory is assured, and that believing one will reap the fruit of that victory which fruit is being set free from that particular desire towards that sin… For Jesus did die and took the believing one with Him to death thereby freeing that one that that one might be joined to another… It is faith that grabs onto this freedom, and the strength and the depths of one’s desire to be freed from their sin will be the measure of the freedom one experiences….. For all things have become new, blessed is the one that would have it so…. Be blessed in the freedom that being joined with Christ in His death brings to life in one….. A fellow reckoner, Not me

This is what you see if you drive around my neck of the woods.

. . . and Paul communicated things that were to be held to, and things that weren't. 2Th 2:15 KJV Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2Th 2:15 CEV My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters.

All that you mentioned are what they are. They are also jewels that inspires and refreshes like a cup of coffee on break time. Oswald Chambers quotes makes you ponder as you read them, so staying at the fountain a bit to drink of the goodness that those minds are blessed with. Some are gifted to pen those words that soothes the soul .

Highly metaphorical Also allegorical Textually historical Oddly categorical

One might consider experiencing Job's integrity by giving God thanks in all things, despite circumstance.

We know that the Lord doesn't always heal or relieve us. It's true that I have been the recipient of the Lord's power on more than one occasion, but it's important to emphasize that this was according to His purpose and will. More than one individual was affected by His work, so what He did is properly understood as the Lord choosing to display His power in me. I never asked Him to do such things. I petitioned the Lord to remove the depression I have lived with for most of my life, but that is not according to His will. What did He say? It would change who I am and who He intends for me to be on this earth, so it remains. His grace and provision are sufficient for me. His grace: the depression comes and it's my place to fixate my heart and mind upon Him; His provision: I can overcome all things in Christ. Be of good cheer for He has overcome the world! As He has overcome, so do we. Overcoming is the problem all of us face, yes? In the Son of God, that problem flees. How do I overcome depression in Christ? First, I endure. I keep pressing on regardless of how depression affects me. Secondly, I do not capitulate nor seek to isolate myself; the work which the Lord gives me is a wonderful blessing in this regard. I'm given no choice but to interact with others and while I focus upon meeting their needs, I'm not held captive by the darkness of despair.

Realistically though, problems are not solved on their own. It takes effort from both our human abilities and our spiritual journey . Does not matter if we focus on just the spiritual part of our life, the cows still have to be milked, the roof still has to be replaced and sometime, if not often ,the help of community relief those burdens. The spiritual supplication that is sent up, works in ways as each experience and accepts their answer. The main difference is that, the physical part of our life we can see before us and the spiritual is as to the testimony of the receiver. So, with his testimony, he shares of the wonder of the living God. Paul was called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of Christ. If a believer feels that conviction, then he has to emulate Paul's life, which is a task that you have to be prepared for. In our spiritual journey as a "born again" believer, we now have that built in conviction to share the gospel. Your question though, if one is not careful, can lead to neglect in family and other areas, so I think a balance has to be struck.

I think I should try some of that procrastination stuff . . . but . . . maybe tomorrow or next week . . .

Praying for your healing and recovery. Regarding selling your stuff . . . take some time to recover, and then make your decision regarding those things. I have made many a bad decision in the 'moment' of circumstances, and regretted those decisions later . . . Ray . . .

Be happy you awoke with the Eternal on your mind!

CHILDREN OF GOD HEBREWS 2:1 therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have --HEARD-- lest at any time we should let them slip --2:2-- for if the --word spoken-- by angels was stedfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward --2:3-- how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by --THE LORD-- and was confirmed unto us by them that --HEARD HIM-- 1 JOHN 3:10 in this the children of GOD are manifest and the children of devil whosoever doeth not righteousness --IS NOT OF GOD-- neither he that loveth not his brother PSALM 145:17 THE LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and HOLY in all HIS works *******1 PETER 1:15 BUT AS HE WHICH HATH CALLED YOU IS HOLY SO BE YOU HOLY IN ALL MANNER OF CONVERSATION ******* PSALM 33:4 for the word of THE LORD is right and all HIS works are done in truth JOHN 7:16 JESUS answered them and said MY doctrine is not mine but --HIS THAT SENT ME-- --7:17-- IF -- any man will do HIS will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of GOD or whether I speak of myself --7:18-- he that speaketh of --himself-- seeketh his own glory --- but he that seeketh his glory that sent him the same is true and no --UNRIGHTEOUSNESS-- is in him PROVERBS 8:7 for MY mouth shall speak truth and wickedness is an --ABOMINATION-- to MY lips --8:8-- ALL THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH ARE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS THERE IS --NOTHING-- FROWARD OR PERVERSE IN THEM PROVERBS 4:5 get wisdom get understanding forget it not neither --decline-- from the words of MY MOUTH LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Read this today and I'm considering it's validity. Is it true that Paul, and others, were really focused on other's knowing and experiencing Christ in their daily lives, instead of trying to solve their problems? And the author equates the knowing of Christ as "thinking the one thing" as mentioned in Philippians 2:2. So should we be all caught-up in trying to solve ours and other people's problems, or should our main focus be to facilitate "take problem to Jesus"? Solving Problems or Experiencing Christ? "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 To understand the spiritual nature of the New Testament, we need to ask a question: Did Paul solve problems or did he lead people into experiencing Christ? Where in the New Testament letters did Paul solve problems? What problem did he solve as an end in itself? What issue did Paul get involved in to solve? Have you ever considered this question? We all should go back to reread the New Testament and ask, What problems did Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles solve? Did they solve people's problems or lead people to experience Christ? Of course, we know there were many problems among the Corinthians, but when we investigate how Paul solved the problems, we discover that he did one thing--he led them to experience Christ. In our natural life we are prone to solve problems. We are looking for answers. We are seeking solutions. We want things to be cleared up and go away. We want to "right" what is "wrong." We are hoping for our environments to change for the better. We live in our imagined expectations. We want situations to be such that our soul would be at ease and find relief. Our souls are enmeshed in solving problems in many things in our daily life. In our natural life we are in the realm of solving problems. But with the supply of the Spirit in our spirit, we are in the realm of thinking the one thing--to experience Christ. Paul's burden with the Philippians was not merely to solve their problem of disharmony, but to lead them to be supplied to think the one thing, Christ. To think the one thing is our greatest need. The way we can tell we are a supplied person is that we relate to matters and environments not by merely solving problems, but by experiencing a deeper, richer Christ. From The Supplied Life by B. Freeman

We consider devotions to be a gift from the Lord, encouragement in Christ to keep our eyes and hearts focused upon Him. It sounds simple, yes? And yet, being snared by the cares of this world is perhaps the greatest peril we face, so grabbing hold of our Lord ought to be our focus. A devotional gift doesn't draw our gaze to the one who writes or speaks. It's all about God who is the giver of every good gift.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" Psalm 23:5

None of us are going to agree with you, so I would suggest you just let it go.

I think Mr. M has the same rights to his thoughts as you do yours. I don't agree with either of you, but I'm not going to make an issue of it.

That's probably a good idea Mr. M. He is convinced that Jerusalem is Babylon so he's going to read those scriptures as talking about Jerusalem.

Thanks, and many blessings,,, that we all might become mature sons and daughters before our God….. Unto Him be our all, Not me

Good post Heb 10 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 1 Pet 5 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. John 1 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

It's true that sick were healed, etc. by the apostles. However, we know healing is not the final answer to the problems of life - Jesus is. I think what the author (quoted in the OP) is conveying is that Paul/apostles main purpose was always bringing people to Christ and showing them that the ongoing experience of Christ in their lives was what was needed . . . the "what" was actually a "Who." The miracles and other manifestations were a means to that end, that is, showing that Christ Himself is always the answer.

Seems the depised Kings men tax collectors are still around today; and in the USA ever more so by going after the lower level earners of income! Why? Do the lower level earners have to pay any taxes at all? Seems according to the Wall Street Journal report the 87,000 ruler's tax collectors of the IRS, some complete with guns, are out to get those earning under $200,000 a year for they do not tend to have the resources to fight off the increase assessment of taxes an IRS auditor might demand is due to the US Treasury. While I feel it right for everyone to have to pay a share of taxes, without exception, I do find it interesting that the push to gain additional staff for IRS is not resulting in audit of major earners as was billed to be the purpose, but instead is resulting in more lower hanging fruit being squashed. One might look up the Wall Street Journal Article on "The $200,000 man" for details. Just as the poor will always be with us, I guess so will the king's tax collectors of rather despicable reputations. Sure makes a flat tax or a consumption only tax instead of income tax seem appealing. None the less pay to Caesar what is due Caesar, and to God give deep thanks for what is of God.

Reminders – How to break the third commandment. As a child I was made to memorize the 10 commandments and was given religious instruction on how to perform those commands. At that early age I wasn’t too worried about most of them, as killing and coveting weren’t very high on my want-to-do list. However, my parents thought #3, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” and #5, “Honor thy father and thy mother” should be high priorities for a 10-year-old. Of course, #5 is every parent’s go-to commandment for their kids. I broke #5 all the time according to my mother. I could break it by the look on my face, the tone of my voice, or any other perceived disobedience. If I wasn’t a good boy in everything, I wasn’t honoring my parents. But as bad as breaking #5 was, breaking #3 was worse, SWEARING! I was careful not to slip very often as I hated the taste of Ivory soap scraped across my teeth. And I knew swearing wasn’t just invoking God’s name irreverently like my dad did when he was mad. It was any sort of cussing, which included all the bad words grown-ups said. When I was 14, I got in trouble for noticing and then telling my dad that his bent key ring was, ‘in a hell of a shape.’ He disappointedly told my mom that if I used that kind of language at home, what must my language be like around my friends? He was right, it wasn’t very good. I’m grown up now and cussing is still not acceptable in Christian circles, but is that what the third commandment is all about, not cussing? Taking the Lord’s name in vain is the definition of blasphemy, to speak wrongly or evil of God. It may involve disrespectful or profane language, but its meaning goes beyond bad language. In real-world behavior, it can be when someone claims to be a Christian, or His spokesperson, and then speaks or acts dishonestly as that representative. This happens when someone makes a commitment or a vow to do something and then does not do it, or they lie about what was or was not done. Both acts are usually accompanied with the defensive words, ‘I swear to God’. The most destructive application, and the heart of the meaning of the third commandment, is to be a false teacher of the things of God. A false teacher claims to have received divine revelation or sacred knowledge and then imposes it on others, when no such word has come from the Lord. They look good on the outside and claim to be righteous preachers but are really the servants of their flesh. They are the Pharisees of today. Because of them, Christianity is evil spoken of, and by reason of their covetousness, they tickle the ears of their victims to rake in millions. 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Final Thoughts: Jesus said this, “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce if it were possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22 Jude warned, “[I exhort you to] earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3 And Peter said, “You therefore beloved, knowing these things beforehand beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked [one], you fall from your own steadfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17 Let’s be as the Bereans, searching the scriptures daily to see if what we are being fed is truly of God, or if it is just someone breaking the third commandment. ph

Right! But if we focus on problems, we get maybe some solved problems . . . along with anxiety, and in the end little eternal profit. But a focus on knowing Christ and experiencing Him in the midst of our problems ("take problem to Jesus") results in eternal profit!

Amen brother! He solved many of my issues!

Experiencing Christ can solve a great many problems.

Could I say "rough neck " . Yes, the will to get things done and not minding the little afflictions that come with the bravery, is part of a true tradesman or craftsman. I think it is still in your blood, even at your age. There is a time though as you said, to bite the butllet and live with the memories or all those glorious projects and adventures that you were blessed with. I myself love construction and have worked on a few huge project sites, one being an oil refinery. It is indeed a danger oriented field, but the thrill of working with numerous people, tools, equipment and others to bring a plant to production is pure energy for me. Since moving to Canada, I have had to find work in another field ,as the brutal winter here is not for the faint hearted. I could have still managed, but I also loved electronics, which I did a one year course that set me on that journey now for the past 25yrs, and I like it just as much. Oh well, you still have fields that you can branch on to, and be less physical challenging. It will never replace your love for your hobbies, but it will keep you moving about with less of pitfalls that the more youthful can tolerate. Be, bless Neighbour and I, we, like your companay here at worthy and your sharing.

https://samesexattractions.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/interview-chad-thompson-author-of-loving-homosexuals-as-jesus-would/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/love-homosexuals-as-jesus-would-ex-gays-urge-at-conference/ He is spot on. The one who loves wins. They got so much hate and judgement in the church. One guy said: I got more love on the streets than in church. When I backslid same thing. Nobody wanted to help, judgemental christians in church and the atheist drugaddicts at least were kind to you.

You've asked and I will give my answer. Your reaction seems odd to me. You know for a fact that she is gay and yet you look deeper than that to find her a "kind, lovely, supportive, helpful, nice, and caring colleague". Her being gay does not disturb you, yet her being pregnant does. That's odd to me. What can you tell her? Get an abortion? No!! How about congratulations? You've already embraced her as someone you consider a welcomed colleague. I would tell her: [AND NOT NECESSARILY IN THE SAME CONVERSATION] [1] "Thank you for always being there for me as a colleague. Your support has meant a lot. I hope you consider ME a help." [2] "Congratulations on the baby!" [3] "We are work friends and I'm praying for the health of your baby. I just want you to know that as a Christian, I do struggle with gay marriage and your having a baby with your partner. I have to believe what God has said. AND I also pray that my beliefs don't push a wedge in our work relationship. I just wanted you to know where I am in my beliefs and that you are important to me here at work. I am praying for you and the baby."

Perhaps the holy spirit gave conviction. I also awoke enthused, in theo, and ready for some work...... "enthused": First attested from 1827. Back-formation from enthusiasm, from Ancient Greek ἔνθεος (éntheos, “possessed by a god”), from ἐν (en, “in”) + θεός (theós, “god”)

It sounds like what a guy on christian forums said and Torben Söndergaard in a youtube video called Cafe talk. He explains it really simple there. He takes a sugar package, holds it up in the air and it drops because there's the law of gravity. He read Romans 6. He said read Romans 6. You died with Christ. The law of sin was working in our flesh. You sin and you have to sin again, just like smoking. But now when you get that revelation that you really died with Christ you don't have to sin anymore. Romans 7 is the struggle and in the end Paul prays Lord deliver me of this body of death and then Romans 8 is the victory, living being lead by the Spirit and putting to death the works of the flesh. The guy from cf was addicted to porn 38 years. He fasted, prayed, couldnt stop. Eventually he said: God I give up. And God said: With this my son I am well pleased. I knew all along that you couldn't do it. He had to confess that he died and rose with Christ and then was instantly set free. A former gay guy on youtube, I think he lead some organization, he had an experience with a pedo as a kid and became homosexual. Someone took him to a church. He had to see his old self in Jesus on the cross. He got a new nature. He is now married and has 9 kids. Or maybe I'm mixing 2 up now. Another former gay guy said the same thing. Maybe he saw that at that service, that his sinful nature died with Jesus on the cross. Anyway they both got set free by it.

Well Jackie gave up first but it took some persuading to get Shadow to leave the nest, A young eagle has visited a couple of times now that the nest is no longer guarded. One egg broke and just disappeared into the nest but the other two were there as the young eagle was scrounging for food but had disappeared by the time he left ( not sure if he trampled them or if they just got buried under the material he was scrounging through .) It still is not abandoned though as a flying squirrel also has decided it is safe to go and forage around in the nest now that the big scary birds are no longer there Lets hope they have better success next year and it would be nice to still be around to watch it

That's right - GOOD NEWS!!! Not condemnation.

Just because I find something disrespectful doesn't mean everyone else does. But, thinking of it as being disrespectful doesn't equate to worshipping it as an object either.

The list has been around since way back. I recall it in a book from the '80s, and there was a video of a preacher narrating the whole thing.

I keep folding money in the door pocket of my truck for any spirit led moving to share. I can relate to having without but nothing like the homeless are today. And, It's amazing how the door pocket keeps getting filled up. Encouraging, empathy, thinking but by God's grace go I. I tend to gravitate to the less fortunate, and not just in worldly goods. I also believe our walk, witness, is very important to get an ear. But it is the word of God that saves and not my walk. I try to let people know the gospel is GOOD NEWS, and not condemnation. I have recently been reading a book, ck it out... The author, Matt Mikalatos emphasizes the gospel is good news, and the importance of telling/sharing it. Yes, there are consequences of sin, but man o man, there is also blessedness in the believing. That is what people are looking for but don't know where. Looking for something to ease the pain. Matt brings out to try and get on their level, what's bothering them, their need, listening to them. This can bring about my stored scripture memory verse applicable to their situation. In other words, I shouldn't just start off telling them they're sinners in need of a savior. But answer their questions first and how God loves them and wants what is best for them. Understanding that repentance is simply a change in thinking, which changes actions. Knowing truth, the word, changes things. And they listen. I've found witnessing daily to delivery drivers by talking about how blessed we are beats complaining about the insane government's. Good news is always welcome. Bing Crosby..... You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive E-lim-i-nate the negative And latch on to the affirmative Don't mess with Mr. In-between You got to spread joy up to the maximum Bring gloom down to the minimum And have faith, or pandemonium Liable to walk upon the scene To illustrate his last remark Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark What did they do, just when everything looked so dark? Man, they said we better ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive E-lim-i-nate the negative And latch on to the affirmative Don't mess with Mr. In-between No, do not mess with Mister In-Between Do you hear me? Oh, listen to me children and-a you will hear About the eliminatin' of the negative And the accent on the positive And gather 'round me children if you're willin' And sit tight while I start reviewin' The attitude of doin' right (I know, kinda dumb, but I like it:) "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things"

The word doubt. The just what three days ago just before I went to sleep He said "don't entertain doubt".

Or maybe is a literary allusion to primordial chaos...

I was a carpenter for over a half century. I used/applied the Pythagorean theorem often. I wonder if Jesus did.............. (I hurled a few imprecations myself if ever I hit my thumb with my hammer)