markdohle

Look my friend, people in hell don't go there by accident, nor are they surprised. God's judgment is always true, he sees to the core of each soul, and each soul accepts God's judgment. For a soul in hell, heaven would be worse. Jesus said that those who seek will find, how that works I do not know. I would think either one kneels at the name of Jesus out of love, or out of necessity, because of who Jesus is, he is Lord. We either go through the door of God's mercy or God's justice, there is no other way. We are told to leave judgment up to God, meanwhile, we should share the Gospel and show the fruits of our faith. I pray for all. Peace Mark

Of course, there is much that we cannot fathom;-). I don't argue about this since it has all been said, the debate or conversation about evolution. I just disagree about me being a fence sitter. That is your characterization, has nothing to do with anyone else. Darwinism will most likely be replaced with a different understanding (theory) about how it works. I do think the 'atheistic' aspect of it will disappear over time. Peace Mark

I disagree ;-). Science, when true, is also the word of God, for the laws of nature and the process of evolution are part of that. God is the author of all things, that is what the book of genesis taught, not science. Peace Mark

Lots of things that are not mentioned in the bible, but are facts none the less. Like 'germs', 'bacteria', 'atoms' etc. I do believe you go too far on your fence sitter analogy. Many Christians believe that there was a process involved in how things got to be where they are now.....evolution is one word for it. Though from God's point of view, everything is happening 'now'.

Many Christian do accept some form of evolution, but not the atheistic understanding of it. For me it is obvious that there is an underlying infinite intelligence in this process (evolution), no way could it happen by blind, unconscious, meandering process. This infinite intelligence is revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Peace Mark

I agree with you Wayne, self-knowledge is the surest way to repentance. I guess this self-knowledge grows as we allow grace to expand our ability to embrace our need for forgiveness and healing. Surely this leads to deeper compassion and empathy for others. peace mark

We should never lose hope, yet boundaries are important as well. You did well, love the fact that you trusted God enough to continue your prayer ministry to him. Peace Mark

Thank you for your comment. I do believe that each human being has a burden, a thorn in their side that keeps them in the knowledge of their need for continued grace from Jesus Christ. I understand regret, the struggle to overcome it, as well as learning that it says nothing about Jesus' love for me, nor my relationship with Jesus Christ. We grow in trust, by simple trusting when we feel the opposite. So yes, your are right, I do see in his suffering, my own. That is what empathy is I believe. I seek to encourage those I write in prison, not figure them out or to really try to change them. People as they mature in their faith walk, slowly learn of the Lords faithfulness in their lives even when they feel at their weakest. This man knows he needs to pay back his depth to society, he also knows of the Love of Jesus Christ. You have good insights into human nature, thanks for your comments my friend. Peace mark

This prisoner admits his crime and is a Christian, a devout one. His main fear is giving into an old way of life. He is not going back to his old friends. His main problem is allowing God's mercy to sink in, but he is working on that. I am sorry for your friend. Peace Mark

Regret, pain, loss and tears (A prisoner’s sorrow) I am writing a prisoner, his name is Roger, who has been in prison for a many years, but, hopefully will be getting out soon on parole. He is I believe one of those who will not be going back in. At least that is prayer for him. In his last letter he talked about regret and if I could give him some insight into dealing with it. I am not sure if I helped him, but since I have my own weight of regrets, I guess I do have some experience in dealing with it…..as I would suppose, most people do as well. Below is some of what I shared with him. I did not want him to think that he was alone in dealing with his past, that we all carry some weight around in our souls, even if it is often hidden. One day it will come out. I believe that as death nears, we do review our lives, or as the NDE’s talk about, have a live review. So below is what I shared with him. I need to say in passing, I have learned a lot from him. About perseverance against strong obstacles and starting over as he has done and will continue to do when he is released. Quote “Dear Roger, You asked about ‘regret’ and how to deal with it. We all have regrets in our lives. Some, over embarrassing moments, others, about serious wrongs that we did over the years, some more severe than others because we knew what we were doing and not just overwhelmed with emotion or passion when committed; they were free, evil, acts. Regrets, which are wounds that we place on ourselves, can rise up from time to time. For when we sin against another, we also sin against ourselves. However, to feel sorrow over our past can be something positive if we do not wallow in false guilt, which is a waste of time. Growth in self-knowledge comes from our contemplating what we have done in the past and from that knowing what we are capable of doing now and in the future. It is not always easy, but if you do feel regret, bring them into the presence of the Lord Jesus who knows, understands and has already forgiven you. Now you just need deeper healing for yourself and for those you hurt. You can pray for them, also if you can, if it is possible, to ask them for forgiveness. If they give it or not, are less important than you actually admitting it…..it takes a weight off and also leads to deeper compassion for others, as well as being able to forgive those who have hurt you in the past as well as the present….though it is always a struggle because of our powerful emotions. Pain goes deep, emotional pain the deepest. We each carry a burden, but until we learn to love ourselves and accept fully the healing mercy of the Lord we will go in circles bemoaning our past. Tears of sorrow are healing, tears of self pity are of a different nature altogether. We need to look to the Lord and not to our feet like Peter did when he was walking on the water towards the Lord. He began to sink, yet the Lord reached out and pulled him up, as he does you on a daily basis. You are God’s child, his son, his beloved, never forget that. Allow God’s love to fill you with compassion for your-self, self hatred leads nowhere. One point, do not be afraid of the different types of inner experiences, for they pass and another will take its place. It is from the stand point of faith that you learn to trust and not get swallowed up by inner storms. When you start on the path of faith, the Lord will want you to grow in self knowledge, which is humbling, for it is based on truth. Do not fear the truth about yourself, for in that you learn to embrace your need for mercy and healing. To deny that is only to allow it to grow unchecked and over time can become a devouring flame. Christ Jesus died for you, would have died if you were the only human on earth, that is what God’s love is….infinite, incomprehensible, other….so don’t try to understand it from how we humans love. Our love is finite, very comprehensible because it has limits. If God loved the way we do, well yes, we would be in deep trouble, yet Christ Jesus shows us something different my friend. When you see others there in the grip of some passion, or depressed, or overwhelmed with guilt, have compassion for them, and if possible let them know of God’s love. Speak to them in everyday language, using scripture only if it helps you to share your experience of the Love you have experienced in Christ Jesus. So, your regret, can lead to deeper healing, or to just more worthless guilt that leads nowhere. When you feel ‘negative emotions’ open up that chamber in your heart to the love, light, mercy and God’s love for you and those there with you…everyone you see and interact with is the beloved Child of God and how you treat them is how you treat Jesus Christ. When you fail, just get up and if you can make amends.” End of quote’ As a Christian who has received the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, I have only hope for all and so I encourage others no matter what their inner feelings and emotions are to trust in God’s love and mercy. God’s love is not predicated on how we feel at any one time. True faith has a deep trust in the Lord’s love; that nothing can separates us from if we seek mercy, compassion for ourselves as well as others. What we receive, we are to give back, to become channels of God’s love and grace. We are Christ arms to embrace, he speaks through us when we share our faith and encourage others, and when we show compassion it is His Heart that flows through ours. We are called to truly understand and deepen our understanding of what it means to belong to the priesthood of the faithful.

Yes, call it murder, just legal. Sad state of affairs. Peace mark

Eventually, they kill their conscience. I am talking about those who do them. However, I have met quite a few who woke up and now work for pro-life. Peace mark

I agree, there is always hope. Peace mark

About abortion, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice A good friend of mine, who is not a Christian, but a thoughtful man, actually like a brother, wrote me and disagreed. He is a man who does care for others, we just start from a different place. He did mention in his note to me that if Universal Contraception was available it would take care of a good deal of the problem. His name is Marco and if anyone met him would like him for his passion and depth of insight into many of the problems that we are dealing with at this time. We both know and understand that the women who get abortions go through a horrendous process and many never get over it. Hence a central problem if not the main one for the abortions issue. I am not pointing fingers at anyone, for I have friends and family who have procured abortions….life is messy and chaotic. Marco, "I think there is universal access to contraception. I believe that is another question. However, when the sexual act is reduced to 'play' without regard for consequences is a problem. Marco, one reason you are interested in the rights of animals is that they are not objects to you, nor are they commodities, they are real living creatures. I don't always agree with everything you say about animal rights, yet people need to stop looking upon animals as things' and in that I applaud you. The same goes for the 'fetus'. Funny, when a woman wants to have an abortion, it is a fetus. When she wants to keep it, it is a child developing. We use words to protect us from understanding the evil in what we are doing. Cruelty to animals for instance. We can call it sport, or scientific experimentation etc. That way we don't have to face the suffering we cause other animals. We label them. We also label the life in the womb as a 'fetus' or 'mere tissue''. Or the 'Woman's right to choose ', mind-numbing repetitions to cover over the conscience. I can't believe that during the democratic convention a woman got up and bragged about getting an abortion, how it helped her in her career.....so the life in her womb was a commodity, mere tissue, if she wanted the child, I doubt she would think in those terms. Abortion is murder, which is legal, just as mercy killing in this country will soon be. When something becomes a law, it matures, grows and can get out of control. Like in the Netherlands… doctors are starting to choose on their own who is to live or not. That was not the intention of 'mercy killing', yet when doctors overstep they are not persecuted. Roe and Wade was introduced with the intent of allowing abortions for women in danger......now it is a right for all woman to get an abortion for any reason. However, the issue goes beyond my thoughts on the issue, or yours. It is here to stay; like I said… for it to lessen significantly or to even go away, cultures would have to change in ways that are impossible. So all anyone can do who is pro-life is to stay calm, loving and compassionate. Life is very, very, very, messy. Becoming violent, insulting and physically aggressive only makes things worse for everyone. My post was not directed at people who are pro-choice but towards those who understand the sacredness of life in the womb so that they will not despair, or get angry or violent. I do not underestimate our potential for violence, in me, you, or the gentle old lady who lives in her apartment."

When I wrote this piece, I was not trying to change anyone's mind on the subject. I was really speaking to those who are pro-life and are very passionate about it. We need to speak out, without worrying about change, only God can touch hearts, and that includes mine. To become bitter, or judgmental in the way the Christ Jesus told us not to do is to become what we are fighting against. It is important that in speaking truth, we never forget the dignity of those we are seeking to help and be with. Tamela, you are entering into the experience of those who suffer. You are not standing outside making harsh judgments, that is not our place, so good for you. The Lord will use you in a powerful way. A good friend of mine, who is not a Christian, but a thoughtful man wrote me and disagreed. He is a man who does care for others, but I feel he goes along too much with the current climate in thought. Below is my response to this difficult situation. "I think there is universal access to contraception. I believe that is another question. However when the sexual act is reduced to 'play' without regard for consequences is a problem. Maco, one reason you are interested in the rights of animals is that they are not objects to you, nor are they commodities, they are real living creatures. I don't always agree with everything you say about animal rights, yet people need to stop looking upon animals as things' and in that I applaud you. The same goes for the 'fetus'. Funny, when a woman wants to have an abortion, it is a fetus. When she wants to keep it, it is a child developing. We use words to protect us from understanding the evil in what we are doing. Cruelty to animals for instance. We can call it sport, or scientific experimentation etc. That way we don't have to face the suffering we cause other animals. We label them. We also label the life in the womb as a 'fetus' or 'mere tissue''. Or the 'Woman's right to choose ', mind-numbing repetitions to cover over the conscience. I can't believe that during the democratic convention a woman got up a bragged about getting an abortion, how it helped her in her career.....so the life in her womb was a commodity, mere tissue, if she wanted the child, I doubt she would think in those terms. Abortion is murder, that is legal, just as mercy killing in this country will soon be. When something becomes a law, it matures, grows and can get out of control. Like in the Netherlands. Doctors are starting to choose on their own who is to live or not. That was not the intention of 'mercy killing', yet when doctors overstep they are not persecuted. Roe and Wade was introduced with the intent of allowing abortions for women in danger......now it is a right for all woman. However, the issue goes beyond my thoughts on the issue, or yours. It is here to stay; like I said. for it to lessen significantly or to even go away, cultures would have to change in ways that are impossible. So all anyone can do who is pro-choice is to stay calm, loving and compassionate. Life is very, very, very, messy. Becoming violent, insulting and physically aggressive only makes things worse for everyone. My post was not directed at people who are pro-life but towards those who understand the sacredness of life in the womb so that they will not despair, or get angry or violent. I do not underestimate our potential for violence, in me, you, or the gentle old lady who lives in her apartment." Peace Mark

I serve at a crisis hotline center, where during training it came up what would we do if an elderly person, or person with a chronic disease, called and asked that someone simply stay with them on the phone while they ended their life (this is called an "in-progress suicide"). They simply didn't want to die alone. What would be expected that I do? Given the nature of my work, we are expected to save that person's life at any cost; if at all possible. If I had a friend who told me that he wanted to end his life because of his pain level etc., even after I talked to him about it, I would stay with him and be with him and pray with him. We live in a time when we can be kept alive way longer than in the past when sick. There are lots of situations that are gray and not black and white. People are messy, I am messy and no one answers fits all. However, as a Christian, there is always hope that our lives have significance, and that going through life until the end is very important. Yet I have never been in so much pain that I can't stand it over a long period of time........so to be truthful, I could one day seek a mercy killing. Life is iffy, but the love of Christ Jesus is not iffy but always faithful. All sin is symptomatic of a deeper issue. We seek to find ways to escape that often make things worse. Suicide impacts many. Also, the problem with the Euthanasia question is that laws grow and change. Roe and Wade when implemented was not put into law as a 'right' but for a woman whose life was in danger, and rape I believe,then it bore fruit, the rotten fruit that it is today. Thank you for your courage in staying with this topic. Pray, love and do your best. I am thankful that God judges and not man; for often for us justice is simply revenge, and unloving in any case. Peace mark

To be fair. If I was an atheist (though there are pro-life atheist) my stance on abortion and suicide would be different, because we have one life, no creator, so in fact, it is up to each of us to do what we think is right. If an atheist, I would never try to talk someone out of taking their own lives if they were in great pain etc. However, as a theist and most importantly as a Christian, I would say that my life is not my own, I am a creature of God and my life and all that happens in it has meaning. That includes every aspect of my life as well as the time of my life. I believe that old age is the most important time of life, for it is then that we deepen our trust and love in God. St. Paul also stated that our sufferings complete what is lacking in Christ Jesus. So our lives are important and everything we go through should be brought to the Lord in prayer and self-abandonment. How can you say your life has no purpose if in fact, we are moving towards an ever expanding eternal life? Of course today in our society there is a great deal of isolation and loneliness, that only adds to the problem. Life here is very difficult, at time horrible, yet Christ Jesus became one with us and lived it out to the finish. I would suppose that if a regular human knew what was coming suicide would be a temptation. I do understand why people kill themselves, they can become overwhelmed with suffering or despair or depression, or many others ailments. I leave judgment up to our most merciful, infinite, loving God. I pray for all. I really love your transparency ITC hope you never lose that. Peace Mark

Work with those we know, I think many are doing that. I have friends who have adopted, have also helped young women make other choices, but kept the baby. Some pray peacefully outside abortions clinics and talk to some of the women when they drop by. They are peaceful and loving and have helped many. Some of the young women will bring their babies by and show them. Peace Mark

Absolutely. Peace Mark

Yes that is my fear, soon it will be the elderly. Peace mark

The stats show that Christians over the board, no matter their faith get abortions, just once. It is a sin, wrong, those who get abortions need mercy and forgiveness from God as well as healing. I speak to women who have had an abortion, they suffer deeply over it. Many times families and boyfriends force them. Some are fearful of being kicked out of their churches, which I doubt happens often. I am sure most churches show compassion would help anyone who sought help. Peace Mark

On the side of the downtrodden (For all, those who are Pro-Life and the Pro-Choice camp, the abortion issue is painful and heartbreaking) Human beings are so made that the ones who do the crushing feel nothing; it is the person crushed who feels what is happening. Unless one has placed oneself on the side of the oppressed, to feel with them, one cannot understand.—Simone Weil What is the difference between those who are Pro-Life and those who are Pro-Choice? I believe those who are Pro-Life understand that life is sacred and not a commodity. They understand that the life in the womb is not something to be snuffed out for any reason short of saving a woman’s life if it is in danger. Even then, there can still be a chance of saving the child. It is about intent. Abortion is the direct killing of a life that is helpless with no one to defend its right to life. Those who are Pro-Life know that. I believe that the Pro-Choice people are also acting for the rights of the mother, her right to terminate the life in the womb. It is what they focus on. What Pro-Choice people don’t understand is the horror of abortion for those who believe that a human life starts at conception and should be protected until natural death. For Pro-Choice people the life in the womb is only tissue, it is a way to not see more deeply into what is being done to those who cannot defend themselves. We seek the rights of animals, but the rights of those in the womb are rejected and even scorned. However, there is never an excuse for violence or for intimidation from those who are Pro-Life. Change comes from the people, the bottom up, not from the top, the government down. I doubt that abortion will go away anytime soon, for it is but a symptom of the deeper rot in our culture. I do believe that one day, the rights of the unborn; the most defenseless lives on this planet will be accepted. And our era will be looked backed upon with horror. Just as we look back on the time of slavery in this country. Both sides understand the human situation and how painful it can be for everyone. Having a child is serious business, yet we live in a society where sex without responsibility, or sex as a sport, is celebrated, yet the outcome of such activities is often rejected. Of course, we do this with all of our passions. Greed, look what it has done and is doing to the world. The suffering it is causing. Gluttony in all of its forms is also a cause of deep suffering for many. Anger, war, while seen as a true horror and evil, yet we continue to kill and destroy each other. Are we a species totally out of control? We do all kinds of things to escape the suffering in our lives, but in the end, we make things worse. I guess it has always been so, yet today it seems to be expanding at an accelerated speed. The crazy insane political climate in our country is just the tip of the iceberg for our society; it is merely the outcome of the deep dysfunction in how we as a people and individuals deal with our problems. I can say one thing, anger, violence; political infighting never accomplishes anything positive….well at least the way things are going at this time. I do believe that Christians and all people of good will are called not to become bitter, hateful, or violent, at this time. We are to pray and to simply do what we can to make our society a better place in which to live. We get in trouble when we look for outcomes, yet the fruit of our present actions may take years or generations to take fruit. We are like all those who have gone before us, locked in a historical struggle against chaos, evil and despair. We are called to pray, show mercy and compassion on all. Knowing that many get caught up in situations that get out of their control… Knowing this can help us to become a place of sanity and rest on all levels of society. On the side of the downtrodden (For all, those who are Pro-Life and the Pro-Choice camp, the abortion issue is painful and heartbreaking) Human beings are so made that the ones who do the crushing feel nothing; it is the person crushed who feels what is happening. Unless one has placed oneself on the side of the oppressed, to feel with them, one cannot understand.—Simone Weil What is the difference between those who are Pro-Life and those who are Pro-Choice? I believe those who are Pro-Life understand that life is sacred and not a commodity. They understand that the life in the womb is not something to be snuffed out for any reason short of saving a woman’s life if it is in danger. Even then, there can still be a chance of saving the child. It is about intent. Abortion is the direct killing of a life that is helpless with no one to defend its right to life. Those who are Pro-Life know that. I believe that the Pro-Choice people are also acting for the rights of the mother, her right to terminate the life in the womb. It is what they focus on. What Pro-Choice people don’t understand is the horror of abortion for those who believe that a human life starts at conception and should be protected until natural death. For Pro-Choice people the life in the womb is only tissue, it is a way to not see more deeply into what is being done to those who cannot defend themselves. We seek the rights of animals, but the rights of those in the womb are rejected and even scorned. However, there is never an excuse for violence or for intimidation from those who are Pro-Life. Change comes from the people, the bottom up, not from the top, the government down. I doubt that abortion will go away anytime soon, for it is but a symptom of the deeper rot in our culture. I do believe that one day, the rights of the unborn; the most defenseless lives on this planet will be accepted. And our era will be looked backed upon with horror. Just as we look back on the time of slavery in this country. Both sides understand the human situation and how painful it can be for everyone. Having a child is serious business, yet we live in a society where sex without responsibility, or sex as a sport, is celebrated, yet the outcome of such activities is often rejected. Of course, we do this with all of our passions. Greed, look what it has done and is doing to the world. The suffering it is causing. Gluttony in all of its forms is also a cause of deep suffering for many. Anger, war, while seen as a true horror and evil, yet we continue to kill and destroy each other. Are we a species totally out of control? We do all kinds of things to escape the suffering in our lives, but in the end, we make things worse. I guess it has always been so, yet today it seems to be expanding at an accelerated speed. The crazy insane political climate in our country is just the tip of the iceberg for our society; it is merely the outcome of the deep dysfunction in how we as a people and individuals deal with our problems. I can say one thing, anger, violence; political infighting never accomplishes anything positive….well at least the way things are going at this time. I do believe that Christians and all people of good will are called not to become bitter, hateful, or violent, at this time. We are to pray and to simply do what we can to make our society a better place in which to live. We get in trouble when we look for outcomes, yet the fruit of our present actions may take years or generations to take fruit. We are like all those who have gone before us, locked in a historical struggle against chaos, evil and despair. We are called to pray, show mercy and compassion on all. Knowing that many get caught up in situations that get out of their control… Knowing this can help us to become a place of sanity and rest on all levels of society.

He was talking about the fruits of a Christian in their walk with the Lord. Saying that no fruits, or bad fruit, points to not being a Christian, or saved. None of us knows the future, so for someone saved to lose their way, do they stop being Christian or saved? I think it is part of the question. Peace mark

I agree.....however, the once saved always saved school of thought might disagree with you. People cool down in their relationship with Christ, and float away Yet they received Christ, were saved on such day and time. Now people will say that that person was never saved in the first place. Well then, once saved always saved should be shelved, because no one knows the future, so in fact, anyone can wander away from God and in the end refuse to accept his love and salvation. I do not think it is easy to turn one's back on Christ Jesus, but it takes time and many small choices that can lead to a spiritual death. For me, each day is a new beginning to renew my love of Christ Jesus and seek deeper fellowship with him. If I wander, I come right back and renew my desire to draw close to his love and will. This leads to a greater reliance on his grace and love and not on myself and some prayer I might have made way back. Pece mark

God Judgment is always true, which means, that when a soul is in the outer darkness there is no other place for it. Since the judgment is based on absolute truth, the soul that is separated from God for all eternity agrees with the judgment though in rage and hatred. I do think however that Christians can get into the habit of judging on the level that only God can do......God knows his own. In the end, we are judged by love and if we loved or not. I believe the Last Judgement scene in Matthew shows that for those invited into the kingdom did not understand as a Christian would, that the mercy, compassion and love we show others is in actuality showing it to Christ Jesus. In any case, I pray for the salvation of all, leave the judging up to God. All who love beyond what is instinctive for me show the presence of God's grace and healing in that soul. Peace Mark