SoSalty

I’ve been watching u-tubes ‘bout the Israel Gaza War. Tiny Israel has stood the onslaught of Hamas, once mighty Hezbollah, and attacks from 5 other hostile militias forming Iran’s Cresent of Fire. I’ve also viewed the anti-sematic Pro Palestinian protests, threats, and reports of violence at American Universities and in countries considered Western civilization, am confused, and have many questions. Author Raphael Israeli is a retired professor of Islamic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern History from the Hebrew University. His book; Israel’s Single-Handed War on Islamic Terrorism was published recently, Jan 2025. His book thoroughly addresses many questions and is a great start to understanding this major conflict in the Middle East.

You could be right, the world could fall into the abyss. I used to immerse myself in geopolitics until the 'weird' election of 2020. I've blacked out most news since then. I think I'm better informed by ignoring most of what is being said in the world now. History just plays itself over and over. Of course, I get a glimpse of how crazy it is out there by walking by a TV in a restaurant, or my bible study teacher giving us an update on what smart moves Israel is putting over on the Palestinians. My notion is that most the world won't start up anything new in the way of military action. If Israel has it, we do too. (Last Israel attack on Iran was paved by their aircraft that erased everything from Iran's anti-aircraft defense warning radar. They just flew on over and fired their short-range missiles, easy peasy Oh, exploding pagers almost needs no mention.) Anything can happen, but my $$ is on a few terrorist countries will send up some pathetic rockets then get tired of having their economy blasted into the stone age, like Lebanon, just so their leaders can distract the people from domestic failures.

My teaching career began on the Navajo Reservation. The teacher's lounge was a big barren closet (with no windows), except for the old sofa someone fetched from the dry river bottom. All the res teachers smoked and would leave their cigarette packs around the room. No one minded if you bummed from their pack. Plus, at break time you had to sit in a thick cloud regardless of whether you smoked or not. After a year common sense returned, I wasn't going to be a smoker. I threw my Marlboros in the trash. The 1st few days, no biggee, but I really craved a smoke when sitting in their cloud. Then it was off to the bar after karate practice for a brew. That was worst. Bought another pack and partook though it made me a bit nauseous. Next day, kicked myself, and thru the pack away. So, after a week of not smoking, opened a fresh pack, smoked 2 down to the butt, dry heeved a bit then threw pack away. Later I'd go a month, smoke all I could stand, throw up or dry heeve some, throw the pack away. As time went on the cigarettes only meant sickness and a waste of $$ to me. Surprisingly, even years later having a beer around smokers would trigger a craving. After getting married, I headed over to the burger an' beer joint. Someone had a birthday and were popping balloons with cigarettes. Of course I was handed 1. I took a puff, popped some balloons. When I arrived home, my wife wouldn't let me in the house until I took an outside shower with the water hose; because I stank! Haven't smoked since in 30 years though I do allow myself a lite beer 1 a week or less often. I blame the Presbyterians for my last remaining vice. (they allow beer/wine, just not drunk )

Psalms 33 A psalm of praise for the Preserver Unlike politicians of today, King David would remove his kingly robe, step into the crowd, play a stringed instrument, and sing a psalm: Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart—those with moral integrity and godly character]. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound. For the word of the LORD is right; And all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

My 1st post, and Oh! where to begin. As a restatement of statements; [Gotta love forouk on this pg3 referring to Eph 2. In my reading it's Eph 2 & 3 whereas Paul puts forth all the doctrines of grace in his own words. Most are in logical order. Some are double stated and not in logical order. Eph 1 prepares our hearts for the astounding strength of God's message of Grace in 2 & 3. Then pg 2 neighbor has a quip about 'predestination.' kwikphilly then piggybacks on his post broadening it's theological stance. Neighbor restates his remark for clarification. Please forgive my direct remarks, I intend them to only be a positive summary of main points related to OP, that stand out to me. IMO, both slightly varying viewpoints are supported in the bible, just 1 of many paradoxes (not contradiction) within the mystery of God. So, Romans 10:17 tells us 'Faith by hearing and hearing by the word.' How can it matter whether we chose and came to Christ; or if Christ chose us before the foundation of the world and we came to Christ when someone else shared the Word, or we witnessed the evidence of the light of Christ in others then sought the Word? How can it matter if we are in Christ, Christ is in us, we are all within each other, and all united as 1? (message of Eph and thruout the bible)] This is a much-needed thread for me, my wife, and a friend at this time. Yes, there are times to walk away. Thank you everyone here for validation for me, my wife and a friend, having recently, walked away.