Justice?

I find myself fired up about evil in the world and most times have a vengeful attitude. After many news accounts of evil I think that I would “enjoy” bringing justice to the evil one(s).
I remember an old Charles Bronson vigilante movie where Bronson’s character was in front of the character who had been involved in the rape and murder of his wife and the rape of his daughter. The young criminal was wearing a large crucifix on a chain around his neck. Bronson looked at the crucifix and asked the young man if he “believed in Jesus?”
The criminal sensing possible mercy based on this question answered, “Yes, I Do!”
To this comment Bronson calmly told the man that he was “sending him to see Jesus” –then he killed him.
I remember being in a theater the first of many times I watched that movie and I remember how everyone cheered.
I now realize that my feelings of this kind are wrong but I have much trouble controlling these feelings. I have often wondered what I would have done in Bronson’s position if this event was true and it had happened to my loved ones. I know it’s wrong but I would have done the same thing. Probably still would!?
I know that I must pray about this because vengeance belongs to God. That is a scriptural fact.
Does this disqualify me from being a witness for Jesus?
I think that the answer lies in the fact that we are all sinners in one way or another.
In our weakness we must strive for strength through daily prayer.
Joe

Poetry

I have written poems loosely based on scripture over the years and I plan to occasionally post some of them here.
They are simple poems and would not be considered “good” by most poetry authorities but they are mine and I’ll let you judge their value.
Hope you enjoy.
Joe

In recent times I have finally got it through my hard head that helping others to find Jesus is our reason for being on this earth. Here I am almost a senior citizen and just now figuring that out. I guess that I knew it – I just refused to believe it.
Jesus has been patient with me, I think, I hope? I sometimes picture Jesus wondering why more of us,”just don’t get it.”
Anyway, years from now, one of my great grandchildren may be going through my papers and discover that he, or she, needs a relationship with Jesus.
In this way I can overcome the Shakespearean statement, “The evil that men do lives after them – the good is interred with their bones.”
By this method of documentation – good can survive.
Maybe my writings CAN have some impact.
I hope that you read my words and confront me on matters where I need it and share your thoughts with me regarding all subjects.
I look forward to this Truth Quest.
First I would like to say that my thoughts are arrived at through thoughtful Bible study and also by listening to sermons by ministers who are considered to be Christian bible scholars.
I try not to “think” but to let God’s word express itself. We can’t think for God or put ourselves in his place because, “His ways are not our ways.”
Simply put I will try to write about what I know and admit what I don’t know.
Jesus is a very important part of my life. During most of my adult life I promised in my daily prayers that I planned to study the bible more.
About 25 years afterwards I finally got around to keeping my word. For my sake I am thankful that God is patient.
In the last few years I have studied the Bible in depth much and I feel that I am a stronger better person for this effort.
I am thankful that my wonderful wife has stayed with me during my years of weakness and immaturity.

Joe

A Quest for Truth

My truth quest began at an early age but it never went anywhere.
In recent times I feel that I am making progress. But as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:2 – “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able.”
Now, I hope I am getting closer to what the writer says in Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Why would I want to document my quest for truth for anyone who might venture to read about it? Or, to document my quest and nobody read it.
Either way I am not concerned because God will see them. Then again, maybe someone will read some of my thoughts and complete his, or her, own salvation because of this effort. God will provide.
I feel that this effort will probably cause me to learn more than I teach. Therefore this is sort of a selfish endeavor. Effort causes learning.
I figure that I will be corrected often - but that too causes learning.
My efforts will be beneficial if for no other reason than for me to finally be able to express myself in my ramblings.
I feel much more secure with the written word than with the spoken word. I guess that my mind sometimes stays a few sentences behind my mouth. Sometimes my fingers on the keyboard get that way too but it is easier to control through this medium.
I think the lag time between mind and mouth has kept me from being the witness I could be for Jesus.
Maybe this print medium will be where I can do the work of the Lord?
I am not a Bible scholar. I say that because my weaknesses are obvious. My failures are probably like most everyone else’s failures.
Maybe I will write something that may if nothing else cause you to think about your eternal destiny if you don’t already have a “ticket.”
Joe