ICEMANforChrist

Genesis, Chapter 31, Verse 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us!” Jacob took the oath by the Fear of his father Isaac. Laban and Jacob both take oaths here not to war with each other. Nahor [1] was the brother of Abraham and an idol worshiper who used several God’s as a type of insurance policy. Laban here is doing the same mentioning His gods but Jacob wanted to ensure Laban that there is only one God which he states was the Fear of Isaac. Laban sets up a pillar as a border line for the two. War and the taking of life by each other have been with us since the dawn of time. Christ came to stop the cycle of revenge to change the law of an eye for an eye. Yet, there are times we must take up the sword and not stand by to let the evil defile the weak. We are not to tolerate bullies or murders. God would not be pleased with us to meekly watch another Rwanda in our time. Today is my grandson’s 15th birthday; I cannot shap...

Genesis, Chapter 31, Verse 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, you would now have sent me away empty-handed. But God saw my plight and the fruits of my toil, and last night he reproached you.” This is Jacob speaking about his treatment from his father in law Laban.  According to kabalistic sources Laban was a powerful pagan wizard. Yet, we see that Laban feared Isaac; Jacobs father because God was with him. People who know the Lord radiate a presence; it affects their whole being. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is real. God’s Holy presence changes us physically, mentally and in a deeper sense within the heart. We are new people. In today’s reading Moses face radiated this presence so much his face had to be covered because its glowing terrified the Israelites. In earlier postings we discussed how Sarah; Abraham’s wife was exquisitely beautiful at an advanced age. Those who radiate the presence of God seek ...

Exodus, Chapter 34, Verse 30 When Aaron, then, and the other Israelites saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him.

Genesis, Chapter 26, Verse 24 The same night the L ORD appeared to him and said: I am the God of Abraham, your father. Do not fear , for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of Abraham, my servant.

Genesis, Chapter 26, Verse 7 When the men of the place asked questions about his wife, he answered, “She is my sister.” He was afraid that, if he called her his wife, the men of the place would kill him on account of Rebekah, since she was beautiful. So Isaac (whom was bound as a sacrificial offering to God) the only son of Abraham, now is grown, has a wife and is pulling the same trick with the men who desire his wife-stating she is my sister. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia , the recurring story has a unified purpose: "From the point of view of the history of culture these episodes are very instructive. But it is not very probable that Abraham would have run the risk twice. Moreover, a similar incident is reported in regard to Isaac and Rebecca. This recurrence indicates that none of the accounts is to be accepted as historical; all three are variations of a theme common to the popular oral histories of the Patriarchs. That women were married in the way here sup...

Genesis, chapter 22, Verse 12 “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the angel. “Do not do the least thing to him. For now I know that you fear god, since you did not withhold from me your son, your only one.” This was the last test of Abraham. It was by Abraham’s confidence and humility before God that all the peoples of the earth are blessed for God did not withhold from us his only son Jesus Christ in sacrifice for our sins.

Genesis, Chapter 20, Verse 11 Abraham answered, “I thought there would be no fear of God in this place, and so they would kill me on account of my wife. Sometimes it is hard to connect to a biblical fear as someone seeking your life for your wife. Yet, perhaps we could understand it a bit when we realize what a wife meant to the men of the bible nothing short of life, children and legacy. In modern times perhaps we could connect with this type of fear with a more modern fear of ruthlessness that could take your life. That is the issue of organ harnessing. In some parts of the world people especially young men are seduced, drugged and then may wake up in a bathtub of ice. Having one or both kidneys harvested for profit. In Abraham's time losing a wife may have been akin to losing a kidney. Organ harvesting is a growing threat. Even quasi legitimate business' are into making profit off the organs of aborted children i.e. Planned Parenthood. The fear is real. So we ...

Genesis, Chapter 20, Verse 8 Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants and informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were filled with fear . Abimelech was a pagan King warned in a dream not to take Sarah; who by accounts in the scripture was a most beautiful and alluring woman, into his Harem because she was the wife of Abram (Abraham) a visitor to his kingdom. Abimelech even though a pagan was a righteous man; so righteous and good was he that he was warned in a dream from God about Sarah. Abimelech and his servants and men were righteous as they demonstrated holy fear when they realized how close the King came to culminating a grievous sin that surely would have caused the ruin of the entire kingdom. Being righteous men they may have listen to that small still voice of God’s spirit that calls men to right actions knowing instinctively the words God spoke on mount Sinai to Moses “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment fo...

Lots fail trial Genesis, Chapter 19, Verse 30 Since Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, he and his two daughters went up from Zoar and settled in  the hill country, where he lived with his two daughters in a cave.

Genesis, Chapter 9, Verse 2 Fear and dread of you shall come upon all the animals of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon all the creatures that move about on the ground and all the fishes of the sea; into your power they are delivered. After the Flood that killed all the earth God gives Noah all the animals of the earth for food. Before the flood animals and humans are depicted as vegetarians. In view of the human propensity to violence, God changes the original prohibition against eating meat. However, God did not remake our bodies and many doctors will recommend a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in meats. In today’s readings we read about the grumbling of the Israelite's while they were in the desert with Moses and God. In the desert there are few things to eat and the Israelite's were hungry and they complained that they missed the fleshpots of Egypt. God provided for the Israelite's by giving them bread from heaven “manna” but tol...

Revelation, Chapter 18, Verse 11-18 11 The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her, because there will be no more markets for their cargo: 12 their cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple silk, and scarlet cloth; fragrant wood of every kind, all articles of ivory and all articles of the most expensive wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human beings. 14 “The fruit you craved has left you. All your luxury and splendor are gone; never again will one find them.” 15 The merchants who deal in these goods, who grew rich from her, will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her. Weeping and mourning, 16 they cry out: “Alas, alas, great city, wearing fine linen, purple and scarlet, adorned [in] gold, precious stones, and pearls. 17 In one hour this great wealth has been ruin...

Exodus, Chapter 14, Verse 30-31 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel on that day from the power of Egypt. When Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore 31 and saw the great power that the LORD had shown against Egypt, the people feared the LORD. They believed in the LORD and in Moses his servant. The Hebrew’s after the crossing of the red sea and seeing Gods great power feared Him with human fear; but not Holy fear. There was no love towards God; only fear. God desires a spiritual union with us; therefore our belief must be mingled with great love and affection. This is why later Israel would make the golden calf since their hearts were dead to God after 400 years in Egypt. What was it about Egypt that enslaved the Israelites even after they were freed by God? Egypt was rich, so rich that even the Israelites were as self-indulgent as the Egyptians. It meant a daily life of giving in to your desires and the brief enjoyments of this passing life. They only thought of sat...

Psalm 23, Verse 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

Revelation, Chapter 18, Verse 9-10 http://bcove.me/l4wpsyjm 9 The kings of the earth who had intercourse with her in their wantonness will weep and mourn  over her when they see the smoke of her pyre. 10 They will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her, and they will say: “alas, alas, great city, Babylon, mighty city. In one hour your judgment has come.” One wonders if this is happening in our mist. Don’t worry the victory is for those who are in the risen one. Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope. (Matthew 12:18-21)

Mark, Chapter 12, Verse 12 They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away. It is natural to fear something you cannot control. Christ could not be controlled by the men in charge of the Temple system; so they feared Him and they feared the crowd that followed Him. Christ’s message was good news to the crowd who were but pawns in the Jewish Temple system of wealth and power. Yesterday we examined the effects of fear on the crowds in Rowanda at the time of the genocide. We can see that when rabid fear infects the masses and there is a shortage of righteous men utter chaos can follow. We in times of trouble should be like Tobit and seek to walk all the days of our lives in paths of truth and righteousness. It was Tobit who defied those in power to do an act of mercy by burying the dead. While his neighbors mocked him and saying to one another: “He is still not afraid! ...

Revelation, Chapter 15, Verse 4 Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” We glorify God when we are righteous as he is righteous who makes the rain fall on both the good and the evil. I know I have gotten away from our book study of Character is Destiny [1] so with the subject being about RIGHTEOUSNESS we will be examining the character traits exemplified by Roméo Dallaire who in 1993, was appointed Force Commander for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), where he witnessed the country descend into chaos and genocide, leading to the deaths of more than 800,000 Rwandans. When the rest of the world looked away, he stayed behind in a manmade evil for the sake of duty and justice. Dallaire was in charge of a small overwhelmed African peacekeeping force, he could have left but he refused and witnessed the genocide. He is ashamed ...

Revelation, Chapter 14, Verse 6-7 6  Then I saw another angel flying high over head, with everlasting good news _ to announce to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. 7  He said in a loud voice, “ Fear God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship him who made heaven and earth and sea and springs of water.”

Exodus, Chapter 2, Verse 13-14 13  The next day he went out again, and now two Hebrews were fighting! So he asked the culprit, “Why are you striking your companion?” 14  But he replied, “Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses became afraid and thought, “The affair must certainly be known.” Moses was a prince of Egypt and also a Hebrew slave. Moses as a man sought justice for his Hebrew brothers and in a fit of anger killed an Egyptian that was brutalizing a Hebrew slave and secretly buried him in the sand. Secrecy is an important element in sinfulness. When we find ourselves wanting to keep something secret we should ask ourselves are we going down a road that we want to go; is this secrecy that we desire really an attempt to hide our sinfulness from God; who sees all things. Think twice the next time you seek secrecy. 

Revelation, Chapter 11, Verse 18 The nations raged, but your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged, and to recompense your servants, the prophets, and the holy ones and those who fear your name, the  small and the great alike, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” This verse refers to the blowing of the seventh trumpet which proclaims the coming of God’s reign after the victory over diabolical powers. End of time prophesies can be very frightening and confusing. Yet, we need not fear: all we need do is seek the shelter of Christ’s church and to do what we can to do His Holy will. Pope Francis recently commented that humankind will bring about the end of the world unless we rein in our rapacious greed. You might want to peruse Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter  Laudato Si’ Of The Holy Father Francis On Care For Our Common Home. 

Revelation, Chapter 11, Verse 10-11 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and be glad and exchange gifts because  these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. The two great witnesses as mentioned here are the spirit s of righteousness and truth. The world delights in destruction and will pay almost any price to avoid the truth. Yet, if a man aligns himself with the one who had risen on the third day, the breath of life from God will enter him. A man resurrected in the risen Lord is a fearful thing for he cannot be brought and he is clothed in the power of God: All the world fears a man that will stand on his feet.

Genesis, Chapter 50, Verse 15 Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful and thought, “Suppose Joseph has been nursing a grudge against us and now most certainly will pay us back in full for all the wrong we did him!” Joseph’s reaction to his brothers was complete confidence in God. “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people” (v.   20 ) When we are fearful we are showing a lack of confidence in God. God asks us to boldly go where no man has gone before…for a man must be heroic to live  always in faith, hope, and love. Joseph believed and had confidence in a God he could not see. We are the receivers of this confidence and blessed are we that we can see God the Father through His son Jesus. Jesus asks us to believe in His love. His love calls for love. How do you give Jesus love for love? Be great in your faith; before all and above all, by your confidence in Him. Therefore w...

Genesis, Chapter 46, Verse 3 Then he said: I am God,   the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation. Sometimes God asks us to go down into our own personal Egypt's so He can make us MORE; by raising us up.

Revelation, Chapter 2, Verse 12 Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation, Chapter 1 , Verse 17-18 17 When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid . I am the first and the last, 18 the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld. All have sinned; all are unjust. Have you ever thought “Now comes the reckoning for his blood” as Josephs brothers did in today’s first reading. Yet, the Lord has touched us, and it is important to note that he has touched us with his right hand; signifying power, forgiveness and authority saying, “Do not be afraid”.

Jude, Chapter 1, Verse 22-23 22 On those who waver, have mercy; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear , abhorring even the outer garment stained by the flesh. Save others by snatching them out of the fire. Jude is advising us to be prudent when you save others. There is almost no way you can pull others from a fire without being burnt; unless you are wearing protective garments. You cannot save unbelievers by hanging out in the bar with them or partying with them. Jude states the even the very garments of the godless are to be abhorred because of their contagion or in more simplistic terms we cannot have the same lifestyle as the godless. No we must be in the world but not of the world. Christ in His Sermon on the Mount taught us how our lifestyle is to be.   Be not afraid but be brave in the world loving even the loveless. Do not become prideful and self-important but show humility ; reverence and respect to al...

J ude, Chapter 1, Verse 12 These are blemishes on your love feasts, as they carouse fearlessly and look after themselves. They are waterless clouds blown about by winds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead and uprooted.  My father always had a great devotion to St. Jude. He always sworn it was St. Jude’s prayers and intercession that brought him home from the war in the pacific and maybe it was. He got my grandmother to sign the papers and he was in combat before his 18th birthday. He was a ghost diver; his job was to scuba dive in before invasions set up radio beacons for the invasion and avoid detection or capture. He went on 26 missions with 11 others in frogman teams. The normal mortality rate for these teams was 50%.   After the war; my father drank a lot to forget. As his disease of alcoholism ramped up he stopped going to church refusing to go to church drunk. I don’t know if my father was aware of this verse where St. Jude admonishes false teachers w...

1 John, Chapter 4 , Verse 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.