Sunday, March 3, 2024

 In Psalm 94, it is stated that evildoers speak arrogantly and boastfully, while also oppressing and harming God's people. The concept of an ideal world is established by God through fundamental principles. When individuals use arrogant words, they are manipulating and disregarding these principles, breaking covenants, disrespecting God, and disregarding laws and decrees. When we speak the words of God, we bring blessings upon ourselves and others, but when we speak our own words, we bring curses. It is important for our social attitudes and actions to align with these moral principles. The godly person may feel isolated and strange when faced with defamatory words that do not adhere to the creative culture of speaking these fundamental principles. As one distances themselves from these principles, they may develop ambivalent attitudes and engage in broken promises and covenants. In such cases, it is essential for the godly person to retreat to private meditation and cleanse their mind from distorted images formed by the political language of the natural man. The Psalmist teaches that the natural man primarily speaks in a pragmatic language. To rise above this and experience blessings, we must speak the fundamental principles. The natural man may resist authoritative pronouncements, but political pragmatism, which mocks covenants and disregards laws, is not aligned with God's principles. The moral axioms are more than just innovative applications; they are naturally given in creative pronouncements. Pragmatism focuses aggressively on the moral force and political power of individuals, while the axioms highlight God's independent judgments and the rise and fall of these judgments. We truly believe that our connections are with our true selves, rather than our typical actions. We are naturally created in the image of God, and this means that we can change as God reveals Himself and His attributes to us. The Psalms demonstrate God's prevailing attitude towards the fallen creation through authoritative pronouncements. We become more like God when we voluntarily speak these logical principles, as we were created with similar attitudes. However, the authoritative pronouncements in the Psalms are more extreme than our instinctive reactions. The Psalms allow us to reflect on our souls and understand ourselves through God's radical reactions. God has spoken the fundamental principles, and as we speak them voluntarily, we become transformed through conversion. This transformation is guided by our sincere belief in the orthodox disposition and our vicarious experience of the sacred mystery in the continuous cycle of blessings and curses. This is what the apostle refers to when he speaks of the miraculous transformation of our conscious minds. MI

 Psalm 1510 states that those who have knowledge of God's name will trust in Him, as He has never forsaken those who seek Him. The Apostle teaches that God, who initiated a worthy work in us, will bring it to completion. The gift of eternal salvation is generously provided in its entirety, and in Christ, we have been made whole. When we were released, we were implanted with the word of God, which the Psalmist describes as a comprehensive understanding of God. This knowledge ensures that we cannot fail in our affectionate knowledge and understanding of God. The key question is whether the Psalmist is teaching that we should humbly trust in God as our knowledge gradually grows, or if he is saying that we should fully identify God and depend on Him without fail. This is resolved by the Psalmist's description of our established identity. He teaches that God has maintained His law as the standard for accepting His saints. The law of God is written in the heart of the righteous, keeping them from slipping. God faithfully upheld His law by instantly bringing all necessary things into existence. The Psalmist teaches that the moral law of God goes beyond a mere moral code and defines all aspects of creation. The law is an eternal covenant, and its purpose is to order and unify all of creation. When God gave the law to Moses, He proclaimed that His covenant people would obey it completely. Those who enjoy the gift of divine knowledge are equipped with a creative ability to rely on God. The covenant law speaks of God's completed work, making us perfectly acceptable in the future that we are destined for. Through the process of renewal, we have been faithfully transformed from our former life in bondage to the law. But if God promises to deliver us efficiently to completion by fulfilling the covenant of creation, then what role does the law play in God's continuous renewal? In order for us to be made complete, the law had to be satisfied. This is why the Psalmist teaches that God's moral law is a covenant law. For God's covenant to be fulfilled, He had to meet the demands of the law. The law is more than just a moral code because it was intentionally designed by God to establish a covenant with man in the private garden. God created the fruitful earth and established a harmonious relationship with man, giving him authority over creation. The key question is, at what point is a fallen sinner worthy of exercising authority over creation if God issued the law to reveal His glory in Adam exercising his authority? The Psalmist teaches that we are not becoming something in the future, but rather, we are becoming what we already are. In order for us to be what we already are, the law had to already be fulfilled. This is why God fulfilled His covenant with the saints by pronouncing death upon all lawbreakers. Therefore, when the Psalmist says that God's people obeyed the law when it was communicated, he is referring to the success of God's curse as He fulfills His covenant with the saints.

 Psalm 39:6 illuminates the notion that individuals who lack a proper worldview are bound to encounter numerous problems. The psalmist insightfully asserts that a Christian worldview is built upon rational suppositions of objective truth. The eternal perspective, shaped by necessary suppositions, stands in stark contrast to the temporary worldview of the wicked. The faithful perceive reality through the lens of divine law, covenants, statutes, curses, decrees, and pledges. This perspective is referred to as the vigilant Christian worldview, whereas the perverse worldview of the wicked is limited by earthly matters and lacks knowledge of fundamental principles. The psalmist aptly describes the pitiful state of political blindness exhibited by the wicked as they futilely attempt to exert control over creation through deceitful tactics and violent acts. The anxiety experienced by the faithful is a direct consequence of the wicked's aggressive endeavor to establish their control over God's creation by means of moral principles. The apostle, with great precision, teaches that God's deliberate judgments silence all accountable individuals. As believers, we have been imbued with the law, which God has revealed through authoritative statements. God has unequivocally declared all things into independent existence through these statements, establishing His ethical standard of divine justice as the governing force behind all reality. The apostle asserts that God cannot be mocked or denied, for His just authority over creation is dutifully exercised. God does not experience cognitive anxiety, as He accomplishes everything according to His perfect will. Conversely, we as mortal beings witness acute anxiety because we do not have complete control over all circumstances. This anxiety is an inherent part of the pervasive curse that perpetually exists, and thus we must seek to peacefully exercise our limited control. When humanity transgressed, Satan aggressively sought to impose his own control over creation. However, God, in His righteous judgment, overturned the destructive power of political control by cursing creation. Satan's attempt to forcefully manipulate creation was thwarted by God's swift judgments, delivered through the divine law. Violent destruction inevitably led to ruin. All of God's purposes are fulfilled through the process of renewal, necessitating the demise of pervasive corruption and the emergence of new life. The psalmist exercises his control over creation by resisting the wicked curse and pronouncing the curse of the law. Consequently, the negative outcome of moral renewal is reversed, and affirmations are proclaimed to rectify corruption through redemption. God values us immensely, to the extent that He overturns the global system of unjust gain and bestows it upon His faithful followers. Psalm 78:55 attests to God's act of driving out nations and granting His chosen people their promised land as their inheritance, establishing the borders of Israel in their rightful homes. God empowers us with specific authority over the world through His pronouncements. Psalm 59 depicts how God alters the course of the world through authoritative pronouncements, graciously equipping us with the power to overcome our individual struggles in this ideal realm. In Psalm 86:17, the psalmist implores God for a sign of His kindness, knowing that such a display would shame his adversaries and affirm God's assistance and assurance. By negating the destructive power of sin and rampant corruption, we can remain faithful to God's plan for the righteous. This is achieved by subduing the opposition's political control through authoritative pronouncements. Psalm 109:28 declares that despite the curses and attacks of the wicked, God will bless and confuse them, while His servant rejoices. The psalmist joyfully expresses his victory by proclaiming moral axioms. God reverses the unlawful and destructive curses of the wicked, and the psalmist perceives the world correctly by uttering logical axioms. Through the precise application of these axioms, the psalmist effectively pushes back against the curse of wrongdoing, which is primarily concerned with superficial appearances and is propagated by individuals lacking moral insight. In essence, humans are transient beings, tossed about without purpose and accumulating wealth without knowledge of its eventual beneficiaries. It is a profound curse. Nevertheless, we triumph over the wicked's evil intentions by manipulating the world through the pronouncement of divine law and curses. The wicked devalue God's creation by attempting to control it through superficial means. Conversely, we establish an accurate valuation by freely espousing moral axioms. Through the faithful recreation of the world, we assert our direct control by employing sacred imagery. Ultimately, the restoration of value leads to the unification of the ideal world.

 Psalm 119:40 expresses the Psalmist's deep desire for God's guidance and righteousness to protect and sustain his life. The Psalmist emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's word, which involves reflecting on His creative works and the continuous renewal they bring. Unlike the heathen world, which is governed by flawed laws, broken covenants, ambiguous statutes, arbitrary decrees, wicked curses, and short-lived promises, the Psalmist's extensive experience leads him to long for the logical axioms of God's word. These axioms provide holistic assurance, resulting in praise, longing, complaints, and petitions. By pronouncing these axioms, the Psalmist creates an environment that upholds God's statutes. The official pronouncements of moral law, curses, enabling statutes, and eternal decrees bring considerable success in following God's precepts. The Psalmist accurately describes how time can be deceitful and oppressive, reminding us that life is fleeting and constrained. Under the weight of time, we tend to worry and fear. However, by proclaiming the logical axioms, we can free ourselves from the emotional burdens of worry and groundless fear. Unfortunately, we lack the creative power and will to combat the curse of time on our own. Thus, the Psalmist seeks to break free from the constraints of time by passionately longing to pronounce the fundamental axioms. This longing becomes the driving force behind the Psalmist's presence in the time-bound heathen world, as he continually moves from one longing to another. The logical axioms shape and arrange the attributes that saints possess, such as strength, joy, security, exuberance, sorrow, pain, and peace. These experiences are fueled by the authoritative pronouncements of God's word. The Psalmist's struggle is to resist pragmatic ideas and instead embrace the eternal truth found in the logical axioms. All our thoughts and actions should align with divine laws and covenants. It is important to recognize that true reality is the intersection of Eternity and time. Through his passionate longing, the Psalmist unveils the sacred mystery of divine unity present in all beautiful things. In conclusion, the Psalmist fervently prays for his life to be preserved in God's righteousness, recognizing the transformative power and guidance that comes from aligning with His word.

 The existence of everything can be attributed to God's eternal counsel. God used His law, decrees, statutes, curses, and promises to speak everything into existence. These fundamental principles are not merely guidelines for behavior, but are intricately woven into the very fabric of creation. As a result, God perceives all events in accordance with His supreme will. He meticulously planned and determined the outcome of all things in His eternal counsel. The Psalmist conveys that God records the history of creation, using past events as evidence to support His decrees. The unfolding of time serves as proof that God operates in accordance with His law, establishing a solid foundation to demonstrate the success of His purposes. The Psalmist asserts that God's actions serve as evidence of the truthfulness of His testimonies. This implies that God upholds His statutes in accordance with His testimonies or judgments.


The axioms are intricately connected to the desires of humanity. In order to control sin and destruction, God had to recreate everything based on these fundamental principles. This raises the question: do we possess a complete understanding of salvation, or are we left in a state of uncertainty until the final judgment? Our trust in God's ability to maintain the unity of salvation rests on the assumption that the axioms serve as creative laws, allowing and preventing specific events in time. Without a comprehensive revelation of salvation, we cannot be held accountable for our frustrations. Consequently, if we are not responsible for our frustrations, then Christ cannot serve as a complete substitute. The Psalmist suggests that through the restoration of the creation covenant, we regain the ability to exercise our free will in accordance with the axioms. If Christ is indeed a full substitute, then we must possess free will to govern over creation. By examining Christ's statutory work, from the past in the incarnation to the future in the final judgment, we can gain insight into God's governance.


The exercise of free will is the manifestation of God's supreme salvation. This freedom of choice has been made known through the declarations of the King. Without the complete revelation of God's law, mankind cannot be held fully accountable for transgressions. In the absence of full accountability, we are subject to the judgments of fellow humans. Should salvation not align with the law, it becomes enigmatic. In the event salvation becomes mysterious, there is no established criterion for free will. If man were not free to fulfill his purposes, God's success would be compromised.


If God did not possess full sovereignty, He would lack the ability to overcome the negative consequences of sin and destruction. Similarly, if man did not bear complete responsibility, there would be no hope for him to overcome this destruction. If man did not adhere to God's standard of law, he would bring about the destruction of the world. Therefore, it was necessary for God to establish the concepts of blessing and cursing in the past in order to eliminate any opposition to the fair exercise of His justice. Without justice, there would be no freedom of choice. Thus, God instituted His justice and freedom through pronouncements. These pronouncements serve to establish the criteria for blessing and cursing, ultimately reconciling man's freedom with God's sovereignty. By recreating events in time through these pronouncements, God upholds His statutes and establishes His government. The predetermined events brought forth by the pronouncements are meant to determine whether blessings or curses will befall humanity.

 The Psalmist is teaching that saints possess a unique understanding of sin and are blessed because of it. This understanding leads to a covenantal forgiveness from God that is not solely based on confessing our sins. Instead, it is rooted in God's unwavering love, which is grounded in His steadfastness to His covenant. He promises to fulfill His covenant by offering Himself to us when we deserve it. The godly individual willingly seeks God and His moral laws, covenants, curses, enabling bills, eternal rulings, and pledges. They do not seek extraordinary gifts, but instead seek God and receive the gifts that come with Him. To avoid sudden encounters with God, we must pray according to six principles. God privately communicates His covenant love to us and remains faithful to His eternal covenant through a blood bond. The righteous person speaks life or death in accordance with the eternal covenant. Our specific needs can only be met when God unites Himself with us and actively works to align our purposes. We encounter God when our fulfilled purpose aligns with our specific needs. God works through the eternal covenant to reorder everything and ensure our future security. The Psalmist emphasizes that God's covenant is revealed through divine revelation. The eternal covenant is a foundational principle that existed before the creation of the ideal world. It is interconnected with six principles that define the essence of humanity. The moral law brings about the eternal covenant, and God embraces us through action. The godly law not only sets ethical standards but also imparts moral value through divine grace. We affirm the righteousness of God's gifts by recognizing the proper alignment with His covenant conduct. God remains faithful to the eternal covenant through pronouncements of eternal life and death. Anything that is corrupted must be put to death. We acknowledge the renewal only when God's covenant meets the standard. When we say that God signs the covenant with His blood, we are referencing the evidence of His curse being manifested. The authoritative pronouncements of the eternal curse solidify the moral convictions of saints, affirming that God is true to His word and cannot violate His covenant. God's faithfulness is demonstrated through His precise manipulation of necessary effects. The order in which everything exists is a result of God's eternal counsel. If God did not courteously arrange necessary effects according to eternal rulings, then our actions and the actions of others would determine the circumstances of our lives. If anyone outside of God were to alter His rulings, we could not trust His covenant pronouncements. Without trust in the six principles, we would be unable to overcome the curse and would remain unaware of God's secret counsel. The reality is that God's rulings serve as proof that His covenant is the means by which we can truly know ourselves and God. We can sincerely trust the authoritative pronouncements to guide our self-reflection. However, in order to have a relationship with God, we must enter into a covenant with Him.

 My newfound appreciation for unity blossomed within my current church community. It is evident that God has been working through my pastor to positively impact my life in a remarkable way. Through deep personal reflection and prayer, I have experienced profound spiritual growth. It is remarkable how my pastor's prayers have swiftly brought about answers to my struggles. This has left me feeling as though something truly magical is at play. With newfound confidence and success, I have been able to overcome past injustices and seek resolution through the guidance of prayer. The church community has become a source of support and strength, as I continue to seek supernatural guidance in navigating life's challenges.


I would dedicate more time to meditating when my pastor requests a meeting. I became so enthusiastic that I would never forget those moments. I perceived a spiritual awakening after attending some of the services. Reflecting on those days, my life was forever transformed when my pastor departed for another congregation. If he had stayed longer, it would have been incredibly advantageous for me. I understood that it was not appropriate to idolize a man, as God would not allow it. Through my personal meditation, I felt invincible and indirectly achieved significant success in my diligent endeavors. Not only did he assist in supporting the homeschooling community, but my business also suffered a decline after his departure. Experiencing the unity on that level was an exceptional and the pinnacle of my life. God had motivated me to such a degree that I had to continue living with supernatural strength.

Upon the home school group's decision to engage with a community theater, we carefully selected a local establishment. We were graciously extended an invitation to participate in the tryouts for the renowned production of Oliver. As we eagerly observed our son's inaugural performance from the comfort of the audience, we were taken aback when he skillfully secured the esteemed role of a member of the esteemed Fagan gang, while also serving as a backup for the illustrious character of the artful dodger. Following this initial exposure, an undeniable fondness for the theater swiftly engulfed me. Henceforth, I faithfully attended the three weekly performances of various plays held throughout a span of four years.


I quickly discovered a passion for artistic challenges and found great joy in observing the talented individuals who graced the stage. I derived more pleasure from witnessing my son's theatrical performances than from watching him excel in sports, as he displayed remarkable skills as an actor.


Upon attending several performances, I found myself inspired to audition for a role in the renowned theatrical production, "Guys and Dolls." This grandiose musical spectacle captivated my senses. During my audition, I confidently rendered a soulful rendition of "You're Just Too Good to Be True." However, unbeknownst to me, the director sought a more mature gentleman to portray the character of Arvide, who serenades Sarah with a heartfelt melody, imparting invaluable wisdom on embracing love from a man's perspective.


As a novice in the realm of theater, I initially struggled to commit my lines to memory and communicate effectively with my fellow actors. Despite making numerous mistakes during rehearsals leading up to the opening night, I managed to deliver a flawless performance, much to the relief of the director. The play was a resounding success, selling out for four consecutive weekends, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.


The performance left a lasting impression on me, as I viewed the psalms as a means of artistic expression. I found myself relating to David's emotions and experiences in a profound way.

 Due to my extensive experience in embodying the emotions and thoughts of David, I believed that immersing myself in the psalms would aid in my portrayal on stage. Through deep contemplation and reflection on these ancient texts, I sought to undergo a transformation in my own disposition. Upon this introspection, I came to the realization that the character I was playing possessed a rather eerie quality. Consequently, I deduced that if my fellow actors truly believed I was Arvide, then the audience would derive great pleasure from my performance. However, I found myself subject to accusations of harboring amorous feelings. Outside the realm of the stage, I would chuckle at my successful deception. A particularly memorable moment occurred during the final week of our show, when residents from a nearby retirement home arrived at the theater with their IV bags in tow. It became apparent that our play had become the subject of local chatter and intrigue.


Following the conclusion of the play, we willingly offered our assistance in running the food booth, as our son orchestrated an impressive improvisation performance. It is worth noting that my wife assumed the role of instructing the group. Our son's remarkable talent as an entertainer led to the theater consistently selling out on improv nights, with the majority of participants hailing from the home school community.


Over the course of four years, I had the privilege of attending approximately fifty theatrical productions, with around thirty of them featuring my own son as a cast member. Among his various roles, I found his portrayal as the lead character in "Holy Canoli" to be particularly captivating. As for my personal preference, "Romeo and Juliet" stood out as my favorite play, undoubtedly due to Shakespeare's unparalleled ability to vividly depict the unfiltered emotions of two young individuals deeply in love. Witnessing such a performance left me in a state of awe and admiration.

 I dedicated a significant amount of time to the theater, both in managing the food booth and attending performances. During this four-year period, I observed the integration of internet-connected phones into society, leading to a notable reliance on these devices for communication. Additionally, our country faced an unprecedented economic scandal during this time.


I once operated my own business specializing in the installation of decorative trim in residential properties. Typically, we would complete one subdivision and then transition to the next. However, just as we were eagerly anticipating the commencement of a new subdivision, an unforeseen turn of events occurred: the stock market experienced a significant downturn almost overnight. It was discovered that politicians were acquiring stocks from individuals who had obtained loans to purchase houses, as the real estate market was thriving with people buying and swiftly selling properties. In fact, the demand was so fervent that builders were able to sell the land for a higher price than the cost of constructing and selling the houses situated on it.


During the period of economic downturn caused by the overheating of the market due to ill-advised loans, the construction industry suffered greatly, rendering the previously valuable land worthless. As a result, I found myself securing employment at a retail establishment, where the compensation was significantly diminished. Concurrently, our deep involvement in the home school group demanded a substantial amount of our time, making it challenging for both my partner and me to adapt to our new work situations.


An esteemed former CEO, whilst in the midst of refueling his vehicle, generously bestowed monetary assistance upon a destitute individual who happened to be seated adjacent to the entrance. Profoundly touched by the realization that our urban locale lacked the provision of havens for the homeless, the retired executive, drawing upon his expertise in nurturing enterprises, resolved to initiate the establishment of such a facility.

Prior to the successful development of the holistic ministry within the homeschool group, Sandy and I were actively seeking a Presbyterian church in our vicinity. We had heard about a potential new local church that was holding its gatherings in a storefront building. However, upon visiting, I experienced a sense of unease, prompting us to explore other options. Several months later, we learned that the Presbyterian Church had acquired a new pastor. I can confidently attest that immersing ourselves in the Psalms began to yield profound blessings. The current pastor, who displayed a sincere love and intellectual fervor in his preaching, piqued my curiosity regarding his Presbyterian affiliation. Notably, he was of Italian descent and had completed his theological studies at a reputable seminary situated on the opposite side of the incorporated town. I emphasize his Italian heritage because it perfectly aligned with my evolving understanding of the principles at hand. In my eyes, he embodied a spiritual mentor who had the ability to skillfully resolve any issue and steadfastly protect us.


In my thirties, I found great joy in closely observing people, particularly in the presence of the pastor who possessed remarkable gifts. This compassionate man served as a fatherly figure to me, holding individual meetings with each member of the church. During our conversations, he would patiently listen to my questions and thoughts for hours on end, leaving me filled with immense happiness and a newfound sense of purpose. Through his guidance, I was inspired to delve deeper into sacred scripture and ultimately experience a profound transformation in my life.


I was unsure if his behavior towards others was consistently the same, as I did not have knowledge of their interactions. However, it seemed as if a divine intervention had blessed us with our homeschooling community, as it introduced me to my devoted pastor who guided me towards a higher realm of aesthetic fulfillment. While I rarely considered other pastors to be more intellectually superior to myself, he certainly showcased a remarkable level of intelligence.

While constructing a set of oak stairs in a spacious two-story residence, I had the pleasure of meeting the homeowners who displayed a strong emphasis on building relationships. Despite his tendency to consume alcohol, the man possessed a remarkable ability to connect with others. It became evident during our conversation that we shared a common interest as our children were both members of the same soccer team. He was akin to a brother to me, alongside another individual in my life, a Jehovah's Witness. His attentive nature extended beyond our personal connection to ensuring the well-being of fellow soccer parents.


I consistently assumed the role of the most vociferous supporter during the games. The collective exhibited a somewhat unruly demeanor, yet they were genuinely appreciative of my cheering style. My vocal prowess was such that it noticeably accelerated the kids' movements whenever I raised my voice. Consequently, we evolved into a cohesive social unit, ultimately receiving coveted invitations to extravagant soirées hosted by my affluent friend. As a member of the middle class, this was a unique opportunity to partake in gatherings organized exclusively for individuals from a higher socioeconomic stratum. I utilized these group functions as occasions for extensive contemplation and meditation.


While strolling through a fair in east Orlando, I suddenly experienced a sensation akin to pricking needles all over my body, which turned out to be a manifestation of acid reflux. This ailment rendered me unwell for a considerable period. Coincidentally, during this time, my acquaintance, who resided in a grand abode, received a grave diagnosis of an aggressive variant of cancer. Regrettably, my own health did not permit me to pay him a visit. However, I later learned that he had embraced Christianity, which filled me with immense joy. It was during this period that the poignant melody of "I Can Only Imagine" was released. Gradually recuperating, I eventually mustered the strength to attend his funeral, an experience that will forever be etched in my memory. As I sat amidst the congregation, tears streamed down my face, as I had not fully comprehended the extent to which I would deeply mourn the loss of such an amiable individual.

 One of the parents resided in the picturesque countryside, overlooking a serene lake. Annually, he graciously extended an invitation to the children for a memorable camping experience on his expansive estate. Adhering to his cherished philosophy of prioritizing safety above all else, we would dutifully drop off the children at his abode. As the wintry season enveloped us, the youngsters would embark on constructing a majestic bonfire, serving as a beacon of warmth and illumination. Under his expert tutelage, the adolescents were instilled with invaluable camping expertise. Remarkably, our collective never succumbed to discord, instead fostering an unwavering sense of harmony and camaraderie.


As my children matured, our affiliation with the home school collective was gradually waning. Yet, as we observed certain youngsters within the group exhibiting pronounced timidity, we resolved to engage with a community theater. Allow me to expound upon this intricate four-year association, although I possess a myriad of anecdotes pertaining to our home education endeavors.

Last year, I had the privilege of attending a graduation ceremony where mothers had organized a program highlighting the unique talents of each family. Seniors showcased their artistic abilities and received accolades, followed by heartfelt expressions of gratitude from both seniors and parents. Tears were shed as parents shared their thoughts on their children's future. This experience left me feeling an immense sense of pride, surpassing even the emotional connections found in some church communities.