Here is a collection of thoughts for today and the past few days.
1. In Revelation (the Book of the Apocalypse) it reads (when describing the heavenly Jerusalem) “And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).
Imagine how beautiful heavenly gold is, where it flows purely under spiritual feet. Now think about how the people who most loved gold will never see it again after death, for they, unrepentant and unsanctified by God’s forgiveness and grace, are in hell.
This is an example of where one reads a fact in the Bible (that St John observed that in heaven Jerusalem has a street of gold, and how there is no temple or sun “for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23) and can then, on further meditation regarding that passage, can extract wisdom. By thinking about the irony and futility of sin, where those who loved gold the most on earth will not see the street of gold in heaven, one better understand the truth of all that scriptures contains and how the truth of salvation history has continuing urgent applicability throughout all time.
2. My opinion about the election unrest in Iran is that the problem in Iran, which I am surely concerned about and disappointed about, is, nonetheless, a temptation to the arrogant and self righteous in the western world.
Consider Iran a mini-case study in not only diplomacy but also in faith and reasoning and also morality (and sin). Ironically I am not referring to the sin of oppression, which is apparently occurring during the protests (always be careful to have the complete facts before jumping to conclusion. Facts involve collecting both the truth of what is happening and also putting it in reasonable proportion and context). I am referring to the sin of hubris, egoism and arrogant self righteousness. Who is the United States, France or any other country to criticize a country that is a theocracy, just because those countries “don’t believe” in either state religion or that specific religion?
A theocracy does not function the same way as a republic or a theoretical democracy, I mean, duh, think about it. The entire structure of not only the government but all decision making is based on entirely different criterion in a theocracy than in a republic or a theoretical democracy. It’s hilarious that in the television series “Star Trek” a generation of liberal mush heads grew up admiring its godless but “moral” “non interference in alien cultures” stance, yet these liberals (and self described conservatives) can’t wait to criticize and interfere in an earth based reality based genuine different culture. If aliens were presented on “Star Trek” wearing the hijab, burqua or other conservative female garb the popcorn eating viewers would be applauding the noble Enterprise crew’s “non interference.”
Turn off the TV fantasy and get real about respecting other people’s culture and religion. Also, as another example of thinking out of the box (but being reality based), I have heard that Neda, the woman who appears to have been tragically killed in a protest in Iran, was at the protest with her father. That may or may not be true as facts are, as I warned above, sketchy. Parents, I have to ask you, do you think that taking a child who still is young and has life ahead of him or her, even if they are “mature” and in their twenties, to a protest where there is life threatening danger is a good idea? That is not a decision that I would have made. I would not go to a protest or other danger if a younger member of my family insisted on going with me.
Part of being a parent (or a mature adult of any form) is to look at the long view, the big picture, and help younger people make mature decisions accordingly. Also, are things going so well in the United States? Are things going so well in France? Are western countries in possession of such perfection that they can devote an unprecedented amount of ink and TV time about Iran’s election and theocracy?
3. I find I have to remind people yet again of the following:
In heaven: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new. ‘ And he said unto me, ‘Write: for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:4-5).
Think about this: if God erases all death, sorrow, crying and pain, what do you think happens to the people who cause death, sorrow, crying and pain in others? Read onward just a few passages further.
In hell: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
Notice the categories of people that God himself lists as being cast into hell for all eternity, the “second death” that occurs after their body dies and each person is judged by God. Do you notice that it is not only the unbelievers in God, but also the “fearful” who are sent to hell? Those who “fear” to serve God in their lives have to be genuinely concerned about meriting hell for their lackluster and tainted faith. Also notice that it not “whores” but “whoremongers” who need to fear hell. A whoremonger is someone who promotes whorish behavior. As Jesus demonstrated repeatedly, whores are forgiven, but whoremongers are not. Think about the filth of modern society and understand how many millions of whoremongers exist in society today. How about the abominable? I was in a church service this Sunday and someone flashed an obscene gesture in my direction. Um, have people gotten so stupid that they do not realize that personal beefs, playacting, and obscenity and disrespect is not only sinful and bad to do, but when it is in a house of God (no matter the denomination, for all exist in theory ‘in his name’) that this is an abomination? Call me an ass or whatever on the street and it is a sin and boorish behavior (and probably based on idolatrous beliefs) but if you do the same thing in a house of God, it is an abomination, and risks being unforgiven and being cast into hell upon death.
And, finally, notice that “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” I’ve written extensively how “liars,” being those who disobey the Commandment against false witness, includes not only flat out lies but also all forms of misrepresenting of information, whether about a person or a business. Withholding information is not a way “around” lying but is part of false witness. Friends, this modern society is entirely comprised of liars. You need to shudder in fear at how generations are being taught falsehood and to live entirely within falsehood, raising their children to be unable to tell the difference and who, in fact, raise “acting out a part” and being “poseurs” to a high art of lying. All, unrepentant and unforgiven, will be cast into hell after being judged by God, and in the scripture you have been warned by St. John’s witness of God’s own words in heaven.
4. I have one continuing ongoing regret and sorrow, which will delight those who enjoy knowing about my pain. I regret that I ever had the level of affection for humans that I have been among. Whether love, friendship or adoptive parenthood, I regret the depth of my love and affection because they did not want nor deserve it-not because I am so great, but because they have all believed so little in God. It is one thing to love someone who needs help with their faith, or who have not received the word of God into their lives and hearts. It is another thing to have affection toward those who manipulate both my affection but also their faith (such as it is) or who are idolaters who secretly worship pagan non-existent gods and who decay genuine glorification of the real God. I am actually ashamed at how much I have loved certain people, only to find how filthy they have been toward God, in their minds and in their theoretical hearts. I can’t even think of family, friends, ex-loves without being ashamed that I loved people who care so little for God, and who cover up such dark and disgusting beliefs.
5. Wow, I am glad that even though it was for bad reasons (going broke and the sadness of my family and so called friends decay) that I gave up golf and sold my golf clubs. Enough said.
6. Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Commend Iran's work against drug smuggling
One reason IRNA is on my regular reading list is that I learn information that does not make the mainstream western press, such as their steady dedication in the war on drugs and drug smuggling. People who know me know that I consider drug production, usage and addiction to be a dire plague that has significantly diminished the accomplishments and nobility of human beings overall. Thus I am always watchful of the great progress of all who genuinely combat this grievous problem and have noticed Iran's steadfastness. Here is an example of news that does not make much of the biased "drive by" mainstream media.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0811202934181315.htm
Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Mission in Kabul on Thursday held first tripartite meeting on measures to counter drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Iran's Ambassador to Kabul Fada-Hossein Maleki and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics General Khodaidad attended the meeting.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting to IRNA, Maleki underlined the significance of cooperation in fighting narcotics and called for avoiding political approach in dealing with the phenomenon.
Unfortunately, narcotics threaten families in various societies, he said, urging regional and international cooperation to seriously deal with the dilemma.
Given Afghan's complicated situation, countering narcotics has been marginalized, he said, stressing that it should be placed at the center of attention by all countries.
Fighting narcotics is not the duty of Afghanistan alone, rather international community should provide it with necessary equipment to Afghanistan to deal with the problem, Maleki said.
Meanwhile, Afghan minister said that Iran has set up 25 checkpoints on the borders and provided them with necessary equipment to counter drug trafficking.
Stating that Iran has many experience in the field and treatment of the addicts, Khodaidad said that an agreement already signed between the two countries on campaign against illicit drugs is still in force.
Afghanistan is determined to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and NATO to prevent poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, he said.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0811202934181315.htm
Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Mission in Kabul on Thursday held first tripartite meeting on measures to counter drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Iran's Ambassador to Kabul Fada-Hossein Maleki and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics General Khodaidad attended the meeting.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting to IRNA, Maleki underlined the significance of cooperation in fighting narcotics and called for avoiding political approach in dealing with the phenomenon.
Unfortunately, narcotics threaten families in various societies, he said, urging regional and international cooperation to seriously deal with the dilemma.
Given Afghan's complicated situation, countering narcotics has been marginalized, he said, stressing that it should be placed at the center of attention by all countries.
Fighting narcotics is not the duty of Afghanistan alone, rather international community should provide it with necessary equipment to Afghanistan to deal with the problem, Maleki said.
Meanwhile, Afghan minister said that Iran has set up 25 checkpoints on the borders and provided them with necessary equipment to counter drug trafficking.
Stating that Iran has many experience in the field and treatment of the addicts, Khodaidad said that an agreement already signed between the two countries on campaign against illicit drugs is still in force.
Afghanistan is determined to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and NATO to prevent poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, he said.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iran's Ayatollah speaks of importance of prayer
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-24/0811194969173016.htm
snip
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here on Wednesday said that prayers play a significant role in rectifying men and the society and that such Islamic symbols particularly prayers should be evident in various parts of the society.
The Supreme Leader made the remark in a meeting with participants in the 17th Nationwide Prayers Conference on Wednesday.
"If man successfully controls his carnal desires, he will attain bliss and happiness but if he fails to do so, he will end up in tyranny, prostitution, poverty and arrogance," said Ayatollah Khamenei.
Promotion of true culture of prayers would bring peace of mind, security and tranquility to the society, underlined Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Supreme Leader also advised the government to put construction of mosques in populated areas on top of its agenda.
Islamic culture should be properly demonstrated and observed in construction of mosques, underlined Ayatollah Khamenei.
***
This is another example of the wise and shared perception among Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders about the importance of prayer.
Notice that the Ayatollah, like other leaders of the divine faiths, emphasizes the healing role of prayer for the individual and the community.
Many people who fall away from prayer somehow think of it as a theoretical benefit, one they cannot see the results of, and they assume prayer is "only" done from obligation to be subservient and worshiping of God.
But as all the divine faiths have long realized, prayer is spiritual medicinal in character, affirming and healing the individual, protecting him or her from wrong directions, and also of benefit to the entire community and society.
It is interesting that many pagan-leaning modern "new agers" value the effect of "spiritual" acts such as meditation, but do not recognize that prayer, in comparison, is meditation that is done in partnership with God, and the benefit that this obviously confers on the individual and on all the world community.
snip
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here on Wednesday said that prayers play a significant role in rectifying men and the society and that such Islamic symbols particularly prayers should be evident in various parts of the society.
The Supreme Leader made the remark in a meeting with participants in the 17th Nationwide Prayers Conference on Wednesday.
"If man successfully controls his carnal desires, he will attain bliss and happiness but if he fails to do so, he will end up in tyranny, prostitution, poverty and arrogance," said Ayatollah Khamenei.
Promotion of true culture of prayers would bring peace of mind, security and tranquility to the society, underlined Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Supreme Leader also advised the government to put construction of mosques in populated areas on top of its agenda.
Islamic culture should be properly demonstrated and observed in construction of mosques, underlined Ayatollah Khamenei.
***
This is another example of the wise and shared perception among Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders about the importance of prayer.
Notice that the Ayatollah, like other leaders of the divine faiths, emphasizes the healing role of prayer for the individual and the community.
Many people who fall away from prayer somehow think of it as a theoretical benefit, one they cannot see the results of, and they assume prayer is "only" done from obligation to be subservient and worshiping of God.
But as all the divine faiths have long realized, prayer is spiritual medicinal in character, affirming and healing the individual, protecting him or her from wrong directions, and also of benefit to the entire community and society.
It is interesting that many pagan-leaning modern "new agers" value the effect of "spiritual" acts such as meditation, but do not recognize that prayer, in comparison, is meditation that is done in partnership with God, and the benefit that this obviously confers on the individual and on all the world community.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Iran condemns the persecution of Iraqi Christians
I was so very pleased to see this generous and forceful statement in support of the Iraqi Christians who have suffered so much persecution and displacement. This was a great and sincere gesture by the government of Iran and I do very much appreciate it. I'd like to see the global western "mainstream media" more widely report supportive and peace making gestures such as these instead of endlessly repeating unproductive rhetoric. My thanks to the Iranian embassy in Baghdad and I hope they in return reside there in peace.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0810160195142713.htm
Iran Condemns Attacks on Christians in Iraq
Iran's Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday slammed in a statement the recent terrorist attacks on Iraqi Christians in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq.
The statement referred to Mousl's October 14-15 bombings as "measures against humanity." According to reports, at least a dozen people were wounded in a series of bomb explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, and at least two insurgents were killed in clashes with police.
More than 1,000 Christian families have left the city in recent days after the attacks which US forces blame on al-Qaeda.
The statement said that the attacks were "inhuman measures carried out in line with enemies' moves to cause tension, undermine the country's security, damage the political trend and position of the Iraqi democratic government and to destroy national unity." "Enemies of Iraq's political trend and democracy will not be able to harm solidarity between minorities and other tribes and damage the country's national unity," the statement stressed.
Shortly after the terrorist attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has sent a delegation to Mousl consisted of seven ministers of his cabinet including ministers of defense and migration to watch over situation of the fled Christians and prepare necessary grounds for their return.
2327**1394
---> Iran-Iraq-Embassy
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0810160195142713.htm
Iran Condemns Attacks on Christians in Iraq
Iran's Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday slammed in a statement the recent terrorist attacks on Iraqi Christians in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq.
The statement referred to Mousl's October 14-15 bombings as "measures against humanity." According to reports, at least a dozen people were wounded in a series of bomb explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, and at least two insurgents were killed in clashes with police.
More than 1,000 Christian families have left the city in recent days after the attacks which US forces blame on al-Qaeda.
The statement said that the attacks were "inhuman measures carried out in line with enemies' moves to cause tension, undermine the country's security, damage the political trend and position of the Iraqi democratic government and to destroy national unity." "Enemies of Iraq's political trend and democracy will not be able to harm solidarity between minorities and other tribes and damage the country's national unity," the statement stressed.
Shortly after the terrorist attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has sent a delegation to Mousl consisted of seven ministers of his cabinet including ministers of defense and migration to watch over situation of the fled Christians and prepare necessary grounds for their return.
2327**1394
---> Iran-Iraq-Embassy
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Iran pardons 3,084 prison inmates
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0808031206175121.htm
On the auspicious occasion of Eid-e Mabaath (Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) ascension to prophethood), Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei pardoned or commuted prison sentences of some 3,084 inmates.
The amnesty was granted on the request of Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
On the auspicious occasion of Eid-e Mabaath (Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) ascension to prophethood), Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei pardoned or commuted prison sentences of some 3,084 inmates.
The amnesty was granted on the request of Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Happy Nowruz (Iranian New Year) to all
To all who celebrate best wishes for peace, health and prosperity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norouz
snip
Nowrūz (Persian: نوروز, various local pronunciations and spellings) is the traditional Iranian new year holiday celebrated in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Georgia, the countries of Central Asia such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as among various other Iranian and Turkic people in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, Northwestern China, the Caucasus, the Crimea, and the Balkans.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norouz
snip
Nowrūz (Persian: نوروز, various local pronunciations and spellings) is the traditional Iranian new year holiday celebrated in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Georgia, the countries of Central Asia such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as among various other Iranian and Turkic people in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, Northwestern China, the Caucasus, the Crimea, and the Balkans.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
First ever visit by Iran president to Iraq
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23429996/
snip
BAGHDAD - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived Sunday in Baghdad for the first-ever visit by an Iranian president to Iraq, waving as he stepped off his plane to be greeted by representatives of a nation that was once Iran’s bitter enemy.
snip
Iran and Iraq are both led by Shiite Muslims. The two countries were hostile to each other during Saddam’s regime and fought a long and destructive war during most of the 1980s. But Ahmadinejad sought to reassure Iraqis ahead of the trip that Iran is not fueling violence in Iraq.
“Iran has no need to intervene in Iraq. It is friendly to all groups in Iraq. Isn’t it ridiculous that those who have deployed 160,000 troops in Iraq accuse us of intervening there?” the Iranian state-run news agency, IRNA, quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
***
I'm all for the visit.
snip
BAGHDAD - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived Sunday in Baghdad for the first-ever visit by an Iranian president to Iraq, waving as he stepped off his plane to be greeted by representatives of a nation that was once Iran’s bitter enemy.
snip
Iran and Iraq are both led by Shiite Muslims. The two countries were hostile to each other during Saddam’s regime and fought a long and destructive war during most of the 1980s. But Ahmadinejad sought to reassure Iraqis ahead of the trip that Iran is not fueling violence in Iraq.
“Iran has no need to intervene in Iraq. It is friendly to all groups in Iraq. Isn’t it ridiculous that those who have deployed 160,000 troops in Iraq accuse us of intervening there?” the Iranian state-run news agency, IRNA, quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
***
I'm all for the visit.
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