Christian Philosophy

Every person views their life through a filter. For example, optimists see opportunity in every situation they face, while pessimists can only see defeat and failure. Both could be facing the same circumstances, but their filter determines how they respond. That filter could also be called their philosophy.

A philosophy is simply a way of thinking. And whether you know it or not, the direction that your life is going has been influenced and controlled by your personal philosophy or your dominant way of thinking. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”If that is true—and it is—then it makes sense to be sure that you are viewing your life through the right filter.

Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

In this scripture, Paul was giving the believers in Colosse a warning. The word “beware” is being used in the sense of a sentry on guard duty. It’s a military term talking about being on guard, being on the lookout. And the word “spoil” is not talking about food; it’s talking about the spoils of war that go to the victor—the gold and silver and land.

There Will Be Healing

 Today's Grace Moment: 

Every winter hordes of pale, half-frozen northerners flock to the south. One of their first rituals is to get rid of as much clothing as they can to allow that blessed sunshine to touch their skin again.

The prophet Malachi compares the presence of Jesus Christ to glorious sunshine. When he returns once and for all, everything will get better. "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2). These wings are poetic references to the Son's rays.

May I say that I can't wait for that great day of healing? I long for the restoration of my body, and I long even more intensely for the healing of my soul and spirit. I will be glad in heaven that no one can hurt me anymore, but I am even gladder that I won't hurt anybody else. The blind will see, the mute will shout, and the disabled will dance. I will be well again, well in every way, and you will too. 

 http://www.timeofgrace.org/blog/anewviewontaxes

The Man Who Was a Dresser of Sycamore Trees

Amos [Ā'mos]—burden-bearer or one with a burden.

1. This prophet of “judgment,”; which is the key word of the book he wrote, was a citizen of Tekoa, west of the Dead Sea (Amos 1:1; 7:8-16; 8:2).

Although he was one of the oldest of the prophets, we know little about Amos save what he himself tells us. He does not appear to have belonged to any rank or influence. The opposite is the case, seeing he styles himself a herdsman (Amos 7:14). 

He was no “professional prophet, speaking for a living.” Amos did not belong to the order of the prophets, nor had he been educated in the school of the prophets. The prophetic office was thrust upon him (Amos 7:14, 15). When the call came he exchanged the life of a shepherd and cultivator of sycamore trees for that of a prophet.

Ridiculous Religions: The First Church Of the Last Laugh

This anarchistic group was founded in the 1970s and hosts the annual Saint Stupid's Day Parade in San Francisco on April Fools' Day. The religion's website is full of ridiculous language, made up rituals, and may very well have been written by a 10-year-old.
http://www.chacha.com/topic/cthulhu/gallery/2057/beyond-belief-ridiculous-religions/16366