We have used Bob as our example, and have watched as he struggled to rid himself of the old Bob, every vestige of him and his influence, weaknesses, and his un-renewed mind.
In order for Satan to keep us under his influence he must exploit any area that is not fully committed to Christ.
Satan knew the old Bob very well, his past, his friends and how he was likely to respond to different types of stimulus. He hopes by using the same lures and temptations, Bob will still be under his control and Bob is ticked off about that.
Bob’s help comes from the scripture, and he does as advised; “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
It does not say to resist the temptation it says; resist the devil. It doesn’t say argue with him or to ignore him by saying no to the temptation, it says to give him no place in your mind.
Some things require you to put some distance between you and it. I can’t resist Cheetos if they are in arms reach by my TV chair. I must leave them at the store to be safe. Some things you must walk away from. Lay aside every weight and sin, don't fight it, just lay it aside and walk away.
Bob found out that when he got saved he was forgiven and reconciled to GOD, and there is nothing he can do to improve on that, for GOD has done it all. He learned that the old Bob is dead and only the residue of him is left.
In theological terms; when Christ died the old Bob died, when Christ was buried the old Bob was buried, when Christ was raised from the dead, the new Bob was raised from the dead, and when Christ was seated in heaven he was seated in heaven.
Bob now knew that his struggle was not to get right, but to be the man he now is. There is no enmity between him and GOD for that issue is done with. Bob and GOD are in a lasting friendship.
Paul in the book of Romans 6: explains who we are in Christ; “Reckon your self dead unto sin but alive unto Christ.” and having been set free from sin you have become servants of righteousness.
The realization of this can add to “Having peace with GOD” another important step of “Having the peace of GOD. This occurs when the war within our souls is conquered.
Bob realized there was GODS way and Satan’s way, and Satan’s way was a perversion of GOD’S way. GOD’S way was to work and provide for your self. Satan’s way is to rob, cheat and steal. GOD’S way is to speak the truth with wisdom, Satan’s way is to lie and deceive. GOD’S way is to have a wife to enjoy, Satan’s way is to seduce and demean every woman alive.
I found an excellent article on the wiles of the devil. They said it far better than I could.
http://www.bible.ca/ef/expository-ephesians-6-11.htm
Paul liked to say finally my brethren; and so I’ll say, finally my brethren use all your energies to discover who you are in Christ. You might say “I already know that.” Perhaps it would be well to look again just to make sure you haven’t missed anything and when you look up, you can say;
I will give thanks to You O Lord, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eawq31sifYI&feature=related
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
GLEANINGS 3
In GLEANINGS 2 we introduced big bad Bob and his conversion that had turned him into the newly created, born again Bob.
Now for the paradox, Bob is new in his spirit, a new creation, but there still remains a residue of the old Bob within the soul (mind, will and emotions.) This is compounded by the memories lodged in the mind and the habit patterns in the subconscious.
Since birth we have developed these operational patterns, we do things the same way, this makes our life simpler and more functional. This will continue until something intervenes and causes us to want to change to a different method of doing things.
Everyone knows about Bob’s ribald past and some of his actions bordered on debauchery without remorse, this means he has a lot of work to do in order to mirror his soul and spirit. So how does he get beyond his past and live the “New man life”?
A good place to start is by getting motivated. The new Bob must ask himself this question; what happens if I don’t become transformed by the renewing of my mind, and if I don’t present my body as a living sacrifice for GOD’S service, and don’t become willing and obedient so as to eat of the fat of the land? If Bob doesn’t realize it is only by the grace and mercy of GOD, he can present his body, and that his mind can be transformed.
If he decides to keep part of the old Bob around he will be hanging on by a thread of grace and mercy and he will be doing despite to the grace and mercy of GOD.
One of the key ingredients of change is recognizing value. We become more educated because we see value in it. When old Bob sees the value in mind renewal by the Word and the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, he will have motivation for proceeding with it.
The test;
Bob sees a shapely young lady walking down the street (most men will look) and think; well what he thinks depends on how far his mind has been renewed. I can guess what the Old Bob would think, but if he has allowed the washing by the Word and the SPRIT OF GOD to wash out the programming of the old Bob, he will keep his lust in subjection to righteousness. In doing this he doesn’t mean he isn’t still a passionate man capable of desire but that he has a higher calling and he keeps his desire out of the dust, so to speak.
The only thing that can renew the mind is the Word of GOD, for it is SPIRIT filled information that your spirit can agree with. As soon as the word is applied and the issues of the carnal mind (old Bob) is dealt with, the enemy of your soul will come to void the effect of the word. This must be dealt with by resisting the counter attack by using the Jesus method; “Get thee behind me Satan.”
Everyone lusts after something and Satan comes with the very thing you desire, presents it to you and you are tempted. Even though you have dealt with that issue, your emotions are stimulated and the message to the Mind is “Don’t you remember how good this is?” This information is sent to the Will and the emotions will press the Will to agree to act contrary to the minds new standard. This cannot happen if the Word is sown on good ground and planted deep in that good ground.
Mark 4:5 "Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil."
Mark 4:6 "And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away."
Note the words; because it had no depth of soil. When the Word is only partly received or shallow planted, Satan’s heat will sere it and you return back to the way you were. You will be subject to temptations you thought you were beyond.
The way to deal with this is to move to where the soil will allow better cultivation. This seed (the Word) needs to be planted below where the sun effects are and the roots go deep. Well Bob is on his way and doing good, how are you making it?
Just in case you could use a little more help I will conclude with the next blog.
Now for the paradox, Bob is new in his spirit, a new creation, but there still remains a residue of the old Bob within the soul (mind, will and emotions.) This is compounded by the memories lodged in the mind and the habit patterns in the subconscious.
Since birth we have developed these operational patterns, we do things the same way, this makes our life simpler and more functional. This will continue until something intervenes and causes us to want to change to a different method of doing things.
Everyone knows about Bob’s ribald past and some of his actions bordered on debauchery without remorse, this means he has a lot of work to do in order to mirror his soul and spirit. So how does he get beyond his past and live the “New man life”?
A good place to start is by getting motivated. The new Bob must ask himself this question; what happens if I don’t become transformed by the renewing of my mind, and if I don’t present my body as a living sacrifice for GOD’S service, and don’t become willing and obedient so as to eat of the fat of the land? If Bob doesn’t realize it is only by the grace and mercy of GOD, he can present his body, and that his mind can be transformed.
If he decides to keep part of the old Bob around he will be hanging on by a thread of grace and mercy and he will be doing despite to the grace and mercy of GOD.
One of the key ingredients of change is recognizing value. We become more educated because we see value in it. When old Bob sees the value in mind renewal by the Word and the help of the HOLY SPIRIT, he will have motivation for proceeding with it.
The test;
Bob sees a shapely young lady walking down the street (most men will look) and think; well what he thinks depends on how far his mind has been renewed. I can guess what the Old Bob would think, but if he has allowed the washing by the Word and the SPRIT OF GOD to wash out the programming of the old Bob, he will keep his lust in subjection to righteousness. In doing this he doesn’t mean he isn’t still a passionate man capable of desire but that he has a higher calling and he keeps his desire out of the dust, so to speak.
The only thing that can renew the mind is the Word of GOD, for it is SPIRIT filled information that your spirit can agree with. As soon as the word is applied and the issues of the carnal mind (old Bob) is dealt with, the enemy of your soul will come to void the effect of the word. This must be dealt with by resisting the counter attack by using the Jesus method; “Get thee behind me Satan.”
Everyone lusts after something and Satan comes with the very thing you desire, presents it to you and you are tempted. Even though you have dealt with that issue, your emotions are stimulated and the message to the Mind is “Don’t you remember how good this is?” This information is sent to the Will and the emotions will press the Will to agree to act contrary to the minds new standard. This cannot happen if the Word is sown on good ground and planted deep in that good ground.
Mark 4:5 "Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil."
Mark 4:6 "And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away."
Note the words; because it had no depth of soil. When the Word is only partly received or shallow planted, Satan’s heat will sere it and you return back to the way you were. You will be subject to temptations you thought you were beyond.
The way to deal with this is to move to where the soil will allow better cultivation. This seed (the Word) needs to be planted below where the sun effects are and the roots go deep. Well Bob is on his way and doing good, how are you making it?
Just in case you could use a little more help I will conclude with the next blog.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
GLEANINGS 2
In Gleanings part one, I talked about your Position (Standing) and your Condition (State) in GOD’S sight, and how your Position was secured by Christ’s work for you. He did what you could not do for yourself which is the reconciling of yourself to GOD.
Once that is a reality the next step is to bring your Condition up to the level of your position. Another way of saying that is; “Once saved, you need to get your act together.”
Paul the Apostle recognized this fact and addressed it as an important issue that is common to us all. The separation of Position and Condition was an essential part of salvation. If our Position (Standing) before GOD depended upon our Condition (Conduct) then it would have been based upon our (self) righteousness instead of Christ’s sacrifice. Because of the infirmity (weakness) of flesh we couldn’t meet GOD’S requirement for forgiveness and no one would be saved.
Paul knows in order to help the church measure up to GOD’S standard he would have to break it down to layman’s language. He explains that man is a three part being, spirit, soul and body, and then he goes further to say: present the use of your body for the service of the LORD. That excludes many things like; honky tonking, stealing, gluttony and the rest of the “List of lust."
After dealing with the body Paul immediately turns to the complex soul.
Compositionally the soul is mind, will and emotions. Some have used the description: thinker, decider and feeler, however when you view the soul you must deal with the component parts separately.
Romans 12:1-2 deals directly with the soul and gives instructions as what to do, and then explains the result of doing it. These words, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” are just what a Christian needs to know. It is a “how to” achieve a needful result.
Think with me; big bad Bob goes to church and is convicted of his sins; he goes to the altar and gets saved. He is now position-ally right with GOD. He is still big bad Bob conditionally. Soulically he has a lot of work to do. How he feels (his emotions) about things must change and come into harmony with his present state. His decisions need to be made in light of GOD’S word. His mind now must be transformed to reflect a born again one’s standing and his attitude toward himself as a child of GOD must be one of acceptance, ole Bob doesn't live here anymore, in fact he doesn't exist anymore, he is forever gone. Since he is gone, the mind needs to change in order to accommodate the new BOB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYkNtE3l1gc&feature=related
(THIS WILL CONTINUE)
Once that is a reality the next step is to bring your Condition up to the level of your position. Another way of saying that is; “Once saved, you need to get your act together.”
Paul the Apostle recognized this fact and addressed it as an important issue that is common to us all. The separation of Position and Condition was an essential part of salvation. If our Position (Standing) before GOD depended upon our Condition (Conduct) then it would have been based upon our (self) righteousness instead of Christ’s sacrifice. Because of the infirmity (weakness) of flesh we couldn’t meet GOD’S requirement for forgiveness and no one would be saved.
Paul knows in order to help the church measure up to GOD’S standard he would have to break it down to layman’s language. He explains that man is a three part being, spirit, soul and body, and then he goes further to say: present the use of your body for the service of the LORD. That excludes many things like; honky tonking, stealing, gluttony and the rest of the “List of lust."
After dealing with the body Paul immediately turns to the complex soul.
Compositionally the soul is mind, will and emotions. Some have used the description: thinker, decider and feeler, however when you view the soul you must deal with the component parts separately.
Romans 12:1-2 deals directly with the soul and gives instructions as what to do, and then explains the result of doing it. These words, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” are just what a Christian needs to know. It is a “how to” achieve a needful result.
Think with me; big bad Bob goes to church and is convicted of his sins; he goes to the altar and gets saved. He is now position-ally right with GOD. He is still big bad Bob conditionally. Soulically he has a lot of work to do. How he feels (his emotions) about things must change and come into harmony with his present state. His decisions need to be made in light of GOD’S word. His mind now must be transformed to reflect a born again one’s standing and his attitude toward himself as a child of GOD must be one of acceptance, ole Bob doesn't live here anymore, in fact he doesn't exist anymore, he is forever gone. Since he is gone, the mind needs to change in order to accommodate the new BOB.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYkNtE3l1gc&feature=related
(THIS WILL CONTINUE)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
GLEANINGS I
In grade school I always feared the day when report cards were sent out because I knew it wasn’t going to be good. Some of my class-mates (mostly girls) were distraught if the got an A- or an unthinkable B+.
I hoped against hope I would somehow get a C and my most serious praying was spent on rebuking the Fs. At that age I began to realize there were some differences in the ability of kids. And it became more evident the same applies to adults.
This seems to be the case in the spiritual world also; some are able to excel beyond others. This happens even when we all have drunk from the same fountain.
John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Well I bet you are on your way to heaven, how are you doing? I like many kids used “The wall” to keep a record of my growth, and I could fudge a little by standing on my toes. No matter how I cheated I was still the same size. I was what I was.
At times I wish I could check my spiritual growth, maybe check the web site in heaven that kept all the records and take a peek at my progress report or lack thereof.
Since I don’t have the password I can’t do that so I must use another method to ascertain my state.
The two measurements used by theology is Standing and State or as some use Position and Condition. Our Standing or Position before GOD is secured by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and our believing in HIM. Our State or Condition is a result of obedience to GOD’S words, and being led by the HOLY SPIRIT in paths of righteousness.
Often I think my position is in great shape for that is accomplished by Christ’s work, but, there is that awful but. But my condition could use a lot of work.
We are warned about using unsound methods of evaluation as to our soul’s condition. (Two different translations of the same verse)
Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
We wouldn't put ourselves in the same class with, or compare ourselves to those who are bold enough to make their own recommendations. Certainly, when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves to themselves, they show how foolish they are.
You can’t risk measuring yourself by others. They may be much more spiritual than you and you will become discouraged. Or measure by those who are careless; that may lead you to think you are far superior to them.
The only safe way to be sure your condition is excelling is to be led by your “Holy Spirit filled spirit” for it will always lead you in paths of righteousness.
The Spirit will quicken you as to what path you must to take. This takes your spiritual life to a higher level. The HOLY SPIRIT is waiting to lead you into this truth.
Can you be so bold as to view yourself as the dwelling place of the HOLY SPIRIT? While this is GOD’S truth, let it become your on going, reality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBp5ggh3w2Q&feature=related
(To be continued)
I hoped against hope I would somehow get a C and my most serious praying was spent on rebuking the Fs. At that age I began to realize there were some differences in the ability of kids. And it became more evident the same applies to adults.
This seems to be the case in the spiritual world also; some are able to excel beyond others. This happens even when we all have drunk from the same fountain.
John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Well I bet you are on your way to heaven, how are you doing? I like many kids used “The wall” to keep a record of my growth, and I could fudge a little by standing on my toes. No matter how I cheated I was still the same size. I was what I was.
At times I wish I could check my spiritual growth, maybe check the web site in heaven that kept all the records and take a peek at my progress report or lack thereof.
Since I don’t have the password I can’t do that so I must use another method to ascertain my state.
The two measurements used by theology is Standing and State or as some use Position and Condition. Our Standing or Position before GOD is secured by Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and our believing in HIM. Our State or Condition is a result of obedience to GOD’S words, and being led by the HOLY SPIRIT in paths of righteousness.
Often I think my position is in great shape for that is accomplished by Christ’s work, but, there is that awful but. But my condition could use a lot of work.
We are warned about using unsound methods of evaluation as to our soul’s condition. (Two different translations of the same verse)
Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
We wouldn't put ourselves in the same class with, or compare ourselves to those who are bold enough to make their own recommendations. Certainly, when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves to themselves, they show how foolish they are.
You can’t risk measuring yourself by others. They may be much more spiritual than you and you will become discouraged. Or measure by those who are careless; that may lead you to think you are far superior to them.
The only safe way to be sure your condition is excelling is to be led by your “Holy Spirit filled spirit” for it will always lead you in paths of righteousness.
The Spirit will quicken you as to what path you must to take. This takes your spiritual life to a higher level. The HOLY SPIRIT is waiting to lead you into this truth.
Can you be so bold as to view yourself as the dwelling place of the HOLY SPIRIT? While this is GOD’S truth, let it become your on going, reality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBp5ggh3w2Q&feature=related
(To be continued)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
THE AGER
If we should personify the aging process it would take on a different concept. The personification of it would allow us to refer to It, as Him.
We could then say; He is slowing me down or He isn’t doing right by me. I wish He would slow down, for I am getting old too fast!
He is part of the conception process. As the egg is fertilized and the birth process begins so also the Ager’s work has began. For the first nine months His work is quite noticeable as the child develops and grows. Month after month His work (the aging process) proceeds. So long as no one interferes the Ager will complete the first phase of His work; (the child will be born) and the next phase will begin.
The Ager is passive as he continues His day to day work; the only thing he fears is death. If during these early months someone decides to not allow the birth of the child, and deny Him the right to bring his charge to fruition, then His life also will be ended.
The Ager has done nothing wrong he is just a victim of anomalism. He has no defenses, He hopes for mercy, where there is no mercy. As he witnesses the destruction of the child, his own existence fades away, and He ceases to be.
His last cry is WHY? Why should I have to die for I am innocent? I am guiltless and yet my existence has been erased as the last drop of blood has flowed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMCR4p5mSjQ&feature=related
We could then say; He is slowing me down or He isn’t doing right by me. I wish He would slow down, for I am getting old too fast!
He is part of the conception process. As the egg is fertilized and the birth process begins so also the Ager’s work has began. For the first nine months His work is quite noticeable as the child develops and grows. Month after month His work (the aging process) proceeds. So long as no one interferes the Ager will complete the first phase of His work; (the child will be born) and the next phase will begin.
The Ager is passive as he continues His day to day work; the only thing he fears is death. If during these early months someone decides to not allow the birth of the child, and deny Him the right to bring his charge to fruition, then His life also will be ended.
The Ager has done nothing wrong he is just a victim of anomalism. He has no defenses, He hopes for mercy, where there is no mercy. As he witnesses the destruction of the child, his own existence fades away, and He ceases to be.
His last cry is WHY? Why should I have to die for I am innocent? I am guiltless and yet my existence has been erased as the last drop of blood has flowed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMCR4p5mSjQ&feature=related
Monday, August 2, 2010
UNDERESTIMATING
For many years, I as a contractor was called upon to give estimates for work to be done. The estimates were for jobs as small as a garage, to large complexes, both residential and commercial projects. The estimates would lead to contracts in many cases.
It was fairly simple when the work was controlled by my contract because I had the all the contingencies covered, but at times things were more complex and the contracts were many pages which made me nervous for they were in lawyer speak.
If I over estimated, the worse that could happen was I lost the job. If I under estimated the job, all the happy faces left the building and only Mr. Frown remained.
Within the Christian realm there is the warning of underestimating the cost of serving Christ. Jesus was stressing the reality of being a Christian, and what was required of anyone who wanted to follow him. The words in Luke are hard to bear, but bear them we must.
Luke 14:25 “Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,
Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
Luke 14:30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
Because we serve a loving GOD full of mercy and grace, we can underestimate our responsibility to HIM, for we are not of this world and we are expected to live like it.
In many cases the large crowds who were just following along with Jesus, turned away when he began to speak to them about the cost. They were mostly interested in the freebies and not their service to GOD.
It is easy to get into the promise mode and neglect the service mode.
Two things Jesus emphasized were commitment and adherence to him and his agenda. There is no room for negotiation, no contingencies, no special treatment, and no rebates.
If we underestimate the terrors of being lost in hell and underestimate the joys of heaven we may be careless in our dedication to Christ. While He spoke lovingly, He spoke the truth in love when He said; “If anyone would be my disciple he must follow Me.” There are no side trips available on our own.
It is good, on occasion to remind ourselves that we are servants as well as brothers to the LORD, and to act accordingly.
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLJ7Hkx6YwM&feature=related
It was fairly simple when the work was controlled by my contract because I had the all the contingencies covered, but at times things were more complex and the contracts were many pages which made me nervous for they were in lawyer speak.
If I over estimated, the worse that could happen was I lost the job. If I under estimated the job, all the happy faces left the building and only Mr. Frown remained.
Within the Christian realm there is the warning of underestimating the cost of serving Christ. Jesus was stressing the reality of being a Christian, and what was required of anyone who wanted to follow him. The words in Luke are hard to bear, but bear them we must.
Luke 14:25 “Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,
Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
Luke 14:30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
Because we serve a loving GOD full of mercy and grace, we can underestimate our responsibility to HIM, for we are not of this world and we are expected to live like it.
In many cases the large crowds who were just following along with Jesus, turned away when he began to speak to them about the cost. They were mostly interested in the freebies and not their service to GOD.
It is easy to get into the promise mode and neglect the service mode.
Two things Jesus emphasized were commitment and adherence to him and his agenda. There is no room for negotiation, no contingencies, no special treatment, and no rebates.
If we underestimate the terrors of being lost in hell and underestimate the joys of heaven we may be careless in our dedication to Christ. While He spoke lovingly, He spoke the truth in love when He said; “If anyone would be my disciple he must follow Me.” There are no side trips available on our own.
It is good, on occasion to remind ourselves that we are servants as well as brothers to the LORD, and to act accordingly.
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLJ7Hkx6YwM&feature=related
Sunday, August 1, 2010
AUGUST AND THE DOG
I must say that I have struggled and hesitated to relate this story and am going to preface with the warning and let you decide as to the truth or fiction of it.
There was this man named August. His papa and mama named their kids after the months of the year. They did this so they could remember when they were born. I thought this was a little strange but I figured whatever works. There was June, July pronounced Julie, May, April, September called Ember and August.
August lived on the edge of town, not really a city family nor altogether country either, I guess they were tweeners.
August wasn’t working full time and had some time on his hands. Once a month the auction people held a hog auction and August decided to go. While chatting with some friends he saw a man holding a sign saying “free dog.” That immediately got his attention because the dog was a fine looking animal. August asked his friends if they knew any thing about this man and the dog whereupon they said, “No, just go over and ask him about the dog.”
August ambled over to where the man was and after awhile he said, “Howdy“ and man said howdy back, and they just stood there without saying anything else.
After a few minutes August asked. “Is that dog any good?” The man said. “Well he is friendly and well behaved, so far he hadn’t bit anyone.”
Everything was quite for awhile and then August asked, “Is he a pure bred hound?” and the man said I think so, but I ain’t for sure.
Now this conversation was getting longer and longer and information was coming very slowly.
August said, “How come you want to git rid if him?” and the man answered saying; “I just thought it was a good idea.” August replied; “The hog sale is a starting and I should get in there and see what hogs are going for, but if you are going to be here later, we’ll talk some more.”
As August started to walk away the man said. “If you decide to take him, he will be free, and I will also give you fifty dollars to take him.” August said, “I’m interested and we’ll talk later.” and the man said, “Okay, but I can’t guarantee he’ll still be here.”
As August walked away there were a myriad of thoughts going through his mind, all the “What ifs” and how comes? It don’t make sense, but the fifty dollars seemed to over-rule all the questionings.
When the hog sale was about over August began to look for the dog and the man, and to his surprise he and the dog were still there. August said. “Do you have the fifty dollars?” and the man said, “Yes I do.” August told him, I guess I want him, whereupon the man pulled out the money giving it to August, as he handed him the rope that was around the dog’s neck.
August hollered as the man left and asked what the dog’s name was. The man shouted back and said,” FATE” and was gone.
August looked at the dog and felt the fifty dollars in his pocket and thought he had made a pretty good deal. He told FATE to get into the truck, and the dog jumped in and sat up looking out the windshield like he was interested in every thing that passed by.
When August got home he decided not to tell his wife about the fifty dollars for she didn’t need to know about it. His wife took one look at the dog, and went into the house mumbling under her breathe saying; we don’t have enough to feed ourselves much less a dog.
August fixed the dog a place to sleep and told him that he had to stay out there, whereupon the dog looked at him and then the box August had fixed and proceeded to run into the house. August followed close upon his heels and tried to catch Fate for he didn’t dare let his wife see him in the house.
Finally Fate went under the bed and wouldn’t come out. August went and got some dog food and showed it to Fate but to no avail. He kept coaxing him when - - - Now here is where the story becomes unbelievable and you might want to stop here and not read any further because what happens next is a bit strange to say the least.
For those whose curiosity has got the best of you we continue on.
August pushed the dog food further under the bed and Fate said, “Get that stuff out of here, I don’t eat dog food.”
I won’t attempt to tell you how that affected August for he was beside himself for awhile. When he calmed down he hesitatingly asked, “What did you say?”
Fate answered and said, “Get that stuff out of here for it isn’t fit for a dog,” and under the bed he stayed.
August asked, ‘What do you usually eat?” and the dog answered and said, “Usually I have some good grade hamburger and a glass of milk. On some occasions I will have a steak with mushrooms.”
August dragged Fate out from under the bed by the ears and put a rope around his neck and off they went to find the man that had give the dog to August.
After a long and trying time he found the man and tried to give the money and the dog back to him. The man said, “No a bargain is a bargain, and any way he knows where you live, and he would keep going back to your house.” The man turned and walked away and August watched him until he vanished out of sight. There was nothing to do but go home.
August settled down and started to talk to Fate like he was a human being, trying to make some sense out of all this.
One day he got up the nerve to ask him how this all came about and Fate said;
“It is like this, I was supposed to be a charismatic preacher and like a lot of charismatic preachers I was all mixed up. My mother was due and I was waiting to face the world when the flip flop occurred. As I started to take the breath of life I ended up in a litter of pups being birthed. A twist of fate occurred and I ended up as a dog.
The man who came and picked me out of the litter was a good ole boy but he was a Baptist and he couldn’t take a dog who - - - Well you know what charismatic do; it was just too much for him.
He tried to give me away, but had no takers, and that is the reason he offered the fifty dollars to anyone who would take me.
My desire to preach was so strong in that I went to several preachers and got the same response, ‘If I let you preach here, people would say I have let the church go to the dogs.’
Of course that was after they had composed themselves; for to have a talking dog saying he was a preacher was shocking. Usually the first words out of their mouth was, “Shades of Balaam’s donkey!”
I tried to do some preaching to some Pentecostal people thinking surely they can look beyond the obvious, but every time I would start they would gather around me, and try to cast the demon out of me.
That brought my preaching career to an end. So then I wondered what is next for me.”
FATE told August, “I'm not sure how long you can control your wife for she doesn’t seem to like me, and when you tell her she must prepare a nice meal for me - - - Well I just don’t know.
Here, I find myself in a quandary; I don’t fit in with the dogs because I can’t stand all that yipping. I don’t fit in with people because they don’t accept me as an equal, and I’m am tired of them saying you ain’t nothing but a - - -.
I could start a church but how many of you people would come and hear me preach every Sunday? - - - that is what I thought.
And so I started my singing career. August said he just couldn’t hang any longer. So I am enjoying my success out on my own.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEgXifAdk7Y&feature=related
This is a true story, or at least it is a story, you will have to admit that!
There was this man named August. His papa and mama named their kids after the months of the year. They did this so they could remember when they were born. I thought this was a little strange but I figured whatever works. There was June, July pronounced Julie, May, April, September called Ember and August.
August lived on the edge of town, not really a city family nor altogether country either, I guess they were tweeners.
August wasn’t working full time and had some time on his hands. Once a month the auction people held a hog auction and August decided to go. While chatting with some friends he saw a man holding a sign saying “free dog.” That immediately got his attention because the dog was a fine looking animal. August asked his friends if they knew any thing about this man and the dog whereupon they said, “No, just go over and ask him about the dog.”
August ambled over to where the man was and after awhile he said, “Howdy“ and man said howdy back, and they just stood there without saying anything else.
After a few minutes August asked. “Is that dog any good?” The man said. “Well he is friendly and well behaved, so far he hadn’t bit anyone.”
Everything was quite for awhile and then August asked, “Is he a pure bred hound?” and the man said I think so, but I ain’t for sure.
Now this conversation was getting longer and longer and information was coming very slowly.
August said, “How come you want to git rid if him?” and the man answered saying; “I just thought it was a good idea.” August replied; “The hog sale is a starting and I should get in there and see what hogs are going for, but if you are going to be here later, we’ll talk some more.”
As August started to walk away the man said. “If you decide to take him, he will be free, and I will also give you fifty dollars to take him.” August said, “I’m interested and we’ll talk later.” and the man said, “Okay, but I can’t guarantee he’ll still be here.”
As August walked away there were a myriad of thoughts going through his mind, all the “What ifs” and how comes? It don’t make sense, but the fifty dollars seemed to over-rule all the questionings.
When the hog sale was about over August began to look for the dog and the man, and to his surprise he and the dog were still there. August said. “Do you have the fifty dollars?” and the man said, “Yes I do.” August told him, I guess I want him, whereupon the man pulled out the money giving it to August, as he handed him the rope that was around the dog’s neck.
August hollered as the man left and asked what the dog’s name was. The man shouted back and said,” FATE” and was gone.
August looked at the dog and felt the fifty dollars in his pocket and thought he had made a pretty good deal. He told FATE to get into the truck, and the dog jumped in and sat up looking out the windshield like he was interested in every thing that passed by.
When August got home he decided not to tell his wife about the fifty dollars for she didn’t need to know about it. His wife took one look at the dog, and went into the house mumbling under her breathe saying; we don’t have enough to feed ourselves much less a dog.
August fixed the dog a place to sleep and told him that he had to stay out there, whereupon the dog looked at him and then the box August had fixed and proceeded to run into the house. August followed close upon his heels and tried to catch Fate for he didn’t dare let his wife see him in the house.
Finally Fate went under the bed and wouldn’t come out. August went and got some dog food and showed it to Fate but to no avail. He kept coaxing him when - - - Now here is where the story becomes unbelievable and you might want to stop here and not read any further because what happens next is a bit strange to say the least.
For those whose curiosity has got the best of you we continue on.
August pushed the dog food further under the bed and Fate said, “Get that stuff out of here, I don’t eat dog food.”
I won’t attempt to tell you how that affected August for he was beside himself for awhile. When he calmed down he hesitatingly asked, “What did you say?”
Fate answered and said, “Get that stuff out of here for it isn’t fit for a dog,” and under the bed he stayed.
August asked, ‘What do you usually eat?” and the dog answered and said, “Usually I have some good grade hamburger and a glass of milk. On some occasions I will have a steak with mushrooms.”
August dragged Fate out from under the bed by the ears and put a rope around his neck and off they went to find the man that had give the dog to August.
After a long and trying time he found the man and tried to give the money and the dog back to him. The man said, “No a bargain is a bargain, and any way he knows where you live, and he would keep going back to your house.” The man turned and walked away and August watched him until he vanished out of sight. There was nothing to do but go home.
August settled down and started to talk to Fate like he was a human being, trying to make some sense out of all this.
One day he got up the nerve to ask him how this all came about and Fate said;
“It is like this, I was supposed to be a charismatic preacher and like a lot of charismatic preachers I was all mixed up. My mother was due and I was waiting to face the world when the flip flop occurred. As I started to take the breath of life I ended up in a litter of pups being birthed. A twist of fate occurred and I ended up as a dog.
The man who came and picked me out of the litter was a good ole boy but he was a Baptist and he couldn’t take a dog who - - - Well you know what charismatic do; it was just too much for him.
He tried to give me away, but had no takers, and that is the reason he offered the fifty dollars to anyone who would take me.
My desire to preach was so strong in that I went to several preachers and got the same response, ‘If I let you preach here, people would say I have let the church go to the dogs.’
Of course that was after they had composed themselves; for to have a talking dog saying he was a preacher was shocking. Usually the first words out of their mouth was, “Shades of Balaam’s donkey!”
I tried to do some preaching to some Pentecostal people thinking surely they can look beyond the obvious, but every time I would start they would gather around me, and try to cast the demon out of me.
That brought my preaching career to an end. So then I wondered what is next for me.”
FATE told August, “I'm not sure how long you can control your wife for she doesn’t seem to like me, and when you tell her she must prepare a nice meal for me - - - Well I just don’t know.
Here, I find myself in a quandary; I don’t fit in with the dogs because I can’t stand all that yipping. I don’t fit in with people because they don’t accept me as an equal, and I’m am tired of them saying you ain’t nothing but a - - -.
I could start a church but how many of you people would come and hear me preach every Sunday? - - - that is what I thought.
And so I started my singing career. August said he just couldn’t hang any longer. So I am enjoying my success out on my own.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEgXifAdk7Y&feature=related
This is a true story, or at least it is a story, you will have to admit that!
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