As some of you realize, back in March 2011, I lamented my ongoing battle with some type of mysterious intestinal issue which sidelined my blogging, my music, and much of my joy of just being alive. 

Update: The Lord has either granted me some extended days of relief from the worst of my symptoms or His grace has lifted me up and over them to be able to "wake back up" to living. I now am blogging again a bit more, composing and recording new music in my new sound room, and generally being more alive rather than being "under the gloom of pain and discomfort". Praise to Him!

That's all I really wanted to say just now -- but it is good to feel the "Sonshine" again.

I had never heard of Paris Reidhead until yesterday but his understanding of the crux of 21st-century Christianity's biggest problem is amazingly on target. Recommended reading for anyone wondering what's wrong with Christianity . . . 

Ten Shekels and a Shirt     
By Paris Reidhead     
(Transcript of Tape)

http://www.parisreidheadbibleteachingministries.org/tenshekels.pdf

Was Jesus' resurrection a "physical/bodily" one or a "spiritual/mystical" one?

I was lurking at Dr. Marcus Borg's blog at: http://www.marcusjborg.com/2011/05/16/the-resurrection-of-jesus/ and I posted the following as a responsive comment to his views . . .

"The subject of what material Jesus’ resurrected body was composed of — and of what type resurrection of it was is an intriguing topic. Some will demand it must be a solid resurrected physical thing. Others will argue for a spiritual-only resurrection. I propose that we have to admit the body Jesus resurrected was not like the body of the resurrected Lazarus. We know that Lazarus’ body suffered corruption, rotten and foul. Yet Jesus, “the resurrection and the life” called him forth, back to life, Lazarus still needing to be unbound from very physical grave clothes. However, this was not the type of resurrection body discussed by Paul in I Corinthians 15. Lazarus’ physical body and life was restored but Lazarus retained a body thereafter that would one day die, needing to be resurrected anew in the great resurrections to come. Jesus’ resurrected body was like the body Paul discusses in I Corinthians 15. Christ Jesus as the Creator of all things housed Himself upon His resurrection in a new type of body. What that body is made of is unclear but it is a glorious thing. This new meta-physical, spiritual body of Christ Jesus was unbound by the physical constraints of our time-space continuum and its laws. The Designer of all things, the Word of God, now walked among men, manifesting Himself in whatever way He chose for the moment. Whether He ate with them, appeared to them or showed Thomas the still-present wounds of His crucifixion — Jesus manifested Himself as King over Death, the ever-living One. Sometimes He manifested Himself in a way that it seems, that somehow He was not recognizable as the man Jesus. Then later, the eyes of those he ate and spoke with — were open as they realized this man was the resurrected Jesus. He appeared in overwhelming glory to Saul-turned-Paul. In John’s Revelation 1 vision of Jesus on the isle of Patmos we see a very, very different manifestation of Jesus.

And consider Revelation 19:12-14 “And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head many diadems, having a name written which no one knows but himself; and [he is] clothed with a garment dipped in blood; and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which [are] in the heaven followed him upon white horses, clad in white, pure, fine linen.”

Jesus still has a basically human-like form but there is immense power and glory — a new Man, the Son of Man, the second Adam, the Lord of All Creation has ascended back into a glory we can barely imagine.

And yet somehow, we who have called upon this Jesus as our Lord and Savior, know His resurrection reality in a very, very personal way. He has come into us, changed us, and manifested Himself in the depths of our very being. His Spirit dwells in us with His resurrection life and power. This is the resurrected Jesus many of those of faith know best. We know we will see Him as He is…one day…Maranatha, Lord Jesus."

Rebirth, renewal, revival, resurrection, and revelation: all via repentance . . .

Rebirth, renewal, revival, resurrection, and revelation: all via repentance . . . Repentance is our response to God's unconditional love. How can God be unconditionally loving towards us all? One reason: the shed blood and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus satisfied a Holy God's conditions -- conditions mankind could never fulfill. Thanks be to God for His gracious gift! This is all foolishness to those who perish but the power of God to those who believe.

Vital message from Stephen Kaung

This 2011 message by Stephen Kaung is highly recommended to all Christians seeking to follow the Lord in these last days:

http://www.christiantapeministry.com/tape-page.php?id=3060

Please watch video or listen to audio. It is full of foundational truth for believers.

Healing . . .

I have been away from blogging, recording my music, and many of my typical normal activities for some time now due to my battling a nagging illness. I have been been scoped, CAT scanned, had blood-work panels, been through multiple doctor visits, etc, etc -- and no clear answers for my symptoms; (mild to severe abdominal cramping pain and associated digestive issues).

I have been trying so many things, alternative medicines, natural remedies, and since October of 2009 symptoms have steadily increased in severity. Since August of 2010, it got so bad one day, I feared something major like cancer. I prayed like crazy that such would not be so. Tests have so far ruled such out. Thank you, Jesus!! So, I am essentially living with daily discomfort, painful cramping, and digestive issues. My life is 24/7 effected with this malady and to date I see only mild decreases now away from severity of pain. I have good days, so-so days, and some really bad days.

All in all, I am still seeking the Lord, studying His word, fellow-shipping, and seeking His glory in all things. It is like a "thorn in the flesh" that has come upon me to bring me very low much of the time. Other believers and I have asked for discernment and healing but for now, this health issue dogs my heels.

Being either "washed-out" or "cramped-up" makes it really difficult for me to focus on writing, composing -- even working my day job is a challenge -- with my nights and weekends reserved for rest and recovery. It is a frustrating thing I am suffering daily. Some call my symptoms IBS but so far my doctors have refused to use that term. They seem baffled as to the continuing cause, the onset, and worse yet -- they can't seem to fix things. This summer I will see a food allergist specialist to see if I have become intolerant to certain foods.

Meanwhile, I keep trying various regimens of probiotics, anti-acids, anti-gas, peppermint teas and oil -- and an ever-evolving daily record of my food intake and daily digestive issues. I am considering a 3-week, intensive detox that my doctor recommended. Ah man, this getting old thing is tough.

Brothers and sisters -- please pray for me. I am tired, so very tired of this steady weight. Only the Lord's strength keeps me upbeat and hopeful these days and He kindly ministers to me via the tender care, understanding patience, and steadfast love of my dear wife and sister in Jesus.

Until later . . . keep the faith dear ones.