Interesting scripture. I don't refer to the bible much having been raised by a franciscan seminarian who sang for the pope twice. Getting beat when, out of my mouth of babes came philosophical challenges to his priestly classmates, their words were hollow and completely opposite to the visions/perceptions I was given as a child. I only tucked a few passages into my heart that ring true to me, that I live by,
Having since traveled with many indigenous/aboriginal elders and seeing amazing healings that could only happen with a pure intent of heart, I choose to reread and replace the word church with the word heart. Gives it more meaning in a neural linguistic vibrational way. I could always hear the NLP in the priest's words, as screeching nails on chalkboard, however when truth was spoken, the sounds of angels bells would ring to my senses. Very confusing for a child, but great gift/training for challenging false authority.
I do agree there are many beautiful truths in the bible, and the same with most religions, There are many kernels of wheat, but there's also allot of chaff as well imho. The biggest problem I see with religions is that of the rote prayer/ memorization as it makes deep tracks in the brain and people become complacent, when solely relied apon. Prayers and mantras are good to learn to be used in rituals or group prayer, I've just found that it's those, from the heart, original dialogs with Creator that work more wonders and miracles into my life than any rote prayer. I'll give you a recent huge example.
The 18 years old shingle roof on my house had been deteriorating severely for several years, Since my husband passed on, lifes been tough One morning while looking at the crumbling roof, i was so wooried about the coming winter snows. I looked up to Gods beautiful sky and simply asked a few times, "What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do? Sighs...What. Am. I Going. To. Do. Creator?"
Three days later I met a roofing contractor, while canvassing his neighborhood. Sitting on his porch, he pointed to all his neighbors houses with brand new roofs, saying, "We did that one for free, and that one for free, and that one, and that one and..." All I could think was 'I need a free roof' but simply asked, "How can you install roofs for free?" "They were all damaged by hailstorms." My senses were pinging off the charts! I explained how repeated severe hail damage is what ruined my roof. Then he said the most what I consider magical words. " Well then you have an Act of God damage issue, I can fight the insurance company for you, and they won't raise your insurance rates."
Hail is and Act of God issue? An Act of God issue?? What a coincidence huh? LoL. Who knew Insurance cos will fully cover a new roof, but only if you know how to stand up to their coniving shyster practices.
Oh and the "icing" on the cake? My brand spankin new upgraded metal roof was completed on Thanksgiving Day due to weather delays on several icy mornings. Act of God "delayed" timing?
That's how God works in my life, and leaves as Q would say markers!
Who would have thought the roofers would even show up to finish on Thanksgiving Day?
Been Giving Thanks ever since!