So I was in class the other day and my professor asked if anyone knew of any human that lived to be centuries old.  As a precursor, he added, “not speaking religiously, but scientifically.” 

 

Thinking of the religious background from which I’ve built my morals and values around since birth, I began to think of some of the biblical figures of whose age awed me growing up.  The very first of course was Methuselah – the Bible’s oldest mention of a person’s age at 969 years.  In Genesis 5 we can read about others who aged similarly such as Noah, who lived to see 950 years of age.  

These facts are amazing; they’re almost too difficult to fathom.  IF I anticipated longevity of this magnitude I would LIVE IT UP.  This idiom is defined: “to have an exciting time; to do what one pleases—regardless of cost—to please oneself.”

Almost instantaneously, my thoughts of awe transitioned to thoughts of concern.  What does it say about the state/amount of sin in our world today when we have people dying at early ages?  The Bible tells us: 

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

 ²³For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God’s promises are true.  That means there are costly repercussions for sin – DEATH (nigga DEATH? - DEATH!!) However, alongside that promise is the one of hope and fulfillment.  God promises everlasting life through Him – we just have to believe in and accept Jesus Christ as His son.  

How’s that for a cost of living?  Hebrews 13:8 declares God, as the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The same requirements/promises that allowed Methuselah and Noah to age are the same that hold true to us.  I’m trying to age something like that.  This was a friendly reminder to think about those pestilent temptations that could easily lead to sins (Hebrews 12:1).  But who am I to say … Go ahead. LIVE IT UP.

Daniel and the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6

A story of Continuity

law of the Medes and Persians – mentioned in verses 8 and 12 with the phrase “which altereth not”

unalterable;  immutable - unchanging through time; unalterable; ageless

This law of the Medes and Persians stands out to me for a number of reasons.  If you read through the story, you find that this law held even King Darius to the standard of compliance (it is thought to have been an ordinance of Darius himself).  Reluctant as he was, King Darius still threw Daniel into the lion’s den because of this law.  BUT, before he did, he said (verse 16)

“¹⁶Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”

                In this verse, we have a reference to the long-term commitment of Daniel to God.  Even the King recognized this.  Daniel knew what was being plotted against him, yet he remained steadfast and loyal to God. (verse 10)

¹⁰Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

                So we know that Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, and was protected and unharmed.  Following this divine protection, the King made a decree.   This is actually the best part of the story.  God showed Himself through Daniel to everyone (King Darius had pull – meaning he was the man).

Daniel 6:26-27
²⁶I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
 ²⁷He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
           
            So we have three things that symbolic of continuity in this particular story, (which I argue attest to continuity on a larger scale):    the “extreme, but consistent” law of the Medes and the Persians, the unwavering commitment to God from Daniel, and the declaration of God’s steadfast, undeniable reign.
Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
How’s that for CONTINUITY?

Stunt'in is A Habit ...

A lot of things have been getting to me lately - as far as my expectations of people are concerned.  I have had to find out the hard way that many people don't have the same standards/values/morals that I have set in place for myself.  So I often find myself questioning various actions from different people.  It baffles me how people treat others any type way, say and do WHATEVER they please, act as if nothing has repercussions or consequences - and can sleep at night.  Even more troubling, I admit is that I get frustrated and question the possibility of how far acting in a similar manner would get me.   


I have found a scripture that gives me motivation to remain positive. The next time you are faced with a decision as to how you are going to act based on how others who may have/may not have been in the same situation, remember: 

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Don't let your actions be predicated on what others are doing.  Post up - with your own swagg.  Keep doing you.  You will be rewarded for staying true.

Oh You Swagged Up: @MrExclusive1

Ladies and Gents: P.S.A  - The man formerly known as Damon Antony McGuire shall now and forever be known as "Dee Mac" (and if you don't believe me, check Facebook)!  For those of you who know him, this has to be the most Memphian expression we've ever seen from him.  I don't know if this is one of those things that people do to avoid compromising any opportunities with potential employers, but it was surprisingly, funny nonetheless.  In short, be on the lookout for more from "lilDamon" as he embarks on those post-grad plans.