Tag: jesus

The Power of Neighborly Love in Today’s World

Can we sit a spell and talk?

This post is quite different from my previous post about my latest novels.

I’ve been thinking a lot about family, friends, and the folks whom I care about, some of whom live a few doors down. For the last nine months, it seems like people are mad at things none of us can control, and that anger spills onto the people right beside them—at home, at school, and especially online.

I miss the days of front-porch talks after church, your great‑grandmother’s fried chicken and lemonade, and the squeals of kids on the swings and that dizzy old merry‑go‑round. I miss running through the sprinkler as a child and chasing fireflies with a mason jar after dark—when just holding someone’s hand could make your heart flutter. You might not be there yet with those feelings—and that’s okay. One day you’ll understand. For now, just know there was a sweetness to those simple moments.

I blame social media and information overload for much of this. There are those who wish to control the narrative by spreading evil, yes, evil, through ignorance, both spewed by them and by those who are unwilling to see the hate for what it is, propaganda.

These days, it feels like there’s a different kind of bug going around—not a sickness of the body, but of the heart. I see rooms full of people, all together, and yet most eyes are glued to a screen. The trouble isn’t just social media itself; it’s that anyone, no matter their maturity, can throw words into the wind. Some of those words can poison minds and hearts. There are folks who know how to push your buttons—fear, anger, outrage—because those spread fastest. Love doesn’t trend as easily, have you noticed?

It’s Sunday for me—a day to pause and remember what can get lost without a little refresher. I saw some posts today that weren’t thought through, and it nudged me to share this: in a world of fences, passwords, and polarized feeds, being a good neighbor is a quiet revolution. Jesus put it simply: love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). He also taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12). That gets real when your “neighbor” has hurt your feelings or crossed a line.

Why be neighborly—even to someone who offends you

It shows God’s heart: He is kind even to the ungrateful (Luke 6:35–36).

It breaks the get‑even cycle: overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

It frees your heart from bitterness (Ephesians 4:31–32).

It points people to the good news: like the Good Samaritan did (Luke 10:25–37).

It helps whole communities heal (Matthew 5:9).

What neighborly love is not

Not excusing harm. Wrong is still wrong (Isaiah 5:20).

Not boundary‑free. Guard your heart; rebuild trust slowly (Proverbs 4:23).

Not enabling. Restore gently, don’t permit harm (Galatians 6:1).

Not against justice. Accountability can be loving (Micah 6:8; Romans 13:1–4).

Not always reconciliation. Forgiveness takes one; reconciliation takes two (Romans 12:18).

A simple path for everyday misunderstandings

Start with your heart: pray for a clean heart and for the other person by name (Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:44). Ask, “What’s my part?” (Matthew 7:3–5).

Choose a gentle tone: a soft answer turns away anger (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19).

Talk privately and plainly. Example: “I want to be good neighbors. When the music’s loud after 10 p.m., I can’t sleep. Could we set quiet hours?”

Offer forgiveness: name the hurt and release the debt to God (Colossians 3:13). You may need to forgive more than once as feelings pop back up.

Seek solutions, not victory: small, practical compromises help everyone.

Ask for help if needed: bring one or two trusted people to mediate (Matthew 18:15–16).

Keep doing small kindnesses: a wave, a shared tomato, a hand with a bin (1 Peter 3:9).

Habits that grow a neighborly life

Pray for your street by name as you walk (Jeremiah 29:7).

Create regular touchpoints: porch time, a seasonal potluck, or a simple group chat for practical updates.

Be first to apologize: “I was short yesterday. I’m sorry.”

Serve together: pick up litter, organize a meal train, check on elders.

Keep short accounts: handle small irritations kindly and early (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Words you can borrow

To start: “I want a good relationship as neighbors. Could we talk about something on my mind?”

To share impact: “When X happens, Y is the impact for me. Can we find a solution that works for both of us?”

To forgive: “I was hurt by what happened. I choose to forgive you. Let’s move forward with clearer boundaries.”

To set a boundary: “I care about being good neighbors. I need X to feel safe. If X can’t happen, I’ll need to do Y.”

Scripture anchors

Love your neighbor: Matthew 22:37–39

Forgive as forgiven: Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

Peacemaking and enemy‑love: Matthew 5:9, 38–44; Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 3:9

Gentle correction: Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15–17

Compassion in action: Luke 10:25–37

Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly: Micah 6:8

A short prayer Lord, make me a neighbor after Your heart. Give me courage to seek peace, grace to forgive, wisdom to set good boundaries, and love that overcomes evil with good. Make our street a place of safety, kindness, and hope. Amen.

A simple next step this week

Do one neighborly act: a hello at the mailbox, a thank‑you note, a bag of garden produce, or a text to set up a friendly chat.

Name one hurt you’re holding before God and choose to forgive. If it’s wise and safe, begin a gentle conversation.

Loving neighbors who trespass isn’t naïve—it’s following Jesus. It’s steady, courageous love that tells the truth, keeps boundaries, seeks justice, and keeps working for peace. And when your day comes to chase fireflies with someone who makes your heart flutter, I hope you’ll bring that same kind of love to your friendships and your neighborhood. I’m cheering you on.

From Lions to Lawmakers: Reclaiming Our Common Ground

Have you noticed the growing tension in the air? The awkward silences at family dinners, the wary glances between neighbors, the uneasy distance with old friends? It’s not just your imagination—something real is pulling us apart, and it’s as ancient as humanity itself.

Long before the first newspaper, before the first televised debate, survival depended on dividing and conquering. In the animal kingdom, predators thrive by splitting herds and isolating the vulnerable. Lions charge and scatter, alligators lurk to create chaos, fish panic to leave the weakest behind. This old, primal strategy is now playing out in our modern lives—not for survival, but for control.

But here’s the truth: while animals hunt from necessity, humans have turned the art of division into a tool for power. And today, the real predators don’t wear claws or fangs—they wear suits, speak from podiums, and broadcast into our homes. They wield narratives, psychological tricks, and propaganda to keep us focused on our differences, rather than our shared hopes and struggles.

We are all being played—no matter which screen you watch, which paper you read, or which side you think you’re on. Behind the scenes, powerful interests use every tool at their disposal—NLP, psychological triggers, and relentless messaging—to keep us anxious, suspicious, and divided. Why? Because a fractured people are easier to control.

It’s easy to see the darkness in the world of politics and law. The courtroom becomes a stage, where truth and justice are bent to the will of those who can afford the best performance. Spectacle replaces substance. The suffering of victims and the pain of families are just pieces in a larger game. And every scandal, every controversial verdict, widens the rift between us.

But this isn’t just about politicians or lawyers. The real tragedy is what’s happening in our homes, our friendships, our communities. We lose trust in each other. We retreat into echo chambers, clinging to comfortable stories, even as reality grows more complicated. Some of us simmer in quiet frustration, others cling to certainty, and all the while, the forces that profit from our division grow stronger.

We are told that the “other side” is the problem. But pause for a moment: if half the country disagrees with you, can they all be evil? Or are we all, in some way, caught in a web of manipulation, fear, and old survival instincts? The same psychological forces that once helped us avoid danger now make us vulnerable to those who sow division for their own gain.

History gives us somber reminders of the cost of looking away or turning against each other. But it also teaches us that unity—true, honest connection—is our greatest strength. Every time we reach out instead of shutting down, every time we listen instead of shouting, we reclaim a bit of that power for ourselves.

Look at the wars waged for profit, the headlines designed to provoke rather than inform, the tax dollars diverted from our needs to feed distant conflicts. These are not accidents—they are symptoms of a system that thrives when we are distracted and divided.

But we are not helpless. The real act of rebellion in an age of engineered division is simple: keep talking. Stay open. Refuse to see your neighbor, your friend, your family member as an enemy, no matter what story you’ve been told.

Let’s not be pawns. Let’s refuse the bait. Instead, let’s rebuild the trust that makes us strong—not by pretending we all agree, but by remembering that beneath all the noise, we all want the same things: safety, dignity, a future for our children, and a voice that matters.

The next time you feel the urge to close off, to write someone off as lost or “the problem,” take a breath. Unclench your fists. Invite a real conversation. That is the first step toward reclaiming our unity—and denying those who profit from our division the satisfaction of our silence.

Let’s stand together, not just as members of a party or tribe, but as human beings. Our oneness is our power, and no amount of manipulation can take that from us—unless we let it.

With hope,

Scott

If only a few of you read this, my time has not been spent wisely. In order to enact change, you need to repost, share, and talk about it with your friends and family. The disease is getting worse, not better. Evil is winning, and it’s up to each and every one of us to stand and be counted.

Should we replace our concrete streets here on Earth with gold?

Further thoughts from last Sunday. Read the previous blog for context.

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate comprising a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.”

“And the streets of heaven are made of gold.”

His reason for making that analogy is that gold in heaven is nothing more than asphalt. That all the girls and women want to wear here on earth is asphalt. His quote, not mine.

First off, why pick on girls and women? Most people wear gold bands to signify a symbol of marriage. By demeaning gold, does he not also degrade the symbol of marriage? What is the wedding ring all about?

The choice of gold for wedding rings is deeply rooted in tradition and symbolism. Gold has been used for wedding rings for centuries and is valued for its enduring qualities, making it a fitting symbol for the enduring nature of marriage. Using gold in wedding rings symbolizes the precious and enduring nature of the commitment being made. It represents the purity, value, and timelessness of the love and bond shared between the couple. Gold is a noble metal that does not tarnish, corrode, or rust, which further emphasizes the enduring nature of marriage commitment.

Therefore, the choice of gold for wedding rings reflects the timeless and precious nature of the love and commitment shared between spouses.

***

If you read the previous blog, you know I am critical of this person as he is flawed on so many levels.

The lesson he was attempting to teach is that what we value here on earth is nothing when it comes to the rewards in heaven. He failed.

The phrase “Do not love the world or anything in the world” can be found in 1 John 2:15 in the Bible. It states, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over worldly desires and attachments.

He fundamentally criticized the message about heaven that the author of Revelations was trying to convey.

What was the Author of Revelations trying to say?

He describes the streets of the city as pure gold, like transparent glass

This depiction is part of the larger portrayal of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the extraordinary beauty and richness of God’s dwelling place. Using precious materials like gold and pearls in the description signifies the unparalleled magnificence and perfection of the heavenly realm.

Let’s see what we can derive from scripture:

The Bible provides several vivid descriptions of Heaven, particularly in the Book of Revelation. According to Revelation chapters 21 and 22, Heaven, or the New Jerusalem, is depicted as a stunningly beautiful city coming down from God. It is described as having streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls made of precious stones

Characteristics of Heaven

Heaven is described as a real place filled with real people, and the Bible sometimes compares it to a mansion with many rooms and sometimes to an enormous city teeming with people

The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored, with the river of the water of life flowing freely and the tree of life available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that heal the nations

Additionally, the pleasures of heaven are said to eclipse wildest imaginations, and it is a place where perfect friendships are enjoyed

Limitations of Description

Despite the eloquence in the description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:9

The descriptions of heaven in the Bible are often symbolic and open to interpretation, emphasizing the challenge of fully capturing its essence in human language

In summary, the Bible describes heaven as a place of stunning beauty, with streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls made of precious stones. It is a place of restoration, perfect friendships, and pleasures that surpass human imagination. However, the limitations of human language and the symbolic nature of the descriptions remind us that the reality of heaven transcends our finite understanding.

I would like to talk briefly about the book of revelations.

The author of the Book of Revelation is traditionally identified as John the Apostle, who also authored the Gospel of John and three epistles. However, the precise identity of the author remains a point of academic debate. While second-century Christian writers such as Papias of Hierapolis, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Melito of Sardis, and Clement of Alexandria, as well as the author of the Muratorian fragment, identify John the Apostle as the author, modern scholarship generally takes a different view, with many considering that nothing can be known about the author except that he was a Christian prophet

The traditional paradigm holds that the apostle John wrote both the Gospel of John and Revelation, but modern scholarship has cast severe doubts on this traditional theory

The author of Revelation identifies himself as simply “John” in the text, but his precise identity remains a point of academic debate

I will end this epistle on this note: If putting forth stumbling blocks earns a one-way ticket to the place without air conditioning, this guy should be much more careful about his pontifications.

Just to be transparent, I mainly write science fiction. Moreover, I identify as someone who engages in deep thought. Throughout my career, I have consistently been able to think creatively, which has proven advantageous to both employers and customers.

Have a blessed day!

Kobayahsi Maru and Church

It’s disheartening to witness preachers embarrassing themselves and tarnishing the religion they claim to cherish.

My search for the perfect church will never be realized as people are far from perfect, and power corrupts.

That doesn’t stop me from searching.

Last Sunday, I tried a new church.

Sunday School held no surprises for me at this point in my life; there was nothing new under the SON…yes, I intended that pun.

While everyone was friendly enough, I thought this gathering was for people who were at the end of their lives and studying for the final. That was my first impression. It was a sad get-together with folks who were tired and looking for a little bit of juice to comfort them.

The preacher or leader of the service had several points that resonated with me. Then, he veered off course and immersed himself in politics.

I would have called him about it if I had been a member and not a visitor.

His idea of sin was interesting, flawed, and full of pride and boasting, which I found hard to understand.

“If your actions have the potential to be seen as sinful, don’t do them.”

Just imagine the expansive and inclusive mindset behind that statement.

If you heeded that advice, you would do ‘nothing.’

In Star Trek’s “The Wrath of Khan 1982” era, you have just been placed into the Kobayahsi Maru.

This film introduces the scenario as a training exercise for Starfleet cadets, designed to be unwinnable to test their character and decision-making under pressure. Anything you say or do, or choose not to do, can be interpreted as sinful by someone.

This type of statement divides Christians and is the reason we have so many different forms of Christianity today. How about we just stick to the Ten Commandments and leave it there?

Some denominations say drinking is a sin. But Jesus turned water into wine; was he sinful?

Some denominations say music is sinful, Psalm 150:1-6

This psalm is a comprehensive call to praise God with various musical instruments, including trumpets, harps, lyres, tambourines, strings, pipes, and cymbals

How do you explain this if music is sinful? Let me guess, it was before Jesus, so it doesn’t count. God was wrong, and Jesus was right. Yeah right.

What he failed to say correctly is to be careful that your actions do not lead those who are weak in faith astray.

Then, he went on to talk about boasting and how sinful it was. Shifting to politics, he attacked the 45^th President of the United States on his vernacular.

Preacher, dude, I am not voting for Trump as my spiritual leader or as a guide on how to live my life. I am hiring him to be my bulldog and to be the bulldog for the United States against those who seek to destroy her, to create an unrecognizable version of the country by re-introducing the 45 tenets of communism. Trump is like a honey badger. He doesn’t care. I will vote for the honey badger, and I hope others do. Wars are evil, and Trump is very much anti-war, which runs the askance of the military complex that benefits from wars. That is the deep state, and he is very much against the swamp. Do you think God would be against wars?

Talk about evil. Tens of thousands could die as long as those who design and make weapons profit, no problem. Those people keep the politicians in power, so what is a war on the other side of the world that most Americans can find on a map? Sad and evil.

America First!

The preacher’s ignorance and pride may jeopardize the acquisition of crucial votes, something we need as the Devil seems to be putting in extra effort to steer people away from Jesus and Trump.

Let me just say this preacher, guy. God used David, and David was far worse than Trump ever thought about being. Don’t you think God may have plans for Trump?

Back to the sin of boasting, I found it hilarious that this fellow went on about how evil boasting was and then used example after example of how he condemned sin by not engaging in activities that take advantage of disadvantaged people. He was boasting about how good he was. “Look at how great I am. I could have made money by doing this evil thing, but I didn’t.”

Here is the takeaway for people like this. You are held to a higher standard if you preach God’s word. That means that just possibly you shouldn’t be winging what you are saying, and when you say something like, I rarely talk politics, but… you should stop. We don’t care about how you feel. The phrase ‘Garbage in, Garbage out’ holds true. If you watch CNN, MSNBC, or even PBS, you will hate Trump, conservatives, and most probably Christians and Jews. You will be, in fact…of this world.

There is this thing called Neuro-Linguistic Programming or NLP that is used by the media, aka propagandists, to control the masses. I am almost certain preachers use it, too.

That’s why when you decide to go to church, you must understand what you believe and why you believe it and be prepared to walk away if what they say is trash.

Do you ever wonder what having one version of Christianity would be like? They will tell you with a straight face that the bible is the inerrant word (God-breathed) version from God’s lips to your ears.

Here is the major stumbling block…

There are more than 45,000 Christian denominations globally, and more than 200 distinct Christian denominations exist in the United States alone. Most of these denominations emerged after the Protestant Reformation in 1517. The Reformation was a significant movement against certain doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church, leading to the formation of various Protestant branches.

So, which one has the correct understanding of God’s Word?

If you want to learn some fascinating history, study the early church and discover how evil it was. That will blow your mind. Only then can you understand the reason for the Reformation.

Live Long and Prosper, or in the spirit of this epistle, Have a blessed Day!

-Scott