Did Frodo Pity Boromir?

Today I watched a Tik-Tok reading a letter about Frodo's failure to destroy the one ring. It was a very well-thought-out letter talking about how from the reader's perspective, Frodo did everything he set out to do. Sure the corruption of the ring had got to him, It would have got to anyone. The ring was at the center of the seat of power for Sauron. It was as powerful at that moment as the day it was made. But this isn't about that. This is about a comment I read.

I know what you are thinking? "Brian, who reads comments, it is dangerous to go there." But went I did and a comment I read. It was posted by someone wondering if Frodo ever looked back on Boromir with understanding and pity. I thought about that comment. I always felt sorry for Boromir. Even from a distance, the power of the ring consumed him. He believed in the power the ring had and that something powerful like that would be able to defeat evil once and for all.

I think we all have thought about this at some time; If we had more power we could accomplish everything we wanted, maybe even defeating evil. Right away I thought of one person who I am sure thought this way. His name was Judas. 

Judas' name will always be tarnished because of his betrayal. Judas did sell out a friend, but I think he did it for what he thought were good reasons. I do not think Judas had a single doubt in his mind about who Jesus was, but every part of him actually believed that Jesus was exactly who he said he was. 

When he found out that Jesus wasn't coming to destroy Rome, I think Judas was confused and maybe a little hurt. The Messiah was supposed to come and free Isreal of their oppression. I don't want to go into too much detail here either, this is just a short post that had popped into my mind. But, I think Judas thought he was helping God's plan move forward.

I always felt terrible for Judas. It is clear the other disciples hated him for this. But I felt sorry for him. I look back on Judas with understanding and pity. His sorry was so great that he took his own life. He saw his Lord die on the cross, and not believing what he just did and what just happened he killed himself. I like to think that there were huge tears falling from his face as he begged God to change all of what happened. That he begged with his own life to bring Jesus back. 

Just as Boromir's eyes were opened right at the end of his life, Judas saw almost everything. He missed the most important part of all of this: That Jesus was going to be resurrected and then complete his goal, to bring the world back to God's loving arms.

What breaks me the most is if Judas would have waited for two more days, if he would have lived two more days in agony and despair, making up the three worst days of his life, Jesus would have come back. He would have gone to Judas with all the love of God and embraced him and forgave him. 

Judas gave in to his grief too soon. I can't blame him for it either. I can't imagine what he was feeling. I just feel so sorry for him. I pity him but I understand him. His heart was just too broken by his actions. 

If you ever get to the point that it seems easier to end your own life, wait. Wait two more days, then wait two more, then two more. There will come a time when someone will come up to you with open arms and full of love that will forgive whatever you have done and help you learn to forgive yourself. Someone will find you, tell you how important you are to them, and never want to let you go. There will be love, happiness, and life. Sometimes you just need to wait just a little longer. The world is better off with you in it. I am better off just knowing you. 

If there is ever a moment you need to talk with someone, reach out to me. Please, I want to hear from you. If not me, reach out to someone, anyone, let them know. I know many pastors who would sit down and talk with you all night if need be. You are never truly alone.

Bot AI Devotional: Light

Below is a Devotional written by a chatbot. I edited it to fit my style of posts, but the content is auto generated based on John 8:12. The picture is from Bible.com from the daily verse picture. Even the prayer at the end is written by the Bot. The bot is the new OpenAI bot. 

 

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."


As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of walking in his light. When we choose to follow him, we are choosing to let go of the darkness in our lives and to live in the light of his truth and love. We no longer have to be slaves to sin and darkness, but can be free to live in the light of Christ.

When we walk in the light of Jesus, we are able to see things as they truly are. We are able to see the world around us with clarity and understanding, and we are able to see ourselves as we truly are. We are able to see our own sin and our own need for a savior, and we are able to see the grace and love of Jesus that is available to us.

From Bible.com

Walking in the light of Jesus also means that we are able to live a life of love and compassion. We are able to love others as Christ loves us, and we are able to show them the light of his love as well. We are able to be a light in the world, shining forth the love and truth of Jesus to those around us.

As we follow Jesus and walk in his light, we can trust that he will lead us on the path of life. We don't have to worry about stumbling in the darkness, because he will be with us every step of the way. We can trust that he will guide us and protect us, and that he will never leave us to walk alone in the darkness.

So let us choose to follow Jesus and to walk in his light. Let us let go of the darkness in our lives and embrace the light of his truth and love. Let us be a light in the world, shining forth the love of Jesus to those around us. And let us trust that as we walk in his light, he will lead us on the path of life.

Dear God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to be the light of the world. Thank you for the privilege of being able to follow him and to walk in his light. Help us to let go of the darkness in our lives and to embrace the light of your truth and love. Help us to be a light in the world, shining forth your love to those around us. And please guide us on the path of life as we trust in you and follow you.

 

Belle

November 28th marks two years since I lost my heart. Her name was Belle. She was a beautiful little girl with brown eyes as big as the milky way. She had fluffy white fur that was always a mess. I loved her with my whole heart as she did me. She knew exactly what I needed when I needed it. A kiss when I was feeling down, a hug just because. She was happy to sit on my lap for hours, and we would cuddle under the blankets in the cold winter nights. She was my love, part of my heart I will never get back. I buried a part of my soul the day I buried her. 

When that day came, I broke. I am not sure I have ever recovered. Not sure I ever will. I see her final home every day. I tell her "hi" every time I look in her direction. I miss her the same today as I did 730 days ago. I knew her from the day she was born, on our living room floor, first born of five. She came out of the womb, her name ready to be known to the world. I was in love the first time I picked her up. We had many good years, years of love and cuddles. I remember introducing her to my best human friend. If the two would have had a chance to meet, I am sure both would have loved each other as much I loved the two of them.

Sadly old age crept up faster than I could have thought and ever imagined. I saw, in her cataract covered eyes, time slowly taking what it does. She began to move slower, but my heart and my brain were in denial until the last day. I felt her heart, it was still young. We had so much love to share still, how could I ever let it go?  But when it came down to it, I couldn't let the love of my life suffer just so I could have a few more days. It wasn't fair of me to do that to her despite knowing what would happen.

The last day with her was the hardest of my life. I have lost family before, but none hurt nearly as much as it did her. So this is what it felt like to have your soul die. I gently set her on the table as the doctor came in. I still see her eyes staring into mine. I could see her soul wanted to stay and I would have kept it forever, but her body was at the end. I stared deep into those big brown eyes as she slowly slipped from my life. That little girl I had known for years went where I could not follow. I cried. I still cry and am crying right now. I buried her by myself. I dug the hole, laid her gently into the ground then laid my heart on top of her as I covered her with the damp soil.

By the time I get to see my girl again, I will have remembered and mourned her for longer than I got to love her. But it is ok. I am still not whole. As I said, I don't think I ever will be. I will always remember how she would nip at my mother's nose as part of our good night ritual. How she would tell me it was time for me to go to bed so I never stayed up too late. I will remember how she curled up inside my hoodie. How she slept on the back of the couch to get all the cool air from the fan.

I will never forget my love. I will always have a piece of me that is buried in my backyard. I will love her forever. I know that when my time on this planet comes to an end, Belle will be waiting beside Jesus to welcome me home. 

Give Yourself

Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let’s stop charging this interest. Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and fresh oil that you have been assessing them.”
Nehemiah 5:10-11 CSB

Years ago, I lent a friend a decent amount of money. She needed help as she was going through a rough spot in life, and I had a little extra I could spare. She promised to pay me back, with interest, and I agreed. A long time later she finally gave me a check for the amount that she borrowed. I was glad to get the money back. I took the check to the bank and it bounced. I was still out that money and now out even more because I had to cover the bounced check fees. I was pretty angry. I wanted my money back.

Later down the road I gave up on ever seeing the money, but it stuck with me. I was still upset, I hadn't forgiven yet. I had to make a point in my head where I did say I will forgive this debt and forgive her. I wrote it off in my head and heart as I helped someone in need instead of a loan.  

Jesus told us to give without expecting anything in return, and it is right to do so. When you give with an open heart, it frees up your soul. Think about the joy people have when they help out in places like soup kitchens and places where people need a hand. Think of the joy the people get when someone helps them out of love, and not because they wanted something in return.

Disaster, famine, wildfires, tornadoes, even grief and pain from a loss, bring people to their lowest point and that is where we as Christians should be waiting with love and a hand giving of ourselves with nothing expected in return.

Lord, Help me to give more freely my time and my heart to those who are hurting and in need. Help me to love more like you love and show the world a Jesus they might not know

Love Your Neighbors

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

Matthew 22:36‭-‬40 CSB

Sometimes an unpopular opinion is something that needs to be heard and thought about in retrospection of oneself. It needs to challenge the paradigm and attitudes of people who maybe have gone a little astray in their walk with God because they don't agree with something and begin to look out only for themselves. Our focus can easily change from God to ourselves with just simple things. I know this is true because I have been having issues because I listened to people that I shouldn't have. My troubles have become my own and I'm trying to deal with them on my terms instead of letting God put me straight. So my unpopular opinion is not just for thought but also to fix my brain and put it back on track.

I know I have mentioned in previous posts how I think Christians should wear a mask simply because we should be more loving to everyone. But I'm going to go further and say we should, if required, wear masks, get vaccinated (no it does not have tracking chips in it, nor does it cause genetic abnormalities), or do whatever needs to be done to put to ease, the minds of our neighbors. We should never spout off our inane ramblings of conspiracy, but instead reach into our hearts and embrace Jesus and do what is asked of us to bring comfort and peace to those around us.

Jesus told us, in Matthew, that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbors as yourself. I am not in anyways saying be afraid of viruses, but I am saying love those people that might be. Be a light to them and show them the power of God is always working in everyday life, with LOVE. I have heard a lot of people who identify as Christian saying things like, "It's my body." "I look out for my own health, people need to worry about themselves." "God will take care of it." "If God will protect me from the virus." And other things of the sort. But did you notice anything in those comments? (And those are comments I have personally either read or heard from other Christians.) Three of the four are about themselves. 

From Bible.com

If Jesus told the Pharisees that nothing is more important the loving God with everything you are and the second most important thing is loving your neighbors as you love yourself, how can we focus on our own health and own bodies and not focus on our neighbors' bodies and health as well?

I have mentioned that all sin seems to stem from selfishness, and you can see it here too. People decry masks and now the vaccine as an afront some perceived notion of freedom. I will let you in on a little secret, you do not belong to you. If you are a Christian, you belong to God. Body, soul, mind, they are no longer yours but they fully belong to God, for him to do with as he wishes. We are fortunate that God loves us because he does and not for what we bring to the table. So God wants the best for us, but God looks at the big picture, the whole of creation, he is willing to use your life to reach someone else even if it means your death to do it. When he does that he gives you the hope realized of eternal life so that the next person will also be able to receive it as well. 

We are, all of us who follow Jesus, expendable. Not that God wants us to die, nor will everyone who believes in him have to sacrifice their lives for others, but if we need to do that for the lives of others, it is something that we should do happily. And if being a martyr is a glorious thing, in the end, is not being a protector of those who need it just as glorious?

Devotional: God is Among Us

"The Lord  your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 CSB

Have you experienced a love so deep and full that someone would fight for you, die for you, and wipe every tear from your face? My mother likes to tell the story of the first time she held me in her arms. She says that she said to herself, out loud, "I would die for you and I would kill for you." I hope she never has to do either, but knowing she would is a comfort. She loves me and my sister so much that she would fight and die for us. But even her love is near nothing compared to the love God has for each of us.

God says he will fight and rescue us, save us from death. But he will also rejoice over you. He will celebrate with you and do it gladly and excitedly because you are you and what makes you happy he will celebrate. But he will also bring it down and hold you closer than anyone can in his love. His love will wrap you with everything good and keeps even the darkest night away. It is the safest place in all of the universe, wrapped up in the love of God. And he will continue love you forever. 

From Bible.com

There is always something about a song that is written for you. Even if it is not a very good song, when it is written with you in mind, you hold it closer to your heart than others. Only a few beings in the whole of the bible sing songs, Humans and God (Though you could make an argument that Birds also sing). How amazing is the thought that the creator of the universe will hold you so close in love and sings songs of delight in you. This verse demonstrates how intimate God's love is for us. Every person, even those you might not think deserve it, God loves them with songs, rejoicing, and will fight for them to being them back into his arms. 

Lord, thank you for loving me so much more than I deserve. Thank you for fighting for me, and sitting with me when my heart is aching. Thank you for filling the deafening silence with your songs of delight that heal even the deepest wounds. 

Devotional: He Will Help You

'For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you. ' Isaiah 41:13

There is too much pain in the world and too much fear. Every day people are diagnosed with cancers and illnesses. People die in accidents, murders and natural causes, and it becomes more and more dangerous to simply leave your house at all. The world has been turning its head from the good things in life to focus on the death and mayhem instead. We are being taught in the social media, and traditional media, that we should be afraid constantly of everyone else. They are going to hate you for your skin, for your sex and simply because you exist. 

From bible.com

But the people who follow Christ closely know we don't have to be afraid of what comes our way. It is true we will die someday. And for many people it might be a moment of panic and fear, but we are assured that Jesus will be right there with us, ready to bring us into paradise. 

God promised Israel that he will be there for them even when the whole world will be trying to kill them. God remained faithful to Israel even when they were not faithful to Him. As Christians, we have the same promise from God, through Jesus. Jesus will be there holding our right hand in all our times of fear and pain. He will help us in ways we may see and others we won't, but he will still help us himself because he loves us so very much. Jesus will remain faithful to those who love him even in the times we are not faithful to him.

We can face each day with God's assurance on our mind bravely and securely because we know we have Jesus holding our hands.

Lord, as we face the trials of this world every day, give my hand a gentle squeeze when I become afraid. Remind me that you are here and give me the courage to face the world head on and share you with every person that crosses my path.