“Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them” Ecclesiastes 10
Right now, there seems to be a lot of quarrying of stones out there (along with out and out rock throwing and mud slinging) in social media. The problem with quarrying stones is that they can either be used to build something useful, even monumental or they can simply crush you beneath their weight.
I’m talking about some of most mean spirited, disrespectful and vulgar postings on social media one can imagine regarding those who are currently in political disfavor – including lewd images that would make a sailor blush. Its one thing to express a dissenting opinion … another to slip in to vulgarity that serves no purpose except for the shock value contained within and the humiliation of the one it is aimed at . And far from being harmless as some would argue what postings of this nature do is add weight to an already tense and emotional situation by being destructive and divisive – which does nothing to improve the situation but rather keeps a simmering pot at just below a boil.
I was looking at some colorized photos today of the Civil War. Amazing how much more relevant they appear when changed from black and white to color. Almost as if the photos once changed became infused with a life they previously had not had. Gray ghostly images were suddenly no longer looking in to the camera from the distant past but rather towards the future it seemed – a future not yet written and to a generation who would need the wisdom of the lessons that they had learned in order that the past be not repeated.
And for that reason we can and must resolve to make a difference. For if things continue in the way they are going we are headed to an unthinkable future. Do we really want a Gettysburg in our generation? A battle that killed or injured as many as 28,000 Americans in three short days. And that was just one battle. I pray not!
So what can we do? First of all we can lead by example. We must set a standard for ourselves in regard to social media – and when I say social media I am not just talking about Facebook or Twitter but also the comments section of news stories that we read and e-mail that is passed along. We can’t do much about the “professional” media but we can choose to govern our selves and seek to influence that which is within our own personal sphere – which means being thoughtful about both what we post – and what we receive. In other words we need to ask ourselves these questions – is it helpful, is it beneficial, is it accurate and true and most importantly of all – is it pleasing to God?
Are the stones that we quarry useful? Or are we in danger of being crushed beneath their weight?
Something to think about.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6
Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
I am amazed again how the Holy Spirit leads and connects believers throughout the world! Beautiful words of how we should allow the Lord to carve us! 2 Timothy 2:1-4
Just yesterday I compiled info. on the Palmyra Arch in a blog. I included details of where the replica was created. “TorArt facilities in Carrara, Italy carved the arch out of pure Egyptian marble.”
http://digitalarchaeology.org.uk/building-the-arch/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrara Separately, I also research some American history, including the Civil War (specifically letters written to the Pope by Abraham Lincoln & Jefferson Davis).
Washington’s statue is made from Carrara marble as well as the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Monument among many other famous landmarks and sculptures worldwide.
http://tammyjdub.blogspot.com/2017/02/triumphal-arch-of-palmyra-syria.html
By: Tammy W on February 20, 2017
at 7:08 am
The “church” is powerless lest it reckons itself.
Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Only the truth of the Word will produce faith that leads to everlasting peace. And them that war with the flesh will not prevail.
By: jeff on February 20, 2017
at 10:18 am