Category Archives: Bible

Memento mori, Episode 3

11 Thursday Sep 2025

Posted by in Bible, Jesus Christ, Live your purpose, religion, Ukraine, Uncategorized

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If you are new to this site, before reading the following I suggest you go back to the August 26th post which will explain in detail what my intentions are with this Episode. Basically, I am presenting a series of real-life scenarios to remind us of the brevity of our lives (literally Remember, you will die) and to be prepared for its inevitable, often seemingly premature, end.

I didn’t plan on writing about the subjects for this post, until today. The prior two concern accidental deaths in the recent past. The following, however, reported by fresh ink headlines or recent pings on your phones, are sudden, deliberate deaths – by murder.

First, Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian woman who had recently come to the United States to escape the life-threatening perils of war with Russia, to live the American dream. Vivid video evidence shows Iryna boarding the Charlotte (N.C.) Light Rail at 9:46 to go home after working at Zepeddies Pizzeria. Four minutes later, Decarlos Brown, Jr., leapt up from the seat behind her and stabbed her in the neck three times with a pocket knife.

Brown, 34, has a criminal history spanning over a decade, including felony breaking and entering and robbery with a dangerous weapon. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and suffered hallucinations and paranoia, his sister Tracey Brown said. Her brother told her multiple times that the government had implanted some kind of a chip in him to force him to act against his will.

Zarutska, a beautiful, petite 23-year-old, had received a degree in art and restoration in Kyiv and hoped to become a veterinary assistant. She was living in a bomb shelter before coming to the United States. Family and friends describe her as “a real sweetheart” with “a heart of gold.”

Do we call her death “untimely”? Iryna the “victim”? Brown the “assailant”? Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time? Who do we blame? The failed justice system? Mental illness? Fate? A dark force or just plain evil out to devour whomever might be the next innocent target?

How could an intersection like that happen?

However we decide to paint it, the bloody scene of Iryna’s murder screams at us the living to face life’s unavoidable reality: “The same destiny ultimately awaits everyone, whether righteous or wicked, good or bad . . . religious or irreligious” (Eccl. 9:2). We like to dismiss death as some day far into the future, pushing it into a dark corner with the rest of our fears, but we must remember that it can creep up behind us, anywhere, anytime.

Next, Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was shot – no, assassinated – yesterday (September 10, 2025) at Utah Valley University, the first stop on an “American Comeback Tour” of 15 college campuses. He was speaking to a large crowd at an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” event, where he invites students to hear and debate his political and cultural views about issues like climate change, sexuality, faith and family values.

Just in case you are unfamiliar with Charlie, he was an avid public speaker, addressing Republican events, and touring the country with Turning Point USA, a right-wing nonprofit with the stated mission “to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.” His daily talk radio show had millions of followers on social media.

At just 31, Charlie was so much more than a populist, conservative, relentless and courageous crusader for free speech, and an outspoken MAGA culture warrior. He was a devoted husband and a father of two young children. His brief life is the testimony of a true American patriot, but more than that, he was a man – an authentic, passionate man of faith, not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is truly a Psalm 1:1-3 example. Look it up.

Jesus said that the thief (the Enemy) “comes to steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). An attempt to do so happened yesterday. But Charlie’s ministry and mission will survive, continuing to influence the youth of this country, from beyond the grave so to speak, one citizen after another. What an outstanding legacy!

Rest In Peace, dear brother, as we plead, “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” (Psalm 39:4)

Memento mori, Episode 2

03 Wednesday Sep 2025

Posted by in Bible, Life and death, religion, Uncategorized

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If you are new to this site, before reading the following I suggest you go back to the August 26th post which will explain in detail what my intentions are with this Episode 2.

Basically, I am presenting a series of real-life scenarios to remind us of the brevity of our lives, and to be prepared for its inevitable, often seemingly premature, end. We can go all the way back to Genesis 3:19 for the origin of another “memento” phrase, one used by the Roman Church traditionally on Ash Wednesdays: “Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.” (“Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.”)

This tragic event occurred in 2011 but remains an incident appropriate for this series.

NEWS ITEM: It’s a typical, hot early July evening in Arlington, Texas, home of the Texas Rangers ball club. Shannon Stone had driven 150 miles to the ballpark to enjoy the game that night with his young son, Cooper, sitting right next to him in the left field stands. It’s the ultimate father-son American experience — until he dies trying to catch a ball. It’s hard to comprehend.

The fateful accident happened in the second inning after Oakland’s Connor Jackson hit a foul ball that bounced back onto the field.

Rangers’ All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton, ironically Cooper’s favorite player, snagged that ball and tossed it into the stands, aiming right for Stone and his boy.

Stone leaned over the railing to retrieve Hamilton’s throw, probably the first time he had an opportunity to catch an MLB ball for his son. He must have been aware of this surely magical moment, a memory he hoped his son would cherish forever. Then he apparently lost his balance, and tumbled over as Cooper and hundreds of fans watched in horror on the Jumbotron screen, falling head-first about 20 feet to the concrete below. Stone went into cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital and died in transit.

Stone was just 39-years old, an 18-year veteran lieutenant with his hometown Brownwood, Texas fire department, and undoubtedly had experienced his share of dangerous situations, risking his life for the sake of others.

Still conscious on a stretcher leaving the park, Stone pleaded, “Please check on my son. My son is up there all by himself.” The EMTs who carried him out reassured him. “Sir, we’ll get your son. We’ll make sure he’s OK.”

 I’m not sure that he ever will be.

Post script: The Rangers went on to beat Oakland 6-0.

Memento mori. Episode 1

26 Tuesday Aug 2025

Posted by in Bible, religion, Uncategorized

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Today I am posting the first in a series of real-life scenarios focusing on the brevity of our lives and its inevitable, often seemingly premature, end.

The overall title is a Latin phrase roughly translated as “Remember you will die.” Basically, it has been used over the centuries as a concept that encourages reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, and to live each day to the fullest. It is more common to see these days than you might think. A young man I met at the gym had the statement tattooed along his forearm in a large, all caps Old English type font. Memento mori coins, pendants and medallions can be found online for anyone too squeamish or shy to display it permanently on their skin but willing enough to keep the thought close at hand.

It is not a Carpe Diem mentality which boasts about enjoying the pleasures of the moment without any concern for the future. Instead, we are counseled to number our days so that we may live wisely (Psalm 90:12). This means using our awareness of life’s brevity in order to make wise choices, prioritize what truly matters, and to live a meaningful life. 

The purpose then is not to develop a morbid fascination with death, but rather to encourage a more meaningful and purposeful life by acknowledging its brevity. By familiarizing individuals of their own unavoidable mortality, it can help prioritize what truly matters and to live accordingly. Isn’t that what the Bible does?

Actually, I could cite many verses in sacred scripture that focus on exactly such advice and even with warnings about the transitory nature of human existence. In fact, the notion has been over time a common theme in Christian thought, particularly during the Medieval period, as a reminder of the Day of Judgment. The afflicted Job in his suffering laments, “How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear” (Job 14:1).

Like a passing shadow. O that we would see our busy days with such perception.

The following narrative affirms how quickly and unexpectedly the end can come.

IN THE NEWS: The Kearney Hub newspaper headline reads: “Retired Business Owner Is Crash Victim.”  But there’s so much more to it, beyond the official details of the police report. There’s always the human, heartbreaking side of these events that put a gulp in your throat for the unlucky victims and the grieving survivors who are left to deal with the consequences of a wrong turn.

Betty Beavers and a friend were just feet away from driving into the Little Caesar’s Pizza parking lot for a Fourth of July weekend lunch date when her 1997 Lincoln Town car was broadsided by Tim Trompke and his ’99 Chevy pickup. The Lincoln, built solid like a luxury tank, was smashed into a wedge shape, pinning Betty inside in an ugly twist of brokenness. The pickup continued on sideways, stopped finally by a light pole.

Emergency personnel transported both drivers to Good Samaritan’s, just down the street on Second Avenue where Betty was pronounced dead. She was 69. Trompke was treated and released.

I was there that Sunday with my Kearney family on our way to pick up some lunch too, after church. We passed by the accident scene a couple hours after the dust had settled and the screaming stopped. Talking to some other onlookers in a grocery store parking lot we learned the sad news that there was a fatality involved. Looking at the wreckage, it seemed so obvious that some reckless young Kearney cowboy had probably been high on something, and innocent folks yet again would pay the price for his poor choices.

Not really. The accident report later indicated that eastbound 52-year-old Trompke suffered a seizure while driving, lost control of his vehicle and jumped the median, impacting the westbound Lincoln and its occupants. It happened at 10:48 on a pleasant Sunday morning. Isn’t it odd that in this life, so often timing is everything?

Postscript:  Neither Ms. Beavers nor Trompke were wearing seat belts.

It’s the end of the world! Maybe.

14 Thursday Aug 2025

Posted by in Bible, Prophecy, religion, Uncategorized

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“It’s real wrath of God type stuff. Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies. Rivers and seas boiling. Earthquakes and volcanoes. The dead rising from the grave, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria.” Of course, this is a satirical quote from the 1984 Ghostbusters scene when Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murry express their dire warnings to the New York City mayoral staff about an impending supernatural apocalypse.  

Not surprisingly, it sounds like a close paraphrasing to many texts and podcast subjects I am beginning to see on social media these days. Once into the End Times algorithms, you’re doomed (pun). Here’s just a few topics I saw today: “Final Warning: Rapture hits in just hours,” “God gave me a timeline,” “Is Obama the Antichrist?” “Trump’s role in the end times,” “Angels revealed to me what’s coming to America,” “The secrets of Fatima unfolding now!”

How does one separate valid prophesy from the explosions of crackpot “seers” on YouTube and Facebook? First, I would click off of any media that begins with “God showed me . . .” In Old Testament times, false prophets were stoned to death (Deut. 18:20).

Secondly, there are some tests to identify a true message from God. 1. Does it align with what the Bible, the Word of God, has to say about the matter? 2. Does it reflect the character and attributes of God as expressed in scripture? 3. Does the Holy Spirit within you testify to the words? John 10 says that the sheep of the Good Shepherd hear his voice and a stranger they will not follow. 4. Is the speaker a trusted and tested person with a reputation of godly character? and 5. Is there confirmation from other reliable spiritual sources?

1 John 4:1 advises, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God.” Similarly, Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “But test everything; hold on to what is good.” The Greek word used here also means to examine, prove, or scrutinize.

I have no quarrel with prophecy. According to Christian belief, the gift of prophecy is from the Holy Spirit. It is described as a ministry gift that can be received by believers to edify, exhort, and comfort the church. There is also the manifestational gift of prophecy that can be given to any believer as the Spirit wills, for guidance, for direction, and for calling folks into a right fellowship with God. Paul wished that all would prophesy (1 Cor. 14:5). I have done so, over many souls, as I was directed by God based on what I saw in the spirit to deliver a word specific to that person’s particular situation.

Finally, about all this doomsday panic, I would avoid the Book of Revelation, with its many subjective interpretations. Instead, anyone looking for signs of the end need but to read Matthew 24:4-44, where Jesus is quite specific about what must transpire before the end comes.

Personally, I’m okay just singing R.E.M.’s 1987 hit lyrics, “It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.” When the Bridegroom chooses to appear, I plan to have my lamp lit and be ready to go into the wedding feast with Him.

P.S. Obama is not the antichrist. Are you going to test me on that?

All About Eve

23 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by in Bible, Life and death, religion

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I don’t mean the 1950 film starring Bette Davis at perhaps her most barbed wire personality worst. I am referring to the Bible’s first woman and genuine femme fatale.

What if Eve had stood alone in front of that special tree, without The Tempter? Would she have succumbed to the magnet of mystery, biting off more than she could chew, the juice of disobedience running down her chin, the inside of her head exploding with knowledge and her soul shrinking into a heart of darkness? I say No. She needed prodding, to hear the hissing lure of doubt in her ears.

What if I had stood alone, facing that tree?