Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 154

Give to God what belongs to God….

In today’s reading two groups that were normally opposed to each other come together in an effort to trap a poor, itinerant preacher named Jesus.  The Pharisees I have talked often about. 

They were the religious leaders of the day.  They studied scripture, laws and customs and were quick to point out the transgressions of other with little awareness of their own sin.

The Herodians are presumed to be followers of Herod Antipas, the Roman leader.  The Herodians were a political group, not a religious one.  Acting as an extension of the Roman government.

Political and religious groups jockeying for position is as common today as it was in Christ’s day.  Israel was essentially a colony of the Roman Empire.  The Jewish people paid a tax to the Roman government that probably went to fund the Roman troops, guards and governor that occupied their country.

There was much bitterness over paying this.  Life was hard.  Large families in a rural society mean long hours of work on the farm, planting crops, tending livestock and praying for God’s provision.

How many of you hear today enjoy paying taxes?  How many of you celebrate when you property tax comes due?  Or when you buy a vehicle, only to be assessed several hundred dollars more….

I do not enjoy paying taxes, but it is the duty of a citizen of this country to help pay their share.  I don’t build the roads and bridges I drive on, plow snow from them or home school my children.

The Pharisees and Herodians approach Christ, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.

They flatter Christ and try to butter him up.  Teacher we know that you are a good guy, you are the man, you don’t show favorites and are abundantly fair.  They patronize him for what is coming next.

“Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” they ask him.  Should we pay the Roman tax? 

Keep in mind that we have religious leaders that oppose the Romans peacefully and an extension of the Roman government present.  Here is how this is a trap.

If Christ says yes if it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor then he would be seen as sympathizing with the Romans and betraying his own Jewish people.  A yes would give the Pharisees something to run with and undermine Christ’s credibility.

If he says no, it is not lawful to pay tax to the emperor then he could be accused of treason, sedition and be subject to the brutality that the Romans were famous for.

Further, endorsing the Herodian position, their tax and the currency used which hinted at the divinity of the Caesar.  How is Christ to do……….We’ve all been in a position where our choice was the lesser of two evils.

What does Christ do……..How does he find a way out of this well played trap? 

Christ did what he always does.  He saw the condition of the hearts of the men that were questioning him.  He knows the condition of the heart of each of us here today and all those that are not here.

He sees through the deceit, the trickery and the trap.  “Why are you putting me to the test you hypocrites?’ he asks.  Show me the coin used for the tax.

The group brought him a denarius.  The denarius spoke of both Romans oppression and blasphemy.  Farmer’s harvest were taxed, Jewish possessions were taxed.  A denarius was the usual wage for a day’s worth of work.

“Whose head is this and whose title?” Christ asks.  It is the emperor of course, the Caesar.  “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and give to God the things that are God’s.”

Give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor and give to God the things that belong to God.  Fulfill your obligations as working law-abiding citizens to you government, whether you approve of it or not.  Like it or not, it is the obligation and duty of every person.

Give to the government the things that bear the image of the government and its leaders and those that have done great things for their country, but give to God the things that bear the image of God.

So, where is the image of God found, who or what bears it…………Each of us do.  Every human being in every corner of the world does.  All of humankind was made in his image. 

It is us, ourselves, our being, our lives that we are to give to God.  But, do we do that?  Do we trust in God enough to do that?  Do we trust in God at all?

As Christians we have both earthly and heavenly responsibilities.  We are responsible to support our families, to be good parents to our children.  Nurturing and supporting them as them grow.  To respect our parents and elders. 

To work, pay our own way, our fair share.  To be responsible stewards of all that God has given us.  We have heavenly responsibilities as well.  A level of detachment has to exist in our lives.

We have to be able to detach from busy lives and spend time with our God.  We have to separate the wants of the flesh from the life of the spirit.  The wants of the flesh are overwhelming and can only be tamed by the spirit.

You are all probably familiar with the scripture in Matthew 25 – I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.  I was a stranger and you welcomed me.  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me.

Heavenly responsibilities.  Give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor and give to God what belongs to God.  Christ reasserts God’s ownership, sovereignty and rule.  A God so powerful, yet peaceful, fierce, but loving.

So peaceful and loving that he allows each of us to choose what do to with him.  We might complain how much tax we have to pay and how poorly those dollars are put to work sometime.  Roads full of potholes, spending large amounts of money on things we don’t think are needed.

I’m sure you’ve thought about this……You know how lucky we are to live as freely as we do.  There are people, many people, that live in danger for worshipping our God.  Many people in this world don’t have the freedoms that we have.

Give to the emperor what bears his image and give to God what bears his.  We have to find a balance between our obligations here on earth while fulfilling our obligations to God. 

We are to be about the work of the church.  When I say that I’m not talking about the self-preservation of the church.  I’m talking about growing and investing in people.  In relationships with one other, about being a deep group of people with purpose and vision.

Praying for guidance for this community of believers and how we can better reach people.  Better serve people.  Easy their suffering and bring them closer to God.

Give to the emperor, give to our government the things that belong to it and give to God the things that belong to God.

 

Pastor Shawn LaRue, Seymour UMC

Author of Incomplete

Filed under: Guest Bloggers on BnV, Poetry Tagged: Blogging, christianity, Faith, Humanity, Inspiration, life, Reflections, relationships, Religion, Truth, WordPress

In The Lime Light – #AuthorInterview with #SciFi #Writer Lynne Stringer

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I’d like to introduce you today to fellow author Lynne Stringer.

Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing, novels and professional editing.

Lynne is the author of the Verindon trilogy, a young adult science fiction romance series released in 2013. Her latest novel, released in October 2016, is Once Confronted, a contemporary drama. Visit http://www.lynnestringer.com for more information.

Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

In my blog I talk about my journey as an author and editor. I talk about the daily trials of an author and sometimes I combine this with advice for new authors from both an author and editor’s perspective.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

That being an author is a tough business. It’s rewarding but you should only do it if you love it, not because you think you’re going to become the next J.K. Rowling!

Tell us about your book(s):

I am the author of the Verindon trilogy, a young adult science fiction romance series about a girl named Sarah who thinks her life is completely normal until strange things start happening around her. When all is revealed, she’s taken out of this world and goes somewhere else …

  What Inspired you to write your book?

My husband and I were going on holidays and on the long drive, he was trying to make me laugh by telling me cheesy pick-up lines. I was trying to think of some myself so I could join in the fun but the only one I could think of was, ‘You are the only reason I was put on this planet.’ I thought that sounded pretty lame and I imagined a guy saying it to a girl and she rolled her eyes, but then he said, ‘No, you are the only reason I was put on this planet.’ And I realized he meant it literally. I spent all our holiday wondering why and that’s when the Verindon trilogy was born. 

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I usually write in first person. I’m not sure why. That’s just the way it sounds in my head so that’s what I write. 

Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?

My favorite character would have to be Dan. I admire him for his nobility and strength. I love Sarah, my protagonist, as well, for her compassion and sense of social justice. Another favourite character is Mr. Hatchet but you’ll have to read the books to find out all you need to know about him!

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

I would like to meet Charlotte Bronte as I’m a big fan of her writing and the life of the Bronte family is something that fascinates me. She’s definitely an author who knows how to move you and can make you love or hate her characters in equal measure.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

I like to spend time with my family, read, and watch my favourite TV shows and movies. I’m definitely not a party animal.

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Please be sure to visit Lynne at her social places to discover more about her writing:

Website: http://www.lynnestringer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnestringer.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHeirNovel

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Stringer/e/B00BT60S1K

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7007776.Lynne_Stringer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0Pio7vL_yM47XR9RR2chQ

Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/lynnestringer/

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~Morgan~

Filed under: Authors Books Reviews & Interviews Tagged: Author Intervies, Author spotlight, BnV, BooknVolume, Indie Authors, Science fiction, SciFi, Supporting Indie Authors, YA Books, ~Morgan~

The Stillness – #DailyHaikuChallenge

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Sshhh, can you Hear it?

The Stillness softly Singing

Such Sweet Symphony!

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To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

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Day 347 / 365

 

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer.  Thank You~

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Autumn, Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Nature, Peace, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, relationships, Silence, spirituality, ~Morgan~

In The Lime Light – #CharacterSpotlight with #Fantasy #Author C.B. Pratt

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Today I am welcoming fellow author C.B Pratt, who will be sharing one of her Fantasy Characters with us through a Character Interview. The longest C.B. Pratt has ever lived in one place is seven years. Now somewhat settled in Orlando, Florida, she shares a house with a wizard, a snoring dragon disguised as a dog, and lots of bookshelves overloaded with arcane knowledge. A mix of wanderlust and a lifelong addiction to myths and fantasy fiction gave her the idea to write about Eno the Thracian, a traveling hero for hire of the Bronze Age. When not writing, C.B. is letting the dog out…then letting the dog in…then letting the dog out…

Her Character’s Name: Eno the Thracian

Her Book/Series Name: Hero for Hire

While all the Big Name heroes are off fighting the Trojan War, Eno the Thracian is the hero of choice for anyone with a mythological problem, from a mini-dragon menacing your flocks to a goddess on the edge of destruction. With a body like living rock, a deep knowledge of life, death, and olive oil, Eno lives up to his motto: Swift Sword, Reasonable Rates. Starring in five stand-alone but connected novels, Eno the Thracian has found friends and fans all over the world.

So…how’s the hero business these days?

First off, you have to understand what a ‘Hero’ is. He’s not just brave, daring, and astonishingly handsome…wait. Let’s start over. It’s a job. Like artist or philosopher. You want to entertain, you hire a musician. You want to build a fountain, you hire a stonemason. You’ve got a monster tearing up a vineyard, you hire a hero. Lately, the man for the difficult jobs has been me.

I apprenticed for a half dozen years or so with another professional Hero before taking over his contracts when he retired to marry the wall-eyed daughter of a local baker. He gave me a sword and a start in life. But what really boosted my career was the Trojan War. With all the usual heroes off fighting and the kings neglecting their kingdoms, there’s a lot of opportunities for a useful guy like me. And monsters have been increasing lately, both in numbers and in size. It’s a growth industry…if you live.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

I grew up in the mountains of Thrace, with the sheep, the shepherds, and the wolves. My tribe is the Maedi. While our womenfolk live in huts year round, the men follow the herds, going up to the high country for the summer grasses and returning in the winter. We worship the same gods as the Greeks; some claim that Ares first came from our lands. While I love my home-land, I haven’t been back much. I grew up bigger than most and when I was about 16, I came down to the ‘civilized world’, where I’ve met more scoundrels, dangers, and lies than I would have met in a lifetime in the hills. Of course, I was never all that crazy about sheep. Not the greatest conversationalists.

After a few years, I settled in Athens. It’s an up-and-coming town, where the temples are slowly being replaced with stone, the king doesn’t get into much trouble or charge high taxes, and the weather’s good. I get a lot of clients from word of mouth but also from my sign in the agora: Hero for Hire. All monsters dispatched from carnivorous geese to Minotaurs. Special rates for multiples. Eno the Thracian at the sign of the Ram’s Head, one flight up.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

The biggest case I have had so far came about because of Aphrodite’s Thunderbolt. I saw this girl in the marketplace and – bam! – I was in love. But my purse was empty and her father was asking for a big bride-price. So off I went to catch a living Harpy. I figured I’d get paid twice for the same monster – once by the king of the island the Harpy was terrorizing, once by another king who liked to hunt monsters for trophies. Only it didn’t work out like that. Somehow the simple cases always turn into something worse…so much worse.

What did you think when you met a god for the first time?

A wise man makes his offerings and prayers to the Gods, but hopes in his heart never to meet one. I haven’t been that lucky. The Gods started taking an interest in me during this case; never a healthy place for a mortal to be. When I first met Aphrodite, I was overwhelmed by her beauty, awed by her power, and terrified by the ‘motherly’ interest she took in me. She made me her warrior, whether I liked it or not. Henceforth, I was working for Her. And her enemies became mine. But a goddess’ enemies are on a scale far exceeding anything I’ve ever fought before. When the fate of Olympus rests on a mortal’s shoulders, a wise man runs away. I guess I’m not that bright.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Jumping blindly into the Underworld, with a extremely pissed-off minor goddess under one arm…dying on the way down. That is a moment I try not to remember, thank you very much. Actually, that wasn’t as bad as what happened later on…

Tell us a little about your friends.

There’s something I refer to as ‘hero math’. It doesn’t matter how many people start out on an adventure, the hero comes back alone. That’s why I try not to involve too many people in my ventures but somehow they keep showing up. Like Phandros. A drunkard and former teacher to the 50 sons of Pharaoh, he started getting the idea that I need somebody to look out for my interests. So he started tagging along and, if I’m going to be completely honest, he did help…a lot.

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

Everybody always thinks I must really hate monsters…but I don’t. You know, they didn’t ask to be born part-dragon, part-goat, part-lion. If it were up to me, I’d move them somewhere that they can’t get into trouble with people…or cows. But sometimes you have to take strong action. What I don’t like is people who decide to be evil. They always  have good reasons for turning bad, which they usually want to tell me all about in excruciating detail. I don’t have much patience with evil viziers, power-mad queens, or spoiled princelings…especially when they’re trying to kill me in inventive and painful ways.

What’s your favorite pastime? Any hobbies?

I’ve learned to enjoy cooking. I’m a big guy; I eat a lot. It gets expensive eating out on the road all the time. I live above a taverna in Piraeus Port called the Ram’s Head. They’re nice folks who don’t mind taking messages when I’m away. I also collect Minoan pottery when I can afford it, which isn’t often. That stuff is getting rarer all the time and you wouldn’t believe the counterfeiting that goes on. Mostly, though, my off-hours are spent training. Muscles like these don’t build themselves, you know.

What does the future hold for you?

It’s a little crazy, maybe, but I’ve been thinking about starting a school for heroes. There’s a lot that you need to know *before* you start the on-the-job training or the ‘getting killed’ part. For instance, cleaning ichor off your leather armor, knowing which head of a hydra is the leading one, and the vital importance of ducking early and often. Most of these young hot-heads just set off with a magic sword and helmet and have no idea what the Hades they’re doing. That’s not so bad but they tend to find a lot of trouble and someone like me has to get them out of it.

For the immediate future, though, I have a trip planned back to Thrace to see my mother. How much trouble could that be?

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Please be sure to discover more about C.B through visiting her social places:

Link to book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Hire-Historical-Monsters-Thracian-ebook/dp/B00D6KPC1S

Link to book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19272592-hero-for-hire

Website : https://www.cynthiapratt.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBPratt

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CB-Pratt-683927558302432

Hero for Hire, The Stone Gods, Dark Mountain, Rivers of Sand, and Eno and the Dragon. The first two are available on Audible. Also a free novella, Eno and the Pirates: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/EzHcA

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Morgan

Filed under: Authors Books Reviews & Interviews Tagged: Author Intervies, Author spotlight, BnV, BooknVolume, Dragons, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Indie Authors, Supporting Indie Authors, ~Morgan~

Inexpressibly Beautiful – #VisualPoetry

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Filed under: Visually Lyrical Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Love, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, relationships, spirituality, ~Morgan~

Storm – #DailyHaikuChallenge

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Tempestuous Storm

Magic of Possibility

Waiting for Wielding

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To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

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Day 347 / 365

 

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~Morgan~

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All Artwork found on Pinterest. Credit acknowledged to the Amazing Original Artists. Thank You!

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Fantasy, Inspiration, Magic, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Possibility, ~Morgan~

#FridayFantasy – Crimson Glitters – #FantasyPreview

 

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Crimson glitters scattered darkness into the night; fire and flame cascading through the silence.  The quiet environs of forest would never be the same.  Not after He had been there, shaking his hatred outward, spreading abhorrence and cruelty like seeds being sown into fertile soil; like sparks scattering from a raging flame.

They stood in mute horror, watching the conflagration as it stretched outward from his hands, crimson glitters of malevolence reaching into their tranquility, seeking only devastation.

Yet one stood against the infiltration; deep viridian staring boldly into the scarlet haze, wielding a magic Evil could never comprehend.

Forgiveness.

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A 100-Word Preview of Dark Fey:  Breaking Into the Light, book three of the Dark Fey Trilogy.

Discover more about Dark Fey

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~Morgan~

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Image found on Google Stock Free

Filed under: Flash Fiction and Shorts, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Books that Matter, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy Books, Fantasy Preview, Forgiveness, YA Fantasy, ~Morgan~

#DarkFey The Reviled #5Star #BookReview and #FREE offer

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Dark Fey The Reviled recently received this wonderful 5-Star Review from a UK Reader And I am so Thankful

#ThankfulThursdayReblogs – One hour sketch (Pencil on paper), Killamery church yard, county KIlkenny — Nigel Borrington

The old church yard at Killamery county Kilkenny is most famous for its highcross pictured here at the bottom of the post. The old church and grave yard however are just as interesting, the history of the area includes it being the location of a very large monastic site covering what would have been many […]

via One hour sketch (Pencil on paper), Killamery church yard, county KIlkenny — Nigel Borrington

Whether you are looking for Gorgeous photography, personal artwork, Poetry or views of Beautiful Britain, you will enjoy Nigel’s marvelous blog just like I do!

Filed under: Authors Books Reviews & Interviews, Poetry Tagged: artwork, Beautiful Photographs, Great Britain, Ireland, Nature, photography, poetry, Poetry Blog

#Halloween – #DailyHaikuChallenge

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Ebon Shadows Writhe

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Harbinger in the Darkness

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Spectral Light Sing Sweet

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Yes, Im getting in the mood!

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To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see  The Original Post from Day One

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Day 346 / 365

 

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~Morgan~

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All Artwork found on Pinterest. Credit acknowledged to the Amazing Original Artists. Thank You!

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Darkness, Fantasy, Fear, Haiku, Halloween, Night, Poem, poetry, Spooky, ~Morgan~