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Artificial Intelligence?

The use of Artificial Intelligence has ramped up of late, and it is common for me to see social media posts that utilise AI in visuals and text.  Every time I use a search engine, the AI results are annoyingly placed at the top of the page, spewing regurgitated information that needs to be carefully checked for accuracy.  Yesterday the AI response was incorrect twice in a row, as it told me a company offered free shipping and then (after an apology) said the same company had a flat rate of $29.99!  While technology can be beneficial and can aid us to find what we seek online, I find actual human intelligence and practical help infinitely more useful in my daily life. In a recent interview , Elon Musk said concerning AI:  " I think AI may exceed the sum of human intelligence in roughly five years...There really won't be anything that AI can't do better than humans apart from being human, perhaps ."  Musk zeroed on the very thing AI can never do, and that is to be...
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From Sluggard to Servant

After being away for a few weeks, the overgrown and weedy condition of the yard made my recent absence obvious.  Today I spent some of the morning doing yardwork as I pulled clover, mowed grass, edged the nature strip, raked up leaves that dropped into planters and used a leaf blower to clean up.  I was reminded of a passage of Scripture where Solomon addressed a lazy sluggard to consider the ant and to follow the example of this hard-working insect.  Without having a king or guide, ants work individually and collectively to tirelessly provide for their food in the appropriate season. Proverbs 6:9-11 reads, " How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?  10  A little sleep, a little slumber, a  little folding of the hands to sleep-- 11  so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, a nd your need like an armed man ."  Sleep and rest are things some people do not seem to be satisfied with, though they sleep lo...
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Few Are Chosen

This morning I spent some time meditating on Jesus' words at the conclusion of a parable in  Matthew 22:14 :  " For many are called, but few are chosen ."  Consideration of the whole parable was helpful to better understand why Jesus made this the point of emphasis.  I was quite familiar with the passage of Scripture, but after consideration and asking the LORD I feel my understanding of the parable has grown. In the parable likened to the kingdom of God, Jesus spoke of a king who arranged a marriage for his son and then sent his servants to gather those who were invited to attend.  It was a very attractive proposal, for the king had already slaughtered the oxen and fatlings.  The time for joyous feasting in the presence of royalty had come for all invited!  Strangely, those who were invited made light of the king's invitation and continued in their menial duties, going to work at their farms or businesses rather than feasting at the king's command....
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On Christ's Authority

Some are watching with interest of the testimony Dr. Fauci being confronted by members of a Senate committee in a hearing concerning his statements, knowledge and involvement during the COVID pandemic.  It became immediately apparent the doctor was unwilling to answer any questions when he invoked the 5th Amendment over one hundred times.  On the advice of counsel Fauci refused to answer questions about subjects as banal as if there was a red folder on the desk in front of him or what colour of tie he was wearing.  The refusal to honestly answer any questions presented to him to avoid incriminating himself did not look good to the public, but it may have been the safest strategy given his uncomfortable predicament. Senators, members of congress, lawyers and judges ask questions that may or may not be answered honestly.  Jesus distinguished Himself from all rulers, elected politicians and savvy citizens because He knows the hearts of all people.  He knows why peo...
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Be A Blessing

During a holiday many years ago, I attended a Catholic Mass with a good friend who told me what to expect and do as the service went on.  When it came time to receive communion, he encouraged me to go forward with other parishoners and cross my arms to "receive a blessing" from the priest.  In good faith I followed the advice of my friend and did something I never observed anyone else do before.  The sign of the cross being waved over me was a little thing compared to the blessing that was already provided by Christ spoken of in Psalm 32:1 :  " Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered ."  Jeremiah 17:7 also reads, “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD ."  How blessed we are in Jesus Christ! The fact a blessing is made available during mass for visitors and those unable to partake of communion demonstrates people desire blessing.  We Christians frequently pray for blessing--that God would ble...
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Perfect and Gracious

Preparing for a wedding is a mammoth task.  Coupled with the desire of trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can be overwhelming.  I have found when our expectation is perfection, we will almost always be disappointed--even when we have done our best.  As a groomsman years ago, I remember watching other groomsmen tie and retie their neckties to acheive the perfect looking knot.  What's funny is the ties we wore back then are probably so out of style no one would consider wearing them today. I am amazed at the level of detail people consider and the extensive preparation when it comes to outfits, makeup, accessories, suits and shoes for weddings and special events.  Even as people put a great deal more thought and investment into their wardrobes than I do, God has considered more intricate and intimate details about us and the world we live in.  The God who created all things is the God of details that are bigger than the universe and smaller than ...
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Moved to Worship

When Samuel looked at Eliab, he imagined the anointed of the LORD stood before him.  God immediately corrected the erroneous thinking of the prophet who was impressed by Eliab's good looks and physical height, for God does not see as man sees--focused on the outer appearance--but looks upon the heart.  God easily recognised pride that hid behind a humble fascade and selfishness, arrogance and fear of man that disqualified him to be considered a man after God's own heart.  Hebrews 4:12 explains the piercing nature of God's word:  " For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "  Man's secret motives, thoughts, unbelief and faith are clearly seen by God. For our benefit the Bible often reveals the motivation of people like in Matthew 14:14 that reads, " And when Jesus went out He saw ...
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