Jack’s Winning Words 6/16/14
“The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”  (Shakespeare)  The movie, “The Fault in Our Stars,” gets its theme from S’s “Julius Caesar.”  Simply stated, “The events of life are dependent on our own choices.”  Some “blame” astrological signs, or even God.  Perhaps it’s a combination.  What do you think?  I lean toward the combination, with “free will” playing a major role.    ;-)  Jack

FROM PH IN MINNESOTA:  i hear its a good movie.====JACK:  I read the reviews of both the book and the movie.  I was surprised to see that Shakespeare was behind the plot-line.

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  I was going to say, "don't get me started", ...but it's too late...
Freedom is the two-edged sword that we always carry and cannot put down; while it is Liberty that allows us to swing it. We might desire to cut down the weeds, while cutting down some roses as we draw our sword back in preparation for striking the weeds. We must be aware that our sword has two sharp edges.  Having an "ability to respond" (Responsibility) makes us accountable for our choices. The stars don't choose. The stars have no freedom nor ability to respond. The stars have no will. I have read signs that note: Freedom is not free. But indeed Freedom is free; it is our Liberty that has a cost. Liberty is not free; because it is man who has the authority to alter it.  Freedom is inherent with Life itself. Even as a prisoner, one is always free to respond within the confines of his circumstance (restriction of liberty). Just as we are free to respond within the confines of gravity, one responds to his restrictions in other ways as well. The prisoner has limited liberty, but not restricted freedom. Our freedom does not come from another man; nor does life come from man. Freedom comes from the One who provides the life one has. Even our Declaration of Independence "affirms" this as something "inalienable", because, as they recognized, freedom comes from God, who created us free. The "declaration" affirms the desire to seek out a place where one's liberty coincides with one's gift of inalienable freedom. Hence, it is only God who can alter freedom. As a result, one can never be "un free"; and as such, we will find ourselves before judgement one day, held accountable for the free choices to which we have freely responded.  As I am again reminded, words represent certain and specific concepts. Differentiating them from one another also differentiates the confusion of the mind that might have otherwise muddled them together, unwise to the value of their distinction. Babel is an easier option to choose in its stead.====JACK:  I'll cut to the chase.  The words "Free Will" simply speak to the question...Is each step of the life we lead determined by the will of God, or has God allowed to determine the direction of our life by using our own will?  It remains theoretical, but I happen to believe that Free Will is allowed within the circle of God's Will, and so we pray, "Thy will be done."  (May my will be thy will.)====RAY:  If free will is indeed free, how could it be that I am not at a fork in the road with each step taken, or even a refusal to take a step? I used the example of gravity, as in something we are unable to escape is gravity, so we exist within this context. Your example of living within the context of God's will parallels this example. I agree with you regarding the context, after all, my life and yours is by God's will alone...not ours. Still within this context, we choose in what direction we seek and upon that which we focus. It seems to me that as Jesus said, "my sheep know me (my voice) and I know my sheep"...so it makes good sense that we "choose" to listen and watch the Good Shepherd -- even though we don't have to do so.====JACK:  "There is no FREE lunch."  The grace of God is sometimes hard to accept.  There's got to be a catch. 

FROM TARMART REV:
C hoosing
H im
O ver
"I"
C auses
E ver-increasing
S alvation for ones spirit, soul and body!
Just made that up one minute ago . . . you inspired that little thought from within this very Monday morning!! Thank you. ====JACK: That's very cleaver of you.  You're sharp, today!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  If we were aware of some of the ramifications of what seemed like an innocuous choice at the time, we'd all be more cautious, I suppose...but we do have, and make choices, according to the guidelines and beliefs we live by, so can't blame God or others, at least for the circumstances we have control over!  I read a quote by Sir Francis Bacon, which says, "Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a  sense of humor to console him for what he is."  Having a good bit of both of these, I liked the thought! ====JACK:  God. in his wisdom, created up all with limited knowledge.  Otherwise, what would be the need for faith?