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Filled with the Spirit

I’m still trying to figure Peter out.

He got famous in Joppa by raising that lady from the dead, so you’d think he’d want to stay there because the people are probably giving him all kinds of treats and things.

But now these other guys showed up and asked Peter to come with him and he’s just going to go.

Leave all those treats behind.

Or maybe they offered Peter even more treats.

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.

***

Now I get it.

Peter brought along some of the people who would give him treats.

I am listening.

***

The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

***

A party?

There’s lots of food at a party.

I’ll listen. I’ll listen.

***

As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.

***

Oh, I get it now.

Peter is even more famous in Caesarea.

***

But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

***

Peter, you blew it.

You really should have taken advantage of that.

I would have.

***

Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

***

Peter, they’re just trying to get your treats from you.

I am too listening.

***

Cornelius answered, “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.

***

Peter, tell them to give you treats.

***

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

***

Does that include dogs?

***

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

***

That must have been a safer place after Jesus got through with it.

I bet everybody was even nicer to the dogs.

***

We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. The killed him by hanging him on a tree, …

***

I don’t get it.

Jesus made that place safer and they killed him for it?

Alright, I’ll keep listening.

I think I ran out of things to say anyway.

***

…but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

***

So if I believe in Jesus I’m forgiven for all my mischief?

Woo woo!

***

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

***

I guess those Jewish believers thought they were special, but God showed them.

God thinks everyone is special.

Even us dogs.

***

Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

***

I want to be baptized.

It’s kind of like swimming, isn’t it?

And then afterwards, we can celebrate with treats.

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on October 26, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Caesarea, Christianity, Cornelius, dogs, faith, Jesus, Joppa, Peter, Pets

Hungry Vision

19 Oct

I’ve been waiting all week to see if Peter is going to leave all his treats or not.

Those people were about to come and try to take Peter away from where he became famous for raising a lady from the dead.

So what is it?

Will Peter stay, or will he go?

I am listening.

***

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

***

If he’s up on the roof those people won’t find him and he can stay.

Yes I am listening.

***

Peter became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared he fell into a trance.

***

Peter, I’m on my way!

You are going to share some of that meal with me aren’t you?

***

Peter saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

***

I’ve never had food that fresh before.

I’m on my way Peter!

Okay, I’ll listen. This is getting good.

***

“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

***

I’ll eat it.

***

The voice spoke to Peter a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

***

Get that Peter?

That stuff’s good to eat.

I’m almost there!

***

This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

***

Pretend you’re not there Peter.

They’re going to take away all your treats.

***

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.

***

I hope the Spirit is going to give Peter some treats then.

***

Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”

***

I bet they just want to steal Peter’s treats.

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say. Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

***

Peter, do you still have room for a dog?

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on October 19, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, Cornelius, dogs, faith, Peter, Pets, Simon Peter, vision

Peter Does It

05 Oct

Wait a minute.

Last week Saul turned into a basket case and now you’re telling me Peter’s doing miracles like Jesus did?

What happened to the basket case?

The disciples in Jerusalem were afraid of him and the Grecian Jews wanted to kill him so the disciples who had stopped being afraid of him sent him to Tarsus?

Okay.

So what did Peter do?

***

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas, Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up.

***

Is it that simple?

All you have to do is say, “Jesus Christ heals you,” and they’re healed?

What do you mean, I can’t say that.

I can too talk—“Woof, woof woof.”

Doesn’t that sound like what Peter said?

I am listening.

***

All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

***

What if someone pretended to be paralyzed and get healed?

Would that work?

What do you mean, not in a small town?

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated, is Dorcas) who was always doing good and helping the poor.

***

I do good.

Why are you laughing person?

I’m always listening.

***

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

***

I wonder if they offered Peter treats to come.

I’d come for treats.

***

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

***

As long as they don’t make me wear any of those clothes.

I’m listening. I’m listening.

***

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

***

Boy was she obedient.

I hope Peter gave her some treats.

***

Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. The he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

***

So, if I bring someone back from the dead and many people believe in the Lord because of it, will Jesus give me treats?

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on October 5, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Aeneas, Bible, Christianity, dogs, Dorcas, faith, healing, Jesus, Peter, Pets

Who Will Win?

18 Sep

I was walking along my trails minding my own business when I looked up.

And in a tree were two birds.

I wonder what would happen if one of them decided to pull mischief on the other.

Which one would win?

Would it be the hawk?

Definitely the largest and most powerful of the two.

A tried and true hunter.

Would the hawk win?

Or would it be…

…the hummingbird?

I’m going for the hummingbird.

That hummingbird already has it’s pointy beak aimed directly at the hawk.

One perfectly aimed dive bomb and that hawk will never know what hit him.

I’m voting for the little guy.

***

Unless the little guy turns out to be…

…a cat.

21 Comments

Posted by Bongo on September 18, 2014 in Bongo, dogs, humor

Tags: Cat, Cats and Dogs, dogs, Gizmo, hawk, Hiking, Hummingbird, Trail, Tree

It’s Saul’s Turn

14 Sep

Wait a minute!

You told me that story about Philip who popped in and out and then went on his way preaching the gospel.

I guess God helped Philip pop far enough away from Saul that he didn’t have to worry about him.

Hey, what about that mean old Saul, anyway?

I thought you said someone was going to take care of him.

What?

You’re going to tell me about that right now?

Okay, I’m all ears.

***

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.

***

I’ll breathe out murderous threats on you Saul.

I’ll listen, but who’s gonna take care of Saul?

It might have to be me.

***

Saul went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

***

Okay, I’m going after him.

Oh, wait. Did you say Saul was going to Damascus?

Isn’t that in Syria?

I might not have to take care of Saul.

Maybe he’ll run into ISIS.

I am listening.

***

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

***

Wait a minute.

Did I just hear that right?

I don’t have to do anything to Saul, and ISIS won’t get a chance – because Jesus took care of him?

And when Saul was persecuting Jesus’ followers he was really persecuting Jesus?

That means ISIS is in trouble.

***

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

***

That serves Saul right.

And if he’s not eating that’s extra treats for me.

Thank you Jesus.

19 Comments

Posted by Bongo on September 14, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, Damascus, dogs, faith, Jesus, Saul

Dragging Them Off

03 Aug

Hey person, I’m still fuming from last week’s story.

I’m sad that Stephen was killed and I’m so mad at Saul because he let that happen.

Saul could have stopped it and he didn’t.

If I ever find him, I’m going to grab his clothes in my teeth and play tug-of-war with them.

You know how strong I am from when I play tug-of-war with you – except I don’t do it with your clothes.

I might get in trouble if I did that, huh?

Okay I’ll listen to the story, but if I get mad again I’m covering up my ears.

***

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

***

This is not good.

I think I’ll cover my ears now.

Okay, I’ll listen a little bit longer.

But if it’s bad I’m covering my ears.

***

Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

***

Okay, that’s it.

Saul and I have a date for a game of tug-of-war and I’m dragging him off.

And then I’m covering my ears.

***

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

***

Hey wait a minute.

Isn’t that what Saul was trying to stop?

***

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowd heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.

***

Do you think Philip could do a miracle to get rid of Saul?

He won’t have to?

Why not?

Oh, I get it.

Someone else is going to take care of Saul.

Maybe even me.

Okay, I won’t cover my ears.

***

With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many,…

***

You make me leave my ears uncovered and then I hear shrieks.

Okay, I’m listening.

***

…and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

***

Hey, Saul was kind of the cause of the great joy coming to that city.

I bet that makes him mad.

14 Comments

Posted by Bongo on August 3, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, dogs, faith, Pets, Philip, Saul, Stephen

Where’s the Rescue?

20 Jul

I’ve been waiting all week to find out what happened to Stephen after he was arrested.

The angels rescued him, right?

What do you mean, I have to listen to find out?

They did rescue him, didn’t they?

Okay, I’m listening.

***

Last week Stephen was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin and false witnesses were brought against him.

The high priest asked Stephen if these charges were true and Stephen gave them a speech, sharing Israel’s history and how it pointed to Jesus.

Then Stephen said, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him – you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”

***

I think Stephen might have made them mad.

Yes, I’m listening.

***

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.

***

That sounds like something a dog would do.

***

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

***

Is Jesus going to send down some fish?

That would prove that Stephen saw him.

I am too listening.

***

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.

***

This doesn’t sound good.

Run Stephen, run!

***

Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

***

What do you mean, Stephen wasn’t taking a nap?

***

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

***

If I ever see Saul, I’ll be gnashing my teeth.

Hey, do you think Saul had something to do with those tadpoles that disappeared a couple days ago on my trails?

6 Comments

Posted by Bongo on July 20, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, dogs, faith, Jesus, Pets, Saul, Stephen, stoning

Wind and Fire

15 Jun

Hey person, I’m still trying to figure out what those weird animals are you’ve been hanging out with all week.

I’m not ready for another Bible story.

If I listen will you tell me about the weird animals?

What do you mean, I have to take my chances?

But last week Jesus went up into heaven.

Isn’t the story over?

Okay, I’m listening.

***

When the day of Pentecost came, the disciples were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

***

We had wind here today.

Do you think it was the same wind that blew on us and them?

I am listening.

***

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

***

Somebody better get the fire hose!

What do you mean, listen to the story?

Are you going to get the fire hose, person?

***

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

***

Did the Holy Spirit get the fire hose?

***

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

***

I bet some of them could even speak to dogs.

Yes, I’m listening.

I think I hear someone speaking my language.

***

Utterly amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

***

I wonder if the dogs from all those places speak the same language?

I am speaking – I mean listening.

***

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

***

I bet if all those people could speak to their dogs it would all be explained.

11 Comments

Posted by Bongo on June 15, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, dogs, faith, Fire, Holy Spirit, Pentecost, Pets, wind

So Many Fish

18 May

I have been waiting for this story forever.

It’s about one of my favorite things.

Fish!

I bet Jesus was even better at making fish appear after He was resurrected.

Yes, of course I’m listening.

***

Afterward Jesus appeared again to His disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.”So they went out and got into the boat…

***

Hey, wait for me!

I am too listening.

***

But that night they caught nothing.

***

Don’t tell them I ate all the fish already.

I was just hoping they’d catch more.

***

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

***

I hope Jesus doesn’t know I was swimming in the lake eating the fish.

***

Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”

***

Here I go! Off to the right side of the boat.

***

When they threw their net over they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

***

Hey guys, I’ll help you with those fish.

I’m listening. I’m listening.

***

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish…

***

…and one dog.

***

…for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

***

All that fish and bread too!?

***

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

***

Oops!

Jesus will understand that I ate mine – won’t He?

***

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

***

They are sharing, aren’t they?

I mean, that’s a lot of fish.

***

None of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

***

That must have been a dream come true for those disciples.

But since we don’t have any fish here there’s something I need to know.

When’s Jesus coming to my house?

10 Comments

Posted by Bongo on May 18, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, disciples, dogs, faith, Fish, Jesus, Pets

It’s Not Over Yet

13 Apr

Photo taken by Kabir Bakie at the Cincinnati Zoo

Hey person, I’ve been worried all week about what’s going to happen to Jesus.

You ended the story too soon.

They arrested Him, but I don’t know what happened after that.

He didn’t do anything wrong.

They let Him go, didn’t they?

What!?

They didn’t!

Those garbaldy goo good for nothing people that arrested Him. I’ll give them what for.

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

Jesus was put on trial and even though Pilate, the Roman governor, didn’t find anything he’d done wrong the Jews wanted Him crucified.

So Pilate finally agreed and sent Jesus to be crucified.

***

I’m giving Pilate what for too!

I am listening.

***

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Jesus to be executed.

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals – one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

***

I don’t get it. They just nailed Jesus to a cross and He wants to forgive them?

I’m gonna give them all what for.

I’m listening. I’m listening.

***

And they divided up Jesus’ clothes by casting lots.

***

It’s too bad I don’t wear clothes, or I’d give Him some of mine.

***

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

***

Those rulers better watch it. If Jesus doesn’t give them what for I sure will.

***

The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered him wine vinegar and said “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

There was a written notice above Him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

***

How come those people don’t believe what they’re reading?

They should be worshipping The King of the Jews.

***

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.

***

I don’t get it. The only man who is making any sense is hanging on a cross along with Jesus.

***

Then the man said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

***

I bet that upset all the people who were giving Jesus a bad time.

I’m listening.

***

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining.

***

That was what time?

The middle of the day?

***

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this He breathed His last.

***

What!?

That’s not how the story’s supposed to end.

It doesn’t end there?

Okay, I’m listening.

***

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

***

That’s it!?

That’s the end?

Oh. It’s not over yet?

What do you mean, I have to wait till next Sunday to hear the rest of the story?