RSS

Tag Archives: Jesus

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

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 Loves Me?

30 Sep

A few days ago I found a heart on my trails.

I’m sure one of my girlfriends left it for me, but she still hasn’t shown her furry face.

And then you know what happened?

The heart disappeared.

Now I’ll never find out which girlfriend it was.

This is so sad.

But something new appeared where that heart had been.

And even though I might never find out which girlfriend loves me – I know exactly who loves me now.

Jesus loves me!

Woo woo!

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on September 30, 2014 in Bongo, dogs, humor

Tags: cross, heart, Jesus, love, Pets, rock heart, Trail

Sneaking Out

28 Sep

So last week we left Saul eating and not leaving anything for me.

He’s going to get fat.

He isn’t?

Oh. He goes on lots of walks?

Well, how come he doesn’t take me on a walk?

Okay, I’m listening.

***

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

***

Saul sure did a turn around after Jesus zapped him with that light, didn’t he?

I am listening.

***

All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on his name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

***

Maybe Saul should come here. There’s lots of people here who need proof that Jesus is the Christ.

***

After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him,…

***

Oh no! I’d better warn him.

Oh wait. Saul isn’t leaving any food for me.

I’ll make him a deal.

I’ll warn him if he leaves me some food.

I am listening.

***

…but Saul learned of their plan.

***

And he didn’t give me any food for telling him.

***

Day and night the Jews kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill Saul. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

***

Did you say that Saul was a basket case?

In that case he probably forgot where he put all his food.

11 Comments

Posted by Bongo on September 28, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: basket, Bible, Christianity, Damascus, faith, Jesus, Pets, Saul

A Scary Sight

21 Sep

There’s more to the story about Saul?

I liked it where we left him last week – blind and not eating.

Can’t we just leave him there forever?

I mean, he’s a real meanie.

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called him in a vision. “Ananias!”

***

I bet the Lord is warning him about Saul.

He already knows about him?

He’d better start running.

I am listening.

***

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

***

Oh no!

I think Ananias is in trouble.

***

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priest to arrest all who call on your name.”

***

I don’t get it.

If Ananias knows all that, how come he didn’t start running a long time ago?

***

But the Lord said to Ananias “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

***

Now the Lord’s talking.

Make that mean old Saul suffer.

***

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

***

This isn’t good.

If Saul is going to start eating again that’s less food for me.

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on September 21, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Ananias, Bible, Christianity, Damascus, faith, Jesus, Pets, Saul

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

On the Desert Road

17 Aug

I’ve been praying all week for fish and treats and I still haven’t gotten any.

Well, maybe one or two treats.

But I want constant treats all day – you know, like falling out of the sky or something.

Or maybe dropping from the kitchen ceiling.

That would be even better.

Are there any treats in this story?

Not even fish?

There’s an angel?

Okay, I guess I’ll listen.

***

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.

***

I guess if you’re on a desert road there’s one thing better than treats.

Water.

***

So Philip started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.

***

I bet that Ethiopian had plenty of treats.

I think I’ll follow him for awhile.

I am too listening.

***

This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

***

I guess the Spirit wanted Philip to get some treats.

I’m right behind you Philip!

***

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

***

If that was written in dog language I could explain it to him.

Woof!

I truly am listening.

***

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

Who can speak of his descendants”

For his life was taken from the earth.”

***

That’s a really sad story.

***

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

***

Oh yeah, that one’s a sad story with a happy ending.

***

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

***

How come I don’t get to be baptized.

It’s kind of like swimming and that sounds like fun.

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

***

Woah! I wonder what that eunuch was thinking about Philip now.

I would have been freaked if he disappeared on me.

***

Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

***

Wouldn’t that be cool to pop in and out like that?

I could pop in to the treat store, and where there were piles of fish.

And even to a swimming hole when I felt like swimming.

I wonder how many treats I would have to pay to be able to do that.

What about last week’s story?

Oh yeah, you can’t buy the Holy Spirit.

Okay, I’m praying.

I’m praying.

8 Comments

Posted by Bongo on August 17, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, Ethiopian, eunuch, faith, Jesus, Pets, Philip

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

Out of Jail

06 Jul

What happened to those treats I was supposed to get after I listened to the story last week?

No, I didn’t get any treats.

Oh those?

Well, that wasn’t enough. I need more.

Now I have to listen to another story?

Oh, alright.

***

After the Sanhedrin let Peter and John go the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

***

I bet if they started handing out treats people would join them.

I am listening.

***

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

***

Was it hot and they needed shade?

Okay, I’ll listen.

***

Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

***

Do you think somebody could heal me?

You know what’s wrong with me.

I’m hungry.

I need treats.

***

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

***

Is that anything like my dog jail?

***

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

***

Hey person, if you find me outside my dog jail when you get home sometime, that’s because an angel of the Lord let me out.

Of course I’ll listen. This is getting good.

***

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” the angel said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

At daybreak they entered the temple courts as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the elders of Israel – and sent to the jail for the apostles.

***

Boy do they have a surprise coming.

I am too listening.

***

But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported. We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside. On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

***

I think those guys are going to be in trouble.

Well, I get in trouble sometimes. Shouldn’t they?

***

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”

***

I think that means the good guys always win.

Now where’s my treats?

12 Comments

Posted by Bongo on July 6, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Angel, Angel of the Lord, Bible, Christianity, faith, jail, Jesus, Pets, temple

Who to Obey?

29 Jun

I think that man that Peter healed in the last story still wants treats.

I know because he was hanging on to Peter and John.

If I hang on to you will you give me some treats?

I might get treats after I listen to the story?

Okay, I’m listening!

***

While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade, so Peter began speaking to them.

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.

***

Did they want treats too?

I am listening.

***

They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

***

They got locked in jail too?

I wonder if it was anything like my dog jail.

***

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

***

If I could just get them to give me one treat each I’d be set for life.

Or at least for next week.

I’m listening.

***

The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them. “By what power did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’”

***

That’s telling them!

***

Peter continued, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

***

Those guys better listen to Peter or they’re going to be lost for sure.

And they won’t get any treats either.

***

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

***

I bet all those fish they ate made them smart.

Hey person, you need to give me more fish.

***

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.

***

I bet they’re going to ask Peter and John for some fish.

***

“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

***

They’re just upset because Jesus didn’t give them any treats.

***

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

***

Those Sanhedrin guys ought to be nicer to Peter and John.

I bet Jesus would give them some fish if they were.

***

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

***

Forty years is a long time to be waiting for treats.

By the way, where’s my treats?

You said – if I listened.

I did not hear you say might.

When you put treats in a sentence, that’s the only word I hear.

7 Comments

Posted by Bongo on June 29, 2014 in Bongo, Dogology, humor

Tags: Bible, Christianity, faith, God, Jesus, John, Peter, Pets