Before we get to the topic of this web page, let us briefly comment on what is underlined in the above quote.  If we have to start on a foundation stone, we have not started the structure, yet.  Let us now offer what we are headed into, from the chapter "We Agnostics."  From page forty seven, we quote:

We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?" As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.

Now they have introduced a "corner stone" to us.  If any of you know anything about construction, you know that the foundation has to be in before a wall can be built.  And the structure is the temple that God desires to return to.  Remember, Jesus said, "I will rebuild this temple in three days."

 

But we do not want any misunderstanding.  Service work, to others, is the foundation stone, before we get to the good stuff, God's Spirit, of being internal, after all of the bedeviled emotions are cast out, along with all of our defects of character being cast out too.  Enough of that.  Now back to the topic of this web page, pleasures.

 

The main reason for this web page is based on a two quotes, from our web page on anger and resentments, which we shall now offer:

anger:

n. A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.

Resentment is anger excited by a sense of personal injury. It is, etymologically, that reaction of the mind which we instinctively feel when we think ourselves wronged. Pride and selfishness are apt to aggravate this feeling until it changes into a criminal animosity; and this is now the more common signification of the term.

Friends, crime in this world is all the more reason that we need divine guidance in our daily lives, to keep us out of harm's way.  When the liberation of Iraq began, back in the spring of 03, and the death toll of our brave American military had reached over three hundred and fifty dead, was shocked to learn that in the identical period of time, here in America, in American cities, the death toll of policemen killed in the line of duty was over three hundred and sixty some.

 

That indicates, to me, that a war is going on, all over the world, with all of the mafias that are active globally, these days, plus brutal international gangs are getting into America, from Central America, and points beyond.  Should you be interested in the crime rates in counties, here in America, at the turn of the century, relative to the murder rate, check out the bottom graphic, at this link.  click to view

 

And considering the tsunami on the day after Christmas last year, and the hurricane in the gulf recently, this is a dangerous world.  Thank God that he jealously watches over us, when we are enthusiastic and wholehearted in our recovery efforts.

 

Now let us take a look at what some scriptures state, relative to the word pleasure (s).  The first three quotes are from the New International Version:

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Luke 8:14
"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."

Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:1-3 TB)

That gives us an idea of what some of our pleasures really cost us.  The really good news is that "at his right hand," where he sits in heaven, plans are made for eternal pleasures.  So, guess that we just need to put on our seat belts, and cool our jets, until the real deal, from God, is bestowed.