Making a mistake

No matter how good you are, sometimes you will make a mistake. It could be for one of a thousand reasons, but it still happens. This caught my eye because I don't normally think of a bird like this making a mistake, but look, it really does happen. People make mistakes a lot and I especially enjoy this one from the book of Acts.

Act 12:13 When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.
Act 12:14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
Act 12:15 They said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."
Act 12:16 But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. World English Bible

Rhoda was surprised because Herod had imprisoned Peter and once imprisoned, well, you are done for. She had forgotten something, though, and that is the power of prayer. After Peter was arrested the assembly of Christians had been praying constantly for him and God had responded in a rather magnificent way by rescuing Peter. So, when you pray for something, expect your prayers to be answered. I wonder, does this include birds too?

A different royal throne

I grew up on a farm where we didn't have an inside toilet until I was a teen. So, the term outhouse has a lot of meaning to me, but the term chamber pot has the most meaning because it was my job to empty my parents' one each morning. YUK, YUK and double YUK! Then we actually installed a real flush toilet in the house and my potting days were ended; Hooray!!!!!!!!!! But one thing has always confused and perplexed me: Why is a toilet called a throne? However, this royal throne does at least help me visualize it. There is a place in the Bible that does refer to someone using a toilet and because that someone was a king, well, I suppose it was royal. The story comes from the book of Judges:

Jdg 3:12 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.
Jdg 3:13 He gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees.
Jdg 3:14 The children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
Jdg 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.
Jdg 3:16 Ehud made him a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he girded it under his clothing on his right thigh.
Jdg 3:17 He offered the tribute to Eglon king of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat man.
Jdg 3:18 When he had made an end of offering the tribute, he sent away the people who bore the tribute.
Jdg 3:19 But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to you, king. He said, Keep silence. All who stood by him went out from him.
Jdg 3:20 Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, I have a message from God to you. He arose out of his seat.
Jdg 3:21 Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body:
Jdg 3:22 and the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn't draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind.
Jdg 3:23 Then Ehud went forth into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on him, and locked them.
Jdg 3:24 Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and they saw, and behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; and they said, Surely he is covering his feet in the upper chamber.
Jdg 3:25 They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he didn't open the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
Jdg 3:26 Ehud escaped while they waited, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped to Seirah.
Jdg 3:27 It happened, when he had come, that he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he before them.
Jdg 3:28 He said to them, Follow after me; for Yahweh has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. They went down after him, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn't allow a man to pass over.
Jdg 3:29 They struck of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, every lusty man, and every man of valor; and there escaped not a man.
Jdg 3:30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. The land had rest eighty years. World English Bible

Covering ones feet is another way of saying a person was using the toilet. I can't even begin to imagine a less royal place to meet ones end. But, so it was, Eglon died on the pot. I wonder if God has a subliminal message in there somewhere? No matter where (or how) it started, Israel's cries for deliverance were heard and they had rest for eighty years. Just goes to show you-- God works in mysterious ways. But I wonder.... if the deliverance that gave the land rest eighty years happened in the room where Eglon was "covering his feet".... does that make it a restroom?

The bright sunlight

This picture has special meaning for me as I worked the overnight shift for several years. Occasionally, I would go out into the bright sunlight after a hard nights work only to be temporarily blinded by the sun. Insight is like that too, because sometimes you will work and work and then work some more on a problem to the point where you could scream with frustration. Then, unexpectedly, the answer comes to you.... just like that. It could be hours, days or longer and then suddenly you KNOW THE ANSWER. Paul's letter to the Ephesians must have made them feel like that and more.

Eph 3:1 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
Eph 3:2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;
Eph 3:3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
Eph 3:4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;
Eph 3:5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;
Eph 3:6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
Eph 3:7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
Eph 3:8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

God has a way of working things out that is unfathomable to mere humans. Sometimes the only way I get a glimpse of understanding is to try to view my life over a few DECADES. Can you imagine a perspective from infinity? The reality is that God views everyone as important, NOT JUST THE JEWS! It took literally hundreds of years to bring the Gentiles into the picture, but God sees beyond time and space AND MADE IT SO! For those of us who have been "grafted in" to root of Judaism, it is a blessing beyond belief. The light of God shines on ALL OF HUMANITY, NOT JUST A FEW! Oh, yes and if you are working overnight right now, be sure to have a pair of sunglasses on when you leave work today, the sun shines very brightly indeed in Florida.

More than silver or gold

This sparkling picture reminds me of something from many years past. I remember the sparkle in Linda's eye the day she told me that we were going to have our first child. That look will stay with me forever! It was as if it she was having her first birthday party and had been given the best gift she could ever have! The love I saw must in some way be like the way God felt about Israel because HE did everything he could to protect them. This passage from the book of Numbers tells the tale.

Num 22:1 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.
Num 22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
Num 22:3 Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
Num 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
Num 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they abide over against me.
Num 22:6 Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.
Num 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
Num 22:8 He said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Yahweh shall speak to me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Num 22:9 God came to Balaam, and said, What men are these with you?
Num 22:10 Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
Num 22:11 Behold, the people that is come out of Egypt, it covers the surface of the earth: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.
Num 22:12 God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.
Num 22:13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Go to your land; for Yahweh refuses to permit me to go with you.
Num 22:14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuses to come with us.
Num 22:15 Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.
Num 22:16 They came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me:
Num 22:17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.
Num 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more. WEB

God loved Israel and blessed them. No one could stand before them and their enemies knew it. So Balak tried to bribe Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam realized something I wish we all could; that some things are worth more than silver and gold. If the shimmer on the water and the twinkle in my wife's eye can mean so much, then how much more blessed will I be if I listen to the words of God and do them. Besides, Habakkuk teaches us that God owns all the silver and gold anyway (2:8).

A herd complex mentality

If my brother Dave sees this, I think he would say: "nice cows"! He has always loved raising animals and definitely has a knack for it. Not me! One cow looks pretty much like another to me. So, I guess I just don't get it! A lot of people would do almost anything to be just one of the group. Call it a herd complex mentality or whatever you want to, but it exists. When it comes to following God, you can't do this; here is an example of someone from the Bible who tried and failed.

1Sa 15:1 Samuel said to Saul, Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of Yahweh.
1Sa 15:2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him in the way, when he came up out of Egypt.
1Sa 15:3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don't spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.
1Sa 15:4 Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
1Sa 15:5 Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
1Sa 15:6 Saul said to the Kenites, Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
1Sa 15:7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt.
1Sa 15:8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
1Sa 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the cattle, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn't utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

and

1Sa 15:13 Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, Blessed are you by Yahweh: I have performed the commandment of Yahweh.
1Sa 15:14 Samuel said, What means then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear?
1Sa 15:15 Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
1Sa 15:16 Then Samuel said to Saul, Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me this night. He said to him, Say on.
1Sa 15:17 Samuel said, "Though you were little in your own sight, weren't you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you king over Israel;
1Sa 15:18 and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.'
1Sa 15:19 Why then didn't you obey the voice of Yahweh, but flew on the spoil, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?"
1Sa 15:20 Saul said to Samuel, Yes, I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
1Sa 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal.
1Sa 15:22 Samuel said, Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. World English Bible

There are times when going along with the group will get you into BIG TROUBLE and this episode from the book of first Samuel was one of them. God wants obedience, not will-worship! If the Bible says to do something, do it and don't worry what people think. It has been my experience that those people who really matter will try to understand. This doesn't mean that you should not be sensitive to the feelings of others, it just means you should have the right attitude towards God, first and foremost. So the next time your conscience tells you to do the right thing, don't be herded the wrong way; instead be bullish on God and follow his words; besides who likes crowds, anyway!

You really won't go crazy

This picture reminded me of the video by Bill Cosby: "Himself". In it he describes how children changed both his wife and himself from suave, sophisticated, intelligent people into parents who could barely put a sentence together without stuttering. The other day I had a call from one of my children and the topic was "teenagers". She was exasperated and at her wits end over the situation and said she remembered us telling her that we hoped she would have children just like her... and she did!!! Frankly, I couldn't stop laughing and I wasn't much help to her, but problems like hers are just part of what it takes to be a parent. I hope she reads this passage from the book of Ephesians and it gives her some encouragement; she needs it!

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Eph 6:2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
Eph 6:3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ESV

Children, listen.... Parents understand. Simple instructions with often complicated out workings. The key here is for the Lord to be part of the equation. Sooner or later your insane situation will resolve itself. In the meantime, don't pull your hair out... remember how hard we tried with you? You will see your success about two years after the next generation comes along, so be patient. Until then you really won't go crazy, it will just seem that way.

Character

This is my kind of restaurant. I like it because it is out of the ordinary; it has character! Someone took a great pride in designing the layout and placing a variety of pictures on the walls. Is that one fine fireplace or what! Even the chairs have arms! The life of a Christian is something like this New England establishment, it takes time to both design and perfect. Read the following passage from Paul's letter to the Galatians and think about your own life.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Gal 5:21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. ESV

The first three verses tell us what not to do and the next three show the right way to live. The last one gives exhortation. Nice little sermon! But its more than just words, its a lifestyle. How we live says more than mere words could ever convey. Either our lives have the refined character of heaven or the shady "character" from someplace else. Nothing happens overnight, it takes time to get rid of the first list and grace to gain the second. That's where verse 25 comes in, we can change if we really want to.... try! If you were a restaurant, what kind of character would you want your place to have?

The brightness of a dark night

When there is a full moon, the night takes on a daytime quality. Yet, there is an surrealistic quality about it, and you know that no matter how bright it is that something is not quite right. But, at the same time the night can be very beautiful indeed as this picture illustrates. Over the years, I have worked all three shifts and after awhile each one becomes "normal". Not normal in the usual sense, but rather you adjust to new hours. So, day can become night and the reverse can also be true. In the future its very possible that we may live through dark and trying times; perhaps even the tribulation, so this passage from the book of Revelation seemed to be appropriate.

Rev 7:13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?"
Rev 7:14 I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 7:15 "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
Rev 7:17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." ESV

Think about the changes that are happening in the USA and how they relate to our personal freedoms. It seems to me that this country is becoming more socialistic with each passing month and that the world is heading towards a one government authority. If and when this happens I think we will be in the tribulation and then this Revelation passage may actually apply specifically to US. The good news is that even though we may have to go through a long night of persecution, eventually night and day will become meaningless and "God will wipe away every tear" from OUR eyes. So, even the darkest nights will become bright and oh, so beautiful, because God will be near. Now, that is even more wonderful than any full moon could ever be!

When will mankind become reasonable?

This French bomb test is very terrifying. Think of the power unleashed and the devastation. What if it were part of a real war? However horrible, it could happen! Maybe it will start with a North Korean missile launch or perhaps Iran will make war with Israel, but when it begins, could it be stopped? Albert Einstein was once asked about the weapons that might be used in the next war: His reply was something like "I don't know what weapons will be used, but the war after that will be fought with sticks and stones". Why is man so belligerent? Sin is the answer and until that is destroyed there will be endless wars. When I think about this, I am reminded of Sodom and Gomorrah in the book of Genesis.

Gen 18:20 Yahweh said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know."
Gen 18:22 The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh.
Gen 18:23 Abraham drew near, and said, "Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24 What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?
Gen 18:25 Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?"
Gen 18:26 Yahweh said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake."
Gen 18:27 Abraham answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, who am but dust and ashes.
Gen 18:28 What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" He said, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."
Gen 18:29 He spoke to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?" He said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."
Gen 18:30 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?" He said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."
Gen 18:31 He said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."
Gen 18:32 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."
Gen 18:33 Yahweh went his way, as soon as he had finished communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. WEB

I have always loved this passage because it shows God listening to Abraham and being reasonable. When will mankind become reasonable? I don't know if or when that will happen, but I pray that it will. Until that time I ask myself the question: I wonder if the Almighty is right now talking with someone like Abraham about the United States of America and if the number of righteous people remaining in it are enough to save us. So, be the best you can possibly be and who knows, you just might be number ten on our list and SAVE US FROM DESTRUCTION!

Any speed limits?

One cool car! You don't even have to look underneath the hood to know that this baby is going to fly!! Why? Because no one is going to paint an auto like this, put racing wheels if its performance is like a pinto MPG! I would guess this little "chariot of fire" would go at least 130. When I saw this car it reminded me of Elijah going to heaven. The passage from the book of second kings tells the tale.



2Ki 2:9 It happened, when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha said, please let a double portion of your spirit be on me.
2Ki 2:10 He said, "You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so."
2Ki 2:11 It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. WEB



I would really have liked to see that happen! Even better, imagine being Elisha! The fantastic spectacle was confirmation that he was to be literally twice the prophet of his master Elijah. Talk about encouragement! I have always wondered about Elisha, though; why ask for a double portion of the spirit? I like to think he just wanted to serve Yahweh better and not because he wanted a chariot with more "horse power" than Elijah. I wonder if there are any speed limits when entering heaven?

A very powerful force

He is neither the Great-grandfather nor the Grandfather, but rather the father. This man was 90 years young when this photo was taken and plans to father children until he is 100. I can not even fathom his optimism. When others are dying all around him, HE wants more children. Strange, isn't it? Well, not so strange. There was a man in a similar situation in the Bible; lets read from the book of Genesis.

Gen 15:1 After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."
Gen 15:2 Abram said, "Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"
Gen 15:3 Abram said, "Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir."
Gen 15:4 Behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, "This man will not be your heir, but he who will come forth out of your own body will be your heir."
Gen 15:5 Yahweh brought him outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Abram, "So shall your seed be."
Gen 15:6 He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness. WEB

Abram believed he would be childless, but God had other ideas. If someone told me that I would be a father again, I would simply not believe it. Abram did and Yahweh reckoned that belief as righteousness. The man in the photo and Abram have one thing in common; they had belief that it could happen and belief is a very powerful force indeed. As for me, well, I don't think I would have the patience to do it all over again. Besides, the thought of all those dirty diapers... whew!

The sunset of our lives

Imagine your most perfect of perfect days. Everything that you did seemed wonderful and every moment was treasure. At the end of that day you saw the most spectacular sunset ever and now that wonderful event was deepening to a beautiful purple sky. And the stars were just beginning to appear, and what stars they were. You sit on your porch and relax with your loved and discuss what you did that day; your work. To be able to see this and enjoy these times are a blessing almost beyond description. But, what if you couldn't see... or worse, what if you never could see. This was the situation of the blind man, until he met Jesus at least. John puts it this way....

Joh 9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Joh 9:4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." ESV



Today I didn't feel 100%. An old illness has come back to haunt me and this time I think it will stay and although I didn't say anything to anyone (until now) it still bothered me and took the edge off my day. Then I thought of a family I see ever so often. They are a ragged group, very average, with one of the daughters mildly (or maybe not so mildly) retarded. When I saw them, I greeted them warmly and realized how glad I was to see them. Then, it hit me: You can only do what you can do, Rose, so be happy, and rejoice in this day.... regardless. The passage from John and the picture are one thought because while we are here we need to share every bit of the love within us with others. As the sunset of our lives transforms into the beauty of the stars the time for work will be over. Don't waste a minute, seek the light of the world while you can and rejoice in the fact that you still can work. Jesus did!

If we will only look

Several weeks ago I changed my laptop background to this picture. So, every single day I see this more than once. I noticed it has a calming effect on me; somehow my day was better and it wasn't until I came home from work this evening that I realized what it was. Peace, this picture says peace to me. It makes me reflect on my day and put things into perspective just like the Bible does. I look at the sky and the mirror of the scenery on the lake and think. No matter how bad things were during the course of my day, this simple picture reminds me that there can be peace if I will just LOOK. When I do, God gives me the encouragement I need. The apostles needed a their spirits lifted the night before Jesus was betrayed and so Jesus said these words to them:

Joh 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ESV

I learned recently that about 50% of our brain is devoted to vision. Its plain to me that God wants us to use to use our brains to see. Unfortunately, the world we see around us can be a dangerous, very difficult place in which to survive, but God wants more for us than that. He wants us to really live and enjoy life. True life means restoring a genuine fellowship with God, so Jesus did what he had to do to make this happen. Difficult, yes, but then restoring something that is broken is more difficult than making something new. So, the next time you look at one of the pictures that I post, reflect a little and go beyond the obvious; see the magnificent interaction that God wants with us... if we will only look. Who knows, you just might see something beautiful and remember the creator. For me, this means peace and I pray it will for you as well.

Way beyond speech

When someone wants to curse someone or something, they use the name of God and the word Damn and then list the desired person or thing. But wait a minute, what about the following verse from the book of Deuteronomy?

Deu 5:11 "'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. English Standard Version

A person's name represents that person; their appearance, character, and really everything about them. So, when someone curses, invoking the name of God they are taking HIM very lightly indeed. God is not to be ignored, trifled with or referred to without respect. So, this commandment goes way beyond speech because in fact it really permeates every aspect of our life. I like what Max T. Neel used to say:"God is closer than hands or feet and nearer than breathing". Because I accept that as truth, I know God is watching what I do and I need to be careful. Respect is respect, and a lack of it has consequences.

Ready to respond

When I left work today I noticed I needed some gas, so I stopped at the Circle K. A very pleasant man came up to me, informing me that there was a problem with the pumps and what I had to do about it. We had a long conversation, which ended with my suggestion that he read the book of Acts. Why, because its always a good idea to start at the beginning and that's where I consider the first century church started. After I left, it occurred to me that it was the most straightforward, plain suggestion I have given in awhile. NOT EVERYTHING IS COMPLICATED; SOME THINGS JUST ARE WHAT THEY ARE AND THAT IS THAT! Please play the video at the top and you will see what I mean. Afterwards, glance at the verses from the book of Matthew and I think you will see the connection.

Mat 19:13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,
Mat 19:14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ESV

There was a time when we were all young; when the world was new and even the simplest things fascinated us. We were open minded, ready to respond without all the social filters we develop over the years. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to be as genuine as the baby in the video and reach out to Jesus. I think he will reach out to us and when that happens just try to stop smiling, I dare you!

ps. I have been thinking about babies a lot lately as Linda and I will be grandparents to baby number eight in the next few months!!!!!!

The bright morning sunshine

This picture of a sunrise from Iceland is amazing! There is a special quality about it that awakens the senses and begs the question: What is next? I remember the first time I presented a sermon; how nervous I was and thought I would never be able to speak in public again. To my complete surprise those who critiqued what I did had very positive comments. There were however, a couple of comments that blindsided me. I didn't know gee whiz meant Jesus' whiskers and that Golly wasn't much better. It was a real eye-opener, something like the following passage from the book of Ephesians.....

Eph 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
Eph 5:10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
Eph 5:13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,
Eph 5:14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." ESV

It dawned on me that some of the language that I had taken for granted as being acceptable really wasn't and I needed to change. If anyone has ever worked the graveyard shift, you know that when you come out into the bright morning sunshine it hurts your eyes for only a little while and then you see everything with a new clarity. When the SON OF GOD wakes you up, believe me, you see sonshine indeed! Then you really ask the question: What is next?

The wake I leave behind

Some of my earliest memories are of being on my father's speedboat and watching the wake that was left behind. Life is somewhat like being on that speedboat; ever forward, with the effects of what you do left behind you. Family, the work you have done and the people who call you friend all say a great deal about you. While these are important, I think the things that really matter are those things that bring about change in the lives of others; encouragement, understanding and most of all the love that you give away will be the most important part of your life's "wake". Nothing lasts forever, but your life could have an impact on literally thousands of people. Some people live their lives as if they will never end; but all do. I like this passage from the book of Second Peter because it reminds me that someday everything I have ever done will be on display.

2Pe 3:3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
2Pe 3:4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
2Pe 3:5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
2Pe 3:6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
2Pe 3:7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2Pe 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. ESV

I don't know when and I really don't understand how, but what we do here and now will be shown for what it really is. I guess that is where faith comes in, where you come to the point of asking yourself: What have I done with my life and how will I be judged for it? I know that I cannot change the past, but I can determine that from now on the wake I leave behind will be better each day! Think about your life and then do something about it; no one is promised tomorrow, we only have today. And oh, yes... watch where you are driving your boat, you might hit a reef of sin!

My hope of spring

This picture of the winter sun reminds me that it has been about five years since I have seen winter and I miss it. I miss the first couple of months at least, when the snow is still white and everything seems crisp. As February and March grow old things seem to change; it becomes harder and harder to endure the cold and the snow is either grey or blackish because of car exhaust. By the time April arrives, I can't wait for spring. However, there always was a ray of hope: The sun. Each day it rose higher in the sky and provided encouragement that warmth was on its way. This passage from the book of Revelation does something similar; read on....

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away.

and

Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God enlightened it, and the Lamb is the light of it.
Rev 21:24 And the nations of them who are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut by day: for there shall be no night there.

The Webster Bible

The sun changes winter to spring and its warmth grows with each passing day. God tabernacling (dwelling) in a person changes things; the SON OF GOD makes a difference. The warmth of HIS love turns the hardness of our hearts into a springtime of Joy. And like the procession of winter to spring, life gets better and better. Some day the words from the book of Revelation will literally come to pass, but until that day, my hope of spring will always be growing because of Jesus. Feeling warm yet?

The sign that leads to hell

Whoever put this sign up is not to bright. It seems to me that no one needs to be told how to go to Hell. Why, because all you have to do is to do what you please, without regard to anybody or anything! Whatever "makes you feel good" or "You do your thing and I'll do mine" is a sure guidepost to destruction. The Bible says:

Pro 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

and

Mat 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

English Standard Version

General rule #1: If you rule your life, you are probably going down a wrong road.

General rule #2: If God rules your life, refer to Matthew 7:12-14

So, tonight before you go to sleep get your all purpose ruler out and measure your life. Make sure you pick the right one and don't follow the sign that leads to hell. I think General rule # 2 looks pretty good to me; how about you?

Hint: The correct ruler to choose is Jesus and not yourself.

As sweet as the Lilac

To you its probably just a Lilac, but to me it is a fond memory. I was in the third grade and my teacher was Mrs. Door. She was a very large woman by any standard, but she did something that made her memory stay with me for many, many years; she showed me kindness and went out of her way to help me. In our yard was a large Lilac bush and one day I took a few blossoms to her. She was surprised, but put them in a vase that she kept on her desk the entire week. I was in heaven because I had a schoolboy crush on her. When I think of gifts, the book of John comes to mind. Read on....

Joh 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Joh 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Joh 16:15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

English Standard Version

God has given us a gift that keeps on giving. The Spirit guided the apostles and today the words that HE inspired to them guide us still. Think of all the good that The Word of God has done and will continue to do. My elementary teacher has undoubtedly been dead for many years, but her gift to me continues to this day. Her kindnesses were many and as sweet as the Lilac to me, but the kindness God has shown me seems overwheming to even try to take in. Today would be a good day to try to thank HIM for what he has done for me, but I don't think he accepts Lilacs, so I will just have to give myself instead. By the way, somehow Mrs. Door became my fourth grade teacher and the day I knew about that was a very good day indeed!

One beautiful boat

Crystal aquamarine water, pleasant surroundings and even a friendly sky. When I lived in Jamesburg, this was all my neighbor two doors down could talk about. Both Harold and Delores had bought a boat and planned to live on it in their retirement. When they left for their dream in the Florida keys, they were excited beyond belief. I never did know the outcome, but I wish them every happiness. What a person wishes for says a great deal about them. Read this passage from the book of Second Timothy to see what the Apostle Paul looked forward to:

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

English Standard Version

Boats sink, Hurricanes destroy and rain can do a lot of damage. The things of this world may seem wonderful, but what about their lasting value? Paul had the right idea; think about eternity! The picture above is of one beautiful boat, but can it compare with the victors crown of righteousness awarded by God himself? Retire in style, with Jesus your captain and sail on forever, not for just a retirement that lasts a few years.

The presence of greatness

Most of us are familiar with the Eiffel tower, but probably not from this perspective. It looks gigantic and seems to reach up to heaven itself! When I first saw this my jaw dropped a little and I just stared in amazement for sometime and was almost speechless (if you can imagine that)! It made me think of an incident in the New Testament where Peter must have done the same thing. Read the following passage from the book of Matthew and see if you don't agree with me......

Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brings them up into a high mountain apart.
Mat 17:2 And he was transfigured before them. And his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light;
Mat 17:3 and lo, Moses and Elias appeared to them talking with him.
Mat 17:4 And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, it is good we should be here. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elias.
Mat 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying, *This* is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight: hear him.
Mat 17:6 And the disciples hearing it fell upon their faces, and were greatly terrified.
Mat 17:7 And Jesus coming to them touched them, and said, Rise up, and be not terrified.
Mat 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus alone.

Darby Bible

OK, I didn't tell you everything; I am afraid of heights! So, you can imagine how I would feel even THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THE TOP OF THIS BABY! Some things just hit you and this picture stunned me. Peter was stunned too, when God politely told him to be quiet. There is a good lesson here: When in the presence of greatness be quiet and learn. You just might find out something to overcome your fears.

The two fold wonder

Oh, that someone would have told me about HDR photography sooner! This picture not only has great color contrasts, but a little surprise as well. How often do you see a sunset AND a rainbow at the same time; I never have! Two beautiful things at once is a rare thing indeed and yet this is exactly what we see in this passage from the book of Romans:

Rom 3:20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
Rom 3:21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
Rom 3:25 whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance;
Rom 3:26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
Rom 3:27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
Rom 3:28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Rom 3:29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
Rom 3:30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

World English Bible

The Law given to Moses was wonderful, but humans slip up... face it, that is what we do. So, within the Law was unspoken faith. If you doubt this, think of Abraham, the father of the faithful, who lived many, many, many years before Moses. So within the Law there was faith and once the New Testament covenant was inaugurated by the blood of Jesus there was a wonderful new way without Law. Both beautiful, both effective--through faith. Like a rainbow and a sunset they compliment one another so our lives can be full of the two fold wonder of God.

The Mom's Song

There are three names that probably don't mean a great deal to you, but they do to me : Darlene, Melissa and Rebecca. I gave them their names, but they owe their successful lives to their mother, who was constantly guiding them. I think the following passage from the book of Proverbs says it all:

Pro 29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

My wife did a good job with them, but I really wish she could sing this song; I know I can't!

A beautiful sunset

I love sunsets! The more colorful, the better! The beauty of this particular one is amazing. Could anyone even dream of creating a painting so beautiful? As spectacular as this is, mankind is a far, far greater creation. Not only in beauty, but in the depth of creativity, emotion and imagination. Human beings were designed to interact with God; think of it, the creator of the entire universe wants to fellowship us so much that he suffered to accomplish it! Once again my mind is drawn to the Psalms, read it and realize how very, very special we are!

Psa 139:1 Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.
Psa 139:2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psa 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.
Psa 139:5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.
Psa 139:6 This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.
Psa 139:7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night;"
Psa 139:12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.
Psa 139:13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
Psa 139:15 My frame wasn't hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them. World English Bible

OK, right about this time some of you are thinking about your faults and frankly, if I were to be honest and list all my shortcomings, well, this would be one LONG post. However, God doesn't make junk and that means ME! He has cared for me before there even was a me and has not left my side at any time, even when I think he should have. So, the next time you look at a beautiful sunset I hope you will think of God and remember how important you are to him.

Grey skies to blue

This HDR photo is interesting, not only because of its quality, but also because the way in which it was manipulated. Maybe its just me, but does the sky look just a tad too grey? Which reminds me of a great sermon I heard at the Piscataway church of Christ about a decade ago. Gary Eubanks was refuting the concept of viewing everything on the "Sunny Side of Life". This made a lot of sense to me then and now even more so. Everything is not always positive, sometimes you have to have a lot of rainy days to appreciate the sunshine. Consider the problems Job had and the ultimate realization he arrived at:

Job 42:1 Then Job answered Yahweh,
Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
Job 42:3 You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know.
Job 42:4 You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.'
Job 42:5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
Job 42:6 Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:7 It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.

World English Bible

Job went through a lot of physical discomfort and emotional stress; more than I would ever be able to withstand! His life was in ruin and his wife and "friends" turned against him. He questioned everything, including God. But God's questions made him think and all the problems he had led to a greater understanding of the Almighty. He went through hard times and ultimately grew closed to God as a result. God turned his grey skies to blue ones and restored those things taken away and then some. Times are tough right now, but think; people actually did live through the great depression and those people had a dramatic effect upon this country. Our grey skies can change if we have the proper attitude and that begins with making sure our relationship with the God of Heaven is as it should be! So, bring on the grey skies, just help me to see God between the clouds.

Are you listening?

He doesn't look crazy, does he? Yet his sign would certainly make some people upset. I wonder if anyone would think about the sign and change their ways? Seems unlikely, doesn't it? Yet it has worked in the past; check out this passage from the book of Jonah:

Jon 3:1 The word of Yahweh came to Jonah the second time, saying,
Jon 3:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I give you."
Jon 3:3 So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey across.
Jon 3:4 Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried out, and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"
Jon 3:5 The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Jon 3:6 The news reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
Jon 3:7 He made a proclamation and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, "Let neither man nor animal, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, nor drink water;
Jon 3:8 but let them be covered with sackcloth, both man and animal, and let them cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands. Jon 3:9 Who knows whether God will not turn and relent, and turn away from his fierce anger, so that we might not perish?"
Jon 3:10 God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which he said he would do to them, and he didn't do it.

World English Bible

Today, our government is trying to solve its problems by using money. Wrong! Its not stimulation our nation needs, its reformation! Sin manifested in all sorts of ways has brought us to where we are and I think it will get worse before it gets better. The king of Nineveh proclaimed a day of prayer and fasting and that is exactly what we need today. President Obama, are you listening?

Watch out!

There seems to be a small patch of black ice on the left side of this picture and I can tell you from experience that stuff is very dangerous. On a winter day about ten years ago I was going out to my car to go to the store and I didn't see a patch of ice and wham, I went flying. When I came down I twisted my back and the pain stayed for many months no matter what I did. Sin is a lot like that patch of ice; you don't watch where you are going and then wham! Jesus warned his disciples that after his betrayal they would desert him, but do you think Peter listened; not a chance! Read these two passages from the Gospel of Matthew and see the outcome:

Mat 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
Mat 26:32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
Mat 26:33 Peter answered him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."
Mat 26:34 Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
Mat 26:35 Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.

Mat 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean."
Mat 26:70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean."
Mat 26:71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."
Mat 26:72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man."
Mat 26:73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you."
Mat 26:74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed.
Mat 26:75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

English Standard Version

I have always liked Peter because he seems to think more with his heart than his head, but the second passage certainly doesn't paint a glowing picture of him does it? He fell away just like Jesus said he would and Peter wept bitterly over it. Sin hurts, so watch out! Pay attention to your life and don't slip up or you may fall into sin just like Peter did. And don't boast that it won't happen to you because it probably will. The good news is that Jesus will help you no matter how bad you mess up and that is really something to crow about!

Only royalty

I wonder what it would be like to actually live in this? Can you imagine cleaning the roof in the winter; and all those steps, WOW? Castles look wonderful, but I bet they are hard to clean! Only royalty live in such places, Right? Read this familiar passage from the book of John and see.

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Joh 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

King James Version

If only royalty live in mansions, guess what... you were just crowned! How, through Jesus, of course. I don't know if mansions (or castles) like this really exist, but I do know that Jesus said he would prepare one for me if I follow him (verse 6). I only hope the angels will do the maintenance because I am not very fond of heights!

Its purrrfect!

I was a little surprised when I saw this picture. When I think of Lions, snuggling is not even in the top twenty things that come to my mind. But, here it is and there is no denying it:love. Love is all around us and this snapshot is a pleasant reminder that I need to open my eyes a little more. Who could help but think of this passage from first Corinthians:

1Co 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1Co 13:5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
1Co 13:6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1Co 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1Co 13:8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
1Co 13:10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
1Co 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

English Standard Version

I know, I know, you have seen this Bible passage before, but it really fits the picture. In fact, its purrrfect! Go ahead, do a little snuggling and I think you will agree!

A mountain of cheese

Imagine, enough cheese to last a thousand years! I wish we could see this little guy's peepers, because I bet they are bulging!. Everybody likes a happy ending and God is no exception. Sin brought separation between God and man and now the two will dwell together again as it was it the beginning. Read a short passage from the book of Revelation and you will see what I mean.


Rev 21:1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
Rev 21:2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Rev 21:4 He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."

World English Bible

God makes everything right again, now there's a message! No death or tears or anything like that at the end of things (or should we say the beginning). Just like a mountain of cheese to a little bitty mouse, so the eternal blessings of God are to me. And, by the way, I LIKE CHEESE TOO!

Broke means broke!

How many people do you know that are divorced? Wrong question; how many people in your extended FAMILY are divorced? Big difference in questions, isn't it. Its one thing to talk about "people" and quite another to discuss "FAMILY". Why, because it becomes personal, that's why! When you see all the problems that can happen when your "FAMILY" breaks up its not just personal, life becomes impossible. Normality goes out the window and everyone suffers, especially the children. What does God think about divorce? Read this passage from Malachi and see...

Mal 2:11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of Yahweh which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.
Mal 2:12 Yahweh will cut off, to the man who does this, him who wakes and him who answers, out of the tents of Jacob, and him who offers an offering to Yahweh of Armies.
Mal 2:13 This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn't regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.
Mal 2:14 Yet you say, 'Why?' Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant.
Mal 2:15 Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
Mal 2:16 For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!" says Yahweh of Armies. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously.

World English Bible

First of all, marriage is a Spiritual thing. When it ends in divorce there are Spiritual consequences. Consequences between you, your mate, and God. Can you see the parallels to the relationship of Husband and wife and that of created and creator? When divorced, that union created by God is broken and broken means broken. You don't come out of a marriage with your "half", you get something broken. Just like the car in the picture, it just won't work like it was designed to and something beautiful becomes something less that lovely. Its no wonder that God hates divorce; it is a violence that rips apart not only cars, but lives as well.

Be better tomorrow

Nice prayer! Very insightful, because dogs love you no matter what, no matter how bad! I like the attitude, but perhaps this person may be a bit too hard on themselves. We all make mistakes, even the best of us, so why not forgive yourself and move on. If anyone knew this, it was the Apostle Paul; he had opposed Christ and oppressed the church, but check out his attitude as seen in the book of Philippians:

Php 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Php 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith--
Php 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Php 3:11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Php 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

English Standard Version

Today, try to forget what you have done in the past, and resolve to be better tomorrow. The past is just that.... past. Paul couldn't change it, and neither can you. One thing Paul did was to follow Christ with all his heart and that is something to imitate. There you go... matter settled and done, but I can't help but wonder though, did Paul have a dog?