Bible Reflections

Why

2009-11-09T13:05:00.003-05:00

Why? The beginning of understanding begins with a question; the expression of intelligence in its purest form. Do you remember the first thing you thought about; probably not. Like most things in life, questions have a pattern to them. "Where do I come from", "Why am I here", "Is that right" and "What happens to me when I die" describe four general patterns of thought that we all experience. These questions express the four general stages of reflection: Origin, purpose, morality and destiny. If the answers are found in human creativity, then they will naturally be flawed. BUT, if found in God, their perfection will be a reflection of the perfectness of the Almighty.

Something to ponder....

A change in plan

2009-11-03T22:59:00.003-05:00

If you are reading this, then you are at the New Bible Reflections blog. I am changing the format (and the name) of the old site to reflect a new goal; that is, to delve into topics of interest to myself. I may just begin by typing in a few term papers from Northeast School of Biblical Studies, or it may be something else, I am not sure at the moment.

What I would like to do is to present something a bit more serious than the old blog did. Unlike its predecessor, this new effort will be more systematic and attempt to handle one topic at a time. Because of this, there will be substantially fewer posts, probably 1 or 2 a month.

Any thoughts or suggestions anyone might have would be appreciated.

Thanks

Gary

Transformed!

2009-10-29T00:39:00.005-04:00

And you thought transformers were only in the movies; well, here is a real one. Transformers have been around for years, we just called them by a different name... convertibles. The concept of taking something and making it something else is found in the Bible too. John tells us...

John 2:1-11 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
(2) Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
(3) And when the wine had given out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
(4) Jesus said to her, "Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come."
(5) His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He may say to you, do."
(6) Now there were six stone water jars standing there, according to the purification rites of the Jews, each holding two or three measures.
(7) Jesus said to them, "Fill the water jars with water." And they filled them up to the top.
(8) And He said to them, "Draw out now, and carry some to the head steward." And they carried it.
(9) Now when the head steward tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the head steward called the bridegroom
(10) and said to him, "Every man first sets out the good wine, and when they have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!"
(11) This beginning of the signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

the difference between the wine mentioned in John chapter 2 and either "transformers" or convertibles is that Jesus fundamentally transformed water into something new... wine. He did this by his innate power, not clever manipulation. He wasn't showing off, for the text says his mother suggested that he do this. Small thought here... I wonder how she knew to ask Jesus?? The only thing I can think of is that she had seen him do such things before in private. So, we have a new view of Jesus, from a mere man into something more, something both miraculous and amazing at the same time. That new appreciation of who Jesus is will transform even the hardest heart, but first we have to really look in order to really see. When we do this, our lives will never really be the same again; zap, YOU ARE TRANSFORMED!!!

The desire for a little fire!

2009-10-28T00:37:00.004-04:00

Now this is a car! What a fire breathing monster this must be! I doubt if it even gets 10 mph.. Although I love to look at it, its not exactly built for someone who has my round build, so I don't think it would do me any good to even THINK of owning this. But I bet this puppy would really go fast! When I saw this "flame of fire" corvette I thought of the following passage from the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 1:1-8 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) God, who in various ways and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
(2) has in these last days spoken to us by the Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
(3) who being the effulgence of His glory and the exact expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
(4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
(5) For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him for a Father, and He shall be to Me for a Son"?
(6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
(7) And on the one hand he says to the angels, "He who makes His angels spirits and His ministers flames of fire."
(8) But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.

OK, I admit I am pushing the comparison of a corvette to an angel, but both really fly! Both are very powerful and do the will of their master. The context of verse 7 shows that Jesus is far greater in power than even the angels (who are awesome flames of fire). Jesus could have called legions of angels to bring him down from the cross, but he didn't because his sacrifice needed to be made in order that righteousness could be enjoyed by all those who follow him. I just thought of something.... will there be corvette's in heaven? Probably not, we can just hitch a ride with an angel in case we have the desire for a little fire!

Flexibility

2009-10-27T00:39:00.004-04:00

This picture reminds me of what it was like to be a young child; limber and flexible in all things, open to new ideas and courses of action. Unfortunately, as we become older we lose some of these things, some by choice and others just by growing older. I don't think I can ever be as flexible as I was at say, age 8, but I can be open to the views of others and a healthy examination of my own life. This is what I think is the thrust of Romans 14. Its a long passage, but worth the reading.

Romans 14:1-23 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) Receive one that is weak in the faith, not for disputes over opinions.
(2) One indeed believes that he may eat all things, but another, being weak, eats only vegetables.
(3) Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
(4) Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or he falls. And he shall be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
(5) One indeed judges one day above another; but another judges every day the same. Let each be fully assured in his own mind.
(6) He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. And he that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he that does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.
(7) For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
(8) For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
(9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
(10) But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
(11) For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
(12) So then each of us shall give account concerning himself to God.
(13) Therefore let us no longer judge one another, but judge this rather, not to put a stumbling block or an offense before our brother.
(14) I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself; except to him considering anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
(15) But if your brother is grieved on account of your food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food the one on behalf of whom Christ died.
(16) Therefore do not let your good be slandered.
(17) For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(18) For he that serves Christ in these things is well pleasing to God and approved by men.
(19) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
(20) Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but are evil for the man eating with offense.
(21) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or becomes weak.
(22) Do you have faith? By yourself, have it before God. Blessed is he that does not condemn himself in what he approves.
(23) But he who doubts, if he eats, has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and everything which is not of faith is sin.

In the ancient world, meat that was sold in the market place may have previously been offered to idols and some early Christians were sensitive to that possibility and therefore would not eat meat. Others, who were converts from Judaism would want to celebrate special Jewish holidays. What do you do? Become flexible in your understanding of liberty is the answer. I think the key is found in verse 1 of this chapter; and that key is opinions. There are certain facts about Christianity that are absolutes, such as Jesus being the means of our salvation and the existence of God the father and The Holy Spirit. So liberty concerns itself with opinions, period. The fundamentals of Christianity are not open to debate, just matters of opinions. As far as I am concerned, the girl in the picture can wear whatever color outfit she wants on Monday, no problem. I am learning to be flexible about Monday; Tuesday is another matter altogether. I guess I need to work on my flexibility some more.

You may see more than fire!

2009-10-26T01:43:00.006-04:00

I can't explain it, but somehow over the past few years sunsets seem to capture my imagination. This one is entitled "fire in the sky" and the name says it all. The name made a natural association with the following passage from Thessalonians and as you read you will see why.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 Complete Apostles' Bible
(3) We are obligated to give thanks to God always for you, brothers, and rightfully so, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all increases towards one another,
(4) so that we ourselves are boasting in you among the churches of God about your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,
(5) which is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, on behalf of which you also suffer;
(6) since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
(7) and to give you who are being afflicted rest along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His mighty angels,
(8) in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(9) These shall pay a penalty--eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might,
(10) whenever He comes, in that Day, to be glorified among His saints and to be marveled among all those having believed, because our testimony among you was believed.

Jesus will appear in flaming fire. Says so, must be. Payday, someday, for those who oppress and oppose either Jesus or his own. Comfort to some, concern for others. No, I don't know when and I am glad I don't; would probably do me no good to know. Knowing is NOT NECESSARY, being on the right side of judgment, IS. Until this event occurs, keep looking up, you may see more than fire!

bliss

2009-10-25T00:33:00.006-04:00

When I saw this cat today, I smiled. For two reasons: first because a smile tends to cause another one and second because it made me think of my friend Marge, who loves her cat sooo much. Why do we smile and can we be happy without smiling? The first part is easy... because it is a perfectly natural thing to do, but the second is a little harder. Lets read from the Sermon on the mount in the book of Matthew for some insight.

Matthew 5:3-12 Complete Apostles' Bible
(3) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
(7) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
(9) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(10) Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(11) "Blessed are you whenever they revile you, and they persecute you, and they say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
(12) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Some translations translate "blessed" as happy, so I guess we are on the right track. I think its a little more accurate to say "Oh, the blissful state of the person" followed by the beatitude. So, a smile is more than just something we do or a natural response; it is a reflection of an inward state of the person. This makes sense to me, because if one is in tune with the will of God, even unpleasant things like those mentioned in verse 11 really can't change your happiness. I don't imagine that enduring those things would bring a smile, but everyone is different, so I guess it is possible to be happy and not a have smile on your face. If Marge were here, she would tell you that a cat is all you really need. Of course, his name has to be Max! By the way, did you hear the one about the difference between "bird flu" and "swine flu"? See below for the answer.

You get a tweetment for the first and an oinkment for the second.

Not good to be alone

2009-10-24T12:30:00.003-04:00

What! was my first reaction. Facebook is addicting, I know, but a shot? Then I remembered this verse from the Bible and this little picture made more sense to me.

Genesis 2:18 Complete Apostles' Bible
(18) And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, let Us make for him a helper suitable to him.

We need each other, it isn't good to be alone. When I view Facebook, I connect with people I know and those I will begin to know. I don't need a helper, (already have one) but friends... well, you can never have too many of those. After seeing this picture, I don't think I will look at Facebook in quite the same way, ever again.

Don't value by appearance!

2009-10-23T14:40:00.004-04:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today ("Right Truth") and I saw this picture. The picture on the left should look a little familiar to us, as she was on the cover of "The National Geographic" magazine in 1985. Her name is Sharbat Gula (which very few people knew until recently) and she is an Afgan refugee. Life has changed her and only her eyes seem to remain unchanged. She obviously has had a hard life, but what really bothered me when I read the article is that she was described as being "worn out" at age 30. Question: What do we do with someone who is worn out? Do they have any value once they are worn out, or are they worth less. Here is a passage from the book of Leviticus that should make us all think.

Leviticus 27:1-8 WEB (R)
(1) Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,
(2) "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'When a man makes a vow, the persons shall be for Yahweh by your valuation.
(3) Your valuation shall be of a male from twenty years old even to sixty years old, even your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.
(4) If it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.
(5) If the person is from five years old even to twenty years old, then your valuation shall be for a male twenty shekels, and for a female ten shekels.
(6) If the person is from a month old even to five years old, then your valuation shall be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female your valuation shall be three shekels of silver.
(7) If the person is from sixty years old and upward; if it is a male, then your valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for a female ten shekels.
(8) But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to the ability of him who vowed shall the priest value him.

Admittedly, this is a problem passage for me! It seems to say some things I don't like; for instance, because I am now 60 I am worth less than I was at 20. Also, I really do not like the valuation for women and children as well. What it really refers to is the ability of the people mentioned to be able to keep their vows. That is the only way it makes sense to me. I have lived quite a while and would like to think I know MORE than I did at 20 (and am therefore more valuable). Consider this passage from the New Testament.

Galatians 3:26-28 Complete Apostles' Bible
(26) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
(27) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

We all have value, all souls are the same and in Christ Jesus and all are the sons of God. I thought of the following poem and even though it is somewhat long I still wanted to include it!

The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred, And the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while To waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?" "Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No, From the room far back a gray bearded man Came forward and picked up the bow, Then wiping the dust from the old violin And tightening up the strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet As sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?" As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thousand, Who makes it three?" "Three thousand once, three thousand twice, Going and gone", said he.
The audience cheered, But some of them cried, "We just don't understand." "What changed its' worth?" Swift came the reply. "The Touch of the Masters Hand."
And many a man with life out of tune All battered with bourbon and gin Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd Much like that old violin
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, A game and he travels on. He is going once, he is going twice, He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes, And the foolish crowd never can quite understand, The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
Myra Brooks Welch

Every day lived with God is a blessing, but the body will wear out and in the eyes of men we may not be worth much, but "IN CHRIST" we are all equal and worth something; I know this because of the value placed on us by Jesus (his life's blood). Don't value by appearance, but rather by character, for it is the reflection of the soul. Remember, God does not look at the outward appearance, but at the human heart (the character).

That is really groovy!

2009-10-23T08:19:00.004-04:00

This little guy is sure enjoying himself! Music has a way of bringing happiness. But what if you have every reason to despair and you still can sing? Here is a passage to show that it can be done.

Acts 16:19-26 Complete Apostles' Bible
(19) And when her masters saw that the hope of their profit was gone, they took Paul and Silas, and dragged them to the marketplace to the rulers.
(20) And bringing them to the magistrates they said, "These men, being Jews, are agitating our city;
(21) and they are proclaiming customs which are not lawful for us to receive or to do, since we are Romans."
(22) And the crowd rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore their clothes and ordered men to beat them with rods.
(23) And when they laid many strokes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the prison keeper to keep them securely;
(24) who, having received such a command, cast them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
(25) Now about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
(26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and all the bonds were loosed.

There are different types of music; no, I am not talking about the difference between Rock and Classical or Reggae and Ragtime. There are different objects within music; a rhythmic or melody with no object, a song about interpersonal relationships (love songs), one about events (such as the Titanic song), or one about feelings (such as the 34th street song by Simon and Garfunkle). However, these types have one thing in common: "I". When the object is heavenly it is a different matter; the relationship between God and His creation changes things. The gap between the Spiritual and the physical is breached and it is as if heaven comes to Earth and God is right near by. This closeness to God brings joy and peace such as only the creator can supply. "I" centered music is focused on oneself and therefore flawed, but singing that has God as its object reaches for true perfection. The music or singing doesn't have to be spectacular or even well done, it just communes the heart of man with that of God and that WILL CHANGE THINGS! Oh, it might not cause an earthquake, but you will change because a little bit of the perfection of God will rub off on you and that is really groovy!

Another perspective

2009-10-22T01:41:00.003-04:00

This little sign refers to a passage from the book of Romans. It is interesting to me because I had never really thought of it visually before. Yet, I should have, because God is both multi-fauceted and multi-dimensional. God both exists in the present, but in the past and the future at the same time. He created all things, but was not created. Wow, this gives me a headache just trying to consider all this. But what I like most from Romans 11 is that to me it is a sort of prayer.

Romans 11:33-36 Complete Apostles' Bible
(33) Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and untraceable are His ways!
(34) "For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has been His counselor?"
(35) "Or who has first given to Him, and it shall be repaid to him?"
(36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Charlie Biggers came to our home in the valley one afternoon in 1978 and read this passage out loud to myself and Linda. But the way he read it; with awe, amazement and reverence all at the same time. The memory of that simple reading has stayed with me all these years, but even more was the look on his face. The puzzled, trusting, inquisitive look a young child has when they ask DADDY a question because HE KNOWS EVERYTHING!! It was as if by the mere reading of the passage THE ANSWER would be given to us by God Himself. I still don't know the answer, but I LOVE the ATTITUDE OF PRAYER! Now at least I have a clue, even if it is only a visual perspective.

Too many kisses?

2009-10-21T00:23:00.004-04:00

This little baby is obviously the object of much affection, but there is something odd about the way the lips are held. My first guess is that there is a thought going through its little mind something like: "what next"? Which raises the question: Can you love too much? Good question! Here is a passage from Titus to consider.

Titus 2:3-5 Complete Apostles' Bible
(3) Older women likewise are to be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teaching what is good,
(4) so that they may urge the young women to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children,
(5) temperate, pure, homemakers, good, submitting to their own husbands, lest the word of God be blasphemed.

Women are urged to love, that much is sure. Is it possible to go overboard.... as with anything else, yes. But in the context of the home and motherhood, I don't think so. Because if Godliness is the source, then the outcome will be to God's liking. All that is left to do is to get a washcloth and clean junior up a bit. Next round of kisses coming up!!!

I have a dream

2009-10-20T00:14:00.007-04:00

This picture is of the peace rally of 1963 where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I have a dream" speech. I was listening to one of my favorite podcast called "The Word Nerds" on my way to work today and I heard an excerpt from this speech and recalled how powerful it was then and still is. Many of the World War II generation that I grew up alongside were very racially biased and I still recall the hatred in their responses at the mere mention of Dr. King's name. But those were different times and I am happy to see that some (and perhaps more than some) of the injustices that Black's endured have been made right. Who would have ever thought in 1963 that we would ever have a black president? Injustice in America is not dead, however, on the contrary, it is alive and well. Today, we have a new race of "slaves" and the ones that I see are mostly illegal aliens from Mexico. The big corporations use their political clout and somehow immigration laws are never really enforced. Why? Because illegals can't complain, they really have no rights and thanks to the current welfare laws are subsidized. So, the corporations win and the illegals win and the rest of America pays for everything!!! What is wrong with this is that they are stealing from America. Consider just one verse from the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 5:19 Complete Apostles' Bible
(19) You shall not steal.

This situation is allowing corporate America to create another slave segment in our society. Everyone in America should be under the same laws and those laws should be enforced uniformly. If someone entered this country outside the law-- let them go home. "I have a dream" is not over and it will not be achieved until everyone in this country is free and slavery in all its forms are dead! Don't agree with me on this, well, that is your right! Consider, however, what happened to the native Americans over the past hundred or so years in this country and then tell me I am wrong! I wonder, how we can make that one right???

When the rains come

2009-10-19T00:06:00.005-04:00

Look familiar? I think we all can relate to things like this. When the checking account is overdrawn, when the baby gets sick, when the car breaks down, when you encounter all sorts of problems, remember that "stuff" happens to everybody. For me, today was one of those days; no matter how hard I tried, "stuff" just kept happening. And as I think about it, that is OK. What is really important is not the events that occur, but rather how we handle them. Are we trying to follow what Jesus has told us to do or something else? Look at the following passage to see what I am referring to.

Matthew 7:21-27 Complete Apostles' Bible
(21) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
(22) Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name we cast out demons, and in Your name we did many mighty works?'
(23) "And then I will confess to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you who work iniquity!'
(24) "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, I will compare him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock:
(25) and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and fell against that house; and it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.
(26) And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be compared to a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
(27) and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And its fall was great."

Notice that the rains fell on BOTH HEARERS!! Those who listened and did the words of Jesus (to all of Matthew 5-7) were wise, but not so the foolish who do not apply Jesus' teachings. So, when the rains come, (and they will) remember the Sermon on the Mount and the application of its teachings and Jesus will see you through. You may still get wet, but so what, that's what umbrellas are for.

The money tree

2009-10-18T00:48:00.004-04:00

Money doesn't grow on trees; or does it? Yes and No; No, it does not naturally and yes, if you put money on or hammer it into a tree. The above pictures are from England, where some have made it a habit to put money on or hammer it into trees. As the tree grows, bark grows around the coins. Why would anyone do this? For "good luck" is the answer. I think this is shall we say "less than bright", but that is my personal opinion. God has a lot to say about money, but to me the following passage gets right to the heart of the matter.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Complete Apostles' Bible
(5) Let your way of life be without loving money, being satisfied with what you have. For He Himself has said, "By no means shall I desert you, nor in any way shall I forsake you;"
(6) so that being confident, we may say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

There is nothing wrong with money, but when it becomes an interference between man and his maker, then there is a big problem. If you have enough money to provide for your basic needs, be happy. Someone else will always have more than you do-- so what? Its not our needs that really cause problems, its our greed's. Have faith in God and realize that he provides for his own and be happy. This in no way takes away your responsibility to do your part; just realize who is first and forget the "money tree". Besides, that tree is a poor investment; you put money in and don't get it out.... you would do better in the stock market!

Limits of Friendship

2009-10-17T00:31:00.005-04:00

Cute picture! The text says it all; there are limits to friendship. The old testament says it too and is a little bit more specific.

Deuteronomy 13:6-11 Complete Apostles' Bible
(6) And if your brother by your father or mother, or your son, or daughter, or your wife in your bosom, or friend who is equal to your own soul, entreat you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known,
(7) of the gods of the nations that are round about you, who are near you or at a distance from you, from one end of the earth to the other;
(8) you shall not consent to him, neither shall you hearken to him; and your eye shall not spare him, you shall feel no regret for him, neither shall you at all protect him:
(9) you shall surely report concerning him, and your hands shall be upon him among the first to slay him, and the hands of all the people at the last.
(10) And they shall stone him with stones, and he shall die, because he sought to draw you away from the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
(11) And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall not again do according to this evil thing among you.

Sounds a bit harsh by the standards currently en vogue in America, but it IS the WORD OF GOD and that WAS the standard for the Israelites. Now, lets move over to the NEW TESTAMENT.

John 15:1-14 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
(2) Every branch in Me which does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch which bears fruit He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.
(3) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
(4) Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit on its own, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
(5) I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; because apart from Me you can do nothing.
(6) If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
(7) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what ever you may desire, and it shall be done for you.
(8) By this My Father is glorified, that you may bear much fruit; and you will become My disciples.
(9) "Just as the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
(10) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and I abide in His love.
(11) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may abide in you, and that your joy may be full.
(12) This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
(13) Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life on behalf of his friends.
(14) You are My friends if you do what I command you.

In the New Testament, its all about Jesus! If your life dwells (abides in, is centered on) in Jesus, you WILL DO what he wants you to do. Its not so much about a law as it is about a relationship and HOW you respond to it. If you do this you will live (because the true friend of Jesus will be saved by him) and if you don't.... well, who else is going to go to bat for you when you answer for what you have done in this life? I like the second set of verses better, don't you? Humm, I wonder if there will be e-mails in heaven?

Women rule?

2009-10-16T00:47:00.003-04:00

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world! I think I have heard that somewhere before...

Well, it won't be that many years before we have another presidential election and I think Sarah Palin will be our first female president. I wonder what they will call her: Madam President, The first first lady, your highness, or maybe first soccer mom of America? No matter what they call her, I think she will get the job done. She has my vote and there isn't even a ballot yet! Why, because I think she has the right stuff! God must think that way too, because he chose Deborah.

Judges 4:4-9 Complete Apostles' Bible
(4) And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
(5) And she sat under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim; and the children of Israel went up to her for judgment.
(6) And Deborah sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Cades Nephtali, and she said to him, Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded you? And you shall depart to Mount Tabor, and shall take with yourself ten thousand men of the sons of Nephtali and of the sons of Zebulun.
(7) And I will bring to you to the torrent of Kison Sisera the captain of the host of Jabin, and his chariots, and his multitude, and I will deliver them into your hands.
(8) And Barak said to her, If you will go with me, I will go; and if you will not go, I will not go; for I know not the day on which the Lord prospers His messenger with me.
(9) And she said, I will surely go with you; but know that your honor shall not attend on the expedition on which you go, for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hands of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak out of Kedesh.

The outcome, victory! Judges rule! Even lady judges! God chooses, people respond, God works things out! Women rule, IF GOD WANTS IT THAT WAY! Who knows, we may see a pink "white house" yet?

Don't you know? Skunks stink, or do they?

2009-10-15T01:11:00.007-04:00

Doesn't Bambi know that skunks are dangerous and stinky? This little scene shows love because how many of us can attest to kissing a skunk, whether it be the four or the two legged variety. In a way Bambi reminds me of God and after you read this passage from the Book of Romans, I think you will agree with me.

Romans 5:1-10 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
(2) through whom also we have had access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(3) And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance;
(4) and endurance, character; and character, hope.
(5) And hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(6) For when we were weak, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
(7) For scarcely on behalf of a righteous man will anyone die; yet on behalf of the good, perhaps someone might even dare to die.
(8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(9) Much more then, having been justified now by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
(10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Every day as I sit down at my computer to do the blog, I glance at a little cartoon from the "far side" that is taped to my desk. It shows a scene where there is a party of skunks and one of them is telling another off: "Oh yeah? And you don't stink! You never did and you never will, you mama's little rose". OK, having said this I know I am going to take a little heat from those who see me regularly, but reality is what it is; skunks stink! When I look at the picture above, I see the love of God there and I am happy because even though I am not worth it, God has condescended to love me and more than that to make the "smell" of the sin nonexistent. We all need to recognize the hopeless of humanity without the Christ and the blessing with HIM. Breathe deeply, God will take away all the bad odor and make those who are his smell like the finest perfume ever made. My Mama's little rose cartoon will take on a whole new heavenly meaning from now on! And no, I do NOT have a white streak down my back!!

You pay for what you do

2009-10-13T23:27:00.004-04:00

This cartoon is cute, but it does say something important; sin has consequences! If you do something wrong, the injured party is very likely to come back at you and there will be consequences. One of the reasons I love the Bible so much is that it tells the truth in a very straightforward manner. David was the King of Israel; he led the nation, but he was a man and that man had a weakness....sex! He saw the wife of Uriah the Hittite bathing and had sex with her. When she conceived he had her husband killed in battle. Sounds like the stuff of a soap opera doesn't it? Yet, even though he had all the power in the nation, God had far more! The Lord sent Nathan the prophet to David and his sin was exposed. The punishment?

2 Samuel 12:10-14 Complete Apostles' Bible
(10) Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and you have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite, to be your wife.
(11) Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your wives from before your eyes, and will give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in broad daylight.
(12) For you did it in secret, but I will do this thing in the sight of all Israel, and in broad daylight.
(13) And David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David, The Lord has put away your sin; you shall not die.
(14) Only because you have given great occasion of provocation to the enemies of the Lord by this thing, your son also that is born to you shall surely die.

Trouble had arrived in the house of David; warfare, public sexual sin and death were the result. God spared David's life, but I can only marvel at the pain he must have endured when these pronouncements actually occurred. David sinned in private; God punished in public, what irony! The bottom line is that you pay for what you do, because God not only sees what you do, but WHY you do it! Be careful; avoid sin at all costs!

Breathing room

2009-10-13T19:22:00.002-04:00

Very nice picture of a family. The children look close together in age, so I imagine there is the usual wrangling over possessions, money and possessions, etc.. Truthfully, every family is a little different and each one has its own strengths and weakness. I have always enjoyed the story of Esau and Jacob (listed according to age) because it gives insight to what can really happen in family dynamics.

Genesis 25:28-34 Complete Apostles' Bible
(28) And Isaac loved Esau, because his venison was his food, but Rebecca loved Jacob.
(29) And Jacob cooked a stew, and Esau came from the plain, and he was weary.
(30) And Esau said to Jacob, Let me taste of that red stew, because I am fainting; therefore his name was called Edom.
(31) And Jacob said to Esau, Sell me this day your birthright.
(32) And Esau said, Behold, I am going to die, and for what good does this birthright belong to me?
(33) And Jacob said to him, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him; and Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.
(34) And Jacob gave bread to Esau, and a stew of lentiles; and he ate and drank, and he arose and departed; thus Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis 27:1-41 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And it came to pass after Isaac was old, that his eyes were dimmed so that he could not see; and he called Esau, his older son, and said to him, My son; and he said, Behold, I am here.
(2) And he said, Behold, I have grown old, and know not the day of my death.
(3) Now then take the weapons, both your quiver and your bow, and go into the plain, and get me some venison,
(4) and prepare some meats for me, as I like them, and bring them to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.
(5) And Rebecca heard Isaac speaking to Esau his son; and Esau went to the plain to procure venison for his father.
(6) And Rebecca said to Jacob her younger son, Behold, I heard your father speaking to Esau your brother, saying,
(7) Bring me some venison, and prepare some meats for me, that I may eat and bless you before the Lord, before I die.
(8) Now then, my son, listen to me, as I command you.
(9) Go now to the cattle and bring me from there two choice kids, tender and good, and I will prepare the meats for your father, as he likes.
(10) And you shall bring them in to your father, and he shall eat, that your father may bless you before he dies.
(11) And Jacob said to his mother Rebecca, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man.
(12) Perhaps my father may feel me, and I shall be before him as one ill-intentioned, and I shall bring upon me a curse, and not a blessing.
(13) And his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son; only listen to my voice, and go and bring them for me.
(14) So he went and took and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared the meats, as his father liked them.
(15) And Rebecca, having taken the fine clothing of her elder son Esau which was with her in the house, put it on Jacob her younger son.
(16) And she put on his arms the skins of the kids of the goats, and on the bare parts of his neck.
(17) And she gave the meats, and the loaves which she had prepared, into the hands of Jacob her son.
(18) And he brought them to his father, and said, Father; and he said, Behold I am here; who are you, son?
(19) And Jacob said to his father, I, Esau your firstborn, have done as you told me: come, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me.
(20) And Isaac said to his son, What is this which you have quickly found? And he said, That which the Lord your God presented before me.
(21) And Isaac said to Jacob, Come close to me, and I will feel you, son, if you are my son Esau or not.
(22) And Jacob came close to his father Isaac, and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.
(23) And he knew him not, for his hands were as the hands of his brother Esau, hairy; and he blessed him,
(24) and he said, Are you my son Esau? And he said, I am.
(25) And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of your venison, my son, that my soul may bless you. And he brought it near to him, and he ate, and he brought him wine, and he drank.
(26) And Isaac his father said to him, Come close to me, and kiss me, my son.
(27) And he came close and kissed him, and smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said, Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of an abundant field, which the Lord has blessed.
(28) And may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and abundance of grain and wine.
(29) And let nations serve you, and princes bow down to you, and be master over your brother, and the sons of your father shall reverence you; accursed is he that curses you, and blessed is he that blesses you.
(30) And it came to pass after Isaac had ceased blessing his son Jacob, just when Jacob had gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
(31) And he also had prepared meats and brought them to his father; and he said to his father, Let my father arise and eat of his son's venison, that your soul may bless me.
(32) And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he said, I am Esau, your firstborn son.
(33) And Isaac was amazed with very great amazement, and said, Who then is it that has procured venison for me and brought it to me? And I have eaten all of it before you came, and I have blessed him, and he shall be blessed.
(34) And it came to pass when Esau heard the words of his father Isaac, he cried out with a great and very bitter cry, and said, Bless me -- me also, father!
(35) And he said to him, Your brother has come with subtlety, and has taken your blessing.
(36) And he said, Rightly was his name called Jacob, for behold, this second time has he supplanted me; he has both taken my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing! And Esau said to his father, Have you not a blessing left for me, father?
(37) And Isaac answered and said to Esau, If I have made him your master, and have made all his brethren his servants, and have strengthened him with grain and wine, what then shall I do for you, son?
(38) And Esau said to his father, Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me -- me also, O my father! And Isaac being troubled, Esau cried aloud and wept.
(39) And Isaac his father answered and said to him, Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above.
(40) And you shall live by your sword, and shall serve your brother; and there shall be a time when you shall break and loosen his yoke from off your neck.
(41) And Esau was angry with Jacob because of the blessing, with which his father blessed him; and Esau said in his mind, Let the days of my father's mourning draw near, that I may kill my brother Jacob.

I know its a long series of verses, but what happened? The older son was loved by the father for his lifestyle and the younger by the mother. Instead of treating them equally, there was favoritism; this led to a world of trouble. Jacob tricked his brother out of his birthright as the oldest (Gen. 25) and then with the encouragement of his mother tricked his father into giving him the preferential fatherly blessing (Gen. 27). The unfortunate reality is that this sort of manipulation happens all too often and causes bad feelings for many years. So it was then and now. I bet there are a few of you out there who would disagree with the last two sentences, so I would ask you to once again focus your attention on the picture above. Notice that the mother is sitting on someone (probably the oldest child) and that says a great deal. All children are different and my guess is this one was the underdog in the family (whether actually deserved or not) and therefore put down at every opportunity. Give the kid a break and a little breathing room; it may just solve a lot of problems. As far as Issac and Rebecca go, they just needed to work out their difference without involving the kids; end of story!

Big Brother

2009-10-13T00:41:00.005-04:00

Remind you of anything? How about the book by George Orwell (1984) or perhaps the movie? Nobody likes the thought of government watching your every move. Why, because that just gives someone, somewhere, a little too much power! But what about God, doesn't he watch over us? I have always loved this passage from the Psalms and I hope you do as well.

Psalms 139:1-12 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) For the end, A Psalm of David. O Lord, You have proved me, and known me.
(2) You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts long before.
(3) You have traced my path and my bed, and have foreseen all my ways.
(4) For there is no unrighteous word on my tongue: behold, O Lord, You have known all things,
(5) the last and the first: You have fashioned me, and laid Your hand upon me.
(6) The knowledge of You is too wonderful for me; it is very difficult, I cannot attain to it.
(7) Where shall I go from Your Spirit? And to where shall I flee from Your presence?
(8) If I should go up to heaven, You are there: if I should go down to hell, You are present.
(9) If I should spread my wings to fly straight forward, and sojourn at the extremity of the sea, it would be vain,
(10) for even there Your hand would guide me, and Your right hand would hold me.
(11) When I said, Surely the darkness will cover me; even the night was light in my luxury.
(12) For darkness will not be darkness with You; but night will be light as day. As its darkness, so shall its light be to You.

There is a big difference between an anonymous "big brother" and God. First, when "Big Brother" is watching you, you have to ask yourself WHY? Does the government want to do something to me because it has an agenda? Will I be treated fairly? If I had the time, I could probably come up with an endless list of questions, because the unknown does tend to make one paranoid. But, what about God, doesn't he watch us all the time and how is HE any different than "Big Brother"? The answer is that God is different from "Big Brother" in that God made you and cares for you and has told you all about HIMSELF in the Bible. Need more proof, well, think for a moment about three crosses on a hill in Jerusalem and then the difference is obvious. God's message to us is not found in electronic messages on a board, but in the sacrifice of our true "Big Brother" Jesus and that good news was written in his own blood.

A double strike

2009-10-11T17:09:00.006-04:00

We have all heard stories of people being struck by lightning and even being struck more than once; but what if you were struck by two at the same time? Would you survive? Probably not! If I was anywhere near this I would run for cover, you can be sure of that. Sometimes things just come in two's, like twins for instance. When this two things occur at once its like a double testimony about something. There is a passage in Luke's gospel that has something similar in it; read on to find out more....

Luke 2:1-10 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken of all the empire.
(2) This census was the first one while Quirinius was governing Syria.
(3) And all were traveling to be registered, each to his own city.
(4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
(5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.
(6) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to bear.
(7) And she bore her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
(8) And shepherds were in the same country, living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
(10) Then the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

Luk 2:9 και ιδου αγγελος κυριου επεστη αυτοις και δοξα κυριου περιελαμψεν αυτους και εφοβηθησαν φοβον μεγαν

God did something wonderful in Jesus, from the very moment of his conception until his life after life. And something this good needed an announcement, and who better to do this than an angel! The simple shepherds in verse 9 were frightened by the light and the message of the angel. Literally, they feared a great fear (see the emboldened words in Greek). A double fear, a double statement of their terror! I like this because it emphasizes the awesomeness of the message and do not be deceived, there was a greater power in that little baby than in a legion of angels. Their profound fear was overwhelming to them, but really brings out the importance of the message, because where would we be without Jesus? Now that is something to really be afraid of!!!

What it is...

2009-10-10T23:48:00.003-04:00

At first glance this picture was breathtaking. Then, I noticed what looks like a broken door at the bottom. What junk, I thought, I will just edit it out and use the beautiful picture, but then I realized... it is what it is.... so deal with it. How many times are we tempted to circumvent problems and just alter the facts to make a point? God doesn't make junk; man does. Tell it like it is and deal with the situation. And then this verse came to mind....

Esther 8:13 Complete Apostles' Bible
(13) And the following is the copy of the letter of the orders: The great King Artaxerxes sends greeting to the rulers of the provinces in a hundred and twenty-seven satraps, from India to Ethiopia, even to those who are faithful to our interests. Many who have been frequently honored by the most abundant kindness of their benefactors have conceived ambitious designs, and not only endeavor to hurt our subjects, but moreover, not being able to bear prosperity, they also endeavor to plot against their own benefactors. And they not only would utterly abolish gratitude from among men, but also, elated by the boastings of men who are strangers to all that is good, they suppose that they shall escape the sin-hating vengeance of the ever-seeing God. And oftentimes evil exhortation has made partakers of the guilt of shedding innocent blood, and has involved in irremediable calamities, many of those who were appointed to offices of authority, who had been entrusted with the management of their friends' affairs. While men, by the false sophistry of an evil disposition, have deceived the simple candor of the ruling powers. And it is possible to see this, not so much from more ancient traditionary accounts, as it is immediately in your power to see it by examining what things have been wickedly perpetrated by the baseness of men holding power in an unworthy manner. And it is right to take heed with regard to the future, that we may maintain the government in undisturbed peace for all men, adopting needful changes, and ever judging those cases which come under our notice, with truly equitable decision. For whereas Haman, a Macedonian, the son of Hammedatha, in reality an alien from the blood of the Persians, and differing widely from our mild course of government, having been hospitably entertained by us, obtained so large a share of our universal kindness, as to be called our father, and to continue the person next to the royal throne, reverenced by all. He, however, overcome by the pride of his station, endeavored to deprive us of our dominion, and our life; having by various and subtle artifices demanded for destruction both Mordecai, our deliverer and perpetual benefactor, and Esther, the blameless consort of our kingdom, with their whole nation. For by these methods, the thought, having surprised us in a defenseless rate, to transfer the dominion of the Persians to the Macedonians. But we find that the Jews, who have been consigned to destruction by the most abominable of men, are not malefactors, but living according to the most just laws, and being the sons of the living God, the Most High and Mighty, who maintains the kingdom, to us as well as to our forefathers, in the most excellent order. You will therefore do well in refusing to obey the letters sent by Haman the son of Hammedatha, because he that has done these things has been hanged with his whole family at the gates of Susa, Almighty God having swiftly returned to him a worthy recompense. We beseech you, therefore, having openly published a copy of this letter in every place, to give the Jews permission to use their own lawful customs, and to strengthen them, that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of Adar, on that same day, they may defend themselves against those who attacked them in a time of affliction. For in the place of the destruction of the chosen race, Almighty God has granted them this time of gladness. Therefore you also among your notable feasts, keep a distinct day with all festivity, that both now and hereafter it may be a day of deliverance to us and those who are well disposed toward the Persians, but to those that plotted against us a memorial of destruction. And every city and province collectively, which shall not do accordingly, shall be consumed with vengeance by spear and fire. It shall be made not only inaccessible to men, but also most hateful to wild beasts and birds forever. And let the copies be posted in conspicuous places throughout the kingdom, and let all the Jews be ready against this day, to fight against their enemies.

This has got to be one of the longest verses in the Bible, but it sets things straight and that is why I like it! Some times you just have to admit to a problem and just deal with it. OK, cleanup the lake and make it beautiful again; just do it! That's what the great King Artaxerxes did with his kingdom; he cleaned it of evil and saved God's chosen people. And then everything was beautiful once more. End of story!!

The date on a calendar

2009-10-09T22:18:00.003-04:00

OK, I recognize the Brooklyn bridge, but what is that behind it? Some one's impression of the future, I think? But what will the future really be like and will cities really look like this? If you are looking for answers from me, you won't get any. Does the future really matter or is there even likely to be one, given the fact that there are so many countries with nuclear weapons? Frankly, given all the hate out there, it would seem unlikely that 200 years from now there will even be cities, let alone futuristic edifices like in the picture. What does the Bible say about the future, well, lets just glance at one vision, given in the far away past.
Daniel 12:1-13 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And at that time Michael the great prince shall stand up, that stands over the children of your people, and there shall be a time of tribulation, such tribulation as has not been from the time that there was a nation on the earth until that time. At that time your people shall be delivered, everyone that is written in the book.
(2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproach and everlasting shame.
(3) And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and some of the many righteous as the stars forever and ever.
(4) And you, Daniel, close the words, and seal the book to the time of the end; until many are taught, and knowledge is increased.
(5) And I Daniel, saw, and behold, two others stood, on one side of the bank of the river, and the other on the other side of the bank of the river.
(6) And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, When will be the end of the wonders which you have mentioned?
(7) And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, and he lifted up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him that lives forever, that it should be for a time, times and half a time. When the dispersion is ended, they shall know all these things.
(8) And I heard, but I understood not. And I said, O Lord, what will be the end of these things?
(9) And he said, Go, Daniel; for the words are closed and sealed up to the time of the end.
(10) Many must be tested, and thoroughly whitened, and tried with fire, and sanctified; but the transgressors shall transgress: and none of the transgressors shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
(11) And from the time of the removal of the perpetual sacrifice, when the abomination of desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(12) Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.
(13) But you, go your way, and rest; for there are yet days and seasons to the fulfillment of the end; and you shall stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.

How many people have argued over this and other "end time" passages? Countless, to be sure. Preachers have scared untold millions with predictions of what will happen and when. But, I keep remembering that Jesus said something like "an evil and adulterous generation" will look for signs. What about this passage, is it fulfilled? In my thinking, it is. Yet, I also think we are in the final generation before the return of Christ. Whether I am right or wrong really doesn't matter because God will work everything out in HIS own good time. What is important is my relationship with the creator on a daily basis and where my heart is! But are we in the "end of days"? The answer is an unequivocal, YES! How can I say that, well, we only have so many days on this Earth and then our end (and a new beginning) will come. Live each day like it is the future and rejoice in what the God of heaven has done and will do; the rest is just the date on a calendar.

"New"

2009-10-09T00:39:00.004-04:00

Behold; a new cloud was identified in 2009. Called the "Asperatus", it is associated with storm systems. Is this new? Maybe and maybe not. I have to ask the question: New back to what date? In other words, when did records begin to be kept; 100 years or more, or perhaps 200? So, in light of this, designating this as "new" borders on the arrogant. In the physical realm, is there anything new? I like what Solomon has to say on the subject.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-10 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king of Israel in Jerusalem.
(2) Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
(3) What advantage is there to a man in all his labor that he takes under the sun?
(4) A generation goes, and a generation comes; but the earth abides forever.
(5) And the sun arises, and the sun goes down and draws toward its place;
(6) arising there it proceeds southward, and goes round toward the north. The wind goes round and round, and the wind returns to its circuits.
(7) All the rivers run into the sea; and yet the sea is not filled. To the place from which the rivers come, there they return again.
(8) All things are full of labor; a man will not be able to speak of them. Neither shall the eye be satisfied with seeing, neither shall the ear be filled with hearing.
(9) What is that which has been? The very thing which shall be. And what is that which has been done? The very thing which shall be done; and there is nothing new under the sun.
(10) Who is he that shall speak and say, Behold, this is new? It has already been in the ages that have passed before us.

Exactly, what does he mean? In this world there is nothing new, period. All of cosmology and meteorology and human existence has not changed. True, we have better ways of doing things, but we still interact with one another, we still work (often, way too hard), eat, sleep, procreate and die. Man's generic existence has not changed one bit; we are still mortal and God immortal. Having said all that.... this cloud is new to me and perhaps that is what should have been said in the first place. And, oh yes, I think this is ONE BEAUTIFUL CLOUD FORMATION. The God of heaven does do nice work, doesn't HE? I wonder what "new to me" thing I will see tomorrow?

Just one minute in the garden!

2009-10-08T01:07:00.004-04:00

This is one very beautiful garden. I love every thing about it except for the little fence on either side of the walkway. Imagine the fragrances you might enjoy and the sheer visual delight! Communing with nature at its very best is at its worst an exciting prospect. I wonder who designed this garden because I would like to express my thanks! This feast for the senses reminds me of another garden and this one was designed by the greatest horticultural designer of them all.

Genesis 2:7-9 Complete Apostles' Bible
(7) And God formed the man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.
(8) And God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and placed there the man whom He had formed.
(9) And God made to spring up also out of the earth every tree beautiful to the eye and good for food, and the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God made us and a place for us. Sounds simple doesn't it? Just consider for a moment, the magnificence of the design of the human body and then we can get a glimpse of the ability of the greatest designer of them all. From these verses of Genesis, the garden sounds wonderful and undoubtedly puts the picture to shame, but since I have only this picture and my knowledge of the creator of the universe to go by... WOW, it must have been fantastic!!! Then humans wrecked the idyllic creation and so we come to this; this man-made creation. Beautiful, but flawed (probably, someway, somehow). Oh, what I would give for just one minute in the garden of Eden, but that is unrealistic because I just don't look very good dressed in fig leaves anymore!

Value in life and beyond

2009-10-07T00:20:00.003-04:00

Recently, I found myself saying and doing things Sy (pictured above) did. When I think about it, I realize how much his life had affected mine. The long and insightful conversations we had and the many things he taught me have changed me. He has been gone now about two years and I find that I think of him often. He wasn't the only person in my life, however. Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and many, many acquaintances have contributed to what I am today. I guess all this came to a head when I heard of someone who had lost a baby just short of her due date. Why would God allow such a thing? What value did that prenatal life have? I turned to the Scriptures for answers and centered in on these passages.

Genesis 3:1-4 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) (3:2) Now the serpent was the most crafty of all the brutes on the earth, which the Lord God made. And the serpent said to the woman, Has God truly said, Eat not of every tree of the garden?
(2) (3:3) And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden,
(3) (3:4) but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.
(4) (3:5) And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die!

Genesis 5:5-31 Complete Apostles' Bible
(5) And all the days of Adam which he lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.
(6) Now Seth lived two hundred and five years, and begot Enosh.
(7) And Seth lived seven hundred and seven years after his begetting of Enosh, and he begot sons and daughters.
(8) And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died.
(9) And Enosh lived one hundred and ninety years, and begot Cainan.
(10) And Enosh lived seven hundred and fifteen years after his begetting of Cainan, and he begot sons and daughters.
(11) And all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died.
(12) And Cainan lived one hundred and seventy years, and he begot Mahalalel.
(13) And Cainan lived seven hundred and forty years after his begetting of Mahalalel, and he begot sons and daughters.
(14) And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died.
(15) And Mahalalel lived one hundred and sixty five years, and he begot Jared.
(16) And Mahalalel lived seven hundred and thirty years after his begetting of Jared, and he begot sons and daughters.
(17) And all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died.
(18) And Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch:
(19) and Jared lived eight hundred years after his begetting of Enoch, and he begot sons and daughters.
(20) And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years, and he died.
(21) And Enoch lived one hundred and sixty-five years, and begat Methuselah.
(22) And Enoch was well-pleasing to God. After his begetting of Methuselah, He walked with God two hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters.
(23) And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.
(24) And Enoch was well-pleasing to God, and was not found, because God translated him.
(25) And Methuselah lived one hundred and sixty-seven years, and begot Lamech.
(26) And Methuselah lived eight hundred and two years after his begetting of Lamech, and begot sons and daughters.
(27) And all the days of Methuselah, which he lived, were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.
(28) And Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-eight years, and begot a son.
(29) And he called his name Noah, saying, This one will cause us to cease from our works, and from the toils of our hands, and from the earth, which the Lord God has cursed.
(30) And Lamech lived five hundred and sixty-five years after his begetting of Noah, and begot sons and daughters.
(31) And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and fifty-three years, and he died.

Satan is a liar! No surprise here! But this short list demonstrates one thing; human beings die. Whether they be good or bad, they die. Every life that is lived (no matter how short) testifies that Satan lies. Untold deaths have occurred since the first human was created and its up to us as human beings to think about our lives and ask ourselves whether we are attempting to live life as God wants us to or as Satan does. There was an old TV show called "Truth or consequences" and I think the title sums up the choice. Sy taught me what true friendship was like and the little baby that never saw the light of day showed me how much someone who we have never even met can be loved. The lesson learned from all those we have known show the value in life and beyond. I know, because I have thought a lot about that unborn child and my friend Sy lately and so their lives live on in my memory and that memory makes me smile. And even one smile is a valuable thing indeed!

Rethinking language

2009-10-05T23:00:00.005-04:00

How did you do on this little test? I was able to do it after a little bit of trying, just as long as I went S-L-O-W-L-Y!!! I have to confess I did make a couple of mistakes though, but eventually I went through the list without mistakes. I guess we are hard-wired to do things a certain way and only with difficulty can we change. As time goes on we become more and more settled in our ways, which explains why youngsters have no problem learning a new language, but older people do. Which brings up the question: Why do we have different languages in the first place? Read on to see the answer from the Bible.

Genesis 11:1-9 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And all the earth had one language, and one speech.
(2) And it came to pass as they moved from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there.
(3) And a man said to his neighbor, Come, let us make bricks and bake them with fire. And the brick was to them for stone, and their mortar was asphalt.
(4) And they said, Come, let us build to ourselves a city and tower, whose top shall be to heaven, and let us make to ourselves a name, before we are scattered abroad upon the face of all the earth.
(5) And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the sons of men had built.
(6) And the Lord said, Behold, there is one race, and one language of all, and they have begun to do this, and now nothing shall fail from them of all that they have undertaken to do.
(7) Come, let Us go down and confound their language, that they may not understand each the voice of his neighbor.
(8) And the Lord scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city and the tower.
(9) On this account its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confounded the languages of all the earth, and then the Lord scattered them upon the face of all the earth.

Arrogance and pride are the culprits and God the corrective force. Recently, I had heard that scientists claim to have traced our current languages back to one original. Nice of them to tell me, because I have known that since the first time I read through the book of Genesis. I think its interesting that there seems to be a trend towards a one government world and that a "new" international language called Esperanto has been introduced.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanto

Hey, but that's just me being a little paranoid. It would be interesting to see if God would confuse a one language Earth a second time. I guess we will just have to wait for Jesus to return to find out!

Contentment

2009-10-05T00:16:00.003-04:00

This little kitten is a picture of contentment! Happiness is written all over its face; but, I wonder what it is thinking about? Since I don't speak "kitten" I will have to guess. My best guess is that it is enjoying the "now" and reveling in its comfort. But, what do we revel in? This passage from the book of 1 Timothy is a springboard for thought.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 Complete Apostles' Bible
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that neither can we carry anything out!
(8) But having food and clothing, with these things we shall be content.
(9) But those desiring to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many senseless and harmful lusts which sink men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some by aspiring have strayed away from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11) You however, O man of God, flee these things. But pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.
(12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have confessed the good confession before many witnesses.

The acquisition and hording of money can be a bottomless pit, an obsession which is overpowering and can be the ruin of a life. Paul talks about Godliness and the pursuit of Spiritual things as the correct goal. I think he is right! The things of this world belong to this world and because we are only here for a short time, their relative value is small compared to spiritual blessing which endure forever. Think I am wrong? Look at the kitten once again; this little fellow doesn't own anything, but is just enjoying life. Maybe we should as well; and prepare for the life after life as well. Contentment forever; what a thought!

The world will be perfect someday!

2009-10-04T01:11:00.004-04:00

This picture was chosen not because of the sunset; although it is beautiful. But because of the beautiful tree in the center of this idylic setting. At first I thought of the garden of Eden and then I focused in on the last book of the Bible and came to this passage.

Revelation 22:1-5 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
(2) In the middle of its street, and on both sides of the river was the tree of life, producing twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
(3) And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants will minister to Him.
(4) And they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
(5) And night shall not exist. and there shall not be a need of a lamp and of light, because the Lord God shall illuminate them. And they shall reign forever and ever.

This second "Eden" is the completion of all things. What was wrong has been made right, completely! God has fully restored fellowship with man and the world is right again. True, it has taken a long time and the cost was God's own son, but it has been paid in full; its done and over. And this picture reminded me of heaven's beauty and the good things to come. I was a little down today and this picture helped a lot; God always does that, HE makes a path to joy when there seems to be none. So, when I saw this picture, I felt I was there and when I read this passage from Revelation, I felt the same. Today IS a wonderful day and the world will be perfect someday!

Bent reality

2009-10-02T20:28:00.003-04:00

Its not a picture, not a drawing, not a reverse image of a photograph; its folded paper! OK, I have heard of origami, but at the end there are shapes, not a flat result. How? I do not have one clue; no idea, whatsoever! But that it can be done, amazing! I have been doing this "blogging thing" for about a year now and what is surprising is that I am still being surprised!! I am all of 60, so I have seen quite a few things, lived in quite a number of places and I still see something new, almost on a daily basis; life is good!! When Paul penned this passage of Scripture, I think I can safely assume that he surprised quite a few people. Here is his eye opener.

Ephesians 3:1-11 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles--
(2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
(3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery, just as I wrote before briefly,
(4) with reference to which, when you read, you can understand my insight in the mystery of Christ,
(5) which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
(6) that the Gentiles should be joint-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers in His promise in Christ by the gospel,
(7) of which I became a minister according to the free gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.
(8) To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
(9) and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the mystery, which had been hidden from the ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;
(10) that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies,
(11) according to the eternal purpose which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Today, when we think of Christianity, it is not Judaism that comes to mind; because its a Gentile world. But, the first century church was predominately Jewish in background and for the most part it was a members-only affair. Then, this message is revealed (here and in the book of Acts) and things changed, really changed. The mystery was revealed, hope was given to all and eternal life the result for those outside Judaism. Those of us whose background does not include a Jewish upbringing, may have some problem appreciating the wonder of this message, but to those from Judaism this would have been almost beyond understanding. How God could do this must have seemed impossible, but every day contains the impossible become reality; if a mere mortal can bend paper to look like a picture and the end result is flat, imagine what the creator of the universe can do! But, don't think about it too long, you will probably just wind up with a headache.

What filters through

2009-10-01T23:32:00.005-04:00

I miss upstate New York; the trees are so different in Florida. So, when I saw this picture I indulged in a bit of nostalgia. As I continued to look at it, I realized that we are all on the road through life and where we go and what we do is determined at least in part by the amount of light we let into our lives. Light (from God) is hampered mostly by ones heart, but also by the life we live. Read on to see how Jesus dealt with the problem.

Matthew 13:1-23 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
(2) And great crowds were gathered together to Him, so that He got into the boat and sat; and the crowd stood on the shore.
(3) And He spoke to them many things in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.
(4) And as he sowed, some seed fell alongside the road; and the birds came and devoured them.
(5) But others fell on the stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth.
(6) But when the sun rose, it was scorched, and because it had no root, it withered away.
(7) But others fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them out.
(8) But others fell on good ground and it was yielding fruit: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
(9) He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
(10) And the disciples approached and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
(11) He answered and said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
(12) For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he shall be in abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.
(13) Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
(14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says: 'Hearing you shall hear and by no means understand, and seeing you shall see and by no means perceive.
(15) For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn back, that I should heal them.'
(16) "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears, because they hear.
(17) For assuredly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and they did not see, and to hear what you hear, and they did not hear."
(18) "Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
(19) When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand, then the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed being sown beside the road.
(20) But the seed sown on stony ground, is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
(21) yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. For when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
(22) But the seed sown in the thorns is he who hears the word, and the anxiety of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches chokes out the word, and it becomes fruitless.
(23) But the seed sown on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

The light I am referring to is the word of God and although you might be the most persuasive speaker and present what God has said in a magnificent manner, if the hearer isn't ready or capable of really hearing, then they just don't get it. Why, because they focus on other things and can't understand, or they don't wish to internalize it or they are preoccupied by daily living. Any and / or all of these things create an overgrowth of foliage which reduces or blocks what God has said. One last thing; you really have to want to hear; what filters through into your life from God is up to you and so is what you do with it. Jesus just tells it like it is and gives you a choice, its up to you! Anybody have a tree trimmer?

Let the light shine

2009-10-01T00:51:00.004-04:00

Its amazing to me how few people have seen black and white TV. I grew up with it and still enjoy watching some of the older shows like "I love Lucy" or "Gunsmoke" or "Mayberry RFD". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my color TV a lot, but somehow black and white "feels" right. Its like trying to read a book on a computer versus a book that you can actually hold. Honestly, I love electronic equipment but sometimes the simplest way of doing things is the best. That's what they make pencils for, remember. So, when I saw this simple black and white picture I enjoyed it because of the way the light forms patterns with the walkway beams. God has a way of doing the something similar; of weaving a web through time using people to accomplish his chosen task.

Matthew 1:1-21 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
(2) Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.
(3) Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram.
(4) Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.
(5) Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,
(6) and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
(7) Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa.
(8) Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah.
(9) Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.
(10) Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah.
(11) Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the captivity in Babylon.
(12) And after the captivity in Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.
(13) Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.
(14) Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.
(15) Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob.
(16) And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
(17) So all the generations from Abraham till David were fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon were fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ were fourteen generations.
(18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
(19) Then Joseph her husband, being righteous and not wanting to make her a public example, purposed to put her away secretly.
(20) But while he was thinking about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take unto you Mary your wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
(21) And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins."

Look at all the people God used! All these led to ONE PERSON at the right time in the right place with the right stuff. God took his time and provided a way out of sin. The above picture is beautiful and the pattern interesting, but the light that God uses has heavenly inspiration and beauty beyond description. Don't see the light, well, it was in the faces of all those people and eventually Jesus himself. As beautiful as the picture is, I like God's work better; people really do matter more than shadows!

Love and many colors

2009-09-30T01:47:00.003-04:00

Let's see; there is: light blue, dark blue, pink, Salmon, black, grey, rust and white. Did I miss anything? Dark grey and dark red are the only exceptions. Sometimes when you look at things and keep looking, you see more and more and more. I am sure an hour from now I will see something I missed, but that's the way life is. All the colors in this beautiful landscape picture reminded me of Joseph in the book of Genesis.

Gen 37:3-10
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors.
4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn't speak peaceably to him.
5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more.
6 He said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:
7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf."
8 His brothers said to him, "Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?" They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words.
9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me."
10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?" WEB

Joseph was a favored son and that always means trouble in a family. But, he was a favorite of God as well and HE had a mission for him. Joseph's coat of many colors was the symbol of his favored status and its no wonder his brothers were "less than happy" about it; but his dreams were the stuff of dynamite. They revealed the future, a future the whole family was incensed over. In a way, you can understand their resentment and why this turned to hatred. However, God used even that to save a nation, so all turned out well. I like the parallel between the many colors in the picture and Joseph's coat; both are a reflection of love; God for this world and Israel for Joseph. I just wish I knew how many colors were in that coat...

The broken glass of life

2009-09-29T08:25:00.005-04:00

I "know" this picture was probably doctored by photo shop, but how, that I don't know. In the real world, when glass comes apart it doesn't make nice symmetrical pieces. When something is broken, there IS A MESS. Life is like that; when troubles come, they tend to make a mess of everything, with a lot of jagged edges that hurt. But what if we could avoid troubles in the first place and understand what to do if they begin to appear. Reflect a minute about this and consider this passage from the book of Job.

Job 28:12-23
12 "But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?13 Man doesn't know its price; Neither is it found in the land of the living.14 The deep says, 'It isn't in me.' The sea says, 'It isn't with me.'15 It can't be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for its price.16 It can't be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire .17 Gold and glass can't equal it, Neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.20 Whence then comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?21 Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the birds of the sky.22 Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'23 "God understands its way, And he knows its place. WEB

You can't buy wisdom and understanding. As the years roll by, age teaches you a few things, but genuine wisdom comes from God. People come up with all sorts of theories about life, but there ARE REAL ANSWERS; all you have to do is to open HIS BOOK and LEARN. Sound simplistic, perhaps; but show me another book with more wisdom in it and I will be glad to read it. In the meantime, God can do something men can't; fix the fragile glass-like lives of sinful men. How? Let me tell you about a good friend of mine who has helped me. Can you guess his name.... starts with a "J".

One very stupendous sandwich

2009-09-28T00:14:00.007-04:00

When I saw this picture, I said to myself "yum". Wouldn't you know I would spot this on my first day of a new diet. Sometimes things just happen, I guess. Diet aside, this is one very stupendous sandwich! How would one go about eating it? Certainly no one that I have ever met could open their mouth wide enough to accommodate this little jewel. So, I guess if you really wanted to eat this it would have to be done piecemeal. Just goes to show you that everyone has their limits. Oddly enough, this passage from the book of Galatians came to mind.

Gal 2:11-21
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?
15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,
16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!
18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.
19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!" WEB

Why grace instead of law? Because no one could keep the law perfectly, that's why! Like the sandwich, it could be dealt with in parts, but reality is that we all make mistakes from time to time. So, grace was given by God because he understands us and allows for our shortcomings. That being said, I just came home and its time for my supper, so I have to say good morning for now; and relax, if I have a sandwich, its going to be a small one.

A grocery list

2009-09-27T11:10:00.004-04:00

This isn't my list. I have a developed art capability of stick figures, period. Truthfully, I really don't understand the mind that works like this, but I can still appreciate it, nonetheless. I does bring out a fact about humanity though; we are all different. And as this is true of the population in general, it is true in the church as well. Consider Paul's comment in the book of Ephesians.

Eph 4:11-16
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. WEB

Diversity with a purpose; with good reason. It takes all kinds of people to do the work of God. And in the process, building each other up. The key factor here is found in the very last verse of the passage:love. Without it, what's the point? With it, you have everything. Notice its purpose; a unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, to full Spiritual growth. Not only does the church need love which causes spiritual growth, but the entire WORLD does as well. Every day I see images of hate, descriptions of evil and lack of concern for my fellow human beings in the media and sometimes I really don't even want to see a TV newscast anymore. But, the world is what it is and we can only change what we can change and if we start with ourselves, perhaps that is enough. In the meantime, try to appreciate someone Else's take on life, even if it as simple as a grocery list.

HE kept looking

2009-09-26T00:15:00.004-04:00

The human face is capable of many expressions an nuances, the look on this lady's face says volumes to me. If you look into her eyes, there is a sadness about her. Something says her heart is breaking with pain. This made me wonder what God looks like when HE is sad. No one alive really knows, but this passage from Genesis may give us a little insight.

Gen 6:5-8
5 Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 Yahweh was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart.
7 Yahweh said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the surface of the ground; man, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
8 But Noah found favor in Yahweh's eyes.WEB

Wickedness hurts! It grieved God and made HIM sorry he ever created man. Sorry enough to want to destroy all of mankind, so what God saw must have been very, very bad indeed. Yet, what did HE do, HE kept looking and saw Noah. Through Noah our species was preserved, life yet remains, but it could have gone the other way. There is a lesson in this and its not the way God looks, but rather what HE does; HE kept looking and found something good. We need to do that with those around us too. When we see the stupid, foolish things our fellow human beings do, hate the sin, but love the sinner. Look for GOODNESS, perhaps you will find it. Take heart, people can change. You may hurt for awhile, but who knows, a serendipity may just await you. This probably involve a different name than NOAH, but who knows?

Whiter than snow

2009-09-23T22:34:00.004-04:00

Today I was watching a show from PBS about the great lodges of our National Parks. While I saw some of the most spectacular scenery one can imagine, this picture just jumped right out at me. No, it wasn't the lake or the boats or the lodges in the distance, it was the sky. Something about those alto stratus clouds reminded me of snow covered days in early January, when the snow is crisp and so clean and white it dazzles the eyes in the bright sunlight. There is something so pure, so refreshing about this sort of snow; and that is what the clouds looked like to me, snow in the heavens. This thought of purity was further enhanced by a couple of verses from the Bible and made me think of snow in just a little different way.

Ps 51:6-7
6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. WEB

Isa 1:18
18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. WEB

Wisdom, reason and purity are whiter than snow. They are the stuff of deity; its no wonder that the Bible talks about God dwelling in the purest of white light. When we desire God, we show wisdom and the use of reason will help us understand HIS will. Obedience to HIM and seeking to follow HIM daily is the pattern that will lead us beyond the clouds, to a fellowship more pure than the whitest of snow. Is there snow in heaven? Don't know, but if that is something that will make me happy, its probably there and you can just bet its really going to sparkle.

When danger is not danger

2009-09-22T15:25:00.005-04:00

This road is in Bolivia and is called "The highway of death" for obvious reasons. Posting limitations prevent me from showing all the pictures, but when two tractor trailers meet on this road it will make even Mr. Spock raise an eyebrow. There is so little space on the road that just one mistake means a long fall and a gruesome death. A fearful thing indeed! Now consider this passage from the book of John for a moment and consider a more dangerous road than this.

John 14:1-6
14 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.
4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.WEB

When Jesus refers to himself as the "way", it is the same word used for road or path. Think about the twelve disciples who followed Jesus; almost all of them died a martyr's death; some died an excruciatingly painful and prolonged demise. But they gave a testimony (martyrdom) of the way from this world of flesh to the eternality of Spiritual life everlasting. And the danger and the suffering are shown to be mere flashes of time in an eternity of life for which they were bound. So, following The Christ of God is really not a danger at all, because in the end, every step with God on the way to heaven is as sure footed as if you were super glued to the road. All you have to do is not to look down and keep looking up!

My thanks to Brittany Cantin for the pictures!

GOD is dead?

2009-09-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

The arrogance of this tombstone is amazing! As if by just putting up a stone someone could declare that the creator of the universe is dead. Beyond arrogance, it is an example of foolishness, an overstatement of a finite being trying to contend with the almighty. Don't agree; well, of course that is your right, but, then you have to explain all the other tombstones in ALL THE OTHER GRAVEYARDS ALL OVER THE WORLD! False ideas about God are nothing new, for even the Apostle Paul had to deal with such things.

1 Cor 1:18-31
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
29 that no flesh should boast before God.
30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord." WEB

To those who conceive of God as just an idea, consider the word itself. I like to think of it this way: G = Greatness, O = Oneness, D = Divinity. You can put these three letters on a stone all you want but you can't even really comprehend the magnitude of what they stand for. Which, of course is why I classify this tombstone as both foolish and arrogant. When compared to GOD we are nothing and instead of trying to diminish God, we should reflect on our own mortality and THEN begin to try to fathom even the smallest aspect of his nature.

Examples

2009-09-20T00:34:00.004-04:00

If you have ever been to Hill's "2 minute" restaurant in Zephryhills, Florida, this ad will take on new meaning. An oriental gentleman named Kurt runs the place and all over the walls are every sort of picture of the "Duke". This gives the place a certain feel of homeyness which is further enhanced by Kurt and his staff. Those in retail could certainly learn a lot from him. But, this picture of John Wayne teaches something that you would be better off not learning -- smoking. Sometimes success in life is learning not to do everything; even if the rich and / or famous tell you its OK. A prime example of this is a situation the Apostle Paul found himself in. Read on for the rest of the story.

Galatians 2
2 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.10 They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!" WEB

Law was as good as far as it went, but sinful man couldn't keep it; so what was the point? Grace accomplished the point of the Law (to be right with God) and so what was the value of keeping the Law again? The answer is: no point at all! Even if somebody important like Peter succumbed to pressure that doesn't mean its the right thing to do. Paul sets the matter straight and shows the supremacy of Grace over Law. What does this have to do with today? Look at the superstars of today and the lifestyles they promote? Just because Ellen Degeneres or Oprah or Cher or Madonna lives a certain way doesn't mean that its the RIGHT WAY. John Wayne may have promoted Camels 40 years ago, but smoking killed then and does still. Be like Paul, look to Jesus for the answers; besides, Jesus is more famous than the "Duke" anyway.

Rainbows, suffering and mortality

2009-09-19T02:09:00.005-04:00

Believe it or not this is a rainbow, but seen from under the surface of the water! I can't even begin to count the rainbows I have seen during my lifetime, but this one is unique. Just when you think you can't be surprised, whammo! Oddly enough, this made me think of Job and his situation. Throughout the book bearing his name, he argues with his "friends" over the cause for his problems and ailments. He steadfastly holds to his being right before God and man, but when he tries to argue with God, he is put in his place!

Job 40:1-14
40 Moreover Yahweh answered Job,2 "Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it."3 Then Job answered Yahweh,4 "Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."6 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,7 "Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me.8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?9 Or have you an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him?10 "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.11 Pour forth the fury of your anger. Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low.12 Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place.13 Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.14 Then I will also admit to you That your own right hand can save you. WEB

Job had forgotten he was but a mere mortal and God was the Almighty one! The good news is Job realizes his error and repents! God restores blessings to Job and all is well in the end. Suffering and being right before God are not necessarily linked together, but humility and being right are because pride is a sin. Its all how you look at it; just like seeing a rainbow again and this time for the first time.

Big boy's TOY

2009-09-18T11:38:00.006-04:00

I know this is a motorcycle, but to me it looks like a big-wheel kids toy. And that toy is forever etched in my memories. Why? A former next-door neighbor's son used to ride it up and down the street next to my house and keep me awake during the day. So, when I see this I remember all those sleepless days (I was working midnight shift then) his innocent play caused. But, I know this IS A MOTORCYCLE, but it still is A BIG BOYS TOY; the hearts desire of some "grown-up" who still loves to "play". This reminds me of the ancient king Solomon who had his "toys" too.

Eccl 1:12-2:10
12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.2 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts.9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. WEB

If you could have your heart's desire, what would it be? Maybe a grown-up "big wheel" motorcycle or something else you have set your heart on? What if, what if, you could have anything your heart desired? Ultimately, would that make you happy? The answer is found later in the book of Ecclesiastes and that answer is a resounding "NO". Later on in the book Solomon says:

Eccl 12:13-14
13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil. WEB

Having "things" is fine, but in the end God shows that more than anything you could ever want, you REALLY NEED GOD. Bottom line, end of story. Besides, could you imagine even riding this "big wheel" motorcycle, I don't think I could even see over the handlebars????

Fit for the job

2009-09-17T00:56:00.003-04:00

Talk about having a "bad day"! Can you imagine the embarrassment of the "rescuers"? And they should be ashamed. They screwed up; someone just didn't think out what they really needed to do the job correctly. These pictures reminded me of a similar situation from the book of Acts.

Acts 19:11-20
11 God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the evil spirits went out.
13 But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."
14 There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.
15 The evil spirit answered, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"
16 The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty. WEB

There is only one God and those who aren't empowered by him to do miracles would have been better off not even showing up. Its amazing to me though, that God could even use their failure to glorify his name. Now I guess the only question that remains is: Who are they going to call to haul in both dunked Riggs?

Clouds, sundials and faith

2009-09-16T08:56:00.004-04:00

Please don't ask what causes these "Morning glory" clouds; I haven't a clue. But they do exist on the coast of Australia. Sometimes nature will surprise you, but what if the truly impossible happened? Just such a thing is recorded in the book of Isaiah.

Isa 38:4-8
4 Then the word of Yahweh came to Isaiah, saying,
5 "Go, and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.
6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.
7 This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do this thing that he has spoken.
8 Behold, I will cause the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the sundial on which it had gone down."'"WEB

The sun moved backwards; impossible, right? Well, God says it happened and that is good enough for me. Naive? Perhaps, but until today I wouldn't have believed clouds could look like those in the above picture. The truth is we humans don't know everything;the world is a strange place. Maybe tomorrow God will show me another something "new"? And with that revelation I just might gain just a smidgen more of faith.

Balancing act

2009-09-15T16:30:00.004-04:00

I should think the odds of this stack occurring naturally is very high! Perhaps this bird will be able to stay there, maybe not, but who knows? When Linda and I were wed, our families gave us 6 months at the most before we split up; and yet several decades have gone by and we are still looking forward to another 6 months. Sometimes, the seemingly impossible comes true, just like the situation of the Jews when they returned from exile to build the temple. Nehemiah says...

Neh 4:1-6 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?
3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.
4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity;
5 and don't cover their iniquity, and don't let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders.
6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work. WEB

The wall just didn't happen, there had to be plenty of faith and hard work. Sure there were obstacles both physical and psychological, but so what, life is full of them. Faith combined with hard work quite often yields success. And who knows, perhaps the stones in the above picture will still look like that in 6 months, but I think a little superglue would help!

A long way up

2009-09-14T23:10:00.003-04:00

Its the CNN tower and its BIG! More than that, this picture makes me realize how far it is to the top! Being a Christian seems like climbing this tower to me. You start at the ground floor at your conversion and over time learn to forget your "old" life. Problems happen, its like that for everyone and they just have to be put behind you. Over the span of life you may feel you have accomplished a little or a lot, but its not what you have done to get to heaven, its the RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS that is important. Reality sets in a no matter how "good" you are, in and of yourself, YOU don't measure up. God makes up the difference through Jesus and you just need to keep looking up and persevere. I love this passage from the book of Philippians because it seems to transform the mundane into a life of poetry for me.

Phil 3:1-14 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;
4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yes most assuredly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;
11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. WEB

Many years ago I worked as a guard for a company in upstate New York. After about 8 PM or so, there were very few people left in the plant and after 10 PM I was all alone. But strangely, I never felt alone, even when there was tons of ice and snow outside and I knew that if I fell punching that key clock on one of the outside buildings it could be disastrous; still I kept doing my rounds. I really don't remember being afraid at all; I just kept on doing my thing. God was with me and that's all that mattered. Even when the company was broken into (on my day off) I still continued working as before. Living with Jesus is like that; you just keep going and God takes care of the rest. It may be a long way up to heaven, but the company is great!

Fireproof

2009-09-14T00:55:00.004-04:00

Whoever is doing this is just a little "crazy"! Why would someone do this in the first place? For money, a bet or some other "reason". The only one I can think of is that he is running for his life. But, people do the strangest things for equally strange reasons. When the topic of religion is brought up, well, strange becomes normal and normal is out there. Why would someone base their hope of heaven on a mere mortal or follow some brilliant teacher instead of going to the source, Jesus HIMSELF. The Corinthian Christians were all mixed up and the apostle Paul was trying to solve their problems in his letters, but it wasn't easy. Read this short passage from 1st Corinthians and reflect on it a bit.

1 Cor 3:1-15
3 Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready,
3 for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men?
4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly?
5 Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
6 I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
8 Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
11 For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;
13 each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is.
14 If any man's work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
15 If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. WEB

If God builds the church it stands, otherwise, in the last day it will be destroyed. Men are fallible, God is not. If the church passes the example found in the New Testament, it will retained; if not, destroyed. Having said this, focus for a minute on verse 15. God is merciful and will bring the saved through the fire, but with difficulty. Its worth asking yourself the question: "What am I basing my religious beliefs and practices on?" Hopefully, you will think about it and then go the the Bible to check the foundation; make it fireproof!

Quick or slow

2009-09-13T13:02:00.004-04:00

Death comes to us all; some more quickly than others. Its easy to understand that if you shoot yourself you WILL DIE, but not quite so obvious if you smoke. To be fair, some poeple who smoke live a long, long time, but I don't think that is the general rule. I know how hard it is to quit smoking and what happens when you quit. I was recently reminded of that during my recent recuperation from neck surgery. For about 6 weeks I was on oxycotin and when I realized I really needed to stop taking it, I found out what a pain addiction withdrawl was. Sin is like both smoking and prescription drugs. Its easy to see the big things like murder or rape and not so obvious in matters of "small" things, like bringing home a pen from work or telling a "white lie". Sin is what it is and with all the power in you... avoid it at all costs. Somehow this passage from John seemed to "fit".

John 5:9-14
9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.
10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."
11 He answered them, "He who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"
12 Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"
13 But he who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.
14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you." WEB

Ok, I didn't include the beginning of the passage when it mentioned the length of his sickness, but it was 38 years. If you have ever been sick for more than a few months, you know that something inside you changes as you continue in your sickness. Obviously, he had sinned because Jesus told him to sin no more. Face it; we all fall short of the mark, but we can and MUST do everything we are able to do to resist evil. Just like the anti-smoking ad above, tolerated sin will kill you. Take your pick, quick or slow?

Walk on water

2009-09-12T01:56:00.004-04:00

When I saw this picture today, I thought of a manager I know who frankly is one great boss; but sadly I am forced to admit that not even HE IS PERFECT. Often, when we talk of some one's perfection we say that they could "walk on water". But, so far as I know there has only been one man who filled the bill (and, yes this picture is probably photo-shopped). Consider these two passages from the book of Matthew.

Matt 8:23-27
23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
24 Behold, a great tempest arose in the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.
25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!"
26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 The men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"WEB

and

Matt 14:22-33
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear.27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid."28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."29 He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!"WEB

Jesus had this power over the elements that makes even a skeptic wonder. Imagine having the power to control nature and do the impossible. How would YOU use it? Some might show off to impress people, but Jesus uses his to help people. No pride here, just love and concern. Reason enough for most of us to want to investigate more about him. The thing is: The more you know about him, the more there is to know and with each bit of information comes another testimony about the only perfect man who ever lived. And the only one who was perfect enough to "walk on water".

A change is coming

2009-09-11T00:23:00.004-04:00

Change. Over the past year or so we have heard that word, again and again. But for us all change is about to occur. Soon, in the Northern states the weather will have a chill to it and the leaves will begin to look like this picture. Change can be either good or bad, but in the case of the coming of Autumn, it is decidedly good. There is something wonderful about the yellow and Gold of this time of year that is way beyond pleasant. Even in Florida, where temperatures reach 90 for half of the year, it begins to cool off in October. In ancient Israel, Jeremiah foretold of coming change, a change that dwarfs a mere change of season.

Jer 31:28-34
28 It shall happen that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says Yahweh.
29 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
30 But everyone shall die for his own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.
31 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yahweh.
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. WEB

Jeremiah spoke of what God would do in his relationship with Israel; change from a rule based relationship to a heart based one. Grace was to reign instead of Law; justice was now to be tempered with mercy. Relationship now superseded regulation; and THAT MEANT A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN STATUS! Instead of being treated like children, Israel was to given the blessing of adulthood. A change is coming and has come, and, as you watch the leaves change, think about how God has richly blessed us. Autumn is going to be a wonderful time in Florida, even if the leaves don't change.

Something good, something better

2009-09-10T01:25:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was an interesting day, 9-9-9. Most cultures consider this number a "lucky" one, but a few hold the exact opposite view. Whatever your view, whether it be good, bad or just plain INDIFFERENT, one fact remains; the day is past. You can not change it, no matter how much you might want to. Thinking about tomorrow is in about the same category; FORGET ABOUT IT! I like this verse from the book of Proverbs.

Prov 27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow; For you don't know what a day may bring forth. WEB

The safest way to live is in the eternal "now"; tomorrow is unknown and yesterday is gone. If God is (was) your companion, then both extremes are unimportant because you are not alone. Enjoy life as you find it. I included this beautiful sunset to remind me that in every day there is something good and in every tomorrow there is the possibility of something better.

Beyond looking up

2009-09-08T23:36:00.004-04:00

I can't remember seeing a "reflection" picture from this angle, but it made an impression on me, nonetheless. Somehow looking up to "look up" is a strange concept to me. Its like the clouds are actually part of the building instead of outside it. Both seem to morph the building into a heavenly edifice. And the longer I look at it, the stranger it seems. Seeing Jesus must have been something like this picture; you can see him, yet, there is something more there, something you quite can't put your finger on, something special. Even unbelievers could understand (after awhile) and react. Check out this passage from John chapter 10 to see the light of it.

John 10:24-31
24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, these testify about me.
26 But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one."
31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. WEB

The Jews wanted to stone Jesus because they understood (at last) that Jesus was God, not just a representative of God. One not only in substance and character and power, but a physical Earthly display of Godhood! In order to see him for what he really was they needed to look up beyond their own narrow understandings and see the truth. And what they finally understood was too much for them and they became violent because of their hardness of heart. Looking up to look up higher does take a bit of faith, but to look up and see beyond reflections, well, that is the stuff of heaven.

Seeing God for what HE is

2009-09-08T02:04:00.004-04:00

It seems to me that who did this picture had the tale of Moses and the burning bush in mind. So, here is the passage from the book of Exodus.

Ex 3:1-6
3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God's mountain, to Horeb.
2 The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3 Moses said, "I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."
4 When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses! Moses!" He said, "Here I am."
5 He said, "Don't come close. Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place you are standing on is holy ground."
6 Moreover he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God. WEB

Astounding! Just consider for a moment what is happening here; God is speaking with a man! Even more puzzling is the comparison of "The angel of Yahweh" (verse 2) with the statement from verse 4 that "God called to him out of the midst of the bush". Is God an angel? How could this be? Well, the term angel means messenger, so we have God being a messenger of himself, humm. In the new testament book of John it says that no man has seen God, so is there a contradiction? No, because I believe that the Exodus passage is referring the preincarnate Jesus. Not only here, but in every instance of God directly interacting with man. Think about it, in the Godhead, God the father directs, the Son materially interacts with mankind and the Holy Spirit empowers. There is not a God of the Old Testament and a God of the New, but rather One God manifesting himself in various distinct and yet collective ways. All this may seem very difficult, but consider how difficult it must have been for Moses to be there? I know it would be for me, especially as I don't like heights!

The "game" of "Life"

2009-09-07T15:30:00.003-04:00

No, this is not a game!!! This is a resume!!! Very unusual, but sure to be noticed. When I saw this, I thought of my own life and what would be on my own version. All that we do is observed and noted by the creator of the entire universe; nothing is hidden to him. Think that is not important; well, consider this passage from the book of revelation.

Rev 20:11-15
11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.
14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. WEB

Payday, someday. Each block of our own resume builds a pathway to our own eternal destiny. In a sense we decide whether we win or lose in this life AND THE NEXT!!! So, each day make a decision to listen to God and make the right choices, in order that your own resume is a pathway to the pearly gates.

2009-09-06T13:42:00.003-04:00

I have never seen these before. Nice! Unnecessary, but NICE! Why did I say that? Because its not about the shoes you wear or what you look like or the kind of work you do... its about knowing God and sharing what he has done for you the best that you can. Take a minute and look at this passage from the book of Romans and see if it doesn't give all this a little bit more insight.

Rom 10:1-17 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down);7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)"8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;" that is, the word of faith, which we preach:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. WEB

Sharing what Jesus has done makes you beautiful; no matter who you are. Even if you are 15 and have pimples or seventy and grey hair, you have beautiful feet; the Bible says it and its true. Not everyone will like you and that is just the way it is, but the fact is that you are still beautiful. So, go ahead and buy the sneakers or don't buy them; either way... you are beautiful.

The power and the blessing

2009-09-05T00:32:00.004-04:00

This picture reminds me of the up-state New York Adirondack's. Many years ago my in-laws had a camp near Newcomb and I remember streams just like this one. If you stood by it, you could hear the rushing water and get a sense of the real power that was there. The forest would come alive with the sound of it and it seemed like a symphony to me. Clear refreshing water was in those streams and when coupled with the smell of the surrounding forest, it produced an overall well-being as nothing I had ever experienced before. I thought of the following passage from the book of John; I hope you enjoy it!

John 4:5-29
5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph.6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour .7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?"13 Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I don't get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw."16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."17 The woman answered, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You said well, 'I have no husband,'18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly."19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father.22 You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things."26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who speaks to you."27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you speak with her?"28 So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?"WEB

Different country, different time, a strange meeting and possibility was at Sycar. Jesus spoke to this woman and challenged her in many ways; especially with the concept of living water. He intrigued her with the thought of water that will be of eternal value and of his own identity. She went away puzzled, but her curiosity led many to seek out Jesus. It has always been interesting to me that the more you come to know him, the more there is to know. Such are the depths of the knowledge of God. What is certain is that his gifts reflect his nature and that is eternal. Those who really seek God will find him and experience the power and blessing that only HE can provide.

whoosh!

2009-09-03T01:17:00.004-04:00

Ever feel like this? It doesn't matter that this is just computer manipulated imagery, it conveys a feeling! You know, that sinking feeling you get when you KNOW that you are sunk, and so you reach out for ANY hope of escape. My second thought about this image (right after you have GOT to be kidding one) was how it reminded me of Jonah the prophet. Read this excerpt from chapter 2 and see if it rings a bell.

Jonah 2
2 Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh, his God, out of the fish's belly.2 He said, "I called because of my affliction to Yahweh. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.3 For you threw me into the depths, In the heart of the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me.4 I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'5 The waters surrounded me, Even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever: Yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God.7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.8 Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Yahweh."10 Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land. WEB

First of all, Jonah deserved to be where he was. He disobeyed God and went in the exact opposite direction God had told him to. His own stubbornness led to his condition. Isn't it true that many times we find ourselves in desperate situations because of our own stupidity and stubbornness? Jonah finally got it right though; in his hour of need he turned to God and Yahweh listened. So, the next time you feel like your life is about to experience an inglorious quick flush, reach out to God and don't wait because who knows, in the next second someone could push a button and then... whoosh!

Change

2009-09-02T00:25:00.005-04:00

How good it is to see this picture. When many people grow "old" they wither away and become grumpy and given to a sour disposition. When we see others have a "good" attitude it encourages us. The congregation at Corinth was a mess, sin had taken hold of their lives, but they read Paul's first letter to them and changed. This caused much happiness as you will see from this excerpt from Paul's second letter to them.

2 Cor 7:10-13
10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.
11 For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
12 So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.
13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. WEB

Change is a good thing, when the outcome is good. Happiness is the result. For those of us who are about to enter our sunset years, remember that growing old doesn't have to mean you can't stay young at heart. Just as a change from a sinful life to a spiritual one caused joy in Titus, so a rightly lived life in an older person will have the same effect on those around them. You may not want to play hopscotch, but find something new about yourself that will make you better. Anyone out there ever tried Hexagonal chess?

The Test.

2009-08-31T22:49:00.004-04:00

No, this isn't a Roshack (excuse the spelling) test. I would ask you what you see, however. To me, its either a white and black picture of a woman OR a black and white picture of a sax player. What you see is a reflection of what you are thinking about. The Apostle Paul thought about others a lot as this passage from the book of Philippians shows.

Phil 1:1-8 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,
4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.WEB

They were on his mind, daily. What a thought! They were with him daily in his prayers. They cared for him and he cared for them. Love is a powerful thing; it changes things! When you go through your daily activities tomorrow, just take a minute now and then to consider what you have thought about. Hopefully, you won't be blowing your own horn, but perhaps you may see the beauty and worth of others around you. If you do, you have passed the test.

Characteristics, actions and numbers.

2009-08-31T00:32:00.004-04:00

Pride is a horrible thing. It has been the source of so much suffering over the centuries that I can not even find words to express its extent. Pride has no limitations, boundaries or obstacles that can not be overcome. This is true in heaven and on Earth as well. In heaven there is Satan and on Earth, well, perhaps the owner of this car is someone who just might have one big problem. This passage from the book of Revelation describes just such a one. Try and think of an example of an Earthly application of this number (or man).

Rev 13 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him.6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven.7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.10 If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people.14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived.15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed.16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads;17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six. WEB

Why this number anyway? Called the Nero-kaiser-cryptograph it is a code name for the Emperor Nero of the 1st Century. But is that all? No, for everyone who does sin bears the name of sin. So, in this understanding, the great evil personages of History such as Genghis Kahn, Stalin, Hitler and many others would bear this title. It started in heaven with the pride of Satan who felt he was at least a 2nd God. Since each part of the triune nature of God is represented by a seven; God's number would be 777. If Satan were a second God, his number one less than THE GOD and would be 666; an unholy trinity to say the least. So, evil has a number and that number is a characteristic and an action and a person. Whoever lives the characteristic and the action puts themselves in the position of evil and therefore is a type of Satan. I hope some day to have the opportunity to meet the owner of this car; maybe he can be shown the errors of his ways; all he has to do is beyond his pride.

A stop for Donuts?

2009-08-30T00:03:00.004-04:00

Things are not always as they seem. This officer could be writing a ticket, checking the status of a vehicle parked along the side of the road, or simply stopping one of the Dunkin Donuts people to say "thanks" for beginning to stock his favorite dunker. We don't know EXACTLY what is going on, so it would be safe to assume absolutely nothing. Just to associate a police officer with the donut chain leads one to think he is goofing off or taking advantage somehow, but we need to get the FACTS, BEFORE WE MAKE CONCLUSIONS. I like the letter of 1st Corinthians because Paul deals with real life situations, with real problems.

1 Cor 1:10-13
10 Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?WEB

People like clicks; they like to feel that they are part of the select few, that they are special. Paul knew the Corinthian church well and when informed about their behavior confronted them. He set them straight in a very direct yet considerate way. This is a very good example to follow; one that the police certainly know and practice. They do a difficult job and face danger on a daily basis. They deserve respect and understanding! Besides, everybody could use a donut with a cup of coffee once-in-awhile, even a policeman. I just wish our DD (Dunkin Donnuts) was a little closer, but who knows, maybe they will begin to make home deliveries and of course there would have to have a police escort!

Up, up and away

2009-08-28T13:07:00.005-04:00

I was taken aback by this picture. Balloons at night with their reflection on the water; how absolutely beautiful! Which raises a good question: What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? And does this thing remain the same throughout the years? I remember when I was 7 years old (and I really WAS 7 years old once) I really, really, really, really wanted a Davey Crockett coonskin cap. Then one day the topic of girls came up with one of my parents and I was told that in a year or two I would begin to see girls differently. I couldn't believe it; someone would actually want to spend time with a girl rather than PLAY BASEBALL?? Well, along came Linda and things have never been the same again. Which reminds me of this passage from the Song of Solomon.

Song 2:1-4

1 I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys.
2 As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. Beloved
3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, His fruit was sweet to my taste.
4 He brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love. WEB

Love changes things. You never see beauty the same again. Isn't it a little odd that I can go from a beautiful picture of helium balloons to thoughts of my wife just like that??? Not at all; for that's the way of the heart and it is overpowering. If you want an unusual experience, try re-reading the Song of Solomon. The physical and spiritual love the book exudes have a parallel between the love of God and the church which he purchased with his own blood. Love is wonderful and the true depths of it go beyond the comprehension of any mere mortal. But, I keep trying to understand and although I may never succeed, the trip is wonderful. I am reminded of an old song by the Fifth Dimension which somehow seems appropriate, its title: Up, up and away, my beautiful balloon! Look it up, you might enjoy it!

A bigger bucket

2009-08-27T16:24:00.003-04:00

Fire; with it we warm our homes, cook our food and watch it as it burns in our fireplaces. Once it starts in a situation where we have no control, it becomes terrifying. Our natural instinct is to put it out at any cost, without thinking. I guess that what this person in the picture was doing... not thinking. If I were him, I would only do one thing...run! Fire inspires great fear, yet sometimes it is not to be feared, as this passage from the book of Daniel shows us.

Dan 3:15-29
15 Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if you don't worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.20 He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.21 Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spoke and said to his counselors, Didn't we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered the king, True, O king.25 He answered, Look, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire.27 The satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their pants changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.29 Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god who is able to deliver after this sort. WEB

To die a death by fire is a fearsome thing, but God is to be feared even more. In this case, God chose to save the three from destruction to teach a great king a lesson. The king listened and God was glorified; end of story. Well, perhaps not, because who knows, maybe someday we might have a choice like this to make as well. I only hope it doesn't involve fire. In the meantime, will someone tell that man to get a BIGGER BUCKET!!

The look on his face

2009-08-26T22:25:00.004-04:00

I have always loved Mickey Mouse. I watched the Mickey Mouse club on TV every single day when I was small. But, somehow this "Mickey" seems a little crazy to me. Something about the paint job on this "Mickey" just says danger. Which brings to mind this passage from the book of proverbs.

Prov 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. WEB

Things have changed a lot since I was a kid and today those with young children have to watch more closely than ever what their youngsters are exposed to. Be wise, be careful, be a parent; twenty years from now your descendants will thank you!

Too Late????

2009-08-25T23:27:00.004-04:00

Here's something you don't see everyday; the aftermath of a big meal. In order to look like this, it must have been a rather large beast, big enough for the two of them. But its not the appearance that bothers me so much as the fact that another animal died. I know, that is the way life is, but somehow it still bothers me. When I was 17 I thought I would live forever, but now at 60 I know better. Things happen. Death comes to us all, hopefully not a violent one, but hey, you never know. What is not inevitable is spiritual death; THAT CAN BE AVOIDED. Read the following passage from 1st Peter and take a few minutes to think about it.

1 Peter 5:6-10
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. WEB

You don't have to be "lunch" for the Devil; he can be overcome through faith. Faith in and through God who has power over the adversary. Don't take Satan lightly, don't fall for the misconception that he isn't real, don't be tricked; you are a target. Do save your spiritual future by the power of God by the faith the Almighty has given you. In humility, trust in God and look to him for the way out... its there, Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Listen, learn and do those things God wants you to do before its too late and you become next on Satan's luncheon list.

No whining

2009-08-24T16:39:00.003-04:00

Nice little 50's diner; I used to go to one like it in Jersey called Johnny Rockets. However, Johnny Rockets didn't have the attitude that this little place has. Check out the sign. Tells you a lot doesn't it? Maybe people complain a bit too much here? Maybe the ownership just doesn't care whether they complain or not? Which brings to mind the thought; What do I complain about? What things bother me? And it is really right that I complain in the first place? Given the fact that Job had lost everything, what does it say about him?

Job 3:3-7
3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, The night which said, 'There is a boy conceived.'
4 Let that day be darkness; Don't let God from above seek for it, Neither let the light shine on it.
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes black the day terrify it.
6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein. WEB

Job was at a loss what to do and where to go. He felt that he was righteous before God and with good reason. So, he basically said... " Its better if I was never born". But he had a lesson to learn (as I guess we all do) that there is a lot going on in this world beyond our petty problems. Thankfully, by the end of the book he learned that he needed to trust more and think a whole lot less of himself. Complaining (or whining, if you will) doesn't solve a thing, but trusting in the power above all powers is the way to go.

2009-08-22T23:33:00.003-04:00

Here is something you don't see every day; an older man acting like a kid. People age differently, with some going completely grey before they are 30 and others turning much later. Its not just appearance, either. Some are old before their "time" and others, well, they never seem to grow old. Consider the following Bible passage from 2nd Corinthians.

2 Cor 4:13-18
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke." We also believe, and therefore also we speak;
14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
18 while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. WEB

Attitude makes all the difference in the world. It is the outward expression of an inward state; the glowing of the soul in the real world. A heart on the sleeve with an open invitation to share. Face it, we all grow old sometime (if given the opportunity), but we don't have to grow old in spirit. This is especially true if we look beyond this temporary state to that of the eternal. The knowledge of God transcends this physical world and changes one into something better; something timeless. God has a way of lightening the load, of changing one's attitude and making our life better. And behaving like a youngster doesn't hurt either.

Bate and switch

2009-08-21T05:23:00.004-04:00

I like to eat at Subway. They have a "little" sandwich called the "feast" that is almost too much for even ME to finish. What I don't like is this billboard. It is a blatant example of the deceptiveness of sin. It grabs your attention and then redirects your actions; it controls you at the most basic of levels. This concept is seen in one of the most revealing passages in the New Testament.

Matt 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge concerning you.' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, So that you don't dash your foot against a stone.'"
7 Jesus said to him, "Again, it is written, 'You shall not test the Lord, your God.'"
8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.
9 He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'"
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.WEB

Hunger, fear and the desire for power are very powerful motivators; right up there with sex. The devil used them to try to control Jesus for his own evil motives. He didn't succeed and the reason for it was Jesus' love and trust in God and his knowledge of the word of God. We can overcome evil just like Jesus did, but we need to realize that Satan will tempt us in any and every way possible to create a wedge between the creator and the created. Once Satan gets your attention, watch out for his bate and switch tactics; they are very dangerous. So is eating too many subs; especially ones with names like "The feast".

The long way down

2009-08-19T23:40:00.004-04:00

Its pictures like this that make me glad I had daughters and not sons. Whatever can be going through his mind right about now? And who is taking this picture, anyway? Try and put yourself in the role of this boy's parent and pretend that you just told him to go! Could you do it? I couldn't. God wanted Jesus to go to the cross for our sakes and he did, but it couldn't have been easy, knowing what was going to happen. Here's a passage that gives a little insight as to what Jesus was thinking about.

John 17:14-26
14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word,21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.25 Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."WEB

Jesus thought of others; of course this is no real surprise, but it does tell us something of the man. He had a great love for those who were to be his followers, great enough to worry about them and not himself. Why? Because he trusted in his father and knew what the outcome would be. Life may seem dangerous and to a certain extent it is, but put things in perspective, what are a few years on Earth compared with an eternity in heaven. When you think about it in those terms, the long way down pales in comparison to the longer stay in heaven. The first sermon I heard in Chapel was by Ed Healy: JOY, Jesus first, Others second and yourself last. Nice prioritization; God's will first, then that of others and finally your own. By the way, if I was this boy's parent; the second thing I would do after taking the picture would be to stop this little immanent joy ride before it went any further. Have you seen the cost of hospitalization lately?

Trust (video link)

2009-08-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

He walked with a heavy limp and relied upon his cane all the time. A motorcycle accident in his youth had left him like this. But he taught me me something I will never forget; the following verse from the Bible.

Ps 20:77 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, But we trust the name of Yahweh our God. WEB

I was down and discouraged and he quoted this passage from the Psalms to me. I was like a thunderbolt and in that instant I knew that I had been trusting in myself instead of God. When I saw this video, I was reminded of my friend and it was a source of no small comfort. Yet, at the same time sorrow filled my heart; why, because this video is banned in some states. It is sad when God is left out of the picture, and dangerous too. Pass this link along to everyone you know, in order that we all might remember where to place our trust.

Success; God with you!!!

2009-08-17T15:29:00.003-04:00

Remind you of anything??? As a World War II buff, I am reminded of the Third Reich. They were quite an outfit, very disciplined, very determined, but very, very wrong. How? Their oath of allegiance was to Adolf Hitler himself. He and he alone was to be their leader; God was to be out of the picture; they were bound to fail! Here is the formula for success.

Josh 1:6-9
6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate thereon day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.WEB

How many kingdoms have risen only to fall since these words were spoken? Yet, the followers of the God of Creation are still following HIS WORD. Tell you anything? Success isn't in blind obedience to any man, but rather to GOD ALONE! Adolf Hitler came to power because of economic hard times and a sense of failure; don't let that sort of thing happen in this country. We need to let our leaders know that they do NOT HAVE ABSOLUTE CONTROL OVER US; because GOD holds that position. America, are you listening?

2009-08-15T13:00:00.003-04:00

I love this picture because it shows how versatile humans can be. We have the ability to do many things, express many different emotions, think a wide variety of thoughts and live the life we choose to live. Recently, I became a grandfather again (for the 8th time) and it is marvelous to see that little baby change before my eyes... on a daily basis. I wonder what she will be when she grows up, what kind of choices she will make and what life will be like when SHE IS 60? I wish Sara the best of all things; why, I guess its the same reason found in this passage from the Psalms.

Ps 8:1Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, Who has set your glory above the heavens!2 From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, Because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, The moon and the stars, which you have ordained;4 What is man, that you think of him? The son of man, that you care for him?5 For you have made him a little lower than God,And crowned him with glory and honor.6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:7 All sheep and oxen, Yes, and the animals of the field,8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, And whatever passes through the paths of the seas.9 Yahweh, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth! WEB

Doesn't say why directly, does it? However, if you think back to the book of Genesis you will find that God made man in his image and according to his likeness. Why, because God loves us; simplistic, but true. As for me, well, I love the possibility of a little bit of me seeing the 22nd century. Hopefully, she will learn this passage and learn to praise God, who has set this all in motion. I really love that thought!!!!!!!!!!

Yours means yours and not MINE!

2009-08-13T12:46:00.003-04:00

Today, it is fashionable to expect the GOVERNMENT to give you the things you want or need. Couple this with one very large trend of lack of personal responsibility and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Something for nothing has become the mantra of our government. This is not only unfair to those who have to work for what they have, but if just about everyone does it, society as we know it is doomed. There was a similar problem in New Testament times and the Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians about it.

2 Thess 3:6-12
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,
8 neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;
9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. WEB

Please note that refusal to work is characterized as rebellion. Strong words given further emphasis by the Apostle who worked for a living. Paul made tents and served the God of Heaven on his own time. He had every right to expect monetary help for his efforts to spread the Gospel, but he gave up that right so that his message might carry more weight to his listeners. If you claim to follow Christ....work. There are jobs out there; you may not like them, but they are there. Otherwise, why are so many aliens coming into the USA from Mexico? Think this is a hard stance? Well, reread the passage again; it is very plain. As far as the picture above goes, well, I don't mind paying my own bills, I just think its wrong for someone else to expect me to pay theirs.

Choose Wisely (video link)

2009-08-12T14:19:00.004-04:00

There has been a lot of political talk lately and with good reason. Bail-outs, corruption, increasing government control, intrusion into our lives and the erosion of our personal liberties. Its enough to make the mind reel in disgust. I shutter to even think what this country will be like for my grand children. Government is not the answer; we don't need charismatic leaders, we need God. People need the moral direction that only God provides. In this time of change we need to look to Jesus and not to our own devices. Consider the following passage from the book of John.

John 19:13-22
13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."
14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!"
15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"
16 So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.
17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha,"
18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.
21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.'"
22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." WEB

The Jews made THE WRONG CHOICE; THEY CHOSE CAESAR! Lets not make the same sort of mistake. Governments rise and fall because of sin and the sooner America realizes this the better. When we choose God's way, we strengthen our country, when Caesar is the choice...... so, choose wisely!!

No more fog

2009-08-11T15:31:00.004-04:00

The other day I finally got out of the house and none to early as I had a bad case of cabin fever. I went to my favorite place (Barnes and Nobel) along with my wife and two of my grand kids. Linda took Elizabeth and I had young Michael. Its wasn't long before we found ourselves in the Sci-fi section (Mike loves Star Wars) and I was a bit surprised to learn that he had read almost everything they had. I suggested a Sherlock Holmes book and he said "No, mysteries are boring because I know the answer long before the book tells me about it. I didn't argue with him, because I have no doubt that he does; he is just that smart. I like mysteries and this picture holds one. There probably is a lush blanket of forest behind all that fog, but who knows, I could be in for a surprise. Which is exactly what I like about mysteries in the first place. Its the Ah-ha moment that I enjoy. This passage from the book of Ephesians has one of these moments; I hope you enjoy it.

Eph 3:1-19 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;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;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,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.8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,19 and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. WEB

God had worked with the Jews for a long, long time. No human could have ever been as patient as God was with them. They were stubborn, rebellious and just plain difficult to work with. But God had a plan; include all humanity. It must have been quite a surprise for the Gentiles to know that God cared for them as well, but there you go.... surprise. The fog has lifted and the beauty of God's will is revealed. Hope for everyone, heaven for everyone and all we have to do is what Jesus wants us to do. Simple, direct, and to the point. No more fog, mystery solved.

You did "what"?

2009-08-09T04:58:00.003-04:00

Even the "king" of beasts looks like he is having a problem at home. And by the look on "her" face, it appears that he has an uphill battle. Those of us who have been married awhile, know how truly different men and women are; they just think differently. If you have a few moments, read the following passage from the book of Ephesians and give it a little thought.

Eph 5:22-33
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.WEB

OK, sometimes there just has to be a "final word" that stops all discussion and this is the role of the male. However, the times that this happens in my household have decreased sharply with each passing decade because as time goes by we understand one another better. This isn't the primary focus of the passage, however; love is. If we love one another, we will TRY TO UNDERSTAND, TRY TO GET ALONG, TRY TO WORK THINGS OUT. Notice a key word here? No, its not TRY, but rather love. Christ is the example, love is the motivation, harmony is the outcome. Of course there will be problems, but I like to think of them more as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome. So, the next time there is a difference of opinion, remember that marriage is more than a physical cohabitation, it is a spiritual union, with the God of all the Earth, right there, helping you, guiding you and loving you though it all. By the way, its also a good idea not to show your teeth at your spouse; you might regret it.

Billy

2009-08-08T03:49:00.004-04:00

I went to Seffner yesterday to pick up my medications and I guess the sight of my neck collar was a little upsetting to some of my co-workers. I have had it on a week now and am getting used to it, but had forgotten about those who haven't seen me in awhile. Then I realized that I must have looked a lot like my brother-in-law Billy. He had a neck problem and could only move his head about as much as I can now, so I even though its been several decades, I can finally relate a bit more to his situation. This picture was taken the year he was killed by a drunk driver and is the last one we have of him. He wasn't super-smart, didn't have many skills and in general was just an ordinary guy. But, I will always remember him most because he personified the following verse of Scripture more than anyone else I have ever met.

Mic 6:8
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? WEB

To have only lived 21 years and to be remembered this way is quite an accomplishment. And, OH, yes, he adored my girls as well.

Optimism

2009-08-06T10:39:00.004-04:00

I think I would like to meet the driver of the car on the left. Talk about optimism! His (or her) car seems to be in a state of disrepair, yet that doesn't seem to be a problem.... its time to pass, nonetheless. Obstacles are only obstacles if you let them be and obviously this person doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Take a look at the following list and see if you can see the reason for their boldness.

2 Sam 23:8-39
8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.9 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.10 He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.11 After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.15 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!16 The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.17 He said, Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.19 Wasn't he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the first three.20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men.23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the first three. David set him over his guard.24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite,34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.WEB

If you guessed that God was with each one of these men... you were right! Problems, impossibilities, difficulties and all sorts of obstacles are really opportunities if God is made part of the picture. You may not have a lot to work with (like the engine in the left vehicle) but God can use it anyway. Though it might be a good idea to put a full sized tire on before attempting something really ambitious. Vroom, Vroom... time to go!

The three cookie ant

2009-08-05T05:48:00.003-04:00

This little guy is impressive! Gram for gram he makes Mr. "I'll be back" look like a 97 pound weakling. I have no idea how it is possible for someone so small to carry something so big, but just look at him! People are like ants; we all have capabilities, some of us can naturally carry more than others. This applies not only to strength, but to responsibility and emotional stability as well. How about Spiritual matters? The Jews had rules, and more rules and rules on top of their rules to protect their rules (called a hedge around the law). Jesus came with a renewed vision of Grace and suddenly living was easier.

Matt 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."WEB

Why would the above verses be true? The answer is found behind the reason why we listen to God in the first place. If we follow an arbitrary rule, it is a conceptual thing, but if we do what we do based on a relationship, well, that is an entirely different matter. Have you ever noticed that if you really love someone, whatever you do for them doesn't seem to be burdensome or overbearing? Jesus came to usher in a new way to obey God... love! With love, God's ways are easy and with much love, easier still. What's next? A four cookie ant?

Unforgettable

2009-08-04T23:13:00.004-04:00

I think its a sofa, but it could be single bed. Who does it belong to? In a word... Abby on N.C.I.S.. You know her; the Gothic analytical chemist, who is part innocent, part genius, part weirdo. And Oh, yes, fully intriguing. She is the sort of character you just can't forget; someone whose every action seems etched on your brain. For me, John the Baptist seems just like her, thoroughly unforgettable.

Matt 3:1-12
3 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight."4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!9 Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire. WEB

He didn't mince words, he spoke directly and his overall appearance would have been something you never would forget. I WOULD LISTEN WHEN HE SPOKE; HE COULD NOT BE IGNORED. I wish he was here today because America needs someone as direct as him. Repent means repent; change is needed today. Not change for the sake of change, but change with a view to reform. Today, like in the time of the Baptist, there are many, many people who are going through the motions of religion, but the heart felt substance of it is far, far from them. Instead of cash for clunkers, we need soft hearts instead of insensitive ones. Jesus will be back soon and judgment will be decisive. Listen, and remember; there will be a test.

A "little" or "big" problem?

2009-08-03T22:25:00.005-04:00

Stonehenge is a symbol most of us recognize as relating to the afterlife. All the world over, people have to face death sometime. This week I came though a delicate neck surgery OK. But it could have just as easily NOT been OK, as the time I spent in ICU revealed. Before the surgery, the "odds" for a favorable outcome seemed good, but I have had surgery in that general area twice before, so I was forced to consider the possibility that I would not make it. Somehow, it didn't bother me because I remembered this passage from the book of Acts.

Acts 2:22-37
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.25 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;27 Because you will not leave my soul in Hades, Neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.'29 "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.34 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand,35 Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"WEB

For me, this passage settles the matter; Jesus has taken care of the "little problem" of death, so really its no big deal. However, I know of quite a few others for whom it will be a "big problem" and if you find yourself in this category, then perhaps you might ask yourself the question found in verse 37. Don't look to "stones", or "stars" or "good works" to solve your problems, rather look to Jesus instead. If you have a few minutes, go to Acts 2 and read the next verse (38), and you will see the answer Peter and the Apostles gave in response to this question. That answer still works today; no problem!

The double sided question

2009-08-02T23:42:00.004-04:00

Nice picture! I really like the white of the sky reflected on the water; somehow it is very special. However, that is not why I selected it. Unlike other pictures I have seen this one shows what is beneath the surface of the water as well as the reflection viewed at its surface. People are like this picture; we may see something of their character, but normally we don't get to peer into their inward nature. Jesus could and did and its one of the things that make him very special.

Luke 5:18-26
18 Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus.
19 Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus.
20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?
23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'
24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."
25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.
26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."WEB

The Pharisees were asking a good question; who IS THIS MAN? But along with their question was doubt based on their preconceptions. Still, Jesus doesn't give up on them and asks them the "which is easier?" question instead. They needed to understand who he was and what he was capable of. So, He healed the poor man by just telling him to get up. Object lesson, tactfully performed. And it made them think and that is always a good thing; so is being healed. Jesus was not a reflection of God; HE was GOD, and so had the power to do as HE wished. Humm, I wonder, what is the answer to the double sided question Jesus asked? Perhaps the answer is to be found by asking ourselves whether we are looking at the surface reflection on the water, or what is beneath it?

Speaking the truth in love

2009-07-28T23:38:00.005-04:00

As I post today, I must make a confession; I don't like Dr. Phil. If some of you do, that's OK with me, but personally I can't stand him. Its something about his attitude that just turns me off, something I just don't care for. However, this message is a good one and probably applies to more of us that we would like to admit. I know it makes me a little nervous because I am more than a little fat. For many of us there are medical and psychological reasons why we are overweight and before too many fingers are pointed, remember that we all have things to work on. Discipleship is a many faceted gem. Most of all, attitude is important. Consider what the apostle Paul has to say in this passage from the book of Ephesians.

Eph 4:11-17
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,WEB

The Gentiles lived a life without Christ; many of them without any discipline whatsoever. True discipleship begins in the heart and eventually affects all aspects of life, not just one part. No amount of finger pointing or brow beating will make any difference at all; not with me anyway. Sometimes saying nothing at all is best; I know that's exactly what my wife did and one day in 1971 I just decided to quit smoking and have been smoke free ever since. I encourage everyone out there to think about their life and do what is best; and OH, yes, this passage teaches that other believers will help as well. Are you listening Gary?

Lunch!

2009-07-28T02:31:00.003-04:00

Animals know what they want, but no so people. Most people strive to get a better job, more money, more possessions, more frills and the more people have, the more they want; it never ends. What does it take for someone to realize that there is more to life than the above list? I like this video because it shows a single-mindedness which gets right down to basics. Something as basic as eating can be a real motivator. Our sleeping friend sure had a wake up call, didn't he? Jesus chose his disciples and showed them how to communicate his message. This passage in Matthew shows how.

Matt 4:18-23
18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men."
20 They immediately left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.WEB

What a lesson in fishing for men; using the power you have to both help and teach at the same time. Hey, you don't have to hit me over the head with a baseball bat; just use the power you have and get attention... the message will do the rest.

Through the open window

2009-07-25T01:15:00.004-04:00

Windows are funny things; they allow you to see the outside yet keep you inside. They reveal the world as it is and yet they somehow change it. Life is a lot like that, it is full of contradictions and things that beg the question "why". Elisha the prophet was about to die and just about the last thing he did involved a window. Read on for more...

2 Kings 13:14-20
14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness of which he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen of it!
15 Elisha said to him, Take bow and arrows; and he took to him bow and arrows.
16 He said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow; and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands.
17 He said, Open the window eastward; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot; and he shot. He said, Yahweh's arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them.
18 He said, Take the arrows; and he took them. He said to the king of Israel, Smite on the ground; and he struck thrice, and stayed.
19 The man of God was angry with him, and said, You should have struck five or six times: then had you struck Syria until you had consumed it, whereas now you shall strike Syria but thrice.
20 Elisha died, and they buried him. WEB

It is a curious thing the way God works through men to accomplish his will. It seems like God always seems to take the long way around in the ways he does things, but ultimately the lessons he teaches are on so many levels as to make you marvel. Why the window, why the arrows, why that number of arrow strikes to the ground? I don't know, but if it was important to have one of the greatest prophets who ever lives do this... so what. One thing is for sure, God was pronouncing judgment and the arrows were a signification of the power of God over the kingdoms of the world. Perhaps the window was a portal to the wonderment of the will and ways of the almighty. Its sort of like looking out your window at a glorious sunrise and marvelling at the beauty of it; you may not understand everything, but the sight of God's workings will inspire you.

The clouds in your life

2009-07-23T22:47:00.004-04:00

Clouds like this generally mean trouble; a storm is brewing. We have all seen those days when the sky becomes black and its then we know we are in for it. At first glance I thought a good title for this picture would be "trouble in the graveyard" but then I realized that there is no trouble here. Everything has already been decided, life before life (or death as the case may be) has already put everyone on the path they have chosen. Now its up to God to sort it all out. How? Consider this verse from the book of Zechariah.

Zech 4:6
6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, "This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says Yahweh of Armies.WEB

There comes a time when we must wait on God, when our efforts are to no avail. Death is one of those times. I hope that Yahweh of Armies (that is, Jesus) has given you of HIS Spirit and if that is the case the clouds in your life are unimportant because everything is just going to be OK!!!

Meaner than a junkyard dog

2009-07-23T03:23:00.004-04:00

Many years ago, Jim Croce sang about a man who was meaner than a junkyard dog. How mean is that; well take a look at this dog and I think you will get an idea. I wonder, does he have any reason to be mean? What if someone were cruel to him, treated him like a D-O-G!! Would that excuse his meanness; well, maybe, but what if you were treated in not so nice a way over a long period of time... could (or rather should) your behavior be excused. I listed some various translations of a verse from 1st Peter for you to think about.

1Pe 2:18
(ASV) Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
(BBE) Servants, take orders from your masters with all respect; not only if they are good and gentle, but even if they are bad-humoured.
(CEV) Servants, you must obey your masters and always show respect to them. Do this, not only to those who are kind and thoughtful, but also to those who are cruel.
(Darby) Servants, be subject with all fear to your masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the ill-tempered.
(DRB) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward.
(EMTV) Servants, subject yourselves to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the crooked.
(ESV) Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
(GW) Slaves, place yourselves under the authority of your owners and show them complete respect. Obey not only those owners who are good and kind, but also those who are unfair.
(KJV) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
(LITV) Servants, be obedient to your masters in all fear, not only to those good and forbearing, but also to the perverse ones.
(MKJV) Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to those good and forbearing, but also to the perverse ones.
(RV) Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
(YLT) The domestics! be subjecting yourselves in all fear to the masters, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the cross;

Literally, the word for "cross" (σκολιοις) means winding or crooked; its the word we use to describe someone who has a crooked spine. If you have ever worked for someone who was this way, you would know how unpleasant they can make life. But Peter is saying to be obedient to even the not-so-nice ones. Its easy to serve somebody who is good and kind, but Christians are charged to obey, regardless. I know this is tough, but it is to be heeded anyway. Don't let evil get the best of you and turn you into someone who is meaner than a junkyard dog, rather unleash the goodness in you and let God take care of the situation; it works, I know, I have seen it.

The whole watermellon?

2009-07-22T02:07:00.004-04:00

Babies will try anything! This one may have bit off a little more than he (or she) can chew right now, but wait awhile and someday this may be child's play for it to handle. People grow up, mature and will often surprise you. There is an instance in the book of Acts that is like this; read on to see for yourself.

Acts 15:36-40
36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing."
37 Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also.
38 But Paul didn't think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn't go with them to do the work.
39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away to Cyprus,
40 but Paul chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.WEB

2 Tim 4:11
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering.WEB

Paul had a problem with John Mark because of Phamphylia, because he had let him down. But there was more to this young assistant than was evident at the time and much later (in Paul's last book) he comments on his usefulness. All this to make a point: people change. So the next time someone lets you down, remember John Mark and give them a break; they just might surprise you. Someday they may handle the whole watermelon themselves.

A message from the other side

2009-07-21T00:26:00.005-04:00

Babies change everything! Suddenly your concerns are not centered on your own little needs but on the life of another. If you have more than a child or two, then you notice how differently they behave almost from the moment of birth. My oldest needed attention all the time, my middle child was calm and almost always contented and the the youngest hated to be wet and we went nuts with diaper changes. Honestly, we never thought much about their personality before birth, but in recent years photos like the one above do raise the question of what babies are like before they enter into the world. I don't know, but God does and in at least one instance I can think of God had predetermined his future life. Read on to find out a little more.

Jer 1:1-8 1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:
2 to whom the word of Yahweh came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.
4 Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! behold, I don't know how to speak; for I am a child.
7 But Yahweh said to me, Don't say, I am a child; for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak.
8 Don't be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you, says Yahweh.WEB

To me, this is a bit of a mystery; how God forms an unborn child is knowledge I won't have until I reach heaven (if even then), but verse 5 says it plainly. God has a part in our reproduction and destiny whether we like it or not; whether we BELIEVE IT OR NOT! If you think about it, this little verse says volumes about birth control, because if this is God's doing, then any interference in the process could be considered as fighting against God. We can do marvelous things with the medical knowledge that exists today, but I can't help but wonder if we rely too much on what WE CAN DO and not enough on what God has set in motion. Think about it, because it won't be very long before we can not only clone people, but design them as well. I can't even imagine what God will think about those abilities. In any event, this picture is of a baby who is giving the peace sign, so perhaps this is God's neonatal message; I know it was Jesus'.

The way of the dinosaur

2009-07-19T03:48:00.005-04:00

I have always admired the ability of scientists to be able to take a few bones and reconstruct a long dead dinosaur. Those fierce creatures who ruled the earth for so long are gone now, but inspire both respect and fear for anyone who really thinks about it. What killed them is a mystery, but they are gone and that is that. Things change; consider how much they have changed in the past 50 years alone. I played with a yo-yo as a kid, but now my grand-children play with Wii's. I was taught to add using a paper and pencil or believe it or not, to actually do math in my head, but today hand held calculators and computers have taken the forefront. Is there anything that will never change? The answer is a resounding YES and Jesus gives a very insightful answer when questioned about the Law and the Prophets.

Matt 5:17-20
17 "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.WEB

The Bible is usually considered in two parts by Christians: The Old and the New Testament. Jesus came to fulfill the old, not abolish it.... HIS words, not mine. If he didn't come to destroy them, then how are things different? In a word... righteousness. Righteousness is being right and doing right before God and men. Those under the Law made mistakes and sacrifice was the remedy for those errors. But their "mistakes" (or SIN) went far deeper than just actions, they went into the very heart of a human being, into the thoughts and attitudes which LED to their actions. So, while an outward action might be dealt with by sacrifice, it took a more powerful remedy to address the inward problem. This is the mission of Jesus; to help men deal with the inward first and then the outward. The human heart must be the primary goal. Just following a set of rules and regulations is not enough and this is what the Scribes and Pharisees failed to see. Their perception of God was superficial and has gone the way of the dinosaur. Jesus has brought us back to the reason for the disobedience in the garden of Eden, not the law concerning eating fruit, but the heart to obey out of love. This will never grow old or pass away, because The Love of God is the greatest motivator of all. This love has been expressed in the sacrifice that reaches into the very heart of man and supplies an eternal remedy; Jesus on the cross, given for our sins. What man could never fully accomplish by himself, Jesus did once and for all. All that remains is for us to learn, love and obey... Jesus has done the rest.

Your Choice

2009-07-17T23:33:00.009-04:00

There are times when things have to be changed and today's post is one of them. I was thinking about what to post on the blog today while waiting for an x-ray and had just about made up my mind. When I came home I received an e-mail from Bruce Arnold with this picture in it and suddenly the choice of what to post became just as clear as the choice in this picture. Why is it that we do not think about this scenario before we do something wrong? Are we so insensitive to God's will that we only think about him one hour on Sunday? Could be, but probably not. America has more followers of God in it than anyone could imagine, we just need to remember the terrible cost of sin and our own helplessness to justify ourselves before God. There is a real need to have faith and rely on God to help us make the right choice every time. Think about this passage from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 18:9-14
9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."WEB

Ok, nobody likes to be called a Pharisee, but remember, there were good ones too. This Pharisee probably really did try to follow God as best he could, but his zeal undoubtedly led to pride and pride kills. The tax collector knew who he was and where he was going, but he was trying to do better, trying to following God. His prayer reveals his faith and the humbleness of his heart. The dean of the Northeast School of Biblical Studies (J.L. Deason) used to say that faith was a "Forsaking All I Take Him" and that reliance is something we need to remember on a daily basis. God in heaven, help us all to make the right choices; because these choices either have the truth of God in them or the consequences of pride. What next..... YOUR CHOICE!

After the flood

2009-07-15T23:38:00.005-04:00

This time of year it rains in Florida and then rains again and again and again. It does stop, and when it does the air is clean, really clean. That's what this picture says to me: clean! The Earth had become full of sin and the flood had destroyed all life and then the rain stopped.

Gen 8:1-17
8 God remembered Noah, all the animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ark; and God made a wind to pass over the earth. The waters subsided.2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained.3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased.4 The ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on Ararat's mountains.5 The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.6 It happened at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made,7 and he sent forth a raven. It went back and forth, until the waters were dried up from the earth.8 He sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from the surface of the ground,9 but the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him into the ark; for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. He put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her to him into the ark.10 He stayed yet another seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark.11 The dove came back to him at evening, and, behold, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off. So Noah knew that the waters were abated from the earth.12 He stayed yet another seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she didn't return to him any more.13 It happened in the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked. He saw that the surface of the ground was dried.14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry.15 God spoke to Noah, saying,16 "Go forth from the ark, you, and your wife, and your sons, and your sons' wives with you.17 Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, including birds, livestock, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply on the earth."WEB

God is patient, but there is a limit and then .... wham, judgment. After the judgment, God makes a way out, a clean slate for those who have been preserved. So it was in the days of Noah and this scenario will be repeated again. Not the flood, for God has promised not to do THAT AGAIN, but judgment is sure because sin is prevalent, almost overwhelming. Be preserved through the next cataclysm, read from 1st Peter chapter 3:20-21 and see what must be done.

No tricks, just Deity

2009-07-15T00:19:00.005-04:00

When I saw this picture I did a double-take. It seems like this tightrope walker is actually walking on the lake, but if you look closely...THERE IS A ROPE!!! How many times do we think we see things and then find out someone has tricked us. Television commercials are a great example of this; they make you want to go right out and buy their product and when you see what is really being sold.... junk (with a CAPITOL J). But what if you encountered the real thing; what WOULD YOU DO? Read these two passages from the Gospel of Mark and think about it.

Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side."
36 Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.
37 There arose a great wind storm, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?"
39 He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?"
41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"WEB

Mark 6:46-51
46 After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray.
47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he was alone on the land.
48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them,
49 but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;
50 for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid."
51 He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;WEB

If I SAW THESE THINGS, I would probably react just like the apostles did. I would be scared and amazed and wonder who this REALLY WAS. I included two passages because at first thought I might think the sea was calmed by accident or coincidence. But Jesus exhibited two examples of power beyond that which is given to men. Two! And in case you are wondering, he could do these things because he was so perfect he COULD WALK ON WATER and also because he had the POWER OVER IT. No tricks, just deity! You might say he was "The real McCoy" and you would be right. The next step for his followers would be genuine faith (having a steadfast belief that leads to reliance) and that is the beginning of discipleship.

Jump right in

2009-07-14T03:00:00.004-04:00

Ok, lets hope there is nothing hidden in this pile of leaves! This boy has made up his mind and is committed to jump; he is beyond the point of no-return. Whatever happens, happens. Sometimes life is like that; you just have to do what you need to do and accept what consequences come your way. In the book of Exodus, Israel was in this sort of position, as chapter 14 shows.

Ex 14:1-30
14 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, 'They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.'4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so.5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"6 He made ready his chariot, and took his army with him;7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them.8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh.11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt?12 Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."13 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again.14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen."19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn't come near the other all the night.21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army.25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!"26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen."27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them.29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.WEB

God brought Israel out of Egypt with great power, but now the Egyptians were having second thoughts about the whole situation. They were a mighty power and had been overcome by mere slaves and didn't like that one bit. For the Israelites, the sight of the mighty Egyptian army must have been very intimidating! They needed to stop thinking about the "odds" and start having faith in God. Verses 13 and 14 of this chapter are among my most favorite in the whole of Scripture because God is about to show his provision of a way out for those who will trust in HIM. Its easy for us to read about this and quite another to be in a life or death situation. But God came through then and HE will again and again; just think about all that HE has done and will do for you and then go ahead.... jump right in...trust him.

The handwriting on the wall

2009-07-12T23:26:00.004-04:00

Graffiti is sometimes beautiful, sometimes not, but there usually is a message that the painter wants to convey. You see it under bridges, on the backs of buses and in subways and I wonder why people do such things, but I guess the need to express oneself is irresistible. Perhaps this "pulse of the people" is what inspired Simon and Garfunkle (yes, I really do remember them) to sing "The sounds of silence" and grant graffiti the status of a prophetic utterance. But sometimes prophecy really is written on the wall, as this chapter from the book of Daniel illustrates.

Dan 5
5 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them.4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.5 In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.6 Then the king's face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.7 The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation of it, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.8 Then came in all the king's wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don't let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.11 There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar your father, the king, I say, your father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;12 because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?14 I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.16 But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if you can read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.17 Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.18 You king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:19 and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he killed, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down.20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:21 and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals', and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whoever he will.22 You his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,23 but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don't see, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.24 Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.25 This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end;27 TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.28 PERES; your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.30 In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.WEB

You would think that Belshazzar would have learned of the most high God from his father; but, he didn't. People are like that, sometimes no matter how hard you try to teach them, they just are not open to instruction. When the truth was revealed, Belshazzar was so frightened that he messed his pants (the joints of his thighs were loosened), but by that time it was too late; God judged him and he died. Those in power should take note of this chapter, because God is watching and weighing their actions at this very moment. This unknown verse comes to mind: "We all preach a Gospel, a chapter each day, by deed that we do and word that we say. So, listen my friend cause its all up to you, say what is the Gospel, the Gospel of you?" Don't wait until its too late, fear God and keep his commandments... sounds like something from the book of Ecclesiastes, doesn't it? But then, Solomon was a slow learner as well.

The trap

2009-07-12T00:59:00.005-04:00

This is one very smart mouse. I always had the impression mice were "not so bright" and then this little fellow came along. How could he do the things he did? Motivation, pure and simple. Food is a great motivator. Somehow, I made the connection to Nehemiah. Nehemiah was also motivated, and went to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall; he led the Jews in rebuilding it, but he had to overcome a trap, just like our Wiley little mouse.

Neh 6:1-15
6 Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;)
2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
3 I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?
4 They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
5 Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,
6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building the wall: and you would be their king, according to these words.
7 You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
8 Then I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as you say, but you feign them out of your own heart.
9 For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, God, strengthen you my hands.
10 I went to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you.
11 I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
12 I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13 For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
14 Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.WEB

Make no mistake, the task before Nehemiah was great. But he showed courage; first in asking the king for permission to go, then in the face of danger before they even started to build and finally against his person. His determination and faith pushed him onwards until the task was completed. I think that there is a lesson here for all of us and it has nothing to do with cheese and everything to do with faith and trust in God. So, the next time you are faced with a spiritual obstacle, remember this little video and the story of Nehemiah and do the right thing. You will be glad you did and Satan will just have to work harder on a better mousetrap. Don't worry though, God will always show you a way out!

Stairway to heaven

2009-07-11T04:05:00.004-04:00

This picture is entitled "stairway to heaven" and it certainly does point in the right direction. It made me think of the Led Zeppelin song of the same name. That song has become one of my favorites after I read an article describing it as a rock and roll song with a hidden Christian message. Whether or not that is true is up for grabs, but one thing leads to another and THAT SONG made me think of this passage from the Bible.

John 1:47-51
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"
48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."
49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!"
50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!"
51 He said to him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."WEB

One thing is for certain, you can't buy your way into heaven, but there is a way there and its through Jesus. Music is probably optional.

Reflection, creation and attitude

2009-07-09T01:11:00.004-04:00

I read the news today and frankly it was very depressing. It seems like the whole world is rotten to the core and putrefying at a faster rate, daily! Then I started my "daily" blog and saw this picture. Beautiful, simply beautiful! When we take the time to just look, sometimes that look becomes a a complete surprise. A surprise of the memory of what can be and what once was. The colors of the trees against their reflection on the water is marvelous. Add a couple of swans and somehow the old serotonin just flows and flows. Then, a scene from "Soylent Green" came to mind; you know, in the last part of the movie, where Edgar G. Robinson has his last moments of life and they are showing nature scenes and playing soothing pastoral classical music. And I thought... could the world ever be beautiful again? All this made me think of Genesis and do yourself a favor.... read all of it!

Gen 1:1-31
GENESIS 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.3 God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.4 God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. There was evening and there was morning, one day.6 God said, "Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."7 God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse, and it was so.8 God called the expanse sky. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.9 God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear," and it was so.10 God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters he called Seas. God saw that it was good.11 God said, "Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with its seed in it, on the earth," and it was so.12 The earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with its seed in it, after their kind: and God saw that it was good.13 There was evening and there was morning, a third day.14 God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of sky to give light on the earth," and it was so.16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars.17 God set them in the expanse of sky to give light to the earth,18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.20 God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of sky."21 God created the large sea creatures, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good.22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."23 There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.24 God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind," and it was so.25 God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good.26 God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."27 God created man in his own image. In God's image he created him; male and female he created them.28 God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."29 God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food." And it was so.31 God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.WEB

God made everything, lets try not to screw it all up! We have the ability, the knowledge and the opportunity to make this world like the garden of Eden once again. We lack the willpower, but with a little reflection on what is possible; who knows, perhaps things can change? There you have it... instant attitude change. What next, world peace? No, that's a blog for another day.