May 30, 2009

Cows, prayer and sundials



I have seen a lot of things, but "falling cows"? While I don't doubt that it could happen, does it really happen so often that a sign is needed? If anyone out there is old enough to remember the sitcom "Mel's diner", then you probably will also remember the waitress who said "When Donkey's Fly". Well, I haven't seen either of these, but strange things do happen. Here is a strange one from the book of Isaiah.

Isa 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.' "
Isa 38:2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Yahweh,
Isa 38:3 and said, "Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight." Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Isa 38:4 Then the word of Yahweh came to Isaiah, saying,
Isa 38:5 "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.
Isa 38:6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.
Isa 38:7 This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do this thing that he has spoken.
Isa 38:8 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." ' "

Its in the Bible, so I do believe it happened; how, I don't have a clue, but then again that's where faith comes in, sometimes you believe in things you can't see. God heard Hezekiah's prayer and the sundial incident is proof that sometimes miracles do happen. As far as falling cows go, well, I have to see that one. But I have seen drunk cows and that isn't pretty. So, take care of your cows; put up a fence to keep them from falling over a cliff and keep them away from waterholes with fermenting apples in them!

Spectrum of beauty

This bridge is at Lion's gate in Vancouver, Canada. I love the colors on the water; can you imagine what it must be like to go over it at night and see this spectrum of beauty? I think it would seem wonderful to be on it! When I saw this photo, it reminded me of a passage in the book of Isaiah.


Isa 35:1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
Isa 35:2 It will blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. Lebanon's glory Lebanon will be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They will see Yahweh's glory, the excellence of our God.
Isa 35:3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
Isa 35:4 Tell those who have a fearful heart, "Be strong. Don't be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God's retribution. He will come and save you.
Isa 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.
Isa 35:6 Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
Isa 35:7 The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.
Isa 35:8 A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.
Isa 35:9 No lion will be there, nor will any ravenous animal go up on it. They will not be found there; but the redeemed will walk there.
Isa 35:10 The Yahweh's ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."


All roads are not alike; some are scenic and others, well, you just can't wait to go onto another road. But the Holy Way, the Road that GOD lays before you is a way of holiness and freedom from danger; a way happiness and expectation. More beautiful than any light show, it has a superhuman design leading to the habitation of the Almighty. And, oh yes, seeing the desert blooming like a ROSE (pun intended) wouldn't be bad either.