Rest

Many thanks to Steve Dixon for this picture. This "favorite spot" looks like a great place to do some fishing or perhaps just sit on that big rock in the center and let the waves ease a wearied mind. We all look forward to times when we can just "kick back" and relax, but I am quite sure that most of us would say that those times are all to infrequent. A good question would be "what is rest, anyway"? We can get some insight into what it means to rest from the book of Hebrews chapter three:

Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
Heb 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath built the house, hath more honor than the house.
Heb 3:4 For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterwards to be spoken.
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end;
Heb 3:15 While it is said, To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Heb 3:16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: yet, not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
Heb 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?
Heb 3:18 And to whom did he swear that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

The Webster Bible

Rest is found in God and confident faithful obedience is the pathway. The Israelites who exited from Egypt are the bad example and Jesus is the good one. Simple, isn't it? Yet, how many of us get sidetracked with other things; work, school, money, family matters to name just a few. Why does this happen? Does someone really wake up one morning and decide to follow their own way and put God out of the picture? No, rather I would think that most people succumb to the daily media barrage and pressures of just making a living. One way to avoid this would be to think of your favorite place from time to time and imagine Jesus waiting for you there; perhaps sitting on a rock waiting to answer your deepest questions. Its almost enough to make me want to take up fishing, how about you; had a rest lately?

More than just stars

Believe it or not, these two pictures are of the Orion nebula. One was taken using a standard telescope and the other infrared. Even though the second one is more beautiful, the top one is more meaningful to me. This is because my granddaughter taught me what it was. The stars became just a little more "personable" after that, because every time I see Orion in the sky I think of her. Each star was put there for a purpose, even though I might know what it is. I think the following passage from the book of Psalms will shed a little light on this.

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
Psa 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
Psa 19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psa 19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.
Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.
Psa 19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

The World English Bible

The heavens reveal God; now there's a thought!! They show HIS greatness, perfection, organization and beauty. I especially like the transition that begins in verse seven because from then on the Psalmist begins to make personal application. It shows HOW A CONNECTION IS MADE TO THE CREATOR! From the grandeur of the heavens to the depths of the human heart, God is there; we just have to look. There is far more than just stars out there; there is the testimony of greatness that can change your life in ways to beautiful to describe. Look up and then look inward; what you see may surprise you!

Do you see what I see?

Just an ordinary scene... right? Well, yes and no. It is an ordinary scene, but seen in an unusual way; through the spectrum of infrared. This light spectrum reveals heat, so everything looks a bit different. Followers of God see the same things as everyone else, but like the picture, in a different way. Read the first Psalm and as you do read it out loud as well.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
Psa 1:2 but his delight is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day and night.
Psa 1:3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
Psa 1:4 The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Psa 1:5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psa 1:6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.

The World English Bible

Those who follow God look at things differently because they see The God of Heaven (Yahweh) in their lives and in the life that follows this life. What HE has said is on their minds and inexorably linked to their daily life. No matter what happens, God is with them, guiding and comforting them throughout every aspect of their existence. Those who truly wear the name "Christian" have Jesus as friend, example and King. All this changes a person into something greater, something more attune with what they were truly meant to be, more genuinely human. Life is seen through new eyes; do you see what I see and hear what God says?

Almost in focus

This baby has something on "his" mind and I wonder what that could be? "He" better not study that fly too long or his eyes might stay like that forever. Sometimes adults do the same sort of thing in real life; they focus on one thing rather than stepping back and getting the big picture. When the focus involves religion... look out. I wonder how much evil has been done in the name of God by well meaning but myopic zealots? To see what I mean read the following passage from the Gospel of Luke ....

Luk 13:10 He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day.
Luk 13:11 Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and she was bent over, and could in no way straighten herself up.
Luk 13:12 When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity."
Luk 13:13 He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight, and glorified God. Luk 13:14 The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, "There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!"
Luk 13:15 Therefore the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead him away to water?
Luk 13:16 Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?"
Luk 13:17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed, and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

The Webster Bible

Should Jesus have healed on the Sabbath? Good question: the Hebrew Bible forbade work on the Sabbath, but Jesus tempered Scripture with insightful love. His answer was common sense; if you would do good to an animal, what about a woman (who is far more valuable). The ruler of the synagogue was like the baby in the picture in that he focused a little too much on one thing (in this case the law) and not enough on the person for whom the law was made. It is a good thing to hold to The Word of God in high regard, but always remember to step back for perspective, or you might not see things as they really are. Anyone have a fly-swatter?

Overkill

Face it, dead IS DEAD! Why bother with the fine? Well, its for emphasis. Remember the Wizard of OZ; The witch not only wanted to kill Dorothy but her little dog too. When someone is angry they go beyond reason. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is a good example of this.

Dan 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Dan 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Dan 3:3 Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Dan 3:4 Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages,
Dan 3:5 that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up;
Dan 3:6 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Dan 3:8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.
Dan 3:9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.
Dan 3:10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image; Dan 3:11 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded you: they don't serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.
Dan 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
Dan 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar answered them, Is it on purpose, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Dan 3:15 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?
Dan 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
Dan 3:17 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.
Dan 3:18 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.
Dan 3:19 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.
Dan 3:20 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.
Dan 3:21 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.
Dan 3:22 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.
Dan 3:23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:24 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.
Dan 3:25 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.

The World English Bible

Nebchadnezzar lost it! Why heat the oven so much? Because he was FILLED with rage, uncontrollable rage, that's why. Sin is like that; it knows no boundaries, no limitations, no common sense at all. Sin destroys and keeps on destroying. Fortunately, God intervened and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were saved, but they were willing to do what God wanted them to do, even in the face of certain death. This next time you are faced with a serious decision, remember: Do the right thing and leave the results up to God. Overkill is not just irrelevant, its a sure sign of sin.

lighten up!

Super-squirrel? I don't think so! However, there is something worth noting here; its what's on the inside that matters. Most people don't open up and let you know what they are really like on the inside because that would leave them vulnerable. Christianity is different because Jesus encourages each one of us to let our light (our inner self, or the goodness within us) be shown to others. Read the following passage from the sermon on the mount and I think you will see what I mean.

Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a close vessel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light to all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The Webster Bible

If there is goodness in you, let it shine! People aren't stupid, they know good when they see it and most people will give God the credit for it. Don't worry; people will like you for what you really are, so get rid of the Clark Kent (or in this case Clark Squirrel) mode and do some good; having a big stash of nuts is optional!

Time out

Its hard not to look at this picture and not think of Jeff Foxworthy. Actually, some of his jokes are funny, unless you actually happen TO BE A REDNECK, of course. Then, its not quite so funny! How easy it is to make fun of those who we consider unsophisticated, uneducated or perhaps a little on the "simple" side; yet God has chosen them to be part of HIS GREAT PLAN TO REDEEM THE HUMAN RACE. Read the following passage and I think you will see what I mean:

Mat 26:67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,
Mat 26:68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?"
Mat 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean."
Mat 26:70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean."
Mat 26:71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."
Mat 26:72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man."
Mat 26:73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you."
Mat 26:74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed.
Mat 26:75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly

English Standard Version

Galileans were considered "rednecks". They were the backwater people of their day, yet God chose to use THEM. Take a "time out" and think about it; God can use anyone HE desires to accomplish HIS WILL. Don't let the duck tape of this world hold you back; do whatever you can to further the cause of Christ; just don't talk too loud, your accent might give you away!

Too much of a good thing!

This picture looks like something from a Mel Brooks movie. Three tablets, not the standard two and written with Roman Numerals and what appears to be Greek. Ok, apart from the inconsistancies, it does raise and interesting subject: What if God had given "XV" commandments at Mount Sinai instead of the designated ten? Listen to what the apostle Paul said in the book of Galatians:

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it is yet in vain.
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he this by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore, that they who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel to Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Gal 3:9 So then they who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse: for it is written, Accursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live by them.
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Accursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Webster Bible

The Galatians were starting to go backward; from a faith based religion to one of works and Paul corrects them. If we had MORE commandments, then we would have MORE to obey and since none of us can obey PERFECTLY, then we would have even MORE problems. Don't misunderstand, there is nothing wrong with ANY COMMANDMENT THAT GOD GIVES, but for human beings, more commandments would be just too much of a good thing! I am very thankful for Grace because I fail sometimes and would be lost without the flexibility that the Grace of God supplies. Besides, who writes in stone now anyway?

Vroom, Vroom

No golf carts for me! I'll bet I could get this baby up to 90 MPH on the open road! This jet engine on wheels does say something about the future, though; we should look forward to it with a positive attitude! What lies ahead CAN be better than the past, even in our older years. The apostle Paul had become aged, and he knew he didn't have much time left, but he could still pen these words:

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.
2Ti 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly to me:
2Ti 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and hath departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
2Ti 4:11 Luke only is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2Ti 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2Ti 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
2Ti 4:14 Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Ti 4:15 Of whom be thou aware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
2Ti 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Webster Bible

I find it interesting that even though Paul had accomplished more than most of us ever will, that he was looking forward to life AFTER DEATH. Something better was waiting for him, something worth waiting for, something he had wanted all his life. This something was actually to be in the presence of God; to fellowship with God on an eternal basis. Now that I think of it, that's way better than some souped up wheel chair, but I can't help but wonder what God would say about this contraption, anyway? Perhaps... Vroom, Vroom?

What's next...

This fire reminds me of what must have happened yesterday aboard the plane that went down near NYC. Everything was fine and then wham; fire! Fortunately, everyone was OK, but it could have gone the other way too. When I was young, it seemed like I would live forever, but now I know better. Life can be taken away in an instant, so each moment is precious. Even the bad days have life and where there is life there is hope. Priorities change when you think this way; money becomes less important and the time remaining to you and how you live becomes everything. Listen to the words of Jesus in Luke chapter 12:

Luk 12:16 And he spoke a parable to them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Luk 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to deposit my fruits?
Luk 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I deposit all my fruits and my goods.
Luk 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast abundance of goods laid up for many years; take thy ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Luk 12:20 But God said to him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?
Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.
Luk 12:22 And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

The Webster Bible

Learn from the past, live for the moment and plan for an eternity; truly, only the things that last forever have real value. What's next for you? I guess that depends where your riches are?