HE kept looking

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!