looking up

Beautiful, isn't it? Quite rare because light has to be at just the right angle to form this fire rainbow. Some day I hope to see such a beautiful thing in the heavens with my own eyes. That is something to look forward to, indeed. The Psalmist was looking forward to seeing God and one can only imagine what that would be like. Its interesting to me that he asks for just one thing. Read the verse and I think you will begin to see a depth in it that is not obvious at first glance.

Psa 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

I can only imagine what it will be like to be in God's presence, to consider his form and speak with him. What would he say, how would I comphrend it and how would I respond? Good questions, all. I honestly don't know the answers, but I think it would be better than any fire rainbow that I may ever see. One thing is for sure, the best way to start begins by looking up; at least you are headed in the right direction. Oh yes, you have to look and keep on looking; that's what the "one" in the verse is all about.

OK, Here's the plan

The Three Little Pigs Three Little Pigs went out to dinner one night. The waiter came and took their drink order. 'I would like a Sprite,' said the first little piggy.'I would like a Coke,' said the second little piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy. The drinks were brought out and the waiter took their orders for dinner. 'I want a nice big steak,' said the first piggy. 'I would like the salad plate,' said the second piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy. The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert. 'I want a banana split,' said the first piggy. 'I want a cheesecake,' said the second piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' exclaimed the third little piggy. 'Pardon me for asking,' said the waiter to the third little piggy,' But why have you only ordered beer all evening?' You're gonna LOVE me for this.... The third piggy says - 'Well, somebody has to go 'Wee, wee, wee, all the way home!

I know, I know, its simple. But there is something interesting here if you think about it; the pigs obviously had gotten together and made a plan before they went out to dinner. God has made a plan too, read about it from the book of the book of Ephesians:

Eph 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles--
Eph 3:2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,
Eph 3:3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Eph 3:4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Eph 3:5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Eph 3:6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Eph 3:7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Eph 3:8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
Eph 3:10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Eph 3:11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

English Standard Version

Simple, people other than Jews have a way to God and that is through Jesus. No, it doesn't have to be complicated to be good and simple doesn't mean stupid. What it does mean is that all we have to do is to follow the plan and the man Jesus and that's that! True genius is making the complex simple while retaining its depth of meaning! Well, it would have to be that way if I were to understand it.

Thanks to Kathi Hall for sending me the story and to Steve Dixon for doing the drawing!

In the jaws of death

Crazy, absolutely certifiable! Who in their right mind would do such a thing? Obviously, this person would, but why? Life is short and as you grow older the times seems to just fly by, so why would someone be so cavalier about their life. I think actions like this are based on the presumption that one can do whatever they want, whenever they want; their life is their own and they can do with it as they please! Perhaps a reflection on this verse from the book of Psalms would be in order here:

Ps 19:13
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. ESV

Life is precious and we should have a little respect for what has been given to us. While seeing someone in the jaws of death is easy, how about allowing "little sins" into our life? Little sins become big ones and lead to disaster. Help us all to heed the prayer found in the book of Psalms and desire to be blameless and innocent. Besides, the critter in the picture doesn't really need another meal, does he?

Please change me

This sign could be anywhere; not just on a United Methodist Church. So, its not about this PARTICULAR DENOMINATION, but the concept of church in general. I am sure those who put the sign up meant well, but face it, there sometimes is a lot of infighting with those who claim to follow Christ. Consider the following passage from the book of First Corinthians for example:

1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1Co 1:11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
1Co 1:12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Co 1:15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
1Co 1:16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
1Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
1Co 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
1Co 1:22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ESV

The next time there is a problem in the church, think of this congregation. They had far more problems than any congregation I have ever seen, anywhere. Division, pride, sin of all sorts and yet God and the Apostle Paul still loved them; so much so that two books of the New Testament are devoted to them. Now the good news; they listened and changed their ways. They needed to refocus on Christ and stop sinning; if they can do it, I think just about anyone can. As far as this sign goes; "Please change me", today if possible!

a heart in the sky

Flowers, candy, greeting cards with fancy poems and those fancy plush toys that gyrate and sing rock and roll are the stuff of valentine's day. The flowers make you wheeze, the candy adds just a couple more unwanted pounds and after reading that wonderful poem the love of your life sounds just a little on the slow side. Oh, yes and that singing plush toy just sang the song your old flame use to sing to you. Wonderful, just wonderful! In case you are wondering, I REALLY DO LIKE ALL THOSE THINGS! However, sometimes no matter what you do, face it, you are headed for the doghouse. Accept it and move on to the next day, already! But, wait, what is all the fuss about anyway? So, for those destined for the doghouse in a couple of days, reflect on the following verses from the book of proverbs:

Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Pro 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Pro 31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

English Standard Version

Talk about an impossible standard! Reminds me of that old commerical on TV where the woman talks about bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a fan. There you go, superwoman! Ha, there is no such person. Face it, we all have our faults; no one, even YOUR loved one is perfect. But, I think I am safe in saying she probably loves you and remember YOU AREN'T PERFECT EITHER! So, if you just happen to look up and see a heart in the sky, don't obsess about it, rather let it remind you that there is love out there and if God has blessed you with love you have everything you really need. But, if you say or do the wrong thing on Saturday, well, even a dog house can be nice if its properly decorated.

a heavy question

No, this isn't me with my shirt off; its Arnold Schwartsenegger (excuse my spelling). His physical appearance is awesome and I imagine his bank account is as well. Who would have guessed he would go from actor to California governor? Life is like that; you just never know what can happen next. Consider this passage from the book of Revelation:

Rev 1:4 John to the seven assemblies in Asia: Grace to you, and peace, from the One who is, and who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits which are before His throne;
Rev 1:5 even from Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness, the First-born out of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him loving us and washing us from our sins by His blood,
Rev 1:6 and made us kings and priests to God, even His Father. To Him is the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen.
Rev 1:7 "Behold, He comes with the clouds," and "every eye will see Him, and the ones who pierced" Him, and all the tribes of the earth "will wail on account of Him." Yes, Amen. LITV

Surprise, Jesus is more than just a "good man" or a great "teacher"; his is the LORD of all and has the power of judgement. Nobody likes to go to court and the idea of judgement is not a pleasant one to even think about, but we make decisions all the time and often quite important ones at that. Consider what Jesus has done and what he will do in the future. Now, that leads to a heavy question: What will I do about it?

Wake up!

Remember the last time you worked so hard that you fell asleep exhausted? The next day you could hardly WAKE UP and the alarm clock kept ringing and ringing and ringing. Sleep gives us what we need; relaxation for the body and refreshment for the mind, and when its good, it can be very GOOD! Death is often referred to as sleep in the Bible. Jesus had to confront death, even the death of a loved one. John chapter eleven puts it this way:


Joh 11:11 He said these things, and after that, he said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep."
Joh 11:12 The disciples therefore said, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover."
Joh 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead.


Joh 11:39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Joh 11:40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"
Joh 11:41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you listened to me.
Joh 11:42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me."
Joh 11:43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Joh 11:44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Free him, and let him go." ESV

Lazarus was raised out of death; now that's one deep sleep indeed! His death led to living again and what a testimony he must have had. However, one day we will all "wake up" and the question before us is "do I know where I am going"? Now, WAKE UP and ask yourself what must I do to have my last wake up call one that I can look forward to?

x marks the spot

Technology rules our lives; if you have any doubt about it, just keep a (paper) log and see. If you watched TV, rode in a car or listened to the radio you used technology. And that is old style; consider cell phones, computers and GPS (global positioning devices) to name a few. All these things help you do the things you want to do on an everyday basis, but do they tell you where you are in life? This picture tells you the obvious, but it does raise a good question, namely, where are you really? What are you doing with your life? There is a verse in the book of proverbs that should cause us all to reflect on this:


Pro 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps. (WEB)


The years I spent in Northeast School of Biblical Studies were the best ones of all. During that time I remember Bill Bean singing "slip sliding away" by Simon and Garfunkle. The words come to mind often as they make me think about the futility of the things we do in life. Those who love (and are loved by) God are directed by HIM. This relationship causes us to be exactly where HE wants us to be; to be used by him. The "X" marks the spot in the picture is where God wants you to be and that's that. Stay put, God will show you where to go next; wait and see.

An angel or a devil?

What does an angel look like? I don't know; never have seen one! This man seems like one at first, but take a closer look; he just doesn't seem to foot the bill somehow. Maybe its the look on his face or his stance, but something says a BIG NO! We assume we know a lot of things in this world, but what do we really know? I could be very, very wrong and he could be Michael the archangel, but I assume he isn't, based on my ssumptions and guesses. That is just what the Sadducees did; they had their minds made up about things beyond their comprehension. How Jesus put them straight is seen in the following passage from the book of Matthew:

Mat 22:23 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question,
Mat 22:24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.'
Mat 22:25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother.
Mat 22:26 So too the second and third, down to the seventh.
Mat 22:27 After them all, the woman died.
Mat 22:28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her."
Mat 22:29 But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.
Mat 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Mat 22:31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God:
Mat 22:32 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living."
Mat 22:33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

English Standard Version

They didn't know the Scriptures, heavenly matters or even GOD for that matter! The opinions of the Sadducees were based on their "religious" knowledge and Jesus put that to shame quickly indeed. It would have been better if they had simply asked Jesus about the resurrection or marriage, but no, they had to show their superiority. Sounds like a situation of the first being last and the last being first; but that is obvious, isn't it? Maybe I should take a dose of my own medicine and ask "Who do you think this is; an angel or a devil"? I can't wait to hear from you, but wait, is it me, or does he look a little bit like John Mackenroe? Well, I had better stop with all my opinions, because I think I am seeing quicksand up ahead and I might need a miracle to get pulled out. There never is an angel around when you really need one, is there?

Any way you compute it

Right!? Does the phrase "figures don't lie, but liars figure" ring a bell? When found out, some people will continue to lie, no matter what! Call it "creative reality" or "a different perspective" or anything else you want, a lie is still a lie, period. The consequences of which can be just embarrassment or something in the extreme. Read the following passage from the book of Acts and see how dangerous lying to God can be:

Act 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
Act 5:2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Act 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
Act 5:4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
Act 5:5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.
Act 5:6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
Act 5:7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
Act 5:8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much."
Act 5:9 But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
Act 5:10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Act 5:11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

ESV

How much more serious punishment could there be? In fact, there is no such thing as a harmless lie, especially if God is involved. A half truth is still a whole lie any way you compute it. Think about that the next time you step up to a chalkboard.