One grassy clump

Fire is both good and bad; with it we heat our homes, but some sick people use it to kill. If you have ever known anyone who has been burned severely, you also know that it affects them psychologically as well as physically. The fire in this picture did a great deal of damage, but not everything was destroyed; this one grassy clump survived. This reminds me of a passage from the book of Romans.

Rom 9:14-27
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!15 For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth."18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?"20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction,23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?25 As he says also in Hosea, "I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people; And her 'beloved,' who was not beloved."26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' There they will be called 'children of the living God.'"27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel, "If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, It is the remnant who will be saved;WEB

John (not his real name) lived in my hometown and had terrible scars from a fire. I knew him well because he rode on our school bus and I still remember him as being one very nice person. However, the fire had affected him so severely that he suffered from severe depression for the longest time and after many years he committed suicide by immolation. One day he just poured a gallon of gas over himself and lit a match. He died, but he didn't have to, because there was then and is now a way out of any circumstance. I truly wish he had put his trust in God and given over his pain to Jesus. However, not everyone will listen and not everyone will obey. When things are tough, when pain and sorrow are the worst, God is right there, ready to preserve you like that little lump of green in the picture. God works in very unusual ways; but remember, he has the RIGHT TO DO AS HE WISHES. Its not up to us to question God as to why things happen; its just our part to listen and obey. That can be a very tough road to hoe, but the reward for obeying God lasts a long, long time. I miss John, but his life provides me with an example of what not to do. Gary, reread this and listen yourself; you need to trust a whole lot more than you have! Anybody out there feel the same?

One tough Pig

Frankly, I think pigs are ugly, with a capital U. Even a somewhat slender one like this little guy is nothing to rave about. However, once you have seen the video, I think you will see why I chose it for a post. This pig has guts; plain and simple. He just won't quit, he attacks, then attacks and attacks and never stops. Finally, against obviously superior odds; he wins. Yeah! This little video made me think of Paul and his protege Timothy; read what Paul says to him near the end of the book.

2 Tim 4:1-8 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:
2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.
5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.WEB

To paraphrase this passage is simple: Don't give up, there is a reward waiting. Its easy to give up, to give in, to take the easy way out, but think about it... Jesus didn't. He endured pain that I can only imagine and for what? Me. So the next time you think about giving up on something really worthwhile, remember this "One tough Pig" and get at it, you will succeed eventually. Besides, you are probably much better looking anyway!

Satan's throne

If Satan had a throne, what would it look like? Who knows, but this picture just might fill the bill. Why? Because Satan was (and still is) on a power trip (as shown by the horns). The color is right, since God is light, naturally Satan would be black. Since God is love, Satan would naturally be hate. God has exalted man, so Satan would naturally do the opposite and exalt the animal world. In short, whatever God is, wants, desires or works at, Satan wants the exact opposite. This passage from revelation will prove interesting.

Rev 2:12-17
12 "To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13 "I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn't deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise .
16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.WEB

One of Satan's best "tricks" is to get the unwitting human to accept something "more" in the way of deity and his best method is to use sex along with this. Fortunately, we have Jesus, who has both shown us the way and helps us become and remain Spiritual. To those who "overcome" Satan and his ways, God will give him 1. hidden manna 2. a white stone 3. a new name. In other words, Spiritual sustenance, freedom and a new life. What more could someone ever want? After all, it is better to bow in heaven rather than sit on a throne in hell! I don't know about you, but I am going to watch where I sit from now on and besides, BLACK MAKES ME NERVOUS!!

A face to remember

If you look at this man's face for awhile, you may see what I do; someone who has worked hard all his life, someone who has paid his dues. Age is catching up with him; the wrinkles are all there, but there is something about the man's eyes that speaks the firmness of his resolve. He is definitely someone you should take seriously. God is like that too, when he says something, you should pay attention and really do what he says to do. This passage from the book of Genesis is an example.

Gen 3:17-19
17 To Adam he said, "Because you have listened to your wife's voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.
18 Thorns also and thistles will it bring forth to you; and you will eat the herb of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."WEB

The results of Adam's disobedience are still with us; life can be very hard indeed. But difficult times can also have the effect of making us stronger, more capable of handling any situation that may come our way. This is what I think of when I look at the man in the picture; someone who can take care of himself. Just think how much easier life would be if he really knew Jesus; I believe that too would be visible on his face. Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, when you brush your teeth, ask yourself: "What is written on my face"? The answer might surprise you.

Santa Baby

There has always been something about this song that has fascinated me. Perhaps it is something in the WAY that the late Ertha Kitt sang it or maybe the message of the song, I am not really sure. But it strikes a nerve, nonetheless. I hear it a lot around Christmas time and so it is probably the mercenary aspect of it that is set against the season of giving that makes it stand out. The other day my wife was watching the Susie (Ornan??) financial show and as I looked up from the book I was engrossed in, I heard Susie say: "People first, money second and things last of all". Then I made an association with this passage and I hope you see the connection as well.

1 Tim 6:1-11
6 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.WEB

This society places a high value on the accumulation of things and money could be just another "thing". We are constantly being bombarded with sales pitches on the TV and telephone. Everyone has an angle and frankly its hard to know who to trust when you need to buy something really important. I learned the truth about "Santa" when I was about eight years old, so forget about the wish list. Besides, if I got that Red Rider BB gun I might have put someones eye out. But, I won't dwell on that, instead I will try to just understand verse 11 and then I just might know enough what to ask GOD for.

Fearless

Fearless, absolutely fearless. That's the way I would describe this little girl. For her to be able to look the animal in the eye and shout at it, is something I would expect of a much older person. Then again, who knows how brave a person can be until a time of testing occurs. Think about that as you read this passage from the book of Daniel.

Dan 3:8-18
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.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;11 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.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.13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.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?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.WEB

The king offered them a choice: submit or suffer a horrible death. They chose to trust God and only do his wishes. God delivered them out of the fire, but the important thing to remember is that they were willing to die; willing to suffer even an awful death. They, and the girl in the picture were fearless and an example to all of us. And by the way, animal breath can be pretty bad, because have you ever seen some things animals will eat?

Reflect on this

As soon as I saw this picture it immediately had an impact on me. Not only is the mountain in the background beautiful, but its reflection in the lake is magnificent. The sereneness of the whole scene just makes you think its time for a vacation. Why? Because it seems as if the whole world is just as it is supposed to be and isn't that what we all want and want to be a part of. It made me think of this Bible passage and how wonderful it would be if we (and I do mean myself here) just listened to the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 4:1-9
Php 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Php 4:2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
Php 4:3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Php 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
English Standard Version


Christians are supposed to be like Christ. It really begins by putting aside Earthly problems and focusing in on the fundamentals of Christianity and of course that means Christ. It involves our thinking and our practical application (verses 8 and 9) and is motivated by love (verse 1). Just like the reflection in the water really shows what the mountain is like, so we need to reveal our spiritual father. This is Paul's point and he could make it well because he lived it; Do we? Reflect on this and grow in grace and truth.

A little disgusting

I remember Dr. Wey taking our lab to an authentic Chinese restaurant. There were many things there that I could recognize as "normal" food such as chicken feet and marinated eye balls, but some things were beyond my description. When I asked what they were, I was told that I didn't really want to know and truthfully I am glad no one told me; I don't think I could have handled it. Needless to say, some of the foods were disgusting to me, just like this "meal" in the video. The Jews had a lot of regulations about food and the following passage will show how Jesus handled the problem.

Mark 7:14-23
14 He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand.
15 There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man.
16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"
17 When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable.
18 He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Don't you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can't defile him,
19 because it doesn't go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus making all foods clean?"
20 He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man.
21 For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts,
22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."WEB

He went beyond the problem of the food; right to the very nature of man's being; the human heart. If I was desperate enough, I suppose I would eat this spider, but its the inside of me that is really the important thing. So, the next time you eat something that seems a little disgusting remember that God wants everything to be clean, including YOU!

Gone with the Wind

When I saw this, the first thought that came to my mind was the movie "Gone with the wind".
To me the movie has always been about overpowering change; change so great that you just have to sit back in amazement and watch it. So it was in the movie at the burning of Atlanta. But, I wonder, will we ever see change like that? When hearing the following words of Jesus, people must have wondered too. Consider the following passage from Luke and THINK!

Luk 21:5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,
Luk 21:6 "As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down."
Luk 21:7 They asked him, "Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?"
Luk 21:8 He said, "Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them.
Luk 21:9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."
Luk 21:10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
Luk 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Luk 21:12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name's sake.
Luk 21:13 It will turn out as a testimony for you.
Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,
Luk 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
Luk 21:16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.
Luk 21:17 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake.
Luk 21:18 And not a hair of your head will perish.
Luk 21:19 "By your endurance you will win your lives.
Luk 21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.
Luk 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.
Luk 21:22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luk 21:23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people.
Luk 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Luk 21:25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;
Luk 21:26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luk 21:27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luk 21:28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

I have always believed in the duality of prophecy; that is, that what is written in the Scriptures is first and primarily meant for the audience and secondly for those not directly in it. So, when I read this passage, I see what happened to Jerusalem in 70 AD, but also also myself, "Is change coming now"? Look at the current world situation and be a little concerned, because with the great power for destruction out there anything can happen! This week I had pain so intense, so overpowering that for several days nothing else in the world seemed to matter. When I finally was discharged from the hospital, things just seemed different and I knew that my world had been changed once again. Enjoy each and every single day on this Earth, because you never really know what tomorrow will bring; only live with the knowledge that God is the only one who will be your redemption!

Perfect peace

This blossoming tree reminds me of the movie "The last Samurai". Towards the end of the movie the dying renegade warlord sees a perfect blossom and experiences a moment of perfect peace. How many people long for just such a moment? How many will ever find it? If they do, is it genuine or just imagined? Consider that the things in this world are a creation; ordained by a greater intelligence than our own; therefore to look for truth we must seek something greater than the physical and that would entail spirituality. Jesus was about to die and he knew it. He tells his disciples about his peace in the following passage from the book of John.

Joh 14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?"
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.
Joh 14:24 He who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Father's who sent me.
Joh 14:25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you.
Joh 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Joh 14:28 You heard how I told you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Father;' for the Father is greater than I.
Joh 14:29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.
Joh 14:30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me.
Joh 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Peace, grounded in love and faithfulness, it has its perfection in heaven with the father and empowered in this world by the Holy Spirit and seen in the life of Jesus. For his followers, it is directly tied to their faith and love in God. To have perfect peace, love God with the whole heart and follow HIM as best you can. Since God transcends time and space, so his capacity to give you perfect peace is beyond the beauty of anything of this Earth. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the LORD endures forever.