Bad things

If I were on that ship I would be terrified!! Just the thought of drowning is unsettling. Still, the picture is interesting because it portrays what could happen in real life. Ships sink, people die. Harsh reality, but true. But what if a ship sinking was a "good thing"? Consider this passage from the book of Acts.

Act 27:9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them,
Act 27:10 and said to them, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."
Act 27:11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.
Act 27:12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast.
Act 27:13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
Act 27:14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon.
Act 27:15 When the ship was caught, and couldn't face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along.
Act 27:16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
Act 27:17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.
Act 27:18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard.
Act 27:19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's tackle with their own hands.
Act 27:20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.
Act 27:21 When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.
Act 27:22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
Act 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,
Act 27:24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'
Act 27:25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.
Act 27:26 But we must run aground on a certain island."

World English Bible

The bad news: This ship will sink. The good news: Your lives will be spared. Why, because an angel of God had told Paul so. They did escape and God used their situation to the betterment of the proclamation of the Gospel. God works like that; sometimes bad things happen to us in order that something greater can be accomplished. So, the next time something really, really bad happens in your life consider that it may be a stepping stone to something really wonderful!

Have faith

I am confused and that doesn't happen often. How is just printing money going to help? If there is more money out there, doesn't that cause each individual dollar to be worth less? So, what next? Are we to really sit idly by and do nothing? Not at all; we have a great power at our disposal called prayer and we know that God works all things out in his own time. But its MONEY; YOU KNOW, THE STUFF WE NEED TO LIVE? Money can be a spiritual trap and its trust a disciples downfall. Jesus had to deal with those who would try to trick him and here is how HE DEALT WITH IT!

Matthew
Mat 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
Mat 22:16 They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone.
Mat 22:17 Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
Mat 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
Mat 22:19 Show me the tax money." They brought to him a denarius.
Mat 22:20 He asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"
Mat 22:21 They said to him, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Mat 22:22 When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

World English Bible

Jesus' attitude should be ours; let the government govern, that is their job. Our president is trying to do his job; LET HIM! Let the government print its dollars; it doesn't have to make sense (or cents, if you think about its true worth), God is ultimately in control. Our worries will subside in direct proportion to our faith. Have faith, pray and don't stop praying, I think our country needs it!

Don't look for gold.

There is an Irish tale that says there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and there's the end, but where is the gold? Its right in front of you but you can't see it. No, I am not trying to confuse you, just to make a point; the lighthouse is gold to the seamen when the light is on. This little item could save their lives and that's worth more than any bar of gold anyone could dream up. Apart from the physical lighthouse, there is the light it shines forth; light to guide, to illuminate, to provide a safe haven of rest. I like what the apostle John has to say at the beginning of his book about light.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.
Joh 1:6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
Joh 1:7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.
Joh 1:8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.
Joh 1:9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him.
Joh 1:11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name:
Joh 1:13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Joh 1:14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Joh 1:15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.' "
Joh 1:16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Joh 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

World English Bible

Jesus made light and life, became light and life and gives light and life to those who will see it. Not everyone can, but when illuminated with spiritual power, understanding and change is possible. This change is like being born all over again and with this new spiritual insight life becomes new. So, don't look for gold, rather, look for insight from Jesus, because HE is the message from the father and that message is really good news to those who see what HE IS SAYING.

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN

There is something about being in the wilderness; something about communing with nature that says "renewal" with every breath. Place yourself in that building for a moment; what would it be like? Four walls, some windows, a front porch and even a small building out back (maybe an outhouse or storage shed, who knows?). No one else around; absolutely no one!! No telephone to bother you (a cell would probably not work with THOSE MOUNTAINS so close), no TV, no distractions whatever. What WOULD YOU DO? Hunt, probably; read, certainly; think, absolutely!! So, what WOULD YOU THINK ABOUT? I can't say for certain, but with all that scenery around, probably NOT YOURSELF! Eventually all those things we do that revolve around us would become a distant memory and we would become one with the background. Maybe that's what we all need; to stop having the world revolve around us. God has a way of using our surroundings to make us think and then CHANGE! One of my favorite stories is that of Elijah, AFTER his confrontation with the Baal prophets, when he fears for HIS life. God reaches out to him to get his attention and change his life.

The book of 1st Kings

1Ki 19:1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.
1Ki 19:2 Then Jezebel send a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.
1Ki 19:3 When he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
1Ki 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
1Ki 19:5 He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, Arise and eat.
1Ki 19:6 He looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on the coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and laid down again.
1Ki 19:7 The angel of Yahweh came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.
1Ki 19:8 He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the Mount of God.
1Ki 19:9 He came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, and he said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?
1Ki 19:10 He said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1Ki 19:11 He said, Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Yahweh. Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake:
1Ki 19:12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1Ki 19:13 It was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. Behold, there came a voice to him, and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?
1Ki 19:14 He said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1Ki 19:15 Yahweh said to him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria;
1Ki 19:16 and you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be prophet in your place.
1Ki 19:17 It shall happen, that he who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu kill; and he who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha kill.
1Ki 19:18 Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him.

1Ki 19:19 So he departed there.......

The World English Bible

I like Elijah because this passage shows a second side of him; an unflattering side, but one that I can relate to. Elijah had performed miracles in the name of Yahweh, but was afraid of Jezebel. Sometimes, the closer you get to heaven, the longer the fall to Earth; the more you do, the more there is to lose. So, Elijah ran for his life! But, in the wilderness, Yahweh reaches out to him and finally gets through to him. How typically human Elijah is and how frail we as human beings really are. Yet God knows our faults and cares about us; HE reaches out to us in many ways; being alone in the wilderness is just one of them. It begins with us: We need to STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN to the world around us without ourselves being in the way. When we do this, we may find out we have a lot of company, maybe even "seven thousand" others who are a lot like us! Wait a minute, I can't be certain, but did someone say something to me: it wasn't very loud, so I guess I will just have to be silent and LISTEN!!!

Book 'em Dan-O

If you are over 50, then this picture will probably remind you of one show: Hawaii -5O. If the name doesn't ring a bell, how about "Book 'em Dan-O". A seventies show through and through, the plot was a little predictable, but the scenery was spectacular! As I remember, it was on quite a few years, but I couldn't tell you how long. One thing was certain, the police always got their man (or woman as the "case"might be). Somehow, I wish life could be like that show; in the space of an hour (45 minutes if you exclude the commercials) whatever crime was committed was solved and the legal system had already begun to grind the offender into the pumice soil of the islands. Real life isn't like that; the wicked sometimes seem to get away with whatever they want to do and never seem to get their "just desserts". Even the best of us have bad things happen to us; consider the Apostle Paul's attitude in the last book he "penned".

2nd Timothy

2Ti 4:14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works,
2Ti 4:15 of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
2Ti 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
2Ti 4:17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, 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 for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

World English Bible

Paul had a problem with Alexander actions and he put it in the hands of the judge of all the Earth; God. He knew that he didn't have much time left and wasn't going to see this man punished, but he also knew that God views things on a MUCH BIGGER TIME SCALE. So, the next time you see someone do something wrong, remember that God will eventually make everything right, but it might take a lot more than an hour. On the last day, when all history is reviewed in heaven and the final judgments are pronounced, I wonder if the commercials are included? One thing is certain, when God books em, they stay booked!

Just another fork in the road

"Did you ever have to make up your mind, pick up on one and let the other one ride; its not always easy and its not often kind, did you ever have finally decide" sang the Lovin Spoonful back in the 60's. Sometimes you just have to do it; make a decision. How? Well, how do you decide anything? Are all decisions the same; I don't think so! Which candy to buy or which player to choose for the ball team is just not the same how many exemptions to claim for taxes or who will be your spouse for life. Bottom line is... the more important the decision, more care should be taken. Your intuition may be fine for choosing candy, but I think its wise to think awhile before buying a house. Face it, when it comes to the REALLY IMPORTANT decisions in life, EVERYTHING comes into play; The mind, experience, intuition, advice, friends... absolutely EVERYTHING!!! What is the most important decision you will ever make; does it involve your career, your spouse, your home, your car or something else?? Read this short passage to find out.

Matthew
Mat 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
Mat 16:14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
Mat 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Mat 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Mat 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."
Mat 16:20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he is Jesus the Christ.

World English Bible

We value things by their duration; a car lasts longer than a bouquet of flowers and a house lasts longer than a car, that's why diamonds cost more than cotton candy. What is the longest lasting thing you can think of; for me, its forever with God. The way there is by making a decision to follow and obey Jesus. That begins with making a decision about who he is and that is a fork in the road everyone must be confronted with. So, carefully use EVERYTHING YOU HAVE; consider all you want, but make the right choice and never, ever, ever look back, your life depends on it because forever is a long, long, long, long time!

Do-4

This is a prime example of what I refer to as a do-4; that is, something you substitute in an emergency. In 1966 I was driving my '56 Pontiac through the Ferry tunnel in Troy, NY, when all of a sudden my engine started revving. When I looked under the hood, I noticed that the linkage for the carburetor had come off. So, I took off my shoe lace and tied it together. It worked so well that I ran it that way for two whole years. Sometimes you just have to make-do. Jesus was faced with a problem of having to make-do; Matthew tells the tale.

Mat 14:14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
Mat 14:15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."
Mat 14:16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Mat 14:17 They told him, "We only have here five loaves and two fish."
Mat 14:18 He said, "Bring them here to me."
Mat 14:19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
Mat 14:20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
Mat 14:21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

World English Bible


Jesus only had a couple of fish and five loaves of bread and he fed something over five thousand people. The disciples didn't know what to do, but Jesus did; pray! There is power in prayer, awesome power. I can only tell you that when my car acted up in the tunnel, boy, did I pray. Why, because if I didn't get Linda home on time, she would have been immediately grounded, that's why. I can't tell what they attached the mirror in the picture with, but whatever works, works! Humm, I wonder if they prayed first?

There will be a test

Ever done this? If you have teenagers, I guarantee it! The eternal "why" and the search for understanding is part of what makes us human. We start out with questions of origin, consider morality, followed by the meaning of life and finally, eternal destiny. Philosophers call it our "world view", but I just call it growing up. We begin with ourselves and end with God; simple. Consider the greatest thinker of all time: Solomon.

Ecclesiastes

Ecc 12:8 Vanity of vanities saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Ecc 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge: yes, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Ecc 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Ecc 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

Webster Bible

No matter how smart you are, I guarantee there is someone smarter. You may have to look for a long time, but sooner or later.... bamm, you are humbled. It is very good to learn and to consider one's condition in the light of God's word is wisdom. If, after much reflection you think you know yourself very well, then wait, tomorrow you will change again. Solomon summed it up succinctly in the last two verses of the book, consider what God wants you to do and do it; there will be a test.... judgment day.

Don't hold back

This picture reminds me of an old song by Larry Verne: "Mr. Custer". The first verse goes like this: "Please Mr. Custer, I don't wanna go, Hey, Mr. Custer, please don't make me go. I had a dream last night about the comin' fight, Somebody yelled "attack!"And there I stood with a arrow in my back." Ok, you probably don't remember it, but it was way back in 1960 and I do. Both the picture and the song do say something interesting, though. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that no matter what we do, something bad is going to happen. Paul was told about just such a thing; read on to see how he handled it in the book of Acts.

Act 21:1 When it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
Act 21:2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.
Act 21:3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
Act 21:4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Act 21:5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
Act 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
Act 21:7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.
Act 21:8 On the next day, we, who were Paul's companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
Act 21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Act 21:10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Act 21:11 Coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "
Act 21:12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Act 21:14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The Lord's will be done."

Agabus confirmed what Paul had already heard; he should not go up to Jerusalem. He was unwilling to listen, unafraid of the consequences. There is something so brave and yet so submissive about the man that it is a little scary. Try to put yourself in his situation and ask yourself: would I do the same? Probably not, yet Paul was a man that God had put on a mission and he knew it. He also knew that in the end he would be with The Lord Jesus, so there was nothing to fear. Death is nothing to fear as long as you know life follows. So, be like Paul, don't hold back, jump right in and do what God is leading you to do; who knows, you might actually like the water?

Suspense

Well, I don't think there is any doubt which baby belongs to the couple outside the nursery. Just goes to show you that there is someone for EVERYBODY! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Who knows, maybe the child with the bag over its head is better looking than either one of its parents and perhaps be a future Einstein. This cartoon reminds me of a passage from the sermon on the mount found in the book of Matthew.

Mat 7:1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged.
Mat 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.
Mat 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
Mat 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

World English Bible

Its human nature to find fault with others and yet ignore MY OWN FAULTS. Yet, here Jesus is calling this for what it really is: Hypocrisy! I have always been impressed how Jesus can be gentle with those who deserve it and harsh with those of a hard heart. Beginning today, I am going to try to be more understanding with those around me and look at the motives of my own heart more often. Who knows, someday when I am MUCH OLDER and in a nursing home some attendant may hand me a bag to put over my head; I hope they still will make paper, plastic bags could be fatal.