Keep silent!

The face can communicate a lot of things; happiness, sorrow, joy, contentment, anger and so forth. I like this video because it does just that: communicate. Exactly what, well, in this case I don't think its very important, as the object is to get you to pay attention and at the end is a little advertisement. There is an incident like this in the New Testament book of Luke, read on, you might find these passages interesting.

Luke 1:1-22 1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.8 Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division,9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.13 But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God.17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.WEB

Luke 1:57-64
57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son.
58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father.
60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John."
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marveled.
64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.WEB

I find it marvelous that Zacharias was silent! His silence did more to convey the news about his son more than a hundred sermons. Indeed, God does work in unusual ways. I just hope he doesn't tell me to be quiet, I don't know how I could keep silent as long as Zacharias did.

Reflections of perfections

I have developed a love for HDR pictures! This one is especially beautiful to me, as it is so artfully done that for a moment it seemed hard to tell where heaven left off and the Earth began. However, that was only momentary, and soon the beautiful blue's and silver's blended in with the reflections became the focus. All this made me wonder; What if heaven and Earth were the same, if the beauty of the Heavens became one? This little thought led to my remembering the following passage from the book of Revelation.

Rev 21:1-7
21 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.
3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
4 He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."
5 He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true."
6 He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life.
7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son.WEB

I think how wonderful it would be to actually see these things happen, to be there when things are restored to the way they were in the beginning (but better). In the grand scheme of things God has changed man's disobedience into complete fellowship and life will be forever completely new. But better than new, because he has really proved his love for us and the knowledge of that is better than just being blessed. For the time being, The Earth is but a mere reflection of what it should be, but the promise is there and the contract for our blessing has been paid for with the sacrifice of Jesus. So, the next time you see something beautiful like this picture, remember that the best is yet to come.

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!