whoosh!

Ever feel like this? It doesn't matter that this is just computer manipulated imagery, it conveys a feeling! You know, that sinking feeling you get when you KNOW that you are sunk, and so you reach out for ANY hope of escape. My second thought about this image (right after you have GOT to be kidding one) was how it reminded me of Jonah the prophet. Read this excerpt from chapter 2 and see if it rings a bell.

Jonah 2
2 Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh, his God, out of the fish's belly.2 He said, "I called because of my affliction to Yahweh. He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.3 For you threw me into the depths, In the heart of the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me.4 I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; Yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'5 The waters surrounded me, Even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever: Yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God.7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.8 Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Yahweh."10 Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land. WEB

First of all, Jonah deserved to be where he was. He disobeyed God and went in the exact opposite direction God had told him to. His own stubbornness led to his condition. Isn't it true that many times we find ourselves in desperate situations because of our own stupidity and stubbornness? Jonah finally got it right though; in his hour of need he turned to God and Yahweh listened. So, the next time you feel like your life is about to experience an inglorious quick flush, reach out to God and don't wait because who knows, in the next second someone could push a button and then... whoosh!

Change

How good it is to see this picture. When many people grow "old" they wither away and become grumpy and given to a sour disposition. When we see others have a "good" attitude it encourages us. The congregation at Corinth was a mess, sin had taken hold of their lives, but they read Paul's first letter to them and changed. This caused much happiness as you will see from this excerpt from Paul's second letter to them.

2 Cor 7:10-13
10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.
11 For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
12 So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.
13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. WEB

Change is a good thing, when the outcome is good. Happiness is the result. For those of us who are about to enter our sunset years, remember that growing old doesn't have to mean you can't stay young at heart. Just as a change from a sinful life to a spiritual one caused joy in Titus, so a rightly lived life in an older person will have the same effect on those around them. You may not want to play hopscotch, but find something new about yourself that will make you better. Anyone out there ever tried Hexagonal chess?

The Test.

No, this isn't a Roshack (excuse the spelling) test. I would ask you what you see, however. To me, its either a white and black picture of a woman OR a black and white picture of a sax player. What you see is a reflection of what you are thinking about. The Apostle Paul thought about others a lot as this passage from the book of Philippians shows.

Phil 1:1-8 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,
4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.WEB

They were on his mind, daily. What a thought! They were with him daily in his prayers. They cared for him and he cared for them. Love is a powerful thing; it changes things! When you go through your daily activities tomorrow, just take a minute now and then to consider what you have thought about. Hopefully, you won't be blowing your own horn, but perhaps you may see the beauty and worth of others around you. If you do, you have passed the test.

Characteristics, actions and numbers.

Pride is a horrible thing. It has been the source of so much suffering over the centuries that I can not even find words to express its extent. Pride has no limitations, boundaries or obstacles that can not be overcome. This is true in heaven and on Earth as well. In heaven there is Satan and on Earth, well, perhaps the owner of this car is someone who just might have one big problem. This passage from the book of Revelation describes just such a one. Try and think of an example of an Earthly application of this number (or man).

Rev 13 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names.2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him.6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven.7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.10 If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people.14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived.15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed.16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads;17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six. WEB


Why this number anyway? Called the Nero-kaiser-cryptograph it is a code name for the Emperor Nero of the 1st Century. But is that all? No, for everyone who does sin bears the name of sin. So, in this understanding, the great evil personages of History such as Genghis Kahn, Stalin, Hitler and many others would bear this title. It started in heaven with the pride of Satan who felt he was at least a 2nd God. Since each part of the triune nature of God is represented by a seven; God's number would be 777. If Satan were a second God, his number one less than THE GOD and would be 666; an unholy trinity to say the least. So, evil has a number and that number is a characteristic and an action and a person. Whoever lives the characteristic and the action puts themselves in the position of evil and therefore is a type of Satan. I hope some day to have the opportunity to meet the owner of this car; maybe he can be shown the errors of his ways; all he has to do is beyond his pride.

A stop for Donuts?

Things are not always as they seem. This officer could be writing a ticket, checking the status of a vehicle parked along the side of the road, or simply stopping one of the Dunkin Donuts people to say "thanks" for beginning to stock his favorite dunker. We don't know EXACTLY what is going on, so it would be safe to assume absolutely nothing. Just to associate a police officer with the donut chain leads one to think he is goofing off or taking advantage somehow, but we need to get the FACTS, BEFORE WE MAKE CONCLUSIONS. I like the letter of 1st Corinthians because Paul deals with real life situations, with real problems.

1 Cor 1:10-13
10 Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?WEB

People like clicks; they like to feel that they are part of the select few, that they are special. Paul knew the Corinthian church well and when informed about their behavior confronted them. He set them straight in a very direct yet considerate way. This is a very good example to follow; one that the police certainly know and practice. They do a difficult job and face danger on a daily basis. They deserve respect and understanding! Besides, everybody could use a donut with a cup of coffee once-in-awhile, even a policeman. I just wish our DD (Dunkin Donnuts) was a little closer, but who knows, maybe they will begin to make home deliveries and of course there would have to have a police escort!

Up, up and away

I was taken aback by this picture. Balloons at night with their reflection on the water; how absolutely beautiful! Which raises a good question: What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? And does this thing remain the same throughout the years? I remember when I was 7 years old (and I really WAS 7 years old once) I really, really, really, really wanted a Davey Crockett coonskin cap. Then one day the topic of girls came up with one of my parents and I was told that in a year or two I would begin to see girls differently. I couldn't believe it; someone would actually want to spend time with a girl rather than PLAY BASEBALL?? Well, along came Linda and things have never been the same again. Which reminds me of this passage from the Song of Solomon.

Song 2:1-4

1 I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys.
2 As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters. Beloved
3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, His fruit was sweet to my taste.
4 He brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love. WEB

Love changes things. You never see beauty the same again. Isn't it a little odd that I can go from a beautiful picture of helium balloons to thoughts of my wife just like that??? Not at all; for that's the way of the heart and it is overpowering. If you want an unusual experience, try re-reading the Song of Solomon. The physical and spiritual love the book exudes have a parallel between the love of God and the church which he purchased with his own blood. Love is wonderful and the true depths of it go beyond the comprehension of any mere mortal. But, I keep trying to understand and although I may never succeed, the trip is wonderful. I am reminded of an old song by the Fifth Dimension which somehow seems appropriate, its title: Up, up and away, my beautiful balloon! Look it up, you might enjoy it!

A bigger bucket

Fire; with it we warm our homes, cook our food and watch it as it burns in our fireplaces. Once it starts in a situation where we have no control, it becomes terrifying. Our natural instinct is to put it out at any cost, without thinking. I guess that what this person in the picture was doing... not thinking. If I were him, I would only do one thing...run! Fire inspires great fear, yet sometimes it is not to be feared, as this passage from the book of Daniel shows us.

Dan 3:15-29
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.19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.20 He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.21 Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spoke and said to his counselors, Didn't we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered the king, True, O king.25 He answered, Look, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire.27 The satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their pants changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.29 Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god who is able to deliver after this sort. WEB

To die a death by fire is a fearsome thing, but God is to be feared even more. In this case, God chose to save the three from destruction to teach a great king a lesson. The king listened and God was glorified; end of story. Well, perhaps not, because who knows, maybe someday we might have a choice like this to make as well. I only hope it doesn't involve fire. In the meantime, will someone tell that man to get a BIGGER BUCKET!!

The look on his face

I have always loved Mickey Mouse. I watched the Mickey Mouse club on TV every single day when I was small. But, somehow this "Mickey" seems a little crazy to me. Something about the paint job on this "Mickey" just says danger. Which brings to mind this passage from the book of proverbs.

Prov 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. WEB

Things have changed a lot since I was a kid and today those with young children have to watch more closely than ever what their youngsters are exposed to. Be wise, be careful, be a parent; twenty years from now your descendants will thank you!

Too Late????

Here's something you don't see everyday; the aftermath of a big meal. In order to look like this, it must have been a rather large beast, big enough for the two of them. But its not the appearance that bothers me so much as the fact that another animal died. I know, that is the way life is, but somehow it still bothers me. When I was 17 I thought I would live forever, but now at 60 I know better. Things happen. Death comes to us all, hopefully not a violent one, but hey, you never know. What is not inevitable is spiritual death; THAT CAN BE AVOIDED. Read the following passage from 1st Peter and take a few minutes to think about it.


1 Peter 5:6-10
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. WEB

You don't have to be "lunch" for the Devil; he can be overcome through faith. Faith in and through God who has power over the adversary. Don't take Satan lightly, don't fall for the misconception that he isn't real, don't be tricked; you are a target. Do save your spiritual future by the power of God by the faith the Almighty has given you. In humility, trust in God and look to him for the way out... its there, Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Listen, learn and do those things God wants you to do before its too late and you become next on Satan's luncheon list.

No whining

Nice little 50's diner; I used to go to one like it in Jersey called Johnny Rockets. However, Johnny Rockets didn't have the attitude that this little place has. Check out the sign. Tells you a lot doesn't it? Maybe people complain a bit too much here? Maybe the ownership just doesn't care whether they complain or not? Which brings to mind the thought; What do I complain about? What things bother me? And it is really right that I complain in the first place? Given the fact that Job had lost everything, what does it say about him?



Job 3:3-7
3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, The night which said, 'There is a boy conceived.'
4 Let that day be darkness; Don't let God from above seek for it, Neither let the light shine on it.
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes black the day terrify it.
6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein. WEB


Job was at a loss what to do and where to go. He felt that he was righteous before God and with good reason. So, he basically said... " Its better if I was never born". But he had a lesson to learn (as I guess we all do) that there is a lot going on in this world beyond our petty problems. Thankfully, by the end of the book he learned that he needed to trust more and think a whole lot less of himself. Complaining (or whining, if you will) doesn't solve a thing, but trusting in the power above all powers is the way to go.