Love and many colors

Let's see; there is: light blue, dark blue, pink, Salmon, black, grey, rust and white. Did I miss anything? Dark grey and dark red are the only exceptions. Sometimes when you look at things and keep looking, you see more and more and more. I am sure an hour from now I will see something I missed, but that's the way life is. All the colors in this beautiful landscape picture reminded me of Joseph in the book of Genesis.



Gen 37:3-10
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors.
4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn't speak peaceably to him.
5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more.
6 He said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:
7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf."
8 His brothers said to him, "Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?" They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words.
9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me."
10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?" WEB


Joseph was a favored son and that always means trouble in a family. But, he was a favorite of God as well and HE had a mission for him. Joseph's coat of many colors was the symbol of his favored status and its no wonder his brothers were "less than happy" about it; but his dreams were the stuff of dynamite. They revealed the future, a future the whole family was incensed over. In a way, you can understand their resentment and why this turned to hatred. However, God used even that to save a nation, so all turned out well. I like the parallel between the many colors in the picture and Joseph's coat; both are a reflection of love; God for this world and Israel for Joseph. I just wish I knew how many colors were in that coat...

The broken glass of life

I "know" this picture was probably doctored by photo shop, but how, that I don't know. In the real world, when glass comes apart it doesn't make nice symmetrical pieces. When something is broken, there IS A MESS. Life is like that; when troubles come, they tend to make a mess of everything, with a lot of jagged edges that hurt. But what if we could avoid troubles in the first place and understand what to do if they begin to appear. Reflect a minute about this and consider this passage from the book of Job.



Job 28:12-23
12 "But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?13 Man doesn't know its price; Neither is it found in the land of the living.14 The deep says, 'It isn't in me.' The sea says, 'It isn't with me.'15 It can't be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for its price.16 It can't be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire .17 Gold and glass can't equal it, Neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.20 Whence then comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?21 Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, And kept close from the birds of the sky.22 Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'23 "God understands its way, And he knows its place. WEB




You can't buy wisdom and understanding. As the years roll by, age teaches you a few things, but genuine wisdom comes from God. People come up with all sorts of theories about life, but there ARE REAL ANSWERS; all you have to do is to open HIS BOOK and LEARN. Sound simplistic, perhaps; but show me another book with more wisdom in it and I will be glad to read it. In the meantime, God can do something men can't; fix the fragile glass-like lives of sinful men. How? Let me tell you about a good friend of mine who has helped me. Can you guess his name.... starts with a "J".

One very stupendous sandwich

When I saw this picture, I said to myself "yum". Wouldn't you know I would spot this on my first day of a new diet. Sometimes things just happen, I guess. Diet aside, this is one very stupendous sandwich! How would one go about eating it? Certainly no one that I have ever met could open their mouth wide enough to accommodate this little jewel. So, I guess if you really wanted to eat this it would have to be done piecemeal. Just goes to show you that everyone has their limits. Oddly enough, this passage from the book of Galatians came to mind.

Gal 2:11-21
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?
15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,
16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!
18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.
19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!" WEB

Why grace instead of law? Because no one could keep the law perfectly, that's why! Like the sandwich, it could be dealt with in parts, but reality is that we all make mistakes from time to time. So, grace was given by God because he understands us and allows for our shortcomings. That being said, I just came home and its time for my supper, so I have to say good morning for now; and relax, if I have a sandwich, its going to be a small one.

A grocery list

This isn't my list. I have a developed art capability of stick figures, period. Truthfully, I really don't understand the mind that works like this, but I can still appreciate it, nonetheless. I does bring out a fact about humanity though; we are all different. And as this is true of the population in general, it is true in the church as well. Consider Paul's comment in the book of Ephesians.

Eph 4:11-16
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. WEB

Diversity with a purpose; with good reason. It takes all kinds of people to do the work of God. And in the process, building each other up. The key factor here is found in the very last verse of the passage:love. Without it, what's the point? With it, you have everything. Notice its purpose; a unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, to full Spiritual growth. Not only does the church need love which causes spiritual growth, but the entire WORLD does as well. Every day I see images of hate, descriptions of evil and lack of concern for my fellow human beings in the media and sometimes I really don't even want to see a TV newscast anymore. But, the world is what it is and we can only change what we can change and if we start with ourselves, perhaps that is enough. In the meantime, try to appreciate someone Else's take on life, even if it as simple as a grocery list.

HE kept looking

The human face is capable of many expressions an nuances, the look on this lady's face says volumes to me. If you look into her eyes, there is a sadness about her. Something says her heart is breaking with pain. This made me wonder what God looks like when HE is sad. No one alive really knows, but this passage from Genesis may give us a little insight.

Gen 6:5-8
5 Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 Yahweh was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart.
7 Yahweh said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the surface of the ground; man, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
8 But Noah found favor in Yahweh's eyes.WEB

Wickedness hurts! It grieved God and made HIM sorry he ever created man. Sorry enough to want to destroy all of mankind, so what God saw must have been very, very bad indeed. Yet, what did HE do, HE kept looking and saw Noah. Through Noah our species was preserved, life yet remains, but it could have gone the other way. There is a lesson in this and its not the way God looks, but rather what HE does; HE kept looking and found something good. We need to do that with those around us too. When we see the stupid, foolish things our fellow human beings do, hate the sin, but love the sinner. Look for GOODNESS, perhaps you will find it. Take heart, people can change. You may hurt for awhile, but who knows, a serendipity may just await you. This probably involve a different name than NOAH, but who knows?

Whiter than snow

Today I was watching a show from PBS about the great lodges of our National Parks. While I saw some of the most spectacular scenery one can imagine, this picture just jumped right out at me. No, it wasn't the lake or the boats or the lodges in the distance, it was the sky. Something about those alto stratus clouds reminded me of snow covered days in early January, when the snow is crisp and so clean and white it dazzles the eyes in the bright sunlight. There is something so pure, so refreshing about this sort of snow; and that is what the clouds looked like to me, snow in the heavens. This thought of purity was further enhanced by a couple of verses from the Bible and made me think of snow in just a little different way.

Ps 51:6-7
6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. WEB

Isa 1:18
18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. WEB

Wisdom, reason and purity are whiter than snow. They are the stuff of deity; its no wonder that the Bible talks about God dwelling in the purest of white light. When we desire God, we show wisdom and the use of reason will help us understand HIS will. Obedience to HIM and seeking to follow HIM daily is the pattern that will lead us beyond the clouds, to a fellowship more pure than the whitest of snow. Is there snow in heaven? Don't know, but if that is something that will make me happy, its probably there and you can just bet its really going to sparkle.

When danger is not danger

This road is in Bolivia and is called "The highway of death" for obvious reasons. Posting limitations prevent me from showing all the pictures, but when two tractor trailers meet on this road it will make even Mr. Spock raise an eyebrow. There is so little space on the road that just one mistake means a long fall and a gruesome death. A fearful thing indeed! Now consider this passage from the book of John for a moment and consider a more dangerous road than this.

John 14:1-6
14 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.
4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.WEB

When Jesus refers to himself as the "way", it is the same word used for road or path. Think about the twelve disciples who followed Jesus; almost all of them died a martyr's death; some died an excruciatingly painful and prolonged demise. But they gave a testimony (martyrdom) of the way from this world of flesh to the eternality of Spiritual life everlasting. And the danger and the suffering are shown to be mere flashes of time in an eternity of life for which they were bound. So, following The Christ of God is really not a danger at all, because in the end, every step with God on the way to heaven is as sure footed as if you were super glued to the road. All you have to do is not to look down and keep looking up!

My thanks to Brittany Cantin for the pictures!

GOD is dead?

The arrogance of this tombstone is amazing! As if by just putting up a stone someone could declare that the creator of the universe is dead. Beyond arrogance, it is an example of foolishness, an overstatement of a finite being trying to contend with the almighty. Don't agree; well, of course that is your right, but, then you have to explain all the other tombstones in ALL THE OTHER GRAVEYARDS ALL OVER THE WORLD! False ideas about God are nothing new, for even the Apostle Paul had to deal with such things.

1 Cor 1:18-31
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
29 that no flesh should boast before God.
30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord." WEB

To those who conceive of God as just an idea, consider the word itself. I like to think of it this way: G = Greatness, O = Oneness, D = Divinity. You can put these three letters on a stone all you want but you can't even really comprehend the magnitude of what they stand for. Which, of course is why I classify this tombstone as both foolish and arrogant. When compared to GOD we are nothing and instead of trying to diminish God, we should reflect on our own mortality and THEN begin to try to fathom even the smallest aspect of his nature.

Examples

If you have ever been to Hill's "2 minute" restaurant in Zephryhills, Florida, this ad will take on new meaning. An oriental gentleman named Kurt runs the place and all over the walls are every sort of picture of the "Duke". This gives the place a certain feel of homeyness which is further enhanced by Kurt and his staff. Those in retail could certainly learn a lot from him. But, this picture of John Wayne teaches something that you would be better off not learning -- smoking. Sometimes success in life is learning not to do everything; even if the rich and / or famous tell you its OK. A prime example of this is a situation the Apostle Paul found himself in. Read on for the rest of the story.

Galatians 2
2 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.10 They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!" WEB

Law was as good as far as it went, but sinful man couldn't keep it; so what was the point? Grace accomplished the point of the Law (to be right with God) and so what was the value of keeping the Law again? The answer is: no point at all! Even if somebody important like Peter succumbed to pressure that doesn't mean its the right thing to do. Paul sets the matter straight and shows the supremacy of Grace over Law. What does this have to do with today? Look at the superstars of today and the lifestyles they promote? Just because Ellen Degeneres or Oprah or Cher or Madonna lives a certain way doesn't mean that its the RIGHT WAY. John Wayne may have promoted Camels 40 years ago, but smoking killed then and does still. Be like Paul, look to Jesus for the answers; besides, Jesus is more famous than the "Duke" anyway.

Rainbows, suffering and mortality

Believe it or not this is a rainbow, but seen from under the surface of the water! I can't even begin to count the rainbows I have seen during my lifetime, but this one is unique. Just when you think you can't be surprised, whammo! Oddly enough, this made me think of Job and his situation. Throughout the book bearing his name, he argues with his "friends" over the cause for his problems and ailments. He steadfastly holds to his being right before God and man, but when he tries to argue with God, he is put in his place!

Job 40:1-14
40 Moreover Yahweh answered Job,2 "Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it."3 Then Job answered Yahweh,4 "Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."6 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,7 "Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me.8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?9 Or have you an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him?10 "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.11 Pour forth the fury of your anger. Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low.12 Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place.13 Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.14 Then I will also admit to you That your own right hand can save you. WEB

Job had forgotten he was but a mere mortal and God was the Almighty one! The good news is Job realizes his error and repents! God restores blessings to Job and all is well in the end. Suffering and being right before God are not necessarily linked together, but humility and being right are because pride is a sin. Its all how you look at it; just like seeing a rainbow again and this time for the first time.

Big boy's TOY

I know this is a motorcycle, but to me it looks like a big-wheel kids toy. And that toy is forever etched in my memories. Why? A former next-door neighbor's son used to ride it up and down the street next to my house and keep me awake during the day. So, when I see this I remember all those sleepless days (I was working midnight shift then) his innocent play caused. But, I know this IS A MOTORCYCLE, but it still is A BIG BOYS TOY; the hearts desire of some "grown-up" who still loves to "play". This reminds me of the ancient king Solomon who had his "toys" too.


Eccl 1:12-2:10
12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.2 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.7 I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—musical instruments, and that of all sorts.9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. WEB

If you could have your heart's desire, what would it be? Maybe a grown-up "big wheel" motorcycle or something else you have set your heart on? What if, what if, you could have anything your heart desired? Ultimately, would that make you happy? The answer is found later in the book of Ecclesiastes and that answer is a resounding "NO". Later on in the book Solomon says:


Eccl 12:13-14
13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil. WEB


Having "things" is fine, but in the end God shows that more than anything you could ever want, you REALLY NEED GOD. Bottom line, end of story. Besides, could you imagine even riding this "big wheel" motorcycle, I don't think I could even see over the handlebars????

Fit for the job

Talk about having a "bad day"! Can you imagine the embarrassment of the "rescuers"? And they should be ashamed. They screwed up; someone just didn't think out what they really needed to do the job correctly. These pictures reminded me of a similar situation from the book of Acts.


Acts 19:11-20
11 God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the evil spirits went out.
13 But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."
14 There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.
15 The evil spirit answered, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"
16 The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty. WEB



There is only one God and those who aren't empowered by him to do miracles would have been better off not even showing up. Its amazing to me though, that God could even use their failure to glorify his name. Now I guess the only question that remains is: Who are they going to call to haul in both dunked Riggs?

Clouds, sundials and faith

Please don't ask what causes these "Morning glory" clouds; I haven't a clue. But they do exist on the coast of Australia. Sometimes nature will surprise you, but what if the truly impossible happened? Just such a thing is recorded in the book of Isaiah.



Isa 38:4-8
4 Then the word of Yahweh came to Isaiah, saying,
5 "Go, and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.
6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.
7 This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do this thing that he has spoken.
8 Behold, I will cause the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the sundial on which it had gone down."'"WEB



The sun moved backwards; impossible, right? Well, God says it happened and that is good enough for me. Naive? Perhaps, but until today I wouldn't have believed clouds could look like those in the above picture. The truth is we humans don't know everything;the world is a strange place. Maybe tomorrow God will show me another something "new"? And with that revelation I just might gain just a smidgen more of faith.

Balancing act

I should think the odds of this stack occurring naturally is very high! Perhaps this bird will be able to stay there, maybe not, but who knows? When Linda and I were wed, our families gave us 6 months at the most before we split up; and yet several decades have gone by and we are still looking forward to another 6 months. Sometimes, the seemingly impossible comes true, just like the situation of the Jews when they returned from exile to build the temple. Nehemiah says...


Neh 4:1-6 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?
3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.
4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity;
5 and don't cover their iniquity, and don't let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders.
6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work. WEB



The wall just didn't happen, there had to be plenty of faith and hard work. Sure there were obstacles both physical and psychological, but so what, life is full of them. Faith combined with hard work quite often yields success. And who knows, perhaps the stones in the above picture will still look like that in 6 months, but I think a little superglue would help!

A long way up

Its the CNN tower and its BIG! More than that, this picture makes me realize how far it is to the top! Being a Christian seems like climbing this tower to me. You start at the ground floor at your conversion and over time learn to forget your "old" life. Problems happen, its like that for everyone and they just have to be put behind you. Over the span of life you may feel you have accomplished a little or a lot, but its not what you have done to get to heaven, its the RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS that is important. Reality sets in a no matter how "good" you are, in and of yourself, YOU don't measure up. God makes up the difference through Jesus and you just need to keep looking up and persevere. I love this passage from the book of Philippians because it seems to transform the mundane into a life of poetry for me.

Phil 3:1-14 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;
4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yes most assuredly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;
11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. WEB

Many years ago I worked as a guard for a company in upstate New York. After about 8 PM or so, there were very few people left in the plant and after 10 PM I was all alone. But strangely, I never felt alone, even when there was tons of ice and snow outside and I knew that if I fell punching that key clock on one of the outside buildings it could be disastrous; still I kept doing my rounds. I really don't remember being afraid at all; I just kept on doing my thing. God was with me and that's all that mattered. Even when the company was broken into (on my day off) I still continued working as before. Living with Jesus is like that; you just keep going and God takes care of the rest. It may be a long way up to heaven, but the company is great!

Fireproof

Whoever is doing this is just a little "crazy"! Why would someone do this in the first place? For money, a bet or some other "reason". The only one I can think of is that he is running for his life. But, people do the strangest things for equally strange reasons. When the topic of religion is brought up, well, strange becomes normal and normal is out there. Why would someone base their hope of heaven on a mere mortal or follow some brilliant teacher instead of going to the source, Jesus HIMSELF. The Corinthian Christians were all mixed up and the apostle Paul was trying to solve their problems in his letters, but it wasn't easy. Read this short passage from 1st Corinthians and reflect on it a bit.

1 Cor 3:1-15
3 Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready,
3 for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men?
4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly?
5 Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
6 I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
8 Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
11 For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;
13 each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is.
14 If any man's work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
15 If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. WEB

If God builds the church it stands, otherwise, in the last day it will be destroyed. Men are fallible, God is not. If the church passes the example found in the New Testament, it will retained; if not, destroyed. Having said this, focus for a minute on verse 15. God is merciful and will bring the saved through the fire, but with difficulty. Its worth asking yourself the question: "What am I basing my religious beliefs and practices on?" Hopefully, you will think about it and then go the the Bible to check the foundation; make it fireproof!

Quick or slow

Death comes to us all; some more quickly than others. Its easy to understand that if you shoot yourself you WILL DIE, but not quite so obvious if you smoke. To be fair, some poeple who smoke live a long, long time, but I don't think that is the general rule. I know how hard it is to quit smoking and what happens when you quit. I was recently reminded of that during my recent recuperation from neck surgery. For about 6 weeks I was on oxycotin and when I realized I really needed to stop taking it, I found out what a pain addiction withdrawl was. Sin is like both smoking and prescription drugs. Its easy to see the big things like murder or rape and not so obvious in matters of "small" things, like bringing home a pen from work or telling a "white lie". Sin is what it is and with all the power in you... avoid it at all costs. Somehow this passage from John seemed to "fit".



John 5:9-14
9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.
10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."
11 He answered them, "He who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"
12 Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"
13 But he who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.
14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you." WEB



Ok, I didn't include the beginning of the passage when it mentioned the length of his sickness, but it was 38 years. If you have ever been sick for more than a few months, you know that something inside you changes as you continue in your sickness. Obviously, he had sinned because Jesus told him to sin no more. Face it; we all fall short of the mark, but we can and MUST do everything we are able to do to resist evil. Just like the anti-smoking ad above, tolerated sin will kill you. Take your pick, quick or slow?

Walk on water

When I saw this picture today, I thought of a manager I know who frankly is one great boss; but sadly I am forced to admit that not even HE IS PERFECT. Often, when we talk of some one's perfection we say that they could "walk on water". But, so far as I know there has only been one man who filled the bill (and, yes this picture is probably photo-shopped). Consider these two passages from the book of Matthew.

Matt 8:23-27
23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
24 Behold, a great tempest arose in the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.
25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, "Save us, Lord! We are dying!"
26 He said to them, "Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 The men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"WEB

and

Matt 14:22-33
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear.27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid."28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."29 He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!"WEB

Jesus had this power over the elements that makes even a skeptic wonder. Imagine having the power to control nature and do the impossible. How would YOU use it? Some might show off to impress people, but Jesus uses his to help people. No pride here, just love and concern. Reason enough for most of us to want to investigate more about him. The thing is: The more you know about him, the more there is to know and with each bit of information comes another testimony about the only perfect man who ever lived. And the only one who was perfect enough to "walk on water".

A change is coming

Change. Over the past year or so we have heard that word, again and again. But for us all change is about to occur. Soon, in the Northern states the weather will have a chill to it and the leaves will begin to look like this picture. Change can be either good or bad, but in the case of the coming of Autumn, it is decidedly good. There is something wonderful about the yellow and Gold of this time of year that is way beyond pleasant. Even in Florida, where temperatures reach 90 for half of the year, it begins to cool off in October. In ancient Israel, Jeremiah foretold of coming change, a change that dwarfs a mere change of season.

Jer 31:28-34
28 It shall happen that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says Yahweh.
29 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
30 But everyone shall die for his own iniquity: every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.
31 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yahweh.
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. WEB

Jeremiah spoke of what God would do in his relationship with Israel; change from a rule based relationship to a heart based one. Grace was to reign instead of Law; justice was now to be tempered with mercy. Relationship now superseded regulation; and THAT MEANT A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN STATUS! Instead of being treated like children, Israel was to given the blessing of adulthood. A change is coming and has come, and, as you watch the leaves change, think about how God has richly blessed us. Autumn is going to be a wonderful time in Florida, even if the leaves don't change.

Something good, something better

Yesterday was an interesting day, 9-9-9. Most cultures consider this number a "lucky" one, but a few hold the exact opposite view. Whatever your view, whether it be good, bad or just plain INDIFFERENT, one fact remains; the day is past. You can not change it, no matter how much you might want to. Thinking about tomorrow is in about the same category; FORGET ABOUT IT! I like this verse from the book of Proverbs.

Prov 27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow; For you don't know what a day may bring forth. WEB

The safest way to live is in the eternal "now"; tomorrow is unknown and yesterday is gone. If God is (was) your companion, then both extremes are unimportant because you are not alone. Enjoy life as you find it. I included this beautiful sunset to remind me that in every day there is something good and in every tomorrow there is the possibility of something better.

Beyond looking up

I can't remember seeing a "reflection" picture from this angle, but it made an impression on me, nonetheless. Somehow looking up to "look up" is a strange concept to me. Its like the clouds are actually part of the building instead of outside it. Both seem to morph the building into a heavenly edifice. And the longer I look at it, the stranger it seems. Seeing Jesus must have been something like this picture; you can see him, yet, there is something more there, something you quite can't put your finger on, something special. Even unbelievers could understand (after awhile) and react. Check out this passage from John chapter 10 to see the light of it.

John 10:24-31
24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, these testify about me.
26 But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one."
31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. WEB

The Jews wanted to stone Jesus because they understood (at last) that Jesus was God, not just a representative of God. One not only in substance and character and power, but a physical Earthly display of Godhood! In order to see him for what he really was they needed to look up beyond their own narrow understandings and see the truth. And what they finally understood was too much for them and they became violent because of their hardness of heart. Looking up to look up higher does take a bit of faith, but to look up and see beyond reflections, well, that is the stuff of heaven.

Seeing God for what HE is

It seems to me that who did this picture had the tale of Moses and the burning bush in mind. So, here is the passage from the book of Exodus.

Ex 3:1-6
3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God's mountain, to Horeb.
2 The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3 Moses said, "I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."
4 When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses! Moses!" He said, "Here I am."
5 He said, "Don't come close. Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place you are standing on is holy ground."
6 Moreover he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God. WEB

Astounding! Just consider for a moment what is happening here; God is speaking with a man! Even more puzzling is the comparison of "The angel of Yahweh" (verse 2) with the statement from verse 4 that "God called to him out of the midst of the bush". Is God an angel? How could this be? Well, the term angel means messenger, so we have God being a messenger of himself, humm. In the new testament book of John it says that no man has seen God, so is there a contradiction? No, because I believe that the Exodus passage is referring the preincarnate Jesus. Not only here, but in every instance of God directly interacting with man. Think about it, in the Godhead, God the father directs, the Son materially interacts with mankind and the Holy Spirit empowers. There is not a God of the Old Testament and a God of the New, but rather One God manifesting himself in various distinct and yet collective ways. All this may seem very difficult, but consider how difficult it must have been for Moses to be there? I know it would be for me, especially as I don't like heights!

The "game" of "Life"

No, this is not a game!!! This is a resume!!! Very unusual, but sure to be noticed. When I saw this, I thought of my own life and what would be on my own version. All that we do is observed and noted by the creator of the entire universe; nothing is hidden to him. Think that is not important; well, consider this passage from the book of revelation.

Rev 20:11-15
11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.
14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. WEB

Payday, someday. Each block of our own resume builds a pathway to our own eternal destiny. In a sense we decide whether we win or lose in this life AND THE NEXT!!! So, each day make a decision to listen to God and make the right choices, in order that your own resume is a pathway to the pearly gates.

Gospel shoes

I have never seen these before. Nice! Unnecessary, but NICE! Why did I say that? Because its not about the shoes you wear or what you look like or the kind of work you do... its about knowing God and sharing what he has done for you the best that you can. Take a minute and look at this passage from the book of Romans and see if it doesn't give all this a little bit more insight.

Rom 10:1-17 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God.4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down);7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)"8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;" that is, the word of faith, which we preach:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. WEB

Sharing what Jesus has done makes you beautiful; no matter who you are. Even if you are 15 and have pimples or seventy and grey hair, you have beautiful feet; the Bible says it and its true. Not everyone will like you and that is just the way it is, but the fact is that you are still beautiful. So, go ahead and buy the sneakers or don't buy them; either way... you are beautiful.

The power and the blessing

This picture reminds me of the up-state New York Adirondack's. Many years ago my in-laws had a camp near Newcomb and I remember streams just like this one. If you stood by it, you could hear the rushing water and get a sense of the real power that was there. The forest would come alive with the sound of it and it seemed like a symphony to me. Clear refreshing water was in those streams and when coupled with the smell of the surrounding forest, it produced an overall well-being as nothing I had ever experienced before. I thought of the following passage from the book of John; I hope you enjoy it!

John 4:5-29
5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph.6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour .7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?"13 Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I don't get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw."16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."17 The woman answered, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You said well, 'I have no husband,'18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly."19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father.22 You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things."26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who speaks to you."27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you speak with her?"28 So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?"WEB

Different country, different time, a strange meeting and possibility was at Sycar. Jesus spoke to this woman and challenged her in many ways; especially with the concept of living water. He intrigued her with the thought of water that will be of eternal value and of his own identity. She went away puzzled, but her curiosity led many to seek out Jesus. It has always been interesting to me that the more you come to know him, the more there is to know. Such are the depths of the knowledge of God. What is certain is that his gifts reflect his nature and that is eternal. Those who really seek God will find him and experience the power and blessing that only HE can provide.

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?