5/31/11

A kiss is a nice place to start...


OK, we have seen this on TV, and seen this on TV and again and again and again.  Nice picture!!!  But it occurred to me that this is but a beginning, not an ending.  I wonder how this match will endure?  If by some crazy coincidence they ever should happen to read this, my advice to them would center around this passage from the New Testament.

Ephesians 5:22-33 (WEB)


22) Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23) For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.

24) But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;

26) that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

27) that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28) Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

29) For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;

30) because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.

31) “For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh.”

32) This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.

33) Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Marriage is a wonderful thing!!!  But, it takes work; very hard work!!!  Without God in the equation, an almost insurmountable task.  So, if you are married... remember, you marriage may start with a kiss but the chances of it enduring vastly improve if God is with you!!!!

5/30/11

Remember?


I did.  Its funny the way memory works and how the human brain makes associations.  I have been thinking about that a lot today because today is a day for remembering.  America has been blessed with almost countless patriots who were willing to give anything to preserve freedom...even their lives and they should be honored!!!  But I wonder, is anyone remembering God today?  Here is a passage from the Old Testament where they did.

1 Samuel 7:1-13 (WEB)
1) The men of Kiriath Jearim came, and fetched up the ark of Yahweh, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of Yahweh.

2) It happened, from the day that the ark stayed in Kiriath Jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after Yahweh.

3) Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you do return to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to Yahweh, and serve him only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

4) Then the children of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served Yahweh only.

5) Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to Yahweh.”

6) They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Yahweh, and fasted on that day, and said there, “We have sinned against Yahweh.” Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

7) When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

8) The children of Israel said to Samuel, “Don’t cease to cry to Yahweh our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.”

9) Samuel took a suckling lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering to Yahweh: and Samuel cried to Yahweh for Israel; and Yahweh answered him.

10) As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel; but Yahweh thundered with a great thunder on that day on the Philistines, and confused them; and they were struck down before Israel.

11) The men of Israel went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines, and struck them, until they came under Beth Kar.

12) Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Yahweh helped us until now.”

13) So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more within the border of Israel. The hand of Yahweh was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

Israel was always fighting the nations around it.  They were hindered by their own stubborn refusal to abandon the false gods of their neighbors.  They often were defeated by them and it wasn't until they turned back from their evil ways that God helped them.  They set up a stone to remember God's help.  I wonder what association you use to remember what God has done for you?

5/29/11

Fire sale



This picture made me think of the newscaster who informed me yesterday that the "crystal tower" of Robert Schuller's "Hour of Power" was up for sale because of financial problems.  Which, in turn made me think of this passage from the book of Acts...

Acts 5:1-12 (WEB)
1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,

2) and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4) While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”

5) Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.

6) The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.

7) About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.

8) Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9) But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

10) She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.

11) Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.

12) By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

Money is a strange thing; with it you have many "friends", without it, well... you have problems.  In the case of the situation of both the picture and the crystal tower, its obvious something "not so good" is happening.  When it comes to handling monies dedicated to God, we all should take a lesson from Acts 5 and BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT WE DO!!!  While there no longer are any apostles around, God is still watching what we do and some day we will have to account for our giving.  Hint: concentrate on pleasing God and not your own personal "WANTS" and you will probably do "OK".  If not, there probably will be a "fire sale" of the most unpleasant sort.

5/28/11

Surpise!!


Frankly, this picture was a bit of a surprise.  Most of the time a storm happens first and then... out comes the rainbow!  Yet, here they are together!!!  Life is sure full of surprises!!!  Here is a series of them from the book of Matthew!!!

Matthew 3:1-17 (WEB)
1) In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

2) “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”

3) For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”

4) Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

5) Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.

6) They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8) Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!

9) Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

10) “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.

11) I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

12) His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.”

13) Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

14) But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”

15) But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.

16) Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.

17) Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

John was a surprise.  The Jews really didn't expect someone like him.  He just didn't preach about the LAW, he made people accountable.  For those who viewed the LAW as ceremony, John's personal appeal for change came as a surprise.  But the big surprise is in verse 14.  John was surprised that Jesus would be baptized.  What he didn't understand was that Jesus needed to do this because it showed the way for others to do the will of God (righteousness: being right and doing right).  Next, other surprises... the dove and the voice, giving testimony about Jesus.  Life is indeed full of surprises, not all of them good, but some, like these, wonderful serendipities.  Almost makes you want something to happen right away, doesn't it?

5/27/11

Another viewpoint


Rainbows have always fascinated me.  Such beautiful colors in the sky attract attention without fail.  Every time I look at one I see it from a different angle, but always.... up.  I wonder what it really would be like to look DOWN at one?  Although this picture doesn't exactly show this, it does make you think about it.  However, one day we may actually BE ABLE TO LOOK DOWN ON ONE.  Consider the following passage from the book of Revelation....

Revelation 21:1-4 (WEB)
1) 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, prepared 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.”

Being with God in the New Jerusalem will change things.  The world below will somehow see unimportant, but I am sure that if God chooses to retain something beautiful from the old world below a rainbow is a likely candidate.  Who knows?  I guess we will just have to wait and see; in the meantime, enjoy the color!  Its always worthwhile to take the time to consider the creations of God, especially if they are beautiful.

5/26/11

Seeing things differently...


Wrong!  Its not the results, its the condition!!!  Getting drunk is stupidity, plain and simple.  Of course you do stupid things when inebriated!!! Why get drunk at all?  Maybe you just want to spend all your money, or act like a fool, or say something you will regret later.  Perhaps its the allure of throwing up or the terrible feeling of a hangover.  Who wouldn't want these things in their life?  Yet, people have and will get plastered and call it "fun".  Makes absolutely no sense to me at all!!!  Reality is, however, that some people will never learn no matter how many examples are before them.  Here is an instance of this from the Old Testament.

Daniel 5:1-31 (WEB)


1) Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

2) Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.

3) Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, drank from them.

4) They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

5) In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

6) Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.

7) The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

8) Then came in all the king’s wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.

9) Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

10) Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spoke and said, O king, live forever; don’t let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.

11) There is a man in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar your father, the king, I say, your father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

12) because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.

13) Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?

14) I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

15) Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

16) But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

17) Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

18) You, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:

19) and because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he killed, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down.

20) But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

21) and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.

22) You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,

23) but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.

24) Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.

25) This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26) This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end;

27) TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.

28) PERES; your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

29) Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30) In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.

31) Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Belshazzar saw his father eat grass and lose his senses for seven years and didn't learn a thing!!!  How sad!!!!  After some wine tasting he made the decision to drink from the vessels from the Jewish temple.... bad move.  God showed him the "handwriting on the wall" and then removed him from power.  I wonder if he would have stayed in power if it had not been for the drink???  I guess we will never know, but NOT DRINKING would probably been a good idea.  The world may seem fine WHILE YOU ARE DRUNK, but sooner or later you WILL COME BACK TO REALITY and chances are you will wish things looked a little different.  Humm, there just might be a lesson here about respecting God and yourself...

5/25/11

A reflection is worth a thousand words


Reverse image photography; way cool!!!  Unlike some other technology out there, this one seems simple... take a picture near a lake and the resultant mirror image adds beauty to the scence by its mere reflection.  Yet, the complexity it adds is both elegant and beautiful and its reverse nature is intriguing.  To me, its like the book of Ephesians as the things of this world and those of the next are merged by a reflection of one against another.  Paul says...

Ephesians 1:3-23 (WEB)


3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ;

4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love;

5) having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

6) to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved,

7) in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

8) which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

9) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

10) to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him;

11) in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will;

12) to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

13) in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14) who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.

15) For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints,

16) don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,

17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;

18) having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19) and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might

20) which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

21) far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.

22) He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly,

23) which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

To be able to comprehend the eternal nature, plan and power of Jesus of Nazareth in the context of heavenly realms is fantastic.  For, like the picture, we have a dim reflection (here on Earth) of the true reality of heaven.  Magnificent, truly magnificent!!!!  Although not a simple as a picture, yet I think I can grasp the concept a little and the picture it creates in my mind is worth a thousand words.  Oh yes, and colorful, too!!!!

5/24/11

Attitude!

Just a picture of a moose, but a moose with an attitude!  You can see it in the eyes, they seem to say: "You talkin to me"? This big guy can go where he wants, do what he wants and just doesn't want to be bothered by YOU.  Attitude is especially evident when it comes to money.  What does it take to get you to spend it?  What do you buy and WHY?  Here is one example from the New Testament:

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (WEB)


1) Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;

2) how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

3) For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

4) begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

5) This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

6) So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.

7) But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

8) I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

10) I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.

11) But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

12) For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.

13) For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,

14) but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.

15) As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Fellow Christians were hungry; there was a REAL NEED.  Even though these people were great givers, yet they were in need themselves.  Says a great deal about them, doesn't it?  There has so much fraud over the years, that to even bring up giving makes us all a little Leary, but the fact remains that generosity is a Christian characteristic and should remain one.  So, the next time you are asked to help some worthwhile endeavor, don't be like the moose; just help the best you can, period.

5/21/11

Problems, problems and solutions...


Huh?  How can this be?  At first this does present a problem, but if you think about it, this is really no problem at all.  This reminds me of the current controversy about the end of the world (supposed to happen at 6 pm today).  Jesus said that no one would know the time or the hour of the judgment, but someone is again putting a date on it.  Like the passage below, it is a problem for some...

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (WEB)


13) But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

15) For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

16) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,

17) then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.

18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Context: There were those in the first century who were telling Christians that the resurrection had already occurred, so that all was lost.  So, Paul responds with these comments.  If the end is here, so what?  If you are a Christian, you are prepared, if you are not, its too late and you are doomed.  Worrying will do you no good, only action will.  Quick, read Acts chapter two and do something about it; problem solved.  As far as the picture puzzle is concerned... the last person took the basket and the egg.  So much for problems.

5/20/11

Two


There is a unique idea, a swing and a house rolled into one!!!  But, does it actually swing?  Not sure one that one, but its a nice idea all the same.  To me, this reminds me of double discovery check, where you move one piece (or hopefully capture something of importance) and by doing so two pieces place the opponents' king in jeapoardy. Always loved that move, its really neat to do several things at one time and do them well.  Here is a passage from the New Testament where God does two things at once and checkmates sin.

Acts 2:22-36 (WEB)


22) “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,

23) him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

24) whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.

25) For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

26) Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;

27) because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.

28) You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29) “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30) Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

31) he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.

32) This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.

33) Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.

34) For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand,

35) until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

36) “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

By allowing Jesus to die and raising him up, God made him both Lord and Christ. This powerfully overcame sin and put those still in its grasp to react as follows: 
 
Acts 2:37 (WEB)

37) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

What indeed?  Its no small wonder why so many were baptized that day; for all could see the power of God.  All this is pretty straight forward but one question does remain:  I wonder if God plays chess? Let's put a chessboard in this little house and see what happens...

5/19/11

One thing only

Trick picture.  One color (yellow) was selectively chosen.  The emphasis is so much that it is "over the top", but it does yield the desired effect.  Ever known a PERSON who was like this; I have.  Most of my adult working life I spent in laboratories of all kinds; research, tech service, product development and quality control and I have been blessed in knowing some of the smartest people on the planet.  Yet, sometimes these "geniuses" were ridiculous.  Some could focus in on a complex math problem or chemical interaction or experimental prediction, but to remember to wash or comb their hair or change their clothes regularly was beyond them.  Seems funny doesn't it?  Single mindedness to the nth degree seems absurd, but is it?  Consider the following passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians...

Philippians 3:1-12 (WEB)
1) 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 certainly, 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.

Paul found the truth about true religion and obsessively followed it, which sounds odd at first, but in reflection is wonderful.  The way to life after life; who WOULDN'T WANT THAT?  So maybe single mindedness isn't so bad after all.  Well, have to go, the season finale of "The Big Bang Theory" is on tonight!
Another trip down memory lane...

5/18/11

Blow, NOW!!!

In Real Estate, the three most important selling points are: Location, Location, Location!!!  So, whoever took this picture had to be in the right place at the right time (with a camera of course).  It does make me think of heaven and that gives me comfort, as does the following passage from the book of Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (WEB)

13) But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

15) For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

16) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,

17) then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.

18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Face it, this world can be a depressing place.  Wars, famine, greed, murder, social injustice and the like is enough to get anyone down.  Yet, Jesus gives hope, hope of something better: life after life!!  That's a pretty good thing to think about; to know that no matter how bad things are in the here and now, someday they WILL BE BETTER!!!  Not just in a general way, either.  Jesus cares for each and every one of us as this passage about the "rapture" shows.  In this world of sin that's something to blow your horn about!!!

5/17/11

Something bothering you?


What a face!  And from one so young!  Anger can happen to anyone, at any age.  But does it have value in a positive way?  Most of the time, NO!  Yet, most of us are angry one time or another, for whatever reason.  Paul mentions this in the book of Galatians...

Galatians 5:16-21 (WEB)


16) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19) Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,

21) envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

That it is a work of the flesh, there is no doubt.  That there is more than one kind is obvious from observations in life.  All anger is not the same, but the sort that bursts out can be very, very dangerous indeed.  How many crimes of passion have occurred because of this??  Yet, anger could motivate you to defend yourself and save your life.  You be the judge.  One thing seems clear to me... control it, or it will control you.

5/16/11

Time out...


Remember this?  Well, maybe not exactly like this, but I bet somehow you WERE punished when you were growing up.  My memories are not pleasant, but I did learn and I guess that is the point.  Here are a few verses from the Bible on the subject.


Proverbs 13:24 (WEB)

24) One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Proverbs 3:11 (WEB)

11) My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline, neither be weary of his reproof:


2 Timothy 3:16 (WEB)

16) Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,

No matter how its done, no matter who does it discipline should be meant to teach.  Today, if you use corporal punishment, society says you are WRONG, but reread the first verse.  It is meant to be used with LOVE, to TEACH!!!  God teaches too, sometimes by circumstance, but most often by HIS WORD, which addresses every aspect of learning.  Maybe, if we think about it long enough we will learn God's ways are the best ways.  If so, our time out is time well spent!!!

5/14/11

What is next?

The lowest gas price I can remember is 29 cents a gallon.  At the time, I thought that was a lot of money, but who could have imagined the prices today?  You hear a lot on TV, but somehow, it just seems unreasonable that prices are rising so fast.  All this makes me think that somewhere, someone is stealing money right out of my pocket.  But this sort of sin doesn't exist by itsself, so I wonder what other sins the Oil Companies are into??  Take a minute and read the ten commandments from Deuteronomy and then I have a question for you.

 Deuteronomy 5:6-21 (WEB)


6) “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

7) “You shall have no other gods before me.

8) “You shall not make an engraved image for yourself, any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

9) you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me;

10) and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

11) “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

12) “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Yahweh your God commanded you.

13) You shall labor six days, and do all your work;

14) but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.

15) You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

16) “Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

17) “You shall not murder.

18) “Neither shall you commit adultery.

19) “Neither shall you steal.

20) “Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

21) “Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife; neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

People are not stupid, they know right from wrong; why not just give them the "Golden Rule" and be done with it?  Because they weren't ready for it.  Those who are not spiritually minded need an abundance of rules to cover many contingencies because they really don't want to obey any of them.  Any excuse to circumvent God's will is enough.  So, I expect that over time we may find out what the oil companies are really doing and I bet they are not just stealing.  What's next?  I don't know, but I am sure I won't like it.

5/11/11

Change


To me this leave seems a bit unusual.  Most of the time a leaf is either green or gold, not half and half.  Looks to me that someone picked this off the tree to make a point.  And a good point it is; things change and change can be good.  Once again this passage from the book of Ecclesiastes comes to mind.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (WEB)
1) For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

2) a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3) a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4) a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5) a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6) a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7) a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8) a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Things change, the fact is inescapable and in fact necessary.  Yesterday I had my 62nd birthday.  More than just a date, it marked my ability to collect Social Security (you know, the fund for OLD PEOPLE), but it wasn't until my birthday party, when the brought out the cake decorated with "old timer" that it hit me.  I guess I am officially "OLD" now.  But that's not so bad, because I feel like the leaf in the picture because I know that there is still some green in me yet.  And when all of it is gone, my color will match the golden streets in heaven.  Nice match, nice change.

5/10/11

Celebrate!


If you have ever been to Disney, then this picture will bring back memories.  Fireworks and celebrations are entertaining; they bring happiness.  Which naturally raises the question: What does it take to make you happy enough to be thankful for your happiness?  Here is the story of two men; one thankful, one introspective, but which one will REALLY be happy in the long run?

Luke 18:9-14 (WEB)


9) He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.

10) “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.

11) The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

12) I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’

13) But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The one who humbled himself before God will ultimately be the happier one!  Paradoxical isn't it.  Yet, God can turn sorrow into joy and that is the best kind of happiness I know.  Today is my birthday; I have already received cards, e-mails, facebook messages and well wishes.  The day didn't start out very good, as my arthritis made my night not-so-good, but when I look at all the blessings of the day, that seems very unimportant indeed.  Most of all it has been humbling, knowing that so many people care about me.  If there are so many blessings in this world, then I can only wonder at the next.  I'll find out later, Jesus will show me... eventually!!!

5/9/11

Fire, the human heart and GOD


What a grand scene!  If you look at the mountain on the right, it is red, like it is on fire.  Of course this reminds me of Moses meeting God on Mt Sinai (except for the snow)

Exodus 19:16-20 (WEB)


16) It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled.

17) Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.

18) Mount Sinai, all it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

19) When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.

20) Yahweh came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Scary, very scary.  Yet, such was the presence of Yahweh!!!  Imagine how small the people felt in the presence of God!!!  How awesome it must have been to see this, how terrifying!!!  But the God of this episode took the form of a baby and blessed us.  Hard to imagine, but true.  God is more than fire, more than smoke or miracles, he lives in the hearts of all those who have a fire in their heart for him and the best part is... you don't even need a mountain.

5/8/11

And the rest of the story is...


Something has happened; now, there remains to see what the outcome will be.  There is that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach and you are feeling a little nervous.  This is how the disciples must have felt after Jesus was placed in the tomb...

Luke 24:1-53 (WEB)


1) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

2) They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3) They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body.

4) It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.

5) Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?

6) He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee,

7) saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”

8) They remembered his words,

9) returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.

10) Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles.

11) These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them.

12) But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

13) Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.

14) They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened.

15) It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them.

16) But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

17) He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18) One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19) He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;

20) and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.

21) But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

22) Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb;

23) and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.

24) Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

25) He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

26) Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?”

27) Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28) They drew near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.

29) They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” He went in to stay with them.

30) It happened, that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them.

31) Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight.

32) They said one to another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”

33) They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,

34) saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

35) They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36) As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37) But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38) He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39) See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”

40) When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41) While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42) They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

43) He took them, and ate in front of them.

44) He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

45) Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.

46) He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48) You are witnesses of these things.

49) Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50) He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

51) It happened, while he blessed them, that he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven.

52) They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

53) and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

And the rest of the story is... Jesus.  He comforted, he explained, he blessed them and then went to HEAVEN.  That's the way it is; Jesus has been and always will be the answer.  Life is tough, things happen; sometimes very bad things.  The thing is: God has a way of transmuting bad to GOOD!!!  Jesus is the primary example of this; even the most evil thing that can happen (death) was (is) changed to life.  Don't you just love a happy ending; God does and that is the rest of the story (and I am sure that Paul Harvey would agree!!!).

5/7/11

More than a twenty dollar bill


This picture was very nice to see for many reasons.  First, it was nice to see some non-Caucasians doing something for a "White Guy".  Most of the time whites are the object of hatred (on TV) and this is a refreshing change.  Also, it seems as if there were more than one person helping (neighbors).  Again, very nice.  If you watch crime shows on TV, most of the time, the perpetrator is black, so, its nice to see non-whites in a different light.  All this reminds me of the following parable of Jesus...

Luke 10:29-37 (WEB)


29) But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”

30) Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31) By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32) In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33) But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,

34) came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35) On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’

36) Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?”

37) He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The Samaritans had been Jews, but had not followed faithfully.  This doesn't mean that some (perhaps, even most) of them were not GOOD PEOPLE, it just means that they were not as religious as the JEWS thought they should be.  So, they were hated.  Jesus shows they were the JEWS neighbors and worthy of praise by this parable and strikes at the heart of prejudice everywhere.  I like the picture because it shows that everyone with a good heart will show it... no matter what their ethnic background.  They found common ground in the flag and realized that America is the land where many different people work together for freedom.  In one sense, we are all "family" because we are human beings and someday we may actually be able to overcome our differences completely.  I can't wait...

5/6/11

Purity, the Bible and understanding


Seems a little far fetched, doesn't it?  How could anyone come to the conclusion to do this to a teacher?  Yet, far worse has been done in the name of God, so misinterpreting the Bible is no surprise.  Remember the crusades, or how about the inquisition?  When it comes to correctly understanding the message of the Bible, a heart unadulterated by the world is a necessity.  Consider this passage from the book of Titus...

Titus 1:15-16 (WEB)


15) To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

16) They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

To me, these verses explain how so much evil can be done in the name of God.  Sin corrupts the mind as well as the body and leads to error upon error.  As far as the picture goes, I am reminded of the first line of the Christian hymn: Nearer my God to thee "...even though it be a cross...".  There are worst things than dying for Jesus... review verses 15 and 16 to see what I mean.

5/5/11

Get to work!


Thomas Edision's lab; how quaint!  Yet, at one time it was "state of the art" and we all know that he contributed a great deal to our society.  For most people this picture may seem strange, but not for me.  I worked over 25 years in chemical labs and some were not much more advanced than this!!  So, when I look at this picture, I think "WORK".  Yuk!!!  But even though I am headed towards retirement soon, I will always have to "work".  Read on to see what I mean.

Philippians 2:12 (WEB)


12) So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

You have to work at your life; it doesn't just happen.  Others may influence you, but your own heart drives your actions.  Each of us is different; we have different levels of physical and mental capabilities, varying social skills and habits.  In short, we are unique!  Since we will be known by what we do, let your "work" in life always have a spiritual focus and you will reinvent yourself on a daily basis.  You may not be a Thomas Edision, but your life is what you make of it, so get to work!!!

5/4/11

Disaster

Even though I downloaded this picture quite some time ago, it is still current.  Recent events have made us think a lot recently about disaster.  What would we do if placed in a situation like this.  Here is one Biblical example.

Nehemiah 1:1-11 (WEB)

1) The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2) that Hanani, one of my brothers, came, he and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3) They said to me, “The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”

4) It happened, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,

5) and said, “I beg you, Yahweh, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments:

6) Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.

7) We have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses.

8) “Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you trespass, I will scatter you abroad among the peoples;

9) but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet will I gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there.’

10) “Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power, and by your strong hand.

11) Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cup bearer to the king.

Nehemiah 2:1-8 (WEB)
1) It happened in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine was before him, that I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad before in his presence.

2) The king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” Then I was very much afraid.

3) I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why shouldn’t my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?”

4) Then the king said to me, “For what do you make request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5) I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may build it.”

6) The king said to me (the queen was also sitting by him), “For how long shall your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7) Moreover I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;

8) and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into.” The king granted my requests, because of the good hand of my God on me.

Nehemiah knew of some disaster that bothered him a lot, he prayed about it and when the opportunity arose, did something about it.  He was a brave man, because the king could just have ordered Nehemiah's execution.  But God was working through both the king and Nehemiah to restore the kingdom and temple in Judah.  Things may look bad, but when you look up, an answer will become evident eventually.  Pray about it; watch what happens.

5/3/11

Cheap, fast or good?


Interesting sign!  I wonder what they are REALLY saying about their service?  Notice, the sign doesn't say you MUST pick any two, but rather that you MAY pick any two.  So, is their service fast cheap or good?  Tough question!  I could be wrong, but my best guess is that their service isn't fast or cheap, just good. The best things in life take time; tomatoes are grown reasonably fast, yet they are not as valuable as natural diamonds, which take a long time to make.  So it is with the things of God; sin was a BIG problem and took thousands of years to be successfully overcome.  Consider this passage from the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 3:1-12 (WEB)


1) For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,

2) if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;

3) how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,

4) by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

5) which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

6) that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

7) of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

8) To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9) and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;

10) to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,

11) according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;

12) in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.

It wasn't enough for God to his his own chosen people (the Jews), HIS love extended far beyond them to all human beings.  This took time to work out; several thousand years in fact.  It wasn't easy to accomplish, took a long time and cost a lot, but GOD did it!  As far as our human condition goes, life can very complicated, with many conflicting signs in our life, pulling us in many directions at one time.  Don't be down on yourself if everything doesn't seem to fall into place by the time you are 20 or 30 or even 40; be patient!  Remember, God didn't call Moses until he was 80 and didn't complete his work until he was 120.  Fortunately, we have a sign that not quite as complicated or confusing as the pictured one, its called The Bible and if you keep reading, sooner or later you will understand!  One thing is for certain, The Bible doesn't encourage a life that is cheap or fast, JUST GOOD!

5/2/11

Fetch!


But I just said "fetch" and look what happened!!!  How was I to know he would take me seriously???  Sometimes life is full of surprises and so it is with this dog.  People are like that too; sometimes they amaze you!!!  Here are a few examples...

2 Samuel 23:8-39 (WEB)


8) These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.

9) After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.

10) He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.

11) After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.

12) But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.

13) Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

14) David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

15) David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”

16) The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.

17) He said, “Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this! Isn’t it the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.

18) Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.

19) Wasn’t he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn’t attain to the three.

20) Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.

21) He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.

22) Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name among the three mighty men.

23) He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three. David set him over his guard.

24) Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

25) Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,

26) Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

27) Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

28) Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

29) Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

30) Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.

31) Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,

32) Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

33) Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite,

34) Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

35) Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

36) Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

37) Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

38) Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

39) Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

Talk about your "A" team!!!  Its hard to fathom what the first few in the list did.  Even the last one in the list (Uriah the Hittite) was someone who had quite an attitude toward war.  After looking at all this, I wonder how the God of Heaven looks at what I have done with my life.  Good question and somehow the word "fetch" will never quite seem the same to me again.

5/1/11

dogs of a feather...


When I saw these dogs, I immediately thought of my Granddaughter's dog Hercules.  He is hard to forget, not only because he is affectionate, but because he had been abused by a former owner and has some people issues.  The good news is that he is getting better and his prospects for a full recovery seem bright.  But the picture made me think not only of him, but of families in general.  And so I came to the question:  What makes a family, anyway?  That of course led me to the following passage of Scripture from the book of Ephesians...

Ephesians 5:22-33 (WEB)


22) Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23) For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.

24) But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;

26) that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

27) that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28) Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

29) For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;

30) because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.

31) “For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh.”

32) This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.

33) Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Love is the answer.  It starts with the husband loving his wife and ends with everyone loving everyone.  Love holds families together, so naturally they come to love the same things; in this case... dogs.  In case you are wondering, Hercules looks a lot like the dogs in the picture.  Humm, maybe someday I will get a dog... I wonder what kind???