6/28/11

The secret


This picture seemed a little odd to me, then I looked at it from RIGHT to LEFT.  Not just a bookcase, it is a secret room for valuables (and perhaps an emergency panic room as well).  Tricky, very tricky, indeed.  Whatever it was meant for, it must be important because of the obvious cost of making such a thing.  If the mind of man could conceive of such a thing, what must the mind of GOD be capable of?  So, we are naturally led to 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.

God chose the Hebrews and gave them Laws to obey and set them apart from the whole world.  To them, it must have seemed incredible that God would choose people who they would consider "unclean" for blessings.  Yet, God had a plan that included everyone; one that went beyond rules and regulations, which had its foundation in love.  The God of Heaven revealed this to Paul and he to us, so that we might also understand that a doorway to heaven has been revealed.  Who will enter... will you?

6/27/11

I have been good....but...

Cute!  Beyond the cuteness is the reality: We need help.  There are many temptations out there and God will help, but we need to ask for assistance.  The following short verse says it all...

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (WEB)
17) Pray without ceasing.

The closer you are to God, the easier it is to ask for help.  Make no mistake, you will need it. 

6/26/11

Greatness of the Greatest


This is a pool fit for a king!!!  Set in a tropical locale, adorned with palm trees, and having crystal clear waters, its beauty is enhanced by a glorious sunset!!!  Elegance defined, beauty extraordinary!!!  I can even begin to wonder what it might be like to live in such surroundings.  Yet, this does not appear to be a computer generated image and therefore SOMEBODY resides here.  Can you image the wealth and power such an individual might have?  Someone, perhaps, of the caliber of a Nebuchadnezzar?  How would such a person conceive of God and view himself?  Read on to find out...

Daniel 4:1-37 (WEB)
1) Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
2) It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.
3) How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
4) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
5) I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
6) Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
7) Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
8) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying,
9) Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
10) Thus were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and its height was great.
11) The tree grew, and was strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its sight to the end of all the earth.
12) The leaves of it were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all: the animals of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.
13) I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from the sky.
14) He cried aloud, and said thus, Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the animals get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.
15) Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth:
16) let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.
17) The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men.
18) This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.
19) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you. Belteshazzar answered, My lord, the dream be to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.
20) The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth;
21) whose leaves were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation:
22) it is you, O king, that are grown and become strong; for your greatness is grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth.
23) Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from the sky, and saying, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him;
24) this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which has come on my lord the king:
25) that you shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.
26) Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be sure to you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule.
27) Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your tranquility.
28) All this came on the king Nebuchadnezzar.
29) At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon.
30) The king spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?
31) While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you:
32) and you shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.
33) The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
34) At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.
35) All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ask him, What are you doing?
36) At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me.
37) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.

Nebuchadnezzar was a somebody; he had conquered Israel and ruled one of the most glorious empires the world has ever seen.  The hanging gardens of its capital, Babylon, were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  The wall surrounding this city was so wide that four charioteers could race abreast atop its walls.  Now, THAT is big!!!  Nebuchadnezzar had power almost beyond description and was blessed by the God of Heaven with spiritual insights though the prophet and seer, Daniel.  However, he didn't listen to the prophecies revealed through Daniel, but praised himself instead of the creator.  God humbled Nebuchadnezzar until he awoke to the reality of God's greatness as compared to his own insignificant life.  God has a way of doing things like that and the result is an example for us all to contemplate.  No matter how successful, how powerful, how marvelous we are in our own eyes, God's greatness and power dwarfs our own with an utter completeness that words cannot express.  Wow, the next time I go swimming in our community pool, I intend to thank God first before I dare to put as much as my little toe in the water.  Hey, you never know!!!!

6/25/11

The edge of the world


Impossible!  Yet, there was a time when there was an edge to the world.  And if you went to far, well, you fell off!!!  The knowledge man has acquired is a wonderful thing (for the most part), we can see things far away and speak to one another over vast distances.  We have learned to split the atom and have visited other planets.  All these things (and more) have occurred in the last century and are the culmination of thousands of years of learning.  However, there are questions we cannot answer and problems we do not even know exist.  Man's knowledge is linear, that is, it grows upon earlier experience.  We postulate theories of the past from telescopic observations and inferences, but do we really, really know?  Think how many theories have been proven wrong in our own lifetime.  We don't know everything and never, ever will.  Near the end of the book of Job, God asks Job questions that are too difficult for him and when he realizes his own smallness, he answers God in this way...

Job 42:1-6 (WEB)
1) Then Job answered Yahweh,
2) “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
3) You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know.
4) You said, ‘Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’
5) I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
6) Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

The human race needs to make this acknowledgement; its time to face the fact that our understanding is infantile compared to the creator of all things.  Science will NOT answer everything because it is limited by the capabilities of our human nature.  We may know that the world is not flat, but do we know how to love (and not hate) our neighbor?  Maybe we will have to fall off the edge of the world to understand the greatness of God and our own shortcomings.

6/24/11

A simple pleasure


Somebody is happy!!!  Animals can bring such pleasure!!!  Most days my wife and I go for a swim in the community pool and once in a while a bird will come to the edge of the water for a drink.  Now, the birds have seen many, many people, so they are not easily frightened and sometimes will let you come within a few inches of them, but this bird has them beat!!!  Finding joy in the simplest of things is a wonderful habit, although sometimes it takes a bit of effort.  Take this episode from the book of Luke for example...

Luke 2:1-20 (WEB)
1) Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2) This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3) All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5) to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
6) It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.
7) She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8) There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9) Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10) The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11) For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12) This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
13) Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14) “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
15) It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16) They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
17) When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18) All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
19) But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20) The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

From everything I have ever seen, heard, read or even guessed, having babies is painful.  I sort of cringe at the idea of what is happening, but at the same time I know it is a perfectly natural thing.  The outcome of the whole process is a human being and what mother does not experience joy at the birth of her child?  Yes, the simplest pleasures are the best because God has made them for us to enjoy and isn't that what life is all about?

6/23/11

A beautiful morning!!!


This picture brings back a lot of memories of upstate New York.  I especially liked the Autumn season, where the brilliant mix of colors astounded the eyes with its complexity.  Often, there would be a mist in the morning and when it cleared even more color greeted the eyes.  Mornings were a special time, a time of possibilities, when the day unfolded and hope was in the air.  The following passage from the book of Exodus was one such morning.

Exodus 14:15-31 (WEB)
15) Yahweh said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.
16) Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.
17) I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.
18) The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.”
19) The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.
20) It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn’t come near the other all the night.
21) Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22) The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.
23) The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24) It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army.
25) He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, “Let’s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!”
26) Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.”
27) Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28) The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh’s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them.
29) But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.
30) Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.
31) Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in his servant Moses.

Slaves, they were mostly slaves.  And Egypt was the mightiest nation of its era.  Yet God was victorious over them.  This episode gave courage and hope to God's chosen people and helped them coalesce into the nation of Israel.  What a beautiful morning that must have been!!!

6/22/11

Idyllic!!!


I like this picture not only because of its idyllic setting, but because of its contrast in colors.  Somehow the vividness of the colors enhances the black to utter blackness and that makes an impression on the mind.  People are like that too, some are really bad and you remember them for a long time; the same is true of genuinely good people.  Here is a passage from the book of John which seems to bring out what I am referring to....

John 1:1-9 (WEB)
1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2) The same was in the beginning with God.
3) All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.
4) In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
6) There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
7) The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.
8) He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.
9) The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

John the baptist was a really good man but when compared to Jesus he was like darkness.  Jesus outshines all.  Even the best of men can not compare to him.  He adds zest and understanding to life like light does to blackness.  Now, that is idyllic!!!

6/21/11

Smart


Smart, very smart!!!  Someone has something upstairs. Sometimes it seems that the cleverest people have the simplest of work.  After a little reflection, I can understand the process of how this solution came to be, but how about how God works? 

Ecclesiastes 8:17 (WEB)
17) then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.

Some things are beyond human understanding.  Science doesn't have the answer to everything.  Its like an ant trying to design a thermonuclear device... just not going to happen.  Yet, there are many out there who think that the world revolves around man, but in fact God is the source of everything.  As smart as someone might be, God takes intelligence to a whole different level.

6/20/11

Candy is good food!!!


One of daughters labeled candy as "the fourth food group".  She did love here candy and I am sure this assortment would make her mouth water.  Sweets are a temptation to us all and the following is an example where taking some caused a problem.

1 Samuel 14:25-34 (WEB)
25) All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground.
26) When the people had come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath.
27) But Jonathan didn’t hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
28) Then one of the people answered, and said, “Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food this day.’” The people were faint.
29) Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
30) How much more, if perhaps the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? For now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines.”
31) They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;
32) and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood.
33) Then they told Saul, saying, “Behold, the people are sinning against Yahweh, in that they eat meat with the blood.” He said, “You have dealt treacherously. Roll a large stone to me this day!”
34) Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, ‘Bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don’t sin against Yahweh in eating meat with the blood.’” All the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and killed them there.

Saul was a leader given to rash decisions.  Coupled with a lack of political insight and steadfastness of devotion to God, he didn't make a very good leader and eventually was removed.  Jonathan his son seems to have been better than his father in many ways, especially in regards to David.  In this instance he gives in to hunger (somehow it seems strange to think of honey as food) and once again shows his father's foolishness.  Saul's poor decision led to Israel's eating meat with blood and eventually led to a great slaughter (a little later on in the chapter).  Just goes to show you that CANDY IS GOOD FOOD!!!

6/19/11

Its not lunch.... its a wedding cake!!!


Recently there was a royal wedding in England and their cake reflected their choices.  Here this cake also shows the preferences of the couple and as we can see they must love New England fare.  Cakes are one of my favorite things about weddings, as they symbolize one of the basics in marriage:eating.  Another basic is drinking and there is a passage in the New Testament that discusses drinking in the context of a marriage celebration.

John 2:1-11 (WEB)

1) The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
2) Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
3) When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”
4) Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”
5) His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
6) Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.
7) Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim.
8) He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
9) When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,
10) and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”
11) This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

I couldn't even guess the number of times I have read this passage over the past 30 or so years, but its a lot. One obvious lesson is that Jesus has the power to change things.  Changing water into wine is a power that could make one a lot of friends to be sure.  The wine, however was not just wine but it was "good wine".  Perhaps the character of the wine was a reflection of the character of Jesus or maybe it was a reflection of Jesus' opinion of the guests... who knows.  Like the cake in the picture above, it will be remembered and perhaps THAT IS THE POINT.

6/18/11

Breakfast?


Now, if the truth is known, there is not anyone who enjoys eating more than me.  I especially love pizza... and for breakfast, well, cold pizza is a delight.  But this????  This is just not on the menu for me; beans and an egg on a pizza?  I would have to gracefully decline and besides, I really don't even know what the ingredients are on the lower right side??????  Sometimes life surprises you and "huh" is the best you can muster.  Here is an episode from the book of Acts that was quite surprising to me; see if it is to you as well....


Acts 8:5-40 (WEB)
5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6) The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.
7) For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
8) There was great joy in that city.
9) But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,
10) to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.”
11) They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
12) But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13) Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
14) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15) who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
16) for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
17) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18) Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
19) saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20) But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21) You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.
22) Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
24) Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.”
25) They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
26) But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.”
27) He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28) He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
29) The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.”
30) Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31) He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.
32) Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth.
33) In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.”
34) The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?”
35) Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus.
36) As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?”
37)
38) He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
39) When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.
40) But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

Jesus, the apostles and then others, this was the pecking order of importance.  Yet Philip was chosen to do quite a work, something that even amazed Simon (the great??).  He had power and was chosen directly by The Holy Spirit to do work.  So, even though he was in the "others" category he was used by God.  To me, the level of what God did with him is important here, for he is a lot like us today.... he wasn't an apostle of Jesus and yet God still used him.  God can use each of us for something special and even though it may not be spectacular like Philip, yet God works in his own way and that is marvelous to consider.  So, in a way, the unusual becomes the norm, but not in the case of the pizza because no matter how much you dare me, I AM NOT HAVING THIS THING FOR BREAKFAST!!!!!!!!!!!!


6/16/11

Scary fast!!!


This little baby goes 675 kilometers per hour!!!  That's not just fast, its scary fast!!!  So is its driver.  It takes a certain craziness to do things like that; I guess you just have to be zealous enough for what you like doing to run something like this.  When I saw this picture, I immediately thought of someone from the Old Testament.  Here is the passage from the book of Second Kings and I think you will see it as well.

2 Kings 9:20-26 (WEB)
20) The watchman said, “He came to them, and isn’t coming back. The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he drives furiously.”
21) Joram said, “Get ready!” They got his chariot ready. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found him in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.
22) It happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” He answered, “What peace, so long as the prostitution of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft abound?”
23) Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, “There is treason, Ahaziah!”
24) Jehu drew his bow with his full strength, and struck Joram between his arms; and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.
25) Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, “Pick him up, and throw him in the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you and I rode together after Ahab his father, Yahweh laid this burden on him:
26) ‘Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons,’ says Yahweh; ‘and I will repay you in this plot of ground,’ says Yahweh. Now therefore take and cast him onto the plot of ground, according to the word of Yahweh.”


Jehu is a hard person person to forget because he the essence of enthusiasm!!!  Yet, I have to look a little deeper into this situation, for the God of Heaven put it into Jehu's heart to be this way.  People forget that God remembers the wrong that men do.  Jehu was an instrument of God's will and as such he was terrifying!!!  God's justice may take awhile to be accomplished, but it does happen and when it does... its scary fast!!!!!

6/14/11

Don't play with fire!!!!


German shepherd's can be wonderful dogs, yet they can also be very tough and intimidating.  I still remember my in-laws dog, Suzie.  A beautiful loving family dog, she was great with kids and very affectionate.  What I remember about her most though was the way she obeyed my father-in-law; whatever he told her to do... she just did it.  One day he told her to guard the front porch of the farmhouse with a stern: GUARD, SUZIE!!!  My brother-in-law tried to get past her for hours, but was stopped by her fierce growl and snarls.  He kept trying to enter the house, but she did not relent until her master said to stop!  What a dog!!!  Just goes to show you that you shouldn't mess around with danger!  Consider for a moment, the prophets in the old testament; how dangerous they were!!!

2 Kings 2:9-25 (WEB)
9) It happened, when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be on me.”
10) He said, “You have asked a hard thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”
11) It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12) Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and tore them in two pieces.
13) He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
14) He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and struck the waters, and said, “Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?” When he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha went over.
15) When the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho over against him saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
16) They said to him, “See now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. Perhaps the Spirit of Yahweh has taken him up, and put him on some mountain, or into some valley. He said, “You shall not send them.”
17) When they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, “Send them.” They sent therefore fifty men; and they searched for three days, but didn’t find him.
18) They came back to him, while he stayed at Jericho; and he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t go?’”
19) The men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries.”
20) He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.” They brought it to him.
21) He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or miscarrying.’”
22) So the waters were healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.
23) He went up from there to Bethel. As he was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Go up, you baldy! Go up, you baldhead!”
24) He looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled forty-two of those youths.

25) He went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.

Two famous prophets, yet completely different.  Elijah defeated 400 Baal prophets at Mt. Carmel and yet ran from Jezebel.  Elisha, his servant and successor was a prideful vain man, who used his power flippantly. I thought of Elisha when I saw the dog in the picture because somethings you don't mess with; whether it be a zealous watchdog or a vain prophet... both can get you hurt!!!  I have always liked the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, which says:  "Fear God, and keep his commandments".  Better safe than sorry!!!!!!!

6/13/11

Round and square


Imagine living in a round house...  Curved walls, furniture with curves to match (or square furniture that just not seem to match), and a curved kitchen.  I suppose that there are those who would feel comfortable living in a round world, but for me, it would be very difficult.  Just trying to think of things differently would be a challenge.  Imagine then, how the religious leaders of Jesus' day must have thought of him...

Matthew 12:10-14 (WEB)
10) And behold there was a man with a withered hand. They asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” that they might accuse him.
11) He said to them, “What man is there among you, who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won’t he grab on to it, and lift it out?
12) Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
13) Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other.
14) But the Pharisees went out, and conspired against him, how they might destroy him.

For a Jew, the LAW was the embodiment of religion.  They even had rules that protected their rules.  And here comes Jesus, who goes beyond their rules to see the correctness of actions based on goodness.  It was just too much for them and they reacted with evil.  They were like a square piece of furniture in a round house; they just didn't fit.  The next time someone challenges what you believe, think with your heart as well as your head and do the right thing.

6/12/11

Where's my mansion?


What a house!!!  I can't even imagine being "well off" enough to own such a thing, but obviously someone is doing quite well indeed.  Riches in an of themselves are not bad, its the condition of the heart and its reflection in how life is lived that counts.  Consider this passage from the book of Luke to see what I mean.

Luke 16:19-31 (WEB)
19) “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.
20) A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21) and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22) It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.
23) In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.
24) He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’
25) “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.
26) Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’
27) “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;
28) for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’
29) “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’
30) “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31) “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”

Attitude is everything!!!  Obviously, the rich man did not care for his neighbor or his family or he would have done something about it while he had the opportunity.  At death, its too LATE!!!  So, consider what you do, enjoy your wealth, but consider others and most importantly seek God's will in how you should live your life.  If you listen, learn and practice these things, your riches will be of the heart and you will be blessed by God.

6/11/11

Glorious!


What a beautiful sunset!!!  This unique blend of clouds at different altitudes gives the impression of the whole sky being lit up.  How glorious!!!  I can't recall ever seeing this before.  Yet, how many times have I said that on this blog?  How many different things in this world are unique and worthy of recognition?  The apostle Paul says something similar in his first letter to the Corinthians...

1 Corinthians 15:40-58 (WEB)
40) There are also celestial bodies, and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial.
41) There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.
43) It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.
45) So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46) However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.
47) The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven.
48) As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49) As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly.
50) Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
51) Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,
52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54) But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55) “Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?”
56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

The leap from considering our glorious surroundings to the glory that awaits us in the next life may seem like a large one at first, but then, all things have a beginning and an end.  Without the hope of something better awaiting us, how depressing this world would be!!!  But thankfully, Jesus has made a way for something better, something more glorious than any sunset could ever be... eternal life!!!  That thought and the expectation of the beauty that awaits in the life beyond makes life more beautiful in the here and now than any sunset, no matter how marvelous.

6/10/11

Remember WINTER ????


Yesterday, a good friend from New Jersey told me it was going to get to 100 there and I was quite surprised, because it was only going to get into the low nineties here in Florida and its still SPRINGTIME!!!  Its dangerous to be either too cold or hot and in fact it can be life threatening.  But, cold can be a good thing, as this verse from the book of Proverbs shows.

Proverbs 25:25 (WEB)
25) Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

When you are thirsty, YOU MUST DRINK!!!  Nothing else will do, you need WATER and that is that!  Ah, but when you finally have quenched this overwhelming need, relief fills every part of your being and no matter how bad you felt, suddenly you feel wonderful!!!  Its like that when you hear from relatives you haven't seen for awhile, but long to see every single day.  Its wonderful and for awhile you are on cloud nine.  Today, I saw a new show narrated by Morgan Freeman called "into the wormhole".  Frankly, it blew me away because of both its cleverness and scientific accuracy.  One of the episodes that was especially interesting to me was a scientific investigation of the existence of the human soul.  From what I saw, it would seem that scientists are very close to actually proving the existence of the soul.  It was welcome news, something like the joy expressed in the verse from Proverbs.  So, it made the whole day seem wonderful and THAT IS SOMETHING WORTH REMEMBERING!!!  You know, I think I feel thirsty all of a sudden!!!

6/9/11

Who are you?


How would you like to be in this position?  Can you imagine the amount of teasing this man must receive?  Yet, if it really, really bothered him he could always change his name.  Some names are better off not changed and here is a prime example.

Matthew 1:18-25 (WEB)
18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
19) Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.
20) But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21) She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
22) Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
23) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
24) Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
25) and didn’t know her sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.

How different the would would be if Joseph and Mary had NOT LISTENED TO THE ANGEL!!!  But, they did and Jesus fulfilled his ministry.  And am I glad they did, because without a solution for sin, where would I be???

6/8/11

What is better than this?


Its been over a year since I placed my "big boy's toy" on the blog, but it has received more hits than the combined total of the next best twenty posts.  Now, here is a new take, a modernized version of that toy.  Its like romper room meets star trek and the hybrid offspring of this union is this "far out" version.  I must admit I like it, but I am sure it still would make enough noise on the road to irritate most people.  I wonder, why do people always want something "new"?  Here is a passage from the book of Acts that may provide some insight.


Acts 17:16-31 (WEB)
16) Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols.
17) So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.
18) Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
19) They took hold of him, and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by you?
20) For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.”
21) Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
22) Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.
23) For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.
24) The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands,
25) neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things.
26) He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27) that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
28) ‘For in him we live, and move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’
29) Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
30) The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
31) because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”

After your physical needs are met, what then?  Why not try to find something to stimulate your mind?  Such was the case of the Athenians and in America of the 21st century it is true today.  How many people do you know that are retired or on disability?  I know a lot and I am sure that you do to.  Truth is, without God, nothing satisfies, nothing leaves you "complete".  It is only when the soul is made complete by its fellowship with God that true happiness is achieved.  God is not just another toy, like this big boy tricycle, he is the answer to all the longing within the spirit of man and that is better than any toy anyone could ever dream up.

6/6/11

Dreams


Alf; now there is a character!!!  This looks like a nightmare and for Alf, a very scary one indeed!!!  At one time or another, everyone has a nightmare.  Any number of things could cause one, although for the majority of us, its probably not "cats".  Here is a New Testament example of one.


Matthew 27:11-24 (WEB)
11) Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.”
12) When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13) Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?”
14) He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
15) Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired.
16) They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
17) When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?”
18) For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.
19) While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”
20) Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21) But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
22) Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!”
23) But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”
24) So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.”


Pilate should have listened to his wife, but then, how could the scriptures be fulfilled?  I guess dreams can be good things (even the bad ones).  So, the next time you have a nightmare, perhaps there is a lesson to learn in there somewhere.  Just don't have a heavy meal before going to bed, because, who knows, you may find yourself on a platter.

6/4/11

The prize



This brings to mind the old commercial that had the punch line: "That's a some spicy MEAT-A-BALL"  The sign says it the worlds largest meatball and maybe it is.  Certainly, it would take many, many people to eat this one.  I was thinking about food a lot today, as last night I took my wife out for pizza and we ordered a large.  Funny thing is... we each only could eat a couple of pieces.  To some, this may sound completely normal, but... I used to be able to eat four or five (and on a good day, more).  So, this little episode made me think of a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes.


Ecclesiastes 11:8 (WEB)
8) Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.

Things change, but I will remember the past fondly and look forward to the future with expectation.  Although "old age" may be just around the corner (perhaps closer that makes me feel comfortable), still the vanity of this life will pass into the reality of a spiritual existence that will last forever.  That prize is worth more than a thousand Earthly ones.  Which makes me wonder.... I wonder how big the meatballs will be in heaven?

6/3/11

Not the "How", but the "Who"


Huh?  And just HOW DO I DO THAT???  OK, if ANYONE out there knows, please reply forthwith!!!  Now, I now that I won't receive any reply but I had to ask because, well, who knows... maybe someone does??!!!  The world is a strange place and becoming stranger with each passing moment, but miracles have happened in the past...  Here is one of them.
 
John 2:1-11 (WEB)
1) The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
2) Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
3) When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”
4) Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”
5) His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
6) Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.
7) Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim.
8) He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
9) When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,
10) and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”
11) This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Jesus was not just a "good man", he had real POWER!!!  This miracle testifies to that fact.  How did he do it??? Not one clue.  Yet, he did and that's all that really matters.  We can marvel all we want, but the purpose of the miracle was to single him out as someone very special, very powerful.  Isn't that all that really matters???

6/2/11

Smarter than you feel


Perhaps you have never heard this little saying before; I have.  A former supervisor of mine used to say this several times a day, every day.  I came to understand that it really meant to think about what you do before you do it, so that you didn't FEEL stupid.  Sometimes it takes awhile to understand why things happen, but what's important is that they DO indeed occur.  Which enables me a little more insight into this New Testament passage.

Philippians 1:12-18 (WEB)
12) Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;
13) so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
14) and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15) Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16) The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17) but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
18) What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.

We can't understand EVERYTHING that happens to us right away; some things just take time to appreciate.  So it was with Paul.  No matter how smart you think you are, God has a way of doing things HIS way.  So, ponder all you want, but don't beat yourself up... you are smarter than you feel.