7/31/11

Have a little fun in your life!!!


I think I should like to meet whoever lives in this house!  They probably have kids because why else would you put a slide alongside a stairs.  Just imagine for a moment that they DON'T HAVE KIDS.  Then, what does that say about the adults?  Perhaps this passage from Ecclesiastes will shed some light on the question...

Ecclesiastes 11:8-10 (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.
9) Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
10) Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

From the condition of the last step I can see that the stairs have been used a lot and the bottom of the slide shows the same thing.  So, whoever lives there does a little of both.  Good for them!  They must have read Solomon's book.  Good idea for everybody!  Don't worry, be happy!!!

7/29/11

Almost Star Wars...


If you took away the pedals and put a motor on it, then you would have something right out of a star wars movie.  Even WITH the pedals, this gets me thinking I would want one.  The methods of our transportation may change, but we still go; no matter what the form may be.  Knowing God is something like that as well.  Originally, The Bible was written on scrolls, without so much as even a chapter or verse number.  Then, they were gathered together into a codex (our modern book form).  Later, about 1300 or so, chapter and book headings were included.  Then in the 19th and 20th century, specialty Bibles like Thompson's chain reference, The Companion Bible and The Emphasized Bible came on the scene.  In the later part of the 20th Century along came computers and with it a whole new ability for study.  Presently, it is very easy to have a whole Biblical research library at your fingertips for free.  What a blessing!!!  Yet, the times have also changed; we have organized opposition to Christianity that could not of existed in former times.  In thinking about this, I remembered one of the first Bible passages I ever knew; it is...

2 Timothy 3:12-17 (WEB)
12) Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13) But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14) But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
15) From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
16) Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.


To know what God has said and to get to know HIM, is all one could ever really need to face any opposition, even in an age of supercomputers and Internet applications.  It doesn't really matter HOW YOU LEARN, IT MATTERS THAT YOU DO!!!  So, whether its by a parchment, a codex (book), a specialty Bible or a computer program, the important thing is to learn and to know God.  Once you do, you will want to know more and more.  That's the point, isn't it?  I may never ride a bike like the one in the picture above (I probably would fall over right away), but I can get to know and love the God who created me and that will never go out of style. 

7/28/11

And the light shined...


Looks like someone just ripped a hole in the sky to let the light shine in, doesn't it?  Of course we "know" this isn't true and like so many things we take for granted we understand, but, that is what it looks like to me.  Truth seems to be a hard thing to come by lately, as we see so many lies coming from our nation's capitol.  And many will say this is a normal thing, that truth is a matter of perspective; that you believe exactly what you want to believe and that is that.  However, in order for truth to in fact be truth, it MUST be absolute and here we come to the problem.  What standard to achieve this goal?  If everyone is right, then there is no right at all.  For me, to understand this, I need to go back to basics... and that means things I know to be absolute... namely life and death.  Intellectually I know that I will die, but its not until I SEE someone die that it hits me; then, it becomes reality and then I MUST come to grips with it.  I begin with this passage from the New Testament and go from there.

John 1:1-18 (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.
10) He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.
11) He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.
12) But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
13) who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14) The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15) John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’”
16) From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
17) For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
18) No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

Jesus came back from death.  Truth, documented beyond all doubt.  It is my responsibility to face that fact.  God sent Jesus, he did what he needed to do to combat death and made a way for me to do the same.  The question remains whether or not I will put aside my own will and listen and obey him and THAT IS GENUINE TRUTH.  All the light I will ever need has already been sent... straight from heaven and its better than any opening in any sky you will ever see!!!

7/26/11

When its HOT, its HOT!!!


OK, lately, its been very, very, very HOT!!!  But, I think if I saw this on the TV, I might just get a LITTLE UPSET!!!!  By the time Wednesday came along I would be afraid, but we don't even need to think about Thursday, because I would be comatose already!!!  Now, so much for the "bad news"; the "good news" is that this is JUST A FORECAST!!!  Sometimes, when things look the darkest, there is hope just around the corner.  Consider this passage from the Bible...

John 20:18-28 (WEB)
18) Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
19) When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
20) When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
21) Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
22) When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!
23) If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”
24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came.
25) The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26) After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace be to you.”
27) Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”
28) Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

The apostles of Jesus were hiding from the Jews, their master was "dead" and the future didn't look very promising.  Then they get news that HE has RISEN FROM THE DEAD!!! Jesus appears to them and they believe; but not all... Thomas would not believe what anyone SAID and had to SEE FOR HIMSELF.  But when Thomas did see, he did believe!  Just goes to show you not to put too much confidence in forecasts, because things are not always what they seem.  And as far as Satan goes, he does his best work when everything seems fine, HELL COMES LATER!!!

7/24/11

Shocking!!!


This is the first time I have ever seen this and immediately it left an impression on me.  One of the foremost symbols of the freedom of this country being struck by lightening can be likened to freedom being attacked.  Aside from lightening, what could attack our freedom?  This question draws me to recent events within the country.  We have a government that is spending out of control; spending so much that it is beyond belief.  Last year, there was a voter backlash against it and many, many Republicans were elected; representatives charged with reducing the size and spending of government.  Now, they are challenging the status quo and the democrats are fighting to keep things as they are; with no real end of the expansionism that has characterized the past 40 or so years.  The president has used scare tactics once again to force his leftist agenda upon our nation and may in fact bypass the constitution by authorizing an increase to the national debt on his own.  Personally, I find this appalling, but when I think about it, I am reminded of this passage from the book of Romans.

Romans 13:1-8 (WEB)
1) Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
2) Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.
3) For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,
4) for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
5) Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
6) For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing.
7) Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.
8) Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

We must obey our leaders; this is a fundamental teaching of the New Testament!!!  If they lawfully do what they are supposed to do, no action is necessary.  If they do not, then, we as citizens must lawfully make our will felt at the ballot box.  It is as simple as that!!!  However, one thing remains; we are to respect and to show love towards them!!!!! Now this is hard, as it seems those in government have lost touch with the average American and are leading us to a collapse of civilization.  But, whoever said being a Christian was easy?  I encourage everyone who reads this to pray for them, to try to understand the situation and love them regardless what happens.  Tall order.  However, we all need to remember that God is in control and we need to accept this fact and obey HIM and not worry about the future.  Even if the current situation may attack our way of life and the liberty we enjoy; God is greater than any government or leader ever to take power.  Regardless of the outcome, if you belong to God, then you are really, truly, free and no one, know matter how powerful can take that away!!!!

7/23/11

There is a rainbow in your way...


You are driving along and suddenly, right in front of you is a rainbow.  Imagine that!!! So far, I have never seen it in person, but who knows, maybe today?  To me, rainbows are promises of goodness yet to be seen.  My wife has been watching a lot of "DR. Quinn, Medicine Woman" lately and it just so happens that yesterday we watched an episode entitled "promises, promises", which focused on the cost of our commitments.  Coincidence, probably, but it did have an impact on me when I saw this picture.  Because promises have a cost and oftentimes it is VERY costly.  Which led me to this passage from the book of Hebrews...

Hebrews 9:11-20 (WEB)
11) But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
12) nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.
13) For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh:
14) how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15) For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
16) For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it.
17) For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.
18) Therefore even the first covenant has not been dedicated without blood.
19) For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
20) saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.”

We have the promise of Eternal Life, but the cost was death and a horrible one at that.  Yet, out of the pain, anguish and suffering something wonderful has happened; there is hope for all who will embrace God's will for us through Jesus.  Its more than just a pie-in-the-sky, ideal (or maybe even a rainbow in the sky) because Jesus actually lived and actually died and actually lives again forever.  Since this is verifiable truth we have hope for live after life and that is more beautiful than any rainbow up ahead.  And we don't even have to go through rain to get to it; imagine that!!!

7/21/11

What do you see?


When you look at clouds, what do you see?  Do they form patterns, represent objects or animals?  Sometimes, do they even look like people?  When I saw this picture, at first I thought of a carnation and then a serpent, then an atomic mushroom and lastly I noticed the small rainbow at the bottom.  I couldn't make up my mind and gave up.  Finally, I did notice that the myriad of contrasts and shapes formed a wonderful sort of painting; one that any painter would be proud to display.  And yet I see things like this every day.  How grand and marvelous is our world, how full of surprises and beauty.  The best part is that I know it didn't just happen; that God created it all for my enjoyment and appreciation.  More than that, HE created all the things around me that I might come to know HIM and praise HIM for all that HE has done.  Obviously, this passage from the Psalms came to mind.

Psalms 8:1-9 (WEB)
1) For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by David. Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens!
2) From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
3) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
4) what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?
5) For you have made him a little lower than God, and crowned him with glory and honor.
6) You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:
7) All sheep and cattle, yes, and the animals of the field,
8) The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9) Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The next time you take pride in doing something and marvel at your own accomplishments, realize that compared to The Creator Of The Universe, we are as nothing.  However, it is HIS will that we rule the Earth wisely and do so with a realization that we are not alone, that God cares for us.  Frankly, I don't know of a better way to remember these things than to simply look at the sky and stand in awe of the one who has created all things.  Begin with clouds and take it from there. 

7/20/11

More than a lot!!!


I have never held one hundred thousand dollar bill in my hand, but it must be quite a feeling.  That amount of money could buy a lot of things, but in today's market it couldn't buy a upscale home.  I wouldn't mind having that much money in my checking account for spending money, but then, what would I do with it?  King David wanted to build a house of worship for his God, but he wasn't allowed to.  Instead he gathered the resources for his son Solomon to do it.  In David's last days, he says the following...

1 Chronicles 22:14 (WEB)
14) Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Yahweh one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone; and you may add to them.

There are 75 pounds of Gold in a talent, that figures out to be 19 billion 200 million dollars at $1600 an oz.  (75 x 16oz per pound= 1200 oz @ 1600 = 1,920,00 per talent) times 100,000= $19,200,000,000.00.  And that is just the gold!!!  I can't even begin to get my mind around that figure, but it is sure A LOT MORE THAN THE PICTURE ABOVE!!!  This says a lot about David's love for God; what does our giving say about us???  Something to think about today?  For those math wizards out there... am I right?

7/18/11

Never back down!


Just an ordinary church building to most people, but not to me.  For I learned a practical lesson here which has stayed with me for over 40 years.  My wife and I worshipped here for several years and attended a Bible Study on Tuesdays in the parsonage as well.  Needless to say, we made a lot of friends, especially the minister and his wife.  Then a series of events occurred that changed everything.  One Sunday, the minister (lets call him Tom) preached a scathing sermon on Masonry.  Several of the church members were Masons and there was an angry response.  Then came a board meeting and an ultimatum: recant or be let go.  The following Sunday, Tom recanted, apologising for his previous sermon.  He apologised for what the Bible said and was sorry for his remarks.  This episode made me think a lot about The Word of God and eventually led me towards being a preacher myself.  So, when I saw this picture today, I immediately thought of this passage.

Galatians 1:6-10 (WEB)
6) I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”;
7) and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8) But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9) As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.
10) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.

Never apologise for what God has said, never back down from anyone, regardless of the cost.  A good lesson, a good thing to remember and a better thing to put into practice.  Sometimes even an unpleasant memory can have good consequences if we can learn from our experiences.  I never did know what became of Tom, but I think of him time to time because he looks exactly like Richard Dryfus, the actor.  I hope he has learned the lesson that Galatians teaches and has changed. 

7/17/11

Pucker up!!!


Now there is something you don't see every day!!!  First thing that came to my mind was : a face only a moose could love.  However, who am I to judge?   Although the years have been kind to me, yet, still I am showing my age more and more with each and every passing of the New Year.  Then I thought of this chapter from the book of Ruth.

Ruth 3:1-18 (WEB)
1) Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
2) Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he winnows barley tonight in the threshing floor.
3) Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor, but don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
4) It shall be, when he lies down, that you shall mark the place where he shall lie, and you shall go in, and uncover his feet, and lay down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”
5) She said to her, “All that you say I will do.”
6) She went down to the threshing floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law told her.
7) When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
8) It happened at midnight, that the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.
9) He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your handmaid. Therefore spread your skirt over your handmaid; for you are a near kinsman.”
10) He said, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, my daughter. You have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you didn’t follow young men, whether poor or rich.
11) Now, my daughter, don’t be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy woman.
12) Now it is true that I am a near kinsman; however there is a kinsman nearer than I.
13) Stay this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part. But if he will not do the part of a kinsman for you, then will I do the part of a kinsman for you, as Yahweh lives. Lie down until the morning.”
14) She lay at his feet until the morning. She rose up before one could discern another. For he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”
15) He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; and he went into the city.
16) When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” She told her all that the man had done to her.
17) She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’”
18) Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest, until he has finished the thing this day.”

Boaz was an older man and the passage of time takes its toll.  Face it, we all will someday lose our looks, but what matters most is what is on the inside.  And Boaz had more than enough goodness there to overcome the effect of years.  Ruth must have seen this too, because she didn't go after younger men.  Choosing a mate for looks is a bad idea because in 50 years we are all going to have faces that look like shriveled prunes.  This moose must be one very smart cookie!!!

7/14/11

LOOK UP...


Atomic Bomb? No, its just the clouds, but what clouds!!!  Nearly every day I look at the formations they make and the patterns I observe seem endless.  Each and every time I see something in them it makes me think of the magnificence of the Almighty and realize my own insignificance.  Which, by the way, is exactly what JOB needed to learn.  God helped him with this lesson by asking him some interesting questions.  See if you can answer them?

Job 38:1-41 (WEB)
1) Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,
2) “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3) Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!
4) “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.
5) Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it?
6) Whereupon were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,
7) when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8) “Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth from the womb,
9) when I made clouds its garment, and wrapped it in thick darkness,
10) marked out for it my bound, set bars and doors,
11) and said, ‘Here you may come, but no further. Here your proud waves shall be stayed?’
12) “Have you commanded the morning in your days, and caused the dawn to know its place;
13) that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and shake the wicked out of it?
14) It is changed as clay under the seal, and stands forth as a garment.
15) From the wicked, their light is withheld. The high arm is broken.
16) “Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?
17) Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
18) Have you comprehended the earth in its breadth? Declare, if you know it all.
19) “What is the way to the dwelling of light? As for darkness, where is its place,
20) that you should take it to its bound, that you should discern the paths to its house?
21) Surely you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!
22) Have you entered the treasuries of the snow, or have you seen the treasures of the hail,
23) which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
24) By what way is the lightning distributed, or the east wind scattered on the earth?
25) Who has cut a channel for the flood water, or the path for the thunderstorm;
26) To cause it to rain on a land where no man is; on the wilderness, in which there is no man;
27) to satisfy the waste and desolate ground, to cause the tender grass to spring forth?
28) Does the rain have a father? Or who fathers the drops of dew?
29) Out of whose womb came the ice? The gray frost of the sky, who has given birth to it?
30) The waters become hard like stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen.
31) “Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loosen the cords of Orion?
32) Can you lead forth the constellations in their season? Or can you guide the Bear with her cubs?
33) Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?
34) “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, That abundance of waters may cover you?
35) Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are?’
36) Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the mind?
37) Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of the sky,
38) when the dust runs into a mass, and the clods of earth stick together?
39) “Can you hunt the prey for the lioness, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
40) when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?
41) Who provides for the raven his prey, when his young ones cry to God, and wander for lack of food?

Job 39:1-30 (WEB)
1) “Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears fawns?
2) Can you number the months that they fulfill? Or do you know the time when they give birth?
3) They bow themselves, they bring forth their young, they end their labor pains.
4) Their young ones become strong. They grow up in the open field. They go forth, and don’t return again.
5) “Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,
6) Whose home I have made the wilderness, and the salt land his dwelling place?
7) He scorns the tumult of the city, neither does he hear the shouting of the driver.
8) The range of the mountains is his pasture, He searches after every green thing.
9) “Will the wild ox be content to serve you? Or will he stay by your feeding trough?
10) Can you hold the wild ox in the furrow with his harness? Or will he till the valleys after you?
11) Will you trust him, because his strength is great? Or will you leave to him your labor?
12) Will you confide in him, that he will bring home your seed, and gather the grain of your threshing floor?
13) “The wings of the ostrich wave proudly; but are they the feathers and plumage of love?

15) and forgets that the foot may crush them, or that the wild animal may trample them.
16) She deals harshly with her young ones, as if they were not hers. Though her labor is in vain, she is without fear,
17) because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.
18) When she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.
19) “Have you given the horse might? Have you clothed his neck with a quivering mane?
20) Have you made him to leap as a locust? The glory of his snorting is awesome.
21) He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength. He goes out to meet the armed men.
22) He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed, neither does he turn back from the sword.
23) The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and the javelin.
24) He eats up the ground with fierceness and rage, neither does he stand still at the sound of the trumpet.
25) As often as the trumpet sounds he snorts, ‘Aha!’ He smells the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
26) “Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?
27) Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up, and makes his nest on high?
28) On the cliff he dwells, and makes his home, on the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.
29) From there he spies out the prey. His eyes see it afar off.
30) His young ones also suck up blood. Where the slain are, there he is.”
 Job 40:1-2 (WEB)

Job 40
1) Moreover Yahweh answered Job,
2) “Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

Hint: Don't even try!!!  Some things are beyond our knowledge and understanding!!!  Yet, the questions that God asks make us marvel at the complexity of the universe and the true grandeur that the creator must possess.  What are we compared to that?  In actuality, not much at all.  However, God has given us the ability to perceive his greatness and a good way to begin is to start looking up... who knows what we may see next?

7/12/11

Great balls of lightning



I have heard of a bold of lightning, but a ball?  Very interesting; but I wonder what the impact would be of actually SEEING this thing in the sky?  Could you feel the tingle of electricity on your skin or the heat it produced?  Such a sight in the sky would probably produce an abnormal amount of light?  Humm, reminds of a passage in the book of Acts...

Acts 9:1-9 (WEB)
1) But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2) and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3) As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
4) He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5) He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6) But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7) The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.
8) Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9) He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
 
Like the picture above, this heavenly light must have caught their attention. Unlike it, this one had a purpose and it was quite clear: What are you doing Saul?  Bright enough to blind Saul, it was accompanied by Jesus himself directing Saul.  If you are going down a wrong path like Saul, I wonder what it would take to get your attention?  Would you listen like he did?  Remember that the next time you read your Bible, it just might enlighten the words some.

7/10/11

we be friends


You and I are friends!!! It doesn't matter if your skin color is a bit off or if you are a bit too large or even if your nose is bigger than everyone else's; we are friends!!!  Friendship with God is like that too, HE doesn't care what you look like or where you come from or what you do for a living; HE is your friend irrespective of these issues.  What does HE care about?  Read the following passage and find out...

James 2:19-26 (WEB)
19) You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.
20) But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?
21) Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
22) You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected;
23) and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;” and he was called the friend of God.
24) You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith.
25) In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Martin Luther called the book of James an "epistle of straw"; why, because it contradicted his doctrine of "faith only".  As I read it, Abraham's belief in God was coupled with actions and concrete action showed his faith to be real.  James also refers to Rahab, a prostitute, who helped the spies as the nation of Israel conquered the holy land.  What you do is important to God!  If even demons believe in God, then just believing in God isn't going to get you into heaven.  Again, its what you do as a result of your (confident trust) belief.  I may not be much to look at, but if God is my friend, I AM SOMEBODY SPECIAL.  Now, the only thing that remains is the question:  If I believe in God, then what am I going to do about it?  Hint:  Read Acts chapter two as a starting point.

7/9/11

The best for last


This sunset is somewhat special.  Most of the time, the whole sky gradually darkens until it turns a violet and then the black of night.  However, in this photo there is light grey and black mixed together against the fiery glow of a crimson sunset.  It seems to have a more distinct line of demarcation than usual.  The lives of some people are like this sunset; at the very end they are remarkably beautiful, golden in fact.  Simeon was one such man and here is his story.

Luke 2:21-35 (WEB)
21) When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22) When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23) (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),
24) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
25) Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27) He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
28) then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29) “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
30) for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31) which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32) a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33) Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,
34) and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
35) Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon was a man like any other, but he received a special blessing... he would see the Christ before his death.  Sometimes the best things come late in life.  Sometimes the best is left for last.  Simeon's "sunset" marked the end of one age and the beginning of another; the Christ had arrived.  Not a bad way to finish!!!  Beautiful!!!

7/8/11

Highlights in the clouds


Often, I like to go swimming around sunset because the sky is marvelous at that time of day.  its not uncommon to see highlighted clouds, but in the shape of a horse?  During the past few weeks, I have noticed quite a number of clouds like these and have been wondering why I liked them so much.  So, today, when I saw this picture again, I thought of this passage and now I know.

Matthew 17:1-9 (WEB)
1) After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.
2) He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
3) Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
4) Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5) While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
6) When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.
7) Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
8) Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
9) As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Jesus. It reminded me of Jesus.  Don't get me wrong; Jesus is not a horse.  But, he is glorified and that is the attraction.  That is something worth remembering; he is attested to by God and worth listening to.  In this world, its hard to find something (or better, someone) to believe in, but Jesus fills the bill.  He alone reminds me that God cared enough to come as human and tell us what we need to know.  I may see highlighted cloud shapes in the future, but no matter what they look like, I will remember that Jesus is the glory of God.

7/7/11

Typewriters, party lines and memories


Recently, my wife has gotten into the habit of visiting the local hospice store.  She has made fugal purchases there and I have had many an opportunity to go with her when she is on one of her "shopping sprees".  The last time I was in the store I saw something I hadn't seen in years: a circular slide rule.  I actually worked with a man whose boss invented the thing.  Can you imagine?  Pictures like the above one remind me of the past and the things that happened during that former time.  Once you experience things like typing a term paper on a 1929 Underwood manual typewriter or talking on a party line, you never "really" forget them.  All it takes is something to jog your memory.  So, I thought of this passage from the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:24-36 (WEB)
24) Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,
25) not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
26) For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,
27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.
28) A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.
29) How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30) For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32) But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings;
33) partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so.
34) For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.
35) Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
36) For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Not everything in the past is great, but becoming a Christian was.  It was wonderful to come to know Christ and read the Bible for the first time.  There was opposition however, in the form of "friends" who wanted their own opinions to supersede the scriptures.  Needless to say, after a while those "friends" went down a different path.  It hurt to lose people who I thought really cared about me, but following the teachings of the Bible were far more important than having even one friend.  The Christians to whom the book of Hebrews was written needed encouragement and so this passage was necessary.  It is still valuable today; still giving us a little lift that we need to remain faithful.  Sometimes its good to remember the things of the past and apply former lessons learned to the problems we may face tomorrow.  However, I still can't think of anything good about a party line... maybe it will come to me?????

7/6/11

True love is...


I don't know how true it is, but I have heard that swans mate for life.  If they don't, I wish they would.  There is nothing more beautiful than loving commitment over one's lifetime.  Symbols like the heart always represent love and that is a good thing.  However, there is more to love than just a warm fuzzy feeling or infatuation.  Real love means commitment and caring.  Caring enough to do the best thing for your mate (or your children) regardless whether it is wanted or even appreciated.  Proverbs puts it this way...


Proverbs 3:11-12 (WEB)
11) My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline, neither be weary of his reproof:
12) for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.

You do what you have to do if you really love someone.  It may not be pleasant at times, but regardless, it must be done.  God loves me because he has told me so and because he gives me instruction (reproof: a bringing to light of something) through his word.  I may not enjoy realizing I have sinned in one way or another, but if it draws me closer to God then it is worth it.  Funny thing, it brings my heart closer to his and that brings us back to the swan heart picture above.  Not a bad thought on a cloudy day like this one....

7/5/11

Unbearable!!!


Oh, NO; not again!  That's what this picture says to me!!!  If you have raised children, then you know all about this feeling.  Sometimes kids make the same stupid mistake, over and over and over again, until you think it will drive you crazy.  You love them, but it becomes unbearable to watch their antics.  I can imagine that is how God must feel, when HE sees us sin, over and over again.  Listen to what the prophet Isaiah says...


Isaiah 1:1-14 (WEB)
1) The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
2) Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
3) The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know, my people don’t consider.”
4) Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have despised the Holy One of Israel. They are estranged and backward.
5) Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
6) From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it: wounds, welts, and open sores. They haven’t been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil.
7) Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
8) The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a besieged city.
9) Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom; we would have been like Gomorrah.
10) Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11) “What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?,” says Yahweh. “I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don’t delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats.
12) When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts?
13) Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can’t bear with evil assemblies.
14) My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them.


Unbearable!!! OK, its a play on words, but it IS appropriate.  God hates sin and it must be difficult for him to watch the nonsensical things we do.  The book of Isaiah goes on like this passage for 39 chapters, but the last 26 are among the most positive in the Bible.  Isn't it amazing that God can see hope in the midst of failure?  Without that hope, where would we be?  In very deep trouble, I am sure!!!  So, the next time your children (or grandchildren) do things that just make you sick inside, remember the book of Isaiah and have hope.  The seemingly unbearable becomes a victory with God's help.

7/4/11

A sign for the times


Contradiction?  I guess its all in how you define evolution.  If God is the process, then you are off to a good start; if not, godlessness looms.  Evolution in its standard form excludes God and places man's reason in HIS PLACE.  The outcome is humanism; a religion built on a house of cards.  If wouldn't want to put myself of believing that, because the results could be disastrous.  Read on....

Romans 1:18-32 (WEB)
18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19) because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
20) For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
21) Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23) and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
24) Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,
25) who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26) For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
28) Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
30) backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31) without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32) who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.



The truth is: change what God has said through your own ideas and you are on a slippery slope; one where one thing leads to another and soon you are without a doubt an enemy of the Almighty.  Who would really want that?  Be smart: listen to what God has said and do not try to change a thing... you will be glad you did!!!

7/3/11

A sunset reminder


Just another sunset in Provo, UT, USA.  But, although it may seem ordinary, yet the colors remind me of our American flag.  A flag that represents the desire of all who would be free.  Freedom doesn't come easy, there is a price and a costly one at that.  I have been thinking a lot about freedom as Independence day approaches and these verses came to mind.

John 8:30-36 (WEB)
30) As he spoke these things, many believed in him.
31) Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.
32) You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
33) They answered him, “We are Abraham’s seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free?’”
34) Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
35) A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever.
36) If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

I remember the old saying: "If God isn't your father, then the devil is your Daddy".  To me, this is another way of saying that who you commit yourself to is your master.  If you think you are free by your own doing, you are kidding yourself.  You must make a choice; submit to sin or to Christ.  If you choose Christ, you have made a wise choice because it is only through HIM that you can be separated from sin.  Tomorrow we will celebrate Independence day and our freedom from a foreign oppressor; let us also remember that the bounds of freedom extend beyond the limits of physicality to the essence of our being: the soul.  Verse 36 might be something to think about tomorrow as well.

7/1/11

Too much for you???


Somehow, Hot Dogs and Martha Stewart seem strange together.  Even more odd, A HUGE HOT DOG????  Although it may seem strange, yet here it is; the biggest Hot Dog I can ever remember seeing.  To even BEGIN  to think of tackling this monstrosity, you have to have to be a bit overzealous (I mean, CRAZY!!!).  Yet, there are people out there that do CRAZY things all the time, like pie-eating, flag-pole sitting, tight-rope walking and a thousand other odd things.  It takes a certain sort of person to be able to tackle the seemingly impossible and the Bible tells us about quite a few of them.  Here is a short list...

2 Samuel 23:13-39 (WEB)
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.

You could summarize this list: ENTHUSIASM!!!  You need enthusiasm to do the things mentioned here and yes, you need to be a bit crazy.  But the world needs crazy; it needs people who look at overwhelming odds as nothing and then proceed to accomplish the unbelievable.  In the first century they were called Christians and their genuine committment to Christ changed the world.  And the world still needs changing.  Perhaps all we need to get started is a big enough hot dog?????