A beautiful car that I would never buy!!!

Today's post is a difficult one for me to write.  Difficult because it brings back a painful memory of something that actually happened.  I hope that those of you who know me will understand and perhaps we will become even better friends.  It was 1964 and I was 15 years old.  Too young to have a car, I had to walk where I wanted to go.  Linda and I had been going out for a few months and had argued over something stupid, but I knew that a phone call was not enough, so I had to see her in person.  So, I left the house about dust and started walking.  It wasn't long before I reached route 40 in  Melrose and soon after a car like the one in the picture stopped to pick me up.  The driver was the biggest, most muscular man I had ever seen!!!  After I got in, he peeled rubber and down the road we went.  It wasn't long before I knew something was wrong; he kept looking at me in a way I had never seen before and it made me nervous.  Then, he put his hand on the automatic stick shift and before I knew it he rubbed the side of my leg.  As he did, he said: "Its a nice night, want to go for a swim?".  At this point I was scared out of my wits because I remembered there had been a murder in Melrose not that long ago and that the deceased had been sexually abused before being killed.  My mind raced and I said:"I can't... just got out of the hospital".  "What was wrong" was his reply.  I then proceeded to tell him about my imaginary bout with pneumonia.  "Are you OK, NOW"? was his reply.  "Pretty much" I answered "but the additional drugs they put me on for my other problem are nasty".  "Extra drugs... for what"?  Syphilis, I said, and at that he moved his hand away from my leg and from then on kept both hands on the steering wheel.  He let me out at Kardas Road past the school and I never saw him again... which is fine by me.  I lied to save my life and it worked, but I am not proud of it.  Then again, it was a long time ago and The God of Heaven has been working on my heart for many decades now.  Which is why I have sincerely tried to be honest with people in all things.  Why?  Because I have wanted to please God in all things, just like someone else I have begun to know...

World English Bible: Galatians Chapter 1

[1] Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), [2] and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: [3] Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father— [5] to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

[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. [11] But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. [12] For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. [13] For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it. [14] I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. [15] But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, [16] to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood, [17] nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. [18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. [19] But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord’s brother. [20] Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying. [21] Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. [22] I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ, [23] but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.” [24] And they glorified God in me.

Paul had a "history".  He had tried to destroy the church and he was not at proud of it.  However, Jesus reached out to him; Saul changed and became known as Paul.  More than just a name change; he changed his ways!!!  True conversion is like that; you really, really change!!!  Linda and I married and were living in our home Valley Falls about ten years after the hitchhiking incident and had a small get-together in our home (I really don't remember why).  I asked everyone to be seated because I had an announcement.  Then I proceeded to tell everyone of my desire to preach the Gospel.  The laughter was humiliating!!!  A few believed; most did not.  No one laughs about it today.  People CAN CHANGE!!! And, if I can, you can!!!!!  Just be honest with yourself and others; seek God and his will for your life and everything will be FINE.  As Paul would say:"Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying." Coming face to face with truth and then doing something about it changes things!!!  Remember, as long as you draw breath you can have HOPE.  HOPE has a name; its Jesus... you might want to remember that...

The Samaritan religion by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2ki17_24.htm

His lessons are worth reading...Gary

Family

Just another picture from a photo album, somebodies parents.  People I never knew and probably won't ever know.  But, to someone they were very important, for without them, their life wouldn't exist.  Family is valuable and although sometimes our families can be a bit embarrassing, nevertheless, they are our history, our legacy; in short, us.  Jesus had a family too; listed in a stylistic manner in the book of Matthew and also in the book of Luke.  Frankly, I like Luke's list better because it somehow seems more human, and therefore more like that of us all...

WEB: Luke Chapter 3

[23] Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, [24] the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, [25] the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, [26] the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, [27] the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, [28] the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, [29] the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, [30] the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, [31] the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, [32] the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, [33] the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, [34] the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, [35] the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, [36] the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, [37] the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, [38] the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Never have met a single person in the list.  Some of them are famous because of their prominence in the Scriptures; others, well, I frankly no nothing about them at all.  BUT, they are tied to Jesus and HE is very important to me!!!  Everyone who is a genuine follower of his is related to him by adoption, so everyone Jesus is related to is FAMILY; not only those on the list, but ALL those who have been adopted!!!  Therefore, I have ONE BIG FAMILY!!!  Nice to know and even better to think about!!!  One more thing.  We all probably know at least one of the relatives of the couple in the picture... His name was Elvis Prestly and the couple are his Mom and Dad.  I wonder if they have been adopted into the family of God?

This is a day of good news by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2ki7_9.htm

and good news is always welcome...Gary

Monday

The weekends are great; you can get things done and even have a little time to yourself; you can do what you want!!!  Then Monday morning comes along and its back to the same old grind.  YUK!!! Frustration; you have to do something you don't want to do... work.  It is tough!!!  Jesus encountered frustration too, as this verse from the book of Matthew shows...

WEB: Matthew 23:37. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not!

Jerusalem was the center of worship for the Jews.  It had been the place of much turmoil over the centuries and was the seat of great kings like David, Solomon and Hezekiah.  However, the Jews were a stubborn people and quite often a prophet sent by God was killed.  Jesus knew all this and his frustration with this city is obvious.  Yet, he did what he had to do and for that I am thankful.  I just wonder how he felt about doing it?  Perhaps, it was like the way I feel about Monday's....

Elijah the Tishbite by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1ki17_1.htm

One of my all-time favorite characters...Gary

Brownstones, stairs and Jesus

This picture reminds me of the staircases that were in my Great-Aunt's brownstones in Boston.  They were old, but you tell that at one time people of great wealth had owned them.  Whenever I was in Boston, inspecting her property was a priority, so I spent a lot of time going up and down stairs like these.  Naturally, they reminded me of two passages in the Scriptures and here they are...

WEB: Genesis Chapter 28

[10] Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. [11] He came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. [12] He dreamed. Behold, a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. [13] Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. The land whereon you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed. [14] Your seed will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed. [15] Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”

[16] Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn’t know it.” [17] He was afraid, and said, “How dreadful is this place! This is none other than God’s house, and this is the gate of heaven.”

WEB: John Chapter 1

[43] On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "“Follow me.”" [44] Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. [45] Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

[46] Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”"

[48] Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered him, "“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”"

[49] Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”

[50] Jesus answered him, "“Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”" [51] He said to him, "“Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”"

Jacob and Philip were two very different individuals.  They did have something in common, though... they had an encounter with God.  He showed them the way to heaven and I can't really imagine a better thing to know about.  The more I think about it, stairs will never be the same again!!!

Prove yourself a man, by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1ki2_1.htm

Enjoy... Gary

The "sweet spot"

I have had this picture in my collection for some time, but it wasn't until just a few moments ago that I realized what it meant to me.  For a long time I have been just looking at the beautiful sky and the marvelous reflection in the water.  Make no mistake; it is beautiful!!!  But today, I focused my attention on the mist.  Funny, but it reminded me of the "sweet spot" that Earth occupies in the universe.  If our planet was closer, it would be too hot for life and if farther, then too cold.  Just right!  God makes things "just right"!!!  This makes sense; as the creator of the universe, he does what he pleases.  Believe it or not, this led to a chapter from the book of Jonah, which is listed below...

World English Bible: Jonah Chapter 1

[1] Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, [2] “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.”

[3] But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid its fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. [4] But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty storm on the sea, so that the ship was likely to break up. [5] Then the mariners were afraid, and every man cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and he was laying down, and was fast asleep. [6] So the shipmaster came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God! Maybe your God will notice us, so that we won’t perish.”

[7] They all said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know who is responsible for this evil that is on us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. [8] Then they asked him, “Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?”

[9] He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land.”

[10] Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “What is this that you have done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of Yahweh, because he had told them. [11] Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?” For the sea grew more and more stormy. [12] He said to them, “Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you.”

[13] Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. [14] Therefore they cried to Yahweh, and said, “We beg you, Yahweh, we beg you, don’t let us die for this man’s life, and don’t lay on us innocent blood; for you, Yahweh, have done as it pleased you.” [15] So they took up Jonah, and threw him into the sea; and the sea ceased its raging. [16] Then the men feared Yahweh exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh, and made vows.

[17] Yahweh prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

God cares for us all, no matter what nationality we are!!!  Nineveh was a city hated by the Jews and Jonah did not want to go there when told to.  In fact, he went in the opposite direction!!!  God directed the sea and it obeyed!!  People listened and then when they learned that the creator of the universe was behind their troubles they were "exceedingly afraid"!!  Who wouldn't be?  We are small insignificant creatures as compared to Almighty God.  Imagine the power to stir up the sea or put the whole Earth in just the perfect "sweet spot"?  Hopefully it won't take a great fish to get us to listen...?  Take one more look at the picture.  Its not just beautiful, it has a message and that is God has placed us exactly where we are to accomplish what HE wants us to.  And that is not just some "fish story" its real life; its YOUR LIFE!!  Still don't get it... read Jonah chapter 2 and see what he did...

Nathan's rebuke by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2sa12_1.htm

I hope you enjoy this one...Gary

Bearable

Makes you almost wish you had a "teddy bear" again, doesn't it?  In real life, Bears are ferocious hunters and have killed many a human being.  Yet, the world is such that even they need love.  Which makes me ask the question: Does love have a purpose?  Is it just a feeling, or perhaps a necessary animal urge in order that the species may continue or something else?  I wonder, does God have a part?  Here is an except from an Old Testament book that may give us some insight...

WEB: Esther Chapter 2

[1] After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. [2] Then the king’s servants who served him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. [3] Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; [4] and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” The thing pleased the king, and he did so.

[5] There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, [6] who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. [7] He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter. [8] So it happened, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. [9] The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house. [10] Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known. [11] Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her.

[12] Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). [13] The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house. [14] In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second women’s house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she was called by name. [15] Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her. [16] So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. [17] The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

WEB: Esther Chapter 4

[13] Then Mordecai asked them return answer to Esther, “Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s house any more than all the Jews. [14] For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

The Jews had been deported to Babylon, which was by the time of this tale was now controlled by the Persians.  Vashti, the queen has displeased the king and so another queen was sought.  Esther (a Jewess) is chosen by the king to become the new queen.  Haman persuades the king to allow all the Jews to be killed and Esther's uncle Mordecai warns her that she won't escape death either.  So, we come to verse 14.  Did God cause the king to love her, so that the Jews would survive?  You be the judge!!!  It seems to me entirely possible.  Do I know; of course not!  But there is something in the human condition that wants to see order and purpose in everything.  We are hard wired that way by God.  Is it then so unreasonable to assume that God could not use our decisions (this really does include the decision to love another) to accomplish HIS will?  Love is a necessary fundamental of life and more than that it makes life BEARABLE!!!

At the front or at the base by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1sa30_21.htm

Interesting lesson; I have never heard this one before... Gary

A twinkle in your wrinkle!

Thanksgiving is a holiday everyone likes; get togethers, plenty of food and generally a good spirit on the part of everyone.  My favorite day of the year!!!  Did I say food?  Not just food, great food!!!  I chose this picture because everyone is smiling and we should see a lot of that today... even from old people!!!  Check out another reason to smile...
 

WEB: Philippians Chapter 4

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” [5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

God has a way of making even "old age" wonderful!!!  I know, there is a lot wrong with this stage of life; aches and pains, reduced activity, less money.  But, there are good things too... Grandchildren, knowing what to do about most things and why.  And the best of all is that every day that we grow older, we are one day closer to heaven.  When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he was in prison and old, but he could write things like this.  How?  The answer is simple: God put a twinkle in his wrinkle.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone... Gary

David strengthened himself... by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1sa30_6.htm

Enjoy the Outline

Happy Thanksgiving

Gary

The wrong question

Good question!!!  However, its the wrong question.  It is common knowledge that the light is there to help you see anytime.  Do we open the refrigerator door only at night?  I don't think so!!!  So, I have to ask another question: Since the questioner already knows the answer: What was the question they should have asked in the first place?  Jesus faced a similar problem with the Sadducees...

WEB: Matthew Chapter 22

[23] On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him, [24] saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed for his brother.’ [25] Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no seed left his wife to his brother. [26] In the same way, the second also, and the third, to the seventh. [27] After them all, the woman died. [28] In the resurrection therefore, whose wife will she be of the seven? For they all had her.”

[29] But Jesus answered them, "“You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. [30] For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven. [31] But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, [32] ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”"

I am a little surprised at Jesus.  He certainly must have known what the Sadducees believed and yet he answers their question anyway.  Further, he just says they are mistaken and do not know the Scriptures or God's power.  Frankly, I expected a much harsher interaction with the Sadducees. I can only guess that some of them  were honest in their misunderstanding and Jesus knew that some of them would listen to the truth.  But, it seems also quite certain that some of them were just trying to trick him into saying something they thought they could easily refute.  I guess the "why" Jesus answered as he did is not as important as the "answer", but the concept that is the result of the exchange is priceless.  To know the nature of life after life is understood by knowing God and perhaps that was the point of it all anyway.  God desires life for us and NOT death and the life that HE has in mind for us is so wonderful, so different, that its almost beyond description.  For, it is a life in HIS PRESENCE, with HIM!!!  Wow, makes you almost want to be there now, doesn't it??? So, perhaps good can come from bad after all???  Only one thing remains for this post and that is to answer the refrigerator question that started all this.  Why are you worrying about a light in a refrigerator when you should be asking WHY you are having midnight snacks in the first place?  This means you, Gary!  Stop thinking about food already and finish the post!!!

A man after God's own heart by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1sa13_13.htm

Enjoy....Gary

Seeing the beauty beyond the beauty

I wish I knew the name for this flower, but I don't.  Nameless to me, yet abounding in beauty, it is wonderful!!!  There are so many astoundingly beautiful things in this world that I am awed by the sheer number of them.  Sunsets, seashells, snowflakes, snapdragons, summer, sunlight; just to name a few.  Yet, what about you and me?  We don't just exist, we interact, we control, we imagine!!!  Human beings are the pinnacle of life on the planet we call Earth!!!  True, all life is important, but intelligent life is a thing to marvel!!!  Is that it; is there nothing more?  The answer is found in this familiar Psalm...

World English Bible: Psalms Chapter 8

[1] 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!

You and I are marvelous creations!  So intricate, that even after several thousand years of trying... we still do not fully understand all there is to know about our physical operation.  I doubt if we will ever know everything, but I am sure we (as a race) will continue to try.  If that is true, then what about how our minds work?  What makes you, you and me, well, different?  If these things are beyond us, then how about the universe?  How did it come to be? How is it organized? How does it all stay together?  Want to know the answers to all these questions?  You can't.  But what you and I can know is that God created everything.  Knowing God ultimately means knowing yourself because we are designed after him.  If you look at something beautiful, something wonderful, something amazing... God is there, because he designed it.  Give him the credit and respect due.  To me, its hard not to look at the beautiful flower at the top of the post and be amazed at its composition and not see the creator behind it.  I wonder, are we on the same page...?

Eli's ineffective reproof by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1sa2_22.htm

I hope you enjoy the lesson... Gary

Doomsday or DUMBSDAY?

2012 is right around the corner. Beware!!! The electromagnetic polarization of the Earth will shift, our sun will align with the center of the galaxy with disastrous consequences and I-ching and the Mayan calender end.  Doomsday, approaches, so beware!!!  Have you heard this before?  I have... until it makes me sick!  Why all the concern, anyway?  Maybe this little cartoon is true, who knows... and maybe not!!! It seems certain to me that 2012 will arrive soon and before the year is done... WE WILL KNOW FOR CERTAIN!!!  Listen to Jesus instead of all the prognosticators, fortune-tellers and everybody and his brother who thinks he knows....

World English Bible: Luke Chapter 12

[1] Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, "“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [2] But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known. [3] Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

[4] “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. [5] But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

[6] “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. [7] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

[8] “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; [9] but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. [10] Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. [11] When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; [12] for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say.”"

[13] One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

[14] But he said to him, "“Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”" [15] He said to them, "“Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”"

[16] He spoke a parable to them, saying, "“The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. [17] He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ [18] He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’

[20] “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared

—whose will they be?’ [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”"

[22] He said to his disciples, "“Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. [23] Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! [25] Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? [26] If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? [29] Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. [30] For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. [31] But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. [32] Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. [33] Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

[35] “Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. [36] Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. [37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. [38] They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. [39] But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. [40] Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him.”"

[41] Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?”

[42] The Lord said, "“Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? [43] Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. [44] Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. [45] But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, [46] then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. [47] That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and didn’t prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, [48] but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.

[49] “I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. [50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! [51] Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. [52] For from now on, there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. [53] They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”"

[54] He said to the multitudes also, "“When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens. [55] When a south wind blows, you say, ‘There will be a scorching heat,’ and it happens. [56] You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don’t interpret this time? [57] Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? [58] For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. [59] I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny.”"

Think 2012 will be a year of judgment?  OK, fine!  But WHAT ABOUT 2011?  What is your spiritual life like RIGHT NOW?  Are you ready today?  Have you confessed Jesus before men, or is HE just another good teacher to you?  Be ready, don't wait for 2012!!!  Life as we know it could end TODAY!!!  And I don't mean some catastrophe either... any one of us could get hit by a bus, or have a car accident or be one of the victims in the possible terror attacks against New York or New Jersey they announced Monday morning.  Why not settle your own fate today and not worry about the future?  Make sense to me.  Take care of your heavenly destiny and your Earthly one really doesn't matter, does it?  Who knows what tomorrow may bring?  In a word... Jesus!!!  Become somebody who follows HIM and forget about worrying; it's a waste of time!!!

Hannah, a woman of faith by Mark Copeland

Faith, now there is something we can all use more of... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/1sa1_1.htm

Before

Some of these I am good at, others, well... not so much (you guess which ones). I really liked this because it reminded me that there are options in life.  Just because I have always tended to do some of these things, does NOT mean I have to continue to do them.  Life can be personal growth if we ALLOW ourselves to grow.  But, how does this happen?  Peter's second letter provides one of the ways...

WEB: II Peter Chapter 1

[1] Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: [2] Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, [3] seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. [5] Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; [6] and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; [7] and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. [8] For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am over 60; I just didn't wake up retired, I had to grow into it.  In order to get this far, I did what everybody does, grow physically, learn, control and be persistent.  Eventually... here I am.  Peter talks about spiritual growth.  It takes time and effort.  Doing one thing right and adding another.  Getting the second right and adding another and so forth.  You may be good at different things in the list than I am and you may add by two's or three's, but you ADD!!! The key thought here is growth!!!  Be patient with yourself, some of the things in the picture and Peter's list are harder than others to do, but with effort, you can do almost anything.  I know, it took two years and seven attempts to quit smoking; but the good news is... the year was 1971.  Success!!!  Now, all I have to do is to pick another one from the lists and try one more time... but, which one?

The Story of Ruth by Mark Copeland

One interesting tale... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ruth1_1.htm

Necessary things...

There are millions upon millions of older people in this country.  People who have worked hard all their lives, have been devoted to their families, paid their bills and tried hard to please God in every way possible.  They are called Christians.  Oh, there are all types, phony ones, proud ones, holiday ones, immature ones and then there is the "real McCoy".  However, they all have one thing in common: they are human beings and human beings grow older.  With age comes the question: What have I done with my life?  We wonder what was the point of it all and as we progress towards "old age", some of us begin to think of the next life... and that's a good thing!!!  But, first, we need to check our attitude at the door... here is what I mean...

WEB: Matthew Chapter 18

[1] In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

[2] Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, [3] and said, "“Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. [5] Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

Humility is the stuff of genuine Christianity.  It is an insight towards personal growth and the sign of true conversion from the world of "I".  I liked the picture because its true, because it transcends the harsh reality of the world and leads to possibilities of what can be.  And with God, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!  We just need to get ourselves out of the way and lean on HIM.  Isn't this what kids do?  Is it possible?  You bet!!! Can you say this about yourself; I can't answer that question but this I know... until today, I never thought of a telescope like this before!!!  I can't wait until God shows me something new... I might actually learn something.

The leadership qualities of Joshua by Mark Copeland

Today's link... Enjoy.... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/jos24_29.htm

Not this turkey!!!

Wednesday's are always busy days for me; I usually get a visit from one of my granddaughters, and I have church services in the evening and of course there is compiling my daily blog post.  But, this past Wednesday was different.  My sister-in-law invited us over for an early Thanksgiving dinner.  We all had a nice time and watched "The Red Shoes" with Rob Morrow.  So, when I noticed this picture...bingo!!  Rejoicing; and then I thought of this passage from the New Testament...

WEB: I Corinthians Chapter 9

[16] For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don’t preach the Good News. [17] For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. [18] What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. [19] For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. [20] To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; [21] to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. [22] To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. [23] Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.

The Gospel of Christ can be the most flexible concept imaginable!  Consider the sheer number of cultures, locations and time periods it has been adapted to.  How? By reaching out to others; finding a common point of reference and relating.  We all breath the same air, we all sleep, we all eat, we all pay bills and have family's.  Paul sought out opportunities to relate to others and it not only worked, but made him happy as well.  Speaking of happiness... Wednesday, I had my usual leg-joint portion of the turkey and NO, I DON'T EAT FLAMINGO!!!!

Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here by Mark Copeland

Link for today...Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/num32_6.htm

The value of "1"

This picture is right up there with "terrified tissue" and the days when we used to sing "on top of spaghetti all covered with cheese".  Days when we completed "99 cans of beer on the wall" several times in one day and were PROUD of it. We had friends and enemies, but the lists were never permanent and at the end of most days there wasn't anyone in the enemies category.  So it is that this picture brings back a lot of childhood memories, especially of grade school comrades so far removed from Florida.  When I think of people, I remember Romans chapter 16 and the importance of people to the apostle Paul.

World English Bible: Romans Chapter 16

[1] I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, [2] that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

[3] Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, [4] who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. [5] Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. [6] Greet Mary, who labored much for us. [7] Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. [8] Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. [9] Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. [10] Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. [11] Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. [12] Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. [13] Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. [14] Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. [15] Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. [16] Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

[17] Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. [18] For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. [19] For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. [20] And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

[21] Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. [22] I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord. [23] Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. [24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

OK, I know I put a lot of things in BOLD today, but frankly I could have emphasized a lot more!  What stands out is how personal Paul wrote, how concerned for individuals he was!!!  Every Christian is important, no matter how hard it is to pronounce their name!!!  Aside from Jesus and the apostles, Tertius is my most favorite character in the Bible!  I think of him often because he was a nobody, some slave who was identified by a number representing his status to a Roman master.  To be number five on a list of slaves was nothing to brag about.  Yet, he did the physical writing for the book of Romans and that is something!!!  If a "nobody" like him can be blessed with such a great spiritual task, then there is hope for someone as insignificant as myself.  In many ways we should strive to be like children; innocent and straightforward, loving those who love us and forgiving those who don't.  Don't like this?? Am I bad?  Say the words of the picture out loud!!

Caleb, by Mark Copeland

Enjoy... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/num14_24.htm

MAGNIFICENT!!!!!

In the early 80's, I worked for a commercial laundry in Johnstown, New York as a route driver.  I regularly drove 120+ miles a day on my route covering Albany, Schenectady and Troy and sometimes would work 12 or 14 hours a day (when everyone sent in their furs to be cleaned).  While working there, I knew a man named Lamson Shepherd who was in his seventies and would work even longer hours than I did.  What a man!!!  He had a zest for life that I have yet to see in anyone else at that age.  More than that he was one of the most enthusiastic people I have ever met.  It was very hard NOT to like him.  He was an inspiration for us all!!!  This selection from the old testament mentions one of my all time favorite people and he is a person WORTH REMEMBERING!!!

WEB: Joshua Chapter 14

[6] Then the children of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal. Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea. [7] I was forty years old when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. I brought him word again as it was in my heart. [8] Nevertheless, my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Yahweh my God. [9] Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where you walked shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed Yahweh my God.’

[10] “Now, behold, Yahweh has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am eighty-five years old, today. [11] As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in. [12] Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh spoke.”

[13] Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. [14] Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day; because he wholly followed Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Who says that "old people" can't do anything?  Caleb was living proof that they can!!!  Caleb saw the possibilities of the promised land and even though he was "old" when he saw the promised land a second time, that didn't deter him one bit.  He had a winning attitude and that is half the battle!  He took Hebron and lived to a ripe old age.  Who knows how much time God will give us on this Earth? Sixty, seventy, perhaps even eighty or more years, but whatever time we are given, we should live our live to the fullest and consider each day to be MAGNIFICENT!!! If we have faith like Caleb, then, someday who knows... MAGNIFICENT, here I come!!!!!!

The priestly blessing by Mark Copeland

Here is today's link... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/num6_22.htm

A test...???

 

One of my granddaughters simply loves IKEA!!!  Practically every time I see her, its IKEA this or IKEA that.  I can't remember the last time she visited and the topic did not come up.  Maybe she should work there; if she did, I wonder if her job interview would be like this?  Here is a test from the OLD testament... could you pass???

 

World English Bible: Exodus Chapter 20
 

[1] God spoke all these words, saying, 

 

[2] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

[3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

[4] “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 

 

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

 

[6] and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

[7] “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

[8] “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] You shall labor six days, and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; [11] for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

[12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

[13] “You shall not murder.

[14] “You shall not commit adultery.

[15] “You shall not steal.

[16] “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

[17] “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

[18] All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. [19] They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.”

[20] Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.” [21] The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

[22] Yahweh said to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. [23] You shall most certainly not make alongside of me gods of silver, or gods of gold for yourselves. [24] You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you. [25] If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of cut stones; for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it. [26] Neither shall you go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.’

God gave Israel the ten commandments and then gave a test.  Would they listen and do his commandments?  Would they put away any and all gods and worship God as he instructed them?  Good question, and over the course of forty years the answer was No.  Except for Joshua and Caleb, all those who took the test failed; but their children did and went into the promised land.  Isn't that the way it always goes, many are interviewed, but only a few get the job.  In my study there is a little slate sign that says "Have you read my #1 best seller... there will be a test...God".  How I hope part of it will not include putting something together, if so, I am in big trouble!!!!

The sin of Nadab and Abihu by Mark Copeland

Enjoy the lesson... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/lev9_22.htm

What you don't have...

Botox for elephants?  What's next, liposuction for bears or instruction in table manners for vultures?  All these human vanities do not happen with animals but they happen with human beings far more than most of us would like to admit.  This particular scene has nothing really to do with Botox, but rather it has to do with jealousy and THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM WHICH HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES!!!  When I think of "Jealousy", this episode from the Bible comes to mind...

World English Bible: Genesis Chapter 37
[1] Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. [2] This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. [3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. [4] His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.

[5] Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. [6] He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: [7] for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”

[8] His brothers said to him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. [9] He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” [10] He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?” [11] His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

[12] His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. [13] Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” He said to him, “Here I am.”

[14] He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.” So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. [15] A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, “What are you looking for?”

[16] He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”

[17] The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’”

Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan. [18] They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. [19] They said one to another, “Behold, this dreamer comes. [20] Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, ‘An evil animal has devoured him.’ We will see what will become of his dreams.”

[21] Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, “Let’s not take his life.” [22] Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. [23] It happened, when Joseph came to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him; [24] and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.

[25] They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. [26] Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? [27] Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.” His brothers listened to him. [28] Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They brought Joseph into Egypt.

[29] Reuben returned to the pit; and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes. [30] He returned to his brothers, and said, “The child is no more; and I, where will I go?” [31] They took Joseph’s coat, and killed a male goat, and dipped the coat in the blood. [32] They took the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, “We have found this. Examine it, now, whether it is your son’s coat or not.”

[33] He recognized it, and said, “It is my son’s coat. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” [34] Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. [35] All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, “For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning.” His father wept for him. [36] The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.

Joseph was favored by his father and this led to trouble.  Add to the mix that he was a dreamer and his dreams seemed to exalt him above everyone else and trouble was the natural result.  His brothers hated him and if it had not been for Reuben, they would have killed him.  As it was, they sold him to traders and concocted a story about his "death".  This hurt his father terribly, but they were not in a position to tell the truth, so the lie had its way.  When we envy what someone has and act on it, nothing good can come of what we do; nothing at all!!!  But God can change things, as can be seen by continued reading in the book of Genesis.  Eventually, Joseph's dreams came true and everyone learned and grew because of these experiences.  For us, its best not to envy what others have, because, if we think about it, we are truly blessed and as a result we should be happy with what we have.  Now, all this makes a great story, but lets focus once again on the picture, the two elephants on the right are obviously wrong... the other one had a nose job...

The hardening of Pharaoh by Mark Copeland

Here's the link... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/exo4_21.htm

Success in SORROW

Oh, how I wish that there was a "painless" diet!!!  I can remember that several times I have lost more than fifty pounds (one time I actually lost over 90) only to have it come back in a few years with a little extra added.  Its enough to make anybody cry!  Yet most of us have been on a diet one time or another and our continued success or failure have undoubtedly been a source of intense concern, perhaps even tears at times.  When we are happy, the world is great, but when that pointer reaches a number that upsets us, then the day is filled with sorrow.  The accompanying guilt seems worse than the actual weight gain and the sense of failure stays with us.  So the topic of sorrow naturally came to mind and with it, this passage.

World English Bible: II Corinthians Chapter 7
[1] Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. [2] Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one. [3] I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together. [4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction. [5] For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside. [6] Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus; [7] and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.

[8] For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while. [9] I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death. [11] For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter. [12] So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God. [13] Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. [14] For if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth. [15] His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him. [16] I rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you.

Sometimes we have to do things we dislike for the greater good.  Perhaps it is something like going to the dentist or starting a diet or even informing a friend that they have done something wrong.  Any or all of these things can make us very, very uncomfortable and upset.  But when we see that our efforts are successful, its worth all the pain and more.  When other people "get it" and actually listen and do something about our concerns, what a wonderful feeling it is!!!  Some things (like the dentist or even a diet) may not have permanent effects,  but if someone turns from a sinful lifestyle to please God, then the results are eternal!!!  May we all have the courage of our convictions in all that we do, especially when it comes to helping other get to heaven.  Now, if I only could get a diet that would work for the next twenty years, how happy I would be!!! Humm, on second thought, maybe I could just by a scale that divides my weight by TWO....? 

The excuses of Moses by Mark Copeland

Another lesson to enjoy.... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/exo3_1.htm

NOT my first choice...

We are all creatures of habit.  We tend to do the same things over and over and over and do it again.  For me, I get up, dress, take my medications, fix the coffee and sit down to the computer to do my blog.  Same thing, every day. But could you imagine turning on your computer and seeing this choice?  Tells you something, doesn't it?  Maybe, just maybe there is something wrong with the way I am living my life???  The things we do give us indications whether or not we are going down "the right road".  And so does this Psalm... check it out!!!

World English Bible: Psalms Chapter 1
 

[1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand in the way of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers;

[2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law.
On his law he meditates day and night.

[3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season,
whose leaf also does not wither.
Whatever he does shall prosper.

[4] The wicked are not so,
but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

[5] Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

[6] For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall perish.

One of the major problems today is our emphasis on technology (I can't believe I am saying this??).  Everything seems to point us to be more and more technologically oriented.  In and of itself, that is not a bad thing, but when it is done to the exclusion of morality, we wind up with riots in the streets.  Sound familiar; check out the news??  Religion (no, its not a bad word) points us to God's ways of doing things; to a way of life that results in inner happiness and outward blessings.  Its not easy street, but it IS one that pleases God and gives standards of thinking and action that promote ethics and lead to stability for both you and your family.  Without God, your life will lead to things that just please yourself and without concern for others, its very plausible to think your lifestyle could result in seeing something like the picture above.  The best thing I could possibly say to you this cold November morning would be to re-read the Psalm and THINK.  Who wouldn't want a better life?  Then again, its your choice!  Look out the window... is there a van outside; if so, its probably too late.  If not, read the passage again and think; you just might be very glad you did.

The character of Joseph by Mark Copeland

Another lesson for you to enjoy...Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/gen37_1.htm

LORD of all

If you have seen the Lord of the rings trilogy, then this picture will have meaning to you.  Sauron was evil incarnate.  Ever watching, ever plotting, continually working evil.  His giant eye was ever vigilant and never rested.  Within Christianity, Satan is almost his parallel, except that Satan is more powerful and more evil than Sauron could ever think of being.  So, immediately, I thought of this passage...

WEB: I Peter Chapter 5

[8] Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. [9] Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. [10] But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. [11] To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

If you have decided to follow Jesus, then you have made a conscious choice to have the Devil as your enemy.  He will do everything he can to get you to change your mind.  He will try to destroy you. He will attack both yourself and those you love.  Take heart, there are Christians without number that have withstood him, however and you can hold fast as well.  Remember, in the movies, Sauron was defeated and Satan will be as well in REAL LIFE!!!  Cheer up, you may have problems in this Earthly realm now, but you will have countless eons in heaven to rejoice!!!  The end of the story is that God wins because he is LORD of all, including Satan and even Sauron!!!!

The forgotten vow of Jacob by Mark Copeland

Enjoy the lesson... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/gen35_1.htm

Take my pen, PLEASE?

I collect pens.  I pick them up from every possible source you could think of; friends, relatives, stores of all kinds and anywhere and everywhere I have a chance.  Once I get them, I usually put them in an old coffee cup and stash them somewhere.  Once in while, I raid one of the many cups when I actually NEED a pen.  Giving them away is usually NOT an option.  But, what if someone took one of them and used it.  I wonder how I would feel about THAT?  Hopefully, like Paul felt about his "GOOD NEWS" in the following passage...

WEB: Philippians Chapter 1
[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.

Seems a little odd at first, but Paul's most precious possession was meant to be given away.  This made him happy!!! He didn't care WHY people gave it away, he was just happy that they did!  Why?  Because he knew the blessing in what Christ could do in someone's life and the hope of heaven.  I like the idea so much that maybe I will even change my ways?  As soon as I find these pens in a store, I intend to put some in a cup right next to the front door.  I may even put a little sign on it saying "take one, PLEASE".  No, who am I kidding, I can't do that... I would put a Bible underneath it instead.