No words can express the beauty

The rainbow is a promise of God. Specifically, that he would not destroy the Earth by means of a floor. It is a beautiful thing, showing the color within the light that we see every day. Most of the time when I see a rainbow it is on the horizon, but once in awhile it is close by and the closer it gets the more beautiful it becomes. How could a rainbow be any better? Why, if you are in it of course. So the concept of "better" came to mind and of course this passage from the book of Hebrews.

Heb 8:1-13 (WEB)
1) Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2) a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
3) For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.
4) For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;
5) who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, “See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.”
6) But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
7) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
8) For finding fault with them, he said, “Behold, the days come,” says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
9) not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they didn’t continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them,” says the Lord.
10) “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days,” says the Lord; “I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11) They will not teach every man his fellow citizen, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all will know me, from their least to their greatest.
12) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more.”
13) In that he says, “A new covenant,” he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away.

The relationship God had with Israel was a very special one; He gave them laws, watched over them and guided them for literally hundreds of years. So, what could be better? The answer is to go beyond the concept of LAW entirely; to create a new way of knowing God... from the heart. the LAW was superseded by Grace, just as the rules of childhood are replaced by the understanding of an adult. After all, isn't it better to know what to do rather than be told what to do. Grace is like being IN A RAINBOW; the promises of God and you become one. When the human heart is colored by the promises of the living God, no words can express the beauty of it.

Find the answer...quickly

When I saw this picture on the net, I could only think of one thing: "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?". OK, I admit it, I do not know the answer to this one. I don't know what this man was thinking, but when I saw this question, I felt my I.Q. level drop about 40 points or more. The recent volcanic eruption may be news, but I only make the connection as far as that "Scandinavian" country. If I lived closer I might know more, but I don't, so my eyes bulged out too when I saw this simple little question. Even if I did know more than I do right now, I would have to be motivated and willing to listen to do something about it; otherwise I stay right where I am; period! Which is exactly where Felix was when Paul made his defense before him.

Acts 24:22-27 (WEB)
22) But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
23) He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
24) But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
25) As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
26) Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.
27) But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

Why do we do the things we do? What motivates us? Fear, peer pressure, family, economics, love, hate and probably a thousand other things might "get us going", but when it comes to God, somehow many of us turn a deaf ear. Felix's "deaf ear" was money and power. Because of these he never acted on his knowledge of "the way", even though he was terrified of the future consequences. Is there a question that really bothers you? How about: If you died tonight, where would you go in the next life? If your eyes just bulged, then perhaps you might want to open your Bible to Acts chapter 2; interesting reading. And, oh, yes, you will find the answer there!!! Next step: You need to do something about it!!!

It doesn't take an Einstein...

Some time ago, I used to subscribe to the Einstein quote of the day; some were amusing, others insightful, but all of them seemed to make sense to me. Don't misunderstand me, I certainly do not understand all of his theories and for his math--forget it! But for a man who was obviously extremely smart, he had a down-to-Earth quality I have always liked. As I looked at these two pictures, I couldn't help but wonder what he would think of today's society. Look around, things are changing: today I read in the news that a street preacher was arrested for telling a homosexual that God hates him. I don't think the preacher was right. It seems to me that God hates the sin, but still loves the person who sins. Read this passage from the book of Romans and YOU BE THE JUDGE.

Rom 1:13-32 (WEB)
13) Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14) I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15) So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.
16) For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
17) For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
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.

God lets people who practice such things "do their thing". However, there will be consequences. The street preacher made a mistake and put himself into the picture, when he should have just read all or perhaps part of the Romans passage. Anyone listening to God's word would soon get the idea. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure this one out. Now, if I could just put this into an equation....

Some things are just hard to understand

This picture reminds me of the movie "Moonstruck". Cher and Nick Gage, what a combination! Although it has some content I find somewhat objectionable, yet it is an entertaining flick. If you haven't seen the movie, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as you can; you WILL THANK ME!!! After you do, turn the TV off and just think about the theme of the movie.... love. When you do, these verses may come to mind.

Prov 30:18-19 (WEB)
18) “There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don’t understand:
19) The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maiden.

Even Solomon had things that amazed him; things that he did not understand, so if the emboldened text above causes a problem.... don't be too surprised. I don't understand it, so perhaps you won't either. There are times that I feel like the grandfather of "moonstruck" sitting at the table looking perplexed and says "somebody tell a joke". Its OK to be perplexed, some things are just hard to understand. Just accept love and move on.

Horsing around

Can it be? Is the horse really playing hide and seek? I don't know, but it sure makes me wonder. People can train animals to do all sorts of things... so... maybe. Did the horse really understand what to do? I doubt it, but, hey, anything is possible! What do we know and more importantly, Why do we want to? Solomon was very wise, but he did pen these words.

Eccl 1:12-18 (WEB)
12) I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13) I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
14) I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
15) That which is crooked can’t be made straight; and that which is lacking can’t be counted.
16) I said to myself, “Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
17) I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
18) For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

If a very wise man like king Solomon can see the futility in wisdom, knowledge, madness and folly, what about us. However, I like the picture because of its entertainment value! Is that horse actually smart enough to play "hide and seek"? Probably not, but its amusing to think it might be able to, because after all... its just a horse! How about our lives, what do we want to know and why? What can we really know? My answer it: only that which is in our limits of understanding to know! We are human beings and can only know what we can know, but with God's help we can understand what he teaches and that knowledge is beyond mere mortal comprehension. Knowing God is not a game, it is a lifelong experience of learning. I wonder, does God look at our lives like we look at the horse? No doubt, he thinks of us according to our nature, but does he ever laugh at the foolish things we do? I don't think so, because I have never known God to "horse around" with my life.

Heaven, Earth and the human heart

It appears this picture was taken at nighttime, but the sky is so vivid that for a moment I thought it was day. Somehow day and night, heaven and Earth seem to form a Mosaic of the universe. Its as if all creation is seen in one giant composite of beauty. With this concept in mind take a couple of minutes and read this passage from the book of Deuteronomy.

Deut 10:12-22 (WEB)
12) Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
13) to keep the commandments of Yahweh, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good?
14) Behold, to Yahweh your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein.
15) Only Yahweh had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all peoples, as at this day.
16) Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.
17) For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward.
18) He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing.
19) Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
20) You shall fear Yahweh your God; you shall serve him; and you shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name.
21) He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen.
22) Your fathers went down into Egypt with seventy persons; and now Yahweh your God has made you as the stars of the sky for multitude.

Just as there is a relationship between the heavens and Earth, so there is one between man and his creator. Its easy to get so wrapped up in everyday living that this concept gets a little blurred, but this picture brings things into focus. God has a chosen people to be exalted into a reunion of true fellowship with HIM and extended Israel to include everyone who truly desires to be close to HIM. Its been over 3000 years since Moses uttered these words and they are true; who can conceive of the untold millions who have been blessed. Somehow, its a wonderful thing to realize that the creation of God goes beyond the mere physical and extends even to the uttermost depths of the human heart. WOW!

What time is it?

I feel sorry for the owner of this watch. Talk about a regimented lifestyle!! However, I freely admit we are a society based on knowing the time. We have so many things that have to be done in a very specific way, AT A VERY PRECISE TIME!!! By the way, what time is it, and shouldn't I be doing something right now?

Eccl 3:1-15 (WEB)
1) For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
2) a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3) a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4) a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5) a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6) a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7) a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8) a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
9) What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?
10) I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
11) He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.
12) I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.
13) Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
14) I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
15) That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

Does it really matter what time it is? How do we know? When you look at your watch, how do you know its right? Is it based on the Internet, or on the national clock, or the atomic clock? How do we know any or all of these are correct? The answer that makes sense to me is that God set everything in order; the stars, the rotation of the planets, even the atoms in the molecules with which we measure atomic time. It really does matter what time it is because there is an appointed time for everything and all of the cycles of life point to an organization and a time setting that can only be done by God. One more thing... don't buy this watch! Who needs a day that is so tightly structured?