If that were true...?

I do not agree with the math.  If you substitute another symbol (say a ✵) for the numeric "2's", then you have ✵✵ and ✵✵.  Count the ✵'s and you have 1,2,3,4.  Simple, right?  Yet, someone put that lie on the roof of a building; I wonder... why?  I can't read minds, so I don't know; but I can guess, because I have seen

liars operate before... here is one example...

WEB: Matthew Chapter 4

[1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

[4] But he answered, "“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”"

[5] Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’ and,

‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”


[7] Jesus said to him, "“Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”"

[8] Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. [9] He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”

[10] Then Jesus said to him, "“Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”"

Satan knew Jesus was hungry and with that comes a natural desire for self-preservation.  And as every civilized person knows, you need money to survive in this world.  Satan also knew who Jesus was and IF he could put a wedge between Jesus and his heavenly father by planting doubt in any of these three areas; then he would succeed just as he had with Adam and Eve.  But Jesus knew both his Father and the scriptures and defeated Satan at every turn.  He understood the purpose of a lie; to entice disbelief, to twist reality into something it isn't.  This applies not only to math on the roof of a barn, but in understanding the Scriptures as well.  If you know math, then you won't be fooled and if you know the Scriptures and the one who gave them... you just ignore the "if's".  That the stuff faithfulness is made of!!!

Are you high maintenance? by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/highmain.htm

or... what does it take to keep you faithful... Gary

A second challenge...

Quite a challenge!!!  To actually consider life is the beginning of sentience.  We may know many things, have done many things and are the equal of all those around us (maybe even a bit better than some), but if we have not taken the time to contemplate what life is all about, we really haven't lived.  What is life anyway?  Do we just grow up to grow old and then whither and die?  Is there not something more to it all?  Look up!  How marvelous is the complexity of the world above and below!!!  Did it just happen?  Is there no pattern??  Is there no design behind it all, even though the vast interwoven complexity of our environment is obvious?  Yes, is my answer and God is the source!!!  Read the following chapter from the book of Psalms, slowly and notice the pause (the Selah) as you read...

World English Bible: Psalms Chapter 46

[1] God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.


[2] Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes,
though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
[3] though its waters roar and are troubled,
though the mountains tremble with their swelling.





Selah.





[4] There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad,
the holy place of the tents of the Most High.


[5] God is in her midst. She shall not be moved.
God will help her at dawn.


[6] The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved.
He lifted his voice, and the earth melted.


[7] Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.





Selah.





[8] Come, see Yahweh’s works,
what desolations he has made in the earth.


[9] He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear.
He burns the chariots in the fire.


[10] “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth.”


[11] Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.





Selah.



Instead of formatting this passage, I left it "as is" (except for the one bold addition) in order to let the impact of the original formatting be felt.  We are not alone, we need to realize that and pause to consider that which is greater than ourselves... God.  Things don't happen by accident, but when they do, good is usually NOT THE OUTCOME!!! If we as mere mortals can organize the world around us to aid in survival and pleasure, how were we designed that way?  Since we are the most intelligent beings on the planet and we are subject to mortality, shouldn't it reasonably be assumed something greater designed us?  Take all the time you want, think, contemplate, ponder, for this world is indeed wonderful!!!  And so are we... and so is God!!!  I give you a second challenge... read verse 10 and take God's challenge "Be still and know that I am God".  Its even better than the challenge in the picture!!!!!

Drifting by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/drift.htm

What is the process of those who fall away from Christ?...Gary

Pumpkin pie

I admit this is not a belly laugh; but, in its own way its funny.  Pumpkin pie, its a new one to me!  Humor is something we humans do, its just one way we have a good time.  And although this example is a little "out there", still in a "big bang theory" sort of way it IS FUNNY.  Which prompted the question: I wonder if Jesus ever told a joke?  Honestly, I don't know the answer to that one, but I do know he liked children and did enjoy a good party.  The following is what I am talking about...

WEB: John Chapter 2
[1] The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. [2] Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. [3] When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”

[4] Jesus said to her, "“Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”"

[5] His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” [6] Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. [7] Jesus said to them, "“Fill the water pots with water.”" They filled them up to the brim. [8] He said to them, "“Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.”" So they took it. [9] When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, [10] and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” [11] This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

I was a little curious about what Jesus actually did, so I looked up the embolden word for wine and Vine's dictionary gave me this definition:

"Strongs 3631: oinos  is the general word for "wine." The mention of the bursting of the wineskins, Matt. 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37, implies fermentation."

So, in other places in the scriptures the word wine may not indicate alcoholic wine, but it seems to here.  Which shows Jesus' attitude towards weddings and of course his power over the physical world.  Remember, Jesus was a Jew and not a Gentile, so it is possible that their attitude towards drinking could have been different.  See also, Rom 14:21.  But, back to the question of humor... Did Jesus have a sense of humor?  Again, I don't know, but since he did go to a wedding and encouraged the light hearted attitude that alcohol seems to bring out... I like to think so, but remember I am prejudiced towards him... but that's just me.

Are you an apatheist? by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/apathy.htm

This is a new term for me; interesting!!!... Gary

Reminders are a good thing!!!

This picture caught my eye, because I can relate to it easily today.  What started as a head cold has gone into my chest and it feels like I have the flu.  So, everything seems odd to me today.  When I saw this picture, I remembered I should take my medicine if I want to get better.   There was someone in the Old Testament who was sick and didn't realize it and needed to take the treatment of humility to get better...

WEB: Daniel Chapter 4

[29] At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. [30] The king spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty? [31] While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you: [32] and you shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will. [33] The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. [34] At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. [35] All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ask him, What are you doing? [36] At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me. [37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.

In the verses preceding this passage, God had warned Nebuchadnezzar through the prophet Daniel about the dangers associated with pridefulness. Nebuchadnezzar did not listen and when pride raised its ugly head, God brought the king low.  After a time, he was restored and gave glory and honor to the king of heaven.  Seven years of humility is a harsh treatment, but in his case a necessary one.  Hopefully, we can see the signs in our life and change for the better before God humbles us!!!  There is one thing that is bothering me, though, and that is what could possibly be wrong with the person who sees a breakfast in this way???  Maybe I shouldn't even ask, but simply say: "Take your meds... now"!!!!