What you say can change things...

The picture is an ordinary one of a man in a small garden.  Just so happens that the story places it in New Jersey, where we called home for twenty years.  If you haven't already done it, read the story; you will be glad you did!!!  I enjoyed it because not only was it clever, but it reminded me of someone in the Bible.  Read on to see what I mean...

World English Bible: II Corinthians Chapter 11

[1] I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. [3] But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different “good news”, which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough. [5] For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles. [6] But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things. [7] Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge? [8] I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you. [9] When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so. [10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. [11] Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows. [12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. [13] For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. [14] And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. [15] It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

[16] I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little. [17] That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. [18] Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast. [19] For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise. [20] For you bear with a man, if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, if he strikes you on the face. [21] I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet however any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also. [22] Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. [23] Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. [24] Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep. [26] I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; [27] in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.

[28] Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don’t burn with indignation? [30] If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness. [31] The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, he who is blessed forevermore, knows that I don’t lie. [32] In Damascus the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes desiring to arrest me. [33] Through a window I was let down in a basket by the wall, and escaped his hands.

The story in the picture and the passage from the book of second Corinthians have something in common.  Although the son (who was in jail) and the apostle Paul were completely different people, yet both through the cleverness of their writings accomplished their goals.   When you compare the worth of a few garden plants with a whole congregation of human beings, its not hard to see which is more valuable!!  Besides, anytime you can do something good without involving the FBI, you have accomplished something!!!

The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2pe3_13.htm

Something to look forward to... Gary

RIVERCEPTION

Now here is something you don't see every day; a bridge for a river over a river!!!  Why? My every instinct tells me that this is photo-shopped, but who knows?  I have a hard time believing this one is genuine, so if anyone out there knows about this, please comment on the blog.  Until then, I remain unconvinced.  Which reminds me of a chapter in the book of Luke...

WEB: Luke Chapter 1

[1] Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, [2] even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, [3] it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; [4] that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. [6] They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. [7] But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. [8] Now it happened, while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, [9] according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. [10] The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

[11] An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. [15] For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. [16] He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. [17] He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”

[18] Zacharias said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

[19] The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. [20] Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Due to the plan of service in the temple and Zacharias' age, it was very unlikely for him to be chosen more than once to perform the service in the temple.  But, it really was Zacharias' turn and during his service Gabriel told him of his upcoming fatherhood and the special mission of his son.  Since he and his wife were old, he just didn't believe what the angel told him.  Because of this, he wouldn't be allowed to speak until the day of his sons' birth.  Sometimes its hard to believe things you can't see and often even things you CAN SEE, but I guess that is what FAITH is all about.  God knows what we need and always answers; sometimes its YES, sometimes its NO and at other times, its WAIT.  When the answer is YES, even that seems too good to be true; even when it is plainly before your eyes.  Lord, help us to see your blessings and understand truth when we see it!!!  Now, about that bridge...

Make your calling and election sure by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/2pe1_10.htm

Something to think about... Gary

A "yoke" run "wild"

Cute, very cute!!! If I had a humorous nature, I might say that this is a yoke gone wild.  On a more serious note, it does make me wonder when our first thoughts happen.  What is your first memory?  Mine is when I was 5 or 6 (probably 6) and climbed on the school bus with flowers in my hand for a little girl who rode to school with me.  I have no idea who she was, what she looked like, or whatever became of this kindergarten cutie, but I do remember that I liked her a lot.  I wonder how far back memories can go?  Does anyone out there remember events from 2 years of age or younger?  Since life outside the womb is viable after about seven months, I wonder what thoughts could occur BEFORE BIRTH????  Something is going on prior to our first breath of fresh air, that is for sure.  I know this because of the following passage...

WEB: Jeremiah Chapter 1
[1] The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: [2] to whom the word of Yahweh came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. [3] It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. [4] Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you. Before you came forth out of the womb, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.”

If someone says that a fetus is less than a human being, then they call God a liar, for he says he knew Jeremiah BEFORE HIS BIRTH!!!  More than that, to end the natural birth process is to directly challenge the authority of God!!!  If God starts something and you stop it, how can that be defined other than sin?  Since a full grown chicken seems to be as dumb as a bag of nails, then the inscribed shell is nothing more than humorous fantasy, but human beings are another matter.  Our country has a lot to answer for because of our actions concerning abortion.  Have no part in abortion, resist it at every level and do what you can to end this affront to God.  I am counting the days until this is ended forever and that has far more meaning than any chicken scratches could ever have.

Hardened by Deceit by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/he3_13.htm

A very important lesson for us all... Gary

Confused, lost, need directions...?

This is so confusing I actually understand it.  Suppose you are on a major road (going north) that is going to separate into two other ones and as it does you are currently in the right lane.  You want to go East (which would be on the right), so you exit left and follow the road as it goes underneath the road you were formerly on and then goes right (East).  Confused?  I don't blame you!!!  Other than this little convoluted explanation, the sign makes no sense at all.  But, I understand that this could happen, so why not accept its possibility and go with it.  Akin to this, we find in our Bibles, the book of Revelation and its apparently confusing imagery.  Take a moment and read these few verses and see if the direction it takes you makes sense...

WEB: Revelation of John Chapter 1

[1] This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John, [2] who testified to God’s word, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.

[3] Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

[4] John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; [5] and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood; [6] and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

[7] Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

[8] "“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”" says the Lord God, "“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”"

[9] I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. [10] I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet [11] saying, "“What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”"

Pet peeve here... it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, not of John.  While I am at it, it is not Revelations, its REVELATION.  Good! That is over; I have vented for the day!!!!  But, what I really wanted to mention is that the events of this revelation were to happen soon.  The language used in the book is primarily symbolic and not literal because being literal would have been easily understood by the Roman government of the day and resulted in the extermination of all the Christians.  The seven churches were real congregations and the problem was real, but the language is figurative.  Is this confusing or what?  That is the idea, confuse those who probably would have never read the Old Testament prophets and say what you will.  Today, people make all sorts of crazy predictions and outlandish comments on this book that I have to wonder if they have ever read the Old Testament at all.  But, know this; just as I was thinking of an actual road when I explained the odd road marker above, so the Christians of the first century would have understood their reality coupled with the Old Testament Scriptures.  The clear message of Revelation is that God will overcome all evil (including the mighty Roman Empire) and in the end Christians will find joy, peace and eternal life with God.  Can you say these things about your life?  Need directions?  Just ask; I will be glad to show you the signposts....