Hear, believe, obey!

Over the past couple of years I have seen a lot of new things while preparing for my daily posts, but this one is really different. Click on the video to see what I mean. Peter spoke to the people of his time in their language, just like this lady did. The bottom line is in verse 12.

Acts 4:8-12 (WEB)
8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9) if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
10) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.
11) He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
12) There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”

Jesus, one man, one way, one time; and it really doesn't matter if it ain't got rhyme!!! What really matters and this is fact, if you really have Jesus you'll know how to act. So, listen to the sermon just one more time and obey from the heart, that's the end of the line.

Thanks to Ron Cameron for the e-mail link!!!

One dangerous weapon

Surveys, everything is surveys today! People have lost the will to think for themselves, instead its cool to just go along with the crowd. Our society has become a nation of strangers; we (in America) just don't want to get too close to others. With good reason too; everyone has an agenda, everyone is selling something. Its no wonder we are defensive about who or what we will listen to. Here is what the writer to the Hebrews (perhaps the Apostle Paul) has to say about listening.

Heb 4:1-13 (WEB)
Heb 4
1) Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
2) For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.
3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4) For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, “God rested on the seventh day from all his works;”
5) and in this place again, “They will not enter into my rest.”
6) Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter therein, and they to whom the good news was before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience,
7) he again defines a certain day, today, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
8) For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day.
9) There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
10) For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.
11) Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13) There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Human nature resists being told what to do; that is a fact. Especially, when it comes to matters of religion. How many cults have you heard about during the last 20 or so years? For me, the answer is lots and lots. The media doesn't help much either; when you see a religious person portrayed on TV, I bet you it isn't in a positive light. So, the graph probably is accurate and with good reason. Face it, there are a lots of nuts out there. But what about the truth? How do we REALLY KNOW TRUTH FROM ERROR? The short answer is the Bible, but which one? Over the past 40 years there has been an explosion of translations, paraphrases, study Bibles and the like. My answer has been the Composite Bible, which seeks understanding by progressive comparison: from the less literal to the most literal. If you want to find out more, you can go to the compositebible.com/ and see what I mean. But, even the greatest understanding can be easily quenched by a stubborn, hard heart. So, ask God for help and pray when you read; he will listen. Search, and you WILL FIND THE TRUTH. When you do, you won't have to be afraid of that person who is carrying a Bible on the bus... who knows, that person may be you.

Pancakes in a new way

Its an odd thing the way the human mind operates. Yesterday was my day off, but I was busy with a computer problem most of it. I had a number of errands to do, supper, and spending some time with my wife watching the Netflix movie, "The Blind Side" (which by the way, is a pretty good flick). By the time 11p.m. rolled around I was so tired that I went to bed (which is unusual for me, to say the least). But, around 2:30 a.m. or so, I woke up needing a glass of water. Funny, but all I could think about was pancakes. Sadly enough, we didn't have any mix in the house, so I gave up and proceeded to check my e-mail and do a blog post. Wouldn't you know it, I found this picture! It intrigued me, because I never thought of putting the pancakes over the bacon. Then, I noticed the pancake box and thought of a Bible passage from the book of Job.

Job 42:12-17 (WEB)

12) So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys.
13) He had also seven sons and three daughters.
14) He called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren Happuch.
15) In all the land were no women found so beautiful as the daughters of Job. Their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
16) After this Job lived one hundred forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, to four generations.
17) So Job died, being old and full of days.

Job is one of the most important figures in the Bible, for his problem of suffering is one to which we all can relate. Suffering is difficult for us all, but how do you handle it when you feel you have done nothing wrong? The book is full of many "explanations" by Job's "friends", but in the end God gives the answer. Basically, things happen in the life of those try to follow God faithfully because God has a plan for them. Job needed to realize he didn't know everything and to humble himself and pray for others, and so do we. Today, I really didn't like waking up so early in the morning, but if it causes me in some way to think about the scriptures, Wow, what a blessing!! Somehow I can relate a little more to Job and his situation. Besides, I learned to make pancakes in a new way and I can't wait to go to the store for some pancake batter and bacon. Even waking up early can be a good thing!

Change the World!!!

For my daughter..

Two pictures; seemingly unrelated, but in actuality very important to one another. The top one seems really out of place and perhaps a little harsh by today's standards. You mean its WRONG FOR GIRLS TO HAVE GOALS???? I do NOT!! Think how values have changed in the last 60 years. As a boy I remember that if a woman worked outside the home, something was very wrong in the household. The "man" of the house was either a drunk, or lazy, or a criminal or something else was really wrong with him. OK, society changes; today, its expected that a woman "bring home the bacon, and fry it up in a pan AND never, ever let you forget your my man, cause I'm a woommaann". In case you didn't recognize it, that's my take on a commercial that aired on TV (in the 70's??). The commercial is wrong: no person can do everything perfectly. If the lady of the house tries, sooner or later there will be trouble. Children need a mother; they need training, most of all, they need love and attention to grow up properly. Some ladies are better at time management than others and I have known a few (a very few) that come close to the commercial ideal of a "modern" woman. With that thought in mind, read this passage from the book of John.

John 2:1-11 (WEB)
John 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.

One time or another, most of us have heard a sermon or studied this passage in a Bible class. I have always heard the emphasis placed on Jesus and what he did and of course that is as it should be. However, what about his mother? Think about it for a minute; his mother had been with him all his life and seen him grow up. She undoubtedly had an impact on his upbringing, probably more than most, because many believe that Jesus' Earthly father (Joseph) was advanced in years when Jesus was born and had died sometime prior to this event. She knew Jesus well and encouraged him to do what she knew he must. Now, that is important; to say otherwise is foolish!! There is nothing more important than to bring a life into the world and shape it. Money, possessions, fame, power... all these will disappear in 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 years. But the guidance that a Godly woman gives to her children will be felt for several generations. All this time, you probably have been wondering how the second picture ties into all this? That picture is of Adolf Hitler. See the importance of proper upbringing now? Ladies, place your priorities where you must, but I suggest that among the very highest of them should be your children. Your actions can change the world!!!

The real thing says love

In a couple of weeks Linda and I will have our 42nd wedding anniversary. Wow, where has the time gone!? So, what to give her? Roses, of course; but not these puppies! At first glance they may look great, but make a closer inspection. Bacon, in all its cholesterol glory!! These are a heart attack just waiting to happen. Sometimes things that might look good are in fact very bad for you. As you are thinking about this, read Proverbs 5.

Prov 5:1-23 (WEB)
Prov 5
1) My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding:
2) that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.
3) For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,
4) But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5) Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
6) She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.
7) Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth.
8) Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house,
9) lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
10) lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man’s house.
11) You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
12) and say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13) neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
14) I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered assembly.”
15) Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.
16) Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?
17) Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.
18) Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19) A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
20) For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?
21) For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths.
22) The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
23) He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

Face it, Sex sells. The weaker sex are weaker in name only. I have three grown daughters and 5 grand-daughters and I can tell you from experience that the ladies of the house are a true force to be reckoned with. However, the male of the species is not too bright when it comes to affairs of the heart (or perhaps something more erotic). Men can be tricked quite easily into the arms of another and as this Proverb shows, headed for disaster. So, guys, do yourself a favor and re-read verse 18. Stay with the wife of your youth and do everything you can to make her happy. Here is a good pointer to start things off: don't give her bacon roses. I highly recommend the real thing because it says love better than any snack you can think of.

"V"

Crepuscular rays; new term of late (for me), but just another way of saying the sun is shining in a very special way. These rays form a V, which is very significant for me as a V stands for Victory.
I guess this started a long time ago, from the old World War II series "Victory at Sea", but it has become more than just something relating to war; it is a victory over sin. Want to know how to win? The answer lies in how we respond to the Word of God. Consider the parable of the Tares (darnel).

Matt 13:36-43 (WEB)
36) Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.”
37) He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,
38) the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one.
39) The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
40) As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age.
41) The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity,
42) and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
43) Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The Bible is more than just a book, it is the heart of God reaching out to that of his created beings. Sometimes its not easy for us to understand exactly what HE is trying to say, but over time we will get it, if we keep on searching. The disciples had a problem understanding Jesus, but thankfully they kept on asking and asking until after a time, they began to get it. This understanding of God changes us. The more we get it, the more we will shine because the truth of heaven makes those who truly follow God radiant. By the way, "V" can also stand for virtuous! Humm, virtuosity can be a VICTORY; now, there is a thought to hold on to.

Get the point!

Some things are just hard to accept! I had to look twice at this one because I didn't think it was possible. How? I just asking myself, HOW? However, seeing is believing, but I wonder: was it photo-shopped? When I saw this, I thought of this passage from the New Testament.

Acts 7:51-60 (WEB)
51) “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.
52) Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
53) You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!”
54) Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55) But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56) and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57) But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.
58) They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59) They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
60) He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen delivered a very long sermon and in the first few verses of this passage we see the conclusion. The hearers were upset (to say the least) and then Stephen went over the top with the reference to Jesus in heaven (55 & 56). The result of all this was Stephen's execution and cry for mercy for those who killed him. The last part is very emotional, but I can't help but focus on 55 & 56 because Stephen does something that I can't do: He looks into heaven and sees Jesus! Yet, it happened and that is that. Maybe someday God will explain it (and a lot of other things) to me, but for now, I just have to accept it by faith. As far as the water and the toothpick business, maybe someone out there could try it and let me know if it actually works. Maybe then I will get the point (pun intended).