Family

While I was looking on the net today, I came across a collection of vintage lunch boxes and even though I didn't see the one I had (Davey Crockett) I did see this "oldie but goodie". If the address 1313 Mockingbird lane means anything to you, then this box probably will as well. I liked the show, cornball as it was, because as odd as they were, they were a real family (warts and all). This made me think of my own genealogy studies and all the odd things I found out about my own ancestors. The Bible has genealogies in it too; here is one of them.

Luke 3:23-38 (WEB)
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.
(Luke 3:23-38, WEB)

Adam, Noah, Abraham, David and of course, Jesus are the most famous, but what about Serug, Menan and Melchi to name just a few. The least important of them all still did something wonderful in that they had a part in the lineage of Jesus, who literally changed the entire world. Each of us is important as well, because we never know exactly what impact our life my have upon the world. Each and every life is important, whether it be a "Herman Munster", a "Marylin" or even a kookie "Grandpa". As for me, I wouldn't mind being in the driver's seat of the "Munster-mobile" because it was one really "souped-up" family car. I can almost hear the theme of the sitcom right now.....

Tech support

I laughed at this cartoon as soon as I saw it, but a few weeks ago I wasn't laughing at all. My laptop seemed totally beyond repair and for me that is not a laughing matter. When I was finished mulling over recent problems, I noticed the animals in the picture. Now, there is something to laugh about... and did. Then I thought of this passage from the book of Genesis and had one more thought... guess what it was?

Genesis 1:20-25 (WEB)
20) God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of sky.”
21) God created the large sea creatures, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good.
22) God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
23) There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.
24) God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;” and it was so.
25) God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good.
(Genesis 1:20-25, WEB)

Think about every kind of animal you can imagine; from the hummingbird, the ostrich, the pelican, and all those weird fish in the depths of the seas. God made them ALL! What a sense of humor! Immediately after these verses we find God creating human beings. Talk about a sense of humor. Bad breath, sweat, fat, baldness and puberty. All the things that make me glad to be a proud member of humanity. Since we don't know the answers to all of our problems in this life, I can't wait to find out the answers in the next. I just hope there is something better than "the computer" in heaven because when my computer doesn't work, I feel like the guy in the cartoon. And I don't even own a "Dell".

Imagine

This picture was confusing to me for a few seconds; at first, I looked to the left and wondered where the baby was. Then I realized; there was no baby. This couple was imaging what it would like to have a child. Nice thought, the world needs people to fill it up. Then I wondered: What do most people long for?

Luke 12:16-21 (WEB)
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.”
(Luke 12:16-21, WEB)

Money, success, possessions, power; pretty short list, quite a foolish list. Step back and ask yourself: What will be the value of these things in a hundred years? Nothing, nothing at all; because you won't be here to enjoy them. Death has a way of establishing the true value of goals because it causes us to consider the judge of all who breathe this day. As far as the picture goes, well, this dream has value because its theoretically possible that the yet-unborn child could be alive one hundred years from now. Yet, even if a child were conceived this very day, no one knows what it will be like. the good-news is.... God doesn't change. Take a couple of minutes and reflect on verse 21 as it applies to your life. Hummm!

What kind of example do you set?

I find this picture appalling! Right now, people are being raped, killed and their property destroyed in the state of Arizona and people have such low moral values as to parade with signs like these! If this goes unchecked, America as we know it will no longer exist!! Frankly, I hope I do not live to see the fall of America, but as unthinkable as it is... it is possible!! How should we respond? As CITIZENS, work within the framework of the republic and urge every public official to DO THEIR JOB. Personally, we who call ourselves Christians, have a higher calling and must answer to the highest possible authority; God! Read the following chapter from the book of 1st Peter to see my frame of reference.

1 Peter 4:1-19 (WEB)
1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;
2) that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3) For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
4) They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming:
5) who will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6) For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.
7) But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
8) And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
9) Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10) As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
11) If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12) Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.
13) But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
14) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.
15) For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters.
16) But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter.
17) For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God?
18) “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?”
19) Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
(1 Peter 4:1-19, WEB)

For many, its tempting to go along with the crowd, to do what everyone else is doing and not really think about the right or wrong of it. There are consequences for what we do, for each and every one of us. Ultimately, the people in the picture will answer for their actions. Until then, follow the Godly way set by the Christ of God. Please join with me in prayer for those suffering in Arizona. Pray also that those in power do what is right TOWARDS THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY! People can make all the signs they want, yell, scream and threaten but that does not change the fact that murder is wrong and people who advocate such actions are WRONG! Not sure what to do.... reread chapter 4 above!

Tenants, are you looking for the owner?

The latest (and greatest?) picture of Terra, captured on Earth day 2010. Its amazing that humans have progressed this far; imagine, being able to see half of the entire planet at one time. What next, to be able to simultaneously see the dark side as well? Perhaps, but I don't think that is coming any time soon. This picture brings to mind the close of the movie 2010, where Roy Schneider reminds us that we are only the tenants of this world and not the owners. To find the true owner, read the following passage from the book of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 10:12-21 (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.
(Deuteronomy 10:12-21, WEB)

Think! Consider all the problems that are out there; global warming, overpopulation, nuclear proliferation, aids, not to mention war, famine and a list so long that it would be downright rude of me to be thorough. But one thing is certain, most of our problems originate within the deep recesses of the human heart with a little problem called sin. I know its not fashionable to mention sin today, but it is necessary. Necessary, because in its diagnosis, there is a common denominator and that would be the human tendency of placing ourselves ahead of God's will for our lives. Not sure what that will is: read verse 12. Still not sure, go outside and look at the next full moon and imagine you could look back at Earth. You might see something like the picture from Earth day, above. Once you realize that everything you have seen or will ever see belongs to God, things will begin to change; starting with you.

The gift

This is one beautiful wedding cake! A Russian creation, it speaks of love in a way much better than mere words. Love can mean many things, but when it comes to a wedding; happiness filled with expectation is all I seem to be able to think of. Here is a passage from the book of John to think about.

John 2:1-11 (WEB)
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.
(John 2:1-11, WEB)

What kind of gifts does the newly wedded couple receive? One thing is for sure, you can count on at least one toaster oven (except, of course, if the couple registered at some fancy shop beforehand), Jesus gave the gift of wine (we can argue all day about whether it was alcoholic or not) and that was an unusual gift, but quite appropriate. Like the cake, it produced joy and touched the human heart. For those who saw BEYOND THE WINE, it must have been one of those "AAAHH" moments. I wonder, did they have the cake before or after the wine? Doesn't really matter, does it; just as long as love filled the room! God has a talent for producing that in abundance.

Empty

A little old church at the side of the road; in the great scheme of things, not much at all. Now multiply this by a thousand or ten thousand and see the effect on ANY COUNTRY!! Yet this is what is happening in this country; perhaps not to the buildings (yet) but to the people. I read a news article today that was alarming; most Americans think the moral standards in this country have gone down over the past 20 years. I expected 40 years and not twenty. Anyone out there remember the 60's and the sexual revolution? Downhill from that? Yes, from even that! When we live in a latchkey society where parents abandon their responsibilities and allow the television (and now the internet) to become the teacher, we are headed for destruction and NOT JUST A MERE DECLINE. This passage from the book of Deuteronomy immediately came to mind.

Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (WEB)
1) Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it;
2) that you might fear Yahweh your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, you, and your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.
3) Hear therefore, Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has promised to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
4) Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:
5) and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
6) These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart;
7) and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8) You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes.
9) You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.
10) It shall be, when Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land which he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you, great and goodly cities, which you didn’t build,
11) and houses full of all good things, which you didn’t fill, and cisterns dug out, which you didn’t dig, vineyards and olive trees, which you didn’t plant, and you shall eat and be full;
12) then beware lest you forget Yahweh, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
13) You shall fear Yahweh your God; and you shall serve him, and shall swear by his name.
14) You shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who are around you;
15) for Yahweh your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; lest the anger of Yahweh your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.
16) You shall not tempt Yahweh your God, as you tempted him in Massah.
17) You shall diligently keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you.
18) You shall do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh; that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land which Yahweh swore to your fathers,
19) to thrust out all your enemies from before you, as Yahweh has spoken.
20) When your son asks you in time to come, saying, “What do the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh our God has commanded you mean?”
21) then you shall tell your son, “We were Pharaoh’s bondservants in Egypt: and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;
22) and Yahweh showed great and awesome signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his house, before our eyes;
23) and he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he swore to our fathers.
24) Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day.
25) It shall be righteousness to us, if we observe to do all this commandment before Yahweh our God, as he has commanded us.”
(Deuteronomy 6:1-25, WEB)

If you are viewing the blog (or its posts) for the first time, you will notice that I have been using a Bible version called the WEB (Short for World English Bible) for some time now. This is a revision of the American Standard Version and has a nice mix of readability and precision. I enjoy it most of all because it refers to the name of God by using the more accurate Yahweh instead of the "LORD" used by many versions today. This is important because it is the name of God and not just a title; so naturally it leaves one with the feeling of being closer to The God of Heaven. How is this important? The closer you are to God, the more you get to know him, the more you will grow to hate relativism (which basically says that everyone can believe whatever they want because everyone is right). God is the only one who is right, He and He ALONE, SETS THE STANDARDS we are to live by. Those standards are found in the Bible and the sooner we as a nation return to this concept, the better. In the meantime, its not just empty churches of the nation that bother me, its the minds of the people who are empty of THE WORD OF GOD. Sound too inflexible to you, too specific to be anything but the absolutes uttered by a fanatic? Consider this, God was very specific when he sent Jesus. Very specific in what he did and who will benefit if his will is OBEYED. Unpopular, maybe, necessary... absolutely. Or perhaps you may be satisfied with a life devoid of God.... at least until the end of that life. Your choice, America!