More than appearance

This dog's name is Sandy and she is not like her appearance. When she is around family she is the gentlest animal I have ever seen. She can't seem to get enough affection. However, if you are a stranger, BEWARE! When she shows her teeth she isn't kidding. So, what is her value to the family?


1 Samuel 17:42-45 WEB (R)
(42) When the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair face.
(43) The Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? The Philistine cursed David by his gods.
(44) The Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky, and to the animals of the field.
(45) Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.


To the Philistine, Goliath, dogs weren't worth very much. That is why he talked this way to David. Later, he learned what a mere boy with sticks and stones could do and it cost him his very life. So, I guess the moral of all this is to say that things we value lightly can be of great value if used correctly. Even a dog has value, if there is enough love to motivate it. Believe you me, Sandy is motivated!

Something to look forward to!

This is a picture of the state capital building in California. Two things caught my eye about it; first, there was a Christmas tree in front and second, the cleanness of the pavement. Today, with all the hullabaloo about religious icons and government, I was a little surprised to see this at all. As far as the pavement goes, its becoming increasingly difficult to imagine ANYTHING clean about government at all...even the streets. Both of these things reminded me of a government that is perfect.


Isaiah 9:6-7 WEB (R)
(6) For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.


It is refreshing to read this portion of scripture and to know that there is still purity in the world, still hope. Christ is that hope and perhaps, just perhaps, we may live to see him come again. I wonder what the world will be like without human governments; without the greed, corruption and inequities associated with them? If government buildings remain, then more than just the streets will be clean. Now, that is something to look forward to!

God is there!

This picture was given the title "Spooky" and in one sense I understand it. Graveyards are places that should make us uncomfortable; they are the home of the physical remains of human beings who were once filled with the blessing of life. Now, all that remains is a mere shell of those we may or may not have known. Yet, somehow, this picture is wrongly titled because there IS a chapel there. A place where those of reflection can commune with God. After some reflection of my own, this passage came to mind....


Matthew 6:9-13 WEB (R)
(9) Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
(10) Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
(11) Give us today our daily bread.
(12) Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
(13) Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'


Commonly called the "Lord's prayer", this too is mislabeled. Consider, rather that it is the "disciples prayer". Jesus instructs his disciples to pray; it is not the prayer that he makes for himself, for he is apart from sin and wrongdoing!!! His fellowship with the father is different from ours; consider John 17 and Mary at the tomb for just a couple of examples. Even if we are in a graveyard, he is nearby, ready to help and comfort. Jesus was and is pure and even though we live in a world with countless graveyards, a prayer like this one has and always will be fulfilled in Jesus. So, pray something like this prayer and remember that it HAS POWER because Jesus has fulfilled the will of God for us and we live through HIM. When we reflect on the picture again, it can not even remotely be considered "spooky" because no matter where we are, God is there!

Love

Just a couple of squirrels in a tree, but it is obvious there is something between them. Love is a curious concept, with various means of expression. We love our parents, our children, our spouse and our neighbors. We might love a hobby or something in nature or perhaps even your work. All these things are different, yet show some aspect of love. But what about the love of God; how does HE show love. Consider Luke chapter six...

Luke 6:32-35 WEB (R)
(32) If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
(33) If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
(34) If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.
(35) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.


God does right, regardless! Hard for us to understand, but sending Jesus shows us that it is not just talk; it is action. Sometimes it is very hard to love those who don't seem worthy of anything but the harshest treatment, but we must try anyway. Even if the object of our love isn't cute and cuddly, like the squirrel. No, you don't have to cuddle up to your enemies, but do try to be nice; sometimes it works. A long time ago, a man I worked with named Tony tried to get me fired and it just happened that I was reading this verse that same day. So, I tested it out and for weeks I tried to be nice to him, even when he was mean to me. Not long after this, I was severely hurt on the job and the only person who visited me in the hospital (besides my family) was Tony. Hey, you never know! God can change a persons heart; I have seen it!!!

We've only just begun

Weddings are wonderful! They are usually planned WAY IN ADVANCE, so there is a lot of excitement! The more elaborate ones have an air of magnificence about them, but whatever the budget, you can sense the anticipation of the bride and groom!! There is just something about them that is electrifying. It must be something like being born for once you do it, you know life is never going to be the same again. "I do" is such a simple promise, but if you mean it, your whole life is committed to one person and one only. Makes me think of this passage from Ephesians.


Ephesians 5:25-32 WEB (R)
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;
(26) that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
(27) that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(28) Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.
(29) For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;
(30) because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.
(31) "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."
(32) This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.


After four decades with the same woman I can tell you that marriage is what you make it; either heaven or hell. If there is love, then no matter how bad things get, there is comfort and joy. Some of the happiest times in our marriage have occurred during the leanest financial periods. Just as this Ephesians passage is a mystery, (see verse 32)so is the bond that strengthens over time. A very special blessing is added to the union if those involved are followers of the risen Christ. This one I can't really explain, it just has to be experienced. Every day is like the line from the old Carpenter's song: "We've only just begun". Oh, yes, one thing that helps is an occasional kiss and "I love you" as often as possible, its like icing on the cake!

Who knows?

From body builder to bit parts, then on to the Terminator and beyond, Arnold has shown great versatility! Now he is governor of California; what next, President? If Ronald Regan (former actor) could, I guess anyone can! The point is that the future is full of surprises. Paul's life was no exception. Here is an interesting passage from Philippians.

Philippians 1:2-25 WEB (R)
(2) Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(3) I thank my God whenever I remember you,
(4) always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
(5) for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
(6) being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(7) It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
(8) For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
(9) This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
(10) so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
(11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(12) Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;
(13) so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
(14) and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
(15) Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
(16) The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
(17) but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
(18) What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
(19) For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
(20) according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
(21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
(22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.
(23) But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
(24) Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.(25) Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,


All his life Saul of Tarsus tried to follow God; it wasn't until his conversion that he was on the right road. Then, he became a man obsessed and preached like no one else! He lived, thought, dreamed, and suffered on behalf of the risen Christ and his discipleship was unparalleled. Even He didn't know the future when he dictated this letter, so I guess anything can happen to anybody! Paul and Arnold had a lot in common in terms of their devotion to something, but somehow I just can't picture Paul looking like Arnold. But who knows, perhaps in his old age Arnold will waste away and look like the aged wisp of a man that Paul was.

Black and white

This picture is interesting to me for two reason; first, because its in black and which and secondly, because of its location. Black and white pictures often add new meaning to a picture; its the mere fact of contrast that adds interest. As far as the location goes, I don't have a clue where it is, except that it is very, very high indeed. All this raises a question:What lengths would you go to do what you really want to do? For Epaphroditus, the answer seemed to be limitless.

Philippians 2:25-30 WEB (R)
(25) But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need;
(26) since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick.
(27) For indeed he was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
(28) I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
(29) Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor,
(30) because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.


Epaphroditus was loved and with good reason. He cared for people and earned the praise of the apostle Paul (no small accomplishment). Its obvious that he (and the cameraman above) would do just about anything for that which he loved. For people like these, life is really black and white, yes or no; a life without equivocation. Not a bad way to be! If you reach for the stars it is a glorious quest, even if you fail, you will still achieve stardust!