The value of "1"

This picture is right up there with "terrified tissue" and the days when we used to sing "on top of spaghetti all covered with cheese".  Days when we completed "99 cans of beer on the wall" several times in one day and were PROUD of it. We had friends and enemies, but the lists were never permanent and at the end of most days there wasn't anyone in the enemies category.  So it is that this picture brings back a lot of childhood memories, especially of grade school comrades so far removed from Florida.  When I think of people, I remember Romans chapter 16 and the importance of people to the apostle Paul.

World English Bible: Romans Chapter 16

[1] I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, [2] that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

[3] Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, [4] who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles. [5] Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. [6] Greet Mary, who labored much for us. [7] Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. [8] Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. [9] Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. [10] Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. [11] Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. [12] Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. [13] Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. [14] Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. [15] Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. [16] Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

[17] Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. [18] For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. [19] For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. [20] And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

[21] Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. [22] I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Lord. [23] Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. [24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

OK, I know I put a lot of things in BOLD today, but frankly I could have emphasized a lot more!  What stands out is how personal Paul wrote, how concerned for individuals he was!!!  Every Christian is important, no matter how hard it is to pronounce their name!!!  Aside from Jesus and the apostles, Tertius is my most favorite character in the Bible!  I think of him often because he was a nobody, some slave who was identified by a number representing his status to a Roman master.  To be number five on a list of slaves was nothing to brag about.  Yet, he did the physical writing for the book of Romans and that is something!!!  If a "nobody" like him can be blessed with such a great spiritual task, then there is hope for someone as insignificant as myself.  In many ways we should strive to be like children; innocent and straightforward, loving those who love us and forgiving those who don't.  Don't like this?? Am I bad?  Say the words of the picture out loud!!

Caleb, by Mark Copeland

Enjoy... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/num14_24.htm

MAGNIFICENT!!!!!

In the early 80's, I worked for a commercial laundry in Johnstown, New York as a route driver.  I regularly drove 120+ miles a day on my route covering Albany, Schenectady and Troy and sometimes would work 12 or 14 hours a day (when everyone sent in their furs to be cleaned).  While working there, I knew a man named Lamson Shepherd who was in his seventies and would work even longer hours than I did.  What a man!!!  He had a zest for life that I have yet to see in anyone else at that age.  More than that he was one of the most enthusiastic people I have ever met.  It was very hard NOT to like him.  He was an inspiration for us all!!!  This selection from the old testament mentions one of my all time favorite people and he is a person WORTH REMEMBERING!!!

WEB: Joshua Chapter 14

[6] Then the children of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal. Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea. [7] I was forty years old when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. I brought him word again as it was in my heart. [8] Nevertheless, my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Yahweh my God. [9] Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where you walked shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed Yahweh my God.’

[10] “Now, behold, Yahweh has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am eighty-five years old, today. [11] As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in. [12] Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh spoke.”

[13] Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. [14] Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day; because he wholly followed Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Who says that "old people" can't do anything?  Caleb was living proof that they can!!!  Caleb saw the possibilities of the promised land and even though he was "old" when he saw the promised land a second time, that didn't deter him one bit.  He had a winning attitude and that is half the battle!  He took Hebron and lived to a ripe old age.  Who knows how much time God will give us on this Earth? Sixty, seventy, perhaps even eighty or more years, but whatever time we are given, we should live our live to the fullest and consider each day to be MAGNIFICENT!!! If we have faith like Caleb, then, someday who knows... MAGNIFICENT, here I come!!!!!!

The priestly blessing by Mark Copeland

Here is today's link... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/num6_22.htm

A test...???

 

One of my granddaughters simply loves IKEA!!!  Practically every time I see her, its IKEA this or IKEA that.  I can't remember the last time she visited and the topic did not come up.  Maybe she should work there; if she did, I wonder if her job interview would be like this?  Here is a test from the OLD testament... could you pass???

 

World English Bible: Exodus Chapter 20
 

[1] God spoke all these words, saying, 

 

[2] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

[3] “You shall have no other gods before me.

[4] “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 

 

[5] you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, 

 

[6] and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

[7] “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

[8] “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] You shall labor six days, and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; [11] for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

[12] “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

[13] “You shall not murder.

[14] “You shall not commit adultery.

[15] “You shall not steal.

[16] “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

[17] “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

[18] All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. [19] They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.”

[20] Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.” [21] The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

[22] Yahweh said to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. [23] You shall most certainly not make alongside of me gods of silver, or gods of gold for yourselves. [24] You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you. [25] If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of cut stones; for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it. [26] Neither shall you go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.’

God gave Israel the ten commandments and then gave a test.  Would they listen and do his commandments?  Would they put away any and all gods and worship God as he instructed them?  Good question, and over the course of forty years the answer was No.  Except for Joshua and Caleb, all those who took the test failed; but their children did and went into the promised land.  Isn't that the way it always goes, many are interviewed, but only a few get the job.  In my study there is a little slate sign that says "Have you read my #1 best seller... there will be a test...God".  How I hope part of it will not include putting something together, if so, I am in big trouble!!!!

The sin of Nadab and Abihu by Mark Copeland

Enjoy the lesson... Gary

http://executableoutlines.com/text/lev9_22.htm

What you don't have...

Botox for elephants?  What's next, liposuction for bears or instruction in table manners for vultures?  All these human vanities do not happen with animals but they happen with human beings far more than most of us would like to admit.  This particular scene has nothing really to do with Botox, but rather it has to do with jealousy and THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM WHICH HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES!!!  When I think of "Jealousy", this episode from the Bible comes to mind...

World English Bible: Genesis Chapter 37
[1] Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. [2] This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. [3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. [4] His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.

[5] Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. [6] He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: [7] for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”

[8] His brothers said to him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. [9] He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” [10] He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?” [11] His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

[12] His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. [13] Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” He said to him, “Here I am.”

[14] He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.” So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. [15] A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, “What are you looking for?”

[16] He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”

[17] The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’”

Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan. [18] They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. [19] They said one to another, “Behold, this dreamer comes. [20] Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, ‘An evil animal has devoured him.’ We will see what will become of his dreams.”

[21] Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, “Let’s not take his life.” [22] Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. [23] It happened, when Joseph came to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him; [24] and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.

[25] They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. [26] Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? [27] Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.” His brothers listened to him. [28] Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They brought Joseph into Egypt.

[29] Reuben returned to the pit; and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes. [30] He returned to his brothers, and said, “The child is no more; and I, where will I go?” [31] They took Joseph’s coat, and killed a male goat, and dipped the coat in the blood. [32] They took the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, “We have found this. Examine it, now, whether it is your son’s coat or not.”

[33] He recognized it, and said, “It is my son’s coat. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” [34] Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. [35] All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, “For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning.” His father wept for him. [36] The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.

Joseph was favored by his father and this led to trouble.  Add to the mix that he was a dreamer and his dreams seemed to exalt him above everyone else and trouble was the natural result.  His brothers hated him and if it had not been for Reuben, they would have killed him.  As it was, they sold him to traders and concocted a story about his "death".  This hurt his father terribly, but they were not in a position to tell the truth, so the lie had its way.  When we envy what someone has and act on it, nothing good can come of what we do; nothing at all!!!  But God can change things, as can be seen by continued reading in the book of Genesis.  Eventually, Joseph's dreams came true and everyone learned and grew because of these experiences.  For us, its best not to envy what others have, because, if we think about it, we are truly blessed and as a result we should be happy with what we have.  Now, all this makes a great story, but lets focus once again on the picture, the two elephants on the right are obviously wrong... the other one had a nose job...