Reminders of love by Gary Rose

 

Today, I tried writing a post several times, but without success. I just couldn’t seem to think clearly. Unlike other episodes of “writers block”, I had a very good reason- My dog Pal. We took him to the vet last Thursday and waited for what seemed like an hour. I held him the entire time and he didn’t move a bit. It has always been like that, for I know he loved being held. His kidneys had failed and this had an awful effect on his already weakened heart. Anyway, there was only one thing to do; put him to sleep.

The thing is: Pal will always be with me. His love was so sincere and intense that over the past decade it has genuinely changed me. Today, as I sat at my computer, I just happened to look up and noticed a paper printout of last weeks picture of Pal that I had used for my blog post. I realized that my memory of him will never fade away because his life and mine will always be intertwined. While looking for a picture for today’s post, I found a poem that just seemed to say how I felt, so I used the picture of the poem (above). After looking at it a bit, I thought about a passage from the Bible and the following words became more meaningful to me than ever before.

The Bible says…

Luke 22 ( World English Bible )

¹³ They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

¹⁴ When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.

¹⁵ He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

¹⁶ for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”

¹⁷ He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves,

¹⁸ for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes.”

¹⁹ He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”

²⁰ Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

You know, the poem and the celebration of the Lord’s supper have something in common- doing. When I do something it often triggers a fond memory. I will remember my dog Pal by simple actions that I do and I will remember Jesus while partaking of the celebration of the Lord’s supper. Funny, as I think about it, there is another thing that the poem and the supper have in common- love. Somehow, my life seems much better as I contemplate these things. Humm, Pal and especially Jesus both really, really loved me. I think I will hold onto that thought...

Your Friend,

Gary

Of love and friendship by Gary Rose

 

This is a picture of my dog Pal just after his last grooming in November of last year (2022). Lately, he has been having a rapid decline in health and doesn’t look as good as he did in November. Frankly, I don’t think he will make it to his 15^th birthday (June 3^rd).

He is undoubtedly the best dog that I have ever had. His love and dedication to me is beyond my ability to describe. Should he die soon, I don’t know how I will be able to deal with it, but I will have the memory of my best friend to help me cope with his absence.

During the last ten years of Pal’s life, he has reminded me of what love and dedication to his master really means. Namely, that my will is to be that of MY master because I love HIM unconditionally.

As I consider this situation, I am reminded of a passage of Scripture from the Gospel of John…

The Bible says…

John 21 ( World English Bible )

¹ After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.

² Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

³ Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.

⁴ But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus.

⁵ Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.”

⁶ He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.

⁷ That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.

⁸ But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.

⁹ So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

¹¹ Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.

¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.

¹³ Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.

¹⁴ This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.

¹⁵ So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

¹⁶ He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

^{John 21 ( Emphasized Bible Rotherham )}

¹⁵ When, therefore, they had broken their fast, Jesus saith unto Simon Peter––Simon, son of John! lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him––Yea, Lord! thou, knowest that I am fond of thee, he saith unto him––Be feeding my lambs.

¹⁶ He saith unto him, again, the second time––Simon, son of John! lovest thou me? He saith unto him––Yea, Lord! thou, knowest that I am fond of thee. He saith unto him––Be shepherding my sheep.

¹⁷ He saith unto him, the third time––Simon, son of John! art thou fond of me? Peter was grieved, that he said unto him, the third time, Art thou fond of me? and he said unto him––Lord! all things, thou, knowest: thou perceivest that I am fond of thee. Jesus saith unto him––Be feeding my sheep.

This exchange between Jesus and Peter is important. Important because Jesus refers to true heavenly love (agape) and Peter refers to friendship (phileo). Normally, I use the World English Bible, but today I added The Emphasized Bible by Rotherham as I think the latter more accurately conveys the meaning. Why is this important to me now? Well, I love my dog in a way that he will never understand because HE is a DOG and I am a HUMAN. We both love, but in different ways due to our natures. The same is true for my relationship with God. I love The Almighty with my best effort to attain to the true love which Jesus exhibits. My best efforts fall abysmally short, but nonetheless, I keep striving to do better.

I do not know what the immediate future will bring for my beloved dog Pal, or what will happen to him after he dies, but I know that my master, Jesus, loves me in this life and in the life after this one. I do not know EXACTLY what heaven will be like, but deep down I hope that Jesus will allow Pal to be there. Humm, I wonder if there will be squirrels in Heaven ( I think Pal would like to know as well )?

I know this all may be a bit too personal for many of you out there, but it is what it is. I have just one question for YOU: Have YOU thought about your relationship with God lately- Do you really, really love HIM?

I hope and pray that you respond with an overwhelming YES!

Contrast by Gary Rose

 

Beautiful picture. I have seen many similar pictures over the years, but none quite like this. This one differs from the norm in intensity; specifically, in its contrast. As I thought about it, this aspect of the picture made me think of the lives of people. Some people are bright and cheerful, while others are dark and dismal. And these contrasts are reflected in their behavior as well. Generally speaking, those who are bright often do good things, but those who have a predominant darkness to their character often do very bad things.

This human contrast caused me to recall a passage from the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians…

Galatians 5 ( World English Bible )

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,

²¹ envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

²³ gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

²⁴ Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.

The things of the Spirit are good attitudes and actions, but those characteristic of the flesh are evil. Life is full of choice and those decisions and subsequent actions will ultimately determine both our life in this world and our abode of either heaven or hell in the next.

Take a few minutes and look at the qualities and characteristics of each group and choose. Which people would you like to live with eternally; Spiritually minded or those set on the flesh. Your choices will lead one way or another, for to choose the things of the Spirit will lead to choosing Jesus and eternal life, but the other choice results in destruction. Quite a contrast isn’t it?

Hardness of Heart by Gary Rose

 

 

^{Well, here is something new- an exasperated lion. I have more than a few doubts about this image being one that has been photo-shopped, but I will imagine for a moment that it is real. Since I know that the lion’s mate does most of the hunting, perhaps she brought home only a small bit of game. Or, perhaps he was napping and the cubs ate everything she caught. Maybe the waterhole had dried up ( again? ). Whatever caused this expression, it is familiar. We experience moments like this periodically and they usually are not the best moments of our day. Sometimes our exasperation can go further and we become agitated to the point of anger. Our actions and attitudes may or may not be a justifiable response to the situation, but this picture makes me wonder- did Jesus have moments like this?}

^{The Bible says...}

^{Mark 3 ( World English Bible )}

¹ He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered.

² They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him.

³ He said to the man who had his hand withered, “Stand up.”

⁴ He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?” But they were silent.

⁵ When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.

⁶ The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Rules and regulations; that is all the religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew. This sort of thinking was all about obedience and although I would like to think their hearts were right with God, it is plain from verses 5 and 6 above that they were NOT.

Yet, the Pharisees were supposed to not only know the letter of the Law, but its intent as well. Jesus knew their hearts and performed this miracle in spite of their spiritual condition. When Jesus’ actions conflicted with their state of mind and attitudes, they did what all evil men do- they conspired to destroy the opposition.

Today, I spent some time reflecting upon something I should have been doing and have not. I realized that I was wrong and have made steps to change. You see, I really don’t want Jesus ( the lion of the tribe of Judah ) looking at my life and being exasperated ( or even worse-angry ).

How about you? Anything wrong in your life? If your reflections reveal the need to change, don’t put it off- just do it! I don’t know about you, but I am glad that the God I worship is a forgiving one! Continue in your attempts to follow God more closely and you will be blessed for both your attitude and actions. Believe this, because its TRUE!

Superman by Gary Rose

 

^{I grew up in the 50’s and those days seem so very simplistic compared to today’s environment. And the TV, it was actually in black and white and we only had THREE CHANNELS ( when reception was unusually good ). I liked many different westerns, but more than them all, I loved Superman. I couldn’t wait until that show came on and would do everything I could to watch it. Superman was the embodiment of everything about America in those days; goodness, justice and the American way. He fought evil and always won and his motives were always selfless and pure. What a TV show!}

^{Today, I saw the picture at the top and thought about Jesus being a SUPERMAN. No, not in the sense of being from another planet, but rather, being in perfect harmony with his heavenly father. Jesus was perfect in all aspects of his humanity and beyond that- He was ( is ) God in human form. In addition to all that he had genuine power. Power of the mind, of the will and power in this world and beyond. It would take several very large books to describe it all, so I will use only one passage from the Bible. Consider this passage from the book of Revelation…}

^{The Bible says...}

^{Revelation 19 ( World English Bible )}

¹¹ I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.

¹² His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.

¹³ He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.”

¹⁴ The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.

¹⁵ Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

¹⁶ He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Jesus, now there is a real superman. He goes beyond just waging war on evil; he alone is the “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Ultimately, he utterly defeats ALL OPPOSITION to God’s will. Not just the physical aspect of evil, but he overcomes all the spiritual aspects as well- every single thing that refuses to obey God is defeated, period.

With all of the above, Jesus loves us all. Reread John 3:16 and think about it- perfection, utter perfection.

Jesus is the only genuinely Super, Superman that has ever lived. Obey him and live, disobey and eventually suffer eternal punishment. With that in mind, do whatever you have to do to be right with God and do it NOW. You will be glad you did; eternally!

Beyond the mountain by Gary Rose

 

The colors and the contrast of that multicolored cloud against that black background of distant stars seems to just take my breath away. After a few seconds, I noticed several lightning bolts and thought of the Israelites in the wilderness and the following passage from the book of Exodus...

Exodus 19 ( World English Bible )

¹ In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.

² When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.

³ Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:

⁴ ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.

⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;

⁶ and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

⁷ Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yahweh commanded him.

⁸ All the people answered together, and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh.

⁹ Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh.

¹⁰ Yahweh said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,

¹¹ and be ready against the third day; for on the third day Yahweh will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.

¹² You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.

¹³ No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”

¹⁴ Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

¹⁵ He said to the people, “Be ready by the third day. Don’t have sexual relations with a woman.”

¹⁶ It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled.

¹⁷ Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.

¹⁸ Mount Sinai, all it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

¹⁹ When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.

²⁰ Yahweh came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

²¹ Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish. (emphasis added GDR )

Hebrews 12 ( WEB ) note: The following is written to Christians...

¹⁸ For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm,

¹⁹ the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them,

²⁰ for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned;”

²¹ and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

²² But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels,

²³ to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

²⁴ to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. (emphasis added GDR )

Revelation 21 ( WEB ) note: the following is a prophecy of future events...

⁹ One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb’s bride.”

¹⁰ He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,

¹¹ having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

¹² having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.

¹³ On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

¹⁵ He who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.

¹⁶ The city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. He measured the city with the reed, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.

¹⁷ Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

¹⁸ The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.

¹⁹ The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;

²⁰ the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.

²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

²² I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.

²³ The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. (emphasis added GDR )

²⁴ The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.

²⁵ Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there),

²⁶ and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter.

²⁷ There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (emphasis added GDR )

The Israelites were greatly afraid in the Exodus experience at the mountain, and with good reason. In contrast, imagine the joy of seeing the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven and realizing that soon you would be living with God for eternity. May you live your life in such a way that your name is written in the book of life and that when the time comes, the one and only God actually welcomes you into heaven!

Coffee by Gary Rose

 

I like coffee. Coffee has been on my mind lately, as yesterday, a friendly neighbor gave me a Keurig pod of a type of coffee called Espresso. This was a special Italian dark brew and WOW was it just about the strongest coffee I have ever had in my life!

Like I have already said, I have been thinking a lot about coffee lately, so when I saw this picture, I had to use it in a post, so, I put a 3D frame and then a regular frame around it just to emphasize its importance. Admittedly, this picture is not perfect ( no period after the last “e” ) but I like what it says and so what, very little I do comes even close to being perfect. But my efforts aren’t really that important, but the message is: Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere! No matter who you are, no matter where you are, forgiveness is offered to you.

Recently, I was in church and I saw a presentation on the video screens that listed all the “greatest” attributes of John 3:16. I wish I could remember them all, but I can’t. Instead, I thought I would list a number of translations for comparison study. I read them all and personally, I like Young’s Literal Translation the best, followed by The Emphasized Bible by Rotherham. BUT, they all convey the message of the abbreviation in the picture, so your choice is just as good as mine. Actually, the best choice is probably one of the Greek presentations, but my Greek is a little fuzzy these days, so I will leave the minute emphasis of that language up to the scholars. I hope you enjoy thinking about the message of John 3:16 ( in English ), for one could easily spend hours upon hours taking in all the greatness of it!

The Bible says...

John 3 ( World English Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3 ( American Standard Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3 ( Webster Bible )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3 ( Disciples Literal New Testament )

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-born Son, in order that everyone believing in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life.

John 3 ( Emphasized Bible - Rotherham )

¹⁶ For God, so loved, the world, that, his Only Begotten Son, he gave,––that, whosoever believeth on him, might not perish, but have life age–abiding. ( Emphasis by Gary )

John 3 ( Holman Christian Standard Bible )

¹⁶ “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3 ( Young’s Literal Translation )

¹⁶ for God did so love the world, that His Son--the only begotten--He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during. ( Emphasis by Gary )

John 3 ( Literal Standard Version )

¹⁶ for God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, that everyone who is believing in Him may not perish, but may have continuous life.

John 3 ( King James Version [ + Strong’s numbers] )

¹⁶ For ^G1063 God ^G2316 so ^G3779 loved ^G25 the world ^G2889, that ^G5620 he gave ^G1325 his ^G846 only begotten ^G3439 Son ^G5207, that ^G2443 whosoever ^G3956 believeth ^G4100 in ^G1519 him ^G846 should ^G622 not ^G3361 perish ^G622, but ^G235 have ^G2192 everlasting ^G166 life ^G2222.

John 3 ( Byzantine Greek New Testament )

16 ουτως γαρ ηγαπησεν ο θεος τον κοσμον ωστε τον υιον αυτου τον μονογενη εδωκεν ινα πας ο πιστευων εις αυτον μη αποληται αλλ εχη ζωην αιωνιον

John 3 ( Apostolic Bible Polyglot )

God Loves the World


16 ούτω γαρ ηγάπησεν ο θεός τον κόσμον ώστε τον υιόν αυτού τον μονογενή έδωκεν ίνα πας ο πιστεύων εις αυτόν μη απόληται αλλ΄ έχη ζωήν αιώνιον

I know, I know, perhaps listing the Greek texts was a bit too much. Please forgive me for that, but if you do know Greek, then you will be doubly blessed.

What really is important though, is that you take a little time and think about how God loves you, whoever you are, whatever you have done in your entire life. I have… and its humbling to the extreme!

Your friend because of Christ,

Gary Rose