He sends help

The Lord showed me his love through friends and strangers Sunday. The concert at the mall yesterday was good, I played strong...but it was too long. After standing and playing for over 2 hours I became sick. My trombone playing friends and their wives came to help me, found me a chair, gave me a drink and guided me back to the car. I was alright by then.  On the way home the car overheated and stopped. I had many people that came to help me to push it off the road. Some were pagans with bad shirts and others were from a nearby church all dressed up.  After a few minutes the car started and I made it home.  I learned from this that there is more love around me then I knew.  He supplied the help when it was needed. He gave me the ability to play the trombone, he gives me joy and I was not alone in my time of need. Thank you Lord Jesus for providing for me.

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 
1Pe 5:7  casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 

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Following

When my friend Tom died of cancer in 1986, I placed a picture in my bedroom on the wall opposite of my bed so that I would see it each day and remember that he has gone to Jesus. Recently another dear friend sent me a bumper sticker, "Do you follow Jesus this close?"  I needed that message for myself before I display it on my car. My driving isn't that good, but how about my own walk with the Lord?  Am I following him closely? For now, the sign remains where I can see it each night and day as a reminder. We must live what we preach, for we are accountable to the LORD.

Mat 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 

Mat 23:1  Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, 

Mat 23:2  saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat: 

Mat 23:3  all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. 

Mat 23:4  Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 

We live this life so that we will be received and welcomed by the Lord Jesus Christ, to be with him forever in eternal glory.

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The missing picture

I had an annoying dream that I had lost something small that was important. I looked and looked and never found it and then a time came when it had to be accounted for, it was missing. For years I had a photography business and in the dream it was a small picture of a girl that needed a spot touched upon the background. In the days before digital, a touch up on a picture required a paint, or dyes, often it was difficult and time consuming. The one who brought the picture to me was coming for it and I could not find it.

Is this dream symbolic of something spiritual? I was reading facebook and there was a concern by many about the words "Merry Christmas", not being said by stores and businesses. This to me was something small to focus on, but it was part of the bigger picture. Even Christ in Christmas is not allowed. His word, his name have already been removed in most places, so why the focus on "Merry Christmas?"  I read somewhere of  what the church in Poland was concerned about during World War 2, when the Jews were being removed and exterminated. The concern for many churches, was the color of carpets, and furnishings. These were trivial things missing the broader picture of satanic conflict all around them. Were the Jews in their synagogues concerned with these small things just before Hitler gave the order to exterminate them? Had they been seeking and hearing from the LORD?

I see the church focusing on trivial things, small things. Did the Nazi soldiers under the command of Hitler forget to mention a Jewish Holiday? Happy Hanukkah as they were marching millions of Jewish families to the trains to be hauled as cattle to the gas chambers? Most of Hitler's Germany still had Christmas, celebrated "Merry Christmas" as a festive time of year, but they were heart and soul believing in the cause of a greater Germany and the visions of Adolf Hitler. Not saying "Merry Christmas", is a small thing when you consider the broader picture. What are the goals of those in power? What are the people seeking and who are they going to blame? Yes, it will be persecution of the Jews all over again and the Christians will be seen as dangerous,  as the Islamic radicals are. Perhaps Islam will become dominant, and we will be as the Jews, persecuted and killed?  Think of the broader picture. Focus on the work of the Spirit of God in your life. Is the concern about little things while the church sleeps concerning the need of prayer and witnessing? Be the light, speak Merry Christmas with Joy in your heart, but also be the people of the Living Church. The one who gave you your ministry is coming and we must give an account. Will he be pleased? Are we pleased with our work for him? Have we lost the picture?

Eph 6:10  Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12  For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13  Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.  

Yes, the Lord is speaking this morning. A troubling dream and a warning  and encouragement to keep the faith visible. It is time to wake up.

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Why pray before eating, instead of after?

 The Jews pray after eating, so why do we pray before we eat? Everything should be Biblically based. Let's look at the Jewish viewpoint.


Exo 3:8  And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 

Deu 8:10  When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 
Deu 8:11  Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 
Deu 8:12  Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 
Deu 8:13  And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 
Deu 8:14  Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 

I see this as a thanksgiving for the promised blessings because of obedience to the laws. They were to remember to give thanks in the midst of their plenty from God. The Gentile Christian also is to give thanks for the blessing of food. Jesus blessed the food before feeding the five thousand.


Mat 14:19  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 
Mat 14:20  And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 
Mat 14:21  And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 

We give thanks because Jesus gave thanks before eating.

Joh 6:23  (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 

Paul blessed the food before eating.

Act 27:35  And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 

We are to give thanks in the name of Jesus in whatever we do.

Col 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 


Rom 14:6  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 

1Th 5:17  Pray without ceasing. 

1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

In conclusion it is good to give thanks in all things, before eating, after eating and for all of his blessings  that he pours out upon us.

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Thanksgiving Guests

This story took place early, in fact it was two weeks ago that I witnessed guests coming as my wife and I were sitting in chairs in the front yard. Tom Turkey was in a hurry.

There were four turkeys running in the street across from us. They were in our suburb unafraid of man or dogs, "gobbling" down anything that tasted good from the different lawns.

These were lovely turkeys.

They found one lawn with leaves, and they began feasting. This is the yard that has two big dogs who play in it when their owner is home. The dogs spend a lot of time in this yard and are friendly; perhaps there were bits of dog food left in the yard?

Tom takes a quick look into the house and then he noticed a "welcome" sign.

I noticed another turkey head, making it five turkeys, the number of grace. God had given them grace this day. The rest of the story is my imagination. The "rafter" flock heeded the welcome sign and headed for the front  door where the owner met them with a big smile. Inside the two big dogs were wagging their friendly tails. A tablecloth was spread on the kitchen floor and it was covered with bird seed and in the center was a bowl of cool water. After dinner the old man of the house got out his well weathered fiddle and began playing "Turkey in the Straw". The birds and dogs danced around in delightttttttttttttttttttttt...well? It could happen like this when Jesus returns, all will be peace with man and beast and turkeys too. 

Peace be with you.

Type "A" personality

I was speaking with a friend before the band concert at the college last night. My friend was once part of our musical quartette, but when it broke up he joined with a little group that entertained at the senior homes. He was saying that you need a type "A" leader to keep a group together, someone who is aggressive and skilled. His small group lost it's leadership and people lost interest and fell away.

Mat 9:36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 

 What is a type "A" person?

A type "A" personality is a psychology theory based on certain behavior. Wikopedia states that Friedman, who came up with the theory, suggests that Type A behavior is expressed in three major symptoms: (1) free-floating hostility, which can be triggered by even minor incidents; (2) time urgency and impatience, which causes irritation and exasperation usually described as being "short-fused"; and (3) a competitive drive, which causes stress and an achievement-driven mentality.

The natural man gets angry and impatient with this personality type if things get in the way. On the positive, he is driven to achieve, but with a competitive spirit. Was Paul driven to achieve? Yes, he was to finish the work that Jesus had given him.

 

Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The Christian has the fruit of the Spirit, love, peace, long suffering, faith...he is not to be seeking his own way, but the will of the father. Did Paul endure much suffering? Yes he did and he was sometimes angry at those who opposed his work.

 

2Ti 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Ti 4:15  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Paul was not a quitter. When chained to Roman guards under house arrest, he witnessed to the guards and the gospel reached into the King's palace. Like Paul, we are to be zealous to do good service unto the Lord.

 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

No matter our personality types, aggressive or meek, we are to do the work of the Lord with all of our heart.

 

Heb 13:20  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

Seek unity for God's glory.

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Not Over Yet

In church there was a lesson about peace and fear. The world has no peace, but we in Jesus have the peace of God regardless of what happens. The discussion turned to a lady who had cancer and how that she has been living in fear day to day for the past three years. I wanted to say something about this because I had been through cancer as a young man. I was actually brought to the Lord in the hospital when the Lord quickened me. There were recoveries and then the cancer would return. I should have been fearful, but the Lord's peace  came to me. Finally the Lord healed me after many recurrences.

It was about twelve years later that I found a lump on the side of my head. I thought, oh no it is cancer again. I was working with my brother in a new cabinet shop that we had started.  I thought to myself, "is my time over?" We were behind on a cabinet job that needed to be done the next morning but my doctors appointment was that afternoon. It was good news, the lump was only a cyst, that he removed. I was so relieved about this. I wanted to express my joy, so that night I returned to the cabinet shop with my brothers teenage son and we finished all the cabinets that needed to be done. We did it with no pay and just out of the joy of being able to do it. My nephew Tom wrote on the dust of the floor. "The cabinet fairies were here."

We need to be enthusiastic about this life while we have it. Let us do good works, express our joy and be thankful using the time we have left. I lost two good spirit filled ministry partners this year. Earl was 86 and Bob was 79. What I remember them by was their great joy in praise and worship. We all truly loved making music together and sharing in the rest homes. It is not over yet, so lets do things from hearts of joy. Encourage someone and start a ministry. There is still time, it is not over yet.

John 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 
John 9:5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 
John 9:6  When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 
John 9:7  And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 

Do you see the possibilities in serving others as unto the Lord?

John 14:12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 

John 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

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Tip hat

They say if you have to explain a picture, then it is not much of a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words, if the picture speaks for itself. Bear with me as I explain this picture. It is a picture of Randy, the goose with a broken wing. In the background a man is removing his hat in a random walk by picture. I have seen Randy survive several years at the park. His relatives fly in to visit from time to time.

If Randy gets a tip of the hat then how much more should we tip our hats to our veterans? To tip the hat is a greeting of respect, of recognition and of gratitude. We respect our veterans of  foreign and domestic wars. The men and women who give their lives in service to protect us and the honor of our country. Hats off in admiration and I thank you and ask the LORD to bless you.

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Clarity

When seeking God's direction for a proposition or a problem, I like to walk in the places of God's creation. Tonight I paused to look at the reflection of trees in the ripples of a pond. Life is full of ripples, always changing, but we must not be distracted by the ripples instead of focusing on what is clear before us. We know what to do when we follow the Holy Spirit of peace.

Eph 5:15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 
Eph 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 
Eph 5:17  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Circumspectly means to be cautious, to be exact, to be accurate, to be diligent. Living carefully, not deviating from that which is honest and true. We do need to walk circumspectly in this age of confusion. 

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Sour Words

We had a good crop of lemons on our little tree this year. I squeeze them and put the juice into ice trays and then store them in plastic bags in the freezer. A cube of lemon works great for recipes and for lemonade. I sometimes use a potato peeler and peel the lemons and make candied lemon peels. These are good in lemon cookies. Adding a little sugar makes the lemon delicious. Some like to show off by eating a lemon in front of you without sugar. Then there are those who eat raw chili peppers; both need toning down. How often I remember words said from emotion, that were not sweet. Some were like chili peppers, offensive to the hearer because my words were not sweetened and made acceptable by speaking words of faith. When we speak words of faith, it makes the lemons sweet and the peppers into chili. Everywhere we go we make an impression on those we meet. What about those closest to us? Are we nicer to strangers than to our own family?  We may put sugar on our words outside but in the home, we relax, we express our feelings, sometimes without sugar on our lemon tongues. There is a song; "You only hurt the one you love". A Christian is to be an example of God's love. Turn the lemon tongue into "sugar lips, from a true heart of love from Jesus Christ." 

Jas 3:10  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 
Jas 3:11  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 
Jas 3:12  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 
Jas 3:13  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 

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Two Pies

If you remember, a strong wind had blown off a lot of our pecans. I gathered them with the green hulls attached. The meats inside were not fully developed and were full of moisture. Two friends spoke opposing views concerning these green pecans. One said they will be okay and people buy these like this. The other friend said to throw them away, they will be bitter. I hate to see such a big crop that were wind fallen just tossed away, so I began to skin them and crack them until I had a tray full. I put the tray in our oven that had a warming pilot light. It was in the oven three days. There is something special about three days. That which was looking like defeat was turned into victory. The nuts were dry and mostly good to eat. I made two pies from them. The pies were so sweet that after eating a piece my daughter commented that it could put you into a diabetic coma! In other words, it was very good. 

What's the point? If we do our best and keep going in what looks like a hopeless cause we will be rewarded. Jesus was put in the grave and his disciples had given up, because they forgot his words. He had told them that he would rise again on the third day. God's word will always be true and the pecans? If they are developed enough they can be saved. Our faith can take the impossible and turn it into something special, even tasty.

Mat 20:18  Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 
Mat 20:19  And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Shame

Eph 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 
Eph 5:12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 
Eph 5:13  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 

Hollywood and the liberal progressive people have brought filth into our homes through movies and television. The lack of Bible teaching in our society has resulted in sin being honored and even laws in favor of people who sin. Recently  some pastors were told not to read the Bible in church because it was "hate" speech towards those the Bible calls shameful. People live together in fornication. Men and women do not get married and "gay" people demand to be married. How perverse is that? It has become common place for people to live together before marriage, even for some Christians. There is no shame. The light of God's word needs to shine. Instead of preaching God's truth, many churches are just allowing all kinds of shame. That is a shame. If you cannot preach the whole word of God, you should not be a teacher or pastor. If God's word becomes unlawful? How crazy is that? It is delusional and a shame. Who are the good guys?

Luke 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. 

Beware of lying lips. See what they do and not just what they say.

Rebellion

1Sa 15:23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 

Stubborn rebellion against authority is as witchcraft. King Saul's rebellion caused his anointing to be taken away. Rebellion has been tearing down our nation since the 60's. Actually, rebellion has been with us since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Rebellion is not submitting to God's authority. Authority is what God has and it is given to others who are responsible to God. Rebellion has gotten so bad that many schools are unable to teach the students. They run wild and they resist correction. Every person has become their own authority and that is why they are called the "me generation."

When I think of rebellion and witchcraft, I think of the books about Harry Potter; they are often required reading in the schools. The Bible is not allowed, but witchcraft is taught. That goes right along with rebellion. Witchcraft, sorcery, (Pharmacea), the use of drugs as a spiritual experience. I see 30 and 40 year olds that have no teeth because of using "meth". The women are wrinkled and have faces like "Popeye". I get upset with all the division that is not Biblical; Gay rights? Women's rights? Entitlement?  The Bible says if you are able to work, you should work and not be given food for your stubborn laziness. If you don't work, you don't eat. Another characteristic of the rebellious is that they live in a delusion. They lie and are not convicted of it. There is no sin to the lawless. God sees it all. All will give account to him.

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 
Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Election

I am pleased that we still can vote and to make a change of leadership. I believe it was Stalin who said it is not who votes but who counts the votes. The devil has had his way destroying America these past years. Our physical vote needs to be accompanied and followed up with prayer. It is a spiritual battle. Our people and our nation are in peril. We need to be united in these states by returning to the values of our founding fathers. God's values are not old fashioned, they remain true and for now.

The Bible has described the end times. They are a time of change. Everything will be shaken. Our country is deep in debt, by design. We may never come out of this hole we are in. The only way is if we join together in prayer and purpose to trust God to help us. I believe that those who reach out in faith to God, that they will be lifted up. Hopefully the lifting up would include the rapture of the church. Let us be united in rebuilding the values that God has given to us. Reach down to lift others up to the salvation of our Lord. The elect of God will come to Jesus. That is what the election is all about.

1Pe 1:2  Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

Moses' Benediction

Num 6:22  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 6:23  Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
Num 6:24  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;(Amp)

Num 6:25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;(Amp)

Num 6:26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

His countenance refers to being face to face spiritually with God, to be in the presence of the LORD.  Emmanuel; God with us. His peace is in his presence and he gives grace  to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He brings calm to us and safety . With God all things are possible.

Num 6:27  And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of Israel. He is the God of Israel and Jesus is His Son. There is power in the name of Jesus for salvation, for receiving the peace of God and his presence and power. God's adopted children are to speak blessings to the people of God and lead the lost sheep back to the arms of the Lord.  

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 
1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 
Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 
Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

Go in His peace.

Windfall

Our last wind blew off a lot of pecans before they were ready. It was a windfall. A windfall can be a blessing. The dictionary describes a windfall as a tree or it's fruits blown to the ground by the wind. It also describes it as a blessing, like winning the lottery, or being blessed financially unexpectedly.

The pecan halls are stuck tight, so I put them on the porch hoping that the sun and heat would loosen the hulls. Next, the pecans need to dry. I usually put them in the oven to dry and if the meats are not dry enough when cracked, they also are dried in the oven. The pecans are not fully developed, but they are no longer connected to the tree, so they are what they are.

Spiritually, I think back to two people online who came to the Lord when they were near death; Randy, Randy's Final Words, and Rochelle,rochelle's Testimony.  Both were not very old, but life was soon to be over for them and like the pecans, they had no chance to develop more in the natural, but in the spiritual, both received salvation in Jesus Christ. They were made new, holy and acceptable by the blood of Christ applied to remove their sins and to translate them into the kingdom of light. They would not perish, they would not experience separation and hell. They are with God forever and ever. They were not just two "nuts" cast off, but they fell into the hands of the Lord!

A synonym for windfall is a benediction, a blessing given. 

Num 6:24  The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 
Num 6:25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 
Num 6:26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 

Lions Among Them

2Ki 17:23  Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day. 
2Ki 17:24  And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. 
2Ki 17:25  And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them. 
2Ki 17:26  Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land. 
2Ki 17:27  Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. 
2Ki 17:28  Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD. 
2Ki 17:29  Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. 

Can you see the similarities of Samaria to the United States? The leadership being corrupt brought in a foreign king. The people of the nation were exiled and foreign nations were brought into the land that knew not the God of Israel. The lions were attacking the people, satan had his way, so the king sent in a priest, because he realized the trouble was more than lions, it was a spiritual problem. The people did not fear God. The king sent back a priest, from the region of Samaria to teach  the way of God, the God of the land, to the people. Still the foreigners made their own gods and worshipped them. 

The priest taught the Samaritans the word of God, the lions were subdued, but because there were so many other gods in the land, the Samaritan religion became a mixture. In the time of Christ's first coming, the Samaritans were despised by the Jews, because of their mixed religion. Isn't this what is happening in our land? We have many gods and the true faith of America has become mixed with the gods of the culture. The people do not fear and reverence the God of our fathers.We must keep the true word of God. We are to speak and teach the truth of God to keep away the lions, the demons and destruction.

A priest again came to Samaria and he was also the Lion of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to a woman at the well in John 4 and she was told that he was the Messiah. She was confused about religion and he clarified how we were to worship God in spirit and in truth.

John 4:20  Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 

John 4:21  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 

John 4:22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 

John 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 

John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

John 4:25  The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 

John 4:26  Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 

John 4:27  And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 

John 4:28  The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 

John 4:29  Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 

Take heart, people of America. Jesus is Lord and he is coming again. Prepare your hearts and minds and worship him in Spirit and in truth. Teach the true faith of Jesus Christ and the lions will be subdued. Hopefully others will hear and be saved before the judgement comes.

A Spiritual Eclipse?

1Co 6:15  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 
1Co 6:16  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 
1Co 6:17  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 
1Co 6:18  Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 
1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 
1Co 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

Let's look back at some verses.

1Co 6:7  Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 
1Co 6:8  Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. 
1Co 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 
1Co 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 

Many churches are allowing homosexuals as members and some are even making them ordained ministers.  How can they ordain those that God has said they cannot inherit the kingdom of God?  A Christian is not to sue another believer and yet we see the courts granting favour to homosexuals and even allowing "gay" marriage.  The kingdom of God says NO. Who is the ungodly king of America to allow these things? Christians have power from God. We need to speak up, to pray so that the kingdom of darkness will not eclipse the light of God in our land.

1Co 6:2  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 
1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 

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The Sinner's Prayer

In the beginning of our ministry on AOL, there were many, many people on the Internet for the first time. I remember many hours spent seeking to save the lost. If I got someone to say the sinner's prayer, I counted it as a salvation of a soul for Christ. I had led hundreds to the Lord and there were many that we were discipling, giving them the word of God. Today in Church an evangelist had everyone to repeat the sinner's prayer out loud. He then asked if anyone had said this prayer for the first time? Two people raised their hands in a congregation of under 200 people. He had them come to the altar and he talked to them and prayed with them. One was a young man about 30 and the other was a healthy 79 year old woman. We all rejoiced at their salvation. 

It has been 15 years since the days of many salvations and skeptics have questioned whether or not those people were saved. I know for a fact that many were saved and continued. Salvation is of the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ. By our confession of faith in him, grace is given for salvation. 

Rom 10:8  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 
Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

Rom 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Today in church it was so simple and easy. Why are we not active in getting people to say the sinner's prayer? Will you repeat the sinner's prayer with me now?

"God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!"

If you have repeated this prayer and believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and saviour, you are saved. Let me know, (Gary)   Superragman@aol.com

The proud and the humble

Luk 18:10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 
Luk 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 
Luk 18:12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 
Luk 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 
Luk 18:14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

Two things I see right off; we are not to glory in our works. I do enjoy getting things done around the property. Some things need cleaning and dusting and redoing. In the spiritual we are also to be good stewards of what has been given to us. Even our ability to read and to study are a gift and they become better, they increase with use. We meet once a week at our place for a Bible study. One of the women said that she just isn't gifted like others. She is not as smart etc.  However when reading a verse illustrating a topic, she was knowledgeable about the context of the verse. She knew the setting. I commended her for that. Often verses are picked from out of their context and used to illustrate a message. She knew the meaning and context. This comes because she purposely takes time each day to read her Bible and to have a time of devotion. After our Bible study I got out the vacuum cleaner to clean up. She wanted to do that for me. She said that she loves to vacuum. She has the gift of service and God has given her understanding of the Bible. She is a humble person, not aware of any special gifts, but she is faithful and a blessing.

The second thing I saw was that God hears the humble prayers of the sinner. In works, the Pharisee did more, but in attitude, the publican was more accepted. If we are to be servants we are to do good works and have faith in the LORD with humble and thankful hearts, NOT comparing ourselves one with another. Someone may have strength where we are weak, so we need each other and God works through us. Be kind, be thankful, for the one you might think is least among you may be the most favored by our LORD.

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 

Mat 19:30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. 

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My Pop

My father was strong and hard working. He was a family man who enjoyed his home and family. He was home at regular times after a hard day of labor. Usually he would talk about his day at the dinner table and fall asleep reading the evening paper. When I think of my Pop I think of hard work and faithfulness. He was quiet around me. When I was stricken with cancer, he came to my bed, getting the blessings from his Jewish boss to be with me. I asked him why he never said he loved me. He loved me but didn't know how to show it. I had been touched by the Lord and told him I loved him. He returned the words to me. I saw in the days following the tender side of my dads heart. This strong man with hands calloused from hard labor, became soft in heart. He told me that Jesus held me in his arms. I made it through the illness, God healed me and he healed my dads heart. He became a church going man, dressed in a fine suit, a deacon who served communion each Sunday and loved to visit folks to encourage them. After retirement he moved to a ranch and I saw that he was a gifted rancher. He had his mothers ranch in the depression, from Arkansas to California. A hard time he had. I was born in California. He loved the ranch, grew a large garden had a herd of cattle and was very fruitful in his old age, yes still a deacon at the new church. He grew old and lost his memory of us all. He remembered the past, but not the present. When mom died we had to put him on a nursing home. He was too big to lift but we brought him to church and he had tears listening to the praise music. He died but not really. For he went to Jesus, that big strong man with calloused hands, in the hands of the nail scarred man. Our Lord Jesus embraced dad and welcomed him home. Be with you soon Pop.

Stewards

Fall is a beautiful season.. It begins our rainy season; the trees loose their leaves, the colors are warm and inviting. The pond is golden at sunset. It was in Fall, in October that I was baptized. Death to the old life and born again of God through faith in Jesus Christ. A New creature, not seeking death, but life in our Lord. We are to be good stewards in this life and by being faithful we will be rewarded when Jesus returns as king.

Luk 12:40  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 

Luk 12:41  Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 

Luk 12:42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 

Luk 12:43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 

Luk 12:44  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 

I was offered firewood if I would go and pick it up. I had a truckload that I split and piled up to dry for next year's firewood. The lady who offered the wood said that other's had refused to come for the wood. Some blessings require a little doing, a little work. If we expect something and make no effort, we often miss a blessing. The greater blessing goes to the giver.

Act 20:33  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 

Act 20:34  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 

Act 20:35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

The ramp I built for Faye when she broke her hip was not built to last for long. It lasted 5 years, but needed overhauling. This is the new ramp I made for her, and me when I get old.

Mat 7:11  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 

Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 

Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

I often make cookies. These were sugar cookies with pecans. I have persimmons now to make persimmon cookies. I would share with you if you were here.

This is one of several afghans that Faye recently finished. Her hands keep busy as a spider,weaving works of art. Does that make me spider man? She is as Dorcas, so very gifted. It is so much better to do something good or useful with your life, than to tear down and to destroy. God's spirit is creative, life giving and joyful. When we die we will awaken in the presence of our Lord.

Act 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 

Act 9:37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died:...

Act 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 

Act 9:41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 

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