Signs of Spring

I love to see the flowering Quince blooming. They are one of the first plants to bloom giving hope for the coming Spring. They grow wild, but these were planted along our fences by Gramma many years ago; another memory.

Isa 35:1  The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 

Isa 35:2  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. 

Isa 35:3  Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 

Isa 35:4  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. 

Isa 35:5  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 

Isa 35:6  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 

Isa 35:7  And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 

Isa 35:8  And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 

Isa 35:9  No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 

Isa 35:10  And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

This time of the year the gulls show up at the park waters. They hope to get some bread from me, but I came to the park on the way home from the store; no bread. This is a Ring - Billed Gull. 

 We can learn from these birds. The gulls landed on the fishing dock where I stood with camera. It is important to be in the right place when an opportunity comes. The gulls were in pairs reminding me of the Bible story of feeding the 5000 where Jesus had the people sit in an orderly fashion.

Mar 6:38  He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 
Mar 6:39  And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 
Mar 6:40  And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 
Mar 6:41  And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. 
Mar 6:42  And they did all eat, and were filled. 

The gulls had gathered expecting food. Do we look for opportunities to be served? It is better to look for work and then look for opportunities to serve.

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

The ducks pair up, for it will soon be nesting time and new chicks will be born. 

Pro 18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 

Spring is coming and we finally had a day of rain for our unusually dry rainy season. We need more water, for all living things must have water. Our spirit must have the water of God's word in a dry and thirsty land.

Psa 63:1  A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 
Psa 63:2  To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 
Psa 63:3  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 
Psa 63:4  Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 
Psa 63:5  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 
Psa 63:6  When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 
Psa 63:7  Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 

Psa 63:8  My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. 

Eaglewings Ministries

Thicket

Jer 4:7  The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. 
Jer 4:8  For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us. 

Jer 4:14  O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? 

This is Bible history. Jeremiah is warning Jerusalem of a coming judgment from God; Babylon, an enemy nation was to be sent to take them captive. Another lion nation, the Assyrians had scattered the northern kingdom of Israel. The LORD sent the lion nations to judge his sinful people. From the thicket a lion comes.This is a warning for us also, to purify our hearts and to put aside idols, or stuff that keeps us from worshiping the true God. Repent, weep, be sorry and do what is right. The Lion of Judah is coming to judge the nations with a rod of iron. Jesus is coming again.

Wings of a Dove

Looking through the blinds of the kitchen window a dove rests on the bird feeder. He was turned from me so the picture of his back side is of his wings at rest. When sadness comes or fear, remember the wings of the dove. Here the dove is at rest; be at rest and feel his peace.

Exo 33:21  And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 
Exo 33:22  And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 

Exo 33:23  And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. 

Psa 55:5  Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 
Psa 55:6  And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 

Psa 68:13  Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold. 

John 1:32  And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 

John 1:33  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 

John 1:34  And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 

If Jesus is your Lord and master he has provided you with the Holy Spirit and power. The dove is a symbol of his Spirit. He is gentle to those who trust in him. The power of God has overcome this world and the devil. We cannot do this alone. Jesus has given us his peace.

 John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

The Rock

Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

This is a powerful warning.

The LORD spoke through his prophet Isaiah:

Isa 8:13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
Isa 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Isa 8:15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
Isa 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
Isa 8:17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

We need to know Jesus as our hope and salvation. Those who come to him with broken hearts, he will heal.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

But, those who oppose Jesus shall be broken, ground to powder by the judgment of God.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Mat 21:45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
Mat 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

The religious leaders saw themselves as Jesus saw them. Instead of being broken in their hearts and seeking forgiveness, they wished to kill him. First, they must control the minds of the people. If evil controls the minds, then satan has his way. Who will we listen too? We follow the goodness of Jesus drawing close to him. I know this is what we will choose.

Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
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.
Eph 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
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.

The will of the Lord is that we come to Jesus, trust in him, and share the gospel message while we are able. The end is very near.

Psalm 116

Psa 116:1  I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Psa 116:2  Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
Psa 116:3  The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Psa 116:4  Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Psa 116:5  Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Psa 116:6  The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
Psa 116:7  Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Psa 116:8  For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
Psa 116:9  I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 116:10  I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
Psa 116:11  I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Psa 116:12  What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
Psa 116:13  I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Psa 116:14  I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
Psa 116:15  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psa 116:16  O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
Psa 116:17  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psa 116:18  I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
Psa 116:19  In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

~~//~~

The marriage question

There is no question about what a marriage is. It is between a man and a woman. Voters have overturned same sex marriage in California, but liberal judges overturned the votes of the people and the will of God making same sex marriage legal, but it is not legal in God's eyes.

Jesus answers a marriage question.

Mat 19:3  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Mat 19:4  And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5  And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

How is it that the politicians in power make laws against God's word? Do they want to destroy the foundations of our country? Homosexual conduct is a sin and always has been sinful. How can it be that this is happening?

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

As a judgment upon them, God has given them up to carry out their fornication. Marriage is one man and one woman. Sodomy is an abomination to God. Those who want favor with men by bribery and immoral laws risk the wrath of God upon themselves. It is God's favor that we seek.

Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Sin is sin. Jesus came to pay the price to save us from our sins. Come to Jesus, repent and be baptized. He has a better life for you.

Familiar things

One job I had and enjoyed was driving a forklift. I could maneuver it around my brothers Mobile home factory picking of heavy loads and delivering them in tight places. There were two levers one to raise the forks and one to tilt the forks. My trusted forklift was as an extension of myself. For some reason the forklift was sent in for repairs and when I began to use it again, something was wrong, the two levers had been switched. the raise lever was now the tilt lever. Soon after this I was unloading a large load of plywood, probably too big a load for the forklift. Well, the foreman was there and he said just lift it off the truck, back up and let it down fast. I did this and hit the down lever, but it was now the tilt lever. The load slid and almost tipped over the empty truck. The point of the story is if you get good at something, do not change what you are good at for something else.

David faced the giant Goliath. Saul gave him his armour and his sword for the battle. These were new things to be used against the giant. David preferred his familiar sling.

1Sa 17:39  And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 

1Sa 17:50  So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 

God could have given Moses a weapon but he used his rod.

Exo 4:2  And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. 

Exo 4:3  And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

Exo 4:4  And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: 

Exo 4:5  That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 

The LORD used Moses and familiar things with his power and miracles working through them. My point is that we are to use what is tried and true. In photography it was a familiar camera. In music a familiar instrument etc. New things he brings but our familiarity helps in times of conflict or stress. Use what you have; that which is proven and familiar to you for God's glory.

California Winter

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, 

places to play in and pray in,

 where nature may heal and give strength, 

to body and soul" John Muir

California is in a drought, but we are blessed in the north with ponds, the rivers and lakes. The birds receive bread from friendly feeders including the seagulls who sometimes come inland 150 miles from the ocean. I spoke to the young mother, "The sunny day and a breeze are  like the ocean". She responded "yes, but the seagulls catch the bread in the air at the ocean."

Act 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 

Act 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

Cayuga duck stands on the windy shore like a Spanish Conquistador. (A conqueror, like the 16th century Spaniards.) He has conquered the hearts of the mallards on the pond.

1Ch 29:11  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

There is a trail through the majestic Valley Oaks. I looked up at their many branches that are empty of leaves. 

1Ch 29:12  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 

1Ch 29:13  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. 

This trail shows the bare trees. Usually when there is rain there would be moss on the trees. It was a beautiful day for a walk realizing that the east coast has had a severe cold spell, with much snow and ice. The weather is usually opposite from coast to coast.

Psa 63:1  A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 

Psa 63:2  To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 

Psa 63:3  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 

Bland

I made a loaf of bread today from a familiar recipe. I knew the ingredients by heart. It sometimes takes many hours for bread to rise and be ready to bake in the oven. It came out piping hot and lovely. I sliced a piece from the end, tasted it, and then I realized that I had left out the salt. The bread was good, but bland and pasty to taste. It had lost it's savor.

Mat 5:13  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 

How do we lose our salt as a Christian? Some thoughts on this; by our bad testimony and willful sins we bring shame to the faith. Often we are fearful and do not speak when we should. Still another thought is we speak but not from God's inspired word. Or when we share the word,  we are dull and lacking the conviction of the Holy Spirit in what we say. The word is alive, so we should be alive when we share it. Speak boldly, with zeal.

Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 
Eph 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 
Eph 6:20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

Tradition

One of the few things my father told me before I was to marry was"now you can make your own traditions." I wondered about that statement, what are our family traditions? Was it stopping at a certain Foster's freeze for an ice cream? Was it stopping at a hamburger place that specialized in chili burgers? These things we did year after year when we made trips in our car. Was it our traditional Friday night gathering to play cards with my father and brothers? One tradition he passed down was to work hard and to be thankful for a job. My mother was a homemaker, always home and my father worked very hard, but was always home for dinner. They were faithful and our extended family was always together for thanksgiving and holidays. My family did not come to Jesus until I was nineteen. My affliction with cancer and being touched by God brought the family together to be baptized. After this God was in our traditions. My family loves the Lord Jesus Christ and the word of God. 

Mat 15:1  Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Mat 15:2  Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3  But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

The dictionary defines a tradition as a way of thinking, behaving or doing something that has been used in a particular group, family or society for a long time.

The Strong's Concordance

Tradition, paradosis: of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence.

Bad thinking and sin can be passed down.

Exo 20:4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 

Exo 20:5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 

Exo 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 

There are good traditions that define the character of a nation. Godly laws that honor God, such as our motto, in God we trust.  Now these traditions are under attack to be replaced by lesser values and ungodly laws. Churches have traditions, ways of doing things, but our traditions are not to take away from God's truth. When a tradition goes against the commands of God, they will not prosper. A nation that turns from God is headed for destruction unless they repent. A church must teach and practice truth by faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ as savior or their traditions are a hindrance. Traditions can become habits, so be sure that your traditions are acceptable to God.

Duke

Gen 36:15  These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, 
Gen 36:16  Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; 

Realizing that the KJV Bible may have words that are not always understood, I wanted to look elsewhere for the word duke. One place to start my search for understanding is an online dictionary. 

Websters: defines Duke as a man of very high rank; the ruler of an independent area of land... 

The Strongs Concordance

441 'alluwph al-loof' or (shortened) talluph {al-loof'}; from 502; familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock (as being tame; applied, although masculine, to a cow); and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle):--captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox.

This was translated in the KJV  as: duke 57X, chief  4X, friends 2X, governors 2X, captains 1X, governor 1X and ox 2X.

Various Bibles translated Duke as chief, chieftains, leader, clan, tribal chief. Have you an idea of what a duke is now? Can you see why people may see things a little differently? A duke may bring to mind nobility or John Wayne, also I have seen leaders who were stubborn as an ox. An ox is a servant to his master. A leader must serve his people. Never does an ox own the land he plows. A word can be misapplied. This happens often when witnessing where there is opposition. We must look at the context of the word in the Bible. A concordance or dictionary may have several meanings and maybe only one meaning applies. Were the dukes of the sons of Esau oxen? No, they were tribal leaders.

Meeting God in darkness

When I read Exodus 20:21 where it said that Moses " drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." I thought to myself, does God dwell in darkness? God is light and truth, no darkness in him. I had to go back to Exodus 19 and read more. God appeared in a cloud, the glory cloud of God. I have seen dark clouds, full of rain; then there was fire on the mountain and smoke. In the natural I thought of a volcano with dense smoke, but this was more than a natural occurrence. God was there, in the darkness. All the people feared at his presence and would not come near because they were unclean and lacking in faith. Moses went into the cloud and the darkness of smoke on the mountain to speak with the angel of God. 

Exo 19:9  And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD. 
Exo 19:10  And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 
Exo 19:11  And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. 
Exo 19:12  And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 
Exo 19:13  There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. 
Exo 19:14  And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. 
Exo 19:15  And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives. 
Exo 19:16  And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 
Exo 19:17  And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 
Exo 19:18  And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 
Exo 19:19  And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 
Exo 19:20  And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. 
Exo 19:21  And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. 

Exo 20:18  And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 
Exo 20:19  And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 
Exo 20:20  And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 
Exo 20:21  And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 

The people were not able to touch the holy mountain when God's presence was there. Moses had gone up and he had received the law. Moses spoke to the people that God was proving or testing them, for they had little faith. Because they were lacking in faith God gave Moses laws to guide them until faith was formed in their hearts. As believers by faith in Jesus Christ we will be tested. Darkness will come to us, but God is in the darkness to show us something. He is there with us to bring us through. Sanctify yourselves, cleanse yourself by confessing your sins and stay close to the presence of God. It is a good thing to fear God, but by being in Jesus we may come boldly into his presence.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Pleasure in our weakness

When I was playing the trombone I noticed that I am only hearing well from one ear, and yet God gives me grace to play in my older years and I truly enjoy it. My eyes are dim now, but using glasses I can see God's creation and marvel at all he has done. By faith I can marvel at his promises and all he will do, not by my power but by his grace through faith.

2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

When we are weak and trust in God, then we are truly strong, under the anointing of the spirit, by the grace of God. We prepare by filling our hearts with God's word and promises. 

Heb 13:5... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

infirmities...weaknesses, distresses, As a dear friend says: short is the suffering, eternal the joy.

reproaches, insults,

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

necessities, needs, and we know that God meets all our needs.

persecutions,

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

distresses, calamities and difficulties

1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

When we are at our weakest, we acknowledge we are only strong in the Lord. We give up our flesh strength and give in to God. Only in Him can we truly be strong. Flesh can not even be accounted for when one walks in the Spirit. When we are sick we cry out to the Lord, when we are distressed we cry out to the Lord, when life becomes difficult, we cry out to the Lord, when calamity hits home, we cry out to the Lord. It is in the suffering for Christ we are able to submit and draw on His strength to sustain us in our weak moments. (Camille)

We are not alone, Jesus is with us in the Spirit that dwells within. Living by faith is trusting in God's strength in us to enable us to be triumphant Christians. Thank you Jesus.

Funny Fawn

I came upon a young fawn last evening. She had two older sisters on the other side of us up on a higher hill. There were several families walking the trails with children calling to each other, swinging on old branches and exploring the outdoors. This youngster was exploring as well.

I walked slowly towards her, trying to focus the camera lens and to hold the camera steady in the dim light. Friend or foe? the fawn seemed to be thinking?

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. 

The fawn moved and grazed a little but when she saw me getting closer; on no! there was a look of astonishment or dread on her face before she ran into the thickets. I needed a closer look at this picture.

Psa 43:5  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Countenance : pä·nēm, a face; an angels face, or an animals face.

The silly looking smile was an apple core that the deer found near the trail! An apple core smile, now that was something new and unexpected! I had misinterpreted her face. That happens to me all the time. May your smiles be real and your life a joy to the Lord and those who come your way. We are often making judgments on what we see, but appearances can be wrong. 

Jas 1:19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 

Jas 1:20  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 

Unspeakable

The word "unspeakable" is found in three places in the KJV Bible. Some of the unspeakable things we know and some we do not, but Jesus is the one we look to. In Him are the unspeakable blessings of life.

 2Co 9:11  Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

2Co 9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

The unspeakable gift is not to seek only the bounty of God, but to thank him for salvation by the blood of Jesus. This is our unspeakable gift. How unspeakable is his grace to me who was a lost sinner. 

2Co 12:2  I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3  And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;

2Co 12:4  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

I assume that it was Paul who was caught up to heaven by a taste of death from stoning or by a vision. Many have experienced out of body experiences and described the beauty of light and perhaps heaven or even hell. Paul does not speak of this, but of the things that were said. It was then unlawful to speak of these words. I am reminded of John's vision in Revelation and the book of seven seals.

Rev 5:1  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
Rev 5:2  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Rev 5:3  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Rev 5:4  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Jesus, the Living word will reveal the words in the book, but by his Spirit he reveals the words in the Bible to us. Bible means "book."

Jer 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

 

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.
1Pe 1:6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1Pe 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Jesus is our unspeakable gift. He has gifted us with the gifts of the Spirit and supplies all of our needs. I am thankful for his abundant provision and I praise my Lord, Savior and God. Thank you Lord for your unspeakable gift making me a child of God.

Preaching of the Cross

1 Cor 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

 Paul is an example of the correct way of witnessing. Not talking of water baptism but of the cross. The gospel message. Not by mans wisdom but by the word of God's truth spoken by the Spirit of God. Oh how the enemies of Christ oppose the word of God. Next they oppose and discredit the witness. Don't be fooled by satan's tactics, continue to speak God's word to those who will hear. Keep the focus on Christ crucified. (I Cor 1:23)

1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The blood shed by Jesus on the cross of Calvary paid for our sins. We must believe this and receive Jesus as our Lord and savior. There is no other way that our sins can be forgiven.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The worldly wise think they know more than God; by doing this they become fools because they do not fear God nor respect his commands.

Psa 14:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Many fools are becoming antichrists, removing crosses and Bibles from public places. They need a touch from God and grace to receive grace, their eyes opened to the truth.

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

We are saved by the power of God through faith in Jesus' name. We are not to trust in our works, for we can offer nothing that is not from God. He has provided our sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is my Savior and the offering for sins; My Lord redeemer, the Son of God.