Pre-Trib Rapture

My understanding of the rapture is that the Lord could come at any time to take those who are looking for him up to heaven. We will be changed into his image, we will be like him. Following this we will accompany him back to earth for a thousand years as he is king, the devil is bound and placed in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. We will be rewarded for our faithfulness now and given things to do. Many will be kings and priests in the Thousand year reign. Following this satan is loosed again, many of the children of Adam with his sinful nature will follow him as he comes against the king in Jerusalem. Fire will fall from heaven and satan will be thrown into the lake of fire with the beast and false prophet. Then comes the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead that are not in Christ. We in the first resurrection will not receive the wrath of God. The rapture removes us before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth.

Perhaps the greatest proof that the rapture does not occur after the tribulation and after the wrath of God is that there will be people alive on earth during the thousand year reign of Christ. If all the bad are removed and the good raptured, then there would be no humans left living in flesh on the earth. The only way the post tribulation rapture would work is if it would be selective, taking some :"super Christians" and leaving some others on earth. One more concern is that too many are expecting the Lord to come to take them out of their problems. This is an American trait. The Christians who are being mutilated and murdered in many terrible antichrist places are leaving as martyrs. Many Christians felt betrayed because of  persecution and killing of them in past wars. The Bible says that the godly shall be persecuted. We need to toughen up, trusting the Lord, even if things get bad and we are martyred.Will we stay the course? The promise is that the wrath of God will not be on us, whether by death or rapture we will be in Christ. This is our hope and promise. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Eaglewings Ministries

The Big Green Carp Windsock

I found a big green carp windsock in a sack behind the couch.It was something Grandma bought and stored. I hung it up in the backyard where I could see it from the kitchen window. It really looked out of place. I have had this cough for a week and feeling somewhat out of place, so that windsock reminded me of how I was feeling out of sorts. It is difficult to make plans when under the weather. Just after taking this picture there was a knock on the door and two ladies stood with watchtower tracts. I was glad that they came, I was able to share about Jesus as Lord who left behind the Comforter,(John 14:26) the Holy Spirit to give us power and truth and peace, (John 14:27). He is a person, not a force, not an it. There is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that are the one God.The lead woman said that she had been a Catholic but now she was in the truth. I told her that we never have all of the truth and that she needs to keep reading the Bible on her own. She agreed that Jesus is Lord of Lords , King of Kings, but that the Father is greater. I said in authority the Father was greater, but the father gave all authority to Jesus. She said but he is in heaven now, yes, but he gave his authority to his witnesses and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was through the blood of Jesus that we are redeemed. She somewhat agreed. They left, but I was feeling I still had a reason and purpose. I was not hung out to blow in the breeze like that carp windsock. We are here to be witnesses of his truth.

About that Carp windsock; it is from Japan and used for a traditional calendar event called Koinobori, Children's Day. This takes place on May 5 when landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of sons and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong. May our sons and daughters grow up healthy and strong and may they be true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eaglewings Ministries

The Moses bird

At the edges of the river and ponds a lovely Great Egret stands. This bird is the symbol of the Audubon society, and in the nineteenth century it became almost extinct because it's plumes were used in women's fashions. They became a protected bird and so now they are plentiful. It lurks quietly and catches fish by spearing them with it's long sharp beak. A friend called these birds Moses birds because they were always standing before the water, reminding her of Moses standing before the Red Sea. The white reminded her of Jesus, but there is only one Jesus in his white apparel, and he is not a bird or an angel; he is God the Son. We do not worship the creation, but we do worship the Creator who made this lovely bird for us to enjoy.

The Egret is so perfect for it's environment. Just look at his big feet for wading in the mud. Tiny feet may get stuck in the mud, but not these wide pitchfork toes.

Psa 40:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 

Psa 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 

Psa 40:3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 

Psa 40:4  Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 

Psa 40:5  Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 

He watches for fish motionless his white making him invisible against the bright sky. His neck is coiled like a snake, ready to spring forward.

Mar 13:35  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 

Mar 13:36  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 

Mar 13:37  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 

I watched as he thrust his spear beak in the water.

 These birds do not let you get close to them. I was fifty yards from it behind a tree. I wanted a closer view so I moved to thirty yards from him behind another tree, but it was too close. Effortlessly the enormous fan like wings lift it into the air. For such a large bird it just lifted into the air from a dead start, with feet straight behind him.

Exo 19:4  Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 

He glides across the river, perhaps saying a prayer? Thank you LORD for making me so special.

Ch 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. 

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. 

Eaglewings Ministries

Chasing the sunset

There were only a few clouds that reflected the warm rays of the setting sun. I drove west in my car to find a place with no wires to get a picture of the sunset. I remembered chasing the sunset when I first moved north  in the early 1970's. I was living in a small cabin rental in the midst of the oaks and manzanitas.  Color slide pictures were taken then and when the sunset was glorious I would take my 35mm camera and run looking for a tree to silouette against the sunset. One such picture was called the black oak sunset and was used in the camera club competition. I found the sunset last night against a few slender trees near the highway.

Pro 16:17  The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 

Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 

Pro 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 

Near the highway is the train tracks. My photography business was next to the train tracts in the center of the old town. The train used to stop in town in the early days of California, but now the trains pass through. The train cars would pass by my store window and sometimes I would watch them. They were covered with gang graffiti. There is little respect; I remember in the 70's that the hippies would throw rocks at the new cars brought in on the trains. They were against materialistic America. This spirit is still out to destroy our nation, throwing rocks at our laws and the constitution. We look to Jesus. He is coming, make his way straight.

Isa 40:3  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 

Isa 40:4  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 

Isa 40:5  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 

We have a nice Senior Citizen hall. Each friday morning my wife meets there with a crochet group. There is a small country western music band that plays their guitars singing old songs. These are old guys too, getting together loving to play music even if their are few to hear them.  Often I will listen to their music while reading the Bible or the newspaper. At the end of each song muffled applause follows and the rapping of my coffee cup on the table. A little encouragement is good. As we were leaving the center I noticed the trees blooming, the blossoms do not last very long, but I had left my camera at home.

These trees were on my mind as I parked my car at the senior center in the dim light, I wanted a picture of these trees. 

Jer 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. 

The light was dim, but it was soft. At home I was able to bring out the features of this lovely tree of early spring. We must capture the glory of God when it comes in his creation. The creation glorifies the Lord and so must we. Forget the evil news and let us focus on the goodness of our LORD. Let us praise God with continuous prayer.

Rom 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 

Rom 15:5  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 

Rom 15:6  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Eaglewings Ministries

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

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.

Frost feathers

Sunday morning our car roof was covered with beautiful frost patterns. Enjoy the beauty of God's frost patterns.

Isa 45:4  For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 

Isa 45:5  I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 

Isa 45:6  That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 

Isa 45:7  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. 

Isa 45:8  Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 

A crust of bread

Digital photography truly has some great features. I was able to take pictures of Randy, the wounded goose, in late light that film cameras could not compete with because of the limitations of the film speed. At a setting of 1600 my ten year old digital camera did quite well. Randy swam by, alone as I captured his image from the fishing dock. The LORD's eyes are not limited by technology. He sees his creation, knows our problems and he cares for us. Inasmuch as we are hearing God, then we respond by his eyes of direction to accomplish his good will.

Randy is at the shore where he sleeps on one leg in the safety of the shallow water.

This time I remembered to bring a crust of bread that I tossed into the water. Three hungry male Mallard ducks quickly eat up the bread.

Mat 10:40  He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 
Mat 10:41  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 

Mat 10:42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. 

What is this? Randy has returned for a snack. He reminds me of a cat I once had. If I opened a can of cat food, she was there at my feet, no matter if she was asleep or far away, she just knew.

He eats a portion of the offering. The ducks and geese usually forage for themselves, but when someone shares bread, they are grateful. That is how it should be for birds and for humans too. God designed them to work and to go out and get their own food, not to be dependant. God can bless his people as he chooses, but government seeks to make slaves of people. It is God who gives us the ability to work or to find help as needed. We give God the glory for all we receive.

Two black Scoters are always diving for their food. They do not come for handouts. God has given them the ability to take care of themselves and they do not get too near humans. God made all creation and he supplies their needs.

2Ch 29:5  And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. 

2Ch 29:6  For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. 

Pro 15:3  The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 

Psa 34:15  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 

Red and white

Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isa 1:19  If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Isa 1:20  But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Sit down and listen, stop running around and take heed to God's word. If you repent and believe in His promises, (Receive Jesus as savior); though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. This is a beautiful promise of what Jesus has done for us. But if we refuse God in our lives and rebel against him he will back off when we are in need. Let us be determined to stay close to God for we must have His presence. In His presence there is peace.

? In His Presence - YouTube

Music in the way of the word

I have been placing the Bible with commentary on the Internet in a web site called  eaglewingsministries.com . The Bible studies were from sharing the Bible each day to disciple new believers. The oldest entries were in 2001. Having gone through all of the New Testament and several books in the Old Testament, I find there is a problem when trying to access a page, often it freezes up. I figured out that the problem was I had embedded midi music files in the lessons, it may be that new antivirus safety practices block the music. I am now removing all the music that I put in the chapters of the Bible. Almost every chapter had music to stir the soul, now I have the task of removing it. There are 260 chapters in the New Testament, Isaiah, has 66, etc. A lot of chapters to open and to delete the music. After all, the word of God is more important than the music.

Thinking on this as applied to the church, the word is still more important, and music should glorify the LORD. Most of the old hymns had great music and great words from the Bible. Maybe we should go through our music selections and remove the music that does not exalt the LORD or give a truthful message from the Bible?  May we glorify the LORD and speak his truth to a world in need.

In a private Bible study it was mentioned that when the ark of the covenant was taken captive, that it was returned on a new cart because the world's people did not know the proper handling of the ark. When Israel received the ark, they should have used the poles to transport the ark, instead they moved it the world's way and when Uzzah put his hand out to steady the ark he was killed.

1Ch 13:9  And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 
1Ch 13:10  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 

1Ch 13:11  And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. 

Apparently God was displeased in the careless handling of his holiness. When the world's way in music gets into the church, is God honored, or upset? We should remove anything that does not honor the LORD, including examining ourselves, for we are the temples of the Holy Spirit.


Psa 26:2  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. 

Feed Me

European Starling - Whatbird.com

Mat 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 
Mat 6:26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 

 In a harvested field of grain, the Canadian geese land to glean the seeds left on the ground. Other geese graze in the grass of a nearby park. The Robins have their fill of Persimmons until the Starlings arrive. Then they strip the fruit from the tree. There squeak toy sound alerts the flock to join in the feast.  They are provided for, certainly we shall be provided for. Here in America there is abundance, no one should go without. Those with the heart of Jesus should reach out in someway meeting the needs of others. 

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Feeding the needy is as feeding Jesus and blessing him. There are missions, and churches giving aid to the needy. Sorry to say that many people are provided for, but throw their money into satan's collection plate. Many are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, cigarettes, and other sins. These steal away God's provisions given to them. Don't be stressed out with concern, take your needs to God in prayer, trust him and he will bless you. Remember the ability to work is also his provision for you.

Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

If you are unable to work, take your needs to the LORD.

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

We become slaves to who we depend upon. We are to be bond slaves of Christ, free people choosing to serve him. The starling feasted on what was left of the persimmons, but I had first pick to share the abundance. We should be diligent to use the provision given to us, without waste so that we lack no good thing. I suppose in our nation there are too many starlings and not enough fruit pickers? I see this both in the natural and in the spiritual. Ultimately all good things come from our heavenly father, we give Him all honor, glory and praise, with thanksgiving.

Plumbline

Amo 7:7  Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. 

Amo 7:8  And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more: 

A plumb line is a straight and true line by suspending a pointed weight on a string.  The plumb line is a straight line and by it a wall is made straight or is seen as not truly being straight. The law of gravity keeps it perfectly straight. God would judge Israel with a perfect law, no longer would he pass by and ignore their sins. Judgement time had come.

Paul spoke of rightly dividing the word of God. I see this as a plumb line in the spiritual. We can discern the truth by correctly interpreting scriptures. The scriptures interpret scriptures. Read them, know them and then you will see truth from error.

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

The truth of God is backed up by the authority and power of God as creator and judge. He will punish the transgressor and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ he gives grace. When a politician makes a line, then it means that anyone stepping over it would be subject to the power that he has behind him. The big difference is that God is not a liar, he means what he says and he keeps his word. When all is said and done, God's word remains true, the plumb line of his truth and will.

Spinning

The Holy Spirit works in the people of God to do many things for his glory. Often work is done in secret to benefit others. The LORD used skilled hands to build his temple and the LORD is still using gifted hands for his glory.

Exo 35:25  And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
Exo 35:26  And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.
Exo 35:27  And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
Exo 35:28  And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
Exo 35:29  The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
Exo 35:30  And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
Exo 35:31  And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
Exo 35:32  And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
Exo 35:33  And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

My wife weaves beautiful things from colored yarn to give to others. Who can put a value on service for the LORD, but the LORD himself? Keep your hands busy and your mind meditating on his word. All to Jesus I surrender all.

? All to Jesus I Surrender - YouTube

Snow

It snowed in the night, our once a year snow. The persimmon tree has a cold blanket to hasten their ripening.

A Hummingbird rests on a holly branch, waiting for the feeder to thaw out. 

Lemons do not do well in freezing weather. Once they freeze, then they will die. Time to pick lemons.

A hot fire in the fireplace is a welcome sight. Watching the flames dart around, the smell of smoke, the cracking of the logs in the fire, and the warm fire reminds me of times past. Perhaps a campfire at a park or beach, or just the family together in the living room sipping hot tea or coffee. Memories are so much better when Jesus is in them.

John 21:9  As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 

John 21:10  Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 

John 21:11  Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 

Joh 21:12  Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 

John 21:13  Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 

John 21:14  This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 

Much ado about nothing

Just driftwood

Perhaps others are tired of these posts. At times I feel that I have nothing to say. In myself is no good thing and it is when I realize this that I trust more in the Lord. Music or the word of God are his doing. We are given certain gifts and abilities to develop through complete trust in him. We do not become lazy or neglect practice or the reading of God's word, we do have to be faithful and diligent and to remember that victory or praise belong to him, for when we accept accolades and awards,  pride comes to destroy our anointing. Some have skills of their own to move a congregation or even to manipulate them by personal power. Watch out for this, it is not of God. It is a good thing to encourage someone if their faithfulness has blessed you as the spirit directs you, it helps them to continue. The walk in the spirit often staggers as the flesh wants to dominate. Stay humble and stay the course. Follow Jesus until your salvation is complete in him at his coming.

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.