Peter's Bold Preaching

Now comes the important gospel message.

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

A powerful sermon begins with, listen to my words as he spoke with authority.

Jesus of Nazareth, even the devils knew that name;

Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs;

Yes even his enemies knew he was from God;

Jhn 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Jhn 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

They were concerned for their own positions, seeking job security, so from envy they killed Jesus. When Jesus becomes king on earth all nations will bow to him. God worked mighty works through him.

Phil 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;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Jesus speaks

Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

The testimony of the healed blind man

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Peter doesn't hold back, he speaks the truth with new Holy Ghost boldness.

Even though God sent him knowing that he was to die for sins, and Jesus also knowing this was his cup given him by his father, yet he obeyed;

Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Still, those who murdered Jesus must bear the responsibility for their actions.

"ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain (Jesus):"

Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Mat 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Peter was not out to tickle the ears of the people, or to make them laugh, he speaks the truth to them

Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Quoting from Psalms 16, In the term "pains of death", the word pains is actually the word for "birth pains"; in this sense, the tomb was a womb for Jesus! The grave can no more hold the Redeemer than a pregnant woman can hold the child in her body.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Born of water, a natural birth from woman. Born of the Spirit, the resurrected Christ coming out of the cave tomb a new Spiritual creation.

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

For as he was raised by the Spirit of life, so shall we likewise be made alive.

Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The resurrection is the proof of our new life in Christ

1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1 Cor 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1 Cor 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Cor 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Peter continues to speak of the resurrection. Killing Jesus was not a victory for Satan, but his defeat!

Through believing in Jesus, His blood removes our sins and we shall be with Jesus forever.

Peter after Pentacost...Acts 2:14-21

 Peter after Pentacost

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Listen to me, hear what I have to say.We should notice that the speaking in tongues stopped when Peter began to preach. The Holy Spirit now worked through Peter’s preaching and would not work against Himself through tongues at the same time.

There is a remarkable change in Peter. He has courage and boldness that is a complete contrast to his denials of Jesus before being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peter was speaking boldly

1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

It is too early in the day to be drunk, drunkeness is of the night.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; Peter announces the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, partial fulfillment.

This focus on God’s Word did not quench the moving of the Holy Spirit; it fulfilled what the Holy Spirit wanted to do. All the signs and wonders and speaking in tongues were preparing for this work of God’s Word. The Spirit does not call attention to himself, but to Jesus and his word.

The word of God and the Holy Spirit t are the power of God to transform a life. They work together, not apart. The word without the spirit may be dry. The Spirit without the word, may be empty emotion. We need the spirit and the word, then peoples lives are changed and new people are born into the kingdom of God.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

It was the beginning of the last days. Messiah Jesus had finished the work of redeeming a people from satan's power. Now he was expected to come at anytime to establish his millennial kingdom on earth. These are the last days in expectation of the kingdom.

The promise was the Holy Spirit to be poured out on all flesh. Male and female, boy and girl, Jew or non Jew. The spirit was no longer just to come upon them for a season, as in the Old Testament. Now, he would be poured out in ministry to others. The Holy Spirit remains with the believer.

... and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

God will speak through the spirit of prophecy to young and old male and females. Those who limit the speaking of women in church, must remember this prophecy. Men are not more spiritual than women, but men are given authority in the church to lead, as well as in the home.

Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Acts 2:19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Jew and gentile shall be saved.

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

A little pruning

I wanted to prune back a big Pyracantha bush and Tuesday is yard waste pick up, so I began to prune and soon realized that there were much more pruned branches than my container could hold. I had a pick up load.  An earlier lesson was about conforming to Christ and removing things in our life that do not belong. Let's go to John 15. We may see a few twigs to prune in our spiritual life, but the Father sees a lot more that needs to be removed. We may not understand when hard things come our way, but it just may be the Father removing things in us or building something new from our roots in Christ.

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

If the branch is no good, unfruitful, it is taken up, lifted up, taken away. A person who continues to walk in sin and will not repent, will be taken up; every branch in Christ that does not produce fruit, he takes away. Jesus earlier used the example of the unfruitful fig tree:

Mat 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Paul adds to this theme, concerning an unrepentant sinner being taken by death.

1 Cor 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Note, that the destruction was the flesh, not the soul. This helps us see that it is Jesus' blood that saves; this person at one time had received the Lord, and only by God's grace in Jesus was he not totally consumed.

...and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

No one likes to have difficulties in life, but out of these we grow to rely on God and we become more like Jesus. The Father disciplines us. He purifies or prunes these branches.

He 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

1 Pet 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:

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
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.

Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

We like to think that living for Christ is all about prosperity. It is true that we receive all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. However, we must submit to his will and follow him. Our sanctification, our holy life, our godliness will bring persecution, but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus face to face. Let us allow the Father to prune us and we will conform to the image of Christ so when we are put to the fire we may come forth as pure gold. His love is pure in us.

Eaglewings Ministries

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.

In the sky

The sky was alive with clouds and streaks. The sky will show signs. Signs of the devil's activity, signs of man's presence and power and end time signs of the coming of the Lord.

Eph_2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 

We were subject to the prince of the power of the air, the devil and sin. God broke this power over us by coming as Jesus, the Son of God to destroy the work of the devil and to redeem us with his shed blood. He gave us a great commission.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Signs of two angels , a dead tree (the cross) and a cloud.

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

Jesus is coming in the clouds. Do you hear the sound of a trumpet?

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 
1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 
1Co 15:53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

Luke 21:25  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 
Luke 21:26  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 
Luke 21:27  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

Luke 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 

Randy's new year

I was able to download the pictures I took of Randy and the park on January first, using another device. By the drooping wing, we know it is Randy the goose. Some may judge the bird as an invalid, but he has survived three years at his new home at the park with it's green grass for food and the pond for foraging. His kin fly great distances together but he is doing quite well where he is. When I first began to minister on the Internet I was able to go places that you could not fly to. Inside locked bedrooms, in homes where a woman huddled to protect her children from an abusive mate. The Internet brought me friends in Canada, India, Scotland and Great Britain. We shared testimonies of people in China and Africa. Some scoffed at the Chat rooms saying God doesn't go there. Is there anyplace that God cannot go?

 His Spirit spoke heart to heart to the lost, to the new convert or the abused person. The Holy Spirit showed us how to minister through the Internet in AOL chat rooms and instant messages.

Randy may be alone, but he is in a beautiful place. We should be thankful for our blessings, for if we are in Christ we certainly are a blessed people, both here and with him in heavenly places.

Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 

Eph 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

Eph 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 

Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 

Eph 1:8  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 

Eph 1:9  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 

It is hard to stop reading when the verses are so meaningful. The important thing is that we are more precious to God than a goose or a tree or a sunset. All were made by Jesus for his good pleasure and for us to enjoy.

Walking by the cat tail rushes I get a quick look at a fawn. The camera was on manual focus, I took the picture without focusing, but the telephoto lens was the right focus to see him before he ran across my path. Some things we only get a glimpse of. Think of friends in the past who were sent to guide us on our correct path, but who have gone now. Perhaps one was an angel?

Heb 13:2  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

Two people sharing the sunset. Sometimes we put all our attention on a person to meet our needs. We are not to forget God, who provides to us all good things, including the sunsets. Give God the glory and thank you Jesus for another beautiful day.

Holly reminders

We have a large holly bush in the front yard and the birds planted another large plant in the back yard. Holly bushes are everywhere on our property from the red berries the birds scatter. Looking at the holly we can be reminded of Biblical things.There are stories and legends about the Holly. It has shiny green leaves even in the winter. The green leaves point to everlasting life in Christ Jesus.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

 The thorns on the leaves point to the crown of thorns that Jesus wore.

Mar 15:16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 
Mark 15:17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 
Mark 15:18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 
Mark 15:19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 
Mark 15:20  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. 

 The red berries represent the blood of Jesus shed for our sins.

Mar 14:23  And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 
Mar 14:24  And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 
Mar 14:25  Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. 

Another Christmas legend is from the Christmas tree. Christmas trees came from pagan practices, but our use of a tree has loftier meanings. A tradition says that  Martin Luther observed stars while looking through an evergreen tree, thus the lights on the modern Christmas tree to represent the stars or the heavens. The evergreen fir represents eternal life. Gifts of fruit used to be hung on the tree, being replaced with glass ornaments. The ornaments sometimes are used as reminders of events in the past, such as a child's birthday. We are celebrating the birthday of Jesus, whenever that may have been. He is the tree of life, the life giver. As the wise men brought him gifts, the custom is to exchange gifts at this time of celebration. On top of the tree is a star to represent the star that guided the wise men to the house where Jesus was an infant. Sometimes an angel is placed on the top of the tree to represent the angel that came to Mary and the angels that announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. These are legends, but it is okay to use them as reminders of Biblical truths. A symbol is to represent a reality. It is best to think of these representing good things and not to look for evil. No evil is meant when we gather at Christmas time with a holly wreath on the door and a tree in our homes. Merry Christmas friends and keep the joy of his coming in your heart. It is the season to remember Jesus, family and friends and to be thankful for his everlasting gift of life.

Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke  2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luk 2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

Reminders

My family could smell the propane, a reminder that it soon will run out and the 25 gallon tank will need to be refilled. We have had 4 months out of this filling. We use propane for cooking, mostly. Another reminder, that tomorrow night we set the clocks back one hour. Sometimes I make notes reminding me of things that need to be fixed or done around the home. I ran out of baking powder, it goes on the grocery list. It is good to study and read the Bible each day, I have been faithful this year to remember to do this each day. Did I remember to take a blood pressure pill? God is faithful, it is we who forget things. Have you shared your love lately? Hugged a loved one? As I mature in years I must not forget the important things. As you see my thoughts can ramble. LORD be my strength and a sound mind. May we not forget the cross of Jesus Christ and so great a salvation and may we remember to share the good news for time is running out.

 

A number of Biblical scholars were sharing recently about these being the last days. Pastor Hagee spoke of the four blood moons as a sign of the last days. There was a blood moon in 1492, in 1948 when Israel became a nation again, (the fig tree blooming). A blood moon in 1967 when Israel defeated the Arab nations and regained control of Jerusalem and there will be a blood moon in 2014. Will this be the start of Daniel's last week? 

 

Luk 21:29  And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Luk 21:30  When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk 21:31  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Luk 21:32  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Luk 21:33  Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

A generation could be referred to as a life span of 70 years. From the beginning of the nation of Israel in 1948, the symbolic fig tree, adding 70 years, would make the end times around 2018. The middle of Daniel's seven weeks is 3.5 years. It was mentioned that 2014 is the last blood moon and it may be the start of Daniel's final week of seven years. Mid way Israel will be in great tribulation from the Antichrist, but their redemption would be coming soon. Hopefully we will be raptured before this happens. These are events to remember in scriptures. We are not to know the days, but we are to be reminded of the end time events and most agree that the things that are happening in our time are reminders of Biblical prophecy. This is no time to turn away from God.

Luke 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 

The Power of His Love

 As Christians we are to love one another. I find fellowship with God and sometimes with others who venture out on the park trails in the early morning. Politicians have shut down part of the government, but it is a lovely day, all is well. The park is beautiful and I met friendly people on my morning walk.

An Evening Primrose greeted me as I 

approached one of the ponds. The oil from 

the seeds are used to treat skin problems. 

Beauty is skin deep?

The LORD looks upon our hearts.

Eph 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

I talked with this lady and petted her dogs. 

She loves her dogs and feeds them "natural" food.

It takes 300 lbs a month to feed them.  Love the pets, love one another but love God with all your being. In
the name of Jesus is all power and all love.

 There are several birdhouses on the trees. 

This one is in need of repair. It reminds me of the

song made popular in the 50's 

that Bob sings at the rest homes.

(This old house, by Stuart Hamblin)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WhLhF12TBE 

I stopped to take this picture of a horse's head when

 a little old lady wearing a hoody stopped to talk.

She said yes I see the horse and there are two more down the trail. I told her I would listen for them; laughter.

Three women were walking with their dog. It is getting cooler on this October morning and the dog had a pink sweater. I said to them, "being pink the dog must be a she...unless it was in a prison in Arizona?" They laughed. There was good fellowship this morning

Eph 3:20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

A little red as the Autumn leaves begin to change. 

Jesus shed a lot of blood to secure our salvation and 
in a little while by faith he will return. 

The Holy Spirit in us is the power of God. He is able to do

more than we ask or think. Think on that. 
What will you ask God  ... through the Holy Spirit?
 Ask, and do not fear. 

His love keeps us in his perfect peace.

Eph 3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

I Speak the name of Jesus and all is well with my soul.

Eat no fat or blood

Lev 3:17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

The pagans ate fat and drank blood in worship of their false gods.

Deu 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
Deu 32:38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
Deu 32:39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

The disobedient leaders ate the fat in rebellion and did not feed their flock.

Eze 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Eze 34:3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.

There was quite a stir when Jesus said that we must drink his blood. The communion wine was symbolic of oneness with Jesus, his life in us.

Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 

The fat of a sacrifice was burned as an offering. It made a sweet smell. When we barbecue meat, the fat burns off and the smoke of it gives flavor to the meat. In one sense the sweet smell is our sweet smelling offering, as incense is an offering of prayer. There is a modern slang "chew the fat", an English expression for gossiping or making friendly small talk. When we come together it is better to partake of the fellowship of Christ in sharing and prayer. The blood of a sacrifice is to be poured out, because the life is in the blood. Many would not eat meat of an animal sacrificed to an idol. Jesus is the living presence of God given as a sacrifice for us. We are to eat the bread of life and drink the symbolic blood in communion, for he is our life through his death and resurrection for us.

1Co 11:24  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 
1Co 11:25  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 
1Co 11:26  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 

 We may eat the symbolic bread (meat) of the body of Christ and drink of His blood, the communion grape juice, because he is life to us and we come together being part of the body of Christ. Taste and see that the Lord is good. (psalm 34:8)