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

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. 

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.

Broken Pipes

I found an outdoor faucet at the home that has been spraying water from a broken pipe. In the winter we try to wrap the pipes, but this one is old. The plumber is coming tomorrow. 

I received a water bill from the closed business that is four times normal, it could be another broken pipe, but not seen. It is harder to find a broken pipe in the ground or under concrete. Now what is God saying in this?

Jer 2:11  Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. 
Jer 2:12  Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. 
Jer 2:13  For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 

Are we leaking water from our own cistern of old unfresh water or does living water flow from us? Are we seeking the things of God or are we worried about the world's problems?

Let's turn to Jesus this Christmas with thanksgiving. Lord you are not in the way of Christmas, you are the reason for Christmas. For many of the world, Jesus is a stumbling block or a bump in the road, for those after their own lusts. Let Jesus be who he is, our Lord and master, our salvation, our redeemer and God Almighty come in a man. If he isn't these to you, stop what you are doing and turn to him in prayer.

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

Gentle affection

A recent study is showing a decline in those who are connected to a church and a rise in those who are atheists or have no faith. There is a majority now of the unconnected and they tend to vote as liberals. My concern is not politics but on reaching the unsaved for Christ and helping them to continue. The best way to do this is a one on one relationship or small groups that connect with them and disciple them. Paul as an apostle and evangelist cared for those who came to Christ as a father or nurse to newborns. 

1 Th 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:

Flattery appeals to the flesh. Satan uses flattery before taking something from you. Paul used no flattery, nor was he seeking gain in money or personal favor. Ministers who preach a gospel of financial wealth, would not fit in with the apostle Paul. He desired only to preach Jesus on the cross and his resurrection. The way of grace for those who believe.

1 Th 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

They could have sought and received the best food and accommodations. They could have taken money for themselves in excess of their needs, but this is not the mind of Christ. Paul followed the Holy Spirit who speaks of Jesus and his way. He did not Lord it over the people, nor did he manipulate them for personal gain.

1 Cor 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Gentle as a nurse to newborn babes. We must be gentle and patient with those newly born into God's family.

1 Th 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

The apostle Paul's love and care went beyond duty, he became as a father to them. They were close family, cherished by Paul and loved by God. If you are the one who led another to Christ Jesus, you have a responsibility to feed the new one and to give them love and support. This is where the church comes in. The church has all the gifts. An evangelist may not be gifted in mercy and helps, let others share in the care of the newborn in Christ using their spiritual gifts.Teachers are needed, helpers, encouragers and those with mercy to love them when they fail. These are people as examples and above all we point them to Jesus for he is the one we are to follow. This is how we do it online and it is the best way in our church communities; we need to connect with them.

above

I was driving to the college for orchestra rehearsal. I had the radio on listening to a news commentary, it was true what he was saying about the peril our nation is in. I saw the sun going down, so I pulled over to take a picture. I drove a little further and stopped again to take pictures of the LORD's beautiful sunset. We must look at what is good around us to offset the bad news.

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

Col 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Col 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  

We are dead with Christ, our flesh man identifies with his crucifixion, but our spiritual self is alive with Christ. Whether alive or dead in  this body, we are in Christ and when he shall appear, we shall appear with him. There is much evil in our nation and we are to restrain the evil because of the Holy Spirit within us. We do not join with the darkness, but we are to be as the appearance of Christ to this world. We are to shine forth his message of love and hope. Are we seeking the higher calling of God?

Twilight Reflections

On the road to the park on a church sign I read:

 "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof;

the world, and they that dwell therein.  (Psalm 24:1)."

 All belongs to the Lord and we are to give him the glory.

Sitting on a park bench a man plays his guitar.

Psa 47:6  Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. 

A tree stretches itself up to sing glory to the Lord.

Isa 55:12  For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 

The trees reflections in the pond bring glory to the LORD.

Psa 96:12  Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 

The twilight reflections in the pool form an arrow. We are to keep going until the Lord comes for us. He has work for us to do. This is no time to give up. We are arrows in the LORD's bow, to be aimed at targets of his purpose for us.

Isa 66:18  For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. 

Isa 66:19  And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. 

A young doe watches me from a distance. With my long lens I can bring the far things near. The LORD is not far from us, so let us draw near to him.

Jas 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 

Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Jas 4:9  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 

Jas 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 

As the light dims a beautiful sky reflects into the pool.

  The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof;

the world, and they that dwell therein.

 (Psalm 24:1)

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.

For the beauty of the earth

I had a lovely walk in the rain yesterday and this morning I awoke with a song in my heart: 

For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies,

Layered rain clouds, a most welcome sight.

For the love which from our birth Over 

and around us lies:

A fallen leaf on a lonely bench appears to be dancing.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

These strange berries are on the pokeweed. Robins and doves eat them and spread them in my home garden. They are toxic to animals, but the pioneers boiled the young leaves to remove the toxins and used them in salads.

Amos 3:7  Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

An oil slick on a puddle in the road forms a swan illusion. To me the illusion is the nations with the fighting and perversions. It is as the days of Noah in the world.

The LORD reveals his secret things through his word and the Holy Spirit. If we know the word of God in the Bible then we should know that we are in the end times.

Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 

Mat 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

God made and loves his creation. 

A deer enjoyed the rain with me.

Mat 11:25  At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

The path we choose is up to us. There is God's way that leads to Jesus and everlasting life, or there is the way of man seeking to destroy life and ignore the God of creation. We can warn them, but not be of them, 

We are on another path.

What is revealed to us is by the Holy Spirit

and the scriptures. 

The trees are so loving the rain. The moss grows and the dry summer trees have a new fall and winter coat.

Peace on earth and joy in heaven: Lord of all to thee we

raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Not Boasting

2 Cor 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
2 Cor 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

Not boasting of things outside of our sphere of influence, not boasting in another man's work. Are we taking glory for anothers work? Yet this is another man's work; what have you done to fulfill your ministry for Christ? So long as Christ and the cross is preached, that is most important. 

Php 1:15  Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 
Php 1:16  The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 
Php 1:17  But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 
Php 1:18  What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 
Php 1:19  For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 
Php 1:20  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 
Php 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

2 Cor 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

The Lord receives the glory. He is the head of the church, the body of Christ. All ministries and callings are from him to build up the church. The Lord gives the increase and receives the glory.

1 Cor 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1 Cor 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Cor 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
1 Cor 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

2 Cor 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Don't fool yourself and others with false pride, saying that you hear from Jesus or God as some do and they do not believe in his word in the Bible. The fruit of your labour will perish, if it is not built on the foundation of God's Biblical truth. Preach the gospel; Jesus Christ through his death on the cross has made the way for our salvation. He is risen and by faith in him we are given new eternal life to do his good works.