A good name

Pro 22:1  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

The local newspaper had a picture and a write up of a woman who turned 100. I recognized her as one of the women we see at one of our rest home services. I had no idea about her past, but the article spoke her name and that she had been a photographer. I knew this name and although I did not personally know her, I had seen her work and it was beautiful. As I was beginning business she was still working and her work inspired me.  Her wedding pictures were lovely. Sunday afternoon I saw her at our rest home service. I spoke her name and showed her the  picture that I had saved with the article in the newspaper. When I was asked to share something, I told everyone about how this lady was a wonderful photographer and that she had inspired me as I was beginning a photography business. I knew her name and I knew her work. We are often known more from our works, our fruit, than we are known by name. Let us have good fruit to be remembered by, to bless others, even if our name is not known. The Lord keeps a record of names and spiritual fruit. Pleasing him is most important. How are we known by others?

 

Luk 6:43  For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Luk 6:44  For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

1Pe 2:12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 

Eaglewings Ministries 

Burned up

We enjoyed our fireplace on this cold rainy day. We were thrilled that the Lord brought rain to our drought. 

Isa 41:17  When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. 

Isa 41:18  I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. 

There  is the fire of God's judgment. This is the final test of the worth of our life's service.

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

1Co 3:12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 

1Co 3:13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 

1Co 3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 

1Co 3:15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

This is the judgment of the saved for rewards. For even if all is burned up, our soul shall be saved. Saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and not works done. What a shame to have made Jesus our Lord and yet have no fruit to show; no rewards received. Let no man be your judge, but hear the gentle voice of God and follow him.

Eaglewings Ministries

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. 

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

After Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving in the past was a day of work at my photography studio. I became the stuffed turkey, dressing up to create family portraits. My portrait room was not as large as it needed to be for large family groups, so I had to find ways of grouping the families to fit into the space. Using a film camera, it all had to fit perfectly. Skill was required to relax the families, compose them, not taking too long because the children squirm or the baby starts crying. I trusted the LORD to help me in my business and he never failed me in the 36 years I was in business. In the latter years digital photography helped me to expand the wall space by adding more background later, but that was kind of like cheating. Digital photography changed the value of photographs. Everyone has them now and people do not want as many prints because they share them on their phones and computers. I am retired now and the day after Thanksgiving has become a day of rest and reflection. A time to work around the house, raking leaves. Still work to do but at my own pace.

Following the lovely Thanksgiving buffet with the people at our church, my wife and I went for a drive. It had been a long time since we had driven to Jones Valley and visited Shasta Lake. When we arrived the lake was gone! It had receded due to a low rainfall season. Rain is needed to fill the lake that was formed by building Shasta Dam.

We kept driving on the road above the lake until we found another low water boat dock where the houseboats were still floating. It reminded me of Noah and the ark that finally came to rest on dry land. Rain will come again because the LORD is faithful, he keeps us afloat. Thank you LORD.

Lam 3:22  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 
Lam 3:23  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 
Lam 3:24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 
Lam 3:25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 
Lam 3:26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. 
Lam 3:27  It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 
Lam 3:28  He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. 
Lam 3:29  He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope. 
Lam 3:30  He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach. 
Lam 3:31  For the Lord will not cast off for ever: 
Lam 3:32  But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. 

Are you for real?

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Once you are saved, I believe that God's Spirit stays with you and you will be with Jesus. But, this must be a true conversion, for if you fall away, then where is the evidence of your new life in Christ?

Heb 3:12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Heb 3:15  While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Stay the course.

My Dorcas

Pro 31:30  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 

My wife is such a woman, she fears the LORD and honors him. The fruit of her hands: hundreds of crocheted afghans and many lap quilts she has made with her hands and most were given away anonymously.

 

Act 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: (Gazelle) this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Act 9:37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Act 9:38  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Act 9:39  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Act 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Act 9:41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Act 9:42  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

 

My wife has been through a lot of trials. Her hands are twisted with arthritis, and yet she continues to weave many colored afghans as fast as a gazelle; a labor of love. She is a loving wife and I am blessed.

The work of our hands

I remember my folks in retirement, moving to a ten acre ranch where they had fruit and nut trees, cattle, geese and ducks, and a big garden. They were kept busy and they had their church to attend, an older church with beautiful stained glass windows. They were kept busy, but also lived a simple life. Their hard work supplied them and they shared with many others. We recently placed flowers on their grave, in remembrance of the love we have for them.

 

1Cor 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. 

Jesus worked the works of the Father. He endured suffering and on the cross secured our salvation. When his work was done he said, "it is finished."  We who are his people have the Holy Spirit to guide us to do the work of God. Our work begins with the in filling of the Holy Spirit and with this we receive his peace. We continue our work and labor and abide in his peace. We are not alone. Jesus suffered alone, but had the Father with him.

 

John 16:32  Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

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

God remembers our work and the love we have for him, keep going.

Go to Work

There is always something good that we can do. A few walnuts have fallen from the tree that I have put in a bucket. Being retired I do not have to try to find work, but being retired gives me opportunities to look for ways to bless others. People now think it is their right to receive free food and money from the government. The Bible has said that if one will not work when able, then he is worse than an infidel. I always had the opportunity to work and God has blessed me. Find opportunities to bless others who are less fortunate than you are. If no money, visit them and encourage them, bake them  cookies and share your testimony.

 

1Ti 5:5  Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
1Ti 5:6  But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
1Ti 5:7  And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
1Ti 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Find work doing something that you are gifted to do and always thank God for giving you something to do. He promises us food and clothing when we obey him. There is a blessing in working hard. It is good for us.

 

 

Show Diligence

God helps those who help themselves, is not in the Bible. The word diligence may convey some of that thought. We pray and do our part, we are to have diligence.

Diligence: earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after something.

Heb 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,  

John spoke through the Spirit that we are given understanding and that we are to keep away from idols.

1Jn 5:20  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1Jn 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

I see these idols that are prominent in our nation: greed and lusting for pleasure and entertainment. We are to repent, to change our thinking to the things of God. Be diligent, for the thief is stealing all that is holy from our nation. Stand up for Jesus and make a difference.

Spiritual Orchestra

Sometimes when reading a music score that is unfamiliar for the first time with an orchestra it can be confusing. I look at the music and if it is not followed note by note, in the correct rhythm and the right key signature and tempo I can get lost. The conductor waves his arms , the wind blows the music and I am not with it. Can this be true of a Christian who does not follow the word of God in order? Every jot and every title is there for a reason and should be read in order in it's proper context. The conductor is the Lord, he knows the word, but are we following Him in the proper order and context? If in an orchestra, you must be in the right place to be in the correct lead or harmony with the score. We play as the composer intended the music composition to be heard. As a Christian in the body of Christ we are to be where God has assigned us a part and we are to play lead or harmony in unity with the whole group that we are a part of.

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

 1Co 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 

1Co 14:33  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Confusion may come when we are separated from the body, and when we are tired and distracted. Stay in tune, stay connected, study, pray, be diligent,  look carefully at where you are, and are you in the proper place in the LORD's orchestra? As a member of the body of Christ you have an assigned position, do not be distracted from God's direction and purpose. Keep your eyes upon Jesus. A final thought, to fail is to be ashamed. When someone is counting on you and you do not do your part, there is shame.  We must abide in Christ to do his work.

Mark 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 
1Jn 2:29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 

Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

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

Are we all in our places? The conductor has his arms up, get ready to play your part. Some are too loud some are too quiet. Some are not paying attention and some are right with it. We are to perform with confidence.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Facing Opposition

Nehemiah was given permission to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the city walls. The powers that were in the area did not like the intruder. They would attempt to discourage God's workers. The enemies of God will oppose the work of God, so expect opposition when you do the work of God. Opposition comes from their fear of you.

 

Neh 2:10  When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. 

Neh 2:18  ...So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Neh 2:19  But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?
Neh 2:20  Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

 

Sanballat; strength, the enemies opposition. 

 

Tobiah ; Jehovah is good, a slave from the Ammonites, a religious name but not a good person.

 

Geshem; rain, He would rain on their parade?

 

...they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?...The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

 

Any time there is work to do for God, to take back from the enemy what he has claimed, there will be opposition. No one comes to Jesus without opposition. Jesus came to take back what the devil had stolen; the souls of men and women in bondage.

 

Isa 61:1  The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

 

A woman had been in a satanic cult before Jesus freed her. Even though she was free, the enemy continued to send bad spirits to oppose her. In the name of Jesus she would rebuke the enemy and do the work of God. When we move into the enemies territory he will put up a fight.

 When a nation gives up it's godly heritage it is not all at once, but over many years as the devil establishes strongholds. The world is under attack and is making the way for the one world order and the antichrist leader. I remember when the enemy was communism, the removal of God from a nation. Now I see that this has begun to take root and with it our freedoms are being removed. Do not let the enemy take over your mind and to remove you from doing God's work. Stay faithful to your calling do not fear and be courageous. Take back what the enemy has stolen. That is what Jesus did when he redeemed us and made us the children of God. Do not fear the enemies of God for God is with you and will always be with you in Christ Jesus.