Hard seasons, easy seasons....
One of the questions asked by Lisa Harper in the study of Hebrews is, "why do you think we tend to consider Jesus more often in hard seasons than in happy ones?"....
All of the class answered our "self sufficiency".....that pride,that "I can accomplish this on my own ", I don't need God is this little thing...., this doesn't matter, it is too little for a great GOd to worry about.....or He won't see this.....
..
How wrong we are....we can't breath on our own....without His life giving breath of life....
Or He knows ALL about us, nothing is hidden....
He knows many hairs we have on our heads....
Does He know when we are in Hard times versus good times???
Does He wish fellowship with us all the time? To walk with us, talk with us along the way? Does He give us good gifts or bad?
Do we seek His fellowship or blithely go our way, ignoring our Father? Only to run back when things look scary?
I will be the first to admit, I am one of those self sufficient ones....wanting my way....I can do it types.....I need to be brought up short daily to converse , to listen to that Holy
Spirit voice of truth...of advise...of direction....of spoken love....to say thank you....to choose the right direction....
Thank YOU for Yourself...Your desire to be our all in all, our intimate friend, our sufficiency...
Psalm 22:24
For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.
Psalm 38:9
All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.
Psalm 69:5
You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you.
Psalm 139:15
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Jesus calling-April 30
When some basic need is lacking—time, energy, money—consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live—in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
—James 1:2
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
—2 Corinthians 12:9 nasb
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Dreams,.....
Dreams.....
Having just had my "Disneyland fix" for four wonderful days at Disneyland, it made me think of dreams we have as people...the risks we take to make them come true...
Some risks come to fruitfulness and others, we view as failure. All are learning experiences...failure is when we don't learn for the experience....
"Disneyland is a theme park based in Anaheim, California. The theme park opened to the general public on July 18, 1955. Up to 17 million people visit Disneyland each year.
The latest figures for 2007 showed 14,870,000 visitors for Disneyland(Not including CA Adventure which had about 5.6 Million visitors). That equates to an average of 40,739 people a day for Disneyland....
However, from experience it ranges in the following.
Weekday about 20-30K/Day depending on the time of year.
Weekend/Holiday periods about 40-80K/Day, again depending on the holiday and time of year.
For CA Adventure you could expect between 8,000 and 10,000 on any given weekday. For Weekends/Holidays you could expect 15,000-20,000/day."
Walt Disney dreamed at a family oriented fun park which was year around, not the passing carnivals which made periodic visits to towns across the land...
I look at ministries that have started over time ....some have grown to large enterprises and reached the world, while others have stayed smaller, reaching select groups of people....some pastors speak to thousands, while others to home churches, small in number...God is honored in each...the ripple effect reaches out over the decades to multitudes....
I once heard of a woman who taught a group of wiggly boys in Sunday school...diligently speaking truth to these young men week after week, no fancy music, no techy visual aides, no fancy games, but truth, God's love poured into their hearts.....she rode a bus for a day to come to a conference on better teaching, went home and continued teaching and ministering.....Her name is forgotten in man's archives of saints, but each of those wiggly boys became great leaders in the kingdom.....the reaping, great ....the dreams, great...truth, God was and is honored by her sowing of seeds ....dreams...
Thank YOU for dreams....Help me to sow where I am supposed to, whether in great or small, working toward Your kingdom in the place You have me....
John 4:36
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.
John 4:37
Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.
John 4:38
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
[ Generosity Encouraged ] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Galatians 6:8
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Having just had my "Disneyland fix" for four wonderful days at Disneyland, it made me think of dreams we have as people...the risks we take to make them come true...
Some risks come to fruitfulness and others, we view as failure. All are learning experiences...failure is when we don't learn for the experience....
"Disneyland is a theme park based in Anaheim, California. The theme park opened to the general public on July 18, 1955. Up to 17 million people visit Disneyland each year.
The latest figures for 2007 showed 14,870,000 visitors for Disneyland(Not including CA Adventure which had about 5.6 Million visitors). That equates to an average of 40,739 people a day for Disneyland....
However, from experience it ranges in the following.
Weekday about 20-30K/Day depending on the time of year.
Weekend/Holiday periods about 40-80K/Day, again depending on the holiday and time of year.
For CA Adventure you could expect between 8,000 and 10,000 on any given weekday. For Weekends/Holidays you could expect 15,000-20,000/day."
Walt Disney dreamed at a family oriented fun park which was year around, not the passing carnivals which made periodic visits to towns across the land...
I look at ministries that have started over time ....some have grown to large enterprises and reached the world, while others have stayed smaller, reaching select groups of people....some pastors speak to thousands, while others to home churches, small in number...God is honored in each...the ripple effect reaches out over the decades to multitudes....
I once heard of a woman who taught a group of wiggly boys in Sunday school...diligently speaking truth to these young men week after week, no fancy music, no techy visual aides, no fancy games, but truth, God's love poured into their hearts.....she rode a bus for a day to come to a conference on better teaching, went home and continued teaching and ministering.....Her name is forgotten in man's archives of saints, but each of those wiggly boys became great leaders in the kingdom.....the reaping, great ....the dreams, great...truth, God was and is honored by her sowing of seeds ....dreams...
Thank YOU for dreams....Help me to sow where I am supposed to, whether in great or small, working toward Your kingdom in the place You have me....
John 4:36
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.
John 4:37
Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.
John 4:38
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
[ Generosity Encouraged ] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Galatians 6:8
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Rubics cube
Rubics cube .....
The Rubics cube is 40 years old..It was created by a math teacher for his students.....and is still popular ....still a puzzle...40 years later..
...
Driving past the miles and miles of crop lands of central California, it looks like a giant puzzle as well,...I am sure that the soil differences, weather conditions , amount of water makes the puzzle complete and makes sense of the vast amount of fields of crops...from tomatoes, rice, nuts, grapes..etc., etc., etc....then add the roads, homes, businesses.....
We often ask the questions why, ...how come...where...what time...what....why me...why them...why now.....it seems like life is a puzzle as well..people, events, times,...fitted together into mass of color, until the picture is perfect, the puzzle completed ....the perfect has come...until,we are translated into the eternal home where everything is finished...
But just like the Rubics cube or the giant crop puzzle, each piece has a purpose to complete the life...adds to growth, adds to the pattern...adds to the end picture...
The design, just right to get all the colors on the same side...
The warmth, the soil conditions, the moisture, all add to the correct crops just as we add the right attitudes, the right Word and words, .....Sometimes there is drought, and other times there in abundance...all to promote growth.., the right crops in our lives...
Thank you for the puzzle pieces ....the pieces of life...help me to put the right pieces in the right spots to complete the picture of my life..
Jesus calling-April 28
As you look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
—Lamentations 3:22–26
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
—Psalm 34:8 nkjv
The Rubics cube is 40 years old..It was created by a math teacher for his students.....and is still popular ....still a puzzle...40 years later..
...
Driving past the miles and miles of crop lands of central California, it looks like a giant puzzle as well,...I am sure that the soil differences, weather conditions , amount of water makes the puzzle complete and makes sense of the vast amount of fields of crops...from tomatoes, rice, nuts, grapes..etc., etc., etc....then add the roads, homes, businesses.....
We often ask the questions why, ...how come...where...what time...what....why me...why them...why now.....it seems like life is a puzzle as well..people, events, times,...fitted together into mass of color, until the picture is perfect, the puzzle completed ....the perfect has come...until,we are translated into the eternal home where everything is finished...
But just like the Rubics cube or the giant crop puzzle, each piece has a purpose to complete the life...adds to growth, adds to the pattern...adds to the end picture...
The design, just right to get all the colors on the same side...
The warmth, the soil conditions, the moisture, all add to the correct crops just as we add the right attitudes, the right Word and words, .....Sometimes there is drought, and other times there in abundance...all to promote growth.., the right crops in our lives...
Thank you for the puzzle pieces ....the pieces of life...help me to put the right pieces in the right spots to complete the picture of my life..
Jesus calling-April 28
As you look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
—Lamentations 3:22–26
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
—Psalm 34:8 nkjv
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sandwiches.....
Sandwiches.......
There are sandwiches of all kinds...wraps, subs, hoagies, bagels, phillies, lettuce wraps, croissants, tacos-soft and hard, gyros, etc, etc, etc.....most have a wrapping of some kind around an inside filling....infinite filling possibilities ....there is even a program on the Food Network on sandwiches...good sounding sandwiches....a long way the bologna sandwiches of years ago....
When I was growing up, money was tight, so I remember having fried egg sandwiches when the chickens were laying as well as just butter and sugar sandwiches when no eggs were available...choices were limited...
All this being said....sandwiching is one way to talk to people about a problem...the first "slice", so to speak, is something complimentary...the filling is the problem and then the slice again of the complimentary....so that the "problem" is encased with love, care..but addressed....
When I look at some of the epistles In the New Testament, there are greetings and love shown at the beginning and the end..some problem may be addressed in the center of the epistle with encouragement ....a "sandwich"... The fillings differ, but the love at the beginning and end are the same ....all to promote growth of the believers...
I wish I would have used that more often with my children when they were growing up....they knew I loved them..., but the discipline may have been different....the "filling" not so harsh....
Thank YOU for "sandwiches" of love strewn through Your Word... Showing Your love for us...me...but also your loving reprimands....
Philemon 1
New International Version (NIV)
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:
3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
There are sandwiches of all kinds...wraps, subs, hoagies, bagels, phillies, lettuce wraps, croissants, tacos-soft and hard, gyros, etc, etc, etc.....most have a wrapping of some kind around an inside filling....infinite filling possibilities ....there is even a program on the Food Network on sandwiches...good sounding sandwiches....a long way the bologna sandwiches of years ago....
When I was growing up, money was tight, so I remember having fried egg sandwiches when the chickens were laying as well as just butter and sugar sandwiches when no eggs were available...choices were limited...
All this being said....sandwiching is one way to talk to people about a problem...the first "slice", so to speak, is something complimentary...the filling is the problem and then the slice again of the complimentary....so that the "problem" is encased with love, care..but addressed....
When I look at some of the epistles In the New Testament, there are greetings and love shown at the beginning and the end..some problem may be addressed in the center of the epistle with encouragement ....a "sandwich"... The fillings differ, but the love at the beginning and end are the same ....all to promote growth of the believers...
I wish I would have used that more often with my children when they were growing up....they knew I loved them..., but the discipline may have been different....the "filling" not so harsh....
Thank YOU for "sandwiches" of love strewn through Your Word... Showing Your love for us...me...but also your loving reprimands....
Philemon 1
New International Version (NIV)
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:
3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Deja Vu .....
Déjà Vu.....
Déjà vu, (/ˌdeɪʒɑː ˈvuː/) from French, literally "already seen", is the phenomenon of having the strong sensation that an event or experience currently being experienced has been experienced in the past, whether it has actually happened or not.
Staying in the same hotel brand name as I did when my husband was under going chemo/radiation treatments during the last few months of his life is a little unsettling...we were staying away from home to be near the cancer treatment center and became a part of the hotel family..others were there for similar treatments, business, homes burning to the ground and just vacationing. We ate breakfast together, encouraged one another, or just said a passing "hello".
One couple we met were looking at new homes. A lightning fire had hit the canyon above their home, quickly igniting the dry summer grass and brush, burning 20 homes. They had gotten out with the clothes on their backs and a car, losing 40 years of memories...
We had a family Christmas in that hotel, cooking wonderful meals, enjoying one another's company, exchanging presents, laughter, going for walks, family friends dropped by....not knowing how quickly our family time was flying by......
It sometimes felt like we were trying to beat death, like it wasn't going to happen....even though we knew it was coming. I don't know if we were naive or just moving forward at a fast pace...everyday was Different it seemed...we just had to take each day for what it held...each hug, each tear, each event, each day was precious.....and we wanted to live it to its fullest....savor each time with grandpa, husband, father...we did the mundane, as well as the special....
Thank YOU for each new day that You give us....help me to appreciate them....as gifts.....
Psalm 39:5
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Psalm 89:16
They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
Psalm 118:24
The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
Isaiah 25:9
In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
New International Version (NIV)
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Willful disobedience....
Willful disobedience .....
Yesterday, I woke up to....."listen to me continually"......
Did I heed it? A resounding , NO.....for one particular event...
Why? Because I wanted my way......
Oh, I heard it loud and clear, soft and clear, , but no, I still followed my will....
Consequences? Yes!!! Pain, pain, pain...
Am I the first??? To not listen?? NO!!!
Will I be the last? NO!!!
It started so long ago,
Satan wanted his way , thrown out with his followers...
Adam and Eve wanted their way, thrown out of the garden...
Lot wanted it all, came out with nothing....
Moses wanted it his way, anger, only saw the promised land from afar...
David saw, took and lost a son....
Israelites over and over wanted their way, lost their kingdom over and over...
Judas wanted money, took his life...
Aninias and sapphira wanted their way, lost their lives...
And on down the line of history.....
Sometimes the consequences of willful disobedience is small and sometimes large....but it s still willful disobedience .....still to be dealt with .....
One person said perfectly, all the time,,,"not my will...but the Father's" with earth shattering consequences to Himself and to us....
Numbers 20:24
“Aaron will be gathered to his people. He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.
2 Samuel 11:26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.
Isaiah 1:2
[ A Rebellious Nation ] Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.
Acts 5:1
[ Ananias and Sapphira ] Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:5
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.
Thank YOU again and again for speaking, caring, loving....help me to listen and be a Doer of your Word, .... to be obedient when I should, listening to that still voice that every so gently guides and tells truth...
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
—John 10:27
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Early morning at a theme park....
Early morning at a theme park....
We go an hour early into Disney with a special pass..so not so many people as the regular time to enter...
But the crowds are still there...
23,000 people are employed by Disney, Anaheim. Then you add the visitors, there are a LOT of people..everyone that we have met have been courteous, smiling and helpful...no grouches here....this is the "happiest place in the world"... So they say....from the costumed characters, the cleaners, salespeople , the musicians, the ride runners....and the families who are here to enjoy....
I cannot even imagine trying to manage this many people, all working together to make other people happy...
Just think of the trek across the desert from Egypt to the promised land..granted there were no beautiful gardens, tropical rides, smiling, welcoming people along the way. Or shops selling everything imaginable for souvenirs to take home, no tee shirts, scarves, toys to remember the desert trek by...just day after day of walking, gathering manna, preparing manna, finding water, setting up shelters, tending animals....and there was grumbling...as there is here..from crying children, tired of walking and waiting people, thirsty travelers, hungry teenagers....
But there was a Guide....a cloud by day and a pilar of fire by night, there was provision of basic needs, and I imagine there was joy of freedom from the slavery and the joy of anticipation of a promised land...there were leaders.....no maps as we have here with decisions to make .....
Crowds of people, ....in both places , basic needs, similar attitudes, dissimilar situations, ....but still the need for a Guide, a Saviour...faith...a destination to consider ...
Exodus12:37-38The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38 Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
Exodus 13:21
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Thank You,, so much for being a part of the crowdssss.....so many, but thank You for so much more ...being a part of the chosen,...for faith...for Yourself...the Eternal.. The Guide through life's journey....
We go an hour early into Disney with a special pass..so not so many people as the regular time to enter...
But the crowds are still there...
23,000 people are employed by Disney, Anaheim. Then you add the visitors, there are a LOT of people..everyone that we have met have been courteous, smiling and helpful...no grouches here....this is the "happiest place in the world"... So they say....from the costumed characters, the cleaners, salespeople , the musicians, the ride runners....and the families who are here to enjoy....
I cannot even imagine trying to manage this many people, all working together to make other people happy...
Just think of the trek across the desert from Egypt to the promised land..granted there were no beautiful gardens, tropical rides, smiling, welcoming people along the way. Or shops selling everything imaginable for souvenirs to take home, no tee shirts, scarves, toys to remember the desert trek by...just day after day of walking, gathering manna, preparing manna, finding water, setting up shelters, tending animals....and there was grumbling...as there is here..from crying children, tired of walking and waiting people, thirsty travelers, hungry teenagers....
But there was a Guide....a cloud by day and a pilar of fire by night, there was provision of basic needs, and I imagine there was joy of freedom from the slavery and the joy of anticipation of a promised land...there were leaders.....no maps as we have here with decisions to make .....
Crowds of people, ....in both places , basic needs, similar attitudes, dissimilar situations, ....but still the need for a Guide, a Saviour...faith...a destination to consider ...
Exodus12:37-38The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38 Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
Exodus 13:21
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Thank You,, so much for being a part of the crowdssss.....so many, but thank You for so much more ...being a part of the chosen,...for faith...for Yourself...the Eternal.. The Guide through life's journey....
Monday, April 21, 2014
Little noxes
Little boxes.....
A long time a go, there was a song, "little boxes". About the building of housing subdivisions, one after another ,after another...how they looked alike and the people who lived in them were alike and on and on...that is what we are amongst here in LA, CA...thousands of housing boxes with people with thousands of cars on the freeways..
But, in those housing boxes and care are people....going to church was a reminder that Christ did indeed live, die and live again for all mankind, not just for one culture, the Jews. I don't think I have ever sat in church with more ethnic diversity than yesterday..people whose heritage seemed to span the globe, all,worshiping the same Saviour....
It was so refreshing....of course I have to remember that this whole geographical area is very diverse in culture as well...but it seems that all we hear is division, division and people against people, culture against culture that it is easy to believe that is what we have become ...then to walk into a church where people from all walks of life attend was a breath of fresh air...
And then to go through the iconic "It's a small world " at Disneyland, yet another reminder of people from all over the world...perfectly fitting with multicultural Christianity....
Thank You for a picture of heaven in a little church in LA, the diversity and the same LORD.....your WORD is truly going out to the nations...
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28: 16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 3:16 -18a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,...
A long time a go, there was a song, "little boxes". About the building of housing subdivisions, one after another ,after another...how they looked alike and the people who lived in them were alike and on and on...that is what we are amongst here in LA, CA...thousands of housing boxes with people with thousands of cars on the freeways..
But, in those housing boxes and care are people....going to church was a reminder that Christ did indeed live, die and live again for all mankind, not just for one culture, the Jews. I don't think I have ever sat in church with more ethnic diversity than yesterday..people whose heritage seemed to span the globe, all,worshiping the same Saviour....
It was so refreshing....of course I have to remember that this whole geographical area is very diverse in culture as well...but it seems that all we hear is division, division and people against people, culture against culture that it is easy to believe that is what we have become ...then to walk into a church where people from all walks of life attend was a breath of fresh air...
And then to go through the iconic "It's a small world " at Disneyland, yet another reminder of people from all over the world...perfectly fitting with multicultural Christianity....
Thank You for a picture of heaven in a little church in LA, the diversity and the same LORD.....your WORD is truly going out to the nations...
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28: 16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 3:16 -18a For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,...
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Mary's garden....
Mary's garden....
Coming from the winter to Southern California into a profusion of greenery and flowers is a huge jump in 24 hours...the smell of flowers is everywhere, even in drought conditions, there are flowers...and the colors, everywhere...
When I think of Easter, I think of lilies...I was raised with calla lilies as an Easter flower..they were in bloom at Easter time where I was as a child...later the potted Easter lilies were and are available in the stores.
We give flowers for gifts to show love, friendship, at births, at funerals....so many holidays and events...they provide color, design, ambiance .....meaning...we may have our favorite flowers which others know about and give with honor...
We have gardens, botanical parks, to visit to see the various plants and flowers from all over the world...we had victory gardens during and after the war...the Catholics have had Mary's gardens to symbolize their care of the mother of Jesus.....with a variety of flowers having various meanings....
When I think of beauty, I think of flowers....and try to take as many pictures as I can...each is so intricate...
Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, Easter...the beauty, the miracle of renewed life, eternal life, life after a horrible death...forgiveness of sin, an "it is finished" but new....the "words can't describe it" day...the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry...but so much more...
We have flowers in abundance to signify that celebration...the fragrance, the myriad of colors, the symbolism...the beauty...of Christ and His redemption, resurrection...after darkened skies, .....gloriousness....
Thank YOU....
Flowers [N] [T]
Very few species of flowers are mentioned in the Bible although they abounded in Palestine. It has been calculated that in Western Syria and Palestine from two thousand to two thousand five hundred plants are found, of which about five hundred probably are British wild-flowers. Their beauty is often alluded to ( Matthew 6:28 ). They are referred to as affording an emblem of the transitory nature of human life ( Job 14:2 ; Psalms 103:15 ; Isaiah 28:1 ; 40:6 ; James 1:10.
These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[T] indicates this entry was also found in Torrey's Topical Textbook
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Flowers". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .
Dictionaries - King James Dictionary - Flowers
Flowers
Source: A King James Dictionary. (Used with permission. Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta)
Bibliography Information
"Entry for 'Flowers'". A King James Dictionary.
Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Flowers
FLOWERS
flou'-erz (BLOOM, BLOSSOM, etc.):
(1) gibh`ol, literally, "a small cup," hence, calyx or corolla of a flower (Exodus 9:31, "The flax was in bloom").
(2) nets (Genesis 40:10, nitstsah, "a flower" or "blossom";Job 15:33; Isaiah 18:5). These words are used of the early berries of the vine or olive.
(3) nitstsan, "a flower"; plural only, nitstsanim (Song of Solomon 2:12, "The flowers appear on the earth").
(4) perach, root to "burst forth" expresses an early stage of flowering; "blossom" (Isaiah 5:24; 18:5); "flower" (Nahum 1:4, "The flower of Lebanon languisheth"). Used of artificial flowers in candlesticks (Exodus 25:31).
(5) tsits, "flower" (Isaiah 40:6); plural tsitstsim, flowers as architectural ornaments (1 Kings 6:18); tsitsah, "the fading flower of his glorious beauty" (Isaiah 28:1,4; also Numbers 17:8; Job 14:2, etc.).
(6) anthos, in Septuagint equivalent of all the Hebrew words (James 1:10,11; 1 Peter 1:24).
The beauty of the profusion of flowers which cover Palestine every spring receives but scant reference in the Old Testament; Song of Solomon 2:12 is perhaps the only clear reference. It is noticeable that the native of Syria thinks little of flowers unless it be for their perfume. our Lord's reference to the flowers ("lilies") is well known (Matthew 6:28; Luke 12:27). For details of the flowers of modern Palestine, see BOTANY. The aptness of the expression "flower of the field" for a type of the evanescence of human life (Job 14:2; Psalms 103:15; Isaiah 40:6; James 1:10) is the more impressive in a land like Palestine where the annual display of wild flowers, so glorious for a few short weeks, is followed by such desolation. The fresh and brilliant colors fade into masses of withered leaves (not uncommonly cleared by burning), and then even these are blown, away, so that but bare, cracked and baked earth remains for long months where once all was beauty, color and life.
E.W.G. Masterman
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'FLOWERS'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.
http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/H020rpMaryGarden_Galitzin.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_garden
Coming from the winter to Southern California into a profusion of greenery and flowers is a huge jump in 24 hours...the smell of flowers is everywhere, even in drought conditions, there are flowers...and the colors, everywhere...
When I think of Easter, I think of lilies...I was raised with calla lilies as an Easter flower..they were in bloom at Easter time where I was as a child...later the potted Easter lilies were and are available in the stores.
We give flowers for gifts to show love, friendship, at births, at funerals....so many holidays and events...they provide color, design, ambiance .....meaning...we may have our favorite flowers which others know about and give with honor...
We have gardens, botanical parks, to visit to see the various plants and flowers from all over the world...we had victory gardens during and after the war...the Catholics have had Mary's gardens to symbolize their care of the mother of Jesus.....with a variety of flowers having various meanings....
When I think of beauty, I think of flowers....and try to take as many pictures as I can...each is so intricate...
Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, Easter...the beauty, the miracle of renewed life, eternal life, life after a horrible death...forgiveness of sin, an "it is finished" but new....the "words can't describe it" day...the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry...but so much more...
We have flowers in abundance to signify that celebration...the fragrance, the myriad of colors, the symbolism...the beauty...of Christ and His redemption, resurrection...after darkened skies, .....gloriousness....
Thank YOU....
Flowers [N] [T]
Very few species of flowers are mentioned in the Bible although they abounded in Palestine. It has been calculated that in Western Syria and Palestine from two thousand to two thousand five hundred plants are found, of which about five hundred probably are British wild-flowers. Their beauty is often alluded to ( Matthew 6:28 ). They are referred to as affording an emblem of the transitory nature of human life ( Job 14:2 ; Psalms 103:15 ; Isaiah 28:1 ; 40:6 ; James 1:10.
These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[T] indicates this entry was also found in Torrey's Topical Textbook
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Flowers". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .
Dictionaries - King James Dictionary - Flowers
Flowers
Source: A King James Dictionary. (Used with permission. Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta)
Bibliography Information
"Entry for 'Flowers'". A King James Dictionary.
Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Flowers
FLOWERS
flou'-erz (BLOOM, BLOSSOM, etc.):
(1) gibh`ol, literally, "a small cup," hence, calyx or corolla of a flower (Exodus 9:31, "The flax was in bloom").
(2) nets (Genesis 40:10, nitstsah, "a flower" or "blossom";Job 15:33; Isaiah 18:5). These words are used of the early berries of the vine or olive.
(3) nitstsan, "a flower"; plural only, nitstsanim (Song of Solomon 2:12, "The flowers appear on the earth").
(4) perach, root to "burst forth" expresses an early stage of flowering; "blossom" (Isaiah 5:24; 18:5); "flower" (Nahum 1:4, "The flower of Lebanon languisheth"). Used of artificial flowers in candlesticks (Exodus 25:31).
(5) tsits, "flower" (Isaiah 40:6); plural tsitstsim, flowers as architectural ornaments (1 Kings 6:18); tsitsah, "the fading flower of his glorious beauty" (Isaiah 28:1,4; also Numbers 17:8; Job 14:2, etc.).
(6) anthos, in Septuagint equivalent of all the Hebrew words (James 1:10,11; 1 Peter 1:24).
The beauty of the profusion of flowers which cover Palestine every spring receives but scant reference in the Old Testament; Song of Solomon 2:12 is perhaps the only clear reference. It is noticeable that the native of Syria thinks little of flowers unless it be for their perfume. our Lord's reference to the flowers ("lilies") is well known (Matthew 6:28; Luke 12:27). For details of the flowers of modern Palestine, see BOTANY. The aptness of the expression "flower of the field" for a type of the evanescence of human life (Job 14:2; Psalms 103:15; Isaiah 40:6; James 1:10) is the more impressive in a land like Palestine where the annual display of wild flowers, so glorious for a few short weeks, is followed by such desolation. The fresh and brilliant colors fade into masses of withered leaves (not uncommonly cleared by burning), and then even these are blown, away, so that but bare, cracked and baked earth remains for long months where once all was beauty, color and life.
E.W.G. Masterman
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'FLOWERS'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.
http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/H020rpMaryGarden_Galitzin.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_garden
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Legend of the dogwood...
Legend of the dogwood tree...
While driving south into California, the warmth for flowering bushes and tress has become apparent...the redbud, the dogwoods, the plums, the poppies, ,snowdrops, and others are becoming more and more profuse.....what a delight to see after a long cold winter...of brown....
My father would being my mom spring flowers every year as he was out and about doing his agricultural inspections and gathering reports. He often brought wild iris, dogwood, bundled as a spring offering.... Those little things In life that we take for granted...
When I was married, and living In the more barren land of Nevada, my husband would bring in the pussy willows as they were a first show of spring in that region...later the wild iris as well......
We enjoy seeing those new seasons after a drought or long winter of life. It presents us with hope, color, change...
I always enjoyed the legend of the dogwood this time of year...as I see the dog wood trees with their stark white blossoms against the green of the evergreens along the roads..so beautiful and so fragile...
Thank YOU for the beauty of spring...the reminder that there is hope after the long winters..life after death...
Song of Songs 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Job 11:18
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 39:7
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 42:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
http://rfhadley.com/legendofthedogwood.html
http://www.creationtips.com/dogwood.html
While driving south into California, the warmth for flowering bushes and tress has become apparent...the redbud, the dogwoods, the plums, the poppies, ,snowdrops, and others are becoming more and more profuse.....what a delight to see after a long cold winter...of brown....
My father would being my mom spring flowers every year as he was out and about doing his agricultural inspections and gathering reports. He often brought wild iris, dogwood, bundled as a spring offering.... Those little things In life that we take for granted...
When I was married, and living In the more barren land of Nevada, my husband would bring in the pussy willows as they were a first show of spring in that region...later the wild iris as well......
We enjoy seeing those new seasons after a drought or long winter of life. It presents us with hope, color, change...
I always enjoyed the legend of the dogwood this time of year...as I see the dog wood trees with their stark white blossoms against the green of the evergreens along the roads..so beautiful and so fragile...
Thank YOU for the beauty of spring...the reminder that there is hope after the long winters..life after death...
Song of Songs 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Job 11:18
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 39:7
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 42:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
http://rfhadley.com/legendofthedogwood.html
http://www.creationtips.com/dogwood.html
Friday, April 18, 2014
The stations of the cross...
The stations of the cross....
The church where I attend has had a display all week with the "stations of the cross"..the sanctuary torn apart, with a curtained pathway, stopping at different spots, with a devotional, scriptures, thought questions, ...leading through the last hours of Christ's earthly life and then resurrection..
It was interesting, profound, thought provoking, convicting, heart rending, joyful, all in the space of 45 minutes....it seems there is no way to depict the real sufferings of Christ....but we have to let God work in our hearts to convict, cleanse, restore our lives to be in tune with His...and He can do it in anyway He chooses....whether through the stations do the cross, a memory, a spoken word, the written word, etc..etc..etc..He wants us to come to Him...desiring that none should perish, but have ever lasting life...
Thank You for suffering so much for the ultimate goal of restoring us to yourself..for forgiving us , loving us while we were yet sinners..giving us the opportunity of Eternal life...through belief in Jesus Christ...
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 NIV
Matthew 26:14-27:66
Mark 14:12-15:47
Luke 23, 23
John 18, 19
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/the-stations-of-the-cross-a-devotional-guide-for-lent-and-holy-week/
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15569a.htm
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Lining up...
Lining up.....
I was recently in a medical laboratory waiting room...it was full with people from all ages, walks of life....you line up to sign in, sit down, wait for your call, a continuous flow of people coming and going...hardly time to read the tattered magazine scattered around.....some will receive good test results and others not so...
Over and over again , all day long.. The laboratory technicians were all friendly, smiling, welcoming ...which was nice..then went to another waiting room and lined up there as well, to start the whole process over again...
It Reminded me of the people lining up to see Jesus, waiting for His words, His healing touch, His signs, a continuous flow of people all the time...so much so at times he had to pull away from the shore to speak, or go in the early morning to be alone to pray...but, he, too, had compassion on the people and met them day after day, week after week, teaching, encouraging, for three short/long years...
On the last week, the people lined up to welcome Him with shouts of Hosanna, then lined up to accuse and finally to beat and watch Him die...then lined up to see the empty tomb and later to see Him ascend into heaven....
We line up well, usually....patiently waiting for His return...hopefully we are in the right line...
Thank You for your vigil with us, Helping me to wait patiently for You...your words, your encouragement...
Matthew 13:2
Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
Jesus calling-April 17
I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
Don’t let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace.
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
—Psalm 112:7
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10 nkjv
I was recently in a medical laboratory waiting room...it was full with people from all ages, walks of life....you line up to sign in, sit down, wait for your call, a continuous flow of people coming and going...hardly time to read the tattered magazine scattered around.....some will receive good test results and others not so...
Over and over again , all day long.. The laboratory technicians were all friendly, smiling, welcoming ...which was nice..then went to another waiting room and lined up there as well, to start the whole process over again...
It Reminded me of the people lining up to see Jesus, waiting for His words, His healing touch, His signs, a continuous flow of people all the time...so much so at times he had to pull away from the shore to speak, or go in the early morning to be alone to pray...but, he, too, had compassion on the people and met them day after day, week after week, teaching, encouraging, for three short/long years...
On the last week, the people lined up to welcome Him with shouts of Hosanna, then lined up to accuse and finally to beat and watch Him die...then lined up to see the empty tomb and later to see Him ascend into heaven....
We line up well, usually....patiently waiting for His return...hopefully we are in the right line...
Thank You for your vigil with us, Helping me to wait patiently for You...your words, your encouragement...
Matthew 13:2
Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
Jesus calling-April 17
I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
Don’t let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace.
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
—Psalm 112:7
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10 nkjv
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Bread..again....
Bread, again....
I recently took a Indian curry class. We made this wonderful Indian curry accompanied by the bread from that region of India...using a certain strain of wheat grown in India...
previously, I had also taken a salsa and tortilla class as well and gluten free breads, and crackers...
It always strikes me that no matter where you are in the world, there is a type of bread from that region...it may be leavened , unleavened, flat, puffed, used as a utensil, rolled around the food, smeared with some kind of paste/fat, hard, soft, whole grain, fine grain, dessert, appetizer, the main course, purple, black, brown,white, sweet, sour, dry, moist, but bread none the less...and it may not look like what we buy from our American grocery store shelves...
There really is a bread that sustains physical life and spiritual life....
God, in his Word, uses bread throughout as a sustainer of life, as a basis of life , the
Giver of life...hospitality, and finally a picture of the broken body of Christ to be eaten in remembrance of His death until He comes again ....welcoming us to the Wedding feast, where, He will probably serve bread again...
Bread is a universal picture, a universal food, for all cultures to recognize the true Bread of Life, the basis for existence....
Thank You for Your reminder, again, of the true Bread of life, no matter the culture, no matter the place on the Globe, You are there, reaching people with Your bread of life...
Genesis 45:23
And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey.
Isaiah 55:9-11
New International Version (NIV)
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread.
John 6:51-59
New International Version (NIV)
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
I recently took a Indian curry class. We made this wonderful Indian curry accompanied by the bread from that region of India...using a certain strain of wheat grown in India...
previously, I had also taken a salsa and tortilla class as well and gluten free breads, and crackers...
It always strikes me that no matter where you are in the world, there is a type of bread from that region...it may be leavened , unleavened, flat, puffed, used as a utensil, rolled around the food, smeared with some kind of paste/fat, hard, soft, whole grain, fine grain, dessert, appetizer, the main course, purple, black, brown,white, sweet, sour, dry, moist, but bread none the less...and it may not look like what we buy from our American grocery store shelves...
There really is a bread that sustains physical life and spiritual life....
God, in his Word, uses bread throughout as a sustainer of life, as a basis of life , the
Giver of life...hospitality, and finally a picture of the broken body of Christ to be eaten in remembrance of His death until He comes again ....welcoming us to the Wedding feast, where, He will probably serve bread again...
Bread is a universal picture, a universal food, for all cultures to recognize the true Bread of Life, the basis for existence....
Thank You for Your reminder, again, of the true Bread of life, no matter the culture, no matter the place on the Globe, You are there, reaching people with Your bread of life...
Genesis 45:23
And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey.
Isaiah 55:9-11
New International Version (NIV)
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread.
John 6:51-59
New International Version (NIV)
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Writing obituaries....
Writing obituaries.....
What a morbid topic....in a sense, but in another, not so much .....
Several years ago my mother had a stroke, from which she recovered. While I was taking care of her, I decided to broach, again the subject of estate planning with my parents. I knew they had a plan, but up until that time, they hadn't shared it, thinking we already knew it. I had not idea where any of their papers were, insurance policies, anything....my dad had a cardboard and small wooden box filing system, stashed in his closet...even my mom didn't know his system...
I was not there to hasten their demise, but wanted to know their wishes...I didn't want to talk about death either...that meant I had to face their and my mortality...but I also knew I had to face it...it was like God saying ,"this needs to be addressed"... So I listened, grudgingly...and went forward...
My dad and I went through all of his various papers, boxes. I put together a binder for him and myself telling about bank accounts, car insurances, lawyer, accountants, properties, with names and addresses of pertinent people...he even had a drawing of their gravestone hidden away, drawn on a yellowed piece of paper...
Then at the end, I wrote funeral wishes, favorite songs, favorite Bible passages, groups they supported in life and maybe in death...survivors.....not questions I wanted to ask, but I did it anyway...with the help of a obituary guide and it's questions....
When I left after mom's recovery, I had a peace about them and their affairs that I hadn't for several years. I hadn't wanted to face the hard questions. We may all assume we will live forever, but we don't...but, it was also an opportunity to fill in family stories, hear again about what they went through with their parents, connect on hard subjects...
A couple of years later, when my mother passed away unexpectedly, these binders were invaluable to both my dad and myself...I had to use those last pages for information to write her obituary...
Then less than two years later, I was writing my husband's obituary, followed by my father's...
I thank God for His persistence, He is the author of order, not confusion...the peace giver, the comforter....when facing tough tasks...
Two verses came to mind when thinking this through...
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
John 21:25
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Not that either my parents, or husband did so much as Jesus, but that
God helps you write the words about them....
Thank YOU....God..for your prodding, help in times of turmoil, peace in obedience...
http://obituaryguide.com
http://obituaryguide.com/template.php
What a morbid topic....in a sense, but in another, not so much .....
Several years ago my mother had a stroke, from which she recovered. While I was taking care of her, I decided to broach, again the subject of estate planning with my parents. I knew they had a plan, but up until that time, they hadn't shared it, thinking we already knew it. I had not idea where any of their papers were, insurance policies, anything....my dad had a cardboard and small wooden box filing system, stashed in his closet...even my mom didn't know his system...
I was not there to hasten their demise, but wanted to know their wishes...I didn't want to talk about death either...that meant I had to face their and my mortality...but I also knew I had to face it...it was like God saying ,"this needs to be addressed"... So I listened, grudgingly...and went forward...
My dad and I went through all of his various papers, boxes. I put together a binder for him and myself telling about bank accounts, car insurances, lawyer, accountants, properties, with names and addresses of pertinent people...he even had a drawing of their gravestone hidden away, drawn on a yellowed piece of paper...
Then at the end, I wrote funeral wishes, favorite songs, favorite Bible passages, groups they supported in life and maybe in death...survivors.....not questions I wanted to ask, but I did it anyway...with the help of a obituary guide and it's questions....
When I left after mom's recovery, I had a peace about them and their affairs that I hadn't for several years. I hadn't wanted to face the hard questions. We may all assume we will live forever, but we don't...but, it was also an opportunity to fill in family stories, hear again about what they went through with their parents, connect on hard subjects...
A couple of years later, when my mother passed away unexpectedly, these binders were invaluable to both my dad and myself...I had to use those last pages for information to write her obituary...
Then less than two years later, I was writing my husband's obituary, followed by my father's...
I thank God for His persistence, He is the author of order, not confusion...the peace giver, the comforter....when facing tough tasks...
Two verses came to mind when thinking this through...
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
John 21:25
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Not that either my parents, or husband did so much as Jesus, but that
God helps you write the words about them....
Thank YOU....God..for your prodding, help in times of turmoil, peace in obedience...
http://obituaryguide.com
http://obituaryguide.com/template.php
Monday, April 14, 2014
Death and taxes....
Death and taxes.....
The saying goes, " two things are certain, death and taxes"
For our family, this has a double meaning...as our husband, father and grandfather passed away the day after tax day...
This last week leading up to this anniversary seems to have been a bit of a struggle this year again...caught between doctor visits, emails and calls about tax questions, and pain....
And then going To church, having the first song be our wedding processional...so it was no surprise that the sermon had weighty definitions as well...in preparation for the Easter week..
The definition of Gethsemane from a Hebrew term, meaning "oil press",,,pressing those olives, extracting as much oil as possible, from the very finest to the less desirable oils..
It is amazing how repetitive thoughts seem to intrude or make themselves known again and again so that we are aware of a lesson or are learning a lesson for life....when they boil down to central theme...or maybe more...something to take forward .....
All the events of the week seemed to be in that olive crusher,,,weighted down, making that oil...this is no light weight, a huge heavy stone...bearing down, first getting the best oil, then the second and third grades of oil..until nothing left except the crushed seeds and skin, to be thrown away as a waste...
I realized I want my life to be that finer first grade oil not the other grades,....useful in the kingdom, productive, that "first fruit"....which comes back to taxes....paying them correctly,, without complaint, in order and no confusion ....
My husband's desire was to give more than pay in taxes...those first fruits, the finer oil...so we are trying fulfill that goal...which has great blessing...and oh, so much fun...
Thank YOU for the oil press...that weight, to remind me of the pressure exerted to produce that fine oil. help me to see Your lessons...your precise word pictures of life...through the difficulties of earthly life, paying those taxes and gifting... Right Attitudes....
Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
http://www.biblewalks.com/Info/OilPresses.html
"
Geth·sem·a·ne noun \geth-ˈse-mə-nē\
Definition of GETHSEMANE
1
: the garden outside Jerusalem mentioned in Mark 14 as the scene of the agony and arrest of Jesus
2
: a place or occasion of great mental or spiritual suffering
Origin of GETHSEMANE
Greek Gethsēmanē
First Known Use: circa 1534
Gethsemane noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Garden outside Jerusalem associated with the last hours of Jesus. According to Christian tradition, it is where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper and before his arrest and Crucifixion. The name Gethsemane originates from a Hebrew term meaning “oil press,” suggesting that the garden was a grove of olive trees. Though its exact location cannot be determined, Armenian, Greek, Latin, and Russian churches have accepted an olive grove on the western slope of the Mount of Olives as the site."
The saying goes, " two things are certain, death and taxes"
For our family, this has a double meaning...as our husband, father and grandfather passed away the day after tax day...
This last week leading up to this anniversary seems to have been a bit of a struggle this year again...caught between doctor visits, emails and calls about tax questions, and pain....
And then going To church, having the first song be our wedding processional...so it was no surprise that the sermon had weighty definitions as well...in preparation for the Easter week..
The definition of Gethsemane from a Hebrew term, meaning "oil press",,,pressing those olives, extracting as much oil as possible, from the very finest to the less desirable oils..
It is amazing how repetitive thoughts seem to intrude or make themselves known again and again so that we are aware of a lesson or are learning a lesson for life....when they boil down to central theme...or maybe more...something to take forward .....
All the events of the week seemed to be in that olive crusher,,,weighted down, making that oil...this is no light weight, a huge heavy stone...bearing down, first getting the best oil, then the second and third grades of oil..until nothing left except the crushed seeds and skin, to be thrown away as a waste...
I realized I want my life to be that finer first grade oil not the other grades,....useful in the kingdom, productive, that "first fruit"....which comes back to taxes....paying them correctly,, without complaint, in order and no confusion ....
My husband's desire was to give more than pay in taxes...those first fruits, the finer oil...so we are trying fulfill that goal...which has great blessing...and oh, so much fun...
Thank YOU for the oil press...that weight, to remind me of the pressure exerted to produce that fine oil. help me to see Your lessons...your precise word pictures of life...through the difficulties of earthly life, paying those taxes and gifting... Right Attitudes....
Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
http://www.biblewalks.com/Info/OilPresses.html
"
Geth·sem·a·ne noun \geth-ˈse-mə-nē\
Definition of GETHSEMANE
1
: the garden outside Jerusalem mentioned in Mark 14 as the scene of the agony and arrest of Jesus
2
: a place or occasion of great mental or spiritual suffering
Origin of GETHSEMANE
Greek Gethsēmanē
First Known Use: circa 1534
Gethsemane noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Garden outside Jerusalem associated with the last hours of Jesus. According to Christian tradition, it is where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper and before his arrest and Crucifixion. The name Gethsemane originates from a Hebrew term meaning “oil press,” suggesting that the garden was a grove of olive trees. Though its exact location cannot be determined, Armenian, Greek, Latin, and Russian churches have accepted an olive grove on the western slope of the Mount of Olives as the site."
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Stay where you are....
Stay where you are.....
Two years ago, I read this same devotional from Jesus Calling...we were in the final days of My husband's earthly life...still having visitors, long time friends, family, sleeping a lot...
I was asking "what next", and this came up for reading..." Stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you."
Was such a testimony then and now that God knows our heart, where we are , what is running through my mind, restlessness of "doing" rather than resting in His presence...I needed those "quiet days" before the hecticness of memorials, traveling, people, moving, hundreds of decisions......I needed to enter that "bubble" of grief, that surrounds those who are or have lost someone special...that invisible zone that sees one through the pain of loss...God's presence... It exists all the time, but I find, there are times that it is so all encompassing that it is indescribable...but sooooo real...so comforting...letting the pain slowly seep through when we can emotionally handle a piece at a time...guarded....held...protected...to finally emerge.....we may not recognize it at the time, but In looking back, we know it existed...and can praise Him for Presence...even in the after pain...
Thank YOU, for Your Presence, through the "everyday", through the hard and easy times. Help me to be aware of Your presence...knowing that you want to be in every aspect my of life....
Jesus calling-"April 13
When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing.
Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
—Colossians 3:23
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
—John 15:5
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
—Psalm 105:4"
April 13
When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing.
Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
—Colossians 3:23
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
—John 15:5
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
—Psalm 105:4
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Last conversations...
Last conversations....
Two years ago today, I had my last conversation with my husband ....short.....sweet ...."i love you"....and then he went to sleep here on earth, to finish his journey to his eternal home of streets paved with gold, gates made of stone, lots of geology if he was interested.....he had spent a vapor of a lifetime here loving geology....but he also loved to visit with others, studying, analyzing, Creating...so knowing him, he is so enjoying eternity, walking those streets paved with gold so pure....nothing like the refined stuff he searched for here...visiting with friends, family, and millions of new friends, those who have gone before and coming still...
Most of us do not know when we will have those last earthly conversations...they may be in rage, anger, love, forgiveness, love, regret, blessing, hatred....a lifetime of emotions...
Biblical people are recorded in various ways,...blessing their families, begging for their families, asking for life extensions, giving over responsibilities, remorseful, rejoicing, advising, encouraging....
Jesus, while on the cross, took care of his mother, encouraged a "fellow" criminal, and proclaimed His job done, with "it is finished"....finding strength for each torturous word through the pain of cruxificition .....while the earth shook, the sun was darkened, the temple curtain rent from top to bottom...amplifying His last words...
Thank YOU again and again for loving last conversations...my husbands as well as Yours, finishing a life here to be continued in a much better place...help my words to be an encouragement to others as Your Word fills the earth....
Deuteronomy 32:44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
John 19:25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Two years ago today, I had my last conversation with my husband ....short.....sweet ...."i love you"....and then he went to sleep here on earth, to finish his journey to his eternal home of streets paved with gold, gates made of stone, lots of geology if he was interested.....he had spent a vapor of a lifetime here loving geology....but he also loved to visit with others, studying, analyzing, Creating...so knowing him, he is so enjoying eternity, walking those streets paved with gold so pure....nothing like the refined stuff he searched for here...visiting with friends, family, and millions of new friends, those who have gone before and coming still...
Most of us do not know when we will have those last earthly conversations...they may be in rage, anger, love, forgiveness, love, regret, blessing, hatred....a lifetime of emotions...
Biblical people are recorded in various ways,...blessing their families, begging for their families, asking for life extensions, giving over responsibilities, remorseful, rejoicing, advising, encouraging....
Jesus, while on the cross, took care of his mother, encouraged a "fellow" criminal, and proclaimed His job done, with "it is finished"....finding strength for each torturous word through the pain of cruxificition .....while the earth shook, the sun was darkened, the temple curtain rent from top to bottom...amplifying His last words...
Thank YOU again and again for loving last conversations...my husbands as well as Yours, finishing a life here to be continued in a much better place...help my words to be an encouragement to others as Your Word fills the earth....
Deuteronomy 32:44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
John 19:25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Hospitality....
Hospitality.....
I was looking at my prayer verses and following stood out .....
Romans 12:11-13
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality...
"Hospitality-
: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment
: the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization"
When I was growing up, we spent most every Sunday at my grandparents after church. A roast, ham or chicken was prepared for multiple families with potatoes, carrots and onion, baked slowly in the oven while we were at church. This was pre-crockpot days. Someone made a dessert and another, rolls, salad .... We may have played games or watched a sport event...in the summer , we made homemade ice cream, hand cranked...plain vanilla to add our own flavors....I can still see one of my grandmothers sitting there reveling in her big bowl of ice cream....everyone pitched in to clean up and help one another....adults and children....
Later, we would host this at my parents home...everyone's birthday was celebrated with one another and all the major holidays...together with big casseroles, barbecues...
As I moved into my marriage and my homes, we lived a long way from family, so we made our own, having friends over nearly every Sunday, getting together for special occasions as well. We tried to get together as families whenever we can. Everyone's life is busy and not as conducive to regular get togethers ....I miss that...and work schedules are very different ...
I notice that all of my children love hospitality as well and gather with friends, family when they can, now they are spread out in various parts of the area...
We also hosted missionaries who needed a place to stay on their travels through our area...so much fun to hear about their lives in other parts of the world....and give them rest when we could..
Hospitality is shown from the beginning to the end of the Bible..from..God walking in the garden with Adam to the wedding feast of the believers...and all in between...
There is still a need for hospitality in our hectic world...being open to others, visitors, family..it may not look like it did a generation ago....but hospitality doesn't go out of fashion in one form or another...it is sharing lives and love with one another...whether over a meal at home or out, or a cup of tea...a touch of friendship, life....
Thank YOU for family, the gift of hospitality, help me to extend to others what you freely extend to us....
Thank you, those who have been so much a part of our lives in hosting and being hosted...
Acts 28:7
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.
Romans 16:23
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
1 Timothy 5:10
and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
3 John 1:8
We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
I was looking at my prayer verses and following stood out .....
Romans 12:11-13
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality...
"Hospitality-
: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment
: the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization"
When I was growing up, we spent most every Sunday at my grandparents after church. A roast, ham or chicken was prepared for multiple families with potatoes, carrots and onion, baked slowly in the oven while we were at church. This was pre-crockpot days. Someone made a dessert and another, rolls, salad .... We may have played games or watched a sport event...in the summer , we made homemade ice cream, hand cranked...plain vanilla to add our own flavors....I can still see one of my grandmothers sitting there reveling in her big bowl of ice cream....everyone pitched in to clean up and help one another....adults and children....
Later, we would host this at my parents home...everyone's birthday was celebrated with one another and all the major holidays...together with big casseroles, barbecues...
As I moved into my marriage and my homes, we lived a long way from family, so we made our own, having friends over nearly every Sunday, getting together for special occasions as well. We tried to get together as families whenever we can. Everyone's life is busy and not as conducive to regular get togethers ....I miss that...and work schedules are very different ...
I notice that all of my children love hospitality as well and gather with friends, family when they can, now they are spread out in various parts of the area...
We also hosted missionaries who needed a place to stay on their travels through our area...so much fun to hear about their lives in other parts of the world....and give them rest when we could..
Hospitality is shown from the beginning to the end of the Bible..from..God walking in the garden with Adam to the wedding feast of the believers...and all in between...
There is still a need for hospitality in our hectic world...being open to others, visitors, family..it may not look like it did a generation ago....but hospitality doesn't go out of fashion in one form or another...it is sharing lives and love with one another...whether over a meal at home or out, or a cup of tea...a touch of friendship, life....
Thank YOU for family, the gift of hospitality, help me to extend to others what you freely extend to us....
Thank you, those who have been so much a part of our lives in hosting and being hosted...
Acts 28:7
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.
Romans 16:23
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
1 Timothy 5:10
and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
3 John 1:8
We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
His eye is on the sparrow....
His eye is on the sparrow....
Earlier this week, early in the morning, i opened my front door to get the newspaper . There on the front porch was this tiny ball a fluff. I had to turn the light on to see what it was...a tiny baby crown sparrow, shivering in the dark and cold...I brought it in and placed it in a little box in the kitchen...it only had wing feathers....the rest was fluffy down, about the size of a Ping pong ball...it's crown was vivid orange with a stripe of yellow down the center and black on each side...
It just sat there watching, until it stopped shivering...I went about my breakfast preparation, wondering "what next"and looked around....it was gone from the box....now what and where??? Looking around, i found it had flown to top of living room drapes, perched, surveying its new realm...then it flew erratically, unpracticed until it perched again on a floral arrangement across the room...
I left to get ready for the day, coming out again later to find it in the window..caught it again and released it outside in warmer temperatures ....to fly away more practiced and warmer....
Such a small event, but a great reminder, of our worth before God who cares for all...
Thank YOU for your care through cold and shivering times...times of pain...times of joy...times of sorrow...we are inYour care through it all. ..
Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
Matthew 10:31
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:30-32 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
The following is Ethel Waters singing an old song from a movie in the 50's...before a crowd at a huge stadium..giving her testimony ...and song...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KAmSTWcja0M
Earlier this week, early in the morning, i opened my front door to get the newspaper . There on the front porch was this tiny ball a fluff. I had to turn the light on to see what it was...a tiny baby crown sparrow, shivering in the dark and cold...I brought it in and placed it in a little box in the kitchen...it only had wing feathers....the rest was fluffy down, about the size of a Ping pong ball...it's crown was vivid orange with a stripe of yellow down the center and black on each side...
It just sat there watching, until it stopped shivering...I went about my breakfast preparation, wondering "what next"and looked around....it was gone from the box....now what and where??? Looking around, i found it had flown to top of living room drapes, perched, surveying its new realm...then it flew erratically, unpracticed until it perched again on a floral arrangement across the room...
I left to get ready for the day, coming out again later to find it in the window..caught it again and released it outside in warmer temperatures ....to fly away more practiced and warmer....
Such a small event, but a great reminder, of our worth before God who cares for all...
Thank YOU for your care through cold and shivering times...times of pain...times of joy...times of sorrow...we are inYour care through it all. ..
Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
Matthew 10:31
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:30-32 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
The following is Ethel Waters singing an old song from a movie in the 50's...before a crowd at a huge stadium..giving her testimony ...and song...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KAmSTWcja0M
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Prepared...for ...you...me
Prepared...for you....me
I don't ever remember not knowing about Jesus...I would have said that he was my Savior all of my growing up years...but the word "salvation" was not part of my vocabulary until my twenties...
I remember watching a movie, "left behind" at church. At some point, I remember saying in my spirit, " if I haven't made that commitment, I do so now, I want that salvation, I have always believed in You and known You to be the Savior, if I haven't said the right words, help me... I don't want to be left behind....". I was sitting there in the pew of a new little Bible church, my husband beside me . There was no lightning, or thunder, but peace....and a time to remember vividly...I had not been baptized, just sprinkled as an infant...so that followed shortly. My husband also, as a recommitment.
Weekly Bible studies as families followed as well as church on Sundays. Weekly Women's Bible studies were included . We were like sponges after a dry spell of college days. We had morning devotions, separately as well as together...it became a way of life and all through our married years. I read the Bible out loud while my husband lay slowly/quickly dying. He held my hand..and I cried while reading...
There was a day, I wondered...soon after the movie...and then the verse from 1 Corinthians sprang off the pages, highlighted, living..... And there was no turning back....no wondering...
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
Then I added these two verses that intertwined with the preparedness that God prepared for me and anyone else who believes....
John 14:2-4
New International Version (NIV)
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I so love that the Word speaks to us through all of our life circumstances. From infancy through adulthood...sometimes speaking softly...other times jumping out and gripping our minds and hearts...."this is the way"...God not only prepares a place, but the words for life....
Thank YOU for milestones, preparing the way , the Word for each heart who seeks .....
I don't ever remember not knowing about Jesus...I would have said that he was my Savior all of my growing up years...but the word "salvation" was not part of my vocabulary until my twenties...
I remember watching a movie, "left behind" at church. At some point, I remember saying in my spirit, " if I haven't made that commitment, I do so now, I want that salvation, I have always believed in You and known You to be the Savior, if I haven't said the right words, help me... I don't want to be left behind....". I was sitting there in the pew of a new little Bible church, my husband beside me . There was no lightning, or thunder, but peace....and a time to remember vividly...I had not been baptized, just sprinkled as an infant...so that followed shortly. My husband also, as a recommitment.
Weekly Bible studies as families followed as well as church on Sundays. Weekly Women's Bible studies were included . We were like sponges after a dry spell of college days. We had morning devotions, separately as well as together...it became a way of life and all through our married years. I read the Bible out loud while my husband lay slowly/quickly dying. He held my hand..and I cried while reading...
There was a day, I wondered...soon after the movie...and then the verse from 1 Corinthians sprang off the pages, highlighted, living..... And there was no turning back....no wondering...
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
Then I added these two verses that intertwined with the preparedness that God prepared for me and anyone else who believes....
John 14:2-4
New International Version (NIV)
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I so love that the Word speaks to us through all of our life circumstances. From infancy through adulthood...sometimes speaking softly...other times jumping out and gripping our minds and hearts...."this is the way"...God not only prepares a place, but the words for life....
Thank YOU for milestones, preparing the way , the Word for each heart who seeks .....
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Identity theft...
Identity theft...
There are lots of advertisements on tv about various products to prevent identity theft...but none really hit the mark for loosing your identity like big changes in life...all of the sudden the thing s you felt identified you are gone and you are left standing alone, feeling naked before the world...change can do that,,,you have to build trust in a new community, sign papers a new way, make decisions differently...
I remember going to the doctor with my mother when she was eighty, for whatever the reason, she saw her description written in the doctors notes, "white haired elderly woman"....she was insulted...that wasn't her! She wasn't elderly! White haired, yes, but elderly? We halfheartedly laughed....she was an artist, a mother, a wife, sister, a grandmother...those were her own identities....
It hit me in the face this weekend, out of the blue....over two rather insignificant items...first ,..for over 40 years, my husband and I were in leadership roles in the churches we were involved...elder,,teacher, staff, etc, etc...like the list Paul has in the epistles...and the pastor of the church I am attending, introduced a younger pastor/speaker, saying "he is here checking us out". Innocuous, but it hit me, "I don't know anything about this and I am not part of the leadership anymore"....and my "identity" shifted...it had already done that..., I know...
Then we were talking again in our grief group, about what we want our identity to be....do we want to known as a "griever", broken, downcast, Shrouded by grief ....
Or is grief a chapter of our book, one to be written and going on into a new chapter or identity?
But, what is our overall identity? What do we want to known by? Does a mantle of praise c over us or the burial wrappings...a robe of righteousness or unbelief ....
Is our identity stolen with the winds of change or are we stable in the storm....
Questions, I ask everyday...am I identified with the Lover of my soul? Do I find my identity in the things, events around me?
Thank YOU for being my identity, that cannot be stolen. Help me to wear the mantle of praise rather than a shroud of change, grief....not forgetting, but working on that new chapter...of life...thank YOU, also the the robe of righteousness, to be given ...not earned by anything I do, but for who I am in Christ...a believer ....
"Shroud Definition
dictionary.search.yahoo.com
n. noun
A cloth used to wrap a body for burial; a winding sheet.
Something that conceals, protects, or screens.
under a shroud of fog.
One of a set of ropes or wire cables stretched from the masthead to the sides of a vessel to support the mast.
v. verb
To wrap (a corpse) in burial clothing.
To shut off from sight; screen.
To shelter; protect."
Psalm 42:11
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
Hebrews 1:12
Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.”
Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
There are lots of advertisements on tv about various products to prevent identity theft...but none really hit the mark for loosing your identity like big changes in life...all of the sudden the thing s you felt identified you are gone and you are left standing alone, feeling naked before the world...change can do that,,,you have to build trust in a new community, sign papers a new way, make decisions differently...
I remember going to the doctor with my mother when she was eighty, for whatever the reason, she saw her description written in the doctors notes, "white haired elderly woman"....she was insulted...that wasn't her! She wasn't elderly! White haired, yes, but elderly? We halfheartedly laughed....she was an artist, a mother, a wife, sister, a grandmother...those were her own identities....
It hit me in the face this weekend, out of the blue....over two rather insignificant items...first ,..for over 40 years, my husband and I were in leadership roles in the churches we were involved...elder,,teacher, staff, etc, etc...like the list Paul has in the epistles...and the pastor of the church I am attending, introduced a younger pastor/speaker, saying "he is here checking us out". Innocuous, but it hit me, "I don't know anything about this and I am not part of the leadership anymore"....and my "identity" shifted...it had already done that..., I know...
Then we were talking again in our grief group, about what we want our identity to be....do we want to known as a "griever", broken, downcast, Shrouded by grief ....
Or is grief a chapter of our book, one to be written and going on into a new chapter or identity?
But, what is our overall identity? What do we want to known by? Does a mantle of praise c over us or the burial wrappings...a robe of righteousness or unbelief ....
Is our identity stolen with the winds of change or are we stable in the storm....
Questions, I ask everyday...am I identified with the Lover of my soul? Do I find my identity in the things, events around me?
Thank YOU for being my identity, that cannot be stolen. Help me to wear the mantle of praise rather than a shroud of change, grief....not forgetting, but working on that new chapter...of life...thank YOU, also the the robe of righteousness, to be given ...not earned by anything I do, but for who I am in Christ...a believer ....
"Shroud Definition
dictionary.search.yahoo.com
n. noun
A cloth used to wrap a body for burial; a winding sheet.
Something that conceals, protects, or screens.
under a shroud of fog.
One of a set of ropes or wire cables stretched from the masthead to the sides of a vessel to support the mast.
v. verb
To wrap (a corpse) in burial clothing.
To shut off from sight; screen.
To shelter; protect."
Psalm 42:11
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
Hebrews 1:12
Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.”
Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Fishing....
Fishing......
When I think of fishing, I think of casting in a line with one hook to catch one fish...that is just the way We have done it...from catching a brook trout to a salmon, to a larger ocean fish...
In the New Testament, they talked about netting fish and catching many fish, not just one at a time...
This is not researched theology, just some thoughts that occurred to me lately...
1.Fishing was a way of life, a vocation for some...
Matthew 4:18
[ Jesus Calls His First Disciples ] As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
2. Jesus used the story of Jonah as a picture on His own death and resurrection...
Matthew 12:40
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
3. Not all fish were good, maybe some were not edible...
Matthew 13:48
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
4. Fish illustrated provision, blessing, abundance..
Matthew 14:17
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
Matthew 14:19
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
Matthew 15:34
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”
Matthew 15:36
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
Matthew 17:27
“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.
Mark 6:43
and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
Luke 5:2
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
Luke 5:6
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Luke 5:9
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
Luke 5:10
and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Luke 11:11
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Luke 24:42
They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
John 21:1
[ Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish ] Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way:
John 21:3
“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:5
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
John 21:6
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:8
The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
John 21:9
When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
John 21:10
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
John 21:11
So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
John 21:13
Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
5. Fish was a normal food. Not a delicacy.. As seen in the lunches used , meals eaten...
The disciples went from catching some to none to an abundance...I can just see them before Jesus, fishing , mending nets-probably daily, going about their daily routines..of making a living ....then along comes this Man, telling them he would send them out to "fish for people"...did they go out of curiosity or were they compelled In their hearts and souls? This was a totally new vocation, leaving everything behind...did they question, consider, ponder or just go?
Over and over fish are used as an illustration. It provided the tax money, it provided food from a little to thousands with leftovers...the to the last....fish already cooking on the shore, prepared for them to partake after an empty night..the abundant catch on the "right" side of the boat...so abundant with 153 large fish and no breakage of the nets...
Was that a picture of their new vocation? There were fish waiting to be caught, people waiting to be told, service to be done ....so abundant ....and the net not broken...His purpose not thwarted....victory......
The you go on into the book of Acts...and thousands were netted....brought into the fold....on and on down through the ages...those fishermen still at work, pulling in those nets...fishing for people...
So just thoughts...along the path....
Thank You for providing for my salvation, my reeling in to be caught in Your unbroken net ...help me to be the fisherman I need to be...in fishing for the people you have prepared...to be caught...
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KIo9RmoUJT4WgAH7f7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzaTVjOGs3BHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDNDU-?p=fishing+in+the+new+testament&vid=d0882144ddc96fe689f47424c4a4d3f8&l=2%3A35&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608036815093108275%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Df8fWRs0i0Zg&tit=Net+casting+in+Jesus+Time+-+Virtual+Israel+Tour+Videos&c=14&sigr=11av12pqn&sigt=11ma4tgqd&age=201152380359&b=31&tt=b
When I think of fishing, I think of casting in a line with one hook to catch one fish...that is just the way We have done it...from catching a brook trout to a salmon, to a larger ocean fish...
In the New Testament, they talked about netting fish and catching many fish, not just one at a time...
This is not researched theology, just some thoughts that occurred to me lately...
1.Fishing was a way of life, a vocation for some...
Matthew 4:18
[ Jesus Calls His First Disciples ] As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
2. Jesus used the story of Jonah as a picture on His own death and resurrection...
Matthew 12:40
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
3. Not all fish were good, maybe some were not edible...
Matthew 13:48
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
4. Fish illustrated provision, blessing, abundance..
Matthew 14:17
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
Matthew 14:19
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
Matthew 15:34
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”
Matthew 15:36
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
Matthew 17:27
“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.
Mark 6:43
and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
Luke 5:2
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
Luke 5:6
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Luke 5:9
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
Luke 5:10
and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Luke 11:11
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Luke 24:42
They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
John 21:1
[ Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish ] Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way:
John 21:3
“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:5
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
John 21:6
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:8
The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
John 21:9
When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
John 21:10
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
John 21:11
So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
John 21:13
Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
5. Fish was a normal food. Not a delicacy.. As seen in the lunches used , meals eaten...
The disciples went from catching some to none to an abundance...I can just see them before Jesus, fishing , mending nets-probably daily, going about their daily routines..of making a living ....then along comes this Man, telling them he would send them out to "fish for people"...did they go out of curiosity or were they compelled In their hearts and souls? This was a totally new vocation, leaving everything behind...did they question, consider, ponder or just go?
Over and over fish are used as an illustration. It provided the tax money, it provided food from a little to thousands with leftovers...the to the last....fish already cooking on the shore, prepared for them to partake after an empty night..the abundant catch on the "right" side of the boat...so abundant with 153 large fish and no breakage of the nets...
Was that a picture of their new vocation? There were fish waiting to be caught, people waiting to be told, service to be done ....so abundant ....and the net not broken...His purpose not thwarted....victory......
The you go on into the book of Acts...and thousands were netted....brought into the fold....on and on down through the ages...those fishermen still at work, pulling in those nets...fishing for people...
So just thoughts...along the path....
Thank You for providing for my salvation, my reeling in to be caught in Your unbroken net ...help me to be the fisherman I need to be...in fishing for the people you have prepared...to be caught...
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KIo9RmoUJT4WgAH7f7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzaTVjOGs3BHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDNDU-?p=fishing+in+the+new+testament&vid=d0882144ddc96fe689f47424c4a4d3f8&l=2%3A35&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608036815093108275%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Df8fWRs0i0Zg&tit=Net+casting+in+Jesus+Time+-+Virtual+Israel+Tour+Videos&c=14&sigr=11av12pqn&sigt=11ma4tgqd&age=201152380359&b=31&tt=b
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Oh happy days....
Oh happy days.....
Last night I watched an old movie, Sister act 2. I admit I have to get past the people, politics and enjoy the story and music.. Redeeming people, a school, dreams.....seeing past the establishment, reaching for life, freedom.....
We were once involved in a group of believers whose leader was steeped in legalism....it took several years to see through the rouse...and gain freedom from the attitudes, the emotional abuse, spiritual abuse that happened there...and see and feel the grace that God so freely extends to all, not just to the elite or rule followers...our love for that group has grown over the years for the friendships forged by fire...God grew us all through so much...nothing of the time was wasted....even the pain has been turned to beauty ....
As Christians, We don't have a checklist of performances, or behaviors...our salvation isn't based on checklists of man...God looks on our hearts, our true confession, seeking Him, not our life history of good deeds, behaviors....these should be out of our love for Him, not to gain more brownie points or approval of man...
Thank You for Your grace extended, love given, to me and all, who don't deserve or merit it, can do nothing to even earn it...but it is freely given to all who seek, trust, repent and believe....
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Mark 7
New International Version (NIV)
That Which Defiles
7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.[a])
5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”
6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
“‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’[b]
8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe[c] your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’[d] and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’[e] 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— 12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
oh happy days lyrics.....sister act 2, You tube....
Saturday, April 5, 2014
1921...
My grandparents were married in April of 1921.
We gathered in 1971 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. She was city girl, and he was a cowboy. They moved to a parcel of ground with a simple house on a land claim way out in the foothills of California ...their parents lived near ontario, California ...they would come and visit them after walnut and orange harvests in the fall.
My dad, the eldest of three rambunctious boys, would tell stories of tricks played, games, horse rides, rotten oranges thrown, between the boys and the grandfathers...mostly in good humor...
They persevered through the hard times of the depression, living off the gardens, livestock, and lots of love...family togetherness..they lived on that ranch all of their married lives...
They had a simple faith, attending church all of their lives, raising the boys to follow in those foot steps...as each have gone their own ways, some have carried that faith forward..others not so much....grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grand children have come along...some following that simple gospel while others have chosen not to...but all "good " people...God was honored ...but that free will Still exists as it does in all families....
I was the oldest grandchild, ....loved, cherished, played with, written to, all of my life until 1976..we shopped together when I visited, rode horses, learned to shoot, picked spring flowers...did simple crafts, sewed...ate chips and cottage cheese while listening to the baseball games on the radio, playing rummy at the dining room table...listened to livestock reports every weekday morning and comics on Sunday...attended church ....fun times....good times....
Exodus 18:20
Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.
1 Timothy 5:4
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
Deuteronomy 6
New International Version (NIV)
Love the Lord Your God
6 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 16 Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors, 19 thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the Lord said.
20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”
Friday, April 4, 2014
Monsters in the night....
Monsters in the night.....
With this hand surgery, comes the opportunity of taking powerful painkillers...the first few days, it seemed a necessary thing to do and then optional and finally just a choice...at first they worked really well and took away the pain as well as helping me sleep through the pain. Then, there was a subtle change and they made me have bad dreams...so at that point the OTC ones were better and the powerful ones were put away....voila, No more fighting monsters in the night....those monsters are not really very restful...
A long time ago, when our children were little, my husband and I made a choice not to serve or drink alcohol beverages. All of us, at some point, get to make that choice and we did what we felt God was leading us to do, but this is not necessarily the calling that everyone has...for me, it wasn't a difficult choice...every time I have something with alcohol in it, I get sick. But, at the time, it meant more than that, it was a decision between my husband, myself and God..a vow..and we stuck with it all of our married life. We felt in the place that we were, we would or could make others stumble in their faith...
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Those monsters reminded me of that decision...as pain relief is one reason for wine and was used medicinally in the Bible.
Luke 10:34
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
But for some, with much use, those monsters return with the wine...
Isaiah 28:7
And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.
Proverbs 23: 19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
There are so many other references to wine in the Bible. It's connection with wealth, Jesus turning the water to wine, etc... But the monsters really reminded me, personally, of our commitments made years ago, how they affected our life..how they still do...I never want to be a stumbling block in anyway to others....
Thank You, for Your word, how it affects our lives on all levels...it is so real, so living, so instructing, so loving, so teaching, so pertinent...
With this hand surgery, comes the opportunity of taking powerful painkillers...the first few days, it seemed a necessary thing to do and then optional and finally just a choice...at first they worked really well and took away the pain as well as helping me sleep through the pain. Then, there was a subtle change and they made me have bad dreams...so at that point the OTC ones were better and the powerful ones were put away....voila, No more fighting monsters in the night....those monsters are not really very restful...
A long time ago, when our children were little, my husband and I made a choice not to serve or drink alcohol beverages. All of us, at some point, get to make that choice and we did what we felt God was leading us to do, but this is not necessarily the calling that everyone has...for me, it wasn't a difficult choice...every time I have something with alcohol in it, I get sick. But, at the time, it meant more than that, it was a decision between my husband, myself and God..a vow..and we stuck with it all of our married life. We felt in the place that we were, we would or could make others stumble in their faith...
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Those monsters reminded me of that decision...as pain relief is one reason for wine and was used medicinally in the Bible.
Luke 10:34
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
But for some, with much use, those monsters return with the wine...
Isaiah 28:7
And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.
Proverbs 23: 19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
There are so many other references to wine in the Bible. It's connection with wealth, Jesus turning the water to wine, etc... But the monsters really reminded me, personally, of our commitments made years ago, how they affected our life..how they still do...I never want to be a stumbling block in anyway to others....
Thank You, for Your word, how it affects our lives on all levels...it is so real, so living, so instructing, so loving, so teaching, so pertinent...
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Hands...bandaged...
An Injured hand...
Two days ago, I had surgery on my right hand, to be followed by several weeks of casts, pain killers, therapy. I can't put my thumb and pointer together...which makes writing difficult...think how many tasks use those two fingers....
That said, I got wonderful help from two of my four children..for over night..what fun was that. The others were available as well.
But was reading about Jesus' crucifixion....no pain killers there, or sanitary conditions.. They weren't trying to keep it pretty and clean..wrapped and out of sight...no sleep medications, IVs, wrappings,....no one checking to see if He was okay or explain the whole procedure....just huge dirty spikes, a sledge hammer, a wooden cross, ropes...probably already used by a previous criminal...already beaten beyond human recognition, then nailed to the cross, lifted up, bounced into the ground hole..no mercy except from the Saviour Himself...
His hands that had healed, held, touched, prayed,multiplied, welcomed ,....created...nailed to finish a work he started..
Thank YOU for your healing hands, that shed blood for me...
Luke 23:46
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 24:7
‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”
John 20:25
So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:27
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and
April 2
I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly in. to your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure.
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:19
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
—2 Corinthians 4:17
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