The pottery mountain…

 

A pottery mountain…

In Romans 9, Paul talks about the potter and his clay..

“Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”

Rom.9.21

My notes went on to say…Paul’s used this “illustration from daily 

life to express God’s sovereignty. Everyone in the Roman world used pottery,no matter his or her economic level, used pottery….there stands still today a artificial hill, 100 feet high made entirely from broken Roman-era pottery….the mound is estimated to contain the remains of 53 million olive oil storage vessels(amphorae)shipped to Rome…” Archaeology Study Bible…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Testaccio



Vessels containing oil couldn’t be reused because of the residual oil, whereas other pottery could be crushed and reused…

God’s sovereign choice…he is the potter…we are the clay…

The potters of those vessels containing oil, chose to make them oil containing vessels and others, contained other stuff…

The potter is the molder…the former of the clay…the clay doesn’t tell the potter what to do…

I have to say, I surely don’t understand it all, but I don’t need to…I take it by faith…God is, after all, the Creator, the Potter…He formed me…as a vessel for His use…

Thank YOU…. 

  But now, O Lord, you are our Father;we are the clay, and you are our potter;we are all the work of your hand.

Isa.64.8

 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.

Jer.18.1-18

The Potter’s Hand…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TleYjvNqKGo

He didn’t throw the clay away…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRbWAtU6LPw

The canvas and the clay…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcDRp0zWGIw

Walk

 Enoch… 

When I read this , this morning I felt it was worthy of sharing…it behooves each of us to question our walk in this world…are we walking with God or the world…

There are over 300 verses that contain the word, “ walk”.   So many good ones…

 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

Gen.6.9

 But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son from my clan and from my father's house.

Gen.24.40

 “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.

Lev.26.3-4,Lev.26.12

 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.

Deut.30.16-18

 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

1Kgs.3.14

 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;

Ps.15.2

 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Prov.10.9

  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,on them has light shone. For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa.9.2,Isa.9.

 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right— walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

Ezek.18.5,Ezek.18.9 

 He has told you, O man, what is good;and what does the Lord require of youbut to do justice, and to love kindness,and to walk humbly with your God?

Mic.6.8

 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

John.12.35,John.12.36a

 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

2Cor.5:7

 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

Eph.5.15

 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Col.1.9,Col.1.10

 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1John.1.7

Pslam 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiz8LQkGSlM

Thank YOU…

 



A DAILY DEVOTION FOR JANUARY 30TH

The Man Who Never Saw Death

READ THE SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 11:5-6

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:5-6

I love the story of the little Sunday school girl who, after Sunday school, said to her mother one day, “Mother, we heard about the most wonderful man in Sunday school today. His name was Enoch, and he used to go on long walks with God. One day they walked so far that God said to him, ‘It's too far for you to go back, you better come home with Me now.’ And he just walked on home with God. ”

That's exactly what this implies. Why was this man taken without seeing death? Of all the long line of humanity, why is he the great exception? Genesis says Enoch walked with God. Is this a promise that if we walk with God we shall never die? Yes, in a sense it is. You remember those words of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).

There's a sense that when we walk with God we never really see physical death. But let me suggest something else. Is this not a lesson on the physical level intended to illustrate for us something on the spiritual level? We are told very plainly that Enoch was taken in order that he would not see death, and death, as you know, in scripture has a double meaning. There's that word “death,” which means the end of life, the cessation of the body's existence. But it also has the meaning of the end of life, such as abundant life, such as we describe as “really living.” Therefore, it means futility, barrenness, dullness, drabness, meaninglessness and emptiness. That's death. That's what it means in Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death” — drabness, barrenness, emptiness. The question that this brings before us is this: Are you living in death even as a Christian, because you do not walk with God? Enoch's life is a testimony to us, that if we walk with God we shall not see death; that the answer to barrenness, drabness and dullness is this daily stepping out by faith on the promises of God; this daily testing of his promises of his presence, and reckoning upon them. It was by faith that Enoch walked with God, by testing what God said, and discovering it was true as he stepped out upon it.

What a surprising thing this is, Father, to see in this man of the ancient past such a vivid picture of your workings with us in our own lives today. As we see something of the brevity of life, may this call again our attention to walk with you.

Life Application

How are you testing, and believing in, the promises of what God has said?

Daily Devotion © 2024 by Ray Stedman Ministries. For permission to use this content, please review RayStedman.org/permissions. Subject to permission policy, all rights reserved.

THIS DAILY DEVOTION WAS INSPIRED BY ONE OF RAY'S MESSAGES

Enoch

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Songs in the morning…

 

songs in the morning….

God will work it out ….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URuIldVKk9U&list=PLKUA473MWUv3VnK3E7ElYEqVN7eb7h92_&index=24

Holy forever…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xcFM9CBiOE

I pray Jesus…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihrUIPfvTh8&list=PLKUA473MWUv3VnK3E7ElYEqVN7eb7h92_&index=9

The waves are singing…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0KpdjsusP0&list=PLKUA473MWUv3VnK3E7ElYEqVN7eb7h92_&index=8

Groaning….

  Groaning….

Romans 8 repeats “groaning”, “groan” three times…the earth is groaning, we are groaning…David speaks of groaning as well in the book of Psalms…

Our anguish…torment…waiting….is so deep at times that there are no words….and in that inner most place the Spirit dwells…hears…intercedes…searches…helps us in our weaknesses…knowing exactly what to say…because He knows what God’s will is…and He knows that it will be for our good…

I have to say there have been and are times that I question …I groan, feeling feeble and crushed as David…watching my husband die, watching my parents die, watching rebellion, watching hurts…watching discontentment in times of much and so many other things…but, that still small voice whispers peace through the turmoil…holds my soul in rest …holding feebly while He holds securely my hand to walk through the groanings…

The good news is that God does that for all of his children…

Thank YOU…

 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Rom.8.26-28

 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

Ps.32.3

 I am feeble and crushed;I groan because of the tumult of my heart.

Ps.38.8

 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,

2Cor.5.2

Psalm 23…

Rescue…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U4Q2R7ZZAE&list=PL3tqpU6QAEd9hGwnYTKEby9du1AacWfIq

Hidden pictures…

 Hidden pictures…

For some reason I have been getting these “Magic eye” pictures…

Years ago they were popular and I even had books of them…

The idea is to bring them up very close to your face, pull them slowly away from your eyes and then, potentially, you can see a 3D image inside the picture…it is really cool and I have no idea how they make them, nor how they work…but they do…

I remember my first one was Jesus standing in front of the tomb, a mystery in itself…

In Romans 5, Paul writes…” Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Rom.5.2-5

We rejoice in hope of the glory of God…

we rejoice in our sufferings …

Suffering produces endurance…

Endurance produces…character…

Character produces hope…

Sometimes  we feel like it is a mystery why we suffer…Like Job, who had no idea why life changed so drastically, so quickly…but he held on…through his sufferings…he endured, he became stronger and didn’t give up on hope …and gave glory to God…

“ Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things,and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?

‘Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 

‘Hear, and I will speak;I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself,and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job.42.1-6

For some, we may never know why we suffer…like the hidden pictures…but endurance follows…our character builds and we have hope because of God’s love poured into us by the Holy Spirit…who teaches us, comforts us…

Thank YOU…

Sweet sweet Spirit…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM7Iym4u9QY

Blessed is…are…

 Blessed is….are…

Reading Romans 4…the author includes two verses from Psalm 32…

David is contemplating transgressions/sin…it’s weight on him …as was the author of Romans…with faith, righteousness…the word, “blessed “ is found 290+ times throughout the scriptures…in various uses…so many are blessed…

 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered. 

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 

I acknowledged my sin to you,and I did not cover my iniquity;I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;surely in the rush of great waters,they shall not reach him. 

You are a hiding place for me;you preserve me from trouble;you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,which must be curbed with bit and bridle,or it will not stay near you. 

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Ps.32.1-11

 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

'Luke.11.28

What promises…these authors offer…from God…

 ….But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Rom.4.23-25

Thank YOU…

Psalm 32

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVvzlBYeogQ

https://www.gotquestions.org/mean-to-be-blessed.html

Pray then like this…

 

Pray then like this….

 Pray then like this:“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matt.6.9-15

The Lord’s Prayer…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWuLraQ1Ygo

Thank YOU…

Loved this rendition…will resonate all day…

Tool chests…

 Tool chests….

I was at the pain doctor’s office the other day… instead of the ordinary set of cabinets found in doctor offices for “centuries” was the metal ones we used to see only in auto shops…the ones with all of the neat drawers, roll around wheels….

Someone, somewhere thought “outside the box” and started using the tool chests and it has caught on…I have seen these tool chests in hairdressers, craft rooms, woodworking places, garages, classrooms, etc, etc, etc…

They have become a “cross cultural “ tool…something everyone can use…

I know this is giant leap, but it made me think of the Word of God…

For thousands of years, it was read at the temple, by those in authority …then the leaders passed it to other leaders until it was translated and printed so that not just those in authority could read it…revolutionary…and criminal…but the everyday “Joe” could actually hold a copy in their hand, share it with others, read it on their own…and the Word has spread and spread all over the world…the ultimate “Tool chest”…the way from bondage to freedom, dark to light…filled with words of  life, tools to live by, useful in all situations….

It has been burned, scorned, hidden, refuted, secreted away, prohibited, but yet it is the most translated and printed book in the World…and still going strong…it is the best Tool Chest in the world…

Thank YOU….

 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 

So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 

And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. 

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 

They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

Neh.8.1-8

 I will meditate on your precepts-and fix my eyes on your ways. 

I will delight in your statutes;I will not forget your word. 

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 

Lead me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in it. 

I will also speak of your testimonies before kingsand shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments,which I love. 

Remember your word to your servant,in which you have made me hope. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Ps.119.15,Ps.119.16,Ps.119.34,Ps.119.35,Ps.119.46,Ps.119.47,Ps.119.49,Ps.119.105

 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Acts.17.11

 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2Tim.3.15-17

 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2Pet.1.19-21

Thy Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LC8cu03Ig

Word of God Speak…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqsnGE3_dsg

Songs of worship in this season…

 Songs of worship in this season…

Air1 put out a list of songs of worship for this season…

Day After day of gray, cold, shoveling snow, ice, poor air quality, high winds for some, rain, isolation…these are like a breath of fresh air…but, many worship songs can fill that need in our souls, along with the written or spoken Word…

Am just sharing these few…mixed with a few great hymns…the grayness lifts, the shoveling becomes lighter…isolation becomes a praise time…

Thank YOU…

 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!We will sing and praise your power.

=Ps.21.13

Good plans …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-3lMrhm8HQ

In the room…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6F4DWdGlU

Bless God….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK0fbhGdX4A

Shelter….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoDmFQWOL4Y&list=RDDoDmFQWOL4Y&start_radio=1

People of heaven…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjB0mkj0XaM

More like Jesus…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNGQ2AQWZ6Q

Trust in God…

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=trust+in+god+elevation+worship

How firm a foundation…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prb4C_PEwWM

18 old hymns that every Christian should know by heart….

https://get.tithe.ly/blog/old-hymns

Who gives the growth…

 

Who gives the growth….

There can be a certain amount of pride when we see growth…

We plant, water…but God made it all…the air, the sunshine, the soil, the nutrients…God really made the growth…we may get to help here and there…and even through this snow, I see the fruit buds increasing, daffodil leaves poking out of the ground…oh, I dug the holes, but I didn’t make the trees, the bulbs…those were created and supplied to me…I get to stand back and encourage, weed a bit, add water, fertilizer here and there, but, God gives the growth…

The same with people…Paul talks about him planting, a colleague, Apollos watered, but, God gave the growth in the people they ministered with…Paul spoke of being God’s fellow workers…and we each have a purpose planned out for us in the kingdom by the Ultimate Planner…humbly, we have the opportunity to be a worker, planting, watering…

The best thing? Seeing the fruit…the lives around us, our lives changed, transformed…from the seed planted to fruit born…the Word …

Thank YOU….

 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

1Cor.3.6-9ESV

 I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth.  So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth.  He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building.

1Cor.3.6-9AMP

 Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working.

 1Cor.3.5-9MSG

The Change in me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8TCZiy5A2A

Whom do you seek…

 Whom do you seek….

One of the saddest questions, I think, in the Bible is God asking Adam and Eve, “where are you”…

Of course, He knew where they were, but he knew why they were hiding…here’s the creator of all things, wanting fellowship with Adam and Eve and they broke that fellowship by disobeying and hiding …followed by consequences we still reap…

 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

Gen.3.8-9

Now, all through the ages, God can still ask that same question…

And we each have to answer…

Whom do we each seek for fellowship? That eternal fellowship…do we seek God…do we seek the world…Where am I….hiding from God…or seeking Him…

Joshua said… choose…seek…

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Josh.24.14-15

Thank YOU…

 Sow for yourselves righteousness;reap steadfast love;break up your fallow ground,for it is the time to seek the Lord,that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

Hos.10.12

 “As for me, I would seek God,and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable,marvelous things without number:

 Job.5.8-9

 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

Ps.4.2

 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,to see if there are any who understand,who seek after God.

Ps.14.2

 But may all who seek yourejoice and be glad in you;may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Ps.40.16

 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,who seek him with their whole heart, 

With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments!

Ps.119.2,10

 I love those who love me,and those who seek me diligently find me.

Prov.8.17

 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,who do his just commands;

seek righteousness; 

seek humility;perhaps you may be hiddenon the day of the anger of the Lord.

Zeph.2.3

 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matt.6.33,Matt.7.7-8

 he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. 

You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips,but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me,teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Matt.15.6-9

 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Heb.11.6

As for me and my house…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjRiNL1HKns

People….

 People…

People are basically the same from generation to generation…we have the same hurts, triumphs, emotions, downfalls…they maybe called by different names or treated differently, but for the most part they are the same…we have anger, bitterness, joys, sorrows, thoughts, jealousies, doubts just as in the beginning with Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and his crew, Abraham, Moses and on down the line…til today…corrupt leaders, good leaders…times and years have come and gone…

God has remained the same…his plan has remained the same…he doesn’t lie…He loves, He judges, He never forsakes us, He provides, He disciplines, He comforts…and so much more…

 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Deut.7.9

The notes is a study book brings out the people around Jesus during his last days…

Those who praised him, those who betrayed, those who are with him, those who hurt and punished him, those who cursed him, those who tried him, those who mocked him, those who denied him, those who helped him, those who watched him breathe his last, his mother, those who followed him, those who felt betrayed because of his death, those who pounded those nails, the one who was released instead of him, those who were burdened because of him, those who wanted nothing to do with him, those who were jealous of him, those who gambled for his clothing, those who pierced him….

We still have those people with us today…we/I  have/am those people …there are mockers, deniers, followers, cursers, betrayers, nail pounders, etc…there are still those who want nothing to do with Jesus and there are those who give their lives because of him…there are still those who are jealous of him and his mighty power, kingship…

And He still calls  us to Himself…His love has not wained over the generations…

Thank YOU…

Love is this…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJLXS5eJoE 

And spices…

 

And spices…

Mark 16 has a bunch of “ands”….I can just picture writing this down or telling it quickly, out of breath, saying “and this happened and this happened, and this happened “…so excited to tell the story…just like my children would do after an adventure… and rightly so…

Jesus wasn’t in the tomb!!!

He didn’t need the fragrant spices for burial!!!

Jesus had risen!!!!

Just like the tenth verse in Psalm 16….he had no corruption / decay…nor would he ever…

 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 

And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 

And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 

And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 

And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 

And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, 

and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Mark.16.1-8

 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,in whom is all my delight. 

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;their drink offerings of blood I will not pour outor take their names on my lips. 

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot. 

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;in the night also my heart instructs me. 

I have set the Lord always before me;because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;my flesh also dwells secure. 

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,or let your holy one see corruption. 

You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Ps.16.1-11

Jesus’ victory over death…for us…that believing, we might have that same victory…

Can we be that excited… to tell the story…”and this happened “

Not just an adventure, but a new life in Christ….

Thank YOU…

Resurrection Power…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxH8Q8ue65o

https://www.gotquestions.org/anointing-spices.html

https://www.biblestudylessons.net/articles/BurialSpices.html

Fear not….an attitude…

  Fear not….an attitude…

The most looked up verse in the Bible for the year 2023 was…

“fear not, for I am with you;be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isa.41.10

(It will interesting to see which one will be for this year…as events heat up in various parts of the world…)

I thought of that as I was listening to my pastor speak on  Ephesians 4:31-32, yesterday in church…

 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Eph.4.31:33

What kind of attitude do I want to reign in my life…?

Fear, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice…

 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John.8.31-32

Am I abiding in the Word enough to be free the negative attitudes/lifestyle?

Do I portray Christ, trust in Him instead of the negative …?

I have known those who went to the grave holding on to the negative, whose bodies and minds were  ravaged with bitterness, fears, anger…I know those presently who are the same…nothing is positive…who dwell constantly on the wrongs…who are fearful of each new day…

And yet I have known and know those who portray the kindness, tenderheartedness, the forgivingness, the fearlessness that Isaiah and Paul speak of…

Which side of the fence do I want my life to portray?

Which one is the Holy Spirit calling each of us to do/be?  Am I resisting or conforming/transforming to be?

Thank YOU…. 

Change my heart, o God….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwudqCO7mSQ

Church service, 1/14/24…so good…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTyBwfi1yI

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/signs-youre-

resisting-the-holy-spirit.html?utm_source=Daily%20Bible%20Living&utm_campaign=Daily%20Bible%20Living%20-%20BibleStudyTools.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=9183114&recip=488704412&aps=d491a43856e21b587867b447453a930de9780b237aec2d5b87b5802fcc4d8c3d&lctg=488704412

Snow in the forecast….

 Snow in the forecast…

I shoveled snow three times yesterday….it was like shoveling salt, so fine and powdery…

And from the looks of it outside through the night, I will be shoveling it again today…

I don’t usually associate snow with Israel, but they do have it especially in the northern mountains and there are areas in those mountains that have snow year around…

In the Bible, snow is mentioned 24 times, mostly as comparisons and descriptions …”white as snow”…

Leprosy for Miriam and Naaman, Gehazi was described as their skin being white as snow…

 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Num.12.10

 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

2Kgs.5.27

Job has several places where snow is mentioned about the God’s storehouse of snow…

 “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,

Job.38.22

David talks of purging, cleansing from sin after being confronted about his adultery with Bathsheba….

 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin! 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Hide your face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me. 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Ps.51.2,Ps.51.7,Ps.51.9,Ps.51.10,Ps.51.12

Comparisons…

 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold-is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him;he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Prov.25.11-13

 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,so honor is not fitting for a fool.

Prov.26.1

Promises…

 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson,they shall become like wool.

Isa.1.18

 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

Matt.28.3-6

 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Rev.1.12-18

Descriptions…

 “As I looked,thrones were placed,and the Ancient of Days took his seat;his clothing was white as snow,and the hair of his head like pure wool;his throne was fiery flames;its wheels were burning fire.

Dan.7.9

There  are more, but for the sake of lengthiness…I will leave them to look up…

But, I love the descriptions….the Ancient of Days, the son of man, the living one…in all of his Glory…the purity, the cleansing…it give good thoughts to meditate upon as I shovel, shovel, shovel…

Thank YOU…

Whiter than snow…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYM9BSf41iM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_in_Israel

Fruitfulness…

 Fruitfulness….

Part of my growing up years were spent in central California…my grandparents had a ranch in the foothills out of Visalia…their first house set further back in the foothills…

One of the crops they enjoyed was figs…the sweet black figs…my grandmother made fig jam every year…the smell and the taste of figs is still a favorite of mine and when I can get fresh ones once in awhile I luxuriate in their flavor…and one of my dad’s favorite cookies were Fig Newtons, probably because of his love for figs as well and his memories of growing up…I even have a fake fig tree in my home to remind me of those bygone days…

I was visiting an acquaintance near here in Homedale and in front of their home was a whole row of fig trees with figs…ohhh…what a treat…

I didn’t realize that they have two crops of figs, an early one and a later one…if there is not a first crop, which are hard and small, there will not be a later one…so even though the trees may look lush and green, they may be unfruitful or barren…

It reminded me of the sower and his seeds…one kind grew up quick and lush, but had no roots and it withered and died because it had no roots…

Both fig tree and the seeds didn’t have a firm foundation…

We can be the same…I can be the same…if my foundation isn’t rooted and strong in Christ, I wither and die…I can look good to those around, but no lasting fruitfulness, barrenness….

Thank YOU…

 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 

In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark.11.12-14, Mark.11.20-25

Faithful…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSy4zC2_ztg

Fruitful Vineyard…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzBBWBQQesU

Going about our merry way…

 Going about our merry way….

Every day seems to hold some bad news or catastrophic happening somewhere in the world…wars, rumors of more wars, earthquakes, avalanches, bitter cold or heat, flooding, famine, fires…tribulations of some kind….

And yet we go about on our merry way, buying, selling, celebrating….just like the merchants in the book of Revelations…

Mark 13 repeats two phases three times…”be on guard” and “stay awake”…watching for the end times…

 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 

Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines.

These are but the beginning of the birth pains. “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 

And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. 

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 

Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 

And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. 

For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 

And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 

But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 

And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 

So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

Be on guard, keep awake. 

For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 

And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Mark.13.3-37

These words don’t paint a pretty, merry-way picture for end times here…mankind doesn’t get better over time, no matter what so we may say…sin still abounds…just given a new name with each generation….what once was called good is called bad…and visa versa…

Our Hope? Reconciliation with God…

 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2Cor.5.18-20

Thank YOU…

My hope is built…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkMapZB8qMk

 When I’m saw this following recipe, I couldn’t help but think of the verses on mentoring…we may not be washing clothes over a fire in tubs…but our actions, words and deeds speak pretty loudly….

Thank YOU…

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Gal.5.22-23,25

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Titus.2.3-5

Whatever your plan is….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9MoLLtZIxdE&pp=ygUfc29uZ3Mgb2YgaG9wZSBhbmQgZW5jb3VyYWdlbWVudA%3D%3D

Warshing Clothes Recipe" - imagine having a recipe for this ! ! !

A grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe:

This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook, spelling errors and all.

WARSHING CLOTHES

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.

Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.

Sort things, make 3 piles

1 pile white,

1 pile colored,

1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.

 I was going back through some photos, notes I have saved…

They really do have a theme…

How do I choose to live each day…who is watching…what kind of impact do I want to make….for Jesus…

 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 

Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Phil.3.14,Phil.3.15,Phil.3.16,Phil.3.17,Phil.3.20-21

Thank YOU…

Be thou my vision…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng2ievYKUTo

Looking back….

 Looking back….

 I wrote the following blog in 2014, 10 years and eons ago…

God is still connecting the dots…his finger prints continue to show up in various places, (I love watching for them)…

At this last MAF conference I was privileged to meet one of the pilots who flies this plane that was dedicated ten years ago for God’s service in PNG…

Looking back over our lives, there are so many dot to dot connections…and there will continue to be …it is amazing how God works in each of our lives if we just take time to stop, observe,  even reminisce…oh, there are a lot of questions, too…but, being thankful for amazing times He works out everyday matters, events…building our faith step by step…

Thank YOU….

“January 10, 2014



 


Connecting the dots...

..


Isaiah 55:11
New International Version (NIV)
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.




Our family was privileged to attend a dedication of a Kodiak plane to my husband of 43 plus years...it is scheduled to go to Papua New Guinea soon to be flown there for missionary service..

.

At the ceremony, we were shown the display of a plane frame of the plane flown by Nate Saint to a native tribe in South America where they lost their lives...the family stayed there and ministered and now the tribesman who was part of the killing group is now the godfather to the grandchildren...and a Christian leader in the tribe..

.

MAF presented us with a new copy of a new painting of the plane....and if you look down in the left-hand corner, there is a shadow of that first fateful plane....moving, to say the least....

So we have lived in the era when they flew, died, the ministry grew, and now there are planes all over the globe.....connecting the dots....through time....



The other dots for us.....we supported a pilot and his family all of their serving years until, he, the pilot...took off one day with a passenger in bad weather and never returned...in Papua New Guinea ......at the ceremony was the young family who are going to working with this plane...who visas had been delayed....and hadn't planned on being there ....timing....connecting the dots.....blessings...



It is a blessing when you can look back and see dots/events connecting over time....other times, we see no connecting, but God does....

It feels like a glimpse of purpose....just like all the prophecies telling of the Saviour coming to earth ....we are part of that same picture and that is so overwhelming that God loves us so much to be part of the overall plan.....and shows us a tiny glimpse of the connections....

.


Thank YOU, God, for big blessings of seeing history....of being a part of that history....seeing your Word going to all the nations.....help me to consider and see the connecting dots...there are sooooo very many.....and take time to praise You for all of those connections...

..

Isaiah 28:10
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little.

”


Hebrews 13:7-9a
New International Version (NIV)
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by

Millstones…

 Millstones…

One of the places I grew up, had Indian grinding stones along the creek.  The granite had been worn away where the previous cultures had sat and ground their food using grinding stones…there were several in large flat granite outcrops…I could imagine the women coming there doing their daily food preparations, talking, visiting as they ground their meal from whatever grains they had gathered…children playing here and there, maybe gathering sticks for a fire, or playing with the turtles  that my children later found in those same creeks…

Those grinding stones were about 1-2 pounds, something that would fit in your hand…

Visiting Israel, we saw grinding stones that were much bigger, huge wheels pushed or pulled by animals or slaves for thousands of years…solid basalt, heavy, burdensome…but did the job…

Jesus spoke of millstones…in Mark 9…

“ “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”

Mark.9.42

With all of the talk, legislation, interest in human sex trafficking, child kidnapping, child porn….I can only imagine what those people who participate face at judgement…not only will the “millstone” be large, it will be sure…

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matt.19.14

Thank YOU….

Jesus loves me….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAaQS0poL-Q

https://www.gotquestions.org/millstone-Bible.html

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Millstones 

Stock picture 

eBay picture 

Comfort. again….

 

Comfort again….

In 2013, I attended my first Griefshare session…I know I have shared this before…but when January rolls around each year, I think of that session…

Our family had been through the death of my mom, followed by five months of watching my husband succumb to brain cancer, taking over his business, changes, changes, changes that we met …grief…that we had not experienced before…and we each handled it differently…anger, denial, craziness, tears, questions, etc, etc, etc…and each day, we trudged along wondering when the fog would lift…surprised again and again by ambush moments…and then repeat…

God showed himself over and over again, in His comfort, His presence, His truth, His compassion….thank YOU soooooo much…

And now January has returned…and time, potentially, for another class…this time to comfort others going through that valley…

I even dreamed about a new class last night…such delightful people showed up….I have no clue who they were…they were all new to me…(I am amazed that our brains can conjure up new scenes, things) …

I am so thankful that I get to be a part of others’ healing through this time…bringing joy from grief…newness from hurt…it is not easy, but so worth it…

Thank YOU…..

 Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him.

1Chr.7.22

 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

Job.42.11

 Even though I walkthrough the darkest valley,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.

Ps.23.4

 My comfort in my suffering is this:Your promise preserves my life.

Ps.119.50

 Comfort, comfort my people,says your God.

Isa.40.1

 Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.

Matt.5.4

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2Cor.1.3-5

https://www.griefshare.org

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?msclkid=98b2632bbfda18d53bdc06b2e831213d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VCL988_Search%2010.01.23-2.24.24&utm_term=Crisis%20help&utm_content=Crisis%20Hotline

https://www.churchescare.com/loss?audience=&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=Connect_NTL_ENG_2022_Fall&utm_content=Loss7GB_2022_Summer&utm_term=grief%20support%20hotline&hsa_acc=4162855862&hsa_cam=16697944227&hsa_grp=1358998154082090&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=kwd-84938470025852:loc-190&hsa_kw=grief%20support%20hotline&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=391e4516eaa71b3990a2208fbd4cff19

 

With hope….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmyUgsmCzB4&list=PLiopB4afr61jtKVkX8_bQdUyCjCSbUNvB

Stone soup…

 Stone soup…

Reading Mark 6, I thought about the old book, Stone Soup…which I haven’t read since my children were children…I just remember bits and pieces and didn’t realize it was so old until reading the following article about it…

https://stonesoup.com/about-the-childrens-art-foundation-and-stone-soup-magazine/history-of-the-stone-soup-story-from-1720-to-now

We didn’t have a lot, but we were always provided for, bills paid, usually with little extra and reading that story showed ingenuity, provision…we could always come up with some soup or some type of “enchiladas”…(you can wrap or hide a variety of things in those tortillas, add sauce and look appetizing)…

God provided in many different ways, from orchards hidden in mountain canyons of deserted homesteads, chokecherries along the country roads, excess garden produce from neighbors, family or our  own gardens, “old” past due produce from the grocery stores, our various animal projects, “365 ways to cook hamburger”, game hunting in the fall…we were grateful for it all…and we had plenty to share…

I like the phrases…in Mark 6:34+

*he had compassion…

*he began teaching them many things…he really didn’t stop teaching…

*he directed…

*sit down…waiting…

*he gave thanks…

*he distributed…

*they all ate and were satisfied…

 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. 

So he began teaching them many things. 

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 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 his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 

The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Mark.6.34-44

What lessons for us/me..gratefulness and satisfaction in the provision that God gives…in all aspects of life…not anxiousness…

Thank YOU…

Anxious heart…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH6Gk-IjX54

Here I am…

 Here I am…

 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Rev.3.20

I opened my IPad this morning and this verse was the first one I saw, followed by the next two…

 Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Ps.90.12

 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Jas.1.22

I would be remiss if I didn’t share them…

We stand on the 2nd day of a brand new year…not knowing what each day brings…only God knows…but we can be prepared….

God doesn’t promise all roses and flowers for each new day, that everything will go “our” way…he doesn’t promise that all religions lead to Him, he doesn’t promise that the world/people will get better as some would say, he doesn’t promise no judgment at the end of the world….what He does promise that there is a way  to Him, through his Son, Jesus…it not a list of rules, performances, guidelines…it is a gift of unmerited Grace given by our Creator…it is a gift of peace that only comes from God the Comforter, Provider…it is an act of faith on our part that we need a Saviour whom we find in Jesus…

He is the light…He provides eternal life with Him…He is the one 

Truth…He is the Messiah….He was the real gift that God sent at Christmas…

Thank YOU…

What is the way to Salvation…

https://www.gotquestions.org/way-of-salvation.html

10 key verses on Salvation…

https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-salvation/

Salvation Song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWehzQbQ6IA

Newness….

 Newness….

Author, Natalie Holsten, had a column in the local newspaper over the weekend about her journals…reviewing them…”ordinary days”…in her life…not everything has to be extraordinary to make a journal entry…I have appreciated her writings over the last few years since she has come to Nampa.  

  

It was just apropos as I was working on my new journal for the new year as well, adding birthdays, anniversaries and already planned appointments…notes, etc, to remember…

I don’t know what the Lord has planned for this new year for me…the last year and half sure weren’t in my plans with health issues…but, He had lessons through each day, new revelations about Himself…each day was a gift, even if it was painful…

This verse in Isaiah…

“You have heard these things; look at them all.Will you not admit them?“From now on I will tell you of new things,of hidden things unknown to you.”

Isa.48.6

…are words I treasure for the coming year… I want to learn new things from our Father…things I didn’t  know before, things built on a rock solid foundation….and I want my foundation stronger…through Him…

So journals…blogs…what will He fill it with…no certain…But, He knows the way…the truth and the Life..the path is planned…

Thank YOU…

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

2Cor.5.17-18

 Praise the Lord.Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

Ps.149.1

 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.

Lam.3.22-24

 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Matt.13.52

 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1Cor.5.7

 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Eph.4.22-24

 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Col.3.10

 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Rev.21.5

Your plans for us….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW2n0zs6Myk