Over and over…

 Over and over…

Rebellion and redemption….Judges…

The following verses start at the beginning of judges and end with the last verse… repetition of the same theme…a people going their own ways, then crying out to God for help when events are bad…turning away from God, repenting, turning back to Him….over and over…

It brought to mind events in our own country…like 911…people praying , unity in thoughts, helping one another and then going our own way again…

Or it happens in our lives…we drift along, going our own way until some catastrophe happens and we turn back to our God for help…

Oh that our walk would be stable, always following the Lord…not the see-saw we see in the book of Judges…

Thank YOU…

Order my steps in your Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxnZVrp1NHY

 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 

Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 

They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. 

They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. 

They aroused the Lord’s anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. 

In his anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them. 

He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. 

Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. 

They were in great distress. 

Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. 

They quickly turned from the ways of their ancestors, who had been obedient to the Lord’s commands. 

Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. 

But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. 

They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 

But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. 

Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, now that Ehud was dead. 

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 

Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help. 

No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. 

They set up Baal-Berith as their god Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 

They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. 

And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.” 

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. 

In those days Israel had no king.

And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 

In those days Israel had no king.

Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Judg.2.7,Judg.2.10,Judg.2.11,Judg.2.12,Judg.2.13,Judg.2.14,Judg.2.15,Judg.2.17,Judg.2.18,Judg.2.19,Judg.3.7,Judg.3.9,Judg.3.12,Judg.3.15,Judg.4.1,Judg.6.1,Judg.6.6,Judg.8.33,Judg.10.6,Judg.10.10,Judg.13.1,Judg.18.1,Judg.19.1,Judg.21.25

 Pride and vengeance….

Reading about Samson again…

When I think about pride and vengeance in the Bible, my two top examples, and there are others,  are Samson in the Book of Judges  and Haman in the book of Esther…

Of course there are some differences…

Both had a special position…Samson a judge who made it to the faith Chapter in Hebrews…Haman was a high advisor to a king, but was killed in disgrace…so may similarities and differences…

Would love to be counted among the faithful as Samson, but not face all the trials and bad decisions he made… head strong and willful, a picture of the Israelites, back and forth, obedient and disobedient. 

Thank YOU for the reminder…

Make me a servant …

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r6U8O_WnPZY&pp=ygUebWFrZSBhIHNlcnZhbnQgaHVtYmxlIGFuZCBraW5k

 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

Ps.10.3-4

 Therefore pride is their necklace;violence covers them as a garment.

Ps.73.6

 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.Pride and arrogance and the way of eviland perverted speech I hate.

Prov.8.13

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,but with the humble is wisdom.

Prov.11.2

 Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov.16.18

 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Mark.7.21-23

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

1John.2.15-16

 Vengeance is mine, and recompense,for the time when their foot shall slip;for the day of their calamity is at hand,and their doom comes swiftly.’

Deut.32.35

Story writing…

 Story writing…

*introduction…

*rising action….

*climax…

*Falling action…

*resolution…

I watch movies on tv…they have these key components…and the advertisements seem to even revolve around these components…the last advertisement coming right before the resolution…the happy ending, the kiss, the looks,  the engagement, the wedding, etc…it all fits neatly into 2 hours.

The book of Ruth does it in 4 short chapters…

We get the introduction, whom she is, what is happening, the climax of the thrashing floor, how she is taken care of and the resolution-the marriage of Ruth…the birth of a son…and much more….and definitely a sequel….

Characters of a deceased husband and father in law, sister in law, mother in law, laborers, citizens of Bethlehem, Boaz, relatives of her husband’s family…

All these things are part of this life story…which takes place in the turbulent times of the Judges, the ups and downs  of Israelites…”everyone did as he saw fit”…(the sentence before the beginning of the book of Ruth).

We find her in Moab, a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man, became part of an Israelite family as did her sister in law…the husbands and father in law all die…what amazing grief they all  faced…

Naomi, the mother in law decides to return to her homeland and town, broken, widowed, destitute…she urges Ruth and her sister in law to return to their families…Ruth only wants to go with Naomi…

 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

Ruth.1.16-18

And that is the beginning of this short story which has eternal consequences…for us all… 

Thank YOU…

Song of Ruth…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yFgruhmaw0I&pp=ygUcc29uZyBvZiBydXRoIHdoZXJldmVyIHlvdSBnbw%3D%3D

There is hope…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6QeF2rhMr6U&pp=ygUsd2UgaGF2ZSBhIGhvcGUgdGhhdCBpcyBzdGVhZGZhc3QgYW5kIGNlcnRhaW4%3D

 

Only child….

 Only child…

I was the only child that my parents could bear……and I always got the jokes about “spoiled only children”…

We lived  on ranches, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, it seemed, so rarely were there any other children around except when we would go to church…and finally to school.

When I was nine we moved into town and lived in an apartment, quite the change…down the little street lived another little girl my age who was an only child as well…I thought this was great to have a friend so close…but, I soon discovered that we were very dissimilar…she raged at her parents, showed them little respect, cried if when she didn’t get her way, stomped around when angry…her parents were kind and always gave into her whims…so even at nine I remember that was not the kind of friend I wanted…

(We actually went all the way through high school together and she never changed, her friends were the “rough” crowd and were always getting into trouble, never, as far as I know changing their ways)

Reading about Samson again brought these memories back…

He was an only child, prayed for and beloved by his parents…”teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born”…

He was raised a Nazirite, meaning he could not cut his hair, touch a dead body, or drink anything containing alcohol…all of which he broke the vow….and proceeded to do…

“Although Samson often used poor judgment and sinned terribly, he accomplished much when he determined to be set apart for God.In this  way he was like the nation of Israel. As long as the Israelites remained set apart for God, the nation thrived. But they fell into terrible sin when they ignored God. “ Bible notes….

Only children have the same choices as others, whom will they serve…whom will they follow…how will they live…what is their legacy…

Thank YOU… 

Here I am, Lord….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnO5B_G505w

“Samson was born a Nazirite, meaning he was “separated” or “set aside” for God. This meant that he was not to drink wine or fruit of the vine. He couldn’t go near or touch a dead body, human or animal, nor could he cut his hair. Though he was set apart for special service to God (Judges 13:5), Samson ignored his Nazirite vow of godly devotion and relied upon his own strength and abilities rather than upon God’s. Although God empowered him with supernatural strength to begin the deliverance of the people of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5), it was his weakness for the Philistine women that did him in (Judges 14:1–3, 16:1–22). His passion for women was more important to him than God’s expressed will (Deuteronomy 7:3).”….

“There are many valuable lessons we can glean from the story of Samson and Delilah. Though born with unbelievable potential, Samson forfeit his life because of sin. The lesson for us is that, the deeper we allow ourselves to be influenced by the glamour and allurement of sin, the more blind we become. This extraordinary story tells us that Samson was spiritually blind long before his eyes were gouged out (Judges 16:21). We must accept the reality that sin can seep deep into in our lives. We must know that sin has a blinding, numbing impact upon us. Otherwise, we find ourselves ensnared by it, just as Samson did.”….

“However, despite all of Samson’s weaknesses, he did turn back to God before he died (Judges 16:28–30). God in His sovereignty used Samson to fulfill His purpose. In reality, Samson’s death did much to impede the oppressive actions of the Philistines. Samson’s destruction of the temple of Dagon was a major factor in their downfall at Mizpah by Samuel and the children of Israel some 100 years later (1 Samuel 7:7–14).

Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn is that God would rather forgive than judge. In the final analysis, God saw Samson as a man of faith. This is evidenced by the fact that he’s listed among those in the hall of faith (Hebrews 11:32). When we read through the list of names recorded there, we find that no one in the “hall of faith” was perfect. Samson was the strongest man to ever live, but it was God who gave him the strength. More importantly, Samson let himself be used by God. In fact, God could have used him without making him the strongest man. He’s willing to meet us right where we are right now and to take us where He wants if we will let Him (James 4:8).”

https://www.gotquestions.org/Samson-and-Delilah.html

 

From cancer companions…

Written by David Gira

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm (Mark 4:39 NIV). 

A few months after my initial cancer diagnosis, my family and I went to the coast to spend a few days. It would be good for us all. We could use the R&R. 

My brother-in-law and his son (my nephew) joined us. My nephew had just returned from an “awesome” beach trip with his Uncle Kevin, who has an “amazing” boat. Every day they had zipped up and down the inner coastal waters, skiing, bodyboarding, and soaking up the sun.

My nephew quickly grew bored with our place. He asked if we could take our boat out and have some fun. 

My boat was not amazing. Almost every time I tried to take it out, something didn’t work. It usually failed to start. When it did start and we got out on the river, it had stopped running more than once, requiring us to be towed home.

I didn’t want to disappoint my nephew, so I agreed to give it a try. To our amazement, the engine fired up right away, and sounded great.

Everyone boarded. We pushed the boat away from the dock and headed out of the creek and into the river. My nephew, brother-in-law and my kids took turns being pulled on a tube behind the boat. I sped through figure eights, and we raced back and forth across the river.  

Suddenly the skies began to darken. We loaded up and headed home. As we approached shore, with our dock in sight, the engine stalled. My heart sank to my stomach. I tried and tried to start it but had no success. 

The winds became strong, and the waters grew rough. Not a single boat could be seen. Our dock stood less than a hundred yards away. We were at the mouth of the creek, but the waves were pushing us toward the big rocks on the other side of the creek.  

In no time, we were bumping against the rocks. The waves lifted and dropped us. We were all terrified, especially my nephew. He looked at me with eyes wide, mouth opened, and a face full of fear. 

I called back to the house for help. The land lovers would try to find someone to rescue us. A few minutes later, another boat appeared with one of our neighbors. He quickly tied a rope to our boat and towed us home to safety again. We were elated.

Our aquatic adventure reminded me of the cancer experience. One day everything is going great. Smooth sailing. Blue skies as far as you can see. But then cancer barges in like a storm and disrupts and threatens your life. Disaster and death loom large.

Thankfully, Jesus hears our cry for help. He’s actually already with us—in the same boat! He loves us too much to jump ship. He comes to our rescue and calms the storms. Just as Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves for the disciples, He can rebuke the chaos of cancer.    

Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of Your presence with me in the storm. I call on You now to silence cancer’s wind and waves. Let me experience Your salvation and peace. Amen.

Praise you in the storm …

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUGwUgBvTU

Rock and gem show…

 Rock and gem show…

Once a year the local Rock and Gem society has a show here in my town…it is  this weekend…of course there are all kinds of booths and vendors with all of their wares, jewelry, specimens, etc..plus beautiful displays of cut rocks, polished rocks, crystals…various  people grinding facets on to stones, making jewelry from cut stones…there is  people selling thunder eggs with the opportunity to have them split so you can see the crystals inside…panning for gold, panning for gems and my grandson’s favorite- a continuous silent auction of  various rocks and stones put out for auction starting at .25….fun to watch and participate…

Our favorite this year was a demonstrator with a powerful microscope, a computer and specimens no bigger than 1/4 inch in size…looking at the intricacies, crystals, rock formations in minuscule size, the beauty…wow…things we would overlook as plain, take on a whole new significance to minute size…

When you think of God creating the universe and not forgetting the molecules, the minute, the atoms…the big, the little…the precision, the intricate…with the detail …how much fun He must have showing us surprises in his creation…good gifts…just like we like to gift others…

And then He designed gems for the priests in the Old Testament, gems for the new Heaven in the New Testament…he had a purpose for each …

Thank You…

 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Exod.28.6,Exod.28.7,Exod.28.8,Exod.28.9,Exod.28.10,Exod.28.11,Exod.28.17,Exod.28.18,Exod.28.19,Exod.28.20,Exod.28.21

 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Rev.21.18-21

The love of God…

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

“Idaho is often called the “Gem State,” and it has a long history of “gem mining in Idaho.” Native tribes have treasured these valuable stones for hundreds of years, and early settlers quickly understood the state’s importance in gemology. 

The search for gems in Idaho led to the finding of many minerals, which interested both fans and scientists. Over time, public gem mines opened up in Idaho, allowing people to go rock hunting and find secret treasures in the state’s rough terrain.”

https://www.allcrystal.com/articles/gemstones-in-idaho/

https://rockchasing.com/idaho-rocks-minerals-gems/

https://rockseeker.com/minerals-gemstones-in-idaho/

The stars at night…

 The stars at night…

This last week, we have had clear skies at night…and if you are at a place that doesn’t have so much night light, you can see the brightest stars for this time of the year…so amazing…

We have a creator who made the stars, who shows us the splendor  of the stars…has named the stars…yet knows each of us as well…

Thank YOU..

 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang togetherand all the angels shouted for joy?

Job.38.4-7

 Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory in the heavens. 

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger. 

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them,human beings that you care for them?

Ps.8.1-4

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever. 

to him who alone does great wonders,His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens,His love endures forever. 

who made the great lights—His love endures forever. 

the moon and stars to govern the night;His love endures forever.

Ps.136.1-5Ps.136.7,9

“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4 NKJV). 

 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

1Cor.15.41

How great is our God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LXro5_cvo