The county fair…

 The county fair….

My first county fair that I can remember was the Tulare County Fair in California…all I really remember about it was seeing a de-scented skunk…it was obviously was of much interest to me as a small child…but the event  was the beginning of a long life of attending and eventually participating in the fair…

My dad had done the same with FFA agriculture, my husband  also had  FFA and 4H…I did 4H and realizing I could earn money by entering fair exhibits as a child, that definitely was a draw…

As adult, it is a challenge to myself…

Over the years , it was Humboldt county fairs in California and Nevada, Benton, Decshutes, Malheur Counties in Oregon, Elko County in Nevada, Nevada and Oregon State fairs and now, Canyon County…

My children grew up going and sometimes entering, as well, at  local fairs…it was thing we did and and some still do…

It was and is a gathering place for long time friends, to eat “fair “ food, to oooh and aaah over various entries, to sit on hard wooden benches at the livestock shows,  to encourage students with their livestock, to congratulate or commiserate with others,  to see new products, to ride the carnival rides…just a place for fun…after a long hot summer readying for soon-to-start school…

Paul spoke of running a race for the prize…for some that race is the county or state fair…you practice and practice that chocolate cake ( as one of my nieces did) to get it just right for the fair…or you tame your animals to lead well…or sew or bake or can extra well to enter…for the blue ribbon…the prize…all these are temporal and have no eternal value…

Our real life-changing prize is Jesus… his glory, his Gift, His love, his Salvation…it is free to those who believe…to those who put their trust in His saving grace…no blue, red, white or honorable mention ribbons…he shows no partiality…and He loved us before we even loved Him…he chose us…

We are the exhibits…to some a sweet fragrance…we are the sheep of his pasture…

 Thank YOU…

 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

1Cor.9.24-25

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

Phil.3.14

 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

2Cor.2.14-17

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matt.5.14, 16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJUGNRkb5I

Press on, press on…

1	Press on, press on toward the goal—   The all-inclusive Christ. To gain the prize of God’s high call,   Press on, press on to Christ!
	Pressing on! Pressing on! Pressing on! Hallelujah for the prize We’re pressing on! On and on!   To gain the Christ of God!
2	Press on, press on, count all things loss.   All that is gain to us, To win the prize, the Christ of God,   Is far more glorious!
3	Press on, press on to know the Lord   And resurrection power— Oh, this is our supreme reward,   E’en in the suffering hour!
4	Press on, press on, this one thing do,   Forget the things behind; Press onward to the Christ before,   Press onward with this mind!

Personal greetings…

 Personal greetings….

 I was in the phone last night with a friend who is visiting her family…we ended the conversation with , say “hello to ———“…whom I have known since before they were born…but, a personal greeting…

Finishing off Romans, the author writes personal greetings to a few who have helped along the way…he has only good things to say in this portion…things that he describes and commends…

A servant…a fellow worker…first convert…kinsman…beloved…approved…those in the Lord…chosen….

I wondered if I would have made that list…my insecurities pop up… but, God has saved me, built me up, it is Him into whom I lean…he speaks to me in His Word, through the Holy Spirit…Jesus mediates….the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf…he has and is telling me of his love and care through the good and bad times…he shows me everyday that he is  here and involved in my life…a personal  greeting ….

Thank YOU….

And he has those personal greetings to everyone who believes…

“ I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. 

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 

Greet also the church in their house. 

Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.

 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. 

Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 

Greet my kinsman Herodion. 

Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.

 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. 

Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 

Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 

Greet one another with a holy kiss. 

All the churches of Christ greet you.”%

Rom.16.1-16

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

Phil.3.14

You Say…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI

 Cleaning out for change…

My beautiful larkspur has run its course… reduced to its seed bearing stage and covered the ground with its blue potpourri of petals…I pulled it all out leaving, hopefully, enough seeds to sprout again next year. I planted more seed of different flowers for the rest of the summer and fall. Last year I got two crops of flowers to the help the bee and butterfly population…

Cleaning out the old for the new…sometimes that is so hard…I like to cling to the old for it has usually passed that test of time or it is “comfortable “…but there is a time  and place to clean it out…

I thought of that last night as the question was asked, “what is our praise to God?”…many were raised…I thought about that…mine was each morning/day there are new lessons to learn. God’s Word rejoices in “new every morning “ or “this is new day”…providing manna, bread, the Word enough for each each…it builds and builds into our lives…precept upon precept…line upon line…never too much or too little…just the right amount that we are able to bear, understand, feed upon…

Again I looked at the flowers left, their symmetry, the patterns in their delicate lines, the plan for pollination for future “like” flowers…each one a picture of the plans for future growth…even though they only last a few days, gone in a vapor of time…withering quickly, to be replaced by another…

If God cares so much for this beauty he has given us, He definitely cares for  man whom he created in his image…He loved us from the beginning and had a plan…and he gives us that daily sustenance…

Thank YOU…

 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We love because he first loved us.

1John.4.10,19

 “To whom will he teach knowledge,and to whom will he explain the message?Those who are weaned from the milk,those taken from the breast? For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,line upon line, line upon line,here a little, there a little.”

Isa.28.9-10

 This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;you are my God;

 I will extol you. 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever!

Ps.118.24,Ps.118.28,Ps.118.29

 Give us this day our daily bread,

Matt.6.11

 I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

John.6.48-51

Bread of Heaven…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcWMLZdS4rE

Endurance….

 Endurance….

 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom.15.4-6

I thought it was interesting that the author started chapter 15 of Romans using in two, places the word, Endurance…

So, of course, I had to look it up some more…

It is mostly used in the New Testament, 4 of those in Romans, and 6 in Revelations, plus a few more..not only that, it is combined with “patient “…as in “patient endurance “…oh no…do we have to be patient while we endure? Sometimes that is really difficult, enduring in one thing, but doing it patiently adds a new dimension…it is so much easier to be impatient, complaining, grumbling rather than enduring patiently…in quiet rest through an ordeal…peacefully waiting on God or waiting in Him…

One raises  agitation while the other gives peace…

Thank YOU…

 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Luke.21.19

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.5.3-5

 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

2Cor.6.4

 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; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Col.1.10-12

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Heb.12.1

 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Rev.2.2,Rev.2.19,Rev.3.10

Fun song…

Still standing…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER8_VVf34M

 

Humble service….

 

Humble service…

In the Lord’s, prayer, he speaks of “daily bread”…

I love how, God gives us that “daily bread” of the Word, how so often , for me, it melds with the day, the current events, the old and the new..things that are going on in my life…he He speaks to my heart…

My Verse for today was psalm 112:5…but added some…

 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,who conduct their affairs with justice.

 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;they will be remembered forever. 

They will have no fear of bad news;their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 

Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,their righteousness endures forever;their horn will be lifted high in honor.

Ps.112.5-9

Was reading again in Romans, 12, 13…

 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: 

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 

If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 

Be devoted to one another in love.

 Honor one another above yourselves.

 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. 

Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 

Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 

On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. 

The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. 

Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? 

Then do what is right and you will be commended. 

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. 

But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. 

They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 

Love does no harm to a neighbor. 

Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Rom.12.3-21, Rom.13.1-8,Rom.13.10

Thank YOU…

In the garden…an old song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_dMzucjEaw

 

Doxology in Romans….

  Doxology in Romans…

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,and his paths beyond tracing out!

 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?” 

“Who has ever given to God,that God should repay them?” 

For from him and through him and for him are all things.To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Rom.11.33-36

This is the Doxology in Romans 11…

It caught me this am…the “who has”…going back through the scriptures…there are a lot of “who has “…a few follow…God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit…the “who”….

We sing the Doxology often, I have since I can remember…sometimes too much by just pure memory without thinking of the words…

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen. “

When you add the “who has “; thoughts behind it…it is amazing…all those blessings…the “all” really means “all”…not some, or a few…

Thank YOU….

 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

 Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,or instruct the Lord as his counselor? 

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,and who taught him the right way?

Who was it that taught him knowledge,or showed him the path of understanding?

Isa.40:12-14

 “Who has stirred up one from the east,calling him in righteousness to his service?He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him.He turns them to dust with his sword,to windblown chaff with his bow. 

Who has done this and carried it through,calling forth the generations from the beginning?I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.”

Isa.41.2,4

 Who has a claim against me that I must pay?

Everything under heaven belongs to me.

Job.41.11

 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 for,“Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”But we have the mind of Christ.

1Cor.1.9,1Cor.2.16

 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.

 His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Eph.2.14-18

The Doxology….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQUTvMtUhw4

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-best-known-hymn-in-history

The great divide….

 The great divide…

 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. 

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Rom.10.9-13,17

Reading through the book of Romans, still, (there is sooooo much in this book…)

As I quickly read various headlines this am, this one popped out…”belief in God, devil falls lower”…concluding paragraphs follow…I usually don’t get into politics, but this was interesting…since I fall into some of these categories…as there seems to be an attempt to divide and pit one against another…

We each get to make the decision of where we stand…that freewill that we are given…I so appreciate God’s patience with us…

 

“Lower income Americans, older Americans, women and those without college degrees were also more likely to say that they believe in such spiritual entities.(God, the devil, heaven, hell, angels)

Republicans (87%)more likely than Democrats(66 %)or Independents(68%).”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/belief-god-devil-falls-low-164300978.html

 “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him,a pot among earthen pots!

Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’or ‘Your work has no handles’? 

Thus says the Lord,the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him:“Ask me of things to come;will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?

 I made the earth and created man on it;

it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,and I commanded all their host.

Isa.45.9,Isa.45.11-12

 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2Pet.3.9

 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

Jude.1.17-19

Thank YOU….

These are the days of Elijah ….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6woSL6yC9wA