Rocky Road with Thorns

. . . this was not good ice cream

The good people The great people here along with those across the way and those around the corner and those several miles down the road and around the corner and those across the street, ad infinitum, decided they would create a structure to better do for themselves and others what each of them could not do well independently.

There were some obvious things assigned to the structure such as securing the land from foreign military threats and law enforcement assistance when and where needed by local bodies such as specific criminal activity involving more than a single locality. Additional responsibilities were added such as:

• the regulation of product weights and contents so that wood chips were not finely ground and used to inflate the contents of a loaf of bread or a sack of flour or cornmeal or other cooking ingredients
• the regulation of paint used in baby cribs, on children’s toys, and in new residences to guarantee the absence of asbestos and other harmful agents
• the monitoring of workplace and business practices to ensure the safety of workers and fair business practices throughout the localities
• enforcement of laws governing the minimum ages for drinking, driving, obtaining firearms and obtaining work permits for certain industries
• the regulation of working conditions and rules to ensure that children of certain ages were not forced into labor and that workers were provided proper safety gear to protect them from inhalation of toxins, minimize the loss of fingers or larger appendages in machinery, and protect their heads from falling debris and equipment or work tools on the work site

These and many other additional responsibilities were added gradually and only when the bodies were firmly convinced of a need they could not meet independently.

As the structure grew and did well, praise was heaped upon it -- the bodies had done well in establishing the structure and in a sense were praising their own good deeds. But as time passed and responsibilities added to the structure that was praised multiplied, the bodies began to develop differing understandings of their needs; and even within individual bodies differences sprang up concerning needs and desires and how the structure that was praised could best be used on behalf of the interests of the different factions of individual bodies as well as different bodies.

And the bodies began to lobby the structure that was praised and representatives to the structure that was praised, and eventually representatives to the representatives. And as some of these representatives had become crafty, they began to lobby the bodies on behalf of the representatives to the structure that was praised. And the bodies ceased working together to find common solutions to identified needs, and the needs were often nothing more than desires fed by the hubris of crafty representatives.

And so, to ensure that the structure that was praised was not dragged into what became petty squabbles within and among the bodies, the representatives to the representatives to the structure that was praised did battle amongst themselves on behalf of the causes or desires considered needs or interests of parties whose members were perhaps at one time numbered among the bodies. And the causes of the parties began to consume the bodies, so much so that the bodies became better known as churches and ripe ground for recruiting support for the parties. And the churches took upon themselves names of great meaning to feed the illusion that they were still of His Body.

And the parties empowered the structure that was praised to resolve all conflict with the power of it’s might that its usefulness be preserved and Godly wisdom be foreign to it.

And through representatives to the representatives the parties rallied the churches in support of the wars that raged and the leader of the the structure that was praised. And the banner of the structure that was praised flew high within the churches and allegiance was declared by all.

And the war criminal retired a hero and the structure that was praised began to groan with the whole of creation for relief from the failures of the churches that were once filled with members of His Body. And with the exception of here, where understanding deemed, throughout the world all saw that the structure that was praised was not worthy.

But the churches did not recognize their distraction and continued down the Rocky Road with Thorns which was not good ice cream.

And yet, . . . there is help.

http://www.wh.org/

Stealing in the Name of God

I’ve got this great message design with Jesus hanging on the Cross and the words, He’s dying to meet you, printed to his right and the citation John 3:16 to His left. The cross is blood-stained and the whole thing is really touching. I just wish it were mine. But it’s not.

I came across the design on a card more than 30 years ago and liked it; so I saved the card. Over the years I’ve been on the lookout for a cap or T-shirt or mug with the design, but have not been able to locate one.

About five years ago I wrote to the address on the back of the card asking for permission to use the design on ScriptureStuff products. I received no reply although the letter was never returned indicating the recipient could not be found. I even scoured the internet trying to find the design, but still nothing. So about a year ago I created a message design using the art work. But I never felt easy about it. Fortunately, I’ve never sold a product with the John 3:16 message design but I’d still really like to.

What I don’t want to do is sell products with the design and have the owner come out of the woodwork and call me a theft. Then I’d have to make restitution in accordance with 2 Samuel 12 and Exodus 22:1-4. Now I know this rule is not followed in the world of publications, particularly internet publications. It is also not followed in the world of T-shirt designs. And not all who market Christian T-shirts follow Biblical principles. But as I want the business and my life to be profitable I’ve got to satisfy myself that I’ve made every effort to contact the rightful owner.

Hence: ScriptureStuff is seeking permission to use the John 3:16 (Jesus on the Cross) design and desires to discuss terms of agreement for such use.

The owner of this design should contact ScriptureStuff via email at admin@ScriptureStuff.com within six (6) months from today, December 1, 2010.

Until contacted within the six (6) month period and satisfactory arrangements are made for ScriptureStuff use of the design, ScriptureStuff will maintain a separate and proper accounting of all sales for turnover of proceeds to the rightful owner of the design if arrangements for ScriptureStuf use cannot be made.

If not contacted within six (6) months by the rightful owner of the design, ScriptureStuff will assume the design is now in the public domain and continue production without regard to future claims.

　Really hope to hear from someone!

Liberation?

Upwards of 1 million dead,
a nation destroyed,
then abandoned.


Daily blackouts,
worms in the drinking water,
garbage piled up for days.


Disease rampant,
infant mortality high,
and mutated births routine.


A very wise member of my congregation told me,
“ . . . you don’t have to be the one to fix all the problems you see.”

It is amazing how sound advice to individuals
is often applicable to a nation.

God's Problem

I won’t keep you in suspense. It’s tomorrow.
That’s it! God’s problem is tomorrow.

It’s always there.
No matter the offense, tomorrow remains. And tomorrow God is still
good1 and loving and will accept our repentance, and forgive us and
strengthen us for the chore ahead.

That person you would become with God’s help . . . that person can
always be, tomorrow --
always there delaying your decision, then your action.
Ever present, but just out of reach,
equivalent to “later” but with a positive spin,
as if an appointment is being set for action
forward looking . .
so much better than never, yet too often the same
plaguing today, daring it to be great.

-----------------------

1That is quite a statement –> “God is still good . . .” Do say? That’s like saying God is God. God defines good. Good is derived from God.

Our Mistake

They looked for him as a mighty warrior, a king who would lead them to greatness, a ruler with whom they would rule over the Romans. They were not prepared to find Him within.

Our mistake is similar. Even with the New Testament as our guide we have sought an external ruler, one who would make things right for us by subduing our oppressors; one who would see the wrongs of the world and fix them. We did not see our role or the empowerment of the Spirit to carry it out by our words.

Reading but not recognizing that God created all by the power of His word and that we were created to be like Him, we continued to look to the future for the likeness to occur. And we waited, and waited and waited.

Many still wait vowing to be ready at His appearance.
___________________

Genesis 1:26 (KJV) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 5:1 (KJV) This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

For the Lack of The Name

God, forgive me.
It could have been a command.


He had not lived a bad life. No worst than most. And he had done a few really good things. Like leaving school early to fight for his country after 9/11.


He did two tours in Iraq with no incident.
And now on his third tour in the Middle East, while not Unbreakable his combat record indicated he was pretty close.

That changed a moment ago, before he knew how quickly it could be over. 

God, forgive me is all he knew.

He knew there was one.  That he was watching, and had been watching  
all his life; he never doubted that God existed. 
He also knew there culd only be one.
And he understood that he was forgiving.


So, for what he had done wrong or done badly, he asked god for forgiveness. 

The Deposited Word

A few Sunday mornings ago I discovered that my son’s bicycle that had been stored with our two other bikes in our parking spaces in our condominium garage had been stolen. I had purchased it two months ago for his ninth birthday. I had ordered the 24 inch,18 gear bike to be his last before he would get a really good adult bike to ride perhaps for the rest of his life.


When it arrived and he first attempted to ride it we discovered it was too big for him – riders should clear the cross bar by at least an inch (suggested 2 inches) to avoid crouch injuries on dismount. But we decided to keep it and allow him to grow into it. It was a little difficult for him to mount and dismount, but I knew that over time and with practice he would develop the skill to handle mounts safely. Until then I would run along beside him to provide assistance with mounting and dismounting the bike. I figured I had a few more weeks of this before I was comfortable enough to allow him to ride on his own. A side benefit is that I discovered I am a better runner than I knew, and I realized running had much to do with motivation than ability.

But it was in my mind to order a 20 inch bike and just keep the 24 inch bike that he would be ready for next year when his younger brother (by 11 months) would require a larger bike than the one 16 inch bike passed down to him.

When I noticed that the bike was gone, I immediately determined to not let the theft ruin my day. I had a busy day planned starting with a morning fellowship with two other families before church, and I was on my way to get a take-out package of coffee and bagels for the group that would be meeting at our place within the hour. Our focus was not to be the theft of my son’s bike. So I continued on to Einstein Brothers Bagels. I returned with the coffee and bagels and we had a really great fellowship. And amazingly the theft did not cross my mind.

I had to apologize to my son because I had not re-secured his bike when I returned from a brief ride. While I had purchased him a new big boy bicycle I had not purchased a separate chain and lock and had been running the single chain through the frames of our three bikes. The apology went well. I expected more of a problem in telling my wife, but this also went well. Now all that was needed was to replace the bike. So I went online and made the purchase.

I felt really good about all that had happened. Through it all I had not thought to be my own avenger. Even when having to expend additional funds to replace the stolen bik,e how I would recoup the funds had not crossed my mind. Despite myself, I had maintained a care not attitude –something had kicked in and taken over and I had lived only in the moment. Now I really understood the term--I was disappointed when I discovered the theft, but the moment of recognition and feeling for what had occurred had passed and my life was to be filled with other moments that could only be ruined if I continued to live in the moment of disappointment. I was actually casting my cares on Jesus. The Scriptures had risen up and forced their application in my life.

It was not until I began to see similar bikes, maybe even exactly like the one taken, that I began to think that perhaps I should confront the rider and inquire about their acquisition . . .this brand new bike is a little small for you isn’t it? Do you have a receipt? But when I considered the possible follow-ups, I assured myself that it was best left in God’s hands and my job was to not care about the matter.

About four weeks later when the bike suddenly re-appeared, I was extremely happy and knew I had made the right choice. I knew that God could return to me 100 fold the funds for the purchase of the replacement bike, and who knows whether He still will. But I was pleased to have the have the bike back and not have to purchase a new 24 inch bike. Who knows but that it was a safety measure to ensure that my son was not injured trying to ride the larger bike? The only thing for me to do was rejoice!　

The Pledge of Allegiance - a plan un-divine

"A challenge? Who would dare?
That dastardly Jesus Only crowd?

Not to worry. This is not my first rodeo.
Have you forgotten my ongoing work with the Sabbath?

With my orchestration of changes to the Pledge over the years
this is but a small matter, a small insertion will do.

. . . there, this will fly."

The Siege - Update on the 1998 movie

The Siege

This was Abu Graib before it happened.
And the Watchman screamed the warning!
We were shown the occupation of a heavily populated urban area
and the resulting panic, terror and outrage of the occupants.
And we thought it only a fantasy.

And celebrity Christians gave their testimonies
and proclaimed their faith
and the churches played Church
as the flag waived high.

Invictus

Invictus is a movie of forgiveness and conquering. It was produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, and stars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela who was held a political prisoner for 27 years by the apartheid government of South Africa and Matt Damon as the captain of the South African Rugby Team, the Springbok, that won the World Cup in 1995.

Nelson Mandela has been released from prison and won the first fully democratic election for presidency in South Africa, and South Africa is hosting the World Cup in rugby. The Springbok had been a dominant team before its isolation from the world because of apartheid. And although Rugby is considered the sport of the 63,000 Afrikaners while soccer is the sport of the 43,000,000 South Africans, President Mandela sees the hosting of the World Cup as a vehicle for uniting all of South Africa behind a common goal. South Africa must win the World Cup!

The sports footage throughout the film is great! In fact, it is a great sports film. Along the way we learn lessons on leadership and forgiveness and avoiding the traps of hate and fear. When you see it next, be sure to look for these great lines in context:

• When Jason, the chief of his security detail, tells him that the four newly assigned security officers may be same ones who tried to kill him not long ago, President Mandela responds, "Forgiveness starts here too. Forgiveness never hurts the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon. Please, Jason, try.
• President Mandela "does not like it if you do not smile when you push people away."
• "We will call him Mr. President."
• "In order to build our nation we must all succeed our own expectations."
• "My father was a polygamist. As you know, I am not. But when I look at you, I envy my father."
• "You know things change, and we need to change as well."
• "We had the support of 43 million South Africans"

Invictus is the name of the poem that gave Mandela hope and determination while imprisoned for 27 years. In Latin, it means unconquered

Brooklyn's Finest

Brooklyn's Finest follows a growing trend in the motion picture industry of giving sympathetic reason for illegal activity making the particular criminal activity palatable to viewing masses. There are some good messages here but the film cannot be recommended for family viewing.

Brooklyn's Finest can be classified as a police or societal tragedy. A break down of main characters follows.

Sal’s wife suffers from asthma due to the wood mold in the walls of their small home. She is also expecting twins and Sal has been advised that because of the asthma one of the twins will be smaller than the other. The doctor also recommends moving to a different house. Sal is doing all he can to make this happen-- not all efforts are legal.

Detective Ronny Rosario is Sal’s friend and partner and appears to be the only one character in this police action tragedy with the right values.

Eddie has 7 days before he can retire, and he just wants to get to that day and retire before he succeeds in the daily suicide attempt that has become his morning ritual.

• But he has involuntarily been assigned as a rookie training officer for his last 7 days.
• On a visit to a prostitute one night he sees a girl being beaten by her pimp. It is not his concern; and he does nothing.
• Later when he identifies the same girl in a missing persons poster he thinks about the arrest he could have made were he not simply serving out his last 7 days.
• On a visit to the prostitute following his retirement Eddie unwittingly leads her to believe he wants an exclusive retirement future with her only to modify his desire when she responds more exuberantly than expected.
• She shrinks back and asks him to leave, the exchange having revealed the difficulty in completing her desired career change.
• The forceful requests immediately catapults Eddie to suicide mode. (The scene elicits my poetic interpretation of the moment.)

Tango is deep undercover, and wants out. He is so far under, he is in danger of becoming more of a criminal than a cop.

Federal Agent Smith gives us reason to continuing blaming the FEDS for all of our wrongs.

Caz rules his drug empire with the protection of his friend, Tango.

Brooklyn’s Finest is the story of three cops who, if not for their circumstances, would-be good cops. But as it is, they are three cops in need. Individually they are all pleading for help. An illustration of their need is found Sal’s confession to his priest:

• He confesses that he has killed a bad guy and he is asked whether he has prayed to God for guidance. He says he couldn’t do that because prayers are not going to give him what he needs. When he is told that God will forgive him because we are all imperfect creatures and led to sin, he responds in anger asking "why does God get all the glory?" He further states that he does not want God’s forgiveness, he wants God’s help! He immediately apologies to the priest and requests "a few Hail Marys and leaves before the priest can stop him.

Perhaps the real message here is that Believers should consider their role in their own salvation and continuing Christian life. As God has provided all that is needed to live the Christian life, we should seek him for it. And Thank God, we can go direct.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Proverbs 30:7-9 (KJV) Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: {8} Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: {9} Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

 

The Book of Eli

Following a nuclear holocaust, he treks across the continent westward. He has been walking for 30 years and along the way he has overcome many obstacles some obviously lengthening his journey. Perhaps his need to memorize the book before delivery, or teach himself Braille, or purify himself to enure the mission’s success, or allow the remaining world to realize their need of what he carries, have all added years to his journey?


He has a singular mission and he lets nothing deter him-- not even mercy, least he fail. He is peaceful, even when provoked, but resilient and always victorious.


He is Eli and he carries the one remaining book to save the world. He is its defender, against all comers. And no matter the power of the opposition he does not draw back.


He is both determined and certain of his eventual success.


Denzel Washington stars as Eli, Mila Kunis as Solara, Jennifer Beals as Solara’s mother Claudia, Gary Oldman as Carnegie, the iron-fisted ruler of a dilapidated town of survivors Eli stumbles through. Carnegie knows the book exists, and believes that with it can rule the world. But Eli knows the book he carries can be used for good or bad, and the town run by Carnegie is not its destination.


The Book of Eli was released in January 2010. It is the most recent in a continuing line of movies where Denzel Washington plays a character of character. But although it has some great messages this is not a movie for young children. Some reviewers have said that Eli represents every man. These reviewers may be more on point than they realize.


I’m sure you will enjoy it when you see; and because some of you have not seen it yet I won’t spoil it for you with more detail. But here are a few things that registered with me:
• When told he has no choice with regards to accepting Carnegie’s invitation to spend the night before continuing his journey, he responds there is always a choice.
• Eli has remained focused on single mission for over 30 years, and allowed himself no distractions.
• Eli is focused on carrying out his mission, not explaining it.
• After surrendering the book to Carnegie to save Solara, Eli confides to Solara that he has been so busy defending the book that he has not lived by it.
• In even the worse circumstance when failure appears certain, Eli remains focused on his mission.


Eli is a man with a purpose, and a man with no friends. In every circumstance he chooses his mission over his own convenience. The Book of Eli provides great motivation for each of us to start, continue and complete our mission, whatever it is.

==========

 

1 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV) That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto

 

See more movie reviews at Your Take

 

Supposing?

Do you think your life is hell?

Well . .  think about it. Maybe it is. Maybe that is why Christ came, to deliver you from hell, To give you the tools to navigate around a life of hell!

Suppose the idea that we go to Heaven or Hell after we die is part of Satan’s trick? He’s been around a long time and has had time to work out the most successful approach to keeping you from God.

And suppose he does this not so much to deny you, but to irritate God, to deny God you?

Suppose you really aren’t Satan’s enemy? And he wars with you only to irritate the One he can not defeat?

Suppose there is hidden truth in the film The Matrix? That we live in a system far below the system for which we were intended, and to keep us captive this system filters the information we receive?

Suppose Hell and Heaven were now, and we choose between them with our words? If Hell were now, what difference would it make to you? If Heaven were now, how would it impact your words?

Suppose our great men introduce new terms and teachings only to get us involved in debates over their validity? Not of their own intent of course, but as Satan is wise, he could he drop new terms to be introduced and taught so that regardless of the validity our time is consumed with the new thing rather than application of the Word?

Suppose the only way God could see His son, Jesus, is through you? Would you let Him? Or would you direct Him to the stained-glass image?

==========================

• Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
• Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV) I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
• Proverbs 14:27 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
• Genesis 27:36 (KJV) And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
• Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (KJV) Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; {27} A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: {28} And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
• Mark 10:45 (KJV) For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
• Exodus 20:4 (KJV) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
• Leviticus 26:1 (KJV) Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
• Deuteronomy 4:23 (KJV) Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
• Acts 17:21 (KJV) (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Rendering unto Caesar

Another 4th of July and local church sanctuaries become shrines for the flag.

In observance we stand as the flag enters and is presented. Silent and still and somber as the choir sings The Star Spangled-Banner. The lyrics are periodically paused as a reader provides details of the writer’s motivation. And we demonstrate our religious heritage by pledging allegiance to the Stars and Strips god that waves before the Cross.

Forgetting that His word still stands, as one we express allegiance in equal parts to Caesar and Christ recognizing neither as jealous.1  
==========================
Exodus 34:14 (KJV) For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:


Joshua 24:20-23 (KJV) If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. {21} And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. {22} And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. {23} Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Do your part as an American --- Conquer!

• America is great because of Her people.
• America is nothing apart from Her people. “America” is nothing more than a name, a title, a calling or designation of her people, an appellation, something we are called as a group or body.

• Although perhaps fewer than the combined number of those who profess serving some other god or do not truly serve Jesus, America has prospered because of the faith, prayers and actions of those who truly do serve Jesus.

• God’s grace to His people as promised in 2 Chronicles 7:141 is not based on their percentage of the national population. God can save and prosper large numbers within a population as well as small numbers. He can also prosper the entire population for the sake of His few within.

• It is therefore important that you depend on your relationship with Him, rather than your memberships or affiliations.

• As each of us does our part to serve Him, and accordingly become successful in all we do, we are individually and collectively successful. Which means, America will conquer all obstacles and return to greatness!

Now, more than ever before, America needs (we need) you to be all you can be --> Conquer!
 

===============

1(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Benevolent King (1 Samuel 8:7-22)

There was a kingdom ruled by a king who had very many subjects, as many as the grains of sand on the seashores. And all of his subjects were pawns. He had no bishops or rooks or queens or kings. No corporals or sergeants or lieutenants or captains or majors or colonels--no generals of any kind. There were no rulers to guide the people or leaders to command the troops.
Each man received counsel and instruction directly from the king himself, because He was a benevolent king and would not suffer His pawns to be led astray by others less qualified. And his kingdom had no walls.

And the people of the benevolent kingdom prospered in all that they did. All of their needs were met, so much so that they could not imagine a desire. And the people were envied by those living in other kingdoms, the others.

The others, with their rulers, plotted against the benevolent kingdom. But it was to no avail as the benevolent king knew all and provided all that He knew to His people as it was needed. And with the wisdom of their benevolent king, the people of the benevolent kingdom thwarted all the attack of the others.

And they grew in wisdom and knowledge and continued to prosper.

The others began to dwell amongst the people of the benevolent kingdom so that they too could prosper but they continued to seek guidance from their rulers and leaders. They read the books and took accredited courses of their rulers and leaders on how to prosper in the benevolent kingdom. As prosperity eluded them, they they comforted themselves with the knowledge that they had done all they knew to do; and they continued to encourage the reading of books and the taking of accredited courses of their rulers and leaders.

And they rejoiced in their very small victories; doctors received wisdom to treat their diabetes and high blood pressure; despite the odds they found donors for needed transplants; they were able to obtain reasonable loans to visit the Holy Land; most of their sons survived the wars and returned home with only minor impairments and disabilities; their wayward children were paroled at the first opportunity.

And with all their small victories the others encouraged the pawns of the Benevolent Kingdom to read the books and take the accredited courses of their rulers and leaders that they too could prosper. And some did . . .

Flea Markets

 That is the last time I’ll set up a table!
All those people and not one wanted my junk!☺
Even worse – finding out that so many people had better junk!1
And worse still, bringing their junk back home mingled with my own.

===========

God chose a man named Abram and called him away from all of his junk. God knew Abram and it is recorded that He said of him, “. . . he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”2 So He called him out, and Abram brought with him his wife, Sarah, and his nephew Lot out of Haran.

There is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Lot was a bad man. But God never spoke of him as He did of Abram. At any rate, when the land was not able to support the flocks and herds of both Lot and Abram, Lot chose to dwell in the plain of Jordan toward Sodom.3 Later, the sin of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah became very grievous and God destroyed their cities after rescuing Lot and his family. But as they fled Lot’s wife looked back and before she could see the newly acquired junk she was leaving, she turned to a pillar of salt.4

========================
1
Junk is defined as the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up. In reality, flea markets sell more than junk. There are actually some pretty good deals for those who look.  The key is knowing the value of what others are offering and being very objective about what you are offering.
2
(Genesis 18:19 KJV) For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
3
(Genesis 13:8-12 KJV) And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
{9} Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
{10} And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
 {11} Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
{12} Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
4
(Genesis 19:21-26 KJV) And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. {22} Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. {23} The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. {24} Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; {25} And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. {26} But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Groundhog Day

As you know Groundhog Day is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is a comedy about a journey of many errors}:

The children of Israel embarked on a journey from Egypt to Canaan just 12 days away, 13 tops! God led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night and they received additional word from God through Moses. They arrived in Canaan 40 years later.

During the journey they faced all matter of threats and attacks from the peoples through whose land they traveled. Through all of their misdirections they continued on to Canaan apparently never aware of their detour or delay. It wasn’t that the directions were wrong or that God moved Canaan — they just had to learn to live in a manner pleasing to God — something to remember as we travel and sojourn.

I'm sure you've seen it by now.  If not, check out the 15th Anniversart Edition from Amazon.

Our Present Need

Psalms 67:5-6 (KJV) Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. {6} Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

• Iraq
• Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
• North - South Korean Discord
• Global Warming
• Depletion of the Rain Forests
• Pollution of the Oceans and Streams
• Sudan’s Darfur Region
• Nuclear Weapons in Iran
• Depletion of Polar Ice caps
• Climate Change
• Nuclear Proliferation
• Pesticides, hormones, poisons in the food supply
• Mexican Drugs Wars

Romans 8:26-28 (KJV) Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. {27} And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. {28} And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Solyent Green

Solyent Green was a great movie released in 1973. 
It depicts our world in the year 2022.
It was science fiction. 
It made a statement that we
were headed to a place
that was not good.

Question: Are we on course?

Revelation 22:12-13 (KJV) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. {13} I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Grandma Was A Good Woman

As she entered the elevator on the 20th floor moving gently through the doors and appearing to use her cane to guide her as much as provide stability, she began to explain:

“I had a horrible fall yesterday. Everything went everywhere. Broke my glasses. These are an older pair. I can hardly see with them. But until I replace the other pair this is all I have.”

She continued her story slowly as older people do and when we arrived at the lobby where she began to move to the door, she had more to tell but sensed that she needed to exit and not hold up others who were going further.

Partially out of the elevator and wanting to complete the story, she struggled to grasp the right words for summation. Another gentleman on the elevator, perhaps recognizing her dilemma and also in a hurry to reach his destination, interjected, “You be careful now,” freeing her to move on. And she responded, ”Thank you” receiving what she needed to depart. Her story had been heard, understood and acknowledged and now she could leave.

But perhaps there was more? Yes, the story had been heard, understood and acknowledged, but she had also been blessed, and she received the blessing with a ”Thank You.” She did not receive, “You be careful now” as a segue to a purposeful exit or a hurried “goodbye now let me go” or a mere admonishment to do her best not to fall again, but as a blessing that she would not fall again.

It is not possible to know the intent of the speaker, but there was a day when words had only one meaning and the power to bless was understood. As I look back, I realize there have been many blessings I have not received, not appreciating the power, intent or authority of the speaker.

I always considered Grandma’s admonishment to be good or her parting words to drive safely as things that older folks were required to say. These were not words of meaning as I would never intentionally not be good or be drive unsafely. I, and perhaps you also, considered such words as time-honored ways of saying goodbye, words that needed not to have been spoken but served as a closing when words more meaningful could not be found, words spoken to fill the silence of departure.

I won’t be that stupid again. I will receive my blessings!

 

Your Last Day?

In 1992 Harold Camping of Family Radio Stations advised us all in his book, 1994, that the world would come to an end in 1994, when Christ returned. When that date came and went revisions were made based on better revelation and more research. The end of it all is now May 21, 2011, according to Mr. Camping and he has a world of data to base it on.

I was skeptical in 1992 and felt somewhat justified by the need for a revised date. But there is a serious question here – what should I be doing, just in case?

You see, we all accept that the world will end.  So, let’s get right to it – – if you were certain that the world would come to an end tomorrow, what would you do? Really think about this. I am not talking about some distant tomorrow – take today’s date and add a day! That’s it! Now, what would you do?

 

Toddler, Stumbling

The first few times he fell it was painful, to watch.
He would stumble a few feet, then fall flat, sometimes bouncing his chin on the floor.

As the distance between falls began to increase
we became glad we allowed him to continue to try,
even to the point of encouraging his efforts.

Without the knowledge that he could in fact walk
we would not have been able to do it.

Similarly, it is our confidence in what He has said that allows us to rise after falling. It is our knowledge that He heals, that He delivers, that He has saved, that allows us to pray for the victory time after time until results come, acting each time as if it were now. And just like His disciples, we learn and we eventually see results.

Matthew 17:14-21
And when they were come to the multitude, there came tohim a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
{15} Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: forofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
{16} And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
{17} Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? bring him hither tome.
{18} And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the childwas cured from that very hour.
{19} Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we casthim out
{20} And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I sayunto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say untothis mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; andnothing shall be impossible unto you.
{21} Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Give Thanks

I pulled into the lot, got out and went in to get a small coffee.
There was a gentleman in line paying for a case of beer and
he finished up and went out.
I got my coffee, paid for it and went to my car.

I set the coffee in the beverage holder, looked in my review mirror, shifted to reverse, began to ease out and felt a slight resistance and a squashing.
I again looked in the mirror over the dash and saw nothing.
I looked in the driver’s side mirror and saw the front of a very small car pulled up behind me as if attempting to go by.

The car was empty with the driver’s door open. I noticed the driver ending a conversation with the driver of the vehicle parked next to mine and he moved toward his car. It was the gentleman who had paid for the case of beer just as I entered the store.

I puzzled as the vehicle was not there when I got in my car;

• he would have to have seen me get in and put my car in reverse?
• Who would pull behind a car and get out to have a conversation, leaving his car unattended?
• Did he see a friend on his way out and jump out to say "Hi," not thinking it would be better to return to a parking spot?
• Had his drinking before purchasing the case impacted his judgement? 

–no matter I had backed into him and the damages were now my responsibility!

But there was no damage to my car.

I had backed up at a full 0.005 mph and had traveled less than a foot. But there was damage to his left front bumper; it had been pushed in about 6 inches and this would not be good for my insurance rates! My being a good driver and working to keep the lowest insurance rates possible – out the window!

I said to him, "Let me get my information," and turned to my car to get the registration and insurance card when he said, "Looks like there is no damage to your car."
"But there is to yours."
"Don’t worry about it. No harm, no foul." And he drove off.

I could not understand the unreasonableness of his actions in stopping his car as he did? If he were trying to collect payment for a previous accident he did not follow through on it?  Was he concerned that a responding police officer, if called, would smell alcohol on his breath?  With all of my reasoning out of what had just occurred, I had forgotten to thank God.

Sometimes we don’t need to reason things out. We just need to know that God is here.

 

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Hanging Out at the Pool (John 5:2-9)

Great spot! Sunshine, light breeze, scenery (got it?).
Beverages, snacks, scenery --
all become the point,
the reason to be, there.

Gotta be there! Who’d miss it? The place to be! They’re all there!

Healing? An after thought.
Observation for troubled water? An interference with hanging out, a tampering with the mood.
A request for assistance? A little self reliance please?
---just roll in, you’ll be a better man for it.

Don’t mess with this!
This is our thing!
Nothing against healing, my way!
Now move! You’re blocking the scenery.

 

John 5:2-9 (KJV)
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
{3} In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
{4} For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
{5} And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
{6} When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
{7} The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
{8} Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
{9} And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.