July  2020: 

7/1/20                      THE BEST THING ABOUT HEAVEN                    1

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  John 14:2

RECOMMENDED READING: JOHN 14:1-6 “.“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

COMMENTS:  God has blessed us so abundantly that you and I could not imagine what it would be like if He hadn’t.   What would it be like if satan was permitted to spread his lies and temptations and deceptions without restraint or moral boundaries?   The limits he is working within are causing profound misery and destruction and disaster and death.

What if God’s forgiveness was unknown and unavailable so we would only have judgment to look forward to when we die and misery only on earth.  What if satan’s goals were the only supernatural influence and goals available and being accomplished?   What if justice and law and healing was not known or followed or obtainable?   Take a few minutes to add a few “what if’s” of your own.

When we ponder why God is not involved nor can see His handiwork because evil is clouding or hiding us from seeing it, it is then we need to stop and reflect and take note of all God continues to do and display for all to see.  We take Him and all He does every day so much for granted.  He is so faithful that we think His grace and provision continues automatically without any intervention, so we give Him little thought or recognition or gratitude.

Why does He continue to provide for us when we continue to ignore Him so?   Well, stop and show gratitude and take some time to praise and thank Him!

The bible speaks of the mansions being built for us in heaven.   The bible speaks of heaven’s preparation for us as though we were coming as an honored long lost precious child.  Well, we were and are!  But the beauty and lavish description of what heaven is like, as described in scripture, think of what heaven would be like without Jesus.   It would be like an empty soulless house without loved ones.

Well, we will be able to enjoy fellowship with our loved ones and ancestors and faithful followers of times past but most of all we will enjoy fellowship and an unrestrained relationship with Christ Himself and He with us.

What would heaven be like without a Triune God?  An empty shell without order or light or LOVE!  Well then, our goal and expectations of heaven lie in abiding eternity with our Creator and Lord and Savior and Friend.  With the Almighty God.  Heaven, as beautiful and wonderful as God is making it, will just be a fringe benefit that comes with being with God Himself.

Likewise, what is earth like when people worship and praise and are in fellowship and obeying God?  Earth begins to become more and more like heaven.  We begin noticing and appreciating God’s handiwork on earth and appreciate others and impact God has on them as well as us.

Well, we might just be able to enjoy and experience a little bit of heaven while on earth if we seek and follow and worship the One who made and sustained the earth and everything and everyone on it.  2 Chronicles 7:14 “¹⁴ 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.”   

When we think of heaven, we think of greeting loved ones and be able to enjoy youthful bodies once again, but most of all to be with Jesus (Revelation 22:20). Take note of Billy Graham’s words below.  He wrote them in anticipation but now is enjoying experiencing such face to face fellowship with Christ along with so many of his loved ones with him.        Oh that you and I enjoy the same.   We have such opportunity if we only accept that opportunity He continues to offer us but time is growing short.  Our lives have a finite length and the time of Christ’s return is drawing near.  When either expires, our destination will be sealed, determined by our decision of accepting or rejecting that precious the gift of forgiveness.  The gift He paid dearly for but offers without cost to us.

“The most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there. I will see Him face to face.” Billy Graham

7/2/20                        JAILHOUSE BLUES                                                      2

COMMENTS:   Do you have a “bucket list” of things you would like to do before you die or physically can’t anymore?  Those trips you dreamed of that you could never afford nor had the time free to do.  How about challenges like mountain climbing or parachuting out of an airplane?  For some it may be marrying the right person and having a family?  Or how about going back to school and completing your education and starting that career you dreamed of but other obligations got in the way.

Ruth Bryant had just celebrated her 100^th birthday when two policeman arrived to arrest her.  She was handcuffed to her walker and taken to the police station.  The put her in an orange jumpsuit and a picture was taken with the arresting officers.  You see, on her bucket list was to be arrested, so her family presented her wish to the local police station with this result.

What is on your bucket list?  Arlene and I had planned and hoped to do some traveling in retirement, which we did.  We took our family to Florida and to Alaska.  Arlene and I went to Hawaii and traveled in California including going to a Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Now, 8 years into retirement, I am finding driving and even walking more difficult due to Parkinson’s and am realizing our days of travel are winding down even though I envisions being able to travel for many more years.

I prayed and hoped God would equip and reveal an effective ministry for me in retirement.  This journal and blog and email distribution have certainly become that.  Opportunities to financially help some ministries and pastors and some personal needs of a few have certainly been that.

But the world and even our own country and community are quickly becoming a darker and less moral and less kind place than even when I first retired 8 years ago.  Moral boundaries and biblical values are quickly becoming less and less accepted and more and more rejected.  Even history is starting to be erased and replaced with undocumented or even deliberate fabricated stories. 

What will our future become and how will this epidemic of rebellion against God play out?  Are we at the door of Christ’s return to take the faithful and judge the unfaithful and satan? Or will revival return and mankind be restored to a place of Grace and peace?  The choice is in each of our hands.  God is waiting for us to decide.  Our decision will not only impact us but anyone and everyone we impact, especially our families.

So satisfying our personal “bucket list” may be nice but not essential.  Whatever you miss on earth will quickly be forgotten in heaven, for that’s when our life truly begins in splendor. This world is a brief prologue to the real story—our eternal home in heaven. Sometimes we think we’re missing out because we can’t visit every country, fulfill every desire, experience every adventure, and enjoy every opportunity. But earth is fading away, and our future is glorious—heaven with God! 

What a blessed thought! Our eternity in heaven is secure through Christ.

“Heaven is a realm of unsurpassed joy, unfading glory, undiminished bliss, unlimited delights, and unending pleasures.”  John MacArthur

7/3/20           NO HUMDRUM IN HEAVEN                                        3

Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.  Matthew 25:23

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING MATTHEW 25:14-30 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.² As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals,And burned incense to carved images.³ “I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms;But they did not know that I healed them.⁴ I drew them with gentle cords,With bands of love,And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.I stooped and fed them.” ²⁴ “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’²⁶ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. ²⁷ So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. ²⁸ Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.²⁹ ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. ³⁰ And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”
COMMENTS: Scripture and Jesus specifically tells us of heavens beauty and the preparations He is making for us there.  He shares how we will be able to fellowship with family and friends from across the ages with new bodies without limits experienced on earth.  Aging and sickness and death and sin and evil will all be removed and no longer in and with us.  But most of all we will be in deeper and continual fellowship with Him.

He also gives us a clue that He is also planning the work He will have for us to do also.  Yes, we will work, but work that won’t be drudgery or unpleasant or boring or without lasting importance.

Work in heaven will be what we are meant to do and have the personality and skills to do.  Will we have to train and prepare for that work or will we be given the skills and abilities and preparation instantly in heaven?

I don’t know the answer and don’t think we need to know until He reveals that answer to us then.  I can imagine and appreciate the value of preparing just like going to college or trade school and mentoring under supervision of a skilled craftsman has value here on earth.  Sharing skills and building personal relationships are obviously important to God since He chose that those skills be passed on here on earth from older to younger over time.

I can see Him gathering people from across the ages to   mentor and prepare for their specific tasks and then pairing them to do the work together.  To instantly give each those skills and knowledge and then sending them out alone just doesn’t sound like what God would do especially in heaven.   God is a relational God, so I can imagine He would keep building and using relationships with each other and with Him as center of doing and enjoying the work He wants us to do.

One thing I have noticed in retirement is how much more enjoyable work like volunteering is when do so with others without concern of earning a paycheck.  The blessing of positive impact on those that work impacts and fellowship with co-workers is a rich bountiful payment.  I can imagine the same will be true in heaven.  How about you?  What do you imagine our work in heaven to be like?  Are you envisioning something different than I am?

Well, the real answer will likely be somewhat different since we don’t know no can comprehend God’s plan fully, so we will just simply have to wait.  But wait knowing it will be wonderful.  AMEN?  AMEN!

The Bible gives us glimpses of the new heavens, the new earth, and the city of New Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible we have descriptions of our eternal home. It will be a place of enthusiasm, energy, and adventure. His servants will serve Him there, and our work will be meaningful. We’ll be able to accomplish it without frustration or fatigue, and everything will be done with harmony and holiness. The air of heaven will be fresh, full of praise, and bright as sunshine. You’ll never be bored.

So get ready! Be a good and faithful servant today at whatever God is calling you to do.

“There will be new planets to develop, new principles to discover, new joys to experience. Every moment of eternity will be an adventure of discovery.”  Ray Stedman

7/4/20                                      Heavenly Joy                                              4

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.   Psalm 16:11

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING PSALM 21:6– “⁶ For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.”

COMMENTS: Satan would have us think that heaven will be boring, that God is a judging God that does not tolerate any enjoyment and fun or “free thinking” and in heaven none of that will be tolerated.  Satan also wants us to believe that hell is not a real place or that there we will be able to have fun with our gang or drinking buddies.

But scripture tells us that could not be further from the truth.  Heaven is a place we will enjoy in perfect bodies and surrounding with our loved ones and friends past and present and those living long before us who all accepted God’s Grace and mercy.  Heaven will not be boring at all but a place of great Joy and celebration and fellowship with each other and with God.  It will also be a place with things to do and work to accomplish and ….

Also, hell is a real place with pain and torment but most of all a place without any company or fellowship.  Totally alone and in isolation.

Everyone has a special place they know and enjoy – a quiet place to go to for reflection or prayer or rest.  A place to be alone to recharge.  There may be a special person to go to that gives us joy and comfort and wisdom who recharges us too.

The psalmist David wrote of the “fullness of joy” in God’s presence.   He is describing and looking forward to the eternal pleasures of experiencing God’s presence in heaven without distractions of sin and world to hinder.   Joy is a lot deeper than happiness.  Joy is more than a feeling or emotion   or sensation.  Happiness is fleeting and short-lived, but real joy is more stable and transcends or is not destroyed by difficult or tragic circumstances.  Happiness is quickly destroyed or removed by a sad or difficult event but joy is not because the source of joy is a choice.  The choice to follow and trust the creator and sustainer and savior and companion of all including you and me.    Pleasures are causes by circumstances and pass when those circumstances pass, but joy is sustained within by the One who does not pass or leave, even during difficult times.  Joy is not an emotion but does bring warm emotions often.  Joy brings peace instead of conflict and clear wise thinking instead of panic and worry clouding clear thinking.

Joy is permanent while happiness is temporary. “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH” Nehemiah 8:10

“One hour in heaven and we shall be ashamed that we ever grumbled. “  Vance Havner

7/5/20              RESURRECTED AND RESTORED                                     5

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
1 Corinthians 15:54

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING JOHN 20:19-28– “¹⁹ Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

²¹ So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” ²² And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”²⁴ Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” ²⁶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” ²⁷ Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” ²⁸ And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!””
COMMENTS: Having doubts and fears is human and not sin.  But sin they can become depending on how we deal with those doubts and fears.  Confessing them to God in prayer and to each other is helpful so we discover we are not alone nor alone in experiencing those doubts and fears.  But they become sin when we refuse to step out in faith accepting the tools and resources Jesus offers to overcome those fears and doubts and begin walking in obedience to what He is calling us.  The first century Christians and Disciples had to learn that and learn they did.  They still had to face real dangers and even martyrdom of self and family, but they were able to do so with confident joy and assurance Christ was with them and would meet them as they entered heaven’s gates.  They didn’t want to suffer and die but when they faced it, they did so without fear.  They boldly declared the Gospel and the consequences Romans and even fellow Jews put on them.  As a result, the courageous way they lived and died compelled many more to accept their faith and do so too.  In spite of or because of their suffering, Christianity spread explosively across the Roman Empire.

We are told in scripture that in heaven we will have perfect bodies youthful in appearance and abilities without the ravages and limits of age and disease and sickness.  Bodies stronger and better in every way that will not age or die.  Bodies new but will be recognized by loved ones and theirs by us.

 “The human body is formed for immortality…by sinking into death, it does not utterly perish.”               John Calvin

7/6/20               GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE                                      6      

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  Mark 14:35

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING MARK 14:32-42 – “³² Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. ³⁴ Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”

³⁵ He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. ³⁶ And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

³⁷ Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

³⁹ Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. ⁴⁰ And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

⁴¹ Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

COMMENTS: Even Jesus needed quiet time in prayer to empower and prepare Him to fulfill His mission and final task on earth.  Within a human body with all the human limits and weaknesses, He faced His most difficult and most important task – the task of crucifixion but even more, taking on all the world’s sin through the ages and facing the rejection of the Father that burden carried.  He had to face the judgment for sin in order for the Father to declare forgiven those who accept Christ’s sacrifice as payment for their own sins.  As a human, Jesus saw even a brief separation from the Father as unbearable especially when carrying all the guilt and regret and judgment and torment carrying our sins entailed.  So that night He sought the Father’s help and encouragement and strength.  He also sought the support of His followers and faithful disciples.  Even then He was disappointed to find His disciples napping when He longed for their supporting prayers.  Was He angry? No, but He was disappointed.  People disappointed Him often during His life, so much so that He specially appreciate people like the Roman Centurion who believed enough that Jesus could heal his dying servant to ask Jesus to heal Him from the distance instead of bothering Him to go with Him to his servant.

Faith is rare in people and that level of faith is rare among Christians.  Yet, we have a clue from Jesus’ reaction to the disciples napping in Gethsemane just how disappointed Jesus is when we fail Him today.  Granted, He is restored to His Glory and Power and Divinity and Attributes, but I can envision He still is disappointed when we fail Him and excited when we leap out in faith trusting Him.

Matthews account of Gethsemane is recorded in Matthew 26:37 and Luke 22:44

Jesus prayed seeking God provide another way and spare Him.  It was Jesus’ humanity being overwhelmed with the task at hand.  But JESUS DID NOT SIN! HE DID NOT DISOBEY THE FATHER!  HE FULFILLED HIS MISSION!  His resolve was “Father, not my will but Thine be done.”  It wasn’t that He didn’t want to do the Father’s Will nor that He had changed His mind about wanted to save the world.  It just had become too hard for His humanity to   endure.  But endure He did because the Father did grant His request for additional strength to endure before separating Himself from Christ while Christ was bearing all our sins.

Jesus knew at Gethsemane that He was about to do His greatest battle against satan and that He must do it with all His human weakness and limits.   He must do that enduring the weight of all our sins weighing on Him.   BUT HE DID AND HE WON!!   SATAN IS DEFEATED AND HIS DOOM IS SEALED!  HIS SENTENCE IS SURE AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED SOON – VERY SOON!  AMEN?  AMEN!

“Thy way is always best, O let that way be mine! In this my soul shall rest, not my will, Lord, but Thine!”  From an old Methodist hymn

 7/7/20                                 THE RESURRECTION BODY                                   7

We shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52

RECOMMENDED READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-58 – “⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”⁵⁵ “O Death, where is your sting?O Hades, where is your victory?”⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

COMMENTS: When we are young, old age and death are the farthest thing on our minds.  Then seeing elderly grandparents and neighbors struggle walking or doing simple tasks stirred up compassion but it was difficult then to imagine them as young teenagers running and jumping and climbing like us.  We then think we have a long time before reaching that point in life.

But guess what?  Those days seem like yesterday and I’m finding myself almost there now. I see my granddaughter and step grandsons and others their ages able to do work and play like I used to but am no longer able.  But I also find myself very grateful for being able to do what I still can, even though I know the day is quickly approaching when I won’t be able to.  How do people who don’t know Christ nor believe in Him cope with such a prospect?  The only answer I can come up with is they convince themselves they are good enough for heaven and they just learn to live with and accept their weaknesses.

Well, scripture makes it perfectly clear that Christ is the only way to heaven.  That way is accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins and accept His gift of forgiveness and redemption in that way.

Well, now I can say from personal experience that life is very brief and passes very quickly.  I can also so the confident hope of eternal life because of Christ’s sacrifice is sure and makes all the difference.  A few years dealing with an aging body and any other difficulty or dark times God may allow satan to touch me for a time will be short lived and followed by an eternity with a brand new better body and a home to live in forever with loved ones and with Him forever.

The above scriptures tell us those who died will instantly receive new bodies and awaken when He returns.  Those still alive when He comes will also instantly be in their new bodies without pain and as quickly as the blink of an eye.  Those who reject Christ will only have God’s judgment to look forward to, and that will be something to dread – an eternity of regrets and suffering beyond imagination.

Doesn’t that punish seem too severe or beyond what we would judge fair for the crime?  Maybe, but then again, we don’t know the degree of our crime and we don’t see sin as God does.  How can we judge or have an opinion on God’s fairness and judgment, when we don’t have a clue?  Well, just be glad God has provided a way for forgiveness and redemption and eternal life in heaven with Him with full forgiveness.  It isn’t offered to a few or some chosen, but to all.   Not one will He turn away who seeks Him for mercy and forgiveness.  There is room at the cross for everyone.  Room at the cross for you and me.  Room at the cross for millions more alive today and tomorrow until death or His return removes that option.   That is why it is vital not to delay.  Scripture is very clear on urgency and importance of not delaying salvation acceptance.  

I know, I’m probably preaching to the choir and you’ve heard this so many times.  Me too but appreciating just how wonderful salvation is has become so much greater for me in recent years and I pray for you too.

“How can we be sure that we shall one day have new bodies like the glorified body of our Savior? We can be sure because the Spirit lives within us.”  Warren W. Wiersbe

WE CAN BE SURE BECAUSE THE BIBLE SAYS SO!  BECAUSE JESUS SAYS SO!  That’s good enough for me!  How about you?

7/8/20                                 Tank Full of Love                            8

For the love of Christ compels us… He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
 RECOMMENDED READING:  2 CORINTHIANS 5:12-15 ¹² For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. ¹³ For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

COMMENTS: How much gratitude is enough? What does God expect of us in response to His gift of salvation?  When have I satisfied sufficient payment in praise and thanksgiving to Him?  Have you ever asked such questions or wondered?  Do you know anyone who has?

To do so is asking a wrong question but can be useful in helping us discover the purpose of praise and worship and gratitude and benefit for the giver even more than for the receiver.    Well, the better question(s) and real answer may be best discovered in realizing that God made us in His image and try to discover what that means.  

So many unanswered questions but salted with just enough of a clue to allow us to wonder and let our imagination wonder a bit.  However, God gives us clear answers to questions we need answered while on earth dealing with life’s problems and temptations and struggles, most of which are not caused by God but by satan.  

We do have the capacity to communicate with each other but we also have a unique capacity to communicate with our creator and Lord, what is the most wonderful and amazing capability God has given us. To communicate and express love and thanksgiving and worship. To communicate seeking help and council and wisdom and encouragement.  To know God and not just read about Him and talk about Him.

When we loved and care about someone:

The list is much longer but basically a human love relationship, which is different between spouses and with siblings and with friends and with co-workers and between parents and their children and grandchildren, but there are also some common characteristics too. 

The same is true in our loving relationship with God.  He has the capacity to love and communicate with each and all of us equally and all at the same time.

So God not only loves and cares for us and enjoys our company, but gives us capacity to loves others and Him far more deeply than we can imagine.  He has designed us to be in relationship with Him and gain joy and life and wisdom and understanding and peace and capacity to love and be like Him … through worship and praise and thanksgiving… through prayer.

So, prayer is much more than communicating with our God.  Prayer is as much a life giving act we do as breathing and eating.  Love is the fuel and motivator and spark that make the engine of our soul come to life and live.   Why?  Well, it is because we are praying to the Creator and giver of life!  AMEN?  AMEN!

“The love of Christ influences every decision we make and everything we do; His love becomes our way of life and not mere emotion.”  Ed Stetzer

7/9/20                      CASTING CROWNS                            9                  

And cast their crowns before the throne.    Revelation 4:10
 RECOMMENDED READING:  REVELATION 4:6-11 “ ⁶ Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. ⁷ The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. ⁸ The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:“Holy, holy, holy,Lord God Almighty,Who was and is and is to come!”⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord,To receive glory and honor and power;For You created all things,And by Your will they exist and were created.””                                               

COMMENTS:  Our scripture (Rev. 4:10) specifically talks about casting our crowns at Jesus’ feet.  So, what does this act mean and represent and tell us?  There is a contemporary Christian groups called “Casting Crowns” that have their roots and beginning after a study of Rev. 4 and Chris Tomlin’s song “We fall down; we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus”.  This study and Chris’ song inspired them to name their new group “Casting Crowns”.

So, what crowns are given to us in heaven and why do we receive them only to lay them at Jesus’ feet when they are given by Him to us in the first place?

Well, first of all scripture identifies 5 crowns awarded to faithful believers:  The crown of life, the incorruptible crown, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of rejoicing.  Christ gives us these crowns as a reward and expression of His love and acknowledgment for our faithfulness and sacrifice for Him.  We then respond back by laying them at His feet as an expression of our love to Him and gratitude for the far greater sacrifice and faithfulness He has shown to us.  The crowns identify authority Christ is giving His followers and they in return are identifying Him as the source of all they are and have.  Laying our crowns at His feet does not show rejection of responsibility He will give us but showing Him our commitment to put and keep Him as the source – the only source of wisdom and strength and power and direction to obey.  Such is a sign of a covenant between Christ and each of us in heaven that will continue for eternity. 

We will have responsibilities and work to do in heaven.  Work of eternal importance and value but work will be perfectly suited for and love to do and be energized and excited to do.  Work we will not do alone and work we will be given resource to do, but also work He will be oversea with us.

What is that work?   I can only imagine but don’t have a clue.  To speculate may be an enjoyable thing to entertain but we must be careful doing so, because I’m certain each of us will be given work best suited for each of us and work we will love doing.     Will there be training in heaven prior to doing?  I wouldn’t be at all surprised.  Will there be others to help us?  I wouldn’t be surprised of that either, but I simply don’t know and you don’t either.  I only know it will be good – very good!

I like Erwin’s statement below.  We don’t desire heavenly rewards to feel pride or to gain praise of our piers, but we simply want to hear Jesus tell us “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Nothing else will matter. So laying our crowns at His feet will renew in heaven our commitment and pledge to be faithful completely and eternally to Him.  We need to start, so laying our earthly crowns and possessions at His feet while on hearth is appropriate too.  Maybe that would be a good idea to downsize and let go of some of our “stuff” to free up resources and focus to follow His direction more completely.  Agree?  AMEN!  

“We do not desire rewards for the reward itself, but because rewards are a reflection of Christ’s approval of us.”  Erwin W. Lutzer

7/10/20         GOD PUTS OUR TEARS IN HIS BOTTLE                     10

God cares for us so deeply He records our sorrows. Psalm 56:7-8 says: “7In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations. 8You have taken account of my wanderings; You have put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? 9Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side”                                                          

In some way God captures our tears in His bottle and our pain in His Book. In other words, He cares for every heart pang. If He has captured your tears in His bottle, then let the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit bring comfort to your heart. And if He has written your hurts in His heavenly book, open His earthly Book and find a promise. You will receive one wave of divine grace after another.         

Prayer is a 2-way street.  We desperately need to communicate with God because He is the source of our life and infinite wisdom.  Because He has designed us to be in fellowship with Him.  Because His Will and His command is for us to fellowship with Him.  But you and I don’t have a clue just how deep and passionate God’s love for each of us is.  Not only is God capable of loving us as if we were the only human but He passionately desires one on one fellowship with each of us.  His love for each of us is genuine and unfailing.

So, why does He allow us to suffer?  Why do we feel so alone at times?  Why is life so hard?    We blame God because we believe He is in control and has the power to change things and circumstances and people.   If His will is for our good, then why doesn’t He simply make that happen all the time?

Well, experience teaching us in time that what is best for us isn’t always the most pleasant or appealing.  We can’t   live on ice cream and candy.  We can grow in maturity and in faith and in character and integrity if we don’t encounter dangers and challenges and even grief and tragedy at times.  Good times and prosperous time do not build integrity and stamina in our faith any more than relaxation and sleep alone will build physical endurance.  No, we need painful exercise to build physical endurance and we need spiritual trials to build spiritual integrity and stamina and character and to build faith in Him.   God suffers when we suffer. He grieves when we grieve.  He experiences our pain and sadness.  He doesn’t desire that we suffer but there is one who does.   He even records and cherishes each tear we shed.  Well the, who does desire for us to suffer and die?  Who is responsible for our suffering even though God uses our suffering to exercise our spiritual muscles?  The guilty – responsible criminal is satan and his demons.  They work 24x7x365 to draw us as far from God as he can and tempt us with pleasurable things and then delivers pain and death.  

Who inspires wars and hatred and divorce and crimes of all types?  Who invented all pagan religions and compels people to worship idols or things instead of the one true God.  IT IS NOT GOD, BUT SATAN!

So what should all this mean to us?  It should cause deep love and gratitude to well up for Him.  The tears we should shed should mostly be tears of joy and compassion towards Him.   He cherishes our tears of grief but He treasures tears of Joy we shed for Him.   When is the last time you took a significant period of time just to express your love and gratitude to Him without asking for something?  When is the last time you lingered just to enjoy His company and listened and waited?    We break God’s heart when we sin, but we also break His heart when we neglect Him.  The story of the prodigal confirms that especially when told to us by Jesus Himself.  So let’s start spending more quality time with Him not just because we need to but because doing so brings Him great joy.                                                                                                                                Tears are the diamonds of heaven; sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah’s court and are numbered with “the most sublime strains that reach the majesty on high.”                         Charles H. Spurgeon

AMEN?  AMEN!

7/11/20     SUSTAINING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATEFUL PRAISE AND PRAYER   11

1 Thess. 5:16-18  ” Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Achieving an attitude and sustaining that attitude all our waking hours and each and every day is an impossible but worthwhile goal.  A goal not attainable without God’s help and involvement.  A goal that requires much effort and discipline on our part and regular spiritual exercise to progress and gain stamina and focus necessary.  I must confess I have made some progress in my senior years but still falling infinitely short of attaining that goal.  Imagine deciding to                         journey from New York City by foot to San Francisco along I-80.  Each step makes progress but the goal is still far beyond reach.  If the goal of 1 Thess.  is likened to    this journey, I dare say I have yet to leave New York State. When I see Jesus face to face at His return or at my death, He will transport me the rest of the way, but so much to be gained in the meantime if I stay focused on reaching that goal.  Let’s pray for God’s help and strength and council in that quest and journey.  Pray that God make prayer so natural to us that it is like breathing and taking nourishment or water and just as strong an absence to us when we neglect doing so.

How much gratitude is enough? What does God expect of us in response to His gift of salvation?  When have I satisfied sufficient payment in praise and thanksgiving to Him?  Have you ever asked such questions or wondered?  Do you know anyone who has?

To do so is asking a wrong question but can be useful in helping us discover the purpose of praise and worship and gratitude and benefit for the giver even more than for the receiver.    Well, the better question(s) and real answer may be best discovered in realizing that God made us in His image and try to discover what that means.  

6. God made humans with the ability to reason and think and communicate.  But, we can see some evidence of that in many animals. 
7. God made humans with ability to love and protect their loved ones but can also see some evidence of that in many animals too.
8. How about ability to see danger and sacrifice to bring help or remove others from danger?  Well, we see evidence of this in many animals too.
9. How about ability to love and show affection? That too is demonstrated to some extent among certain animals.
10. The Bible tells us man has an immortal soul that will live forever.   Well, that sets man apart from the animal world, but there is an unanswered question whether there is or will be any animals in heaven.  I’m not going to try to attempt to answer that question but do note that prophecy speaks of Christ returning riding on a horse, so there is reason to hope some animals will be included.  Also, we are told children will be safe with dangerous animals like lions.

So many unanswered questions but salted with just enough of a clue to allow us to wonder and let our imagination wonder a bit.  However, God gives us clear answers to questions we need answered while on earth dealing with life’s problems and temptations and struggles, most of which are not caused by God but by satan.  

We do have the capacity to communicate with each other but we also have a unique capacity to communicate with our creator and Lord, what is the most wonderful and amazing capability God has given us. To communicate and express love and thanksgiving and worship. To communicate seeking help and council and wisdom and encouragement.  To know God and not just read about Him and talk about Him.

When we love and care about someone:

4. We are concerned about their well-being and want them to be happy.
5. We want to know and understand and be with them more.
6. We want to please and bring joy into their lives and help them grow and become better persons.

The list is much longer but basically a human love relationship, which is different between spouses and with siblings and with friends and with co-workers and between parents and their children and grandchildren, enables us all to sustain a level of kindness and cooperation and encouragement that has long range benefits. 

The same is true in our loving relationship with God.  He has the capacity to love and communicate with each and all of us equally and all at the same time.  The big difference is God is the source of perfect pure love.  Christ demonstrated and lived that love and God through a relationship with us wants to instill that perfect love in us, which only is possible if we surrender our will to invite Him to teach and transform us with that love.

So, God not only loves and cares for us and enjoys our company, but gives us capacity to love others and Him far more deeply than we can imagine.  He has designed us to be in relationship with Him and gain joy and life and wisdom and understanding and peace and capacity to love and be like Him … through worship and praise and thanksgiving… through prayer.

So, prayer is much more than communicating with our God.  Prayer is as much a life giving act we do as breathing and eating.  Love, God’s pure perfect Love, is the fuel and motivator and spark that make the engine of our soul come to life and live.   Why?  Well, it is because we are praying to the Creator and giver of life and the source of perfect and pure love!  AMEN?  AMEN!

“The love of Christ influences every decision we make and everything we do; His love becomes our way of life and not mere emotion.”  Ed Stetzer

7/12/20              PREPARED TO BE AMAZED                              12

The holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.  Revelation 21:10-11

^{RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING REVELATION 21:23  “  23} The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever looked at the homes and cars and lifestyle and wondered what it would be like to possess and live in such a way.   But what do we find commonly when look at those who have such?  Well, we find unhappiness and broken families and a desire to get more – even more so than among the middle class and poor class.  Ever wonder why?   Well, scripture explains this.   Possessions do not satisfy the longing of our soul.   Possessions demand our attention to maintain them.  Houses deteriorate quickly if not maintained and repaired.  Cars do too.  Property does too.  The common error is to work hard to acquire the promised security that money and property promised but when we are old, we begin loosing such because we no longer can take care of them and can no longer afford to hire someone to do so. 

Children who inherit property and wealth from their parents often find such to be a curse because such opens opportunity, like for the prodigal, to squander on sinful indulgences, creating many addictions that are very difficult to overcome.

However, there is wealth worth pursuing and an inheritance worthy of striving for and leaving for our children that will bless them.   That wealth is a relationship with Christ and that inheritance can only come from Christ, but an inheritance that much be received from Christ and supported by physical family and church family.   The promise of heaven and eternal life with family and friends and, most of all, with Christ is assured to any and all who accept His redemptive sacrifice and forgiveness.  That legacy and resulting life-transformation serves as evidence and encouragement for others to do so too.  Those before us guided us to Christ and so do we if we are faithful. One hundred years from now it won’t matter how much power or success or status or wealth or property and other possessions we acquire.  We will leave them all behind when we breath our last.  But the influence we have on others will linger and continue after we are gone.  It is our relationship with Christ and impact of our lives on others that matter the most and has eternal influence.   Consider the lingering impact those before us continues to have on us.   That influence can be good or bad, so make sure your influence is good and guided and enhanced by obedience and surrender and closeness to Christ.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not…a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.”  C. S. Lewis

7/13/20                                WOULD YOU TELL ME?                       13

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”   Zechariah 8:23 

^{RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING JOHN 1:40-42 “40} One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone)”

COMMENTS:  Have you become so accustomed to rejections at invitations to come to church or to accept Christ.  Has rejected made you reluctant to ask?  Sure, most will say they will think about it but then don’t show.  So, has the fear of rejection or discouragement caused you to miss opportunities?  I have to admit sharing the gospel is not the easiest thing for me one with one, but there have been times when the opportunity was set by other circumstances and was much easier.

So, should we force opportunities to happen or should we let our light and life reflect Christ’s example as best we can and wait for others to ask before sharing the Gospel?  Well, I believe the answer lies between these two extremes most of the time.  Being bolder at sharing the Gospel is something I am working on and suspect you are too, but not to the extreme of brow beating.  What is best is to follow Christ’s example. 

Well, truth is, if others are not sure of our faith, then I’d have to say that we are not bold enough, but if they turn away or avoid us because of preaching to them, maybe we need to find a different approach? 

Writing has become an important way for me to share the Gospel – collecting and sharing thoughts I find difficult to gather in conversation. Likewise, social media is giving me a platform to share to a far broader audience than I ever could reach other ways.

But this is no substitute for one on one evangelism and witnessing either.  Both are important tools for witnessing and also for discipling.

So, what opportunities have you missed or were unprepared for?   I can think of a few.  I can also think of a few that came again later when I was ready and willing.  Likewise, I can think of a few that God gave to another since I missed them.

The important result is everyone get an opportunity to hear and accept Christ and that you and I be ready and take any opportunity God puts our way.  That is our calling and responsibility and obligation.  Why?  For a number of reasons but I’d say the most noteworthy is because He asks us to.  He deserves or worship and praise infinitely more than others and also our obedience.  His ways and commands and even requests are best for us and others.  They always have been and always will be.

 “All true theology has an evangelistic thrust, and all true evangelism is theology in action.”                          J. I. Packer

7/14/20           THE GARDEN TOMB                    14

Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.  John 19:41

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  JOHN 19:38-42  “³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. ³⁹ And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰ Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. ⁴¹ Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ⁴² So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby..”

COMMENTS:  It is our desires and planned to lay of deceased loved ones to rest in a beautiful cemetery with flowers and well-groomed grass with flowers and trees and a scenic landscape.  This of course does not change the fact that they are deceased and their bodies cannot enjoy or see the beauty of the above ground surroundings. Let’s face it, burying our loved ones in such a place is more expensive but is designed to comfort and be for the benefit of surviving family and friends.  It really doesn’t matter where they are buried or how their bodies are prepared.  Some may be in a disaster in an airplane or ship or explosion and their bodies are not retrievable.  Some are embalmed while others are cremated before burial.  That doesn’t matter either.  Christ has promised those who put their faith in Him that they will received new bodies more perfect than their old bodies even when were youthful.  That isn’t affected if death comes when in our youth or at extreme age.

Cremation is becoming more popular because funerals and cemetery plots are becoming so expensive – well beyond what estate of deceased or their families can afford.    

We will know each other and be known by them and by Christ.  We will be able to have fellowship with each other and with Him too. 

Well, beautiful cemeteries with nice grave stone markers have been important in every prior generation, even back in ancient times.  Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb provided by Joseph of Aremathia.  Without Joseph’s intervention, Jesus would likely been buried in a place reserved for the poorest of Jews in an unmarked grave.

Well, as a cemetery upkeep volunteer, I can see the value of preserving and doing upkeep and grooming of cemeteries, especially cemeteries where family and friends are buried.  Just working and seeing their grave stones triggers me to recall their lives and personalities and deeds.  Causing me to remember past experiences and discover or be reminded of just how God used them to bless and influence and draw me into a saving knowledge of Christ too.   Christ’s tomb reminds us of His great sacrifice and how much His life and death and resurrection have blessed and impacted yours and my lives.  Even though those events happened long ago in ancient times, they still impact countless millions today for good.  Why and How?  Because they were done by Almighty God, Creator – Sustainer – Caretaker – Savior – King of all creation and every living thing.  There is nothing beyond His control and beyond His ability, but there are choices He will not due because of His perfect Will.  He will not condone sin forever nor will He let unforgiven sin go unpunished forever.   His long suffering delays judgment much longer than we would but none the less, His judgement is coming, we can be certain about that. 

 “Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light, as the angels announce Christ is risen!”

Stuart Townsend

7/15/20  A TIME TO QUIETLY AND SILENTLY WAIT ON AND FOR HIM 15      

One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease I have been noticing more and more is how hard it is becoming to sustain focus during sustained conversation and increasing difficulty I’m encountering to do so.

Recently I took a good friend and his young son to an appointment.  He was talking and engaging me pretty intensely when I found it very difficult to keep the car on the road.  I had to immediately tell him to stop talking or we’ll go off the road.  I had previously warned him that normal things like driving or walking or using my hands or legs for work or even recreation require concentration to do.  Doing multiple tasks like playing the piano and singing or even singing and standing are becoming more difficult.  Our last choir cantata during Advent required that I sit while singing to avoid falling due to wavering balance.   That is, because singing “on pitch” requires more concentration than just talking.

Fortunately, he complied without being offended.  I apologized anyway but driving became much easier when I could give task full focus.

I must say Parkinson’s has and continues to teach me so many vital lessons and continues to draw me deeper and deeper in fellowship with my Savior.  He desires and wants my full and focused attention when I pray and study His Word, and He is so faithful to bless when I do. 

 I am very reluctant to share this with you, mostly because I don’t want you to misunderstand my motives nor have any sympathy. In fact, Parkinson’s has been a blessing drawing me much deeper and closer in fellowship with Christ – learning to rely and depend on Him more and appreciate all He does more too.  In fact, He is enabling me to write without hindrance and play piano for worship at 2 church services every Sunday and volunteer mowing at local cemetery, which is motivating others to volunteer time and resources too.

We are living in dangerous and unprecedented times.  Covid 19 is responsible for keeping us from weekly worship and gathering with even fines issued to violators while demonstrators for other causes are applauded while refusing to gather in a safe way.  Now spread of covid 19 is increasing again since such demonstration and other gatherings without regard for medical consequences have increased.  Hostility toward Christians is increasing all over the world, but especially in communist and Muslim ruled countries.  

Even in USA and other free countries where Christian values and moral standards were respected and overall widely accepted 50years or less ago now are much less popular and even hostility against those who teach them is increasing.

At this rate of degradation of society, one generation from now we might just be face persecution like first century church Christians did and Christians are already facing every day in China and North Korea. 

So what are we to do?  II Chronicles 7:11-22 tells us “¹¹ When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, ¹² the Lord appeared to him at night and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.¹³ “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, ¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ¹⁵ Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. ¹⁶ I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.¹⁷ “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, ¹⁸ I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.’¹⁹ “But if you^[a] turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you^[b] and go off to serve other gods and worship them, ²⁰ then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. ²¹ This temple will become a heap of rubble. All^[c] who pass by will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ ²² People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.’”

Again, what are we to do? We should do our part to share the Gospel and by our vote and giving support those who teach Christ and reveal deception satan is spreading.  Our enemy is not those to tell lies about us or even persecute us falsely, but our enemy is satan.    Likewise, living and sharing our faith 24×7 and faithfully praying for our leaders and country and ourselves and others – confessing our sins and seeking God’s truth revealing light to shine and turn from our sins is way we open opportunity for God to restore and bless.

You see, God’s protective hand has been on USA especially because of her faithfulness in evangelism and preaching Christ and because of the faithful lives of Christians, but it is pretty evident that protection has been removed.  911 and Covid 19 are two examples of peril our country is facing because of disregard to God’s commands and law, disregard for life God holds precious, including life not yet born yet, disregard for scripture, for life example of past Christians and of Christ Himself, disregard for warning God is giving us by modern evangelists and preachers like He did through the prophets of old.

Then we also have the Daniel’s of old who endured God’s judgment but remained faithful and enjoyed God’s special blessing unique to him and his faithful friends.  Well, prayer is where our lifeline is.  We need that lifeline today more than ever.   We need the stories of old and words of Christ and Psalms and Paul’s letters and … now more than ever to council and guide us sin these time so we choose wisely and find and follow His path.

Scripture tells us in the latter days satan’s deceptions would be so persuasive that without God’s guiding Hand even the elect could be deceived.  Matthew 24:24 “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”   

So don’t worry, pray instead.  Don’t let the news persuade you, let God be your guide.  Remember, 100 years from now (and for most of us a lot sooner) all the cares and dangers and temptations and evil bearing down on us will be long gone and we will be with Him forever.

WE ARE SAFE IN HIS HAND NOW! IF WE DIE, WE GAIN!  IF WE LIVE, WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE FOR HIM AND SHINE HIS LIGHT ON OTHERS AWHILE LONGER…  

You and I are still building a legacy, so don’t give up yet.   WE are on the winning side and our enemy knows his end is near so he’s pulling out all the stops but not for much longer.  CHRIST IS COMING SOON! 

So today let’s go to Him without a list of requests or topics to discuss and simply quiet our minds and all outside distractions and let Him control the conversation and priority.   AMEN?  AMEN!

 7/16/20        OUR TWO GREAT TREASURES                                                 16

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.  Acts 16:25

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  COLOSSIANS 3:14-17  “¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

COMMENTS: The two treasures identifying today are the Bible (scripture) and Hymns (traditional and contemporary songs of worship and praise and prayer).  Scripture gives us examples and instruction of how to worship and use of songs in worship.  Instruction to worship God with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).  The use of music enhances and enables and opens us to pray.  Music helps us open ourselves to receive God’s response and council.

We tend to favor and gravitate to the songs that impacted us when we first accepted Christ and in early years of our Christian journey.  But there is great value in exploring and learning background of both older songs used by generations of Christians before us as well as contemporary music and songs new generations are using as their faith grows and develops.  These songs help bridge generations gaps and cultural and background and age differences.  Also bridging gaps in experiences.  They also help us discover common challenges and struggles with a common enemy, satan, and common weaknesses and failings.  Learning and discovering new songs (either new to us or those recently composed) for their freshness and exuberance. But we appreciate the older hymns because they have stood the test of time and, have become lodged in our memory so we’ll have a lifelong internal collection of praises to reflect upon.

Genuine songs of worship are based on the infallible Word of God. Christians commonly have a hymnal next to their Bible on their desk so they can access both worship and praise hymns as well as God’s Word directly.   The tunes of songs also help us remember the words of scripture.

So, prayer is our lifeline to God, scripture is our life manual and textbook, and hymns are our worship and praise manual.  To try to live a Christ – centered life without one of these is like trying to sit on a 2 leg stool instead of a 3 leg stool.  We won’t be able to receive what God has for us and we won’t be able to give God What He so richly deserves from us.

“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.”  Martin Luther

7/17/20                              ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN                                          17

Immediately I [the apostle John] was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. Revelation 4:2 

RECOMMENDED READING:  PSALM 99:1-9 ” The Lord reigns;Let the peoples tremble!He dwells between the cherubim;Let the earth be moved!² The Lord is great in Zion,And He is high above all the peoples.³ Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.⁴ The King’s strength also loves justice;You have established equity;You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.⁵ Exalt the Lord our God,And worship at His footstool—He is holy.⁶ Moses and Aaron were among His priests,And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.⁷ He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.

⁸ You answered them, O Lord our God;You were to them God-Who-Forgives,Though You took vengeance on their deeds. ⁹ Exalt the Lord our God,And worship at His holy hill;For the Lord our God is holy.”

COMMENTS:   What will it be like after Christ returns and binds satan and remodels the earth?  What will we be like and look like?  Will we know each other and communicate and remember of lives on earth?

Well, Jesus has been preparing a place for us.  We are told a New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to earth – a city 1500 miles long x 1500 miles wide x 1500 miles high.  The Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught the disciples says “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.  We will have new bodies that will not age or decay or deteriorate with abilities that we never had before.  We will be able to eat but won’t need too.   We won’t need to sleep or rest nor grow tired.

The earth will be redone so all evidence and remains of satan’s evil influence and consequences will be gone.  This portion of the Lord’s Prayer will be answered and the earth will be like heaven.  John got a glimpse of heaven and shared that glimpse in Revelation. But it is still a glimpse that satisfies much of our curiosity but leaves many unanswered questions.

Well, I can’t help but think God is planning a wonderful surprise for each of us.  He doesn’t want to spoil the surprise by revealing too much to us, right?  Anyway, we probably couldn’t take it all in or understand if He did show us all He is preparing for us, even if we tried.

So we need to trust Him knowing all He does for us is Very Good and settle for anticipation of being surprised on that day.

When we worship God with all our focus and hearts, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and prepare us to receive from God His revelation – His council – His strength – His SPIRIT. In worship He can reveal more of Himself to us through songs and Scriptures that praise Him in a biblical fashion. It was in such a state of worship that John began seeing heaven as described in Revelation 4: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (verse 8) Granted, our worship on earth can’t compare to the worship in heaven, but it is the best place to begin.

As you worship the Lord—individually or corporately—imagine what worship in heaven will be like one day.

“When we see even a small glimpse of God’s holiness, we will bow in worship.”                                          R. C. Sproul

7/18/20                         THE SECOND NEW EARTH                     18

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  2 Peter 3:13

Recommended Reading: ROMANS 8:19-21  ““¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God”

COMMENTS:  What was the earth like before Adam and Eve sinned? We only have some clues.  Necessity to labor for ground to bear food.  A place of   beauty and peace beyond what we can imagine and beyond what we can imagine or experience anywhere on earth now.  God’s Will at creation was for God’s Will to be done on earth as done in heaven.  When He returns to reign, that is exactly what will happen.  God will do a makeover like only He could free of death and destruction and evil satan has been spreading since Adam and Eve rejected God’s commands and accepted satan’s empty promises.

The 2/3 angel population of heaven chose to follow God and 1/3 chose to follow satan, which caused them to be cast out of heaven.  After 6000 years of the earth enduring the scars of each generation following satan lies and empty promises, Christ will return to bind him and restore the earth to what He originally created and humans with bodies designed for eternity.

You and I have the same choice those before us had.  The choice to believe in and accept Christ’s redemption and follow His council and Will or follow the evil one.  There is no middle ground.  When we choose and follow Christ, we are on the winning side, the Good Side of life.  To refuse to decide or reject Christ is to choose satan even if we don’t consciously make that choice.

The new heavens and new earth that are coming as the backdrop for eternity with God are, in fact, the second instance of a new heavens and new earth. The first, of course, is described in Genesis 1—the original creation of the heavens and earth. That was the setting in which mankind was given his preeminent commission from God to be stewards of the earth.

Looking at the earth today, however, reveals a failure on the part of mankind to carry out that stewardship commission. When we compare what must have been a pure and undefiled creation in the beginning with the condition of planet earth today, our anticipation of heaven only grows stronger. Will we despoil the new earth in the same way we have the original earth? No, since there will be no sin to divert mankind from God’s eternal purposes.

If we marvel at the glory of God’s creation now, we will marvel even more when we set our eyes upon a creation that reflects an undefiled glory to the Creator.

“If created things are seen and handled as gifts of God and as mirrors of His glory, they need not be occasions of idolatry—if our delight in them is always also delight in their maker.”    John Piper

7/19/20                               BEAUTIFUL RENOVATION                             19

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  2 Peter 3:10 

Scripture: MATTHEW 24:35  “³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

COMMENTS: Home repairs can be classified at different levels.  The “Fixing” level would mean repairing or replacing anything that doesn’t work or even if does work but is worn and not as attractive.   A “Fixer – Upper” would mean bringing entire house up to a livable standard or attractive to owner or potential buyer.  Most of the house is still usable with minimal or no repairs.

But if the house is still structurally sound but showing severe age due to neglect over time, then a major renovation is warranted where much of the house exterior and interior are stripped and replaced and then new appliances and fixtures are replaced.    Walls may even be moved to make some rooms larger.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are a young married couple with a young family who became famous for producing a very popular TV show called “Fixer Upper”.  They operated a “home renovation” business in Waco, Texas.  There show covered 5 seasons (2013-2018) and included 79 episodes partnering with over 100 home buyers.  Joanna would create a renovation design for each house and Chip   would serve as the contractor doing most of the renovation.  Each house would be transformed into the beautiful home Joanna designed.

Renovation and fixer-upper are good descriptions of work needed on houses, but God’s plan for planet earth is far more than “fixing up” but a full restoration.  A restoration into what the earth was right after creation was complete.

It is fun watching renovation shows like “Fixer-Upper”, but they make it all look so quick and easy.   They do on a 60-minute show what would take months for a home owner to do.  The process can be speeded up by hiring a contractor with a team of workers to do renovation. Amish workers are well known for their skills and speed in construction.  I have personal experience to support that.  But even for them, renovation is hard and labor intensive work, but result is worth the labor and expense when complete if the design is sound and contractor uses quality materials and does quality work.

Are you anticipating your new home? It’s going to be more beautiful than we can possibly consider (1 Corinthians 2:9).  “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful…. Beauty is God’s handwriting.”  Charles Kingsley

7/20/20                               Peace on Earth                                      20                                                     

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.  Zechariah 14:9, NIV  

RECOMMENDED READING: REVELATION 20:1-10 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; ³ and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.⁷ Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸ and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. ¹⁰ The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

COMMENTS:  What would the world be like without wars and conflict?  What would communities be like without arguments and hurt family does to family?  Well, as much as we all pray for and dream of peace, peace is not possible without submission to God’s Will and commands.  That is not possible until man refused to follow  satan’s temptations and deceptions and fully follow God’s instruction.  People finds God’s instruction not too appealing until God changes them to see with His clarity.   Satan is the great deceiver, as described in scripture, and the father of lies.   In contrast God is the only source of Truth and only desires Good for us.

Well, when Christ returns to reign, He will bind satan so He can no longer tempt and bring destruction any more.  God allows choice but those who choose to follow Him.  They, and we who also choose Him, will enjoy earth as God originally intended and heaven as He created it.  We will too if we choose Him too.  I can’t wait and imagine you can’t either.  AMEN?  AMEN!

 “No God, no peace; know God, know peace.”  Croft M. Pentz

7/21/20                           WORDS OF LIFE                                           21

Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life. Acts 5:20 

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE  PROVERBS 4:20-23   “^{My son,attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.    for they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.  Keep  thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”}

COMMENTS:   David and his son, Solomon, were men of great wisdom because of their relationship with God.  God blessed them not only with wisdom but a wonderful ability to tell and write that wisdom.  I’m sure neither could have imagined their words would be a source of wisdom that would be a light to generations thousands of years later.  That is true because their words are recorded in God’s Word.  But their words are not theirs but inspired and influenced by God.

Well, they both started well but encountered temptation when their relationship and God’s blessings were strongest.  David committed a nearly fatal sin when committed adultery with the wife of a soldier in his army and then had him killed.  God’s judgment was going to reign down on him until he repented after being confronted by the prophet Nathan.  Solomon was pulled away from God and to foreign pagan gods by his pagan wives.   Being unequally yoked to unbelievers is a warning scripture gives us.  To not choose a wife or husband who does not know and follow Christ is a huge barrier or wall hindering a couple from having a marriage as God intended.

David was unequally yoked to Michel, King Saul’s daughter.  Both David and Solomon had a large number of wives.  The culture and privilege permitted kings to have many wives, but such was not what God approved off.   What would Israel’s history had been if David would have remained single until Abigail.   What if Abigail would have been Solomon’s mother instilling her faith into her son and supporting her husband, King David.   What if Solomon had followed that example his whole life?

Think about all the modern examples, maybe even within your own family that could have been so much better if God’s ideal had been chosen.  But God commonly takes longer to answer, so our impatience causes us to make choices that are not God’s ideal.

Scripture is a rich source of God’s wisdom that is just as valid and life changing today as was long ago.  We have the result of their choices – the consequences of disobedience and blessings from obedience.

Take a moment to reflect on examples from your own life and from family and friend’s lives.   I am confident you will not find an example of regret for waiting and following God’s direction, but I’m equally sure you will recall many examples of regrets from not waiting for and not following God’s Will and Plan.   We can’t change the past but God can and will forgive and give a fresh start but not without our permission and surrender.   I had a boss who wisely said “no matter how far or long we go down a wrong path, it is still better to turn around and go back and go down the right path than to continue down wrong path.”

Even more, going down the wrong path satan and our own desires and selfish hearts lead is always a dead end, so it is always better to turn around and go back to crossroad and start downright path –  God’s path.  Better to get to His destination late than to a dead end destination early.

Of course, the best choice is one made early so path avoids regrets and lost years are avoided, but to never turn from wrong choices.  But God also has a wonderful way of redeeming lost years and healing and restoring what is lost.  So no better time like now. 

7/22/20                            ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN                              22                                         

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.   Matthew 7:7

RECOMMENDED READING:  MATTHEW 7:7-11” Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall b given; knock, and it shall be opened to you; For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.  Or, what  man is there of you, whom if his son asks bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good  gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good   things to them that ask him?”

COMMENTS:  When we look at Matthew 7, we are given a glimpse of God’s love and heart toward us.  When it seems God is staying at a distance and is refusing to hear or answer our prayers, we should stop and take note of all He faithfully provides each and every day.  Also, we should focus on prayer requests He does promptly answer.  Instead, we focus on one request He is delaying without considering reason for delay.  Granted, we often do not know the reason, but do we trust Him enough to accept that His reason is a good one and accept that explanation until the reason becomes clear. Can you recall a request you prayed for that was answered later and in another way than you asked, but were glad answer was different.  He knows the difference between our needs and wants and He knows what is harmful and what is helpful and healthy.   He won’t give us the scorpion we ask for or something we ask for that could be a scorpion to another brother if we acquired it.  Yet, He does hear our repeated requests.   Asking over and over again isn’t so much about changing God’s mind but giving Him time to change our mind and maybe the mind of others impacted by our prayers.  The ripple effect, both good and bad, of our actions and words is powerful.   Only God can foresee the full long term impact of such and work accordingly.  Only God can see generations in the future and recall generations in the past and perfectly manage both.

We need faith and believe He will answer in order to receive, but we also need to BELIEVE IN HIM AND TRUST IN HIM!  

So does that mean we should hold our prayers and just believe He knows best and knows all so we have no need to pray?  Hardly! We need to pray more than we realize and our prayers do have a powerful influence both on us and on others and even on God.  How is up for debate, but if reflect, I’m sure you can recall many examples to discover that to be true.   

But when we pray, our expectations and motives and actions while we wait for His response are vital and are greatly influenced by the level of trust and faith we have in Him. 

God always answers our prayers.   Sometimes He says “no”.  Sometimes He says “not yet”.  But He will say “yes” when timing and results follow His Will and Love for us and all impacted by that answer.

I really think we make prayer more of a mystery than God intends for it to be.  We tend to think of prayer as informing God of our needs and then try to convince Him to meet or give them to us.  We conclude that when we don’t get them, it is because of a lack of faith or wrong attitude or motive.   At the other end of the spectrum is believing God has your best interest at heart so we only need to trust Him, so praying for our needs or even for others is not necessary.   Well, neither is supported by scripture.  We are told to pray and to express our requests to Him. Even though He already knows our thoughts and prayers before we say them, we are lacking the benefits of praying until we express them.  Likewise, we lack God’s interaction with us while praying so praying is for our benefit.  That is in part why prayer is so important and why prayer does impact timing of God’s answers.  As we and others pray, God will response to opportunities and openness to receive His answers.

Well, I really think we need to stop making it so complicated or worrying about what we should or shouldn’t pray for and simply pray pouring out our hearts and minds to Him, but then taking time to quietly listen and wait. 

“God is more willing to give than we are willing to ask.”  Andrew Murray

7/23/20                        THE HAIRS OF YOUR HEAD                             23   

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15                             

Scripture Reading: MATTHEW 10:27-31 “What I tell you in darkness,that speak ye in light: and what ye hesr in the ear; that preach ye upon the housetops.  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and bodyin hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?  And one of them shall not fall to the groumd without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

COMMENTS: It is human nature to value possessions based on importance they have on our lives and how easily replaced and in what quantity and cost.  Clean drinking water is much more precious in the desert than next to a fresh water lake.   Not so with God.  You and I are just as precious to God if we were the only two people on earth as we are as 2 of many billions.   Each is equally precious to Him and He died and rose for each and every one, but not many accept His precious gift of salvation and redemption.

So what should you and I do with such realization?   How should it affect our relationship with each other and with God?  How should it affect how we think about ourselves?  About each other?  We only need to study and discover how Jesus lived and what He taught to answer these and many more applicable questions.   The parable of the prodigal tells us how important a daily relationship and fellowship is with God.   How important obedience and doing His Will is to Him and should be to us too.  Our fellowship with Him is our lifeline to God and to eternal life.  A lifeline that is Joy to Him and joy for us but also Life to us.

Since God knows us so well as to have our hairs all counted, and still loves and desires to care for us, then at least we should get to know Him too.    To know Him is to love Him and want to follow and obey His commands.

7/24/20                                  PEACE WITH GOD                                                   24

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  ROMANS 5:1

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE COLOSSIANS 1:21-22 – “ And that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.”

COMMENTS:  We live in a world full of conflict.  A world where conflict is not only common but normal and lack of conflict or peace is rare and abnormal. There would be nothing reported if conflict was not dominating the news.  But wait, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of good in the world that could and should be reported.  Acts of kindness and sharing towards neighbors and strangers.   A few such cases were reported at height of Covid 19 to help encourage.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if such was all there was to report?   Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the news only reported God’s   miracles and influence?   It isn’t that God isn’t at work everywhere and all the time, but just ignored and unnoticed because He is unwanted by most.

So, let’s begin noticing God’s handiwork and acts of kindness many are inspired to do and become so inspired too.  It might just be doing so will inspire others and start a movement of revival that will result in replacing conflict with peace – Peace on Earth where God’s Will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

But it needs to begin with you and me –   with our relationship with God and daily commitment to prayer and devotion and spending time listening for His instruction and council.  Being open and looking for those opportunities to show kindness to those we cross paths with, who God causes us to cross path with each day.

7/25/20                             OUR GO BETWEEN                                    25      

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  Romans 8:34                                     RECOMMENDED  READING:  REVELATION 12:10 “ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven , Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

COMMENTS: Scripture says Christ is our intercessor.  That means His sacrifice authorizes Him to be our “go between” with the Father providing the required price for our forgiveness and redemption.  Above scripture also says satan not only is responsible for tempting and persuading us to sin, but blames us for sinning or accusing us before God.  So Christ, innocent of any sin takes our punishment and argues for our redemption while satan, who is guilty of leading us into sin blames us and tries to persuade the Father to give us His full punishment

The example of Job shows us satan arguing against Job.

Be glad we have Jesus as our intercessor.  Without   Him is no hope.  But millions are lost facing judgment without Jesus simply because they haven’t invited Him into their lives and accepting His gift of redemption and payment for their sins.  Good news that is too good and too important to keep it to ourselves. 

“There is no way of obtaining favor from God but through the intercession of Christ” JOHN CALVIN

7/26/20                                    PRAYER PARTNER                                        26  

Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in  the world, and I came to you.  Holy Father, keep through your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are..  JOHN 17:11

Recommended Reading:  JOHN 17:15    I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil”

COMMENTS:  Christ is not only our “Intercessor” or “Go Between” to the Father,  but also is our “Prayer Partner”.   He knows the power of temptation and all the emotions and hardships and emotions and pain we endure and experience because He has experienced them all as a human.  So when He prays for us, He prays with the passion of loving us with all of God’s love while having all the compassion and understand of knowing what we are going through.  Since He is one with the Father, there is no real issue of Him trying to convince the Father to forgive us, but the fact  that He does pray for us means everything to us in helping us realize how precious we are to the Triune God and how complete His help is. We have very good news to share.   If it were bragging, then the same would not be available to anyone else.  But there is more than enough Grace to go around to all. 

7/27/20                                       Jacob Asked His Name          27  

Jacob asked, “Tell me Your Name, I pray”, and He said “Why is it that you ask about My name?”  And He blessed him there.”  Genesis 32:29

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING:  Genesis 32:22-32 “And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbock.  And he took them and went over the brook, and sent over what he had.  And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.  And               when he saw that he prevailed  not against him, he touched the hallow of his thigh; and the hallow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled him.  And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.  And he said, I will not let thee go except thou bless me.  And he said unto him, What is thy name?       And he said, Jacob.  And he said, thy name shall no more be called Jacob , but Israel for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and thou hast prevailed.  And Jacob asked him, and said, tell me I pray thee, thy name.  And he said, Wherefore is it that thou doest ask after my name?  And he   blessed him there.  And Jacob called the name of the place Pernel; for I have seen God face to face, and my life was preserved.  And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him and he halted upon his thigh.  Therefore, the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hallow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrunk.”                                                                                                               

COMMENTS:  Today’s scripture is one of those passages little understood or appreciated.   Was Jacob wrestling with the pre-birth Jesus and why was Jesus not able prevail.  Also, why was Jesus not willing to share His name as He did with Moses (I am).  The encounter with God did change Jacob.  Changed him so much  that his name needed to change.   Jacob knew he needed to change but also knew he needed God ‘s help to change.  He discovered that even though God  may allow us to  prevail for a time without or against him, that cannot nor will not be the final     outcome.    Jacob did not wrestle with God unscaved.  Israel retained a limp the rest of his life as a consequence of wrestling God.

Jacob also asked God His name but was denied an answer, unlike Moses.  Why?  We are not given the answer.  God could have said “I am”.   Well, I believe the primary purpose of the visit was to change Jacob.  God came in human form to change Jacob.    After that visit, Jacob had a limp, a hindrance as a constant reminder to reinforce the change needed – the change from living by experience and by opportunity to living by faith.  Jacob, as Israel, was to be responsible for a great family and people, the people God promised a promised land too. 

When Christ came as a human at Christmas, He came bearing a great number of names reflecting the roles and impact HE would have on  every people and every generation.  Possibly that is why He refused Jacob’s inquiry.   Jacob was not ready to receive those many names as God’s response and God’s timing and Will would not permit that revelation yet…

  7/28/20                              CRISIS TIME COMPASSION              28

The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.  James 5:11

RECOMMENDED READING:  REVELATION 21:3-7  “⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

COMMENTS: How do you act and treat others when things are not going well  and / or pressed for time to reach a goal or required completion date and time? Isn’t it true that most target dates or times are arbitrary.  They could as easily been postponed or completion dates moved a few days or even weeks.   All too often target dates imposed by employers are arbitrary too.  But then again, since we can’t multi-task that well, it is important to complete some tasks early so we can focus on  bigger projects needing more thought and interest.

Well, with God He equally effectively multi-tasks as well as He single tasks.

So, it is important to set priorities that match God’s Will and Plan so we can be a blessing to others and a strong witness for Christ without giving up

7/29/20                                          Our Two Great Treasurers      29                         But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.Acts 16:25
 

RECOMMENDED READING: COLOSSIANS3:14-17 “¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

COMMENTS:   God has given us many wonderful gifts – treasures.  Some specific gifts of the spirit are given to some more than others, but the greatest gifts are those He gives to all of His faithful followers who have accepted His Grace and Forgiveness.  When we stop and reflect, we begin to realize just how important and precious they each are but also the wisdom that He demonstrated in having some more dominant in different believers over others.   You see, He not only wants us to be dependent on Him and complete only when we are in fellowship with Him, but also with each other.

I believe satan knows that and is why it is so sinister that satan lead us into isolation during the Covid 19 pandemic he inflicted on us.  God knew it was coming and permitted it but we should realize who is responsible for it.  Well, we can be in close fellowship with Christ while in isolation from each other and other believers but we have been discovering God showing us ways to overcome that and to be joined in fellowship with each other as well as with Christ.    But there is no substitute for fellowship with each other in church worshipping together in unison singing and praising.   So we need to be careful depriving ourselves that fellowship together any longer than necessary or any longer than Christ councils us.   Otherwise, if fear satan would lead us further and longer into isolation from each other or from Christ if we are not careful and discerning.

This week we are at Pleasantville Free Methodist Family Camp.  This is the week previously scheduled for family camp but all activities and worship was cancelled to avoid risk of spreading Covid 19.  However, many are coming to work on camp projects – repairs and some activities where proper distancing and use of masks can be observed.  But, of course, the number attending is much less than normal and is no substitute for the worship and fellowship and growth that normally happens annually.

So, let’s not forget that:  

7/30/20                                      ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN              30                             

Immediately I [the apostle John] was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.Revelation 4:2 

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 99 “The Lord reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved!² The Lord is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples.³ Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.⁴ The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.⁵ Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool—He is holy.⁶ Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.⁷ He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.⁸ You answered them, O Lord our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds. ⁹ Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; For the Lord our God is holy.”

COMMENTS:  Worship together is a wonderful privilege Christians are deprived of in many parts of the world.  Satan knows there is power and strength when Christians gather to worship but also knows we are weaker when we are alone, so will do his worst mischief trying to divide us from each other and isolate.   So when we argue and divide into smaller denominations, as has been happening since the first century church, guess who inspired that.  It wasn’t God!  Satan has repeatedly brought false teaching and indifference and luke-warm teaching into the church and then motivating some to split off of that church to start a new denomination.  God’s will is for the One church to be healthy, not for one to wither and die off and be replaced by another.    I’m not saying good didn’t come from protestant church denominations branching out from old catholic church, but that wasn’t God ‘s first choice.   Many of our established protestant denominations have wondered from their roots and the faith of their founders too.   God’s first choice is revival in existing congregations and churches but when they refuse, He will start a new church with those willing to repent and follow Him.

Well, we are still a long way from God’s Will being done on earth as it is in heaven, but that is going to change quickly and dramatically when Christ returns to rule.  God’s side is the WINNING SIDE and those who join with Him will win.   Timing is unknown except by the Father, but the outcome is certain and indicators (signs) are pointing to that return is soon.

When I was young, I was certain His return would be long before I retired.  But now I’ve been retired nearly 8 years.  But signs of His return are becoming more obvious as we approach His return.   Will I see death before His return?  That is becoming more likely as time passes, but scripture tells us to prepare because He will come so quickly that we won’t have time to repent if we wait  too long or think we can do so  when we see Him return.

7/31/20                         THE SECOND NEW EARTH                                31                           

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  2 Peter 3:13 

SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 8:19-21     “ ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God..”

COMMENTS: When Christ returns, He will come prepared to defeat satan, bind him.  He also comes prepared to remodel – renovate the world and heaven  too.  So, why would changes need made to heaven?   We’re not told but possibly because the barrier between heaven and earth and ability to go from heaven to earth and earth to heaven will be removed.  We will have bodies perfect in all ways but also in abilities.  If our new bodies are like Christ’s, as we are told, then we will be able to go from earth to heaven and heaven to earth at will.  How that will be accomplished isn’t important right now and isn’t intended for us to know yet, or God would have told us.  But let it suffice to say He has that all worked out and being prepared for us.  

He is also preparing – buiding New Jerusalem and will be transported to earth.   This amazing city is described for us in Revelation to be 1500 miles long x 1500 miles wide x 1500 miles high.   We will be able to fly and go quickly from one place to another so navigating through such a large city will not be an issue or going between heaven and earth either.

We have so much to be grateful for.  God has blessed us beyond our realization or imagination.   We take so much for granted but depend so desperately on those blessings.

However, He has so much more for us that He is already working to prepare for us to receive the day He returns to reign on earth.    What a day that will be.  He will reign for 1000 years, then release satan for a brief time to tempt those born during 1000 year reign so they too will have opportunity to reject or accept Him.  But then He will execute His final judgment on satan and all his followers and then, finally begin His eternal reign with all who chose Him and rejected satan.

But don’t  take my word for it, read the prophecies for yourself in Revelation 19-23.