Contemplating

Ever contemplate the sun?

 

Ever see what a marvelous wonder it is?

 

With images from the new telescope, pictures of this star are awe inspiring.

 

This is a huge ball of blazing gases floating in the vast Milky Way Galaxy that supports thousands of other stars. You can barely find it without a guide.

 

It has burned constantly and consistently for thousands (maybe eons) of years, providing heat, light, solar power and nutrients for all growing things - including us.

 

> Without it, life on earth would not exist.

> What suspends this blazing ball of flaming gas?

> Where do the gases come from to continually burn?

> What keeps them continually lit?

> What keeps the gases contained in an, almost, perfect sphere?

 

All Christians know the one answer to these questions.

Isn't He a marvelous wonder?

 

"Out of the north comes a golden glow, fearsome majesty surrounding God. Shaddai, whom we cannot find, whose power is immense . . . "

 

 

 

When God became fed up with Job's wining, He answered,

"Where were you when I founded the earth? . . . . Have you ever in your life called up the dawn and made the morning know its place . . .? Which way leads to where light has its home? and darkness, where does it dwell? . . . Can you tie up the chords of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? Can you lead out the constellations of the zodiac in their season or guide the Great Bear and its cubs? Do you know the laws of the sky? Can you determine how they affect the earth?" 

 Job 37:22 paraphrased thru 38:33

 

Let us all bow in humble adoration of our Creator, the one and only living God.

 

 

 

Signs of The Cross

 Thousands of years before Christ, God showed us the cross in the God ordered layout of the Hebrew encampment in the wilderness, and in the Cross nebula in the far reaches of the universe.

 

 

One Negative Thing

 The only negative . . .

thing I can say about Pop: he was a bigot. I remember some terrible stories he told and comments about other peoples that made us laugh and wince at the same time. Grandpa had been in the Second World War, and there was a family rumor that he had even been a member of a very well known subversive group. All his names for Italians, Germans, Black People, Japanese, and more, were new to us. (Interesting fact: Grandpa's family had roots in Creole country.) Even at our young age, we found his comments embarrassing though in the privacy of our own home. Mother is the only reason I can give that none of Pop's theories influenced us. She never saw any differences in human beings. We just accepted it as how Pop was; that was not us. We all make excuses for those we love.

 

I never knew him to go to church but for one of my weddings and his funeral. I never knew him to read the Bible or heard him say a prayer. To his credit, he never spoke against Christianity, though he had his own definite opinion of other religious sects. I can attest to him as a believer. I remember an occasional mention of God, or heaven when he talked to us. It was always matter-of-fact as though that is just the way it is; God is God and He is. 

 

> > > > > You do not have to be a saint for God to use you. < < < < <

 

Let me interject right here that I do not remember grace being said at our daily meal. A short blessing was given at large family gatherings on holidays. My husband and I do not begin a meal without thanks for and blessing on our food, at home or in public.

 

I adored my grandfather. Every time he left the house, I needed to go with him. I was his shadow, taking three steps to every single stride of his long gait. I hung on his every word and believed every story he ever told. He never took anything for himself and gave everything he had to Mother. His undershirts were riddled with holes and he went barefoot all summer. He wore white painters' pants that were spotted with a rainbow of color blotches. In just a couple years, he would save my sister and I from the greatest terror of our young lives.

 

Jerry and Pop were never as close as either would have liked but Jerry respected him. I remember comments my brother made as an adult; always with great respect and admiration for Pop.

 

 

 

What all of us learned and received from this man cannot be priced in any way. The wisdom he taught and the laughter he injected cannot be measured. I could tell stories for days from memories I would not give up for any prize. He lives on in our memories and through our lives. It broke my heart, years later, when he had to be admitted to a veteran's nursing home and this old man cried for me to take him home with me. (I find myself in tears just at this writing.) He died there from his third stroke - or giving up. I am so sorry, Pop.

 

There is no death, only a change of worlds. . . 

Chief Seattle, Duwamish Indian.

 

* This continuing story begins with the post on Dec. 30, 2024

See "Entertaining Angels Unaware"

Genesis 1:1

In some ways, Gen.1:1 is the most important verse in the Bible.

> The verse states there is a Creator of the universe. There is meaning to existence.

> The fact it was "created" (Heb: bara) implies nothing preexisted. Only God can create from nothing, therefore we see evidence of God.

> God exists outside of nature and time. He controls space.

> A creation story has only one Creator.

> God is not born.

> This is the only God separate from nature because He created it.

> Who created God? If God were created, He would not be God.

> Christianity, and Judaism, has come to affirm that God is, was and will be. This cannot be said about any other God. Through science and logic, this cannot be.

> Science can only prove what is within nature.

> God remains the only rational explanation of existence. Science is at a loss about life from non-life.

> It only makes sense that the Creator would care about His creation.

> To create beings who care about good and evil stands to reason the Creator of such beings would also care about good and evil.

 

 

> The name of God's chosen people, "Israel", means "Struggle With God".

> The purpose of Genesis I is to teach about God, man and nature.

> There is reality outside of nature.

> God is not a sexual being.

> There is only one God Creator (existing in 3 entities).

> God represents order versus disorder.

> God has a special role for human beings.

> God is moral and has a will for morality.

> There is a higher meaning for life.

> Genesis I tries to teach wisdom rather than science.

Prince

 Regarding Ez. 44:3 & 46:12

The word "prince", a future High Priest serving in the earthly temple forever, who comes by way of the gate and leaves the same way.

> Melchizedek did not make sacrifices. Heb. 7:27 tells us he was a Levitical priest.

> The main purpose of the priest was to conduct sacrifices in the temple, under the law.

> Under the New Covenant, Christ is our physical sacrifice; so we no longer need a physical sacrifice. Christ sacrificed "once for all".

> The reason for a temple in the O.T. was for sacrifices. There will not be a physical temple in the New Jerusalem.

- Rev. 21:22 speaks of a SPIRITUAL temple

- Eph. 2:20 peaks of a spiritual temple

- Jn. 2:19 - 21 speaks of a spiritual temple

- I Cor. 16:19 speaks of a spiritual temple

- Heb. 8:4, 5 - 13 relates superior spiritual temple

> In Heb. 8:1 - 13, Pal teaches the New Covenant with greater promises, a superior High Priest and our spiritual sacrifice governed by the git of a loving heart to be obedient. Our sacrifice is now obedience through love/gratitude/understanding.

 

 

 

* Physical sacrifice was never the point

* It's our obedience that is considered our spiritual sacrifice.

- Micah 6:6 - 8

- I Sam. 15:22

> "Prince" = Civic authorities of the new community of Israel

> Ez. 45:8 & 9 = The coming prince is contrasted with Israel's previous rulers who oppressed their subjects (under law), absent of a shepherd or king which would have been attached to the title "prince".

> In Hebrew the word "sacrifice" is "Ha-Nosi".

> If you break down the Hebrew letters into their pictorial meanings you get a translation of the word "sacrifice": PAY ATTENTION to your LIFE; GOD works a MIGHTY DEED from the BEGINNING. (The meaning is the same in Aramaic)

The Disobedience of Moses

Do you remember Moses disobeying the Lord out of anger and striking the rock when he was told to speak to it - ? This was discussed in class yesterday and there were many insights:

> "Kadesh" translates from Hebrew into "Sacred" in English. This took place in a sacred place.

> The people were blaming Moses for bringing them into the wilderness. They had forgotten about the Lord and all the miracles He had done to save them from slavery, early death, torture and long hours of work in desert sun.

> They forgot the Lord parting the Red Sea, providing shade during the day, heat at night, the food of angels to eat, clothes that did not wear out and more.

> As always, the Lord was merciful about the complaining of His people and told Moses what to do to give them water. Speak to "THE Rock" in this sacred place.

> Moses could not control his anger toward the people enough to obey the Lord who told him to SPEAK to the rock. His anger is evident in verse 20:10 of Numbers when he calls the people "rebels".

> In Ex. 17, a similar situation occurred. That is when Moses was told to STRIKE the rock and he obeyed.

> Here, he is told to SPEAK through faith in the Lord as opposed to DOING something; just as we are to work through faith in Jesus rather than by our own works/actions.

> Nu. 20:12 notes that Moses did not trust enough to honor the Lord as holy to the Israelites, God's chosen people. The LORD, being Jesus pre-incarnate, was not being honored in the eyes of His People; the rebellious people He will lay down His life for.

** Let's look at this on a deeper level: Jesus is our ROCK (the foundation of the church; the corner STONE), the Holy Spirit is frequently referenced with water.

> In Ex. 17 Moses STRUCK the rock ONE time - just as Jesus has been struck down ONCE and water poured forth, as the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentacost, documented in the book of Acts.

> Here in Numbers 20, Moses is told to SPEAK to this rock as we are to converse in prayer with our Lord Jesus who works through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (water) upon us to work in and through us on the Lord's behalf.

> When Moses disobeyed and STRUCK the rock the situation is as though Jesus were struck down more than once. NOT SO! He was struck down once as our sacrifice and will not be struck down again! He is returning as the defeating warrior King! Not only was this disobedience, but a great lack of respect for all Jesus will do.

** I put to you that Moses was aware of the pre-incarnate Savior and God's eternal plan of salvation. (This revelation for another time.)

 

 

> Moses actually HIT the rock TWICE, out of uncontrolled anger, symbolizing Jesus struck down three times.

> This was insult on two levels: disobedience to the Lord and a lie about our Savior, Jesus, our Rock.

> This was such a rebellious act that it kept Moses from entering the Promised Land after a lifetime of serving the Lord.

** Will any of us be kept from Paradise because we slander the sacrifice of Jesus by our daily actions - our obedience? Do we know what it is to be obedient? How do we find out what it is to be obedient to God's word?

> We should never underestimate the gratitude of God for the unwavering sacrifice of His Son to save us, His family.

 

Small book, Big story

Philemon: a very small book in the New Testament; a letter from Paul who is under house arrest in Rome.

> This is a lovely letter asking a Christian slave owner to forgive his run away slave.

> This is a perfect letter for us to remember when we are in a position to forgive - or not.

 

 

> In Rome, a runaway slave was in very, very serious trouble; he could loose his life.

> But . . . there is a wonderful underlying message from the book. It tells us of Jesus as our Mediator with God; the one who speaks for forgiveness on our behalf.

> Just as Paul is pleading for Onesimus, so does our Savior now plead for us when we do wrong.

> In the right circumstances and a poor heart, we could loose our salvation.

> Paul had a personal interest in Onesimus because he was instrumental in the slave's conversion to Christianity - just as Jesus has an interest in us after the suffering He did on our behalf.

> Paul was also very close to Philemon through their Christian brotherhood - just as Jesus is part of God.

> Got a minute? Take a look at this sweet letter and see Jesus in the place of Paul, Christians in place of Onesimus and God as Philemon. Read it with the deeper meaning to see the concern of our Mediator and how He offers to pay for what we owe.

> Postscript: The letter does not say if Philemon did forgive his slave BUT . . . the name "Onesimus" means "Useful" and the name "Philemon" means "He Who Shows Kindness". We can also relate these definitions to how God sees us and it reminds us of His kindness.

 

Return of The Blogger - or not

That's it!  I'm coming back - or not.

My opinions are becoming more set in stone and conspiracy theories abound in my imagination.  Been getting deeper and deeper into Bible study and excited about new revelations that might not be so readily accepted on well read venues. I like to cook, have a new food regimen and might post a recipe or two - or not.  I repair and sell dolls so that might come up once in awhile - or not.  My health is more important all the time so I might comment on that - or not.  I need an outlet where I can write (I like to write) and not too many people will read it.  I want to speak my mind but don't want to "make waves".  Crazy huh?  Well, I''m getting old.

I dropped this blog because of very few readers and other social media taking my time. I dropped all other social media but one and thinking of ending that due to their increasing censorship and lack of morality.  I am forced to capitalize the names of cheeses but not adjectives for Jesus or they are considered misspelled.  This has always been a pet peeve of mine.  It's not like I write four letter words or preach animal sacrifice.

At this stage of my life, I am beyond caring.
It's true! The older I get, the more outspoken
I seem to be.  

Want to read this blog?  I will be expressing a lot of personal views and opinions, along with my religious views in my own writing style.  Agree or not, I won't care. 
You can always opt to not read my posts; don't care about that either.  I just want a platform for release.

Where have I been?  With the onset of COVID early, my husband and I spent a couple spring months sick.  One of the early tests came out negative for the illness even though we had text book symptoms.  Two years later, I end up in hospital for ten days with COVID pneumonia.  Oh, that was an experience! That shut down my virtual shop for two months.  It was an experience I don't want again and getting over it is proving to be a major effort.  Not crying and not to worry,  I am good to go just not patient.  Might even write about it later - or not; I would not want to sound pathetic or scarred for life.  I am tired of all the "hoopla" and criticism from those opposed to my opinions about it all.  After all, I don't bother them over their beliefs of masks and hand washing, sanitizers and distancing or whatever else they are consumed with.  Life is for living with joy; not in fear.

Between the two bouts of illness, my children found me and we reunited after 50 years.  Just like a TV talk show!  I wrote in my autobiography, "Evidence of God", they died at birth.  That had to be explained - a lot!  Start writing about life experiences and the world acts like they have a right to all the secrets of your heart.  I might write about the experience sometime - or not.  I'm not one to go on about super personal issues.  Readers think I told all in my book but they are wrong.  I might tell it all here - or not.  We'll just wait and see.

I might copy something from my book on occasion.  After all, it's not flying off the bookshelves.
You can come back and read more later - or not. 

Gethsemane

Last Supper

Crown of Thorns

The Book, Part 2

The Bible is broken down into books, penned by ghost writer authors.  Each book is broken into chapter and each of those is further broken down into verses. 

Names and numbers in the Bible have meaning.  Most often, these meanings explain a deeper understanding of the writing.  As mentioned in the first part of this writing in an the previous blog, it all points to Jesus.

Examples:
The number "1" relates to God/unity
No. 5: represents the grace of God
No. 10: represents law/ordinance
No. 12: government
No. 40: testing, trial, the end of bondage

Examples:
Sarai = Domineering   /   Sarah = Princess
Abram = Father of Altitude   /   Abraham = Father of Multitudes

Interesting facts:
The book of Esther does not mention God
Longest book = Psalms
Shortest book = II John
Longest chapter = Ps.119
Shortest chapter = Ps.117
Longest verse = Esther 8:9
Shortest verse = Jn.11:35
Oldest man = Methuselah - 969 years
Two men never died - Enoch & Elijah

Psalm 22 (from the Old Testament) refers to the death of Jesus.  Written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, this is further proof of inspiration through the Holy Spirit.

The God's Eye constellation

The word "gospel" in Greek means "Good News".  There are four synoptic (agreeing) gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  They document the life, teaching, healing and death of Jesus life. 

The Old Testament is about the "law" (commonly referred to as the 10 Commandments) where man is required to do, do, do.  The New Testament is about the grace that Jesus brought through grace where we rest emotionally and spiritually and God does all the work.

An unnamed "servant" usually refers to the Holy Spirit.
People who are named are Christian believers.  Those mentioned and their name not given are usually unbelievers (or Gentiles). 

The phrase "fear not/don't fear" appears 365 times and is the most often stated phrase uttered by the God head.  The second most stated phrase, "Oh ye of little faith".

Interesting:
Psalm 117 = shortest chapter
Psalm 119 = longest chapter
Psalm 118 = middle chapter of the Bible
   594 chapter before Psalm 118
 +594 chapters after Psalm 118
 1188 = Ps. 118:8  Read this verse !
*(This has to be divine order)

The book of Psalms is called "heart of the Bible"
David, the author, is called "A man after God's heart"
The Psalms are written as songs to God
The word Psalm means "Song/hymn"

Amen

The Book, Part 1

It all comes from "The Book" so let's start there.  If you don't have one, get one.  They come in all forms and prices.  It has withstood the test of time being the best selling book of all time - ever - still; translated into 2,018 languages and surviving 7,000+ years from the first entry until today.

The entire book is about Jesus, cover to cover.  The Old Testament points to Him, His coming, His life, His message and His death.  The New Testament tells all about Jesus along with His resurrection and second coming.  Jesus is concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New.

The Bible is the "manufacturer's handbook".  God himself inspired all the writings by His spirit working through people.  It tells us how to live so we might be healthy and prosper with friends, family, spouse, children, parents, neighbors, work, play and worship.  It tells us how to handle finances, relate to people, deal with problems and just about anything else we need to know in order to create for ourselves a happy, peaceful life. 
Dt.8:3,  Heb.4:12,  Pro.1:7

You cannot believe anything from the Bible if you do not believe that it is God speaking to us.  Some find it difficult to read and understand.  I hope to help you with some of these difficulties.  This is the most fascinating book ever AND . . given a chance, will prove itself.  We do not need the pamphlets and booklets of other writers. 
II Pet.20 & 21,

Stats:  There are 66 books; 39 in the OT (Old Testament) and 27 in the NT (New Testament) contributed by 40 writers over a period of 7,000 plus years; 5,000 years before the birth of Christ (BC) and 2,000 after the death (AD) of Christ.

The one book of Genesis spans 2,200 years of time (of the total 7,000), records 10 generations from Adam to Noah and ten generations from Noah to Abraham.  The first eleven chapters of Genesis alone span 1/2 the time span of the entire Bible.

There are 1189 chapters (the middle chapter: Ps.117) and approx. 774,000 words - depending on your translation.

Testament means covenant or contract.  God made two contracts/testaments: one with the Israelites and one with Christian believers.

In the Old Testament, the most recent/newest book is Malachi and the oldest book is Job.  In the New Testament, the newest book (last one written for the Bible) is Revelation and the oldest is James.

Moses wrote the most books of the Old Testament - 5, called the Foundation of the Bible; commonly referred to as "The Law".  Paul wrote most of the books in the New Testament (14); over half.

The Bible was first accepted as being inspired by God in 375 AD and the first English translation was accomplished in 1382 AD.

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew.  This is what Moses wrote and all the prophets and poets of the Old Testament.  That is the language the first translation was taken from.  So Hebrew should be studied to get the clearest meaning.  It also helps to understand society, customs, geography and life style of the time.

The New Testament was penned in the Greek language, one of the three main languages of the day; the others being Hebrew and Aramaic, with Roman a large influence.  Yes, Jesus probably spoke Aramaic.  He would also speak Hebrew in the temple.  He also spoke Greek in His travels and sermons to the public.  (Let's face it, the son of God could speak any language.)  My point is that the writers of the New Testament penned the original text in Greek and Greek should be used for translation. 

The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament (a truly exciting study) and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.  The entire book is about the son of God come to earth in physical form and His mission.

Ghost writers are: shepherds, fishermen, priests, kings, philosophers, farmers, tent maker, tax collector, warriors (and others), all via God by way of his Holy Spirit inspiring them.

The Bible is cohesive, uniform and fits together like a beautiful quilt of names, numbers, "begats" and parables.

Next writing, I will compare several verses to explain some of the Bible codes.  This is why it is written you must "seek" to find.
Amen

We Are His Children

I don't know who created this image but I dearly love it.  (I hope there is no copyright penalty for using it.  If I knew the artist, I would give them full credit.  It was on the inter net so I assume it is for public use.)

As someone who was an abused child, I give great meaning to this scene.  Let's consider this image together.  

The child has a most content look on his/her face.  We don't know if this is a boy or a girl so we understand anyone can relate.  I see "child" in this little person:  the shy, the playful, the innocent.  He/she is very comfortable.  There is no fear.  They are happy to have all the attention placed solely on them at this moment; reveling in the company.  

I believe this is how our loving Heavenly Father intends for us to feel:  safe, secure, trusting, confident, doted on - loved.   He wants us to accept His Son as our atonement, the sacrifice paid for us.  We can feel clean and free to allow Him in anytime.

Then, there is Jesus.  His hands folded and space between him and the child.  No threat here.  He is not invading the child's space.  He is not even reaching out to the child.  There is genuine interest in His expression.  He is totally in the moment: there is only Him and this little child.  He makes no pretense to be anything other than the simple and humble person that He is.  His figure towers over the child but is not overwhelming - does not threaten but, rather, seems protective.

This is my Savior.  He is not pushy.  He does not come in to me unless I ask Him to.  He never forces Himself.  He respects my space and my choices; right or wrong.  I am free to make those choices with confidence He will be available if I need Him for advice, shelter or forgiveness.  He dotes on me and wants only to help, to see me safe, happy and healthy doing His will.

They are sitting on solid rock, surrounded by rock; symbolic of the strength of Jesus as the cornerstone of life; our security for eternal life. 

Notice the light that surrounds the head of Jesus.  Halo?  Light of the world?  Light in the darkness?  All of the above.

Notice also the vine around the stalk.  Jesus is the vine.  He is the stalk and we are the branches.

There was a lot of thought and planning put into the structure of this image.  God put a lot of planning into His master plan for us.  Jesus is the central part of that plan.

   Now, take a look at this scene:

The child has consented to sit on the lap of Jesus, in his hands and we see from his/her posture there is no fear.  The child is relaxed, at ease, content, feeling safe and happy.  

Jesus is smiling, happy to have us secure within his hands.  He is offering happiness and safety.  This is a confident man.  No one would dare confront Him to take us away now that we have consented to accept Him.  We are His and He is ours.

Amen

A Study of Gideon

It takes only three chapters: there are miracles, an amazing battle, the rise and fall of a hero, action and revenge, Judges 6,7,8.  In the book of Judges you can find all the men and women in charge of Israel before God appointed the first king, Saul.  Ooooops!  God did not appoint Saul.  The people wanted a ruler so bad that they insisted on him.  If you don't know how that turned out; well, let's just say God knows what He is doing.

The Hebrew name Gideon means "Warrior".  Gideon was marked with a purpose when he was born.   There is no evidence that Gideon had ever served as any kind of warrior until God called  him.

Read Verse 2 and then look up Isa 2:19, Jer 48:28 and 49:8  
I submit to you that these verses refer to Petra (Grk), also called Selah (Heb).  Both these names refer to a place next to Wadi Musa, "Valley of Moses" and offers supernatural protection.  A place where the Hebrew people wandered for 40 years. This place of red rock caves is invisible from the air and impenetrable from the ground.

Selah was the capitol of Edom.  Edomites descended from Esau, a red head.  The word "Selah" means lofty, craggy rock, stronghold, cliff.  "Selah" is also a pause in prose where one listens and God speaks.  (See Psalms)  God's word is a place of safety and rest.  *I will do a more indepth study of this in the future.

V 6:11 tells us that God manifested Himself.  (see V 14)  Gideon was threshing wheat to hide it from the Midianites, who were taking everything from the Hebrew people.  Gideon is also addressed, by God, as a "mighty warrior".  This is a positive statement from God to a man who is hiding from his enemies. 

V 12 & 13:  Gideon is talking frankly with what he believes is an angel and complains of all the troubles that have come upon his people.  Never mind that the Hebrew people have chosen to follow another god - or, rather, false gods of the Midianites.  

In V 14, Gideon is told to use the strength he has to go up against the Midianites.  God will not give him any super power.  He is expected to work on faith.

In V 15, good ol' Gideon argues with God, showing his weakness in faith.  In V 16, God tells Gideon all he needs is God in order to strike down ALL the Midianites like there were one man.  A strong statement to counter Gideon's weak argument.

V 17:  Now Gideon wants proof of God's word; a sign.  But, he is willing to make an offering to God, recognizing Him for who He is and showing gratitude and honor.  God tells Gideon He will wait - just as He waits for our gifts and offerings of faith.

In the few verses that follow, we see Gideon taking much time to prepare matzos and cook meat.  He is instructed on how to make this offering and watches as God consumes the offering with fire.  Ex.3:2, Nu 22:22, Ex 12:8
Then, Gideon built an alter to the Lord and called it "Jehovah Shalom" (God is Peace) because he had seen the Lord (pre-incarnate Jesus) face to face.  Guess Moses was not the only one.  Ex 24:11


Gideon goes on to tear down the alters and Asherah pole his father had made to Baal.  I recently viewed a short film about the Asherah pole and Baal worship.  Baal worshipers used to sacrifice young children to be burned alive.  Priests of Baal would publicly conjugate with women (representing the Goddess Asherah) then, the people would have public orgies.  Mass graves have been uncovered holding hundreds of carcasses of children.  No wonder God detested this idol worship.


In Judges:6:37 & 39, we find Gideon asking God for proof of a promise to make the Israelite army victors over the Midianites. In Judges 7:10 & 11, we find God offering yet another proof. This demonstrates the patience, understanding and grace of our Heavenly Father. We ask for something and God blesses with even more.

Great Battle Scene: Read in the book of Judges 7:2 & 8   Now see this amazing battle in Judges 7:19 - 23 WOW! This is better than an action adventure movie! Three hundred men surrounded an army that was so big it could not be counted (they were thick as locusts and camels were so many they could not be counted).

The three hundred shoulders were armed with shofars (trumpets made from ram's horns) and earthen pottery with a torch (light) inside. No swords, arrows or spears. They split into companies of 100 each and surrounded the Midianites. When Gideon gave the signal, 300 blew their trumpets and broke the pots. This would make one heck of a racket and shown a lot of bursting lights. Anyway, the Midianites (thick as locusts) were so confused that they turned on each other and ran off. Now, I would like to see this on the big screen: a multitude, action, camels stampeding, trumpets sounding, fireworks, confusion - great stuff!  Not one soldier of Gideon's was killed and the Midian army had to be chased down.


Amen

Scars On My Soul

Without Jesus, we will always want.

We are created with a space inside us that cannot be filled by anything else.  That's how we are made - our physical and chemical make up.  When we give ourselves to the acceptance of Jesus life and death on that cross, God plants a seed of His Spirit in that spot.  We can water and feed that seed or let it dry up.  

In this world today there are so many people are hurting, wandering and searching for whatever will fill that empty space.  Some look for other people to fill that space:  a spouse or a friend.  Some turn to drugs or alcohol.  Even shopping, gambling, sex, video games, pornography, social media, a social life, career, stock market, a hobby, exercise or any other hollow thing.  A hollow thing cannot fill space.  By hollow, I mean without substance or meaning; self consuming.

I can think back on so many years of "stupid".   I believe my stupidity came mostly from anger.  I was angry about my sexual abuse as a child.  I felt dirty; like I had a huge secret - a dirty monster secret.  I was ashamed.  (Shame is a huge factor with sexual abuse; especially in children.)  There was this idea of hiding the dirty monster secret out of shame.  You dare not let anyone know.  Don't tell.  Don't discuss it with anyone.  This monster hung around in the corner of every room; always present and accusing.

There were times I would find myself in a situation where I felt comfortable with a friend or in a group and I would just mention the abuse.  Inevitably, the first question from anyone was, "Why didn't you tell someone?"  Never ask an abused child or person that question!  It is condemning.  It places blame on the wrong person.  This child or person already feels condemned, dirty, guilty and ashamed.  (You cannot relate if you have not been there.)  These feelings in me turned to anger.  I was angry toward men.  At the same time, I wanted a man to love me - to make up for the missing father.  

There was a step father in the house because my father had left.  A child takes things personal.  His leaving left me feeling unwanted and confused over what I had done to drive him away.   When my father lived with us, he doted on me.  There was now an empty spot in our family that needed filled.  The relationship between a girl and her father is unique to nothing else.  It can set the stage for relationships with men the rest of her life.  I was not complete without that relationship; the doting man.  My child's mind turned assigned blame to my mother.

A feeling of "empty" dominated my life.  I tried to fill it with relationships - one after another.  I was confused, seeking that illusive "something" to fill that empty spot inside me.  I was so desperate that I put a sign on my back that read, "Kick me!".  This sign could only be seen by men who wanted to take advantage of women for their own selfish agenda.  This went on for years; until my mid thirties.  

I tried group therapy; Oh, that was fun! - NOT!  Therapy can be a good thing.  I was in a community group of self pity.  I tried drinking and bar hopping.  There was that long list of relationships that just added to the dirty feeling.  Anger surfaced in various ways: drinking, teasing, independence, rebellion, a loud and dominating personality.  I had a pastor tell me that he knew I was hurting because of how loud I laughed; I tried to hard to be happy.  

Let me say here that I have secrets.  Things I never told my mother, things I will not tell my husband.  My closest friends would not know how to understand.  If you do not deal with your secrets, they will make you sick.  I was sick emotionally and the physical aspects are now surfacing as a delayed reaction.  The seeds of illness have now grown into full maturity through high blood pressure, blood sugar and various allergies through a compromised immune system.

My worldly options were exhausted.  I tried everything I could to run headlong over a cliff (so to speak).

When I was sitting with a loaded gun in my hand, God spoke through a whisper from somewhere deep inside me.  

I returned to childhood teachings of my mother and, in gut wrenching prostration, returned to church.  I was the prodigal daughter coming home to the spiritual Father that I can always count on.  This Father never leaves me, forgave me, made me whole, listens to me, heals me, gave me hope and tenderly loves me forever.  He knows ALL my secrets but can't see them.  He sees me through the blood that Christ shed - as a pure and holy child of His, redeemed.  He has made me a princess daughter in His Kingdom forever.  I am the righteousness of God through His first born son, Jesus.  

I have scars on my soul.  The scabs and pain are gone.  My life is changed forever.  Life is full.  There is no more "empty" inside.  I am filled with warm, sincere desires to love, share, help, teach and to be with God, my Father, in this life and the next.  
Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 1

Grace, through belief in Jesus the Christ, is our law today; love God and love your neighbor.  Mt 22:36  The amazing grace (love, forgiveness, kindness) is what Jesus replaced the law with.  Paul wrote in every one of his letters about God’s grace replacing the law. 

Col 1:26 states the “mystery that has been kept hidden” referring to God’s plan of redemption.  This plan replaces God’s perfect law of the Ten Commandments with the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Are we led by spirit or a written code of law?  Christians who belong to Christ are led by the spirit we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Spirit did not dwell in men in the Old Testament.  It fell on men.  It came and went as men and women of the Bible needed it.  God supplied when there was a need for strength through Him.  Today, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell IN us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Once given and received, He does not leave. 

The Arc:  God commanded a piece of manna, Aaron’s rod and the Ten Commandments to be placed inside the arc.  They are signs of the rebellion of the Israellites.  The people broke the first commandment even before Moses came down from Mt. Sinai.  The arc is made of wood covered with gold.  Wood is a symbol of man.  The cover, the Mercy Seat, is solid gold, representing diety.  The Mercy Seat is where sacrifices were made - replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus - diety.  The lid, Jesus/grace, covers the law inside; the Ten Commandments.

What about Sabbath?  Jesus broke Sabbath time and again - one of the Ten Commandments.  He was confronted by the Pharisees about breaking the Sabbath.  Jesus said if you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all.  Christ showed us, by example, that the commandments were erased, when He came to fulfill the law, by taking all our guilt and shame, on Himself and nailed our sins, under the law, to the cross. 

Early church did not keep Sabbath.  We do not keep the Sabbath today.  The Sabbath is Saturday - ask any Jew.  Christians keep Sunday.  Sunday was the day Christ rose from death to new life.

If Pharisees were so good at keeping the law, why didn’t Christ get along with them?

Jer 31:33 & 34 Here God tells Jeremiah of a second covenant.  The first with Adam and the second through Jesus. He tells him the law will be written on their hearts.  People will no longer need a written code of law they have to obey because true believers will want to follow the will of God.  Also IICor 3:3

For the Jews who rejected Jesus as their Messiah, animal sacrifices done in obedience to the Old Testament covenant were stopped in A.D. 70, at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the armies of Rome.  Jesus warned of this in the Gospels.

The ten commandments are done away with - Mt 5:17  Jesus fulfilled the law (10 Commandments) and the prophets.  The law is God’s perfect law.  Man is carnal and cannot keep a perfect law - that is why Jesus had to fulfill it and prophecy.  Prophecy cannot be done away with.  It is the will of God.  Jesus fulfilled the prophets by fulfilling the law.  He did it for us.  Once and for all.

Christ teaching:  Mt 5:18 & 19 In verse 18, Jesus explains that He has not yet fulfilled the law because He has not yet died for us.  Christ tells us anyone who sets aside even the least of the laws and teaches it will be called least in heaven. 

He goes on to give an example by explaining murder, adultery and a couple other issues like divorce and oaths.  He begins his explanation by stating the law and then corrects it by saying, “But I tell you”.  Here He is explaining that to even think the wrong is the same as doing the wrong.  What human being (other than Himself) can keep such law?  No one.  He knows that.  That is why He was sent - the perfect man to take the perfect law.

To be continued . . . . .

A Thought For Today

The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:

Noah got drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was cross eyed
Joseph was abused
Moses had a speech impediment
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were young
David had an affair and planned a murder

Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
The apostles were under the age of 20
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while on watch
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, 5 times
Zaccheus was too short
Paul was a Pharisee 
Timothy had an ulcer
Lazarus was dead

No more excuses!  God can use you to your full potential.  Matter of fact, He uses the weak.  Everyone knows that you have a flaw.  If you let God use you, the world will know it was not you doing this great work - you are not capable.  Only God could have done it.  This is how He shows Himself - through the common sinful man.

Stop making excuses and let God use you to do miracles.  Be a miracle worker.
Amen

The Gospels - Matthew

In the four gospels, we find 89 chapters.  Four chapters are on the childhood of Jesus.  There are 12 chapters of the public ministry of Jesus in John alone. 

What Matthew could have looked like

NOTE:  The disciples were very young, most mere teenagers.  I will be writing on this in detail in the future.

The four gospels are referred to as "Synoptic" gospels.  Synoptic means "to view together".  Together they compose the complete life of our Savior. 

Matthew wrote with detailed precision, as the accountant that he was.  In Matthew we find Jesus portrayed as a king, symbolized by the lion, exalted and represented by the color purple, associated with royalty (although among Jews the color considered as royal is red).  The phrase, "kingdom of heaven" is only referenced in this book of the gospels.  Matthew has the most chapters, 28, probably because he wrote with a lot of detail.

This first of the gospels is written to Jews of prominence and shows Jesus geneology, through Joseph, back to King David thus proclaiming His physical claim to the throne in the kingdom of God.  The tribe of Judah is listed to show His Jewish kinship as coming from the chosen people; Jesus being THE chosen one.   It does not state that Jesus was begotten of Joseph because there was no physical connection.  In the begats of Mt, chapt. 1, we find the four gentile women listed:  Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba (listed as Uriah's wife).  A few names were left out because they were not worthy.  In AD 17, Romans burned all archives.

NOTE: Most often non believers are not mentioned by name in the Bible, but these women were and/or became believers based on evidence in their stories.

NOTE:  Matthew records three sets of 14 generations: 3x14 = 42 months = 3 1/2 years: the time of tribulation.  The first set of generations runs Abraham thru David; the second runs David thru Babylon and the third runs Babylon thru Jesus.  These reference morning, noon and evening of the time of this age.

In those days, tax collectors cheated and stole from their own people - the worst of the worst.  People despised tax collectors, did not trust and shunned them.    Matthew was, actually, serving another country (Rome).  He had given an oath to Ceasar, as a God.   He was considered a traitor of his people for the love of money - a type of idol worship.  To his credit, in Mt 9:9, Jesus said two words, "Follow Me", and Matthew did.  Jesus explains his choice in 9:12.

Matthew, writing to prominent Jews, records the visit of the Magi and their dealings with king Herod (Herod, Heb: "Evil").  (I have read an account showing Herod as descendant of Esau.) 

in Mt 2:2 we find a parallel to Gen 3:9:  In Genesis, is the first question in the Bible,  "Where are you?"; God asked of Adam.   Adam, the first man, was hiding from God from the guilt of his sin.  Here, Mt 2:2, is the question from the Magi (a class of priests among the Persians and Medes who formed the kings privy council) inquiring about the second Adam, Jesus, who came to do the job that Adam failed at: uniting man's relationship with God.

In Mt 2:13 we are told of the escape into Egypt; Egypt translates "stress".  This is very interesting not only in this story but also the story of Moses saving the Israelites out of Egypt (stress).

We see the humility of John the Baptist in Mt 3:11

In the baptism of Jesus, we see the Holy Spirit, in symbol of a dove, lighting on Jesus.  (See Ps 2:7)  In Gen 8:9, the dove found no resting place from the ark.  The dove would not land on dead bodies of the condemned/condemnation.  The Holy Spirit cannot rest on us under condemnation.  The Holy Spirit, in Matthew, found no condemnation in Jesus - only grace.

When Satan tells Jesus to turn stones to bread in Mt 4:3, he is telling Him to get fed from the law (the 10 Commandments were written on stone).  Jesus refused because He came to fulfill the law NOT to enforce it.

In 4:20, it is interesting to note the phrase "I will send you out to fish for men/people" was originally, in Greek, "Let me be your guide".  Further in verse 20, "followed him" is "became His disciples", in the original Greek.  These differences in wording do put a slightly different slant to the meaning.

In Mt 10 we find the first commission assigned to the apostles.  Verse 11:25, "little children" originally read "disciples" who actually are children in their stage of spiritual growth.  Chapt. 12:31&32 reveals what might be the "unpardonable sin".  

It is very interesting, in lieu of Matthew's view of Jesus as King, that in verse 21:3 he refers to Him as THE Lord (not "my" Lord). 

Many parables are recorded by Matthew along with Peter's declaration, Jesus prediction of His death, the transfiguration, healing, divorce, the little children, His entry into Jerusalem, taxes, hypocrisy, woe to teachers of the law, signs of the end time, the plot against Him, last supper, the garden, His arrest, trial, Peter's denial, crucifixion, burial and ends with His resurrection.  

I find it interesting in 27:25, "All the people [Jews] answered, "His blood is on us and on our children!"  Surely, they had no idea what a curse they were pronouncing on generations.

This record ends with the resurrection, ascension and promise to be "with you always, to the very end of the age.".  
Amen
  
* I'll be back in a few days with notes on the book of Mark.