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.

 

 

 

The Blood Covenant

 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

 

Most Christians understand that The Covenant between God and believers was sealed with the blood of Jesus on the cross.

Let's go a little deeper:

 

> The covenant is spoken of in the Old Testament. God made a covenant with Abraham to which the Hebrew people (who later became Israelites) are heirs in the spiritual kingdom. Where was the blood that sealed that one? Gen. 17:10 Circumcision would spill that blood on behalf of man. 

 

> Can we go back further? Was there a covenant with the first man? The first blood spilled in the Bible was God sacrificing animals to make clothes for sinful man and woman, Gen. 3:21. God uses animals to pay for man's sin. 

 

> God further demands human blood through child birth, Gen. 3:16. The physical blood required is not enough to kill. It actually contributes to human life. God is love.

 

> With Adam and Eve, God is showing us the need for blood - the first signs of His plan of salvation, through the cross. This is the blood covenant sealed by both man and God. 

 

> An agreement between two parties requires a payment of some sort from each party. God sacrificed a part of His creation (animals) throughout the entire Old Testament. Man and woman were also paying a price through circumcision and child birth (including a woman's menses, which makes birth possible); a blood covenant entered into by both parties. 

 

> Both man and woman needed to be included in the covenant agreement because each was created separately and each had sinned apart from the other. Genesis 2 and 3

 

> This may be why Abel understood the need for animal sacrifice, which was accepted over his brother's offering of crops; sweat of man's brow, his own effort (indicative of pride).

The practice of animal sacrifice continued throughout the Old Testament as did the blood sacrifices of man and woman.

 

 

 

> When Christ was born, human blood was spilled to bring Him into this world as a physical man and animal sacrifices continued in the temple. This began the second covenant for our eternal life. Christ paid the price 33 years later - adding His spiritual signature, in blood, to the bottom line of the covenant. 

 

> The blood of Christ was not human; His blood was completely divine - holy. The mother does not pass blood type to a fetus.  Animals cannot provide the pure blood required to pay for human sin. 

 

> Man continues to sin and so continues his/her part of the blood covenant through birth and circumcision. (Circumcision today is used as an aid to cleanliness. Although science proves this, we are loosing sight of the original purpose. God is using science to continue man's part of the covenant agreement. Ain't He clever?)

 

> So . . the First Covenant was with Adam. It was renewed with Abraham for the Hebrew Peoples. The Second Covenant was between Christ and all peoples who will believe in Him.

 

- Isn't this beautiful? God wants all to be saved to live forever. So well planned from the beginning of creation.

* Praise God for His all-encompassing love !

 

 

Chapter One, EPILOGUE

The memory of a moment stays with us for a lifetime - Unknown
 
We need not destroy the past, it is gone - John Cage
 
> It was the dawn of color television and the Howdy Doody show, Ed Sullivan, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, drive-in theaters, the jitterbug, jukeboxes and candy buttons on paper. The milkman delivered to your door and the family doctor still made house calls. Women stayed home, wore aprons and cooked Maypo for breakfast. It was convertible cars, the polio vaccine, home perms and Alaska became a state. It was Elvis, Mickey, Uncle Milty and American Bandstand. We caught pollywogs and fireflies, played hopscotch and jumped rope to Double Dutch. It was the magical time of childhood wonder and innocent discovery.
 
> Sorting through old photos and stirring memories reveals nothing especially noteworthy about my first eight years on this earth. My childhood seemed, then and now, not to be unlike any other child's.
 
> Adults have little understanding of the influence they possess on the lives of young children. In many ways, we become imprinted by those who are the strongest personalities in our young lives. It is said from birth to four are the years that set us on the course of who we will become. I am sure Mother, Pop and Mother Carmichael left their mark on me, in one way or another. Our development through early life is part nature but also part nurture.
 

I looked like a little boy without my bonnet.

> There were a few struggles for, and within, our little family. All families struggle with internal and external relationships. We learned give and take. Jerry and I were very close as children but, one occasion, our tempers were so riled during a physical altercation that we threatened each other with knives. Grandfather stopped that little drama before it turned tragedy. The next day, we were trying to fight each other's battles or defend against a common enemy. We grew through all of it.
 
> Back then, God was the invisible friend I talked to and the subject at church. My life was about friends, school, fishing, parakeets and dress up. Children are truly blessed to have their own world and a direct line to the ear of God. Children are indeed on God's priority list. Need prayer? Ask a child to intervene for you.
 
> We are tested daily. The greatest trial in my first nine years was overcoming not having a father. When a parent leaves or gives up a child, that child's small world insists this is their fault. Children take these huge burdens on themselves. Until he left, I was "Daddy's Girl". After he left, I craved the comforting male attention I had grown used to. This had a huge affect on my life for many years to come and is still part (albeit smaller) of my emotional baggage. He left an unfulfilled hunger in each of his children. My sister and I yearned for the paternal presence that is the role model for a girl's choice of male relationships. My brother just wanted a father's guiding hand and approval for a "job well don, son".
 
> A large part of my character is defined by my mother's heart. It cannot be explained any other way - example is a great teacher. What do we know of giving, if not witnessed by us of those we admire? What does anyone know of compassion without suffering?
 
> I believe that God listened to this child from the first time I called on Him, wishing upon a star in the night sky at the very early age of 4 years. He hears every word from the lips of a child. Let me state right here and now, there have been a few times when I felt lonely, but I cannot remember any moment when I felt alone - ever.
 
> There are no coincidences, no accidents in God's perfectly ordered universe.. Everything in the life of a believer happens for a reason. As you continue to read my story, you will see why I have come to believe this way. Our lives come together in the end for a divine purpose.

* To be continued . . .

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

See "Entertaining Angels Unaware"

 

A Small Family Unit

> The barrel chested father of my mother was a great mentor.

He taught me how to cook, "cypher" and run a chalk line. He spent many years as a professional painter and took pride in his work, often pointing out public buildings that he worked on. "Hold your head up and stick your chest out. You are as good as anyone else" was a constant part of his stern teachings; I adored him. He has been a huge influence on me. This man was undeniable evidence of God in my life.

 

 

 

As far back as I can remember (age 4 or 5), I talked to God. Before Mother sent me to Sunday school, I talked to God. Memories are clear of looking up at stars and talking to Him. I have no recollection of why other than it must have come from my mother. There have been times in my life when I felt lonely but never have I felt alone; there is a constant presence.

 

I often wonder if it wasn't because I was first born. The Bible defines special blessings for first born children. God says, "The first born of every womb is mine", "they belong to me". Parents are to dedicate their children to God (for His particular care throughout their lives) with special emphasis on first born. It's like offering the first of the flock for sacrifice, or tithe. With all God provides for us, this is all He asks - a small part. Jesus was "first born among many" and the supreme sacrifice. Samuel's mother, Hannah, gave her first born to become one of the greatest prophets to anoint the first God ordained king of Israel, David. I believe God has special work for "His" first born. I am not talking about favoritism, just singled out with a special purpose. Just a thought.

 

My brother, Jerry, was only eighteen months younger and we were as close as twins. I am ashamed to admit we left my poor sister, Karen, five years my junior, on her own other than torment from us. She did rebel with jealousy and "tattling" on our mischief. It is a wonder she survived the two of us or that she even grew up liking us. This serves as a testimony to her beautiful nature.

 

 

We were not to wander beyond our own yard after school unless on an errand to the corner grocery, so we became a tight family unit. Gradually, Mother distanced herself from her siblings - all but her favorite brother, who lived next door with his wife and six children. There were frequent visits from a sister who would come to cry on Mother's shoulder about her abusive husband. Early on, I do remember Thanksgiving and Christmas at our house with meals conducted in shifts so everyone got fed. There were lots of cousins, food, conversation and football games on the television. This stopped when it became too much for a single working mom to provide.

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.

Second Book Begins Here

 HERE IT IS

> When I penned my book, "Evidence of God", it was meant to be followed by another. With the tragic onset of COVID, all plans for book signings, speaking engagements and publication was thwarted - even after Zondervan showed interest in publishing.

> "Evidence of God" was of a personal nature but I mean to follow that with an in depth writing of a book titled "From the Beginning" which has nothing to do with my life, finding my personal Jesus or finding my children after 50 years of separation.

> I am now prompted to do something with my writings and notes for this second book. 

> I am going to publish it right here - in parts. Whether I complete the entire volume or not, what I do have will be here for anyone to read who is interested in hermaneutics and/or apologetics in every day English, via Hebrew/Messianic interpretations.

> Hopefully, this will spur me to continue my research and actually complete this in-depth study.

> "In The Beginning" begins here.

> Dedication To Mary: My roll model. You are everything that I aspire to be. I love you, then, now and always

 

Book 2, "From The Beginning" 

Gethsemane

Arrest in Gethsemane

Gethsemane translates from Aramaic Hebrew as “Oil Press”. It can be found at the foot of the Mt. Of Olives in Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. The name comes from two Hebrew words, “gat” (to press) and “sh’manim” (to grow fat). This last word is referencing the fat of riches or blessings. This garden was/is the press that makes rich with blessings. Interesting that Jesus prayed here frequently.

He prayed in a garden where His blood fell to the ground and cleansed it of the curse bestowed in Genesis 3:17.

He made three prayers in the garden; sometimes referred to as “Prayers of Agony”. He prayed to succeed and be glorified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for all believers - you and me. John goes into great detail to relate these prayers to us. John and Peter had been asked to stay nearest in the garden and Peter fell asleep. John overheard Jesus. 

In all His praying, He refers to His Father as “Abba”, in original text. This is a term of endearment from the Hebrew language which is best translated, “Daddy”. The Father is our “Daddy” God.

When Jesus prayed, He sweat blood and ask He be spared. Some have interpreted that He was dreading the lashing at the whipping post and the crucifixion itself. No so much as the sin of men. This perfect, holy being was dreading taking on the sins of the world. Luke 22:43 mentions an Angel encouraging Him. For a few hours on the cross, the holy was to become profane. 

Judas approached him with the greeting, “Shalom Rabbi” (“Peace, Teacher”) and gave Him a kiss, Mt. 26:49, Mk. 14:44 and Lk. 22:48, where Jesus confronts Judas about the kiss. What a beautiful greeting for an ugly deed.
In Hebrew, “kiss” has deep meaning that does not relate to man-woman relations. To kiss is to strengthen by making a close connection, more emotional or spiritual than physical. The word can also mean to arm for battle with weapons that will touch. Judas was not seeking to either strengthen or arm Jesus; just the opposite - weaken and disarm; he was lying through his actions.
We learn from our Gospels there was a large number of soldiers. John’s account tells us a detachment of soldiers came, with Judas, to arrest Jesus, Jn. 18:3 & 12. A detachment was also referred to as a “cohort” which was anywhere from 480 - 600 soldiers; minimum. There was a Centurion required for every 100 men. In addition, there were the temple officials in tow. We are talking about a lot of armed, trained for battle, Roman soldiers (the greatest army in the world at that time), Mt. 26:47, Mk. 14:43 and Jn. 18:3 - 5. Why so many? What had they been told? What were they led to expect? What were they afraid of?
Go to John 18 where the arrest of Jesus is recorded; the meat of my writing. Verse four tells us that Jesus approached the crowd and asked who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Heb: “Jeshua a Nazaree”). His reply was “I Am” (in original text, “he” is omitted from the answer), Ex. 3:13 & 14. This two word reply is reference to the name “Yahweh” which translates, “I Am, I Was, I Am Coming”. Jesus spoke His heavenly name and look what happened in verse six: this entire detachment of armed Roman soldiers, Centurions and temple officials fell to the ground at the mention of His name, Phil. 2:10. 

Note: Verse eight of John eighteen gives us a glimpse into the attitude of Jesus. He had faced them to ask who they wanted. Now he replied “I told you . . “. He made a stand. I see no fear in our Savior.

Praise God; thank you, Jesus

The Logos

Last Supper

It was the time of Passover when the Last Supper was held, Mt. 26:17, Mk. 14:12, Lk. 22:7. After the ceremonies, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane and was arrested. He had his trial in the morning, was beaten and crucified all on the day of Passover, from evening (around 6:00 pm) to death at 3:00 pm.

Passover (Heb: “Pesach”), has a meal the evening before. In Jewish culture, a day begins at sundown the eve before. Traditionally, bitter herbs, washings, wine and matzah are used. Passover is also called The Festival of Matzah. (Matzah is a large unleavened cracker.) Washing hands and feet represent the need to be cleansed before approaching Holy God. 

A rabbi’s follower would consider it an honor to have his rabbi request the use of his home for him and his students to observe Passover service, Mt. 26:18.

In Matthew 26:20, we see they were reclining at the table. This is to show appreciation for the freedom from slavery in Egypt brought through the sacrificial lamb of Passover. We know this is an important element because it is listed in the first three books of the Gospels. Jesus, represented by the lamb’s blood over the wooden door posts on the first Passover is the perfect lamb sacrifice on the wooden cross for our sins today.

Matthew 26:23 refers to a bowl. It may have contained the paste called “maror” (Heb: bitter herb), made from horseradish or bitter lettuce. Judas and Jesus shared in this bowl of bitter herbs; both were about to face a bitter end.
Note: Judas always referred to Jesus as “teacher” while all the other apostles called him, “Lord”. Judas was a thief, Jn. 12:6 and an outsider, from Kiriot, easy prey for Satan. Note: In O.T. Kiriot was a town in Moab; in the N.T, it was a town on the southern boarder of Judah. 

Leavening, in the Bible, references sin. To eat unleavened bread during Passover week is to be a reminder of how we are to put sin out of our lives. The word bread has been translated to English Bibles in place of the original text, matzah. Matzah is made with piercings (Jesus was pierced in His side) and striped with slashes (Jesus was lashed with a whip). Bread itself is a reference to the flesh of Jesus that was stripped at the whipping post, where He took our infirmities upon Himself, Isa. 53:4-5, 1Cor. 11:29-30.

The wine represents the blood He shed from the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the cross. Pure blood (not tainted by His human parents) that is holy enough to cover all of man’s sins from the beginning of time until His return.

Both bread and wine come from elements (wheat and grapes) that have to be crushed in order to be used just as we must be crushed into humility, through the trials of life, before God can use us.

The foot washing is addressed in all four gospels. Jesus told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This makes a subtle reference to baptism as public confession and cleansing. Another aspect of foot washing, that makes it difficult for so many people, is the humbling effect. Pride has always been an issue with God and in the life of Jesus. God can use a repentant sinner but not a proud person.

They finished with a hymn (Heb: the Hallel) of praise, Mt. 26:30. We were created to praise God. The meaning of our life is not fulfilled until we learn what a blessing it is to praise God.

Crown of Thorns

Exodus 12 speaks of Passover. Among Jewish peoples Passover is considered the New Year for Kings. This is when kings were crowned.

In 1Kings 6:1 we learn Solomon began to build the Temple in the second month, Ziv, of his reign of four years. We can calculate that Solomon was crowned in the first month of the Hebrew calendar, Nisan.  Nisan is the month of Passover, the month of Redemption, the month of Salvation, the month of the Crucifixion and the month of the crowning of the Kings of Israel. 

Jesus came by the words of John the Baptist (the prophesied Ezekiel) who alerted people about the PRESENCE of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was not publicly crowned, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is AT HAND!”, Mt. 3:2.
Jesus came to prove His right to His thrown on this earth by sacrificing Himself for His bride, the church (all believing Jews and Gentiles). He will return to claim both, soon.  Coming to prove Himself for His kingdom as the God-man, He would not leave unless crowned as King.  Therefore, He was crowned!

Judges 8:26 tells us that the kings of Midian wore purple robes; a royal color. AND, the color of cloth God instructed to cover the altar in the ‘Holy of Holies’, in the Tent of Meeting was to be purple, Nu. 4:13. The crucifixion was where God received the most important offering ever sacrificed.

The ignorant Roman soldiers did not understand their crowning was a REAL crowning, performed according to the ancient traditions of Israel.  They crowned Jesus on the day of the day of the crowning of Kings of Israel, with crown and purple robe.  God used these ignorant Roman soldiers to crown Jesus, the King Messiah - at the exact time appointed by Him for this purpose.

 
Note: The curse of the earth, “ cursed is the ground for your sake; . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you . . ,” Gen. 3:17 & 18.  The thorns in Jesus crown also removed the curse from off the earth.

Never doubt God is in control for the best possible outcome of any situation. Praise God and thank you, Jesus.

Look Up

Napoleon the First, with all his disdain for men, bowed to one power that he was pleased to regard as greater than himself. In the heart of an atheistic age he replied to the theorists of his day, "Your arguments gentlemen, are very fine. But who," pointing up to the evening sky, "who made all these?" And even the godless science of our times, while rejecting the scriptural answer to this question, still confesses that it has no other to give. 

"The phenomena of matter and force," says Tyndall, "lie within our intellectual range; and as far as they reach we will push our inquiries. But behind, and above, and around all, the real mystery of the universe lies unsolved, and as far as we are concerned, is incapable of solution." But why incapable of solution? Why not already solved, so far as we are concerned, in this "simple, unequivocal, exhaustive, majestic" alpha of the Bible — "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"? 

What is the origin of things? Perhaps the greatest question mortal man can ask. A profoundly religious question, going down to the very roots of Truth, Science, Theology, Character and Worship. 

There are sixty or seventy elements which, so far as we know at present, that are the make up of the universe. And the point is this: not one solitary atom of these elements can be made by man.  All that man can do is to operate with these elements. In short, man must have something on which, as well as with which, to operate.  From where came this inconceivable amount of material? 

God creates atoms; man fashions molecules.

Let me leave you with these verses from the book of Job:

Where were you when I founded the earth?
Tell me, if you know so much.
Do you know who determined its dimensions
or who stretched the measuring line across it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

After 2 full chapters in the book of Job (38 & 39) Gods response to all the complaining crushes Job's arguments that the Eternal cannot be approached and will not respond.  Job's answer to God consists of only 2 verses.  After all the talk expressing the desire to speak to God and defend himself, Job can only lay his hand over his mouth and confess total ignorance, Job 40:4 & 5.

I am too ashamed; I have nothing to say.
I lay my hand over my mouth.
Yes, I spoke once, but I won't answer more;
all right, twice, but I won't go on.

Predestined

What's In a Name?

Good morning!
It's is a beautiful day to be a light in a dark world.  This will be a very bright year for believers.  More and more people are seeking me out for prayer, communion and anointing.  All to the glory of God.

I really enjoy the study of names in the Bible, through the Hebrew language.  It is a rich language with lots of nuances and details that only enrich the meanings.  This, in turn, deepens my faith and allows me more shalom peace.  (Shalom: complete spiritual peace.)

Just the other day, as I was going through the definition of a few names, I explored the name "Eve".  I have always heard this name meant "life".  As usual, this is a simplification of a deeper and richer meaning.  First of all, "Eve" is not a proper name. 

I'm glad you asked:  To be exact, "Eve" translates, "Mother of ALL Life".  This brings up an immediate question.  Since Eve was created after animals, vegetation and Adam, how can she be the mother of ALL life? 

She was the first mother - of Cain and Abel.  However, the translation is not "first mother", it is "all life".  Through the richness of this amazing language (Hebrew) we find out that the word "all", in this case, refers to organisms.  Our body is made up of organs, made up of one cell organisms.  Eve is the mother of all life down to one cell organisms.  Really, kinda beautiful when you think about it.

Let's explain a little further.  (I want to be rational, practical and responsible of giving the correct translation.)  I want you to understand in order to see the beauty in this.  As stated above, Adam and all life came before Eve.  BUT . . . she was the first woman; women bear children/ give life.  See?  Only women can be called "mothers". 

Thus, Eve is the mother of all life, down to the single cell organism.  This gives us understanding on another level.

It turns out that "Adam" is over simplification.  "Adam" does not merely mean "man".  Adam translates, Human created from the earth to live on the earth for ever.

Thanks be to God, the Father, for all wisdom and understanding.
Amen

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Fiery Furnace

Today, let's look at Daniel 3:16 - 18
We find "some astrologers" coming to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, to denounce the Jews.  In all likely-hood, because they were not able to get these teenagers to do as they were told.  After all, these Jews were servants in the king's house and were not complying to the rules.  They were refusing to worship the idol set up by the king.  These "tattletails" were crying to the king like a child who could not make a baby brother do what they told him.

I want to interject some interesting notes:  These were Jewish teenagers, from the tribe of Judah, being faithful to the God that brought their ancestors out of Egypt, the land of stressful slavery.  Their Hebrew names were Hananiah (meaning: God Has Been Gracious), renamed Shadrach, meaning Command of Aku (Babylonian god of the moon).   Mishael (meaning: Who Is Like Unto God), renamed Meshach, meaning Who Is What Aku Is.  And Azariah (meaning: Helped Of God) renamed Abednego, meaning Servant of Nebo (Babylonian god of wisdom).   Further, these young men were from royal families of nobility among the Jews noted to be highly educated with aptitude and intellect.  Beautiful Hebrew names changed to names of idols.  What a terrible change of names for them.  From their view point probably very demeaning.  I think I would be a bit angry over the name change.

Moving on, verse 16 gives us the reply of these three young men.  In front of the mighty king who held their lives in his hands, they refuse to defend themselves.  What beautiful pride in their faith.  They tell the king their god is mighty enough to save them from fire and this king and furthermore, if their God does not save them from certain death, they refuse to serve or worship false gods or the image the king set up.  WOW !!!  They lived in the palace, clothed in finery and had food available to them from the king's kitchen.  Young men ready to die for devotion to God.

Do you know a teenager today who would stand like this in front of  Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin or Hussein?  No wonder God chose to save them from the burning furnace.  They did not even smell of smoke.  The king praised God and gave a command to anyone who spoke against the God they worshiped.  He even promoted them.  What an amazing testimony from God.  What would you do in such a situation?

There is a message in verse 3:26 & 27 which talks about the king calling them out of the fire and noting their clothes were not even singed by the fire that had burned others who even approached it.  God calls us to come out of death; come out of your fire - your trial.  Come out of a world that is often times anti God.  Come out of a past of death unto life with Him.  Life more abundant today and life eternal tomorrow.  This is our God.
Amen

Man Is Born Wicked

The nature of man is wicked.  We are born into sin.  It seems worse today because of media that makes news immediate and more population makes for higher statistics.  Those who teach man is basically good, make excuses for choices that people make.  No one is being held accountable.  This is a destructive idea and shows how God's word is being abandoned.

The Bible does not say that people are basically good.  We are born bad so we will need God.  He's good for us.  We were given free will to make choices between good or bad behavior.  Example: Children need to be taught character and morals, they are not born with a sense of anything other than self.  Manners, morals and integrity have to be ingrained in them.  It surely was not a good thing that people watched Christians be torn apart by lions.  What about war, torture and rape?  What about slavery and human trafficking?  Man is inherently evil and needs God for His mercy.

People have turned from belief in God to belief in themselves.  Everything is self, lack of responsibility and greed.  These are not Biblical teachings.  People are turning from the wisdom of the Bible.  America seems to be doing better than most countries because it was founded on the Bible and Christian values to start with.  But, time marches on and the focus is turning from God's values to self and it's escalating.

Schools are teaching "self" to our children with the "everyone is a winner" theology.  Indeed everyone is not a winner.  Giving a prize to everyone when one has shown their self to excel, is ridiculous.  The child who made the extra effort to advance is being punished.  All others are receiving the message that 
they do not have to try.  

Universities campuses are sending new adults into the world with little knowledge of true history, morals or compassion for others while killing Christian values. 

Bring prayer back into schools, teach our children moral values  and return to Bible based rule.  People need God.  We need God for something extraordinary to believe in.  We need God for strength, wisdom, protection, health, safety and something worthy of worship.  God makes us over 3,000 promises in the Bible, if we follow Him.  World history proves we need Him.  Remember saying grace over a meal?  What happened to closing major shopping on Sunday, common politeness, manners and respect?  When did we stop seeing our fellow man the same as us, with feelings and struggles?  When did we begin to let minority rule?  When did we stop caring?  Can people not see that as we get away from Bible teachings so many human values are disappearing?  Common sense is dying an agonizing death.  God, my friends, God is the answer to everything wrong in our society today.
Amen

Genesis 5

Very few people like to read the "begats" in any chapter.  Names are difficult to pronounce and few are interested in tracing family trees in the Bible from thousands of years ago.  It can be interesting, though.  Nothing from God is by accident or without reason.  The bible is like an onion that can be pealed layer after layer.

In the fascinating Hebrew language (The language God gave Adam;  the language that Moses and all the profits used to write original manuscripts of the Old Testament),  names have meaning that relates to the person or the story being told.

ALSO, any time anything appears in the Bible for the first time, it is significant.  This is no different with the first "begats" of the Bible found in Genesis 5.

If we take each name listed, in the order that it appears and translate the meaning, we find a hidden message that is revelation, prophecy and shows the divine order of this Book of God's word.  Let's check this out:

Adam, in Hebrew, translates "Man", Seth - "Appointed", Enosh - "Mortal", Kenan - "Sorrow".  Mahalalel translates "God's Splendor", Jared - "Descended", Enoch - "Teacher".  Methuselah translates "His Death Will Bring", Lamech - "Disparaging", Noah - "Rest".

It is easy to break these down into three sentences:
1.  Man (was) appointed mortal sorrow.  This refers to the fall of man (Adam) in the garden.
2. God's splendor descended teacher.  Who descended from heaven as our great teacher; the splendor of God?
3. His death will bring disparaging rest.  Jesus suffered humiliation, degredation before His agonizing death so we might rest through faith in him.

Genesis 5, is not only some boring "begats" but here we see God's plan for the ages in the fifth chapter of the first book that Moses wrote.  It is prophetic promise of salvation for mankind through "the splendor of God".  I don't know about you, but this helps strengthen my faith.  Such a statement gives credibility to Moses knowledge of God, God's perfect order, God's love for man, God in charge and I want to know more of this amazing God of Gods.

One more point:  These begats are broken into 3 sentences.  Three is the number of perfection - God in three parts.  These three sentences reveal to us not only a trinity but inform us that God's plan is perfect.  We can trust in our future as Christian believers.
Amen

Despair

People are always quick with advice that makes everything worse instead of better; they always repeat the same cliche' .  They mean well.  They actually want to help but there is little they can do and even less they can say that will help.  Truth is, despair is a lonesome valley and you are the only one who can walk through it, by yourself.  

About seven years were spent writing down my pitiful youth and all the mistakes I made because I let others have control over my self worth.  It took me a long time to be able to look back over all the losses and disappointments and see how it all happened for a reason.  There was loss of children, rejection, divorce, loss, grief, failure, drinking, more loss, disease, more divorce, more rejection and more loss.  I ran from myself and suppressed feelings and memories until I was numb - without any feeling.  I was in that "lonesome valley" all by myself.

At my lowest emotional point, I had a loaded gun in my hand trying to decide the most effective way to use it so I would actually kill myself and not make a mistake that would leave me a cripple the rest of my life.  That would have been worse than death:  drooling, blind, in a wheel chair and/or wearing a diaper with others wiping my chin, or my "cheeks".  Thoughts like this are enough to make you hesitate - at least.

For me, it was God.  I did not hear a voice.  I did not see a burning bush.  There was no lightening or thunder.  Just a quiet thought planted in my head.  It was the perfect thought to stop me.  It was God relating to me, through the Holy Spirit, in a way I could understand.  Let me print a few lines from my book, "Evidence of God":

Late one evening, after business hours, sitting in the back room of my shop, I was holding a loaded gun in my lap.  I had taken it from John’s dresser when I moved out.  Must have sat there for a long time watching light on the wall turn to shadow.  I wasn’t thinking, just being numb.  When thoughts did return, they were about how to do it: in the mouth, in the ear, my temple?  Was the safety off?  Was it a tight trigger?  Lots of questions.

The thing about happiness: It’s a choice.   But, I was a prisoner of the pain.   Suicide is desperate, it is hostile, it is tragic.  These are the legacies for those left behind after suicide: guilt, anger, doubt, blame, fear, rejection, abandonment and profound grieving.  Most people don’t want to talk about it, don’t even want to think about it.  It is too raw and it’s way too confusing.
The bottom of my life had come up and smashed me in the face.  You don’t get over major life obstacles; you go through them.  You never forget; you learn to live with the memories.   What seemed like impossible obstacles in my life were a series of great opportunities that I could not see from my pit of depression - that "lonesome valley".

The olive, grape and grain are used through out the Bible as examples in stories and parables.   Each one has to be crushed before it can be used for oil, wine and bread.  Just as these examples tell us, God has to crush us before He can use us.

As I sat there, a voice came into my head.  A small voice way in the back, soft but clear.  “You can’t give life, so you can’t take life.”

That’s all I can recall.  I’m writing this text today so I must not have pulled the trigger.   The pastor’s remark comes back to me about getting baptized quickly because trials were coming.  In my heart, I am convinced it was the spirit of God speaking to me that night as evidence of God’s patience, wisdom and love. 

No way am I suggesting that you get a loaded gun to get an answer from God or otherwise.  Just want to relate a few thoughts I had/have about the subject.  I do want to tell you that there is a way out - always.  BUT, it isn't an easy one.  If it were, there would be no meaning to life.  YOU have to find YOUR way.  YOU have to learn to live with your issues without revenge or grudges.  You have to find the loving way for it to work.  God is really the easiest way.  Call on Him.  Ask for an answer.  Dump on Him, tell Him how you feel.  I mean, really pour it out.  Find professional help if you need it.  Call a help line. 

Life is an amazing gift from God.  The enemy is real and he wants your life.  The devil wants you dead.  This is something that is hard to see when you are in that valley.  He doesn't want to see you alive, happy or prospering the way God does.  GOD LOVES YOU!  You, Y-O-U were created individual with your unique traits and personality because you are special to Him.  He does not want to see you in despair, unhappy, suffering or without any necessity.  Take my word for it.  I've been there.  I found my way out.  It wasn't easy but I am stronger, more confident, healthier, happier and more prosperous for going THROUGH it.  I didn't have to do it all alone.  God took my hand and we walked out of that lonesome valley together.  It is worth the fight.  It is worth it to be alive.

Health & Wealth vs Sick & Poor

Jesus healed; He did not make people sick. There is not one instance where he gave someone an illness.  He never refused to grant forgiveness to anyone who asked for it.  Jesus actually gave forgiveness a few times that people didn't even have to ask.  He never told anyone He didn't have time right now; come back later.  There is evidence that He actually felt better after giving healing or forgiveness.

Abraham willing gave tithe to Melchizedek in the very first book of the Bible, after Melchizedek took communion with him.  Abraham received Isaac, the son of his old age, of his dreams, who fathered the nation of Israel, from whom came the Savior.  Abraham became a very wealthy man - because God was pleased with him.  His descendants number the stars.  He lived a long, prosperous and healthy life.

Because Jesus borrowed Peter's boat, He gave Peter a net load of fish that could have sunk Peter's boat.  That meant a lot of money.

The New Testament is full of parables of healing and prospering.  The good Samaritan went beyond the call of decency to provide for the stranger on side of the road.  There is no parable that references sickness or poverty given to a believer.  You can even find God's grace given to non believers.

Jesus healed.  In the gospel of Luke, the physician, there is one healing after another listed starting with driving out an impure spirit in chapter four.  I can cite 17 events of healing in this chapter without searching.  Jesus even raised Lazarus, a widow's son and Jarus' daughter from the dead, not to mention Himself.   As a matter of fact, Luke 13:16 tells us Satan is the one who gives disease when Jesus helas a crippled woman.

When He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, He was giving, providing.  All four gospels tell this story.  Matthew and Mark tell of feeding another crowd with 7 loaves and a few fish.  In the first case, there were 12 baskets left over.  I am sure the left overs were given to the boy who generously gave of his lunch; who else?  The one who freely gave, received more in return.

What did Jesus give His disciples?  The Holy Spirit, joy of serving, gifts and a place in heaven for eternity.

What does He give you?  Are you a believer?  Do you give freely?  Are you sorry when you are wrong?  What is your physical problem?  Do you pray?  Do you ask God to heal or to give to you?  Why not?  Can you not see how willing He is to do this for you?  

There is no "Health and Wealth Gospel".  There is only the truth about the never ending love, generosity and grace of your Heavenly Father.
Amen

Reverential Fear

Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name:  Jeremiah 31:35

In the verse above and Exodus 15:11, we are reminded of the awesome power and authority of God.  When we understand this, we develop what is known as "awe" of God.  Awe is a reverential fear.  This is not fear that sends us running for a secure place to hide (as if that existed with God).  This is the type of fear that recognizes the power and majesty of the All Might; the type of fear that produces respect for the greatest power in the universe that loves us beyond any human understanding.  We see and understand the power of our Creator.  This can be related to the awe we had of our parents when we were young.  We recognized that they had the power to reject, reward, discipline, deny, give and create the atmosphere of our lives.

Once we reach this state of "awe", we want to worship and praise in gratitude -  just as we felt about our parents.  When young, they controlled our entire world and we stood in awe of the way they went about the business of work and providing everything.  In Psalm 68:35, we are told of the power of God that He can give to us.  In Isaiah 66:2, we are told of who He favors among His people. 

Our parents were proud of us and bragged on us when we were respectful.  We were rewarded when we obeyed them and did as we were instructed.  I recognized that my mother had all authority and she demanded respect.  We feared what she could do if she did not get that respect (awe) through our disobedience.   At the same time, we were certain of her love because of the way she commanded right living.  I loved my mother, obeyed her and she returned this with love.  I respected her for her power over me and she loved me for it.

God bestows good things, blessings, on those who who trust Him.  Psalm 31:19.  In Luke 1:50, we are told that proper fear of God grants us mercy from Him.  We learn in Psalm 103:11 that God loves those who love Him.  Love comes from respect, a type of awe.  Isaiah 33:6 tells us that through fear/awe of the Lord, we will be given salvation, wisdom and knowledge as treasure.

The Lord listens to and hears those who fear Him.  Malachi 3:16-17   Proverbs 14:27 tells us we can receive health and long life  through fear of the Lord.  Proverbs 19:23 goes further to add that our life will be content and untouched by trouble when we fear Him.  Finally, we see in Proverbs 22:4 that even riches and honor are added to our life for fearing the Lord.

How do we stand in awe and fear the Lord?   We accept His unconditional love and grace imparted to us as a free gift through the sacrifice of His son on the cross.

We do not have to earn this love from God; His grace is a free gift.  Our sins were forgiven on the cross.  Hebrews 10:12 Amen