How Long Could You Remain on a Boat?

Genesis 7:24 –

And the floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days.

Everyone knows it rained 40 days and 40 nights … but little is talked about how long they were on the boat. Was it 190 days or shorter?? Either way it’s a long time to float knowing everything you knew is gone. They needed supplies and provisions for a long time. God had them load up additional animals for food and animals for sacrifices.

Which makes me wonder, like how did they do sacrifices on the wooden boat? How did they cook on a wooden boat?? Is 150 days long enough for the 7 pairs of feed animals to make more so they don’t starve? Rabbits take 28 days to multiply and they only have 12 kits which take 12 weeks to mature.

Boy I seem to be asking more questions in Genesis than making “thoughts”!!

Many have suggested that the “flood” was localized, since the people God was punishing were in a centralized location. But it does not say that. Also, in that region it would take a global flood to cover the mountaintops. It has been suggested that the boat landed on a mountain top in Turkey and can be seen today. I think a simple Google search will turn up images, you decided.

This is the first extermination of the world, by flood. The second will be by fire and that has yet to come!! Pay attention to the bible and its warnings. We may be like Jonah waiting on a hillside for the fire that never comes, but at the same time we would not want to be “left behind” either!

Proverbs 20:10 – “False weights and unequal measures—the Lord detests double standards of every kind.”

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

Genesis 7:24 –

And the floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days.

Everyone knows it rained 40 days and 40 nights … but little is talked about how long they were on the boat. Was it 190 days or shorter?? Either way it’s a long time to float knowing everything you knew is gone. They needed supplies and provisions for a long time … God had them load up on animals for food and animals for sacrifices.

Which makes me wonder … how did they do sacrifices on the boat?? How did they cook?? is 150 days long enough for the 7 pairs of feed animals to make more so they don’t starve??

Boy I seem to be asking more questions in Genesis than making “thoughts”!!

Many have suggested that the “flood” was localized, since the people were. But it does not say that … also, in that region it would take a global flood to cover the mountaintops. Also, there has been suggested that the boat landed on a mountain top in Turkey and can be seen today.

This is the first extermination of the world, by flood. The second will be by fire … and it has yet to come!! Pay attention to the bible … and it’s warnings.

Proverbs 20:10 –

“False weights and unequal measures—the Lord detests double standards of every kind.”

Trash IT!!

Genesis 6:6 –

So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.

Wow, that’s disappointment!! How many times have we finished something and said this stinks and just wanted to trash it?? We junk a model, a drawing, a bicycle shop, a batch of beer, a (fill in blank) … when it is not what we expected, and for the most part not much changes. Imagine “junking” the world??

Granted from verse 5 we most likely did not think this about our project what God though about his – “that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil” … think about the projects or things you have trashed … ever thought this about them?? God was bummed out that he made this world and it turned into evil!!

God found ONE person who he trusted … and gave him a job. Build a boat!! Save yourself, your family and a mating pair of animals … and he did it. Having watched Evan Almighty, it shows just how CRAZY Moses must have looked!!

What do we see when looking at this story and what do I wonder?? What I wonder is just how bad was it?? We see where we are at today with everything and what did God see then that he does not see now?? Is there some good and therefore He is not quitting yet?? Or is it NOT as bad?? Then you have to wonder, how bad was it then if we are not there yet??

It’s YOUR job to be faithful and just … only YOU can change the world you live in by faith in God!! Yes, YOU are just the body, God WILL works through you … so hold on for the ride, it’s gonna be crazy!!

Proverbs 11:31 –

“If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?”

What’s Your Life Expectancy

Genesis 5:5 –

Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.

930 year!! Guess you’d need to live that long to populate the earth!! Chapter 5 deals with Adams lineage … “back in the day” that was one of the most important parts of their history, to show a connection with God and Adam. In Utah, “rumor has it,” that there is a cave or vault (in the Little Cottonwood Canyon) which the Mormon Church is supposed to have the entire world’s lineage from Adam. That would be cool to check out!!

Sometimes as I get older … I am glad I will only see 30 to 50 more years. Could not imagine another 900!! I would be a mess by then, although may be out of credit card debt by then!

From this chapter one character stands out, Enoch. This is one of two who “cheated death” and was taken to be with the lord, in whole. Verse 24 says he was “walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.” Would that seem crazy for anyone around? Hey where did Enoch go?? You have to wonder if any current missing persons had that happen to them??

Although, this chapter was “boring” … you will find Genesis is interesting and you will see much of the “stories” from the bible come from this book … at least the ones they make movies on.

Proverbs 23:9 –

“ Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.”

Do You Give Your Best?

Genesis 4:4-5 –

<4> Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, <5> but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.“

Genesis 4:4&5 –

 

<4> Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, <5> but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.”

Cain brought labor from the field while Abel brought labor from the flock. But Abel brought the BEST and although it does not say why we can only assume that Cain did not bring his best. It’s not until the New Testament that the quality of the offering is discussed in Hebrews 11:4. This should teach us never to give our second best to God!

From this story I only have more questions, why did God not accept the offering?? Why did Cain get so upset?? Where does Cain’s wife come from?? My theories abound, like Cain did not offer his best. Cain did not have years of examples of murder to learn from and although I believe he was a good man, he did not understand what anger does. Ugh I sound like a person justifying his actions … make me a public defender!!

I get stumped mostly on the wife here … was she his sister? Was she from somewhere else?? I look at day 6 from chapter 1, where man is formed. There is no specific reference to Adam until chapter 2 … so was Adam formed afterwards or was this talking about day 6?? I kind of have some strange ideas on this, like is Adam the start of the Jewish people and were there others He had created also? Or was the gene pool was ok for inter-family relations. I don’t know, but don’t want to think about Dana as my wife!!

Questions abound … some of this I read and just accept, because it’s beyond my brain to figure that out … the geek in my likes to think about it though:-)

Proverbs 13:4 –

“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”

Satan and Sin Enter Our World!

Genesis 3:1 –

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

This is one of the most preached part of the bible … as “church folk” we all know the story, Satan tempted Eve, then she shared what she knew with Adam and God got mad. Then God made the serpent slither, Adam “toil” and Eve have pain in childbirth … all because of one “little sin”. You think about the story and we keep doing “little sins” every day without thinking. Some “little sin” creeps into the day like eating fruit before it’s weighed at Kroger, just a little white lie. We are not doing what is asked, making theses no “big deal sins” which become many.

But look at how God views them … he gets a little upset, well more than a little … sin is sin is sin … murder and telling little white lies are both sin and God is not happy with either. So be aware of what you do and make sure to confess it and let Jesus save you in every case!!

Now, did you read my comment about Satan?? Being in the lawyer mindset I double checked a few different versions and Satan is not mentioned as doing this … “the serpent” was … I will have to check the history of Satan, but the bible says specifically the serpent was crafty and now slithers … but did not reference the fallen angel … thoughts?? Was this Satan or him working through the “serpent”? Had Satan been cast out of heaven yet and she was just dealing with one of the animals in Eden??

Proverbs 14:3 –

“A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.”

With Only One Rule …What Would You Do?

Genesis 2:16-17 –

<16> But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—<17> except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Man was in paradise, everything he could possibly need … with only one rule. At least one stated rule. But even then man messed up and blew a “sure thing”!

How would we like to live like this? Would it be paradise or chaos?? With sin in the world, we would be living in chaos no matter how hard we tired to make it beautiful!! We know what is right and wrong is most cases and it’s difficult to not do what you want most of the time. We have learned to justify almost anything, some have even gotten good at making sin “Biblical”!

Rules are there not to be broken, but to be followed. Yes there are some rules you can question, but breaking them outright is not the way to go!! Rules are there for a reason, to protect us from others and ourselves!!

Why did God not want them to eat from the tree of knowledge?? Would it give them knowledge equal to God?? Or would it make them aware of God’s majesty?? Not sure there … but the rule was set.

Wonder what happens next??

Proverbs 22:3 –

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.“

“You Gotta Have Faith”

Genesis 1:31 –

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.

Six days and the basic foundation of everything you know on this earth was created. Think about this statement before saying no way. Take a simple thing like cell phones; they were not there after the first 6 days!! But then again yes they were … in the raw material form.

Genesis 1 is one of the most debated chapters in the bible. How could anything or anyone create this world in six days? Nothing could be that powerful. How could such random events come together to form this world without some master architect guiding the process? Science always believes they have the “answer” and claim that God creating this was impossible. Faith is the reason we believe chapter 1 and you know what, faith is the same reason scientist believe their answers.

Honestly you can’t prove either … you can’t prove God created the heavens and the earth, you can’t prove that man came from apes, you can’t prove the big bang, you can’t prove any of it. I have spent years trying to analyze this and have finally gave up, what is IS and what happened to get us where we are today… cannot be proven, at least what happened “In the beginning”. So I don’t care how it happened, will talk with God in detail when I am gone.

“You gotta have faith” – George Michaels

Proverbs 10:12 –

“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.”

Genesis

In the beginning … this is the first book of the Bible and interestingly a huge majority of the “Bible Stories” come from this book. It really lays the foundation of everything to come. It starts with creation and Adam and Eve in paradise with God. We quickly leave this and move into what got us to where we are today.

Not only is this a great “foundational” base, but it’s also a great read. Interesting and captivating to really anyone. It has all the components of a great story and you will find many of the literary masterpieces are modeled in this chapter.

Fact Check … Always!

Jude 16-

These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

How many people do we know like that ? How many of us are like that ? Could I be like that ?

Jude is a short book which talks primarily about the dangers of false teachers. I can see this as a problem be it from the pulpit or from a lecture hall in school. Teachers are usually considered to be “authorities” and are therefore “right”. Oops, not always the case.

Kids, consider the Vietnam War and the way it is often presented. You should compare what you have been taught in school by teachers who might not even have been born then – or were very young – with someone like the Colonel who was there. TWICE !

Preachers are fairly easy to fact check. They have been using similar resource materials for centuries. Scholars with some denominational biases have written these reference texts. As “students” we would be wise to crosscheck the teaching for Biblical context. Reading YOU Bible is sooo important. You need to know the truth. And the best source is this very Bible that has been available for a very long time.

Checking different translations is most valuable. You will find this link to be of great value.

http://www.biblegateway.com

With just a CLICK you can get NIV, NLT,NKJV, the MESSAGE, the Amplified … Most are there and are even available in other languages.

Quickie test:

“To Err is Human, To Forgive Divine”

Is this in the Bible? I so, in which version is it worded this way? If not in the Bible, where did it come from? I thought I knew the answer but found out that I did not! This demonstrates our incomplete understanding of the Bible. (I will await your answer.)

Proverbs 22:10 – “Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.” (Once again, I think this fits and it was the first verse I opened to in Proverbs!!)

*** Remember the first book documents the “beginning”!

Pray Pray Pray

James 5:16 –

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Pray … pray … pray … It is so easy. Or is it? As I have said before, don’t expect God to grant your every request. But sing praises even when He doesn’t. God knows the Big Picture. To us that “picture” is TODAY. But that is not God’s timing. If we look, we can see the power of prayer in our lives. How many times have you prayed – and you have seen something happen? I have personally seen this more than once, even this week. It is often very subtle. Oh, the Mega Millions has not been won – but would that really help as much as I think that it would?

Also, one must have faith that their prayers ARE heard. The Bible says , “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

The other KEY point to this is “confess your sins to each other. In this way a group can help each other become better spiritually. All have sinned and fall short of God’s highest standards. We do not confess our sins to God so that HE will know our failures. We confess our sins so that WE know what we are doing wrong.

Proverbs 9:7-8 – ”(7) Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. (8) So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.“

Don’t be a bible thumper .. be a bible doer;-)

Rich? Think Again.

James 5:1 – 3/26/2008

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you.“

Since we are not here yet … save this in the back of your bible and read it when you are there. It’s got some good stuff on why rich get themselves in trouble!! 🙂

James 5:9 – "Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

James 5:7-12 is what affects us now!  When we are going through hard times – or just waiting for the harvest, we need patience and endurance.  Everything will come in its time.  So rest easy!  Also when times get tough, rejoice because they are making us stronger.  Why is it when everything is hunky dory we seem to forget to praise God and somehow think we had something to do with the good times? The key to verse 9 is not to get hung up about trivia.  We tend to be envious about others when our times ar tough.  We tend to get upset easier at these times.  We … (can I get a "But DAD ???) are all guilty of this a good bit of the time.

"Don’t Worry … Be Happy” (or keeping with a reggae theme, “every little thing’s gonna be all right”) … Look at the hardship and just have hope that when it’s all over, you will be saying WOW!  Crazy how that happened.  And there will be emotion and excitement! 

We will talk about the solution as we finish out James tomorrow.

Proverbs 23:5 – “In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.”

 

Kinda was hoping the money would not fly “on wings like eagles” Isaiah 40:31:-)

Gossip, Don’t Go There!

James 4:11 –

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

 

First comment as I revisit this section is that I see more and more of a Jewish slant that James brings in his message to a relatively small congregation.

 

Anyway – this one is simple. Don’t gossip or judge.  It is not our place to do so. With God as Judge, you need not worry yourself about this.  The is enough to concern yourself with as you judge yourself and grow spiritually.

 

James 4 finishes with verse 17 and the thought:  “Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

 

Tough words for life … but important to remember.

  

For extra credit, read James 4:13-16 and see what is said about "self confidence”.

 

Proverbs 23:4 “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.”

Envy, There’s a Reason It Is in the Top 10!

 James 4:2&3 –

 

<2> You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. <3> And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

 

This says a lot!  If we believe God provides all, then we must believe that all we need to do is ask.  As we have said before, Father God is NOT Grandfather God.  Both give out of love.  But a good Father usually looks at motivation before granting the wish. 

 I hope that James speaks to you as he does to me on this point.  You can see by the amount of time I spent in Chapter 1 that I like his writings.  I was an interesting program on TV about the early Church and Jesus’ family, James is thought by some to be Jesus’ half brother (either an older son of Joseph or a son born to Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus).  Either way he was a leader in the early Jewish/ Christian Church.  Paul’s mission was evangelical  – and he was to expand the Church.  James was probably either a Rabbi or just a member of the congregation of a small local synagogue. 

Whoever James was – and whatever his connection to Jesus – his Epistle is a very short and powerful read.  I suggest doing so without reference to any commentary. I first read it in about 20 minutes.

 

Proverbs 19:6 – “Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!” – Grand parents and God!!

Watch That Mouth of Yours!!

James 3:2 & 6 –

 

<2>… For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. … <6>And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.

 

How may times have we said something that we later regret?  This week?  Yesterday?  The majority of my life I have decided to get something that bugs me off my chest so that it will not eat at ME later.  In doing so, many times I don’t think before speaking and often say hurtful things!

 

Look at history.  Hitler was one of the most dynamic speakers and led his people in ways that were EVIL. His solution to their problems was to create a Master Race – and to exterminate those who did not fit his model.  Most would not follow such instruction.  But these were desperate times, and basically good men followed orders, which perhaps played to their own prejudices and justified their actions because of the tongue of their leader.

 

James talked about how someone preaching the word is held to a higher standard.  The potential for damage in misusing ‘the tongue" created problems.  This standard could be applied to all of us.  We are in essence living the word.  If we are not watching our words carefully, we are going to get into trouble.  I know ALL about this!

 

Proverbs 16:27 “Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.”

Sin By Any Other Name is Still Just Sin

James 2:10 –

 

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.

 

This is a tough one!  How can coveting our neighbor’s car fall into the same category as murdering someone?  Well – SIN IS SIN.  In context – this verse was addressing about a conflict between the rich and the poor in the congregation. 

Jesus did not free us from “the law.  He lived to show us how to live by its precepts.  We are not to ignore it. Through Grace we are now better able to live by it.

To tie this together with the remainder of Chapter 2, verse 17 says…"So you see, faith by itself is not enough.  Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

These two thoughts point to Jesus.  Yes – Jesus died for our sins.  And, Yes, our deeds will not get us into heaven.  Only Jesus provides the path to heaven.  Deeds will not take us there.  But, if we don’t demonstrate our faith by doing work for the kingdom, our faith is stagnant – DEAD !

So what does this say?  Be aware of “The Law” and faithfully follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we might be the hands and feet of Jesus!

 

 Proverbs 6:4 – “Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do.”

What Do You Pray For?

James 1:22 –

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

 

One of the biggest problems with Christianity is that people seem to think that they can just drop a prayer and let God do the rest.  Yes, prayer is a vital part of our “walk”.  But it should not just be endless petitions. We need to be part of the “doing”.  Step out of your comfort zone and do your part.

The Bible and Jesus are tough to follow.  For example many complain about a 10% tithe and think it is only a requirement of the Old Testament.  Well Jesus was even more aggressive about giving.  He told a parable about a widow who gave her last “mite”.  She basically gave all that she had.

We are not required to give until it hurts.  But we should give willingly, knowing the needs that are being met. The widow was blessed for her generosity.  God will also honor our efforts.  Fear not – I will not be passing the plate now.  I know this is often what happens at the end of such a sermon.  I just ask that you pray for wisdom on giving – and GIVE.

There is more to your participation in the life of your Church.  The Bible tells us a bunch of things to do. DO YOU LISTEN?

It is vital to READ you Bible so that YOU will KNOW what it requires of you.  And then you can DO.  You can only get some of the truths you need by sitting in a pew on Sunday morning.  You need to Read and Reflect in addition to Listening.  Then you will find the TRUTH.

 Proverbs 4:10 “My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.

Ooh, Ooh, Oooooh!!

James 1:19 – 

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

I feel like Arnold Horshack wanting Mr Kotter’s attention… find it on you tube, you will understand.

My “normal” daily journey is to take a chapter and digest it.  There is still too much good stuff in Chapter 1 that needs careful consideration.

This thought is very important.  We all tend to voice our opinion at the drop of a hat.  We often speak without considering the consequences of our words.  We blow up over trivia.  And we seem to think that it is just part of the times we are living in.  If so why did James write these word almost 2000 years ago.  He could not have known about his age.  People are people.  All that changes is the “stuff”. 

Listen and you can learn a bunch.  Many times we have something to say and completely ignore that person talking to us  (Katy, can I get an AMEN?)  Anyway – I think this is saying for us to slow down and pay attention.  Our thoughts and emotions are not the only important ones.  Others count!  We may have had some great epiphany, but it will fall on deaf ears if a person is not ready to receive the message!

We should make the other person #1 and ensure that they understand that we respect them and care.  Look how Jesus shared His insights.  He paid attention to the people and made sure that what He had to say related to them in a way they could understand.  Follow His example … We might then “connect”.

Proverbs 10:19 Too much talk leads to sin.  Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Easy to Say

James 1:1 & 12 – 

(1)Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy…. (12) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

 Easy to say, but hard to live by.  It seems appropriate advice to give someone the THEIR world is crashing down.  But how do we respond when it is OUR world?  Looking back on some of the horrible things you may have experienced, do you see a better outcome because of your response to the challenge ? 

That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.- Friedrich Nietzsche

 Look at some of our more notable citizens.  As a cyclist, I first think of Lance Armstrong.  He was “dead” as far as the medical profession was concerned.  Should he survive he would never ride again.  We all witnessed his spectacular achievements.

 Look at the Apostle Paul.  He had a great life until he decided to follow Jesus (not to discourage you, but at that time it was a bit more dangerous than today).  As you look at his life through all of the trials he endured, he remained faithful to the end.  And we have been blessed by all that contributed to the New Testament. Life can seem like a roller coaster ride.  Make sure that you remember that feeling of cresting the top when you climb up from those “down” times.  Realize that God told us life would be like this!

Proverbs 17:27 –  “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” …  

Church Today vs 2000 Years Ago.

3 John 1:5 –

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.

Well as you read the bible as you will see yesterday and today we just do ONE BOOK each (since they are 1 chapter long) … so they are fast reads. You read this and may not understand, today the “church” is a building with a place for people to come to hear the word. “Back in the day” … I mean really “back in the day” … preachers use to travel from town to town to spread the Gospel.

This letter was to make sure that people welcomed those teachers, so they could survive on the road. Now how does this apply today in our world. Who travels to preach the word?? Well remember when we go out on mission trips … remember when people would leave the church and go overseas to help spread the Gospel. This is happening today, just maybe not in our back yards. But if we are asked to help a person out who is preaching the word, we should do so with JOY!!

Proverbs 25:18 –

“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”

What is Our “Full Reward”?

2 John 1:8-9 –

<8> – Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.
<9> – Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

This ties into yesterday and the day before … what is the “full reward”?? Is it blessings on earth or blessings in heaven?? I believe it’s both. We must be on our toes and be watchful … not ignoring Gods direction or guidance!! It’s amazing what we miss by not looking, be it a blessing, a crazy street person or a dancing bear;-)

Verse 9 gets harsh!! But again it’s reality … when we wander our relationship is gone!! Having been there myself … God does not give up on us … He just taps us from time to time and see if we get the hint!! … Get the hint!! It’s simple … starts FIRST with CONFESSION … then read the bible, pray, worship .. and pray … oops forgot to be open and receptive to Gods message or signs!!

Crazy Guys and God!!

A few years back we had this crazy guy come into our shop … told us about how God was blessing the shop, how the antenna was channeling Gods power, how he saw a “illuminated cross” on our building, how “wings on eagles” were 747’s coming to take us away … he even had a date!! I have not seen him since … but if you haven’t watched this video filmed in front of our shop … you should:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53bLJnTQKqM&eurl

Was this a crazy guy … maybe so, but God used him to say “hey”!!

Interestingly this “crazy guy” Chris has never been seen by anyone since the 747’s were to rise up like wings on eagles!!

Don’t Let Sin Creap … or Creep into Your Heart

1 John 5:21 –

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

This speaks to me on so many levels. I have seen it happen more than once with me, I have put motorcycling in front, partying in front, money in front … self in front. You can’t realize how much this means until you have wandered away and come back. Jesus will always accept you back, but again what did you miss?? What blessings did you miss because you were too focused on “ME” and less on HIM??

Many times the blessing may be what consumes you! If you put it in second place and not first, you will help grow the kingdom … Trey Canard***?!?!?!

This is easier said than done … but all we can do is try and keep faithful.

Pray, read, worship and pray … it’s simple when you look at it. But difficult when you practice it;-)

Proverbs 2:3 –

“Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.”

*** Trey is in his first year as a pro motocrosser. We watched his first race as a professional in the Georgia Dome, where he took first place … and has won every supercross since. He has taken down the Giants in the sport … maybe his nickname should be David!! Each interview he FIRST places all glory to God!! Is he consumed with motorcycles or is God using him to reach this group?

Fact or Fiction … You Decide

1 John 4:1 –

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

As we mature and grow in the Sprit this becomes more apparent. You need to not just trust people you hear and read on the internet*** you need to double check them in your bible. The problem with many is they have been told “fiction” for so long it becomes “fact” to them. Our main focus is not what someone is “preaching” … it’s our PERSONAL relationship with God!!

Talk with Him, walk with Him, do His will … words which are very easy to say, but very hard to live by. Again, read … read … read!! The bible is great for this;-)

I have found a great online tool in http://www.biblegateway.com/ you can search keywords in a bunch of different versions of the bible. NKJV, NIV, NLT, Young’s Literal, Darby’s … check them out. That’s great for fast searches, but don’t ignore sitting down with the word and a highlighter!! Scribble your brains out!! And when you come back … you’ll find you scribble even more … life and the book go hand in hand!!

Proverbs 15:5 –

“Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.”

*** me included:-) Double check what I say … I just ramble from time to time and many not be on the right track. BTW … I don’t mind correction either!!

Child Like Faith … and Compassion

1 John 3:1 & 17 –

<1> See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.
<17> If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

I picked two today .. because both were great. I will try to tie them together:-)

First we are “children” if you look at how old God is … plus we unfortunately have to be treated as such no matter how old. I can remember a few times you guys would point out how “childish” i was being … but I don’t want to talk about yesterday!! We must approach life as a child … with “child like faith”. We had faith that our parents would take care of it … we must have the same faith that God will take care of us. Funny how we are called sheep also … hmmmm … maybe our WILL is not the focal point!!

For 17, I can remember Vern being so torn up the first time she saw a homeless person in Atlanta … the concern was real! How many times as adults do we just step over the “bum” and walk on. “They could get a job if they had desire or would work as hard as they beg!” or “they make tons begging they don’t need my dime!!” … or “______ (fill in your excuse)” As a child we would help as an adult we ignore. If we are blessed and have Jesus in our hearts, we SHOULD help no matter what the reason. It’s showing GODS LOVE … just like we love Mom and Dad, we need to love God and show it buy loving others.

Hmmm … sounds like a theme in 1st John;-)

Proverbs 10:26

“Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.”

Love One Another Right Now

1 John 2:7 –

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before.

Think about it … you obey this one, and all the others kinda just happen!! You love someone and you are less likely to wrong that person … this is a simple verse to analyze.

Don’t fall into the “you always hurt the ones you love” trap … you will hurt them from time to time, but don’t think that to be fact and therefore not concern yourself with their feelings. Look at it as a test … and also, if you do hurt them look at is as SIN!! From yesterday, CONFESS to God, but also to the person you hurt.

Psalm 119:165 –

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.”

Confess and Deal with Your Messes

1 John 1:9 –

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Now we have become saved and are forgiven of all our sins. But that does not mean we will not sin again!! As you may already know … salvation did not make us holy and free of sin. It just gives us a connection to God!! Sin is one of those things that just creeps back into our lives, salvation does not protect us.

I think John says both salvation (John 3:16) and confession the easiest for me to understand …basically this says we need to keep confessing our sins … we need to acknowledge that we have sinned and need to express to God the remorse for not following his path. I don’t think God is looking for a blanket “forgive me for I have sinned” … I think he wants the laundry list … it also makes us aware!!

This is not the “E” ticket*** to sin … don’t fall into the trap, “hey if I confess doing this I will be ok” … yes you’ll be ok, but you WILL miss many blessings because you were not clean before God!! Kids, I have done this and can say this all to be true. What happens is you get so use to sin you start forgetting to confess and pray …

Open the lines when you pray … make sure you are in connection with God … when praying, CONFESS first!! God will be more likely to listen when you have done this.

Is Jesus Really the Messiah?

Malachi 4:5 & 6 –

First – to all … sorry the engineer/lawyer came out of me on this one!! Malachi 4 is the last chapter in the Old Testament … the last two verses are:

<5>“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. <6> His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

The last two verses become the contention of Jesus being the Messiah … many claim John the Baptist is Elijah and he was the messenger who prepared the way for Jesus … the Scribes and Pharisees of the Jewish religion claims that Elijah has not come yet and say that’s the reason Jesus is not the true Messiah …

Now I read it different from others (based on a quick search of the Internet) … I see it discussing the end times, and Jesus must return during those times. If the scriptures are 100% literal in the Old Testament and the New Testament teachings that John the Baptist is Elijah are not right … then Elijah is to come before Jesus in the end times.

This was done for two reasons … first, chapter 4 is very short … second, it shows you how many ways one can interpret the Word!! It also shows why other religions do not believe Jesus is the Messiah.

I can only say what I know … Jesus is the way, the truth and the light …

Proverbs 5:15 –

“Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife.”

Foreshadowing John the Baptist 400+ Years Earlier

Malachi 3:1 – This chapter has a bunch of cool stuff … let’s look at verse 1:

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

This was written 700 years before Christ … read it again, is there one “messenger” or is there two?? In these days a messenger was sent before the king to ready the town … John the Baptist came to get everyone ready for Jesus … and Jesus came to get everyone ready for God.

The first messenger is John … the “messenger of the covenant” is Jesus …

Now Mat11:10, Mark 1:2 and Luke 7:27 all quote this passage and say it’s from “scriptures” … after talking with a Jewish Christian he said the first 5 books of our bible are all that’s taught. The only ones who go deeper are the priests … I can see why these scriptures are no longer taught … and why the Pharisees did not like Jesus. He was in their scriptures and can not be denied. So … to keep the tradition, stop teaching from that.

Proverbs 29:11 –

“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”

now I vent … oops;-)

God’s Discipline or Correction?

Malachi 3:16 –

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven ’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

This day and age it’s expected to have a few trial runs before your soul mate is found … God never intended this and really does not seem to like it either based on this passage;) Choosing a spouse is a serious matter, you don’t just cast lots and pick. Marriages is not all fun and games, it takes work and love.

So ask yourself, is this person someone I can live with for the rest of my life? When they get fat, or poor, or something changes you don’t like … welcome to life!! We are not in control of it … just in charge;-)

Malachi 2 also had confirmation from yesterday thought about “Father God” … verse 10:

Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?“

You think you can sneak something by your dad … and when I find out, you know how mad I get … imagine a God who knows everything and you cannot sneak from … grace and love will not stop CORRECTION!! If you think God does not get angry … read Genesis!!

Proverbs 13:1 –

"A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.”

Crazy thing is I wrote this “thought” and then just “opened the bible” to Proverbs and read this verse FIRST … coincidence or is someone helping me out;-) … a friend once said coincidence is Gods way of talking to us!!

**** Forgot to mention … read Matt 19: 4-8 to see what Jesus has to say about this!!

God You Really Love US?

Malachi 1:2 –

“I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?”

How many times have we questioned someone’s love?? What causes this question to be asked? Most of the time it’s because we do not get what we want … we want to assume it’s because of a lack of love. In most, if not all, cases where one who loves you does not grant you your desires is because there is love.

God is not a Gini (or is that Genie;) there to grant us wishes … he is our guide through life, helping us grow along the way. I never understood Gods role in our lives until after May 8, 1991 … things kinda changed for me then and my role in life was different. Not saying that father=God … but I am saying that in a micro sense, what I do for my kids is similar to Gods role with man.

There is a reason we pray to God the Father … not only the father of Jesus, but also the father of humanity. Kinda make him a Grand Father … that would pose the question why does he not spoil us like our grand parents do/did??

😉

Proverbs 22:6 –

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Malachi

This is the final book in the Old Testament and often ignored because it’s very short and for sermons you have a bunch of other “more powerful” stuff to teach about. Malachi is a prophet who wrote this about 425BC. As you will see it’s cool the foreshadowing in this book!!

God is Big

Micah 7:15-16 –

15 “Yes,” says the Lord, “I will do mighty miracles for you, like those I did when I rescued you from slavery in Egypt.”

16 All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power. They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them.

The first part of this chapter is telling Israel what will happen in the future, describing life as desolate (like after a big sale when all the good stuff is gone;). Then God will not leave us … he will shine upon us so bright that the world will take notice. As I read the old testament I notice much is a promise to Israel … it at times even mentions grace to all the lands. That’s where Jesus comes in … to bring us into Gods grace and favor.

I stand embarrassed at my “feeble power” with God only showing me a hint of what is possible. I can’t imagine what will cause “ALL the nations” to feel that way.

Next book Malachi … then back to the new testament.

Prov 11:24 & 25 –

“24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Simple Marching Orders … Now DO IT!

Micah 6:8 –

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

This chapter the Lord is stating his case against Israel, telling them what he expected and what they had done. It’s no different today, what God wants is simple and stated in verse 8. We should all follow these simple rules, one can look at the bible as a bunch of rules and regulations, or one can look at it as a simple guide to salvation.

Either way … as detailed as you get, the message can be broken down into “do what is right, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

Foreshadowing or a Lucky Guess?

Micah 5:2 –

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.

Deep in the Old Testament we find this … This definitely foreshadows the coming of Jesus written some 700 years before Christ came. This is where the “stories” in the bible get interesting … how could someone write about this person that many years before he was born? Did he get lucky or was it more than luck? One can read the bible with many views, one is it’s fact, one is it’s a guide book with stories to help us understand, it could be viewed as a story .. how ever you see it, it has many different authors and all the writings are tied together … the way the new testament meshes with the old is fascinating. Either the many authors has an interment detailed knowledge of the old writings … or there was something else driving these events. Dig and find the truth …

Is this book 100% true? How does anyone know … this is where faith lies. Was man created from dust … or did man evolve from monkeys without God … was evolution Gods way of doing things? The ironic thing is that either can never be scientifically proven … I figure I’ll just ask God after I have left this earth.

Now my homework for everyone … and something I have been trying to find for quite some time. What is the origin of the old testament? More specifically how they relate to the Jewish faith … the first 5 books of the Christian bible are the Torah … but how is the rest of the old testament viewed but the Jews??

Proverbs 15:28

“The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.”

(Or think before you speak;-)

The End

Micah 4:4 –

Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear.

Ahhh utopia … the big question is “in the last days” referenced in verse 1, is that OUR last days or the WORLDS last days. Most people suggest it’s the WORLDS, but since as we learned in Ecclesiastes everyone has the same end. Micah 4 looks forward to the future reign of the lord, when all our problems will be handled by a supreme ruler. Technically, that’s what we have today … for US … unfortunately not for other Nations, governments, rulers and neighbors.

No matter if it’s what awaits us after death or what is in the worlds future … either way .. “the future’s so bright I gotta wear shades” -Timbuk 3.

Prov 19:3 –

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (aka the blame game)

Look Inward Before Praying for Help

Micah 3:4 –

Then you beg the Lord for help in times of trouble! Do you really expect him to answer? After all the evil you have done, he won’t even look at you!

Chapter 3 is showing the corruption with the leaders of Israel but can be applied to us today. It looks at how they do wrong and justify it one way or another. We all do this … “they won’t notice it missing” … “they have a ton already” … “it’s only” … which one did you use today?

The point of verse 4 is to show us that we ignore God when things are good … when we are winning the races, making money, having fun … we tend to forget to give thanks and praises. But when we are hurt, broke, tired or in fear, we always will hit our knees and BEG for mercy.

Always pray … 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “pray without ceasing” (NKJV) … or be mindful and talk with God ALWAYS. Also, always read your bible … it’s a great book;-)

Drink All You Want … Oops, Maybe Not!

Micah 2:11 –

Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!“ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!

Oh you could go on and on about this … someone in Gods name saying it’s ok to do something you know is wrong, either in your heart or by the Law***.

John 5:39 states "diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.” Just because someone says it … or its on the internet … don’t believe it to be fact, double check in your bible what is said. Even with teachers you “trust” … every man is fallible, the word is not.

I have lost faith because of this, not only finding out someone was wrong or not complete in the message … I have also lost faith because someone states scriptural truth and I did not want to hear it. Kinda funny how the mind works … we hear what we want to hear.

Hmmmm … seems listening is a theme;-)

From Proverbs 28:

<22> Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

<25> Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

<27> Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

*** The Ten Commandments are kinda the Bill of Rights … their the basics but the Law is much deeper than that!

Old and New Tie Together!

Micah 1:3 –

Look! The Lord is coming! He leaves his throne in Heaven and tramples the heights of the earth.

This is starting to tie the two books through Jesus … it’s not clear is this judgment pending on the Jews or is this foreshadowing the coming of Jesus?? One thing that is clear is God does not like losing our attention and he sometimes decides it time to get it again … and having personal experienced Gods “slap upside the head” … it’s not always kind or fun, but it’s just and needed!

The POINT is don’t need the smack upside your head, stay in faith and follow God!!

Proverbs 24:17-18

<17> Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. <18> For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.

Don’t Get Lost in Play Time!

Ecclesiastes 12:1 –

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.

Man I can go on forever about this one!! I let this path happen, and am sure I missed a bunch of opportunities because I was too busy playing around!! Don’t lose the excitement, but don’t forget your creator either. This is always tough to do with people pulling you in many directions. This looks fun or try it you’ll like it, on and on people will try to pull you away. Don’t let enjoyment rule your life. The popular WWJD wristbands are not just a symbol that you are Christian, it’s a reminder to let you think about how Jesus would respond to the situation you are in.

Life will happen and many people think they know what is right. For you, just focus on the truth!!

PS verse 12:5 is great also … as a matter of fact I suggest reading the first 7 anyway … but it says “<5>Remember HIM before you become fearful of falling … ” meaning as you get older you become more cautious, trusting in self more than God … in youth trust in God should be #1 so it continues into old age!!

Also, 125 is a great MX number;-)

Do Not Waste Your Time!

Ecclesiastes 11:5&6 –

<5> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. <6> Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

These bring wisdom to me as far as making sure we don’t just focus on one source of income. Just because your job is done doesn’t mean that’s the end of your day!! Doesn’t matter if it’s profitable or just gaining knowledge, don’t waste your time. For the business, as we struggle through each month there is hope from Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Specifically for the kids, Verse 9 “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.”

This is not your ticket to do whatever you want! It’s your ticket to enjoy life, but not to ignore God in you ventures. One thing I use to say to myself as a young person, when I am old will I regret doing this or not doing this?? That became my thought process, which I suggest you add, because when I die will I regret explaining this to God or thanking him for allowing me the ability to do this??

2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”…. Believe it or not you CAN have fun doing this!!

Sharpen Your Mind … Read the Bible Constantly!

Ecclesiastes 10:10 –

Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.

When cutting trees, I have learned that a sharp blade makes up for a lack of strength. No matter if you are working with an ax or a chain saw. Things go so much faster if you take some time and sharpen the blade. There was a log-cutting contest on who could cut the most in one day. The contestants were one big lumberjack and one skinny kid who went to chopping. The day wore on and the big one was non-stop going like a mad man, wood flying all over. While this was going on, the kid was taking a break every half hour or so. Now, at then end of the day, you guesses it, the kid won. When the big lumberjack asked HOW when you took so many breaks? The kid said, “I was NOT TAKING A BREAK, I was SHARPENING MY AX!!”

How does this apply to other things? Well think of you mind as the ax and life as the tree! If you take time to sharpen it daily, you will have a much easier time working on problems. Consider your education, which by the way never stops even for us old guys!! If you do not study you fail … surprisingly that is very similar to every day life. You need to stay on top of the “game” or else someone else will!

Mom and dad are excellent examples of this. Mom works on projects and does it, over again and again until it’s right. While dad thinks about it and thinks about it, then does it. Interestingly both take the same amount of time … just one takes less physical effort and one less mental.

Keep this in mind for the spiritual battles also, keep you mind sharp to avoid the devils attacks!! Read the Bible whenever you can and pray constantly.

Is God in Control Over Everything? What is “Chance”?

Ecclesiastes 9 –

Ecclesiastes 9 today … this is not the most fun of chapters. But it then bugs to question does God control everything??

<11>I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. <12> People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.

To us life may seem sudden and “by chance,” but look at the coincidences and how they link into a beautiful play. Coincidence is Gods way of saying "hey” and I have had so many instances where God said I am here and looking after you, it’s almost spooky. If it happens in finding a drill, or getting a watch, or hearing a message there are times you just know God was involved.

For a nicer version of this in Luke 21 Jesus says:

“<34> “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, <35> like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.”

The same basic message only a tad nicer. Keep your spirits high even with this sober message. We all must go, so as yesterday said you must enjoy what you have and work hard!!

A PS to remember”

<17> Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.

Hopefully I am a Wise dad, not just a wise guy;-)

Do Not Punish Them! Maybe a Double Negative is Needed Here!

Ecclesiastes 8:11-12 –

<11> When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. <12> But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.

This means a bunch in society today on so many levels what not following this has done. It escalates, as people start to feel “safe” doing evil. Don’t let yourself be comfortable with letting sin into your lives. It becomes a downward spiral, the more you do not get punished for doing something wrong the more you think it’s ok. What happens with Mom and Dad, the police, the government, the school or ___________ (fill in your blank) ain’t NOTHING compared to having to explain this to God!!

We all do this and must realize the implications. Sure we can justify things, oh they won’t miss it, they will spend it wrong, no one else is on the road, it’s safe to do this … the old saying “what goes around comes around” applies here.

Verse 15 says it all … “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” … WORK HARD AND BE HAPPY!! Simple words that are hard to follow.

Temper Temper!

Ecclesiastes 7 –

Ecclesiastes 7 is where I am today … tough one since there are so many good ones. This is similar to Proverbs, the book of fortune cookie sayings, which is verse after verse of wise saying. Verse 9 caught my eye:

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.

This I can relate to all too well. Having been known as a hothead from time to time, I have seen that my outbursts solve nothing and cause more damage. This relates to one of my favorite books James, verse 1:19 says “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

Hmmm … there seems to be a theme here in the last few “Thoughts” about listening … maybe I need some work there;-)

Anyway an angry mind is clouded and lacks good judgment. You start acting off raw emotions and not reason. Unfortunately, we stop listening and start letting the mouth flow … that’s where James is protecting us. It all relates to each other … as we know “the pen is mightier than the sword” and word are the same. Found in the book of Mormon DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS Section 12:2 (quick internet search, have not read it) “my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword” …

Stop, take a deep breath, look at your WWJD band … and think before one responds.

Some other Ecclesiastes 7 nuggets:

<5> Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.

IE accept criticism from wise guys;-)

<13> Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

As we see with Bryce ** … you cannot control what happens each second, we must know God is in control through the good times and bad.

** Bryce is a friend of ours who was paralyzed in a skiing accident. Amazing kid whose life was tuned upside down in a split second.

Dream about Stuff … or Maybe NOT!

Ecclesiastes 6 –

Ecclesiastes 6 has a bunch of interesting comments about wealth and it’s meaning … Ecclesiastes 6:9 was the nugget caught me today:

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

You can look at this many ways … first just relax and stop daydreaming about stuff you don’t have. Now being a “stuff” kinda person without that desire how can one motivate to go to work?? Well we know that our work and doing it well is a living testament. And the Lord has promised to provide our needs and even what our heart desires … so what does this mean?? I think it’s stop FOCUSING on the desires … don’t let the consume you! If you want it and realize if you follow God he will reward you, just relax and do what needs to be done.

The long and short of it is simple, desire what you want, but don’t let it consume you. I think of CR250F’s, foster kids, MacPro dual Quad Xeon’s, Nikon D300’s, Gail Force’s … ________________ (fill in your blank) … are something that God wants us to enjoy, just don’t stop enjoying what you HAVE today because of what you WANT tomorrow.

From yesterday thoughts Ecclesiastes 6:11 “The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?” … enough said;-)

Bo Diddly and the 7 Dwarfs!

Ecclesiastes 5 –

If you cannot tell I am in Ecclesiastes for a while … Ecclesiastes begins with “Everything is meaningless” … so it’s been an interesting book. My first read just looked at how everything is meaningless … now I see it in a different light.

Ecclesiastes 5:1&2:

<1> As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. <2> Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.

Bo Diddly said something similar “Don’t write a check your tail can’t cash”, meaning don’t make promises you can’t keep! This can apply to making promises to others or to God. Many times we find ourselves doing this in long babblings with God. The phrase “if you do this, they I will …” is common in prayers.

We look into Matthew 6:7 for something similar “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.”

Basically don’t talk just to be heard … may your words be few, but with meaning. The key is not always talking, but listening. Devon and Katy got a “slap up side the head” this weekend in church … balloons and cell phones talked to them. Many times we will not get that slap, but just be a subtle message. Don’t miss that!!

I got a talking to this morning with Ecclesiastes 5:10:

“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!”

Granted my desire for money is to get out of debt, the question is if I am out of debt will i then want more and keep driving for more??

and Ecclesiastes 5:18:

“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.”

or as the dwarfs say … “whistle while you work”

Three Are Better Than One!! Forget the Two:-)

Ecclesiastes 4:12 – (note this was the first email sent to my children)

Though one person may be overpowered by another, two people can resist one opponent. A triple-braided rope is not easily broken.

This can be viewed many ways … in business, one will fail, two will do well, three or more will rock. Guess what would help us? Is three or more in business?

In life, a single person will struggle, a couple working together will succeed, and family working together cannot easily broken. In our case we have a quad-braided rope!!

Lets work together and roll.