I Think King David...had an understanding...about Easter

Psalm 62 is a Davidic Psalm...this psalm was given to the Jeduthun Singers...to put these words into song.
 I think this Psalm embraces why we celebrate Easter. Jesus message was clear: to humble ourselves and put our trust...in God.

 In this Psalm, David "makes himself strong" in the Lord. What does that mean?
I think David knew a little about himself...he knew there were times in his life  he was weak, he might be ill, or he might be afraid about certain situations that had developed in his life.
 The choice he made to overcome these times in his life....was crucial to his success in life. He was honest with himself and was humble enough to recognize his need and dependence for the Lord...who was his only hope.

 David uses the word "only" numerous times in this Psalm, particularly in verse 6 and 7. He knew that putting his confidence in only himself and his own abilities were nothing more than false securities and false hopes.

 He knew the importance of...Waiting on God...and letting Him put life's goals, direction, and even our daily lives into His Hands...letting Him have "the lead", and letting God put it all together....

                          A Gleaning from Psalm 62

 "God...the One and Only...this is where I have decided to rest...and wait. I will remain silent and not make any moves...until I hear from Him. I am committing myself to waiting...until He is ready. I know when I do this...the victories in my life are formed, and all my answers come....by waiting and resting in...Him.
 After all, He means everything to me. He has become my Rock...and my Salvation. He is my Defense, and my impregnable fort, and because I have come to realize this...I cannot be moved....I cannot be shaken, and the security of trusting in Him...is the key for my success in life.

 So, here I am. 

 All these enemies setting themselves up against one man...that would be...me! All of them making great plans...to kill me!
 In their eyes I may even look like an old broken- down fence or wall, or a wall that is seriously leaning...with me sitting on the top of the wall tottering to keep my balance.
 And here are their plans: they will still talk to me...like we are real "buds", but their real motive is to knock me to the ground and totally humiliate and dishonor me.
 They even say "blessings" to me with their lips...but inwardly?...I am nothing more than a "cuss word" to them. And they even speak kindly to me...while spreading all kinds of lies about me to others. I can "feel" their hatred towards me, coming from their very hearts, and I can see through their "game", because the Lord is my Strength and my Sight! There is nothing real about these so-called friends...for honestly...they are my enemies. Selah(pause...give yourself some time to think about this).

 Only God can help me. I choose to "lay-low", waiting only for my God. For it is only God who gives me inner peace, and all my hope and expectation can only come...from Him.
 Not only that, here is something else I have learned: God is my only Rock of Salvation, He is my only One who can keep me safe, and He is my only fortress...where I remain secure.
 Along with this, I have learned that my victories can only come from trusting in God...and God alone. Only God can crown me with honor, only God gives to me His unyielding Strength, and only God shields me with His impregnable Hardness. God is my true refuge...where no enemy...no enemy...can reach me!

 So, if you want some good advice...I can tell you what I have learned: Trust in Him, Trust in the Lord...at all times! Share with Him your concerns about life...and put your heart and emotions into it! He is your only place of true safety. Selah ( pause...give yourself some time to think about this).
 And take some time to understand this: our whole lives as a human are only a breath in the eyes of God, and there is not one of us who can add the word "Great" to our name. The reality of life is this: Without Him active in our everyday affairs, our lives are pretty much useless...like a puff of hot air. In the weights and balances of life, our lives and all our accomplishments...are lighter than air on His scales. We are nothing more than a mirage...without Him.

 One more piece of advice: Don't put your focus or your trust in making a living by extortion or oppression of others. Don't for a moment think stealing, violence, or dishonesty will cause your lives to be wealthy.

 God has spoken to my own heart...and has made 2 things clear to me: 1) All of our strength comes from our God...the only God, and 2) Only God is capable of being kind and merciful...and He wants us to share His way of Life with others by showing His love, His mercy, and His kindness to others....there are rewards in doing so......" 

The Message of Easter....from Joshua

As Easter nears, and we take this week to contemplate what Jesus has done for us....the Work of the Cross...and establishing Him in our own very hearts and lives...in March 2013, it is good to remember the Commands of the Lord given to Joshua...are still alive and vibrant today......

 Israel was a miracle in the making...from the very beginning of its travels. There was no way in the natural sense they could have left as slaves in Egypt, there was no way they could have survived 40 years in the wilderness...not with approximately 2 million men, women, and children all going along the desert paths. It would have been one thing if a few scouts and small elite military force would have gone ahead...yet that was not the case....everyone came along...all the men women, and children.
 Nor was it possible for Israel to just "walk-in" and say..."Ok, we are finally here! Everyone please leave...this is the Promised Land God has promised us...so everyone will have to leave."
 These were fierce and militant tribes who had put their trust in the directives  and commands on entirely different type gods....and they were not about to change....or leave!

 Now, today we face a similar road...Joshua faced. The Laws of Moses have now been fulfilled, and through the work of God's only Son... His work is now available to us. The "Promised Land" we seek is the Kingdom of Heaven, now living in our hearts. We are to live out the ways Christ Jesus has taught us to live...taking the Laws of Moses to a whole new level....because of Him...the Risen One.
 Our dreams, our goals in life, and our direction...can now how have a profound influence and passion...because the Lord Jesus lives...in our very hearts. 
 And, as the Lord instructed Joshua to keep his entire focus on life...on the Commands the Lord had given Moses....so we must keep our focus...on the Commands of the Lord Jesus.

 Yet...what God had spoken to Moses and passed on to Joshua....is still true to this very day. We are not in the same situation the Israelites were in...having to enter a Promised Land...but we do live in a world where we are have the "Promised Land" already living...in our very hearts.
 I think the biggest challenges we face today....is keeping the Commands of the Lord close to our hearts and making them a part of our everyday lives...not being distracted and accepting the "Commands of other gods."

              A Gleaning from Joshua 1:1-9

 "After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua...the son of Nun, who had been Moses's assistant...to the very end. Joshua had been a faithful student to the Law of Moses, given to Moses by the Lord Himself.
 The Lord said to Joshua: " Moses is gone...and no longer with you. This is your time...and you are to continue what I started with Moses. You will lead this entire nation...you are to cross the River Jordan...and take them into the land...the land I have promised to give you.
 My promise to Moses does not start and end...with Moses. What has been given to Moses...is given to you as well...and to be completed...with you.
 Here is where you need to put your focus: As you go and set your feet on this land I am about to give you...and remember, this includes all the land from the southern Negev wilderness to the Lebanon mountains in the north, as well as from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west...and yes...the land currently occupied by the Hittites are included as part of "your" land...all of this is part of the "Promised Land" that I had spoken to Moses.

 Understand this: throughout your life...there is no one or no lifestyle that can stand against you and the Commands I have given you. You got My Word on it...and I have "your back" as well. Trust Me...I won't leave you....you can draw your strength as well as your courage in knowing this: what I did for Moses...I will continue to honor with you...and expand My promises to you...even more!
 Keeping your focus on me...this is where your strength and confidence will be found...and courage will find its place in your heart as well. Trust Me, this is really going to happen...and you will see it for yourself....you and all the people...as you conquer and inherit this "Promised Land". That is why you can put all you got...heart, body, and soul...into it...It's My idea!

 What you need to continue to do is this: Keep the words of the Law that I had spoke with Moses...keep these close to your very heart! Carry these Laws out in your daily lives...and follow through with these Laws...that are My Laws....and now they are...your laws!
 Don't get distracted, try to change, or deviate in any way these Laws I have given through My servant Moses and, as you enter and begin to advance in gaining this land I am about to give you, don't let any of their philosophies, teachings, or laws that govern them...find any place in you! Don't even begin to think like they think....your success depends on this. 

 Instead, keep My Commands, My Laws...in your very hearts and minds...think about them, contemplate as to what they mean, and find ways to establish them in you daily lifestyles, acting them out so they are like second nature to you...and trust Me...you will have more success than you ever even dreamed of!
 Above all...be strong as You embrace My Commands...get your courage from My Laws I have given you...and fear or discouragement will not find an entrance...to your very hearts and lives.

 And be sure of this: I AM with you...wherever you go!

Yea...I'm a Christian alright....

I have found being a Christian...has nothing to do with being "religious" or being "on top of things in everyday life"...all the time....

 A Confession:

 Last night at work...I got a little tense on the particular job I have....and to be more specific...the things that cause me to become...frustrated.
 In fact, lately I have been working through this thought: Identify areas that I allow to make me become angry or frustrated...BEFORE I get to that point...and find other avenues to avoid the "confrontation" within myself.
 Anyway, I didn't exactly score an "A" last night...I "blew"...and said some words I later regretted. I am ever grateful that Christ's work on the Cross and in my life is permanent...and has the power to overcome any and all situations...like this one. In fact, it turned out kind of ironic and in some ways comical.

 Here is what happened:

 I used the phrase "God Dammit"...which by the Grace of God I rarely use anymore...if for no other reason that is probably the last thing you want God to do when in a problematic situation. Anyway, as I spoke this out, a guy happen to be walking by and overheard my outburst.  He looked at me and said: "Joe...it's not His fault."
 A few minutes later...this guy came by again and I said to him: " You know you are right. I stand corrected. It is not His fault, forgive me for trying to take it out...on Him."
 This guy then looked at me and said: " I am an atheist...all I know is it wasn't God's fault because He is not a real person anyway."

 Ok...I thought to myself: "Great!...Not only do I get "caught in the act"...but He sends an atheist to assist me to stand corrected." lol

 I then looked at this guy and said: " Well, I do believe in God, I do enjoy reading and studying the Scriptures, and I even enjoy going to church...yet, obviously you would not have known any of that by my behavior. I just want you to know that in my beliefs I was totally wrong...forgive me."
 Then, the guy smiled and said: "Wow...this God allows you to mess up? I accept your apology...because of the God you believe in."

Hmmm? Maybe this story is not over......

The Lenten Season...is also a "Time of Comfort"

When I think of Lent...I think..."Oh man, I gotta' do the "beat my hands against my chest thing" and cry out to God to forgive me for the sinner I am.......

 Yet, Lent is not just a time for us to realize sin separates us from Him( and no...whether you "go drama" and beat your hands against your chest or not...isn't the criteria...the criteria is the opening of our hearts)...and recognize our lives don't take on a real meaning....until we allow the Lord Jesus to make entrance into our own hearts. 

 Lent also declares His love for us...and the comfort He wants...yes wants...us to have. Did you ever notice how the Lord uses the "Red Sea" story and writes of it numerous times in the Old Testament? I often wondered about that...in fact at one point I even brought it up in my daily prayers...kind of almost in a complaint  kind of way that God repeats Himself..a little too much.(yea...and you think you have issues...lol)...until one day...the "light was turned on".

 The reason why I think God reminds us of "The Red Sea Story" and other related to that....is not because they were not written for God to 'brag" about how great He is. He is great...no doubt!...yet, He reminds us of these great happenings because...they are not meant to be one time occurrences.
 Each one of us have a "Red Sea Story" in our lives...there really are times when God rescues us too...and we can declare to others...our own personal "Red Sea Stories" as well.

 The Lenten Season...this very week in 2013 A.D....encourages us to trust and expect this great God of ours...to "part the waters" in our own daily lives....and verify how this great God of ours....saved us from harm and even death...and brings safety and a freedom...that only happened....because of Him...intervening in our lives....in situations that were otherwise deemed hopeless, just like the Israelites who had the Pharaoh and his army "breathing down the neck" of God's people...until Moses lifted his staff...and the Sea parted....

                                                     A Gleaning from Isaiah 43:16-21

 " This is what God is trying to get through to us..."I AM the One who created a dry path...right through the Red Sea...carving this path amidst all the pounding waves.
 There were chariots...horses...mighty warriors...an entire army...all coming...after you! Yet, Look Again! They are all gone!...swept away by those very same pounding waves that I held back...for you!

 Yet...listen up....that was then...and this is now. What I did at the Red Sea...is nothing compared what  am going to do...for you!

 I Am about to do something new...for you. In fact, look around you...it has already begun.  Take a little time with this and look closely...you will see it...there it is! It's the path...a path where all you thought were forests and trees...a path where all you could see was a dry and empty desert.
 Even the wild animals are "excited" about this path. It provides food, shelter and drink for them. But, make no mistake...I created this path...for you! I have created the direction in your life you have been looking and waiting for.

 You must understand this! You are my pride and joy! I have done all this for...you! You will begin to praise and give thanks for Me in your life...for I Am ever faithful to you! I Am always faithful...to those who put their trust...in Me."

NOTE: The parting of the water was not a one time occurrence...even in the Sacred Scriptures. Others too experienced it: Noah...and the Arc coming upon dry land....Joshua...entering the Promised Land....Elijah...Elisha....God really does "make a way where is no way"!
 And you gotta' love how Jesus did it...He didn't part the water....He walked on it!

Never Give Up...On Your Dreams......

The Lent Season is again fulfilling its plan and design for us, giving us a time each year to reflect on our lives and examine our hearts.
 Lent enables us to "step out" from behind all the "masks" we wear in daily life, and call us to be real...to be honest...before Him.....

 This week I think Lent speaks to us in an entirely different manner than in the previous weeks. Lent seems to be unfolding a "new chapter" within the 40 day observance, giving us time to renew our hopes, believe in our dreams, and rekindle our friendship with Christ Jesus.
 Psalm 126 is one of those Lenten Scriptures that speak of hope...that addresses dreams, and gives us assurance there is a harvest for those who so their seeds in faith...when it seemed there was no way any good would come from the "seeds that were planted".

 Some students of the Sacred Scriptures think Psalm 126 is a story related to the Jewish nation returning to their homeland from Babylon. For 70 years, the Jewish nation had been in captivity to the Babylonians...never wanting to be in Babylon...and longing for all of those 70 years to return to their home.
 What had happened in that period of history is the Persian Empire had defeated the Babylonian Empire, and Cyrus, King of Persia had granted the Jewish nation the right to return to their homeland.

 Other biblical historians think Psalm 126 is about Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who in 700 B.C. had attacked Jerusalem, the capital of Judea. As it turned out, Sennacherib was unsuccessful in capturing Jerusalem, and King Sennacherib returned to Assyria. As a result, this chapter in Psalm was written in honor of God saving Jerusalem.

 Regardless of which reason Psalm 126 was written, this fact is clear: God "paints a lovely picture" in this chapter on how God is faithful to us...and inspires us to..."go after those dreams within us".

                                           A Gleaning from Psalm 126

 Note: Psalm 126 is considered a "Song of Ascents", or a "Song of Climbing". It is a Psalm that says there are times in our lives when "Dreams really do come true".
 As for myself, I have noticed some who appear to me as one(s) who have "just given up" on life.
 I can see it in their eyes, particularly those of us who are older, and have faced many and various "battles in life". The head is down when they walk, looking into their eyes you see alot of sadness, the words they speak are often negative in nature or rooted in fear, and the smiles on their faces have been erased with "hard lines of despair having found a home in the "Hearts of the Hurting".
                           Then, like a crisp cold drink of water,
                                                            Psalm 126 speaks to our hearts, barren and dry.

 " It seemed like a dream...something that could only come true "in the movies"...not a real and present reality.
  Yet, our very mouths are filled with laughter...and we find ourselves singing...singing about the joys of knowing Him...and the blessings He provides to us!
 Other people...other nations...have begun to say:"Look! Look what the God they believe in...has done for them. He must be wonderful, and a lovely God to believe in, for He has certainly done miraculous things for them...and look how happy they are!
 And we could not agree more...He is truly an amazing God...and does amazing things for the people He loves!

 And now O Lord, just as You have provided us our very freedom!...something You are well known for!...We ask You to restore our fortunes as well. We ask You Mighty God to bring those much needed rains to our drought stricken lives. May the streams of southern Israel...where the great Negev Desert is located, may this desert be restored with the mighty torrents that flow through the "wadis"...(canyons where gushing rivers and torrential floods come at certain times of the year).
 May those who planted their seeds in sadness and despair from the "battles of life", may they now receive their harvests...and "shouts of joy" be heard throughout the homeland.
 For though they planted in a time of despair...now may they bring home "armloads of harvest"...laughing and singing...seeing their very dreams...fulfilled."

    For Lent also reminds us...of the amazing things He has done for us!

Jesus Spoke Loud and Clear...during His Journey...when He was...one of us!

Jesus is our Light...a Light that has pierced through...the utter Darkness...

 In Colossians, Saint Paul reminds then (and to us today) of "why we are...who we are." It's all about Christ Jesus...and what He has done for us.
 The lifestyle we now display...being kind,walking in humility, showing tenderness, being gentle toward others, and the all important one...forgiving others; these are all the qualities that now live inside each one of our hearts...all because of Him...He is the One who made it all possible... that being our Lord...the Lord Jesus Christ.

 In His journey, when He was here among us, actually becoming one of us...He said the Law could be summed up in this matter:
1. To love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul.
2. To love one another...like we love our own selves.

 Christ Jesus has now made it possible that these 2 Commandments can now flourish in our own individual and everyday lives...all because of Him.

                                      A Gleaning from Colossians 3:12-14

 " Since God has chosen each one of us...to be His dearly loved and Holy people, hand-picked by the Lord Jesus Himself...it is the responsibility of each of us to demonstrate a daily behavior that gives honor...to Him!
 These very God-given qualities that are available to us even now...to use and apply daily...because of the Lord Jesus, includes: showing tender-hearted mercies, having kindness that originates from our hearts, walking in true humility, letting patience have its full course in our friendships with one another, and being examples for others through His disciplines that now govern our individual lives.
 And we must above all, make every allowance to forgive one another, and forgive anyone who has offended you. This is mandatory...in your life as a Christian. How can you choose not to forgive others...and yet expect Christ Jesus to forgive you?

 And regardless of how long or how well you do in learning these new ways of treating one another...the root of all this is in His love for us. His love is the root of "why we do what we do"...everything...including the abilities to forgive another, show kindness, walk in humility, being patient with all, or exercising discipline in our lifestyles...it all stems from...His love for us...and the Sacrifice He made...for each one of us!
 Now, His love is alive...in our very hearts...and because of His love for each one of us...we now can truly love one another. This "Godly love" is what binds us all together...in His great and awesome plan... made available...to all of us... when we choose to "Follow Him".


           "The Light is come....and the Darkness has been shattered"...

Judgment...It is what we deserve...and then Mercy stands up....

As I contemplate this week of Lent...a candle...lit in Darkness, shattering the blackness, and bringing Light......what a contrast!

 Judgment is defined as: a formal decision, an evaluation that culminates in what is justly deserved.
 Mercy is defined as: choosing to exercise compassion and forgiveness, overriding judgment that confirms what is (legally) deserved.
 Aristotle defined judgment as: "Giving a person what is his or her due."
Mercy on the other hand is a voluntary act...a decision that comes even though judgment gives supportive evidence the situation deserves punishment. Mercy chooses to offer compassion and kindness...in its place.

 It is reflective for me to think about this: Darkness says: "It is totally black...and you will not be able to see..you cannot see the path you are on or where you are going."
 And then...it happens... Mercy arrives...
A match is struck, a candle is lit, and the light breaks through and says: "There...now you can see...you see the path you are on and where this path is leading."

 The power of Light...the power of Mercy....

It was God's mercy when He spoke to Noah and spared both him and his family.
It was judgment that destroyed all the others through the flood.

 It was God's mercy that reached out and redeemed the apostle Paul.
 It was judgment...that caused Judas Iscariot to take his own life.

It was God's mercy that anointed David as the king of Israel.
It was God's mercy that allowed David and Bathsheba to have a life...and a son named Solomon...even though judgment said David should receive punishment for what he did to Urriah.

God writes about Mercy and Judgment throughout the Sacred Scriptures. Here are a couple Gleanings....that brings Light into the utter Darkness:

                              A Gleaning from James 2:12-13

 " The important thing we need to remember...is this: To allow our actions "speak"...and compliment the words we say to one another.
 Our judgments and moral standards are now governed through a new law...the Law of Liberty...which are specific instructions given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
 And Christ, by giving to each of us His Law of Liberty...opens our eyes, minds, and hearts to a better way of treating others.

 For if we choose to act unkind and refuse to show mercy toward others around us now, how can we expect God to grant us kindness and mercy when Judgment comes?
 Yet, if we choose to exercise kindness...to freely give mercy to others, we can take great comfort knowing this: God will grant His kindness and mercy to us...every time! Why?
 Because of the new Law of Liberty given to by Christ Jesus...proclaims "Mercy wins out over Judgment"...every time! The Mercies of God are stronger than any human law."

And here is another Gleaning from Romans 9:14-18

 " Who can say that God is unjust? For even in the days of Moses...God spoke to Moses saying: " True compassion and mercy does not originate from any human desire, moral standing, human effort, or human emotions...rather...it is I, the Lord who gives mercy...to all!"
 For the Sacred Scriptures also point out how the Pharaoh...in the days when the Israelites were to leave Egypt and go to the Promised Land, God spoke directly to the Pharaoh and said: " I have appointed you for the purpose of displaying My power...in dealing with your actions...and it will be My fame that will be proclaimed and remembered here. For you have chosen to harden your heart toward the Israelites...and I will demonstrate My mercy to them."

 Showing Mercy...gives Light to those in Darkness...

Spring is in the Air...Well, Kinda....

Just recently we had a little "warm-up" in reference to weather and temperatures...but then last night we had snow. So...not quite there yet...but Spring has got to be close!

 Spring for me is always a welcome sound to my ears...almost musical in nature. Spring brings in those gentle warm days...and yet also has capabilities of producing some turbulent storms.
 Even so, the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells that only Spring can give...brings a freshness into my own life. And...Spring adds beauty to her season by adorning herself with an array of early spring flowers.

 I enjoy having in the yard landscape with "spring decor". The Crocus, Lenten Rose, Camellia, Snowdrops, Glory of the Snow, Tulips, and Pansies are but a few of the choices available to anyone who enjoys the sights and smells of this season.

 I am a believer in this thought: Each season brings a reflection of the work God happens to be doing in our individual lives. And as for right now...the winter is about to end, and the time for warmth, beauty, and fresh air is about to inhabit our lives. Some winters have been much harder than others...but the fact remains...they are still winters. Now, it is time to embrace Spring...and allow her to run its course in our lives.

 So, what does this mean?

 I personally think Spring points out to us as Christians...the mysteries of God's..."Amazing Grace".
 Grace is a word we often hear in Christian circles...even the word "Grace" itself has an almost poetic beauty as it is gently spoken from our lips.
So, how does Spring and Grace intertwine? I mean...really?...what value will some flowers that are blooming...have to do with me? After all, I happen to work in a factory, and trust me..."it ain't no bed of roses" where I am at, nor are the "hills (challenges) I face...alive with the Sound of Music"... I'm just sayin'.

 Grace...here is my take on Grace and how it work in our individual lives:

 Grace is like a real person to me...one of God's closest friends. Grace declares this message to anyone who will take the time to listen: "Here is your life, a life that can find fulfillment when you make that decision to go after His call, "Follow Me". Grace's part in all this is to see your potential reach its completion...to activate and receive all He has for you.
 When the early spring flowers begin to establish their presence in our various landscapes, there are a few lessons about Grace to be learned.
 One major difference between early spring flowers and myself is: You don't hear the flowers doing a bunch of grunting or complaining as their colors and fragrance begin to transform our gardens from the cold and hard winter. Nor do I hear "chatter" from these lovely flowers like..." Man, I didn't think we would make it this time", or "God was brutal this past winter...He really left us cold and dry."

 Instead, these early spring flowers soak in the sunshine, refresh themselves with the gentle spring showers, and give to us colors and aromas that stir the imagination of our very own hearts. In fact, you wouldn't even know by their fruition that just a short time ago these very flowers were buried in frozen ground with Snow and Ice declaring to any flower that might be listening: "Not this year...you are not coming to life this time!"...and yet...they did! The flowers of Spring will be  standing tall again...and we can take comfort in that.
 That to me is...Grace. And Grace has no favorites...our age, race, or background makes no difference. I remember last year seeing some beautiful spring flowers growing....between an old log and a bag of trash. I just read of a lady who received a degree from the University of Suffix in England. Her course of study was: "Middle Age Eastern European History" (that is a mouthful..don't you think?). Anyway,she had just turned...84 years of age.

 And if you want to get down to the "nitty gritty" about it, Jesus was no different than anyone else while here on earth...He too learned about Grace. In St. Luke 2:40, it reads: " The child Jesus grew. He grew in body, He grew in wisdom, and He grew in Grace, becoming strong and knowing...Grace was with Him."
 Saint Paul declares this concerning Grace: "It is Grace...who comes directly from God...that has enabled me to be what I am, and Grace brings with it good results. I have worked through His Grace, to share God's love to all men...perhaps more than all the apostles. Yet, this work that I do is not based on any efforts or merits of my own...it is Grace...Grace is the one who brings fulfillment into each one of our lives." 1 Corinthians 15:10

 So, when you are walking by and admiring some of Spring's floral arrangements on display...pause for a moment...look at God's Grace in the plant life around you. Just a short time ago, winter was in full force...who would think these flowers had even a chance to survive. No way...they were literally "dead and buried". Yet today...here they are...communicating the message of His Grace to each one of us: "By the Grace of God...go I".

Lake Erie...lives up to its name... "A Great Lake"

I live in Ohio...in the farmlands...we call it "The Flatlands". My best friend in the whole world...she lives near Cleveland....actually in a small town just northeast of Cleveland. Her area includes hills, salt mines,  wineries, deers, nature parks,...and the infamous "Lake Erie".......

 Lake Erie....carved by the Glaciers of the Ice Age. An island named Kelley's Island in Lake Erie supports evidence of the Glacier Effect with what is called the "Glacier Grooves"...in fact, they are some of the largest "Grooves" in the world.
 A "Glacial Groove" are scratches or gouges cut into bedrock by glacial abrasion. There is a massive groove at Kelley's Island: 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 10 feet deep! This particular groove is cut into a bedrock made of limestone.

Lake Erie was originally inhabited with Native Americans by a tribe known as"Erie", and from this...Lake Erie got its name. The "Eries" were a peaceful tribe and were eventually conquered by the Iroquois in the 17th century. After that, other tribes came and occupied the land around Lake Erie including the Ottawa, Wyandot, and the Mingo.

  The discovery of Lake Erie by Europeans was written by Louis Jolliet, a French trader and explorer in 1669. Later, in the War of 1812, Lake Erie got recognition in what is called the "Battle of Lake Erie". Oliver Hazard led his command and defeated the British is a sea battle located near Put-n-Bay. There is a monument in honor of this event...called the "Perry Monument", located on South Bass Island.

 There are a total of 24 islands in Lake Erie, 9 of them belonging to Canada. One of the largest islands is Kelley's Island, which as mentioned earlier, is the home of the "Glacier Grooves" (seems like there ought to be a song or dance with a title like that). Other islands include South Bass Island...home of Put-n-Bay (great place to bar-hop if in the mood) and Johnson's Island...home to a great Civil War Cemetery.

 Lake Erie is 241 miles long and 57 miles in width (at maximum points). Lake Erie receives its water from Lake Huron and Lake Saint Clair...all coming from the Detroit River. It is estimated 80 to 90 percent of its water intake originate from the Detroit River.
 Lake Erie drains into the Niagara River and the Niagara Falls in the east. Other tributaries include the Maumee River, Sandusky River, Huron River, Cuyahoga River, and the Grand River.

 Lake Erie is the 12th largest lake in the world (some say the 11th...I say "whatever"), with the average depth of the entire lake being 62 feet. The maximum depth of Lake Erie is 210 feet. Lake Erie is the warmest, shallowest, and most biologically productive of all the Great Lakes. The entire surface of water on Lake Erie consists of 9910 square miles. It has 871 miles of shore line, and the entire water in the lake is replaced every 2.6 years...the shortest time of all the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is the only Great Lake which "freezes over".
 There are large areas of natural gas under Lake Erie...like in the neighborhood of 3 trillion cubit feet! You cannot smoke on Lake Erie! (just kidding...just makin' sure you are still awake lol)

Lake Erie is unique because of its soil content around the lake itself and for about 10 miles inward. This particular soil is very fertile and excellent for nurseries, apple orchids...and wineries (mmmm!).
 The term "Lake Effect" snow storms are a common phrase you often hear said when visiting the Lake Erie area. Lake Effect are weather patterns that bring heavy moisture directly from the lake itself...and is capable of depositing large amounts of snow. Another phrase emerges from the term Lake Effect... it is the phrase "Snowbelt Region". This area, basically from Mentor Ohio (near Cleveland..."tip" drive the speed limit when in Mentor...the Big Brother Cops" are watching...YOU!) to Buffalo New York, are the areas that usually receive the heaviest snowfall.

 Lake Erie has numerous beaches from Michigan to New York. Some of the beaches are the traditional refined sand, while others consist of small rocks.
  What is "Hot in Cleveland" are Huntington Beach in Bay Village, Edgewater Beach (downtown Cleveland), and Headlands State Park near Mentor.

  Lake Erie is home to some of the largest commercial freshwater fisheries in the world. Most of these fisheries are in Canada...but yellow lake perch...is simply the best everywhere! Friday nights in Cleveland....perch, beer, friends...usually in that order (lol), make a great start for a week-end!( If your girlfriend breaks up with you...you still have the perch and beer lol).
 Spring time fishing on Lake Erie is popular...including the walleye, yellow perch, and white bass.
 Cleveland is a major port for Lake Erie. Other ports are found in Buffalo New York, Erie Pennsylvania, Monroe Michigan, and Toledo Ohio. 

 Lighthouses! Lake Erie has numerous lighthouses, many have been restored from its origin. Sandusky Ohio to Ashtabula Ohio have numerous lighthouses to be observed. The Marblehead Lighthouse in Sandusky Bay is very popular, open to the public (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The Marblehead Lighthouse was originally built in 1822.

 And, Lake Erie has salt mines. Salt mines are located on the northern edge of Cleveland..and extend about 4 miles out...under Lake Erie! The salt mine in Cleveland employs approximately 600 employees, including taking an elevator 2000 feet straight down...to begin the day. This resource provides 3000 additional jobs in support to this industry.
 There are only 11 salt mines in the U.S. and this one under Lake Erie produces 4 million tons of salt per year. It is the 3rd largest producer of salt in the United States.

 Lake Erie...Cleveland Ohio...quite a  partnership going on there....

 And of course, Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Indians (baseball), the Cleveland Browns(football), and the Cleveland Cavaliers(basketball)...but I will save that for another day....

Did Jesus Buy Us Some Time?.....

The whole thing about this chapter in Saint Luke chapter 13 is Jesus stressing the importance of Repentance...turning our thoughts and actions to a way of pleasing Him. How that is done...is an exploration in itself...but this one thing is for sure...we need to do this...and time does play a part as to how long we have to....as John the Baptizer cried out from the River Jordan: "Repent...for the Kingdom of God...is at hand!"

 Luke is the only one to record the parable in Luke 13...about the fig tree. The story comes right after Jesus had been sharing with those who would listen...about the way of Salvation...which includes the importance of...Repentance.
 Repentance is one of those things where a "choice" is not what it is about.

 In 2011, the musical group O.A.R. came out with a song called "Heaven". The main line of the chorus went: "I don't want to go to Heaven if I can't get in."
 Many have speculated and given thought about what the song is really sayin'...from being an outcry against the requirements for being a Christian, or perhaps having a relationship with another without losing "who you are" in the process, or maybe "owning up to the choices you have made in living a certain way...and not ashamed of those choices.
 The thing I often notice about life...and particularly for those who are thinking of giving their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus...that somehow if we do that...we will lose our freedoms...have to live a miserable life full of empty dreams and wishing to do things we can no longer do...because Jesus won't let us.
 So...is that "Repentance?"...I don't think so....why would you want to do something like that?

 Have you ever done something for someone...and they show no appreciation for what you did...even though it benefited them greatly? Now, granted it is not necessary for someone to show appreciation...yet how much more fulfilling it is when it is given...for both parties!

 Repentance is the act of "givin' it up"....a recognition that living a life without His involvement is empty, confusing, and meaningless. Repentance is admitting the choices we have made have included some criminal acts...against the Lord Almighty...asking for His pardon, and yielding our lives to Him.
 Repentance also includes the hope and joy that this new way of thought and the "new lifestyle" He has for us...is far better than we could imagine or dream of.
 
 Repentance also includes the sin we have committed. I have always thought of it this way. Do you remember the time the Pharisees came up with an idea to "entrap" Jesus...asking Him of all the Mosaic Laws to be followed...which ones were most important?
 You gotta' love how Jesus answered them...for the way the Pharisees had it figured that of the 613 Laws and Customs...no matter which one He chose...they had a counter answer.
 Yet, Jesus said: "You are to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul...and you are to love one another as you love yourself. If you follow these two requirements...all the other Laws will automatically be adhered to."
 Needless to say...Jesus took "the air" out of the Pharisees...and they did what they would normally do...they left.

 Repentance is kind of like that...at least to me. I can't list all the sins I have committed against Him...part of the reason I don't know all I have done wrong...it's hard enough keeping tract of the ones I do know of (lol). But...here is the thing about True Repentance:
 The sin that separates me from God...is failing to realize or even recognize...the Cross. Jesus had to die at the Cross for me...and He not only took my place there...but through His work I am now able to have a relationship with the Lord...just like He has.
 I could not do enough "merits in life" to earn a way into His Kingdom...the sin was too great...it only comes through the acceptance of His Son and His work at the Cross.
 Recognizing sin in your life is kind of like Jesus answering the Pharisees when He was asked which were the greatest Commandments in the Law were we to follow.
 The real sin is saying : "Look, I am sure Jesus did a nice thing by dieing on a Cross..perhaps he died supporting His personal beliefs...but as for me...I am fine...and will make God happy with me simply because I  am a good person..and do nice things too.
 In other words, there is really only one sin we need to repent of...and the rest of our sins become rather obvious...the real sin...Do we reject His Son...the Work He did for us at the Cross?...and the recognition that  "I dont' want to go to Heaven if..."I" can't get in.
 Because this this the "Requirement of the Ages"...the acceptance that Jesus died...for me..and don't worry...you won't get into Heaven..if all you can offer is "I" (my own accomplishments).

                             A Gleaning from Saint Luke 13:6-9

 " Jesus then addressed the crowd gathered near Him...and told them this story:

 "There was this man, who planted a fig tree...right in his own personal garden (usually fig trees were planted in the large vineyards to support the vines of grapes). One day this man came looking for some figs that might have grown from this fig tree...yet, there was no fruit to be found...and the man who had planted this fig tree in his personal garden...was disappointed.
 So, the man went to his gardener who tended the vineyards and said: "Look at this fig tree I have planted here...in my own garden! I have waited 3 years to see what figs may be growing from this tree...planted in the best of soil...and look!...nothing! I think it is time to chop this tree down...why put all this effort into something that has been given the best possible soil...and refuses to bear fruit? Why should I continue to aloow this tree to have such precious space?"
 The Gardener, listening to the intent of his master, replies: " Sir, may I strongly suggest...let's give this fig tree one more year. I will give this tree my personal and special attention...add some of my own fertilizer to support its growth and become mature...to bear fruit. Then, perhaps next year...the fruit will be there! If not...we will cut it down."

Who is the Gardener?...The One who gave Himself...and gave us time...to repent!

Note: According to the Law of Moses, a tree was suppose to be given 3 years to grow and mature...in the 4th year...the fruit of the tree was to be given as an offering to the Lord. Then, after its 5th season...a person could begin to partake of its fruit.
 I think we are in that 4th year...we offer our lives to the Lord...for all the "Gardener" has done for us!

 P.S. I do like the group O.A.R. (lol)

Kind of a Cool Thought.......

A Lent Gleaning....

Ok, as I get through this week of Lent...I am captured by this section of the Sacred Scripture in Saint Luke, Chapter 13, verses 1-9. I gotta' kind of break this down.....

 Christ Jesus had been giving various discourses on how we are to live our everyday lives, actually starting back in chapter 11. He seems to have a special emphasis on the importance of : 1) repenting 2) receiving God into our hearts and lives, and 3) having a "new mindset"...based on having a new birth...accepting God and His plan for our lives.

 Here in the first 5 verses of chapter 13...Jesus hears of a couple of calamities that had happened recently during this time. In fact, the people that were gathered around Jesus...informed Him of one particular incident that had happened...right at the Temple!
 Why?...not really sure...Was it politically motivated.?..Was it because of the traditional concept of "when something bad happens to people...it is because they have done something bad and God is punishing them"?, or, Were the people around Jesus hoping He would get "fired up" and make things right....seek out the ones who did this and "even the score?"

 This is where it gets rather interesting...Jesus does none of the above. He doesn't speak any compassionate words concerning the victims of this tragedy, He doesn't try to explain why God would allow such a horrible human massacre to happen in the first place, nor does He offer any comfort to the ones who is informing Him of this recent event.
 Instead...His focus is on a similar theme as He had been speaking about in the last couple of chapters...the dire need for people's hearts to repent...and turn their thoughts, their actions, and their lives...to the Kingdom of God. In fact, Christ Jesus even brings up another recent tragedy Himself...and stresses the same thought...to repent and allow God to find entrance into your hearts...and change our lives......

                              A Gleaning from Saint Luke 13: 1-5

 " About this time, Jesus was told of how Pilate (Note: this guy was much more ruthless than what one might think...the picture we often have is Pilate being a "little compassionate" at the trial of Christ...isn't really who he was...Pilate hated the Jewish people, thought little of their lifestyles and their God, was pro-Roman, and wanted to "go up the ladder"....he did not like the Judean area...wanted to get to Rome...and did not care who he had to kill to get there) had murdered some people from Galilee...right in the midst of the giving of sacrifices at the Temple!
 As a result of these murders...Galilean blood was mixed with the blood of the animals that were being sacrificed at the altar...a most despicable offense to the Jewish faith...in some ways worse than death itself...meeting death being "unclean"...the worse possible scenario for anyone of the Jewish faith.

 As Jesus listened to what had happened at the Temple, He responded by saying: " OK, let Me ask you this...Do you think this terrible and aggressive tragedy happen because the Galileans were "super-sinners"...having worse or more sins than any of you? Let Me answer that for you: the answer is: "No!"
 Here is what you need to be aware of...unless you change your mind and give your hearts to the Lord God...even now...everyone of you can end up like the Galileans...having your destiny with death...not taking the time to let the "God of the Living" have His place in your hearts and lives.
 Things happen in this life (perhaps because we live in a "fallen world")...including loss of life...and everyone seeks answers as to why...or demands retribution for unjust acts...or even blames God for allowing such atrocities.
 Look at the 18 people who lost their lives recently when the Tower in Siloam fell on them. Do you think they were "super sinners", and this catastrophe happen because there was so much sin "oozing" out of their lives? Again, allow Me to answer that for you...the answer is: "No!"

 Here is My point: Regardless of what type of situations that happen in our daily lives...sometimes good things, other times tragic...the most important thing for you to remember is: "Are your hearts right with God?...before anything else...before you react to any situation around you...your hearts must be given to...Him. You must give up your lives and "your way of doing things", repent of the "Master of your own Destiny" thing, confess your sin before God, and allow Him to find His home in your hearts...and give Him  "the lead" in your life. Otherwise, a "Tower of Siloam" may fall on you...or you may even be killed...and look...the Galileans were even performing a "religious act"...yet listen to what I am saying.
 If you can accept and begin to grasp what I am saying to you now...first you must repent, yield your entire lives to the Heavenly Father...for realize this: It's not a brick or a sword that kills a person...it's Eternal Death that destroys...not knowing...My Father."

Note: My take on all this is this: Certainly it is not wrong to take up causes you believe in...particularly for the betterment of others...or to "feel someone else's pain. Yet, human emotion or self-will isn't enough...we need Him to guide, direct, and bless those things we do. Our purpose in life...begins by knowing Him and yielding ourselves...to Him.
 Is this a form of "Tough Love"?...maybe...

 
 

In the "Spirit of Lent"...What Exactly Do I Repent Of?...

As I contemplate on the Lord Jesus, facing temptations in the desert, taking on the sins of the world, and overcoming every adversity that sets itself against the Kingdom of God ( Some refer to this as "Desert Storm"), where do I, a guy living in Ohio in the year 2013 fit into all this? Why is God so interested in me?...and how can I make a difference in both the lifestyle I choose and the influence I have on those around me?...in my sphere and arena of everyday life? Why is it so important anyway?

 In the Gospels: Saint Matthew 22:35-40, Saint Mark 12:28-34, and Saint Luke 10:25-28, Jesus spoke of 2 Commandments we need to follow, commonly known as "The Great Commandment", that we are to live by here...on our journey in life...on earth.
 This "Great Commandment" wasn't geared toward what I can do to make a renewed friendship with God the Father actually happen...in other words, if all my efforts are given to being a better person by obeying Laws...it really would not be enough to make things "all well between us".
 Or, just because I am circumcised...doesn't actually mean God thinks I am "cool", and all is well between us...anymore than  because I obey the "Law of the Sabbath"...go to church every Sunday...give tithes and offerings, smile at people...maybe even going as far as to shake their hand and ask "How ya' doin'?"...doesn't mean my friendship with the Lord is..."on"...and now everything is "cool between us". In fact, even if I refrain from stealing from others ( and that is not always a money issue... it can be another's ideas and taking credit for it, or preferring to "bask in the limelight" when in fact I should be uplifting the skills and talents of others), even if I do this in a way that is "Christian" as they say...this doesn't make my friendship with God "fixed".

 The Season of Lent brings to my attention what having a friendship with the Lord really means... it doesn't start with...me. I can't establish a friendship with God, trying to mend the separation, the damage, or repair by being some..."Goody-2 Shoes" as we say in my environment...meaning...I can't do enough of the right things to mend any part of the total emptiness of not knowing Him.
 It cost a whole lot more than that...sin had a "bounty" on my life and on all those who do not have a friendship with the Lord. The "bounty" was binding and in order to be get out of being condemned to die as a sinner like myself when I stand before God in judgment...there was only one way of escape....that being...through "The Blood".  This "Bounty" could not be paid by any efforts on my part...being nice "all the time", helping little ole' ladies across the street, giving till my pockets were empty, even building a church...or being an elder or deacon (with a written certificate that hangs proudly on my wall)...none of this could pay for the "Bounty on me".
 It was paid...by Him!God's very own and only Son stepped in...and took my place in judgment...paying the penalty of death that was for me...and went as far as to die in my place.
 This is the meaning of Lent in a "nutshell"...Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone is the One who has made our friendship with God possible.

 Why do you think John Newton...who wrote "Amazing Grace"...starting out with these words..."Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch...like me"?                    Some people in Christian circles have been offended at Newton's choice of word "wretch"...a little too degrading...actually thinking their good merits in life will stand up against any judgment that is upon the human race....stemming from when "The Rebellion" first began. They have substituted the word "wretch" with the word "soul"...making it sound nicer...after all...we really are nice people right?  Some people just refuse..."to get it"...that's how I see it. 

 Ok...I got a little side tracked here...the original question of this article: "What are we repenting of?"...still needs addressed....so I guess this means..."Part 2".....
 
 

Whoaaa....I think Jesus thinks repenting is serious stuff!

As I sit here and think about the life of Christ Jesus, going into the desert shortly after His water baptism...to meet His destiny...taking on the sins and temptations of the world...He was in "serious mode".
 This week Lent is speaking to me...."Repent!" Parts of me hate that word...while another part of me says: "Yea...I know if I do it....I will find a key to Life....."Freedom"!



"Repent!" We have heard it through the ages. What's up with that?  Aren't we just a mixed up society...down deep the heart of man is good...it  is just covered up with "crap", and needs to be peeled off or cleansed?...Right?

 Repent...What is it anyway? What are we repenting of? Why do we need to look back and apologize or be remorseful for what we have done so far in this life? Ok...I will make adjustments...get off my back....It's not like I killed anyone or something like that...and if you have been through what I have been through...I'm not doing too bad. Life is a learning experience...I'm still learning...Don't act like I am some type of Evil coming out of the pits of Hell. I'm a good guy...I even wear white hats!......

 Really?

 Repent: In Biblical Greek, the New Testament translates the word repentance from the Greek word "metanoia"...meaning after/behind one's mind. In fact, it has a double meaning: the word "noeo" means to "think this one through", and the word "meta" meaning after or a result of these thoughts.
 A possible way of putting it is: "After you have thought this through, you then have come up with a decision to think differently about a matter...which might include the whole meaning of life itself." Along with this idea of repentance, the word "metanoia" isn't just a one time thing...yes, there is a starting point...but the idea of repentance is progressive...time itself may be involved as a person makes an initial decision to...."Repent!"

 John Calvin, the Protestant reformer of the Middle Ages broke down repentance into 3 basic areas...and here is my take on what he has written:
1. When we decide to seek a conversion...to come in peace with the "Lord Almighty", and admit we need help in life, we open our mind and heart and allow Him entrance...into our very lives.
2. Because of this decision, we are now given to a reverential fear of God...believing it is possible for Him to be who He claims to be...the "All Real and the All Powerful God" we have heard about. Now, we take a step of faith...with this thought: He is interested in each one of us.
3. When we inquire of Him and seek this requirement of Him for us to "Repent", we will have results of doing so through our daily lives....in our conversations, the way we act, and the participation to desire "Christ-like" qualities being most sought after.

Ok, so...say you are interested in repenting...that you might meet and come into a friendship with God Himself...How do we do that?...and what exactly are we repenting of?

In the Lenten Season....there lies the answer..... the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13 may have a key point in all this....Hmmm?

Making Sense of Suffering......

As I enter the 3rd week of Lent, I direct my attention to Christ Jesus, and His time in the desert....40 days being tempted by the Evil One....highlighted by the 3 temptations the Sacred Scriptures describe...... 

 Suffering...Tragedies...Loss of Life...are these things the "Acts of God?" Are the "Acts of Suffering" we see and read of....is it a Christian issue?...or is it a human issue?
 
In my lifetime, in fact in just the recent past, I can look at: 1) Sikhs at their worship near Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the tragedy that took place there, 2) the Amish school children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 3) the Archbishop of a Roman Catholic Diocese, Oscar Romero shot while saying mass at a chapel in a hospital in San Salvador,4) the Newtown tragedy, 5) the Aurora and Columbine tragedies, or the Rwanda massacres.
 And if that is not enough, there are natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, Katrina, the Japanese tsunami, or the terrible tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Or, how about personal tragedies like loss of a child, a marriage, or a family member?

 Then I attempt to put some weak moral outlook...to all this. It's sheer lunacy!

 In the Gospel of Luke 13:1-9...Jesus Himself is addressed with a couple of tragedies that had occurred recently in His time period. You would think His response might be something like: "Just as innocent people suffer violent acts randomly, so you, although innocent, can expect to see or face suffering as well."....But, He did not say that.

 Throughout history, both in Jewish culture and other cultures, we often have that "If/Then" outlook on the sufferings and tragedies of life. "If something bad happens to someone...then it must be because of their behavior...they are wicked and God is punishing them for it."
In the Gospel of John 9:2, the disciples address Jesus with a question about a man who is blind...asking Him: " Rabbi, who is it that sinned that caused his blindness...this man or his parents?" Jesus response was "Neither...".

 What makes this whole subject even more confusing...is the love and compassion God has for each one of us...to the point of sending His Only Son....to die a horrible death that He might rescue us from sin.

 For myself, I don't think the answer lies in trying to figure out the "whys" of sufferings....I don't think we were made that way....I think it comes down to where we stand...if "all hell comes against us"....things don't make sense....and "Life is not fair"...yet we by His Grace can be. Life may not be faithful to us like we would think or dream of...but we must be.
 Like in insurance policies we have all read of the "infamous exclusion"...an "Act of God". The question I ask myself...is a tragedy really an "Act of God"...or is my reaction to a traumatic situation resulting in "rising above" the circumstances and doing ordinary and/or extraordinary things...is that the real "Act of God?"

  In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says to the people around Him in Luke 12:56..." You can interpret the weather...yet you are not able to interpret the present times."
 I don't think Christ Jesus was just speaking of "last day stuff", I think He was challenging us to understand a little more about tragedies and sufferings we all face in life...and how to deal with it...not by declaring simply innocence of those who have suffered....for where is the comfort in that?, nor by saying God was the Author of horrific actions by nature or by humans.
 I think for myself...I must keep my heart set on His love for each one of us....and regardless how "gut-wrenching" life may be at times...my focus on life remains...on Him. He will provide us with insight, with direction, and with comfort to get us through it.

 For it seems looming behind all this suffering...is the miracle of it all...God comes into our very lives.......but....How?

 In Luke 13, Jesus reacts to tragedies in what I would call a "weird way". Instead of having pity or saying something compassionate about the lives that were lost....He speaks about....Repentance? Yep,...'gotta look at this Scripture a little more.....