Alas, after hundreds of perfectly sealed canning, we had one jar that did not seal.  This year was phenomenal, at least in my experience.  Usually I have a few jars, that for one reason or another do not seal – that is not unusual.  To have just one not seal is disappointing when so many did, but encouraging.

We noted that this year the lids seemed to have a bit more rubber on them – through the years they have placed less and less rubber where the lid is to seal – we found one from several years ago that had several times more rubber for sealant that today’s lids.  It has been speculated it is one of the reasons why so many are experiencing seal failure.

The problem is there are only to brands to choose from and we therefore have to depend on them to do ‘the right thing.’  ‘twould appear that they accepted that maybe they were cutting corners a little too much and added a bit more to the seal.

Cool this morning, nice and brisk.  I like the way the early morning sun lights up the trees and hill sides this time of year; just seems to be a brighter more golden light. 

Philippians 1:12-13 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

How often we fall on challenging times; times that try our faith and our endurance.  Times that make us wonder why God would allow such to fall upon us; we love Him, why do we suffer?

It is easy to point out that Christ suffered to the point of death, but how do we mentally apply that to our situation?  How can we put aside personal feelings of disappointment, discouragement and physical pain?  How can we remain optimistic and trusting in God when our loved ones – or us – have a disease that is devastating any will only end in painful debilitating death?

I wish I had an answer that would cover every person and every circumstance – a magic wand that would provide relief from bitterness and tears.  I don’t, but God does.

I was reading the testimony of a minister that was in jail because he converted from Muslim to Christianity and was telling others of Jesus.  He was asked why He was against Islam he replied, “I am not against Islam, I am for Jesus Christ.”  Why do you hate Islam?  “I do not hate Islam, as a Christian I only hate satan.”  The challenges went on, finally to the point that they told him that they could execute him for his profession of faith in Christ, he told them, “I am one hundred percent ready for the sake of my faith. My Savior gave his life for me. I am not afraid of a human; he just kills my body, but does not hurt my soul. I am afraid of my Lord and Savior; He will be able to punish my soul too. I told him I am holding on to my faith. I will never betray my faith. Without Jesus, what does the life in this world or the afterlife mean? Nothing!”  as related by Paul Estabrooks, Christian author.

Obviously that man lived to witness to others about the power of Jesus, even when facing death.  He witnessed to his captors, just as Paul did to his jailers and all within hearing range.

We are told that:   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18.

It was a horrible thing when Christ was crucified, but without that horrible death, we would not have salvation.  Millions of Christians have suffered for their faith in Christ and many died horrible deaths because of it, yet, their witnessing often led others to Christ.

When we witness for Christ the Holy Spirit empowers us, we feel His presence and guidance.  We realize that not only are we telling others about God and His Salvation through His Son, but we are reaffirming to ourselves our belief and trust in God.  We are serving Him, but in the process He draws us closer to Him.

If we can take the position that no matter what happens to us, God will be glorified than our testimony for Him will have credibility to those that witness our conduct in our tribulations no matter how large or small.

We don’t have to be critically ill or fatally injured to have things that trouble us; things that discourage us.  It can happen in many ways on any given day, we must learn to trust in God, give thanks to Him and allow Him to walk us through our problems.

We cannot do this on our own.  But through Christ, relying on God’s Holy Spirit, we can do all things and we can learn to be strong in Him.  If we learn to trust Him, now, in the smaller things, it will be easier to trust Him when the challenges are truly life threatening.

When we are FOR God and His Son Jesus Christ, it is much easier to show our love for Him.  If we choose to look at our circumstances as an occasion to show that trust and faith and tell others about Him, we will have a better chance of truly making it a witnessing opportunity.

Later, Art :-)

From the ColumbiaRiverGorgeous
May Our Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU....’til we meet again