Well along with the clouds coming in the wind is helping them come in faster.  A few drops of rain, but I do believe we shall have some more today.  Carla hopes it is better tomorrow so some burning can be done.

Chicken is in the oven and the potatoes and corn on the stove, we are figure Carla home around 1415 – or so – she had to open this morning. 

Luke 10:17-20  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

¹⁸ And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

¹⁹ Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

²⁰ Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

It is exciting to be successful.  It is uplifting to the spirit to see real results from our work.  We pray and God responds and we see healings and miracles; lives changed and people coming to Christ.

It happens in our daily life as we work and accomplish something – we see the results and know that it came about because we made it happen.  Whether it be something we made or a task well consummated it is satisfying.  We are happy and we celebrate.

We take pride in that work and we can use it to build our confidence in doing even better next time.  We may point it out to others; or others may come to us, patting us on the back for doing so well.  It just feels good!

The seventy were sent out to work for Christ.  They saw many things happen, including commanding devils – they were ecstatic and who wouldn’t be.  New Christians serving God, obeying Christ and seeing great spiritual things happening – what an incredible feeling that is.

However, they were enthralled with their part in the work, they were heading in the wrong direction and Christ gently corrected them.  Their Joy should not be in the accomplishments they were involved in, but their service to God because of their salvation.

They, just like us, focused on the results and attributed some of it to themselves “even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.”  While they recognized it was Christ’s name that gave them the authority, they also felt they were part of the reason.

While it is true their service and obedience to God resulted in miracles – the service, their life in Christ is what is important.

We see the same thing happening today.  Preachers have things happen in their service that are supernatural.  If they and the people coming are not careful it is far too easy to attribute God’s work as the work of the Preacher; and, God takes second place.

Men of God are men.  They may have special gifts given to them by God, but they are still men in God’s service.  When they forget that God is the one in charge, that He is to be given the Glory, they start to falter and fail.  While their public persona may appear to be of humility, in their hearts they are proud of what they have done and downplay God’s part in it.

They demand respect and recognition – they may place undue burdens on their followers so they can obtain material things they come to believe are their due.

They forget their roots – their salvation - they forget the commandments of God as satan works on their feelings of self-importance.  They sin and think they can hide it.  They yield to the status and fall. 

We need people to help remind us that we are God’s servants, not the other way around.  We need to remind ourselves that our mission is directly related to our salvation.  Without God we are nothing, it is something we should remind ourselves daily to keep from taking pride in ourselves for that service.

God has given us many gifts to accomplish our service to Him, but we must remember it is His gifts and not ours.  It is Him that must be glorified not us.  It is not natural in of ourselves, but through Christ the pride we have can be overcome in His Name. 

Later, Art :-)

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

Clear evening skies equal mid-30 degrees, frost isn’t on the pumpkin – yet.   

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

I was reading the other day about how the Gifts of the Spirit were given to those who were not fully versed in the Christian life.  The gifts were given to hearts that were open to Him and who desired to serve Him, but many were still new to His ways.

It caused dissention in the church – as evidenced by Paul’s continued teachings to the Corinthians – as some would say their gifts were better than others and not use their gift for the edification of the church, but to create turmoil.

1 Corinthians 12:7-14   But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many.

The commentator went on to say the fruit of the spirit takes longer in a Christian to develop, it is not an immediate transformation, but one done over time as the Christian turns over his life to Christ – growing in grace.

As I thought about that thought I think I can come to an understanding that what the commentator says has some solid merit.  We do know some people who have an immediate transformation of their life after accepting Christ, but most of us still struggle with the old man.

We have two walks we walk on this earth.  Our first birth was that of a human with a spirit, but not in touch with our Creator.  Our second birth was spiritual, our soul was born into the family of the Creator, and we walk with Him.  However, our desires are often in conflict we often look back at the old man and weaken our resolve to serve Christ.  For most of us it takes time to put the old life off and embrace the life of a living testimony to Christ.

The fruit of the spirit, to me, is aptly named – not that God needs my approval – but I ‘think’ I can understand why it is so named, at least to my satisfaction.  The analogy to fruit we eat came to me as I meditated on these verses.

It takes the Gardner/Farmer, time, energy and hard work to produce good fruit.

The fruit plant takes time to mature.  It is planted in the ground, if it is good ground it takes root easily and prospers.  But it must be fed with good fertilizer – if the soil has been analyzed it is even better because the farmer then knows what is lacking and should be added to the soli.

The plant must be watered, it must be pruned to keep the plant focused on growing and not sending out shoots that take up the life giving nourishment but do not produce – or if they do, it is smaller, less desirable fruit.

Sometimes the plant takes years to produce fruit and their first year or two of production has just a few items, kind of a promise of what will come if the planter continues his care.

The fruit must be protected from pests whether it be disease or animals.

In due time the fruit is ready, it is ripe and it is pleasing to both the sight and taste.  It can be harvested and used to nourish the body.

Due time for one fruit is different from another.  Berries usually are ready the first year of planting – although they will produce just a few berries to begin with.

Apples, peaches, pears and other similar fruits can take years after the initial planting to begin to produce.  Some trees will produce within 3 – 5 years, while others may take 7 years or longer.  It takes time and hard work to have this fruit.

When we look at the fruits of the Spirit of God we can see some that we receive immediately, the Joy (of our Salvation) and peace allowing us to understand we are now in God’s hands are good examples.  But most of the others take a longer period of time and for some of us a very long time.

We are the ground that God uses to produce His fruit.  He plants the seed, Jesus Christ, in our hearts and then begins the process of producing fruit.  Through our being, He produces fruit He can use to nourish others, serving Him.

We study His Word and through it He provides the fertilizer we need to produce the perfect fruit.  He helps us grow developing those traits we need and strengthening those gifts we possess.  He doesn’t need to analyze us, He already knows our hearts, but through His Word, as we grow, we learn that we are lacking in certain areas and need to grow in them.

We have all experienced reading a well know verse several times and then one day it takes on new meaning, new life and impacts our walk with Christ is a positive way, lifting us to higher heights.

The water given, I would equate with our tears of desiring to serve Him, the tears for those that do not know Him and the tears we shed of shame when we have failed Him.

Much as the farmer prunes the unnecessary branches from his plants, as God’s plant grows within us He sometimes has to prune back our activities, either because we are going astray, or because we are taking things on that are not for us to do. 

The farmer shapes his plants so they will give the most and best fruit – part of the pruning process.  God does the same with us, shaping our hearts and minds to produce the best possible fruit for Him.

It takes time to do all this; it takes time for us to become fully dependent on Him and His Holy Spirit.  The farmer uses some kind of deterrent to keep the pests from his plants – it may be a pesticide, or a netting over the plant or it could be a protective covering around the base of the plant – he may even put up fencing to keep the herb eating animals from gaining entry into his area. 

As we grow we too must be protected from satan so he doesn’t destroy us.  God uses His Word, His Holy Spirit and angels to provide that protection for us.  We are covered by the blood of Christ.  By His Holy Spirit He casts a broad net over us; we share our life with others so we can mutually assist and hold accountable each other for God. 

It makes sense that these things are called the fruit of the Spirit, for like edible fruit, we too must be taken care of by the Master Gardner.

Later, Art :-)

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

Feeling better today, but stomach is not accepting much to eat.  There is something going around and I think Carla brought it home with her.  She isn’t doing badly, but a lot of her co-workers have been ill for the past couple weeks.  Not one thing it is another!

Last night Carla had to go in and relieve her boss.  She received word that her Grandmother may not live through the night, so the family made a rush trip to McMinnville to see her.  We haven’t heard how she is doing this morning. 

Isaiah 43:2-3  But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

² When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Mathew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

God's desire from us is our total commitment to Him.  In response to that commitment from us is His commitment TO us to be with us at all times.

He wants us to totally rely on Him and in doing so receive His care and protection as we go through this life.

He know there will be times that we feel like we are going through a fire, where the floods of sin strive to pull us under, but He will be there to help us walk through it all.

God has never promised us an easy life, especially as we proclaim Christ.  Those that would tell us that we should always live on the mountain top as Christians, that no harm should ever come to us if we are faithful to God are false teachers.

The examples in both the Old and New Testaments of God’s faithful suffering are many.  Prophets and leaders were imprisoned and executed for standing for God against the leadership of nations.  But the teaching of strength through God and the trials we go through are also part of the record and the promise of having God helping us, strengthening us, is a vital part of our service to Him.  We could not do it without Him.

2 Corinthians 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Christians all over the world are suffering for their stands in Christ.  The news media is not covering these atrocities for one reason or another.  We occasionally see the results of Christians going through tribulations, but for every incident shown there are hundreds more out there occurring every day.

I recently received information that more than 35,000 Christians have been expelled from their communities, houses burned, women raped and thousands of Christians killed in Chiapas the southernmost state of Mexico – our neighbor to the south.  Those that are alive are in refuge-like camps with little shelter, food or water.  That is just one incident of hundreds that Christians are going through.

Yet, they do not waver in their faith.  They cling to God and understand that only through Christ can they be saved.  The message of one such victim is that God has allowed her to live, therefore, she must proclaim His name.

God uses our weaknesses, when we turn them over to Him.  He uses our strengths, when we turn them over to Him.  He uses our fears, our trepidations, our infirmaries, our reproaches from the world, everything we are, if we turn them over to Him.

He uses it all to further His work; to bring others to Him. 

Even in our strength we are weak.  All too frequently we rely on our gifts from God to witness for Him, forgetting to ask Him to guide us.  We can do some things on our own, and we will see some good results, but how much more impact they will have if we take the time to talk to God before going forward.

Living for Christ is not an easy walk in the park.  But compared to the burden we place on our soul through sinful activity it is nothing.  The addiction of sin is a heavy burden.  While we may seem to revel in it, it takes a toll and eventually weighs us down.  It really is a heavy burden that grows heavier each day.

But our burden under Christ’s Love grows lighter as we walk with Him and learn we can cast our cares on Him.  We walk with a different walk, one of confidence and assuredness.  We know that whatever we face, we do not face it alone.  We can learn to not only rely on Him, but we don’t need to think twice about our part in His work, it is will become automatic.

We will work as servants dedicated to our Lord without thinking about our own comfort, or lack thereof.  There are many thousands of Christians who have come to that level of giving of one’s self to God.  We indeed must pray that they continue on in their mission for God, that those they teach and preach to will accept His promises – AND that we too shall reach that level of subservient behavior that Christ demonstrated so we can better serve Him.

Later, Art :-)

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

Not feeling well today, can’t put a finger on it, but very nauseated. 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

God has always promised His faithful servants that He would be with them, as recorded in the Old Testament many times; and as reaffirmed many times as recorded in the New Testament.

As we study the Word of God it becomes more and more evident that He is the same as He has always been.  He demands perfection from His servants. 

He demands obedience, recognition of Who He is and His authority over us.  He expects worship and praise be given Him as His due.

He wants us to remember that it was HE that created the world and by Him are all things on this earth created. 

He expects us to serve Him by serving others in His Name.  He expected in the Old Testament that when He sent Christ to redeem His people that they would accept Him and honor Christ as they were to Honor Him.  He told His people what to expect and while many rejected Christ’s message, many did not and accepted the salvation give through Christ.

These people held onto the message of Christ, wrote as the Holy Spirit led them and it has been compiled into the New Testament which tells of the Christ and His salvation – and reaffirms God’s rightful place in our hearts and lives.

We often hear talk of the God of the Old Testament being different than the God of the New Testament.  But as we study His Word we can see He is exactly the same.  The difference is He has allowed us the privilege of following His Son’s examples and edicts and He withholds His judgment until a later time.

He has always had compassion on man, particularly the Jewish people.  He has always taught, through men, the truths of His Word and the confirmation of His activities concerning man.  He has always warned of His forthcoming judgment and His anger and hatred of sinful behavior.

He gave gifts and directions to people in the Old Testament, He did the same for the people of the New Testament  - AND He still does that today. 

Deuteronomy 32:3-4  Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

⁴ He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

He disciplined those that turned from Him in days gone by, He does that today also; the thing is the nature of God has never changed.  He has remained true to His Word throughout man’s existence.

He has always been willing to give man time to return to Him, but there comes a time when He is finished with the foolishness of man and makes an example of His authority and power.  Just because man denies His existence, does not mean He does not exist. 

For the past several years He has spoken through His people, warning the world not to stray from Him, yet, as many of the Jewish people did many times through the centuries, so are many Christians doing today.  Those that think God has changed from New Testament times and will not take disciplinary action are mistaken - And of course those that are denying Him and His authority is growing daily, and they too will find accountability for their actions particularly difficult.

A time of reckoning is here, He has been trying to get us to come to Him for a long time.  The sad results of the failure to place Him in His rightful place is happening all over the world, we see it every day in the headlines.  It is going to get worse.

Still, until He comes, there is time to pray for and witness to others of His mighty Grace.  He expects no less of us. 

Later, Art

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

Doing some winterizing – getting ready for the cold winds from the north to be blowing our way before long.  Temperatures are hitting the low 40’s now – yes I know some of you have already had freezing temperatures, but thanks to the Gorge we live in a “Mediterranean climate” – or so I am told.

The Columbia River is the only one in the world that cuts through to major mountain chains to an ocean – which is about 150 miles from here.  We are barely above sea level and the weather here, even compared to just a couple miles north or south of us, is much milder than the rest of Central and Eastern Oregon.  If we have wind coming east through the gorge, which is most of the time, we have the milder weather of the coast – course coming west from the eastern parts of Oregon is colder and when mixed with the Arctic air from the north makes it even more so.  Most of our winters are milder with temperature rarely getting below 20 degrees – although I do remember one winter when I was patrolling in a minus 17 at about 0200 hours.

We like it, longer growing seasons for Carla, and we know how important those gardens are to her. 

1 Peter 5:7-11  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

⁹ Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

¹¹ To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As I was reading about what is happening in the middle-east to Christians as well as in Nigeria, China, Pakistan, India and other countries I have to admire them for their courage and perseverance.  These people are losing their homes, and church buildings.  They are being persecuted – and I don’t mean the minor incidents of uncomfortableness most of us experience here in America.  I mean brutal persecution, the kind that can kill a person, not just embarrass them.

Many are not only being persecuted they are being incarcerated, tortured, separated from family and friends.  Not only do they have to be concerned about their own life, they know that their spouse and children need them – need what they can provide, that in of itself is a form of torture.  Many are incarcerated for years without a trial; many are losing their lives by either outright execution or as a result of starvation or illness.

These men and women endure until the end of their plight – either by death or release from bondage.  They witness to their captors, they witness to those that they share incarceration with, they get disappointed and discouraged at times, but they pray to and worship God throughout their trying times.  They have learned as Paul learned:

Philippians 4:11-12  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

¹² I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

No one would wish to live these people’s lives, none of us want to go through the trials and tribulations they are going through.  Yet, Christ’s church is growing in these countries.  The Holy Spirit is reaffirming their testimonies to thousands of people – many converts have been tormentors, yet they are coming to Christ for their salvation thanks to these martyrs. 

Even though converting to Christianity is a crime in these countries, God’s Word and the truth of it makes them willing to face the consequences of their conversion.  They understand the need to accept Christ no matter what may happen to them or even their families.  The threats are very real, they see the results of it every single day; and know they could be arrested at any time, yet, they live for Christ.

The Word of God is very relevant to them.  They read of the persecution and prosecution of the Apostles and the Saints; they ready how they endured and how God was there for them.  They see the truths of the Word and God’s Grace and they will not be denied that by man.  They will stand and deliver as Paul, Peter, Mark, John and the many others of the New Testament did through their trials and tribulations – even unto death.

There are many that predict we, in America, are but a generation or two from the same kind of persecution, prosecution, incarceration and sentencing even onto death that is occurring in these countries.  As we look at what is going on in our streets, as we look at the laws passed that are deliberately contrary to God’s edicts, as we look at how the laws are enforced and the courts are upholding them, we can well appreciate how this might come about.

But whether it does or not we have to ask ourselves are we prepared to stand for Christ?  Are we preparing others to stand for Him?  How do we propose to be examples of Christ under these circumstances when we choose not to under our current – much freer – circumstances?

We know that when times of difficulty come we can depend on the Holy Spirit to be there with us – but are we using that same direction from Him in our daily lives, right now?  Do we witness to others in word and deed, or are we afraid to speak up for fear of offending someone, or being persecuted?  When illness and trying times come upon us do we pray to God in desperation not know if He is there, or as a child talking to his Father?

I can remember a question being asked once:  “If you were tried for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?”  Would a jury of those that associate with us on a regular basis, that watch our reactions to other people, to frustrations, to trying times be able to say, “Guilty of being a follower of Christ!” or would they say, “I am not sure, he has never demonstrated the traits of Christ that I have seen – so I would say he is not guilty.”?  I would hope to be found guilty, but I know there have been/are times I have faltered and failed Him.

I have seen friends and family members that are Christians go through incredible trials – illnesses, death of loved ones, things that drag a person down, yet they come through it with a testimony of Christ’s love – and I have to ask myself how they have that faith, could I have that same faith under similar circumstances?

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

We look at this verse and automatically we think of the cross that Jesus had to carry and was hung on – yet this was said before that happened – a foretelling of how He would die.  But He didn’t say ‘MY cross;’ He said ‘his cross.’  Each of us, as individuals has our ‘own’ cross to bare.  It is ours alone, while we can help bare one another’s burdens, the cross they have is for them to carry, not us; nor is ours, theirs. 

But we aren’t left with that, we are to follow HIM.  He really does care for us, the cross we bare can be cast upon Him and He will help us carry it.

God knows our strengths and our weaknesses, He is not going to put a greater burden upon us than we can bare.  It is interesting that with very few exceptions, those Christians that are or have gone through difficult trials, rarely say “I wish I had your soft life.”  They don’t compare their burdens with others that seem far less troublesome, they trust in God to help them and they don’t worry about how little others may be going through.

Yes, they may ask ‘why me?’ but the question does not linger and their faith in God grows.  In fact many of these people open up their hearts to others and while they may be going through extremely difficult times, they strive to help others to deal with their comparatively easier trials.

I guess the question I am asking, is if we cannot stand for Christ under the relatively little persecution we are now under, how can we stand for Him when the persecution gets serious?

If we look at every circumstance where we overcome our reluctance, fears or whatever we want to call it, to stand for Christ – we look at it as a victory and reaffirmation of our faith in Him then we will surely be stronger and more effective witnesses for Him.  If we look at our failures to be a voice for Christ as a learning experience, asking God’s forgiveness and strength to better ourselves in our service for Him – then that too becomes a strengthening process.

Some Christians are tried immediately upon accepting Him, others go through far less trials in their lives, but all of us have a responsibility to study His Word, learning to depend on and follow Him and His Holy Spirit as we go about our daily lives.

Christ is there for us, are we there for Him?

Later, Art :-)

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

Day started out with lots of sunshine and a bit of a wind, it is turning to more wind, less sun and clouds moving in – Fall is definitely here.  Watching Denver vs New England and saw my first Christmas themed commercial – actually two in a row.  Christmas?  Already?  

Jeremiah 27:14-15 Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

¹⁵ For I have not sent them, saith the Lord, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

Satan used men who claimed to be from God to confuse people in the Old Testament.  These false prophets would tell the people what they wanted to hear, saying their words came from God when in fact they were the lies of satan.  As a result whole families were destroyed and many people were placed in captivity because they chose to believe those lies, even though it was contrary to God’s Word.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

² And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

³ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Satan did not stop working when Christ came, if anything he is working all the harder.  He knows that salvation comes through Christ and he wants to stir misunderstanding, deceit and out and out lies so people will become confused and reject Christ and His teachings.

As he had false prophets in the days of old, he has false prophets, preachers and teachers today.  These people have their own agenda.  At one time they may have been committed to Christ, but their own thoughts, their own desires crept in and tainted their teachings.  After a while they may even start believing what they are saying, but it doesn’t line up with God’s Word.

Sometimes it is difficult to discern the truth.  Satan is clever and can make even the vilest sins appear justified and an actual order from God.  He works within the hearts and minds of men – both by his deceptive practices using worldly ideas, and by the twisting of God’s Word so evil appears good.  He hammers us with his poison and if we are not careful we will falter and fall into his traps.

WE are responsible for our growth in Christ.  While we must listen to those in authority, listen to those that have been placed in a position of preaching and teaching, it does not relieve us from our own responsibility to confirm what they preach and teach is correct according to the Word of God.

Most ministers and teachers of the Word are sincere and are striving to present the Word of God as HE wants it presented.  They study, they pray and they seek guidance from those wiser than they if they are in doubt.  But that does not relieve us from making sure we are hearing the Word given correctly.

We must study God’s Word to see if we are being taught correctly or if there are flaws in the teaching.  We need to challenge anything that does not immediately line up with what we know to be true.  That doesn’t mean we stand up and make a scene, but it does mean if we believe they are in error, we need to talk to them about it; sometimes they are in error, sometimes we are, but we want to make sure which it is.

2 Timothy 2:14-16  Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

God gives all of us the ability to study His Word and discern the truth.  But one of the key words here is ‘study.’  If we don’t know God’s Word, if we don’t take time to learn for ourselves what the Word says, then we can become powerless in the face of satan’s wiles.  One adjective changed in a verse can give it a completely different meaning, and satan knows that.

If we are lazy in our studying of God’s Word then satan can pass off lies that sound believable when in fact they are contrary to God’s commands.

It is extremely important that we teach all of the Word of God.  We need to know the Old Testament.  We need to know the New Testament.  We need to understand God’s Word in the context of history, in the context of His Word, itself, and how it applies to current events.  Society – the world - cannot change the truth of God’s Word just because they choose not to accept it.

It is the responsibility of preachers and teachers to give in depth commentary on God’s Word.  We don’t want to gloss over the hard things in hopes that we will gain in numbers.  Christians need to grow.  They need to get past the obvious and understand why and what it means. 

Carla was very surprised, when we met, that I knew so much about the stories from the Bible.  I knew the stories, but I did not fully understand what they meant.  To me they were just that, stories from the Bible.  They had neither meaning nor relevancy to me as a person.

We cannot allow that to happen to Christians, especially those who are entrusted in our care.  We must get into the Word with them, teach them how to read and apply the Word of God to their lives.  The Holy Spirit will confirm the truth, but they must study it to understand what He is telling them and why – we want to give them the meat of the Word so they will be nourished and grow in faith.

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

It does feel good to be a Christian, but there is more to being a Christian than feeling good and if we want converts to be able to stand for Christ in crisis, they need all of the Word of God, not just the feel good sweet taste of milk.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Later, Art :-)

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

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