Credit Where Due Please

We're all pretty much sticklers for giving credit where due, to ourselves and (hopefully) to others as well. Look closely here and you'll see I've got my name on these items I've made (labels can be fun). Bits of conversation, poems, even a few obscure lines, have got to be quoted, with author's name given a proper mention. Movies have long credit rolls for all the creative work; we know artists by their particular style. We don't somehow believe that a Ford evolved into a Ferrari all by itself. There were people involved, hard at work, using their creative gifts. And, they want credit.


Yet, wonder on wonder, we can look out of our own complicated eyeballs, and presume to think that they, as well as the rest of our very complex created world, evolved by random mutations and "natural selection." I was, to give credit, reading this morning from a little daily devotional put out by the Institute for Creation Research.

If an automobile presupposes an automaker, and a clock implies a clockmaker, surely the infinitely more intricate and complex eyes and ears of living creatures require an eye-maker and an ear-maker! "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them" (Proverbs 20:12).

The most basic of all scientific laws--the law of cause and effect (no effect greater than its cause)--becomes utmost nonsense if the cosmos is the product of chaos and the universe evolved by chance. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1).

Every creature, from the single-celled amoebae to the amazing human body, bears the impress of intricate planning and construction. The notion that such complex structures could evolve by random mutations and natural selection is simply a measure of the audacity of human rebellion and the absurdity of humanistic reasoning. Such things never happen in the real world, and there is no real scientific evidence whatever for "vertical" evolution from one kind to a higher kind. The only genuine evidence for evolution is the fact that the leaders of intellectualism believe it, and the only reason they believe it is their frantic desire to escape God.

In fact, there is much better scientific rationale, from the very same evidence, for belief in a Creator God. If you are interested, there is another good site for information and further research here.

Waiting for Fruit

Mammee apple

There's waiting, and then there's waiting past the point of being worthwhile. Last week I wrote a bit about "waiting on the Lord" and not jumping too quickly into "ministry," on my own steam, i.e. in the flesh.

Also, last week Kealani experienced eating a mammee apple that was over-ripe and which their family decided wasn't a fruit worth buying again. She reports it tasted bitter, mushy and sort of like sourdough starter? This week at the farmer's market the vendor demonstrated how to tell when the fruit is ripe and let them taste one. Needless to say, they were convinced enough to bring home a properly ripe mammee apple. We all tried it after Sunday dinner, and found it delicious, tasting like apricots. I'm saving the seed to plant.

I suppose the reasons for going beyond proper waiting in the spiritual realm can be comparable. Not knowing or recognizing the signs to proceed. If I encountered this fruit in the wild, I'd have no clue if it was edible, good or ripe. To me, it looks like an elephant turd. Or an old gourd. And, then, through inattention, laziness, fear or distraction the time to move ahead can pass us by. A favorite quote of mine from Shakespeare speaks of this:

"There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries." Julius Caesar, Act IV, Scene III

A well-known and loved scripture on the subject:

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Not something I always think or remember to apply appropriately. All the ruts we get into are likely of our own making. The great blessing is God's grace and mercy, that he gives us fresh opportunities.

"for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

There we go with the waiting again. If at first you don't succeed...

Waiters Wait

Sunny took this lovely picture. The turtle is waiting....resting, and doesn't appear to be stressed out about getting supper together, cleaning up his (or her) shell, achieving a life goal, etc. etc. There's something to be said for that ability. Of course, some people have it to excess, but for those of us with the opposite leaning, we can ponder the tortoise.

God is the one who sends out, who calls, who gives assignments, opens doors of opportunity, shuts others, and I need to be content to wait on him. At one time in my life I had a ladies' Bible Study and we called ourselves "Ladies in Waiting," with that idea, of developing the quality of being a servant, listening for the assignment, or a waiter/waitress waiting; not coming up with whatever independently, and running with our own idea. Of course, the next step, that of doing what we're told, once we get the order - serving - can be the subject of another post. Though, it's a hard one in practice, being content to wait can be more difficult than doing something, anything.

For those interested, there are many scriptures on the subject. One of my favorites is Isaiah 40:31.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Then, I always remind myself of Moses, out in the desert for 40 years, tending sheep, probably remembering his first 40 years as someone of importance in Egypt. He was most likely a serious contender to the throne, brought up to succeed Pharaoh. He was general of the Egyptian army, and successful in their conquest of Ethiopia, according to Josephus. Stephen also refers to him as "mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22 He was known to the people as a royal personage, a military leader of distinction, recognized; then exiled, lost in obscurity and not doing anything great, or even close to it. He must have wondered if God had a purpose for him at all, or if he was forgotten or rejected by God. Certainly we know he developed humility, keeping faithful in the small things of his life. He was not thinking of glory any longer.

I think my conclusion is just to keep faithful while waiting, in the everyday, the mundane, small necessary things of life - and that is the key to moving on in what God has for me. (Matthew 25:23)Tending the sheep, busy at home (Titus 2:5), working to provide for ourselves and our families (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11) - so we can see the concept doesn't promote laziness. Hopefully, in the process I'll get more humility too.

God's Little Fruitcakes

I didn't make one this year.

There is a recipe for fruitcake here (if you click on it), but I'm not making one. I'm convinced we're all God's little fruitcakes - the world just chock full of fruits and nuts. And, aren't we all special? Each one of us an individual mix; which is why he gave us his recipe for success (we're really stretching the metaphor here, I know - my idea of a Holiday inspired post.) I think it's the contrasts of flavor and texture in fruitcake we enjoy - or don't. Some people just make jokes about it.

Did you ever wonder why he put so many contrasts in Scripture? Why all the light versus dark, good and evil, the wise and the foolish, life and death, truth versus the lies of the enemy, the righteous as against the wicked? Then, of course, the final contrast of heaven and hell. Isn't life supposed to be, like full of gray areas? But, since God says otherwise, guess what? It's not. He put all those contrasts in, over and over, so that it would sink in. So that we would wake up and get the picture.

"He who is not with me is against me." Matthew 12:30

We have an enemy and a Savior. There is right and wrong. Reality is not subjective.

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15

The world would have us mush out and gray down all those contrasts, even though God's word is really clear about black and white - because life is not a balance scale, held by some goddess of mercy, weighing out good deeds as against bad - it is by grace alone we are saved; by clinging to a merciful Savior.

"With your right hand you save me." Psalm 138:7c

Meanwhile the fruitcake left from last year just got tossed from its neglected place at the back of the refrigerator - taking up valuable space; which is why I didn't get around to making any this year. I enjoy fruitcake, but not enough to eat it all myself.

Little Houses of Horrors

... into the depths of the sea

Thanksgiving, being a time to remember things we appreciate, I am so grateful for God's word - for the encouragement, correction, direction, glimpse of the future, but always the comfort that it is.

"Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
the worm will devour them like wool.
...I, even I, am he who comforts you." Isaiah 51:7-8a & 12a

Family, on the other hand, can be a real house of horrors. I know I've had it easy, compared to some, still after the 7 page rant I got the other day from my sister, Barbara, who has managed to totally turn my parents against the rest of their family, feeding them an ongoing pack of lies and negative, fossilized, venomous reptile poop, day in and day out, it's difficult to know exactly how to handle the situation. What can you do? I just ask God for direction, one day at a time. The letter has been consigned to the burnable rubbish (some of us still do that out in the country) where it belongs. What a lot of anger, jealousy and resentment, hoarded up over the years, has been revealed. Whew! Sigh .... a part of me wants to answer every stupid remark and set her properly straight, but am restraining myself. Yes, I've done things in the past, not always the best or right even. But, let's all move on. Get over it.

All of this brought to mind the verse in Micah,

"You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea." Micah 7:19

I just had to drive down to the cliffs and take a few shots of the ocean.

We're born into an earthly family and have no choice in the matter - that's one birth, the physical. Being born again gives us the pleasure and opportunity of an entirely new spiritual family, though again, no choice on who makes up membership (we do have a choice regarding who we hang out with). Spouse and children should, hopefully, be a part of this new family.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

This leaving has also the sense of growing up and getting past poor upbringing and any bad training or habits. As Christians we are supposedly maturing, renewed and reborn, putting aside the past as new creations in Christ.

Jesus had a few surprising things to say regarding family, and I am definitely going to take those words to heart:

"Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:48-50

"Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." Matthew 8:21-22

"And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." Matthew 23:9

On the other hand, those who lie and refuse the truth were told:

"You belong to your father, the devil..." John 8:44

We shouldn't be too surprised about this division along spiritual lines, as he warned us of it.
And, this morning I was reading in Isaiah, something that directs me to keep my mouth (and pen) shut, with regard to answering her lies and accusations:

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

Jesus is always a good example. On a positive note, I am thankful for the true family I have, both blood and spirit relations, those who are following Jesus, being understanding and forgiving; not always perfect, but working on it and growing.

A Two-Edged Sword

Christmas cactus

No parable here really, it's just a pretty bloom in the garden. Those thorns are pretty sharp though.

I'm still on Psalm 119, such a fantastic meditation, and it keeps bringing me back to David's wonderful attitude toward God's Word, which has a lot to do with how he regards God himself, how big his God is, and how vital to his very life. If God is all powerful, loving, righteous and willing to intervene as we intercede with him in prayer - involved with his creation as a compassionate Creator - then he is more than able to ensure that we are still in full possession of his awesome word to us, just as David was, but with the added advantage of a finished written communication. It is just as accurate as he wants it to be, just as understandable as truth. He is not a God of confusion and gave us the Scriptures so that we might know the truth about him, his awesome promises, important warnings for our good, and the lessons of an accurate history.

"All your words are true; all your
righteous laws are eternal." Psalm 119:160

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14

It is a matter of life and death - so ultimately important; how we regard God and his word are intertwined with our salvation, which is eternal life. God's word is powerful.

This is not to say that all of the compilers, translators or even the inspired writers were perfect, or even always righteous men; but God was able to use them to accomplish his own ends, and his purposes cannot be thwarted. Yes, God was in control of assembling the "canon" of Scripture - not men.

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

How big is your God?

beauty for ashes

Wake up and smell the orchids!

It is so easy to get discouraged at the prevalence and strength of untruth and evil in our world. It takes my mind away from the real power and almighty omnipresence of God - who is more than able to overcome, and whose will and purpose will be accomplished on earth. He has given us his word. And, when we need reminding, all we need do is look around at the beauty of his creation, like this bloom erupting out of my jungle garden. When you bend down to admire her, you can also inhale the perfume.

A Beautiful Promise

"The song of the ruthless is stilled.
On this mountain the Lord Almighty
will prepare a feast of rich food
for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine -
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away
the tears from all faces." Isaiah 25:5c-8a

And, all those aborted babies and people murdered in secret will be revealed as,

"The earth will disclose the blood shed
upon her;
she will conceal her slain no longer." Isaiah 26:21b

Some day everyone will know the truth, whether or not they accept, agree with, or fall in line with it.

"for the earth will be full of the knowledge
of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9b

I very recently did a post I called The Book of Miracles, discussing a current tendency to question, rather than really teach the Word of God. This can't be emphasized enough.
All those irreverent, so-called "Christian" teachers and professors at our "Christian" colleges and universities, who confuse and mislead their students will be judged more severely. They don't seem to comprehend the serious responsibility they have, and are in danger of the millstone hanging. Our God is as able to preserve and protect the whole of his Word to us, down through the years, as he is to communicate it to us in the first place. But, if you have difficulty believing in the power of God to create this universe as he said he did, without some millions of years' worth of trial and error, then you are worshiping a false and weak god, who would leave it to mankind to compile a "canon" of scripture; that by religious power-plays and politics, we ended up with what we call the Bible. This link is an example of the sort of teaching going on, in case you don't believe me.

Praise God, his Word is usually able to get me out of a funk, and all creation is a constant reminder to us of his beauty, power and majesty - good to remember with Thanksgiving coming up soon.

Get Out of That Shell

This morning I was reading in Esther and noted how the relationship of King Xerxes and his friend, Haman, is illustrative of the danger in trusting men (or women) with your decision-making, or to do your thinking for you. Mental laziness can have disastrous consequences. Not that we can't delegate, but it should entail a pretty good understanding of the character of our delegate. Though, trust goes both ways, as today's Proverb reminds: "He who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9b

I was talking to my friend, Linda, today about how we can be like turtles, hiding inside our shells, thinking we're safe from what's going on in the world around us. I'd mentioned that watching the presidential debates made me run into the other room. Just too nerve-racking. Didn't want to hear it, all that contradictory controversy. Especially all the stupid remarks I wouldn't agree with, but couldn't set them straight because they wouldn't hear me yelling. So, in that sense, I guess I was behaving in a turtle-like manner.

Esther could have hidden away in her posh palace, hoping to escape the coming planned genocide, but she stuck her neck out of that comfortable shell and confronted the enemy. Invited him to dinner right on her own turf, and defeated the wicked dude. Read the whole story here.

In case you were wondering about the photo - it's my attempt at mosaic art - and the turtle has her neck out too.

What's wrong with this picture?

What's missing is substance and sustainability. Also missing in much of Christian education. You might ask what the optimum method might be for teaching Christian core values and passing on the truth of God's Word to students. At one time in America (harking back to our Independence Day) and at present in some countries, it would be taught. Facts, information to be learned, understood and processed, hopefully into lives and action. Instead, we're getting a ton of current theories, speculative "ear-tickling", and melt-in-your-mouth emergent drivel.

On an intriguing blog I happened upon today, Baglady, this quote from her father's story of life as a new immigrant to America, highlighted for me the problem with most "Christian" colleges and Universities.

"Here in America, the professors often put students in small groups so that they can debate amongst themselves and students are encouraged to have different opinions. Additionally, on the written exams students do not necessarily have to agree with a professor’s opinion in essay questions. As long as you have a great idea and great supporting points you could still score quite well."

All very well for many subjects, however I believe Biblical Studies, mathematics, and some of the sciences should be excluded from this method. They have something in common: that understanding and applying is the important thing, not questioning. Though this is almost heresy in some circles. What good does it do to question and disagree that 5x5=25? Not a lot. And the same should be said of God's Word.

Of course, much has been learned in the sciences by questioning and testing the various theories and coming up with new ones, and testing those. I'm not talking theories here. And, I don't mean questioning in the sense that Nicodemus asked Jesus, "How can this be?" He didn't understand and was asking the Teacher to explain, with a heart to learn.

We, some of us, presume to question as Satan did, "Did God really say...?" and then to disagree with what he does say - "You will not surely die...", beginning, as the Tempter did, in Genesis, along with the majority of scientists in our time. Did God really create in six days? No, of course not. However, not being reproducible and involving the supernatural, it should be considered outside the field of science anyway. We can look at the fossils and say, as does Ken Ham, "millions of dead things, laid down in rock layers all over the earth." Yes, the flood explains that. Or, DNA research says we all came from one woman. Yes, Genesis says so, it must be true. DNA research changes, scientific study evolves and changes from year to year. Scripture does not change "a jot or tittle", the least stroke of a pen.

Interestingly, a few verses later, Jesus continues: "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." And, we know that their "righteousness" included questioning (in a wrong sense) and re-interpreting and layering on their own opinions, endlessly - a large set of oral teachings by the elders - a religious elite. Later, they broke with their own scriptures and allowed them, the Mishnah, to be written down, cementing in place the already sad corruption of Jesus' day. And, they still prefer their own "traditions" to the Word of God.

My point being, the same thing is done today by theologians and professors in our "Christian" seminaries, colleges and Universities, with few exceptions. Genesis is only the beginning of it, and I'm sure Satan is well pleased with them. His method of operation has not changed - question and pick apart Scripture. Students come out passing along misinformation, doubting their faith, or deserting it altogether. Not strengthened properly to do battle in our culture. And, it is a culture war.

Hospital Blues

Just visited my Dad in the hospital. Our family is certainly in a weird groove. Half on one side and half on the other belief-wise, aligned on opposing sides with the cross of Jesus the dividing line. In Matthew 10:34-37, he says, "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household." So true in our case. Am I alone here?

Jesus also has this to say with regard to family: "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.'" Mark 3:33-35

So, if members of your family write insulting letters about you and snub you; or when a "brother" ( in the flesh) tries to prevent his Christian family members from seeing their father in the hospital, then, hey, you're blessed! "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:14 I'm afraid I haven't quite gotten to that perspective yet, but it's good to know in which direction righteousness lies.

That's why I desperately need God's Word. It tells me to "live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9 There we go with the blessings again. As you might have guessed, I'm writing this out because I need to imprint it on my own heart.

Casting Mental Stones?

This little chameleon thinks he's blending in.

We shouldn't be surprised when unbelievers hate us - even our own parents, sister or brother. The best thing is to keep on praying for them. Though, when Christian brothers and sisters give "cold shoulders" and snub us, we are saddened, because we expect more. Right. More often than not my first reaction is to get all, WELL, HOW COULD THEY? And, think about snubbing right back. But, we are told to "love one another" and I usually do remember in time or eventually.

Believers today seem just as prone as those of another age to "nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition." And, Jesus is still telling us, "they worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Matthew 15:6b & 9
"Do not handle! Do not taste... human commands and teachings." Colossians 2:21-23

I had a few pounds of jaboticabas a friend left after a gathering recently, as well as bananas in the freezer, so the answer to the excess was, yes - banana-jaboticaba wine (bubbling away at the moment). This might offend some, but wouldn't that be putting a denominational ruling or tradition before scripture? My divorced friend is also looked at with disfavor, by some sorts of Christians, despite the fact it was because of marital infidelity and abuse. And, many of those same tradition-bound believers will cave in to the latest "scientific" ruling on the age of the earth, six day creation, the flood, or various psychiatric findings, regardless of what God's Word says. So, isn't it just as bad to try and blend in with a denomination as with the world at large? Ah... the inconsistency of man. I need to keep my Christian coloration, no matter the background. You knew there would be a connection with the lizard on the banana tree, right?

Hardwiring Ourselves

Our brains are fabulous creations, more adaptable and programmable than we have even imagined. What an amazing God we have! I was just reading about a disease, hydrocephalus. It causes the brain to get flooded with fluid which replaces the white matter and can result in severe brain damage. Apparently, some people who have large portions of their brain missing, due to the damage caused, may go on to lead perfectly normal lives, some as much as 95% brainless (so to speak). Perhaps, depending upon their own intent, motivation and expectations, the remainder of the brain hardwires itself to take up the slack, compensating for damaged areas. This is one theory advanced to explain the phenomenon.

My reading in Joshua 17:16 this morning started the train of thought. Israelites from the tribe of Joseph are complaining that they don't have enough land for their numbers and that "the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots." Joshua is all OH BU HU - totally unconvinced. It seems that their heart attitudes and lack of courage are what stand in the way of victory. He tells them, "Though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out." Just go do it. Change your thinking in other words.

A man we know (on mental disability income) was talking to my husband about a recent visit to his psychiatrist. The doctor gave him a puzzle test, which, according to him, showed a decline in ability. This suggests that possibly, conversely to the above research, if the reward (State monies, benefits, etc.) is for poor brain function, then the brain hardwires itself to that end. If you claim to be crazy long enough or think you need to be, then you will achieve what you speak forth.

Where in the World is Limbo?

Are there truly souls stuck in Limbo - here on earth? I believe I have met a few lately. Though it seems the Pope has decided for the Catholic Church that there is no actual physical place, purgatory or limbo. Perhaps he noticed that earth fits the former description sufficiently. The literal meaning of limbo is edge or border from the Latin, and is related to a Sanskrit word meaning hanging over or falling. So, in the sense of not moving forward, but hanging onto or at the point of falling into hell, it makes for an interesting parable. There is no real stasis, we're either progressing or degenerating spiritually (possibly, sometimes almost imperceptibly) but still, you could say there is a metaphysical position or place indicated here. A state of mind, with the body following through. YES, A REAL LIMBO FOLKS.


People will tell you that they're still "on the fence" about something, haven't made up their minds yet. And in the matter of deciding the end goal of your life, that's a very dangerous place to be.

The Question of Faith

We're all faced with frightening things from time to time, and reading in Joshua made me think:
Did the Lord just tell him to "Be strong and courageous" or was the command directed to us all? He tells Joshua that over and over again in Chapter 1, and in the middle of it he adds, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." What a fantastic encouragement. He would not give anyone orders if it were not possible to carry them out. The only question that still remains is - was that exhortation for everyone who believes God, down through the ages? Or, are there those, so damaged mentally or physically, that faith wasn't meant for?

We do know that God desires none to be lost, and saves all who call on His name; and we are told that we are not tried beyond what we can bear. We are further encouraged in the New Testament: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11) Each according to their measure of faith, can be strong because "the Lord your God will be with you."

Jesus asks his disciples (us?) "where is your faith?" (Luke 8:25a) And, many times he healed people and told them, "your faith has healed you." (Luke 8:48) Reading the other day, I was struck by the faith of Mary, noticing at the wedding celebration (John 2:3) that their friends had run out of wine and were about to be greatly embarrassed, she simply tells Jesus about the situation, confident that he can take care of it. And, what great faith, on being told by an angel that she would have a child by the Holy Spirit, which would have been a terrifying situation for a young girl in that time. But, she said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 And we also have the encouragement of that great chapter on faith, Hebrews 11.

Back in Joshua, Chapter 3 - the priests were to go ahead of the people - demonstrating in a living visible way, their trust in what God had told them. They were to walk right into the river, in expectation and faith that there would be a way opened. I like that he had leadership going ahead of the congregation, modeling a walk of faith that the rest could follow. Taking God at his Word = belief. Before they had been following a pillar of cloud or fire through the desert, and now they were following their leaders in obedience to God's command. As we ("A royal priesthood") are to be listening to the Holy Spirit, and checking that our leaders do as well.

I don't know where this post is going, only that I do wonder about our various capacities for hearing from God and walking in faith. We know though, that the final faith required is that anyone who would be saved must trust in God's Messiah, Jesus, and follow him. Romans 3:24 and 5:11.

What to Do About Weeds?

Can you spot the weeds?

Christians will say they KNOW that -

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) YES; and you "who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27) ; who told us very clearly - "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father..." (John 14:12); and he told his disciples, "... these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons ..." (Mark 16:17a) So, WHY DON'T WE? Gee, do you think the enemy would rather have us focus on the last half of that verse: "they will speak in new tongues." (Mark 16:17b)?

The number of unclean spirits around has not decreased in the intervening years. THEY'RE STILL HERE .... HELLO. Sitting in our churches, sometimes disrupting, sometimes just there, stinking up the place, often insinuating themselves into leadership. Satan seeks to disrupt, deceive and ultimately destroy, if he could, the Church of Christ.

Though, praise God, the outcome is secure. Satan doesn't win in the end. However, many battles are lost, souls stumbled, leaders ruined and churches closed down. Yet, we ignore (or try to) their presence among us today, or attach interesting psychological labels to his sad captives and worry that maybe they're off their "meds" when abnormal behavior is noticed.

The Gemini temple

The church seems so powerless in the face of the real god of this "New Age" - science. That spirit is the one that has gotten us to question, pick apart and disbelieve so much of the Word of God - beginning with Genesis. Basically, that's what it is - a sin of unbelief - active in the Christian church and incubated in our liberal seminaries and "Bible Colleges." They teach students not to rely on Scripture, but to question it - rather than question "science" when it contradicts the bible. As a side note, why just question a six day creation when the whole Bible is packed with supernatural events from beginning to end? Genesis to Revelation. The answer is, of course, that the unbelief doesn't end there. And, it filters down from the top right into the congregation.

We feed the hungry, teach children, disciple new believers, send missionaries (ill-equipped) to foreign lands, we pray for healing, but don't, as a rule, take authority in His name and set the prisoners free. And, that's what they are.

Jesus said to us, as well as to those in the synagogue:
"Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" Luke 13:16

Is it important at all, or can we continue to shove it under the table, or into a psychiatrist's office?

See Matthew 13:24-25 & 38-39:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But, while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat... the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil."

We're told not to pull the weeds up in this parable, so as not to disturb the good plants. But he has let us know they are there so that we might use the discernment he gives us wisely, for the good of the church. Spiritually oppressed people can be delivered, and that is what Jesus did. It's their choice in the end to allow the Holy Spirit to be in total control of their lives or to let the evil one back in.

Again, "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an unclean spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice..." Luke 4:33 (A verse I was reading today and which inspired this rant.) Note, this spirit didn't flee from the very presence of Jesus until commanded to do so. Even Jesus needed to take authority over them, to DO something. The problem won't go away by itself. And, I don't think there is a single instance in the Word of a person so afflicted who personally asked for help. It was either Jesus who noticed the problem, a disciple, a relative or friend who sought healing for the victim. They are deceived and bound, to greater or lesser degrees.

I set out cockroach and ant traps - don't want those unclean critters around. Ohhhhhh no. The slightest sign of mice brings on instant attack mode - traps, poison - whatever it takes. And, I can certainly tell a weed from a tomato plant, and pull it out. Why then are we so inept at getting rid of unclean spirits? Setting their captives free? Where is the leadership? Or, considering the number of times Scripture mentions Jesus dealing with it, the teaching, the sermons? The gift of discerning spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) should be as appreciated and heeded as any other gift. It's certainly needed now as much as in the past.

What's Openhandedness Got to Do With Vacations?

The ten Commandments

were the only ones written, literally and figuratively, in stone. The other laws and decrees were the Old Covenant, fulfilled in Jesus by the New Covenant in his blood - though with some older statues reaffirmed and commanded by Him. However, be that as it may, there's an incredible amount of truth, symbolism, history, medical insight and wisdom to be gleaned, not to mention the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I get so much from reading the Old Testament right along with the New. It drives me nuts when I hear believers say they only read the New Testament, can't "get into" the Old? It's the Holy Spirit who gets you into it. Just ask.

As, for instance, today in Deuteronomy:15:4,5, 7 & 11 - Generosity is not an option, but a command - though with a blessing attached. Despite the fact that "there should be no poor among you ... if only you fully obey the Lord ... there will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded..." This is God talking to me here. I'm usually all, THEY SHOULD GET A JOB or GROW A GARDEN WHY DON'T YOU? I so need to keep this in mind and heart. We're not responsible for what others have done or should be doing, only for our own heart attitudes and what we do about it. God takes care of the rest.

Lovey the cat is on permanent vacation

Then, there's a dimension of openhandedness toward ourselves. A time away from the usual grind, apart even from the week-end or sabbath rest, was also commanded - not merely suggested (Deuteronomy 16). So, we can learn from this, even though it's not "written in stone," the concept is most likely something very beneficial. Some people have a difficult time with the idea of a "vacation."
My husband, for instance, can't stand the thought of all that wasted down time. He would be SO BORED the whole trip and want to just go to sleep. I think he likes his job so much, it's not really like Work? All the same, the instruction in Deuteronomy 15:19-20 is interesting:

"Do not put the firstborn of your oxen to work, and do not shear the first-born of your sheep. Each year you and your family are to eat them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose."

This seems to presage the later words of Jesus: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27) It was for their own benefit. There is a place for something aside from work and utility, in fact commanded, because he knew the nature of man. Or, some men, to overdo the work ethic. But, note, the work WAS a given. Also - they were to leave their homes for this break. It's too easy to get caught up in stuff that needs to get done when it's staring you in the face. Or, "we can't spend this on a vacation, we need to invest it", and so on.

The Vog of Preservation

Here on the Big Island we have "vog", a sulfur dioxide sort of acid haze emission, from our active volcano, Kilauea. The emissions have been unusually high the past few months and some people have been bothered with various symptoms, to a greater or lesser degree. When it's bad, usually at night and the prevailing wind blows down from the mountain, I'll get headaches; and tired eyes in the daytime. It seems the vog is putting the plants and trees into a kind of stress mode too. My garden helper says that's why more blooms than usual, they're trying to reproduce like crazy. We sometimes purposely traumatize our litchi trees here by girdling them to promote fruiting. Stress to achieve a result.

This is the first time I remember seeing money trees flowering. And, could that be a sign? Probably not, unfortunately.

All this brought to mind the history of Christianity - the fact that during times of persecution, massive conversions have taken place. The, humanly speaking, unbelievable faith and courage of believers was such a powerful witness of God at work in their lives, that people were drawn to Jesus, despite the ultimate cost. They were able to see that whatever in this life furthers the preservation of the one that really counts is worth it. And, in our individual lives, there are times when some great stress induces new growth or fruit. "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character..." Romans 5:3 The fact of suffering in no way negates the love of God, and in fact, may be because of it. "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life." ( Psalm 121:7) is still valid - it is our life in him he is concerned about.

"When the hay is removed and new growth appears ..." Proverbs 27:25 That new growth won't happen without a cutting back.

"To see things as God does is to see them under the aspect of eternity." - Spinoza

From Cacao to Morning Cocoa

I was reflecting on the cacao nibs drying in my oven (on pilot light) and the whole process, from the raw fruit, through fermentation, drying, etc. to the point of chocolate or cocoa. Our understanding of how to prepare all sorts of produce is handed down from generation to generation, everything from making cheese to wine or coffee. But, how did it all start? Current teaching would have us believe it was pure chance, a process of trial and error, and random discoveries, moving slowly through thousands of years of human technological evolution, like the rest of our supposed history from drifting protoplasm to modern man.

I hope most Christians would tend to question that theory or begin to, since God's Word has another version of our accumulated understanding. There we learn that God is the source of wisdom and knowledge, in the physical world as well as the spiritual. While Adam and Eve walked in the garden with their Creator, I'm sure He was explaining the uses of and methods of caring for and preparing all of what He had planted. I can imagine their curiosity as they walked with their Lord in his beautiful garden. We are told, "The land produced vegetation..." (Genesis 1:12) but, "the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden" (Gen. 2:8) There is a difference. Wilderness grows as it will, but "God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Vs. 15) And, we know from the following verses that God walked with them and talked to them in the Garden.

Further, the prophet Isaiah tells us directly where agricultural knowledge comes from. It is such a beautiful passage, I'm going to quote the whole thing (almost). Isaiah 28:23-29:

Listen and hear my voice;
pay attention and hear what I say.
When a farmer plows for planting, does he
plow continually?
Does he keep on breaking up and
harrowing the soil?
When he has leveled the surface,
does he not sow caraway and scatter
cumin?
Does he not plant wheat in its place,
barley in its plot,
and spelt in its field?
His God instructs him
and teaches him the right way.
Caraway is not threshed with a scythe,
nor is a cartwheel rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
Grain must be ground to make bread....
All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
wonderful in counsel and magnificent in
wisdom.


Back to the cacao, all this considering was brought on by a recent cooking blog post about a new way of preparing the fruit using a food dehydrator, skipping the fermentation and roasting processes. I thought, hey this is great, short and simple. Went out (well really it was Craig's list) got a food dehydrator and gave it a try. Guess what? Used up a lot of electricity and didn't get the job done. Sometimes the old ways are better.

Though the different techniques employed for utilizing produce may have changed, the processes are pretty much the same today. i.e. instead of fermenting cacao under palm or banana leaves outdoors, it is more convenient for me to use a pasta pot in a gas oven with pilot light, or for a factory to use a big mechanized operation to deal in quantity. And, isn't it interesting that processing plants remove the cocoa butter for other uses, then add in milk products to achieve that same delicious unctuousness that is part of the chocolate experience. I like mine the way it comes - non dairy. Grind the roasted pods and put in my French Press, add hot water. Voila!

a cacao pod opened

One of my Bible Commentaries compares the verses in Isaiah to the way God created people so different from one another, and how everyone should be treated differently as well, with understanding and respect for their individuality and uniqueness.

All In The Timing

Reading today in Numbers 9:15-23, I thought it was noteworthy how God taught the Israelites to pay attention and look to him for direction. It says, in part:

Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent (Tabernacle), the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the Lord's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Nu. 9:17-18

Sometimes they stayed at a place for a short time and sometimes a month or a year. At night the cloud looked like fire. So, if they were to leave at night, they would see it and be able to follow. God used the cloud over the Sanctuary to clearly show them his will and train them to habitually wait and watch for his direction and timing, moving it in an unpredictable way, at least to them. He may have had his own reasons for each move. I would like to have more of that immediate, reaction of obedience toward God worked into my own life. Always looking to him for direction.

Moses had a related quality, worth emulating, and that we can learn from today, (this from Numbers 9:6-8). When asked for a decision, he replies: "Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you." And, in Numbers 27:5, "So, Moses brought their case before the Lord." And, this was almost the last decision he was asked to give. In his answer to Moses God told him to go up on the mountain where he would die. Then, in his final request he asks God to appoint a successor to himself so the people wouldn't be left leaderless. I think most of us, in his place, would be thinking ourselves perfectly capable of deciding these things, but he knew that our ways are not always God's. Even at the very end of his life on earth with all of his experience and closeness to his Lord. What a humble guy!

On a mundane note, I think my banana wine might be finally coming into its own. Either that or I've found the right thing to pair it with? Made in 2005, I've been trying it ever since (a 5 gal. batch!) and dumping bottles, minus the test glass, into my vinegar crock. There was definitely a flavor flaw. Today, however, I opened another and it went well with a little onion, tomato & fresh oregano pizza. Would probably be equally good with spicy Asian or Indian food. Guess some things just need a bit of time. I've heard a comparison made between Christians who are in process, to little green apples (or bananas) - they're perfect for the stage of growth they're at, just not yet at peak flavor, or in the case of Christians, performance.

A Pig Chase

What you don't see in this photo, taken at about 6:00 a.m. this morning, is me in my pajamas and little silk bed jacket, running after the pig, madly trying to make the most of a photo op, without getting charged, and chase him out the gate at the same time. I think that would have been a better picture. More amusing anyway. And, in my haste I deleted everything but this one shot from my memory card. How did that happen? The poor thing (a wild adolescent boar) must have been trying to get out most of the night. Around 11 p.m. I thought I heard pigs, so went down the drive and shut the gate. In the early morning I heard snorting sounds again and wondered if one had gotten trapped inside. Sure enough.

You might be wondering if this is going anywhere. And, yes, it is. When I was interrupted by the boar, I had been writing about what a great parable God gave us in the Old Testament. They were commanded to go into Canaan and take the land, as the "iniquity of the Amorites" had reached its limit in God's perfect timing. The Israelites were given the land - the outcome was promised to them by God and He did give them victory. Their part was to be committed, faithful and obedient to the Lord. They were told to "be strong and courageous" and fight the necessary battles, believing God for the outcome.

Christians are to take enemy territory as well. We are told in Ephesians 6 to "Put on the full armor of God." Spiritual warfare is called for. Satan was defeated at the Cross by Jesus, but he still holds a lot of territory in human souls. However, we are also commanded, "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 And, Jesus assured his church, "the gates of hell will not stand against" our onslaught.

Getting back to the piggy point (yes Margaret, there is one), at times - even though he doesn't really belong - a spirit agent of the enemy may enter (or have been in all along & not ejected from) our saved Christian lives, if we've left the gate open. And, he'll be happy to stay there too, unlike the boar who wanted desperately to get his freedom back. I guess habitual sin could be compared to an automatic gate opener. As an addendum, I'd like to add this quote, which is appropriate:

Ed Welch: “There is a mean streak to authentic self-control. Self-control is not for the timid. When we want to grow in it, not only do we nurture an exuberance for Jesus Christ, we also demand of ourselves a hatred for sin. The only possible attitude toward out-of-control desire is a declaration of all-out war. There is something about war that sharpens the senses. You hear a twig snap or the rustling of leaves and you are in attack mode. Someone coughs and you are ready to pull the trigger. Even after days of little or no sleep, war keeps us vigilant.”