Tamar, Daughter-in-law of Judah: Who Is the Righteous One?

Today in my reading of the book of Genesis,  here is the somewhat disturbing story of Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, the son of Jacob. 

Chapter 38 begins with Judah leaving his brothers  and seeing a daughter of a Canaanite whose name was Shuah.  By her Judah had two sons, one named Er and the other named Onan.  After this Shuah bore to Judah another son called Shelah.

In the process of time, Judah took a wife for his firstborn Er, and her name was Tamar.  But the bible tells us that Er was "wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD slew him."  Judah told his next son Onan to marry Tamar that  he should "raise up seed to thy brother."  Because Onan knew that any child would not be considered his, he denied Tamar a child by him.  But what he did "displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also."

Next Judah tells Tamar to stay as a widow in her father's house until his youngest son Shelah reached  adulthood,  but Judah fears "lest peraventure he die also, as his brethren did"  Tamar obeys and went and dwelt in her father's house.

Time passes and Tamar is still in her father's house when she hears that Judah is coming to shear his sheep, so she puts off her widow's garments and veils herself.  Next she sits in open view where Judah will pass because "she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife."

Jacob's Daughter Dinah: Choosing the Wrong Path

I am reading through the book of Genesis at this time.  Today I read about Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham.    This is a very sad story of what happened to Dinah when she went out on her own from her family.  I wrote this piece in 2002 and want to post it here today.

Jacob's Daughter Dinah

Genesis 30:21 "And afterwards she (Jacob's wife Leah) bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah"  (judgment)

Genesis 33: 18 "And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.  And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. "

In Genesis chapter 33 we have the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau who had been separated since Jacob deceived his father Isaac into believing that he was Esau, and thus took the blessing that was meant for Esau.  At Jacob's mother Rebekah's urging, Jacob left his home and journeyed to Paddan-aram where Rebekah's family lived.  Jacob went there and lodged with Rachel and her family.  After 20 years Jacob left with his wives Rachel and Leah, their handmaids, and all his children.  Jacob was nervous to meet Esau his  brother, but when they do finally meet Esau treats Jacob and his family with kindness and respect, hospitably offering that Jacob should go with Esau to his home to dwell together in unity, (V12) but Jacob deceives Esau one more time into thinking he will follow along after, then he makes the choice to turn in another direction and go to the land of Canaan, where the Israelites do not live.   (V13-20).  Just as Lot separated from Abraham, and went to the city of Sodom, Jacob will bear the grief of taking things into his own hands instead of following Esau, whom the Lord had graciously restored to him.

Bad News and Sharing the Good News

Last Monday was a very trying day for my husband.  A few years ago a friend whom he thinks highly of was diagnosed with cancer.   Previously the man had undergone surgery and continued on with his busy life. On Monday my husband received a phone call from his friend and learned that his cancer has spread into his lymph nodes and into his back.  He is about to undergo radiation and chemotherapy.  This was very bad news

Years ago my husband and this man worked together and my husband shared the gospel with him then.  But what to do now?  But then the next day something wonderful happened.

We have a new neighbour.  My husband always hopes for opportunities to share the gospel with neighbours but he thought that it might be difficult to share with this neighbour.  The day after hearing about my husband's friend, he was outside talking with the neighbour.  I saw them from the window and wondered what they could be talking about for so long.  As it turned out, my husband said that an opportunity presented itself from something the neighbour said, and so my husband shared the good news of the  gospel with him for about 10 minutes.  He was very happy for this opportunity.

The next day he wrote an email to his friend reminding him of the time he shared the gospel with him when they worked together, and reminded him what had been said before.  Today my husband heard back from him, and the friend thanked him for his email and for his friendship.

You never know what the day will bring.  It just takes a heart that desires to serve the Lord however they are led.

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vcg

Running Away is Not The Answer

Yesterday I deleted this blog for the reason that a very undesirable site has linked itself with The Dappled Path.  My response is as it always is, that being flight.  I deleted the blog thinking that I had no other recourse but thankfully when you delete a Blogger blog in the spur of the moment, they give you time to change your mind and the blog can be restored as it was by me a few minutes ago.

I have worked years on this blog and was very disheartened and concerned about the undesirable site but I thought this morning, they linked to me, I did not link to them.  Their site brings traffic to this blog and since I am trying to show forth the Word of God, perhaps someone who came here from there has read something that touched them.  Perhaps they were convicted of their need for the Saviour.  Perhaps they were saved by grace through faith in Christ's redeeming precious blood and his taking upon himself the penalty for their sin.     I can only hope that this has been the case.

I can do nothing about that site but since they linked to me and not vice versa,  I will just carry on.  They are not visible on this blog and that is a good thing.

So onward and upward, and as I have said elsewhere, let the Lord God bring to this little blog those for whom it was intended.
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vcg

Ecclesiastes 2: Trying to Find Fulfillment in Worldly Ways

Ecclesiastes is a very difficult book, but this is what Chapter 2 said to me.

Solomon has come to the conclusion that all earthly things that man does is vanity and vexation of spirit. Chapter 1 ended with Solomon recognizing that in much wisdom, and Solomon received from the LORD God more wisdom than anyone, there is much grief.  In knowing and discerning everything around him, this brought much sorrow."

 Chapter 2 Solomon embarks on worldly pleasures and labours but finds that all are vanity.  Mirth, laughter, "what doeth it?"  What good does it do?  No good at all.  Solomon in V3 "I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life."

V4-10 Solomon lists all the things that he did: He made great works; he built houses, he planted vineyards.  He made gardens and orchards.  He made pools of water.  He got servants and maidens for his house.  He had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem.  He gathered silver and gold, and other treasures.  He got men and women singers to entertain him, and musical instruments.  He was great and increased in goods more than all that were before him.  And his wisdom remained with him.  He did not keep anything from him that his eyes desired, he did not withhold himself from any joy.   But then the reality came to him - V11 "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was  vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun."  

Ecclesiastes Chp 1: All is Vanity

It is important to establish who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes for this book is all about man on this earth, and ends with the duty of the whole matter, and that is to fear God and to keep his commandments. The writer identifies himself as the son of David, king in Jerusalem. It is further shown to be Solomon by V13 and 16, "I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven...Lo, I am come to great estate and have gotten more wisdom that all they that have been before me in Jerusalem."  1 Kings 3:9-12 is Solomon asking God for wisdom and God's response: "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad..and the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.  And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."

Chapter 1:2-3 "Vanity of vanities saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.  What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under sun?  One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever." 

What is vanity?  According to Websters 1828 dictionary, vanity is emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty.   Man in his fallen state is full of desires but nothing he can gather or buy can truly satisfy him for he is lost.  Even though an unsaved person might deny that this is true, they know in their heart that it is true for they desire more and more.

Send Me!

I had heard of Kanye West's Sunday Services, but didn't know anything about them.  I just finished listening to a 12 minute impassioned gospel message by Pastor Adam Tyson at Kanye's Sunday Service in Detroit.   I haven't heard such a great salvation message in a long time and wanted to share it here.  Mr. Tyson's words at the end quoted Isaiah in response to who would spread the gospel "Send Me!"

Here is the link from YouTube:

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vcg

Psalm 112: The Man With the Reverential Fear of the LORD

Psalm 112, begins with "Praise ye the LORD.  Blessed is the man that  feareth the LORD, that delighteth great in his commandments."

What is this fear?  This is a reverential fear,  respect and esteem for who God is, our almighty Sovereign.  Because of this reverential fear, Christians want to serve God, and not offend him.  The Christian delights in reading and applying the word of God.

V4,7-8 - "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion and righteous.  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.  His heart is established, he shall not be afraid....."

Sometimes in our daily life, things can get very dark.  Persecutions arise from family members who do not believe or appreciate that you are a Christian.  Perhaps neighbours shun the gospel you have shared with them.  Perhaps some close family members are living a very sinful and self-destructive life.  All of these things are very dark but as you give these things over to the Lord, he is gracious, compassionatae and merciful, giving his light to the darkness and giving you peace.

Sometimes we hear on the news or wherever of very evil things, but the Christian is not afraid of what might come, he trusts in the Lord knowing that he has a home in heaven no matter what happens on this earth.  He has peace through what comes.

V10 "The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish."

The unsaved do not understand this peace, they think that you are strange and rail against you.  But God is in control, and the railings of the unsaved will cease.

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vcg

Psalm 108: Be Exalted, O God

Psalm 108, a Psalm of David, is one of praise to God. This is another Psalm from which a beautiful chorus was written.  Here is the Psalm in its entirety:

V1-6.  O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise......  Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.  (v 3-5 are the verses on which the chorus is based).  I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.  For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.  Be exalted O God, above the heavens; and thy glory above all the earth; that thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand....)

With his praise, David trusts that as one of God's beloved, he will be delivered from this present evil world, even by God's right hand, the hand of power.

Below is the beautiful chorus Be Exalted O God as sung by the Maranatha singers:

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vcg

Psalm 90: The Eternal LORD

Psalm 90 speaks of the LORD God as eternal, timeless and merciful.   This is a Psalm written by Moses.

V1-2 "LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."

For the believer, the Lord is our dwelling place.  We are to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col 3:2)  The believers true dwelling place is heaven.  We are  just pilgrims passing through this world.  V2 speaks of God the creator.  He was from everlasting and will be to everlasting, the Sovereign eternal God.

V4 .".a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

How can the human mind comprehend this?  we cannot.  To me this  is why it is impossible to try and put current events into God's timetable (as it is the manner of some to do) because we cannot know where we are in God's timetable as it were.

Psalm 51: Create in Me a Clean Heart

Psalm 51 is to me one of the most beautiful of Psalms, and is another one from which a chorus was written.

This Psalm was written by David after his sin of adultery with Bathsheba was exposed by the prophet Nathan.  His words are ones of sorrow for his sin, and brokenness before the Lord God.

V1-4 "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest."

This is surely a contrite heart,  one which acknowledges his sin, and one which seeks restored fellowship with his Lord.  Even though David's sin was first against Bathsheba (for he saw her and sent his men to bring her to him) and secondly to her husband Uriah (whom he had placed in the front of a battle so he would be killed)  David's true sin was against God whose commandments David had broken.

Psalm 37: Trust the Lord in the Midst of Trials

For the first post in November,  here are a few verses and thoughts from Psalm 37:

V1-3 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.  Trust in the Lord, and do good.....

These verses say to me that Christians ought  not to concern themselves and become anxious about all that goes on in this world of ours.  The Lord is in control and we may trust in him to take care of things according to his will.   Christians are to trust and to do good as we are led.

V4-5 "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass"

As we set our hearts on the Lord, he shall give Christians the desires of our hearts.  Now these are desires according to his will for us in an individual way.  I do not think however, that a desire for riches or worldly goods are things that are according to God's will.  

Psalm 34: A Psalm of Comfort

Psalm 34 is one of my favorite Psalms. It is full of encouragement and comfort. If one were good at memorization, this Psalm is one to remember and call to mind in times of trial or when one needs to be uplifted. God’s word is certainly good at uplifting the Christian.

Verses 1-8 are David praising the Lord: these verses are offered without comment, just to read and dwell upon.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears….This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Verses 13 and 14 are very good advice: Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

We are to watch our words, think before we speak and measure what we say according to the leading of the word of God. We are not to speak deceitfully or in a cunning and manipulative way. We are to do good and avoid evil, we are to live peaceably as much as is possible.

The next verses are pure comfort to the broken-hearted who calls upon the Lord. V18-19 – The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as are of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

As in a previous post, the LORD sees the Christian as righteous through the precious blood of Christ which atoned for the sins of the believer.
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vcg

Psalm 12: The Lord and the Flatterer

This morning I have been thinking about Psalm 12. In this Psalm David is asking for God’s help from those that are flatterers. In my own life, a flatterer has caused no small amount of pain which was only overcome by saying once again, ‘Lord, this is in your hands.’. and keeping silent about the matter.

In V1-2 David is calling out to the Lord. “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.”

According to Websters 1828 dictionary, flattery is false praise; commendation bestowed for the purpose of gaining favor and influence, or to accomplish some purpose. This to me is rather like a spider drawing her prey into her web. Flattery is certainly different from a compliment which is brief and sincere.

But what does V3 say? “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.” Thank the Lord that he will take care of these things.

V5 is God’s promise for those to whom the flatterer has spoken. “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.” These are comforting words.

Finally David praises the words of the LORD in V6,7 “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” At first glance this seems a different subject from the beginning of the Psalm regarding the flatterer. But it is in the reading of God’s Word that peace comes to the heart and comfort to the soul. I thank the LORD that his word has been preserved and will be preserved for ever.

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vcg

Psalm 31: The LORD Our Rock

The Christian can never have peace by doing that which seems right in their own eyes. The Christian can only have peace by following the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Psalm 31:1,3 speaks to this: “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.”

V18 spoke to my heart in a time of difficult trial when all I could do was stay silent and trust the Lord to carry me through: “Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Even though I see myself as a sinner saved by grace, the Lord sees me as righteous through the precious blood of Christ which atoned for my sins. The following verses speak to this: Romans 4:5-8 “…to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness even as David also describeth the bessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Those verses bring peace.

V19 speaks of God’s goodness: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men”. This fear is a reverential fear of who God is. The Christian is to trust in the Lord before the unsaved, the “sons of men” This is not easy to do, but we have to trust and say “Lord, this is in your hands.”.

David closes Psalm 31 with encouragement. V24 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
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vcg

Psalm 27: The Trusting Heart Has No Fear

Psalm 27 was written by David and V1 is one of the great verses in the bible.  "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" 

I used to be a very fearful person, especially afraid of the dark but this before I became a Christian.  Those who walk with God shall have no fear because the Lord is with them every step of the way.  Through trials and tribulations, through sickness and in health, through troubles which come because you are a Christian and the world, especially unsaved family members, does not accept you, through all these things, the Lord will carry you through.

V12-13 are very personal to me.  "......false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breath out cruelty.  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."


Family members can bring much hurt to the Christian.  They certainly have to me.  But even though these times have been very  painful, the Lord has carried me through as I have given my cares over to him and trusted him by saying 'Lord, this is in your hands."

V14 is full of encouragement for the Christian.  "Wait on the LORD:  be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

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vcg

Psalm 25: Trust in the Lord.

Psalm 25: A Psalm of Trust

Since beginning my reading of the Psalms awhile ago, one thing I have noticed is that quite a few old choruses I used to sing are based on the Psalms in the King James version. Such is Psalm 25. Do you remember this one? Psalm 25:1-2 “Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.”

Verses 4-5 are a daily prayer for the Christian’s guidance: “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”

David's salvation is personal.  He acknowledges God as the author of his salvation.   He yearns to know truth, and to follow the path God has chosen for him.

In verses 9 and 10 God promises to guide and teach the meek. According to Websters 1828 dictionary, meek means mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries. Oh that we could all be meek.

This is a Psalm written by David, and in V21 he prays that integrity and uprightness preserve him, for he waits on God. Likewise Christians should pray for integrity and uprightness in this world.

Below is a video a youtube with the Maranatha Singers singing Unto Thee O Lord.

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vcg

Disclaimer: This post is copied from my blog at Wordpress called Daily in the Word.

X Marks the Spot

This unusual X was photographed from my back yard this morning.  There was a time when I got quite agitated when I saw these "chemtrails" but that was almost 20 years ago.  I will say that these distinguish themselves from condensation trails in that they do not disperse quickly like condensation trails do.   I used to despair seeing a blue sky turn white but we are having a heat wave where I live and so they do cut down the sun's glare somewhat by the time they spread out.

Garden of Gethsemane: Was Jesus Stressed?

Regarding the Lord Jesus when he was on this earth, something that bothers me is when I hear someone say that he was "stressed" in the Garden of Gethsemane and that caused him to sweat great drops of blood.    Could the Lord Jesus be stressed?  I do not believe so.  But what does the bible say? 

The Lord Jesus sweat great drops of blood as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested. Jesus knew that his hour had come and that he would be soon crucified, shedding his precious blood as atonement for sin, and taking upon himself the penalty for sin, being the Saviour of all those who believe on Jesus and trust him as their own Saviour.  Nothing that would happen was a surprise to Jesus, rather it was foreordained.

After a Rain

Here a few photos of part of our perennial garden after a light rain.

First is an ornamental grass which is new this year.  It is a Feather Reed Grass and the plumes are beautiful.  Outlined in a dark Mauve color, they are lovely in the wind but seem to be quite strong.  They should mature nicely through the summer and into fall.

Next is textures in a Hosta.   The swirls of the veins, the blue color, the water droplets, all were lovely.

Last is a white peony that has bloomed the past couple of days.  It is a miracle that there is a bloom at all because earlier this year I dug up the plant without any care because it seemed there was no new growth this year.  After digging it up I noticed that in fact, there were 4 new shoots coming up but they were not ready to emerge through the dirt.  I threw the plant in a corner of the yard and forgot about it for a few hours, but later in the day it seemed like I should try it in a different spot.  Missing most of its roots, the shoots managed to grow but three of them died.  One made it to maturity though, and this is the flower.  It is in a sunnier location than it was before and might do better in future. 

The peony also has water droplets on it although they are hard to see on a white flower.

Thanks for dropping by my blog.

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vcg

Search For a Cat: The Final Closed Door

In my last couple of posts I wrote about how a lost cat came to our home and how I was able to find its owner and return the cat.  This lead to a search for a cat for me but now the door has been closed and locked, at least at the SPCA.

In my recent search at the local SPCA, I was shown a beautiful 8 year old female cat who greatly reminded me of my previous cat named Pokey, who died in her sleep 8 years ago.  It was love at first sight when I  saw this cat whose name is "Miss Kitty".   I went to the front desk and waited while an application was filled in, but they ask for your driver's license number and it was then that the door was mostly closed for me to adopt  her.  I was told that since I had surrendered my Sheltie named Belle in 2011, this was considered a "red flag" and it was very unlikely that I would be allowed to adopt Miss Kitty but that he would check with his manager and that I would  be contacted the following Monday.

On the drive home I thought about how sad it would be for me to be turned down.  I thought I had very little chance of adopting her considering what I had been told, so I made a decision, and that was to cancel my application to adopt  rather than be turned down.   

What bothers me about all this is that I was told that if a person adopts a pet from the SPCA and it doesn't turn out, they can bring it back.   Because of this I don't understand why a person who surrenders a pet (with a very good reason) is "red flagged" because of it. 

I can only hope that whoever does adopt Miss Kitty provides her a loving and safe home.

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vcg

Encouragement From a Little Bird

Sometimes it is the simplest of things that brings a blessing and I am convinced that at times, God sends birds to encourage me.

My last post concerned a lost cat that wandered into our yard.  He was here for a couple of days during which time I became somewhat attached to him, going so far as to give him a name - Buster.  But through a tattoo in his ear I was able, reluctantly, to return him to his owner.  This  brought back memories of my dear departed Pokey, who died in her sleep at four years old, in December of 2011.

I began to search for cats online but since we live on Vancouver Island, i am limited as to the number of shelters in my area.  Every time I would see a cat that interested me, it would be updated with "adoption pending."  Not only that but being a senior lady, I think that the cat would outlive me, not to mention that I am allergic to cat scratches and we have a little dog that is not used to cats.  It seemed that my desire for a cat was not meant to be.

A couple of days ago I was sitting in the back yard thinking of the last "adoption pending" cat while watching the constant activity of the birds coming and going in the yard.  As I sat in my chair, I felt a bird land on my shoulder!  This was a first.  I turned and it left my shoulder to land on the fence a few feet away.  It was a little Pine Siskin, a type I have seen only a couple of times in our yard.

Surely this was not an accident.  In the bible, in the book of 1 Kings chapter 17, the Lord tells Elijah the prophet to hide by the brook called Cherith, and that he has commanded the ravens to feed Elijah by the brook and "the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening..." (verse 6).  God is in control of everything and I believe he sent the little Pine Siskin to encourage me, just as a couple of years ago He sent a hummingbird to hover in front of my face when I was sick and again in our back yard.  I asked the Lord if  I was going to go to heaven and immediately the hummingbird came in front of my face.  Since then I have been feeding the hummingbirds and at times when I am sitting and watching the hummingbird feeder, and praying, a bird will come to the feeder.  In the case of wanting a cat, thus far I do not have one but I have the many birds that come to our yard for food and water.

I don't know what is going to happen.  Perhaps I will yet find a cat, perhaps it is not the Lord's will for me to have a cat, but I know that as long as we live in this home, I will have the company of the birds and for that I am very thankful.

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vcg

Tale of a Lost Cat

I love cats.  In 2008 we adopted a beautiful 1 year old female Torbie (Tortoiseshell/Tabby) from a cat rescue.  She had been abandoned and was very fearful of people.  It took much time and patience but she came to be my sweet and loving companion.  It was very tragic for me when she passed away in her sleep at the age of 4. I found her curled up in the cat sleeping position, dead and rigor mortis had set in.  After that we bought a puppy and there have been no more cats.

Last Saturday morning I was outside watering the front garden when a beautiful orange tabby walked onto the neighbour's driveway and over to me.  He allowed himself to be petted but he was definitely not a cuddly cat.  It was a very hot day and he hung out under a cedar hedge beside our home.  I put out food and water for him which he gobbled down.  Not having any cat food he ate good quality dog food instead. I let him in the back yard where he made himself at home sitting on chairs, even beside me.  I let him in the house but he beat up our little Shih Tzu so out he went.  I wondered  where he came from and had no idea how to find his owner.  I contacted the SPCA and was told to contact the local animal control but I did not want to do that, fearing what his outcome would be.  Saturday night into Sunday morning he walked around howling as male cats do and woke up the neighbours who were not pleased.

After church on Sunday we went to a pet store and purchased some cat food in case he came back.  I told the clerk that it was for a lost cat and she said I should look in his ear for a tattoo to trace the owner.  I wondered if he would ever allow me to get close enough to look in his ear if indeed, he came back.  I put out the new cat food and early Monday morning we heard him howling again and then I looked out to see him eating the food.  I took a few photos of him and went down to pet him and I must say that by now I was getting attached to him, even naming him Buster.

About Talebearing and Gossip

Last March my husband and I faced a challenge which was bad enough to cause me to go through something like the stages a person goes through when a loved one dies.  These stages are shock, denial, sadness, anger and then acceptance.  But this challenge came from people it should not have come from, that being not only fellow Christians, but also neighbours.

The challenge was that a private matter between us was taken by them to the leaders of the little church we attend.  Emails were shared and charges made against us, but of course, the whole story was not told.   My husband and I were told that we had to meet with the leaders of the church due to this "matter of concern".   My husband answered that this was a private matter between us and had nothing to do with the church and that we would not be meeting with anyone, and we made the decision to keep our mouths closed regarding this matter, that we would not be talking to anyone about it and that we would trust the Lord to carry us through.  As the months have passed since then, there have been no problems for us at the church, and in fact, the couple involved have left.

What does the bible say about talebearing and gossip?  How are Christians supposed to respond?  After this happened I read the book of Proverbs and it has much to say on the subject:

Proverbs 13:3 "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Proverbs 10:19 ".....he that restraineth his lips is wise."

Proverbs 11:9 "An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered."

Proverbs 11:12-13 "He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful sprit concealeth the matter."

There are many more verses regarding this matter, the wisdom of keeping one's mouth closed.

I am sharing  about this because if you ever find yourself in a similar situation,  follow the words of Proverbs, trust the Lord, keep your mouth closed and wait until it passes.  It will be difficult, but the Lord will carry you through.

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vcg

John 20: 1-31 - The Resurrection of Jesus

My last post was about the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, when he shed his precious blood to atone for sin, and when he took upon himself the penalty for sin by which all those who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Saviour are saved.   In this post, Jesus is risen from the tomb and witnessed by Mary Magdalene and his disciples.   Chapter 20 begins with Mary Magdalene coming early to the sepulchre.

V1-10 On the  first day of the week when it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was laid and saw that the stone which had sealed the opening was taken away.  Then she ran and came to Simon Peter and to "the other disciple whom Jesus loved" (this is the apostle John who wrote this gospel, he never refers to himself by name) and said to them "they have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him."  The "we" are the other ladies who went to the tomb with Mary Magdalene.  They supposed that someone had stolen the body of Jesus.  So Peter and John ran together, and John got to the tomb first but did not enter.  From the entrance he saw the linen cloths that Jesus had been wrapped in.   Peter arrived, and being of a bolder nature, entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying, but the napkin that had been wound around the head of Jesus was not lying with the other cloths, but was wrapped together in a place by  itself.  Then John came in and saw, and believed that Jesus was gone.  But as yet they did not know that Jesus must rise from the dead, and they went back home.

John 19: 17-42 - The Crucifixion and Burial of the Lord Jesus Christ

My last post from the gospel of John was of Jesus being condemned by Pilate to crucifixion and he was led away.  Because John 19:17-42 covers many verses,  they will be condensed and focus on the highlights and the sayings of Jesus as he hung on the cross.  Jesus said 7 things while he was on the cross, only two of them are recorded in the gospel of John.  Also, this gospel does not go into any detail of the darkness that fell on the land for three hours during which Jesus shed his precious blood and took upon himself the penalty for sin.  This was the reason that Jesus came into this world, to redeem all those who call upon him by faith to be their Saviour.

V17-22  Jesus went forth to a place  called Golgotha and was crucified there with two others, one on either side and Jesus in the midst.  We read in the gospel of Luke that while at first both of these men railed upon Jesus, one of them recognized that he was receiving the punishment for what  he had done and said to Jesus "Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and Jesus said to him, "today you shall be with me in Paradise."  There is no age limit when men can be saved, until your last breath is taken, the Lord will save those who recognize that they are lost, and call upon Jesus to be their Saviour.

Pilate had a sign made and had it hung on the cross, this said "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.  Pilate did condemn Jesus because of the threats of the Jews, but he found no fault in him. This sign was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin.  The chief priests were not happy about that and said that Pilate should change the sign to say that Jesus said I Am King of the Jews, but Pilate said that what he had written, he had written.

A Christian Birth Certificate?

Yesterday at church, before the meeting began, someone was handing out "Birth Certificates". 
As it turned out, this certificate stated what a Christian was, and had a few bible verses on it.  Then there was room for a signature and a date.  And therein lies the problem.  Just because a person signs something does definitely not make them a Christian.

For the past few weeks there has been a man attending our church and sometimes he brings his son who is about 20.  They are not Christians but the man is getting to know his bible and has a lot of interest.  He has yet to make a profession of faith.   I had great concern that he would sign this certificate and think that he was saved, as might his son.

This is similar to what happened to one of my granddaughters who attended bible camp.  One day the leader said to them "stand up if you want to say you are saved",  and so she stood up and now she thinks that she is saved.  But salvation is believing that you are a sinner, and that the Lord Jesus went to the cross, shed his precious blood and took upon himself the penalty for your sin.  It is putting your trust in him.  If you do not believe the gospel and trust in Christ, no matter how many "birth certificates" you sign, or how many "decision cards" you sign, you are still lost in your sins.

I asked my husband to speak to the man who has been attending and let him know that signing the certificate meant nothing, and thankfully, they had a good discussion.

Why do people do these things?  I do not know, but I pray that it doesn't happen again.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"

Romans 5:6,8-9 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

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vcg

Music Festival: More Character, Less Dance

Last night was the final night for me to attend the music festival held annually in our town.  My last two posts have been about the prior nights.  Last night was the Musical Theatre section, solos and groups.  My granddaughter's entry was I Feel Pretty from West Side Story, and she wore a costume that was a perfect replica of the one in the movie, yellow dress with a red apron.

Before her class, there was one entry that stood out in a class of people younger than my granddaughter.  That was a girl from the dance studio my granddaughter attends.  It was called Daryl Is a Boy (Who Lives in my Closet) and it was very funny. 

As my granddaughter's class began, she was the second person to perform.  She danced her heart out and did a beautiful  job, but to my untrained eye, I thought there was more dance than character.  As the class went on, one number in particular brought loud laughter from the audience, that was a number called I Really Really Love You (Stalker Song).   Now I never thought I would ever find a song about a stalker funny as I had one very bad experience in my younger years, but this number was comedic and it was hilarious.

After a very long night,  it was time for the adjudications and awards.  But the adjudicator said something that would let most of the people in my granddaughter's class out of the running for awards.  That was, he was more interested in character than he was in dance, so it was the character performances that he placed first, second and third.  I guess I understand his point but it was a sad moment for those young people who had danced their best.

After the performances were over, I waited downstairs for my granddaughter to come out.  And I presented her with roses, red with a yellow center, the same color as her dress.  And I told her that   she did a great job, and that I was so proud of her.  I gave her a hug and then came home.

There is still Jazz groups tonight, but I will not be attending.  Over the last 3 days I have had little to eat or drink because I have a medical condition and I didn't want it to interrupt my watching the performances.  It will be good to get back to normal eating.

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vcg

Music Festival: A Darker Night

Yesterday I wrote about the joy at the annual music festival where I live.  Last night my husband and I attended again and it was not so joyful, I'm sad to say.  I was not feeling  very well and because my granddaughter's group was in the first class, we had decided that if the adjudications did not follow shortly after that, we were going to leave.  As it turned out, we did leave after her class.  I do not know how they placed, but there seemed to be a theme running through the class that made my husband and I very uncomfortable.

I always check out the music my granddaughter's groups are using if I am unfamiliar with it, and so I knew that their music came from a horror film.  I wondered why her teacher would choose that music.   Before the performance my daughter-in-law asked me if I knew abut the music and I said that yes, I did.  She said that there was a red balloon but then she added "I'll say no more."

The class  began with a group dancing to a very strange piece about sound.  It was sung in mostly a monotone voice, some of the lyrics were questionable.  But after that it grew worse.  The next group's piece was about violence, the group after that I think was about war because the dancers  wore camouflage and one of them was supposedly dead at the end.  The next next one was a piece about inner demons with the dancers half wearing white, half  red.   Then my granddaughter's group all dressed in yellow rain slickers with hoods, one carrying a red  balloon.  In the music, a child began singing and then the music became much more intense.  It was creepy.    The group after that had a song about someones cremation.  And with the class ended, my husband and I were quick to exit the building.  As Christians, we did not think that we should even have attended, and if it were not that I wanted to support my granddaughter, we would not have gone.

Was it coincidence that all these groups chose the same type of music?  Or is this the state of the world now that this music is popular?  That thought is unsettling to me.  And we wondered, does practicing the dance for a long time listening to this music have any effect on the young ladies that are practicing the dance?  I hope not.

Tonight the festival goes on with Musical Theatre. My granddaughter will be doing a solo from West Side Story, called "I Feel Pretty".  Her costume is an exact replica of the one the character wore in the movie.   It is a very happy song, and I am thankful for that.   I hope that the rest of the solos are happier pieces as well. 

Time will tell..

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vcg

The Loudest Applause

Last night something wonderful happened.   Every year a music festival is held in the town where I live.  Yesterday was the beginning of the dance section and I knew my granddaughter would be dancing from Friday night through Monday night.  It is always my habit to go early to secure a good parking spot and I wait in the lobby of the theatre.  There was listed in the program for last night a group called "Community Group".    This group is made up of mentally challenged individuals  that come on-stage with their helpers.  Last year they did "Footloose" costumed as cowboys and brought the house down.  I hoped that this was the same group that would be dancing last night.

As I waited in the lobby, the solo and group dancers began to arrive, some carrying costumes, all beautifully made up.  Then two young men arrived with accompanying adults and they greeted each other heartily.  I knew that they were part of the Community group.

The program began with solo dancers, each well trained and well choreographed, floating across the stage on pointe.  Beautiful to behold.  Then came the group dancers, also well trained and well choreographed with costumes to match the music.  They danced in perfect unison.

Then it was time for the Community Group, and music called "This Is Us" began to play.  The same young man that I saw downstairs was accompanied by another adult.  He had a huge smile on his face, and was dressed as a magician complete with top hat and wand.   He waved his wand and drew a toy rabbit out of his hat, perfectly joyful to be there.  The audience erupted with shouts and loud applause.  Then it became clear that this year, instead of being cowboys, they were acts in a circus.  The magician stayed where he was and three more people came to the stage carrying hula hoops.  One  girl made hers do circles on the floor, while another spun hers on her arm, and they also received applause.  But the man who was with them was having trouble getting his to circle around his arm, but he tried again and the hula hoop went in a perfect circle.  The audience was hugely responsive and by now the  applause went on and on.  Next a young man dressed as a clown rode a hobby horse across the stage and the applause became louder.  Then a pause and two people carried a rope to the stage and laid it down end to end.  This was followed by several adults who followed each other stepping along the rope, and suddenly we could envision them walking across a tightrope suspended high in the air.  They were waving and smiling, so full of joy.  By this time the applause was deafening and for myself, I had a lump in my throat  because for this group, this was not a competition.  They were dancing for the sheer joy it brought them, and I know that we, the audience were filled with joy watching them.  

Tonight the competition will go on,  the dancers will be beautifully costumed, well trained and well choreographed.  They will do their best and there will be awards.  Perhaps some of them will be nervous, and some will be more confident.  But as much as I enjoy watching this competition every year, I confess I have a special spot in my heart for the Community Group and the joy with which they do their dance.   Just because one is challenged, no matter what that challenge may be, you can do it!

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vcg

John 19:1-16 - Man's Cruelty to Jesus and Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus Again

The gospel of John chapter 19 follows the Jews choosing the criminal Barabbas as the person to be released as per the Roman custom of releasing a prisoner at the passover.  This chapter shows man's cruelty to Jesus.

V1-5   "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged  him.  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it onto his head, and they put on  him a purple robe.  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.  And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man."

It makes no sense at all that Pilate had Jesus scourged when he could find no fault in him.  But perhaps this was a compromise to the Jews.  Perhaps if they could see the cruel punishment that had been done to Jesus, they would have pity and let him go.  The scourge was no ordinary whip.  Not to go into any details, but the scourging left Jesus so weak that another man named Simon was compelled to carry his cross, because Jesus was so weakened by the scourging.  The soldiers mocked Jesus by making him a crown of thorns which would have pierced his skin, and they put on him a purple robe, the color of royalty.  In another gospel we are also told that they plucked out his beard.  They said "hail King of the Jews" not realizing that Jesus really is King.   After the soldiers had finished their cruel acts, Pilate brought Jesus forth again saying he found no fault in him.  Pilate did not want any part in putting Jesus to death.  But Jesus was still wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, and this incited the Jews even further.

John 18:28-40 - After the High Priest Jesus is Brought to Pilate

The time is very near for the Lord Jesus to go to the cross.  He has been betrayed by Judas, arrested and has appeared before the high priest Caiaphas, to answer his questions.  Now Jesus is taken to Pontius Pilate.

V28-32 "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.  Pilate then went out unto them, and said What accusation bring ye against this man?  They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor we would not have delivered him up unto thee.  Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.  The Jews therefore said unto him, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death: that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die."

Such hypocrisy, the Jews took the Lord Jesus to Pilate because they did not want to be the ones to put him to death, they did not want to "dirty their hands" as it were.  They believed they would be defiled if they entered the judgment hall and so Pilate came out to them.  They wanted to be "clean" so they could keep the Passover and yet they desired that Jesus be put to death.   So Pilate came out to them to ask what the accusation was against Jesus.  But the Jews did not tell Pilate exactly what their charge against Jesus was, they just said that he was a "malefactor".  When Pilate said that Jesus should be judged according to their law, they said that it was not lawful for them to put any man to death.  But we know that certainly that was not true,  as in the book of Acts, Stephen is stoned to death and the apostle Paul was also stoned although he did not die from the stoning.  But all this was unfolding according to God's plan, that the scripture would be fulfilled.  Previously Jesus said that he would be "lifted up" and this is crucifixion. 

John 18:19-27 - Jesus is Questioned and Peter's Denials

In the beginning of John 18, Jesus is betrayed by Judas who leads a group of men to the place where he knew Jesus would be.  Jesus is arrested and taken before the high priest, Caiaphas.  Peter has denied knowing the Lord Jesus one time and is now warming himself by a fire where the officers who arrested Jesus stood.  

V19-24 "The high priest then asked Jesus ....... of his doctrine.  Jesus answered hi, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.  Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said."  But one of the officers struck Jesus with the palm of his hand....."Jesus answered him, if I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?  Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiphas the high priest."

Jesus was questioned by Caiaphus about his doctrine and Jesus' response is that he never taught anything in secret, it was always in public.  The synagogue was a house of worship, while the Temple is the holy place in Jerusalem.   Jesus asked Caiaphas, since his teachings were  always public, why was the high priest questioning him when they could have found out the doctrines of Jesus from anyone who was in attendance when Jesus was teaching.   One of the officers, probably one who had arrested Jesus, did not like the way that Jesus was speaking to the high priest, so he slapped Jesus across the face.   The way Jesus reacted was to ask the man a question, why did he slap him instead of giving evidence of what Jesus taught, whether good or evil.  I think that the officer was, in his mind, exercising power over Jesus not knowing that he was, in fact, striking the Christ.  This is another example of Jesus submitting.   V24 says that Annas had sent Jesus bound to the high priest.  As if cords or ropes could have kept the Lord Jesus bound if that was not his will.

V25-27 "And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.  They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples?  He denied it and said I am not.  One of the servants of the high priest, being the kinsman (of the man) whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?  Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crowed."

We know that Peter loved the Lord, yet his faith wavered and he was fearful of what would happen to him if he admitted that he was one of Jesus' disciples.  We are told again that  Peter was warming himself while the Lord Jesus was being questioned by Caiaphas.  It seems that he has forgotten his words that he would lay down his life for Jesus.  But fellow believers, what would we do if we were faced with a similar situation as Peter?  We say we would stand for him, but it is only by the grace of God to strengthen any of us that we stand for Jesus at any time.   Even when faced with a question by one who saw Peter in the garden, Peter denied that he was one of Jesus' disciples.  But then, a rooster crowed, fulfilling Jesus words to Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. The gospel of Luke tells us that after this "Peter went out and wept bitterly"..

At this point it is good to remember that Jesus had told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat but that Jesus had prayed for him that his faith would not fail and that later he would strengthen his brethren. (Luke 22:31-32)

The next post will be about Jesus brought to Pilate.
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vcg

John 18:1-18 Jesus' Arrest and Peter's First Denial

In John 13 Peter tells Jesus that "I will lay down my life for thy sake" and Jesus tells him "...verily, verily, I say  unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice."  Peter was so sure of his love for Christ, so sure that he would never deny him but in John 18 we have the fulfillment of Jesus words to Peter, and in V15-18 the first of three denials that Peter was one of Jesus' disciples.

John 18 follows the prayer of Jesus: for himself, his disciples and all those who will believe on him through the preaching of the  gospel.  Jesus goes over the brook Cedron with his disciples, and is met by Judas and a band of men.

V1-5 "..Jesus...went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.  And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place:...Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, 'Whom seek ye?'..  They answered him Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus saith unto them, I am he.  And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them."

The betrayal of Judas was truly abhorrent for as Luke's gospel tells us, Judas betrayed him with a kiss that would identify Jesus.  The chief priests and Pharisees had sent an armed group of men with Judas, as though they would be able to overpower the Son of God.   Jesus knew all these things would happen, and were happening as the plan of God unfolded towards Jesus going to the cross to redeem his own.  He asked the men who they were seeking, but he already knew.   Even at that point Judas could have repented of his actions, but he stood fast with those who came for Jesus.

John 16:13 and John 17 - The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Prayer Before His Betrayal

In John chapter 16 there is further teaching on the Holy Spirit, the Comforter of all those who believe on Jesus.  One verse in particular stands out:

V12-13 "I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever  he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

It is a precious truth that the Holy Spirit is the best teacher of believers.  He will teach all truth, he will not speak of himself, but of those things which Christ taught, and which are taught in all the Bible.  He will show us things that God will reveal, but not the things of which we have no need to know.

Chapter 17 is the great prayer of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane just prior to his betrayal and arrest.  Some people think the Lord's prayer begins "our father who art in heaven" but that prayer was taught to the disciples by Jesus, as how they should pray.  John 17 is Jesus true prayer to his Father.  As his disciples lay sleeping, Jesus first prays for himself, then for the disciples that were with him, and finally for all those who will believe on Jesus through all time until he comes again.

V1-5 Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent......and now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."

These are huge verses.  Jesus says that the Father has given him power over all flesh, that all who will have eternal life were given Christ by the Father.  And eternal life of believers is found in this: believing in the true God and the Lord Jesus Christ who the Father sent to redeem his own.  Then Jesus prays of the time when he was with the Father before the world was, and asks that he be glorified with the glory he had then.

John 15:18-27 - The World and The Followers of Jesus

In the King James bible, John 15 uses the word "hate" in Jesus speaking to his disciples. Noah Websters 1828 defines the word "hate" as to dislike greatly, to have an aversion to.  According to their definition it is less than "abhor" or "detest".    I can attest that this is certainly true with regard to some family members who are anti-gospel, and even Christians who do not want to stand for the truth but are willing to compromise for the sake of "unity"..   but on to the verses in John 15.

V18-21  (Jesus speaking to his disciples) "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you........if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you......but all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

These are tough words.  No one wants to know that the world of the unsaved will greatly dislike us, or have an aversion to us.  But the bible shows us that the scribes and Pharisees hated the Lord Jesus so much that from the beginning of his ministry they sought ways to kill him.  For Christians now, mostly it is that if we stand for the truth of God's word or the gospel, we are avoided and would spend a lonely life but for the presence of the Holy Spirit who is our comfort and encourager as well as being our teacher.  If we were still in the world,  if we were still lost in our sins,  we would be accepted.  But again Jesus teaches that "I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."  And may I say that many Christians do not want to accept that Christ has chosen them, they would rather believe that they chose Christ of their own "free will" and this alone makes for hard feelings towards any Christian who holds to the truth that the bible teaches, that Christ chose his own.  Christians are not hated for who they are so much as what they believe.  The gospel divides families, the bible divides families.

V22-27 "if I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin but now they have no cloke for their sin...if I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father....But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye  have been with me from the beginning."

Those that were on this earth during Jesus ministry of teaching, preaching and healing, are now without excuse when they rejected Christ because they were witnesses of him.  Now they had no covering for their sin, because even though they were witnesses of Jesus' ministry, they  had an aversion to him and rejected him.  Now Jesus tells his disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes, they would bear witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the promised Redeemer, and they will spread the gospel and carry forth the teachings of the Lord Jesus.   For Christians today who look back to the cross by faith, and believe on Jesus as their Saviour, we also testify of Jesus, and bear witness of  his teachings, and of the gospel.

The next post will summarize chapter 16 and 17 before moving on to Chapter 18, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus.

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vcg

John 15:1-17 - Jesus is the True Vine

Previously in the gospel of John, Jesus has compared himself to things that were common to the people of his day.  He is the good Shepherd, one who cares for his sheep.   He is the bread of life, those that come to him shall never hunger.  He is the light of the world, those that follow him shall no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 

Grapevines were very common, and in Chapter 15 Jesus presents himself as the true vine, the Saviour, and those who believe in him are the branches.  His Father in heaven is the husbandman,  over all.

V2 "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit"

There are those who make false professions, but they bear no fruit, there is nothing about them that gives evidence that they are truly saved.  These are taken away, either by apostasy or even by death. 

On a grape vine, the branches are pruned every year so that they will bear more grapes.  If they were allowed to grow freely, there would be very little fruit.  Thus it is with Christians, we are chastened to bring forth more fruit.  "The trial of your faith worketh patience." Hebrews 12:6 says "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."  These trials are to bring us closer to the Lord.  To rely on him to carry us through.  With each trial we are strengthened and bear more fruit.

V5, 8 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.......Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

Christians can do nothing on their own.  All that we are, all that we will ever be comes from the Lord as we abide in him.  As soon as we try to do something on our own strength, we fail.  And when we bear  fruit, whether it be sharing the gospel, or witnessing to neighbours or those with whom we are given opportunity, the glory is not ours, the glory is Gods.

John 14:15-31 - The Comforter Will Come

Before the Lord Jesus went to the cross, the Holy Spirit did not permanently dwell in his disciples.  The Holy Spirit gave them faith to believe, but he did not indwell them. In the old testament the Holy Spirit came upon people such as Elijah and David for specific tasks or as a sign of God's favor upon that person.   In the Psalms David prays that the Lord "take not thy holy spirit from me".  But since the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven,  the Holy Spirit now indwells those who by faith believe on Jesus as their Saviour and are saved by grace.  In John 14, after speaking about heaven and that He is the way to heaven, Jesus tells his disciples of the Comforter to come, the Holy Spirit.

V15-18 "If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he........ shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

Jesus' new commandment was for the disciples to love each other.  Not in a romantic way, but in an action way, of serving each other, helping each other, bearing each other's burdens, encouraging each other.  Jesus had  just finished telling the disciples that he was leaving them, and going to heaven.  During his earthly ministry, Jesus was a comfort to his disciples.  The one they loved, trusted, the one they believed on as the Son of God, the Christ, the promised Redeemer.  Now Jesus tells them that another Comforter would come, this being the Holy Spirit.  Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be in them, and in Acts 2 the Holy Spirit comes as with tongues of fire and "they were filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:4)  Jesus promises that his disciples would not be comfortless.  He says that "I will come to you."  the Holy Spirit will come, and Jesus will, as he has already said in V3, Jesus will come again to receive those who believe on Him.

John 14:1-14 Jesus Teaches That He is the Way to Heaven

John 14 is another familiar chapter in the gospel of John.  Jesus teaches about heaven, and importantly, that he is the way to heaven.

V1-5 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?"

Jesus begins this teaching with a very comforting statement, "let not your heart be troubled."  This comes after Judas has been exposed as the one who will betray Jesus.  But now Jesus is comforting his apostles.  They already believed in God and had looked forward to the promised Redeemer, and now Jesus says that they are to believe also in him.  Then he tells them something about  heaven, referring to it as "my Father's house".  Jesus saying "I go to prepare a place for you" refers to his work of redemption on the cross.  If Jesus had not shed his precious blood to atone for sin, and taken upon himself the penalty for sin, had he not died and been resurrected, we all would die in our sins and have no hope of heaven.  But Jesus is going to the cross to prepare a place in heaven for those who believe on Him as the Christ, the one and only Saviour.  Then Jesus promises that  he will return and receive those who believe on him unto himself.   This says nothing about a "secret rapture in the air", just that Jesus will come again for his own.  Jesus says that they know the way to heaven but Thomas, ever doubting, wants to know "how can we know the way?"

Winter Visitor: a Northern Junco

We always know when the cold weather is coming for the number of Northern Juncos that appear wanting food from my ground feeder.   The one in the photo below is in a Japanese Maple tree beside the feeder.  He kindly waited in the tree so I could take his photo.

Yet Another Snowfall

After last Sunday's snowfall, it began again yesterday and still continues.  We have about 18 inches now and this is a lot for this area.  Here are a couple of photos, these are also posted on my photo blog at Word Press.  The first is the hedge that runs beside our deck.

The second is the path I  had my husband clear to the ground bird feeder.  It was getting impossible for me to trudge through the snow without having snow in my boots.

And finally, here is the view to the west from our deck.  There are hills in the distance but they are not visible with the snow.  In the background are the lovely Garry Oaks at a heritage church.

I really hope that this is the last snowfall.

John 13: 31-38 - Jesus Tells Peter That He Will Deny Jesus

In John 13:31-38 we have Jesus foretelling Peter of something he is going to do, something that will make Peter very distressed, something he will not believe he would do, but something that will happen shortly. 

This exchange between Peter and the Lord Jesus takes place after Judas has gone out into the darkness, after it is revealed that he is the one who will betray Jesus.

V31-35 "...Jesus said Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him...Little children, yet a little while I am with you.  Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come, so now I say to you.  A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples."

Now the hour has come when Jesus will be betrayed, arrested, tried and crucified.  This is the purpose for which the Lord Jesus came into the world, to shed his precious blood, take upon himself the penalty for sin, to die and be resurrected.  Everything that Jesus has done over the past 3 1/2 year culminates in his going to the cross.  For this reason he came into the world.   His disciples will not be able to follow him, they are not able, on their own, to enter heaven.  But Jesus gives them a new commandment, to love one another as Jesus loved them.  And this love shown will be a testimony to the world.  But I have to say that this is a very difficult thing to do, it does not come naturally,  and it is only by the Holy Spirit indwelling every Christian, that we are able to be loving.  Not a romantic love, but an action love, a love that is God-given.

After The Snow

Until a few days ago, winter on Vancouver Island has been very mild.  The daffodils were blooming, in Victoria the cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom.  But last week all that changed.  At first a snowfall of about 4 inches, then yesterday we had 1 foot of snow which fell over a relatively short period.  My husband and I drove to town and it was near a white-out.  This morning I took some photos from the back yard to show the depth:

Here is a closer look at the chair which shows the depth of snow better.

Apparently we are to receive more snow today, 1 foot.  I hope not.

Truth is Better Than Lies

Today at church I was faced with telling the truth about two subjects that I hoped I could keep to myself.

Last week I did not go to the meetings because the speaker is all about prophecy and current world events.   I am not interested in these things.   My focus is that one day Jesus will return and before that all that is meant to be accomplished will be accomplished according to the plan of God.

I did not want anyone except my husband to know about this, but today the lady who sits in front of us remarked that she did not see me last week.  I said that I stayed home and she wanted to know why.  So I had to say that I didn't care to hear speculations and politics.

Daily Bible Reading: John 13:18-30 The Betrayer of Jesus is Revealed

In the last post, Jesus washed the feet of his apostles, including Judas Iscariot.  But Jesus knew that Judas would betray him as the following verses reveal:

V18-21 "...I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.  Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he......When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me."

Everything that Jesus did in his ministry on this earth was in fulfillment of the scriptures.  He chose the one who would betray him in order that the scriptures would be fulfilled.  Now it is time for Jesus to tell his apostles that one of them would betray him.  He used the words "verily, verily", words which he always used when he had something very important to say.  This caused the disciples to look at each other and wonder who it was.  Jesus speaks of his betrayal before it happened in order that his apostles would believe.  Still, it troubled Jesus to tell the apostles that the betrayer was one of them.

Daily Bible Reading: John 13: 1-17 - The Lesson of Foot Washing

John 13 begins with Jesus and his 12 apostles in the upper room, after the Passover feast.  According to V1 Jesus knew that his hour was come that he would leave this world and return to his Father in heaven, having loved his own which were in the world.  Judas Iscariot was there as well, the one who would betray Jesus, and his hour had come as well for the betrayal.  But even this was in the control of Jesus.

V2 tells us that "the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray him"

The fact that Judas would betray Jesus shows that having been a follower of Jesus for 3 1/2 years, having been a witness of his teaching, preaching and healing ministry, he never did believe on Jesus as the Christ of God.  He always  referred to Jesus as Rabbi, (teacher) not Lord.   The fact is that Jesus chose Judas knowing that he would be the one that would betray him so that he would go to the cross, shed his precious blood to atone for sin, and take upon himself the penalty of sin.  All of this was pre-ordained. 

V3-17 "Jesus.....ariseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself.  After that he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them  with the towel..Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?"  Jesus answered him that he didn't understand now, but that after he would.  But Peter protested "Thou shalt never wash my feet..."  But Jesus said "he that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean but not all. "  After he had washed their feet...and was set down again he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you?......if I..your Lord and Master have washed your  feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you. ...if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

This is a difficult passage.  Why would Jesus the Christ, their Lord and Master, wash their feet?  They were stunned but Peter, as far as we are told, was the only one who protested because he supposed himself to be unworthy for his Lord to wash his feet.  Jesus here is taking the servant's position in washing their feet. By saying that they are washed and only need to wash their feet, he is saying that they are saved, but they need daily washing.   This is done by keeping short accounts with God.  When we do something we know we shouldn't do, we should confess it to God.  Then we are cleansed.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer certainly convicts the heart when something is said or done that shouldn't be.

When Jesus said "ye are clean but not all" he was referring to Judas who would shortly betray him. It is amazing to me that Jesus must have washed the feet of Judas as well since Judas was with them at this time.  The Son of God washing the feet of his betrayer is truly something to marvel at.

Christians can "wash each other's feet" in service to each other.  By being loving, being helpful, doing what may be asked of them.

For more teaching on this subject of foot-washing, follow the link below at Got Questions.

Foot Washing

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vcg

Will There Be Babies in Heaven

Will there be babies in heaven..this was something I discussed yesterday with a lady from the church we attend.  She thinks that yes, there will be babies and children in heaven while I said that we will be resurrected/changed to a body like unto Christ, that being one of maturity.

I think that we tend to humanize the glorified state too much.  One day with the Lord is as 1,000 years and 1,000 years is as one day.  Wouldn't that mean that there is no aging in heaven?  And if there is no aging in heaven, then a baby who dies would be a baby through eternity.  A child would be a child through eternity.  Would God have someone be a baby or a child for all eternity? What does the bible say about this?

1 Corinthians 15:35-38 "But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?  Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body."

From these verses we know that the body is a seed, and the resurrected body will not be the body that has died, but a body as it pleases God, and to every seed his own body.

Do Not Delay..

This morning I am reading a sermon by Charles Spurgeon entitled The Lamb of God in Scripture.  There is a portion I just must share regarding people who have heard the gospel putting off receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, their own salvation, delaying for one reason or another.  I speak of my own brother who says that he will "think about these things over the summer".  Here is the portion:

"Now behold Him, each one of you for yourself.  I know what someone will say, 'I hope to do that by and by."  I hope you do not so deceive yourself.  I have heard that there was once a great meeting in the den of the arch-enemy and he was stirring up his myrmidons to seek the destruction of men.  One of them said 'I  have gone forth, and I have told men that there is no God, and no hereafter, and no difference between sin and righteousness and that they may live as they like"; and there was considerable approbation among the evil spirits.  But Satan himself said, "thou hast done small service, for man has a conscience, and his conscience teaches him better; he knows that there is a God, he knows that there is a difference between sin and righteousness he knows that there must be future punishment; you have done but little."  Then anther stood up, and said "I have done better, I think, most mighty chieftain, for I have told them that the Bible is a worn-out book, that it was a fable at the first, and that they need not believe it."  There was a round of cheers, for they said that he had done splendid service for the cause of darkness; but Satan said "It is in vain that you meddle with the old Book, it has taken care of itself, and it can still do so  There is no shaking, it is like a rock.  Thou hast done service for a time, but it will soon pass away."  And scarcely did anyone of the fallen spirits venture to bring forward his boasting in the presence of the terrible master who sat in the midst of them; but at last, one  said "I have told men that they have souls, and there is a God, and that the Bible is true.  I have left them to believe as they will, but I have whispered in their ear that there is plenty of time to consider all this."  Then there was a hush, and the great master of demons said "Thou hast done best of all.  This is my great net in which I take more souls that with any other, this net of procrastination or delay."  Therefore say I to you, my hearers, disappoint the fiend.  Fly to Jesus at once.  Behold not tomorrow, but tonight, behold the Lamb of God, each man for himself."

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.  Do not delay!

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Portion from The Lamb of God in Scripture. C.H. Spurgeon,
On Lord's-Day Evening, August 25, 1889

link to complete sermon:  The Lamb of God in Scripture

Daily Bible Reading: John 12:20-50 - Jesus Begins His Discourse

Much of this section of John 12, that want to see Jesus,  is Jesus speaking to his disciples.  I am posting highlights of what he said to them, but we start with a group of men who wanted to see Jesus:

V21-22 "and there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying Sir, we would see Jesus.  Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus."

In John chapter 10, Jesus speaking of himself as the Good Shepherd, tells of "other sheep" which would be brought into the fold.  In the verses above, we have Greeks (Gentiles) seeking Jesus.  These are an example of the "other sheep".  Those in authority wanted to kill Jesus, but here we have Gentiles seeking him.

Daily Bible Reading: John 12:12-19 - Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem

In the previous post, Jesus went to Bethany and a dinner was held for him with Martha serving.  Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the grave, was in attendance.

V12-13 The next day many people who had been to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem and so they "took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."  These were the same people who had been witnesses of Jesus calling Lazarus from the grave.

The same people who were now praising Jesus were the ones to condemn him a few days later.  They referred to him as King of Israel which angered the Pharisees.

V14-19 "And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.  These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.  The people therefore that were with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.  For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.  The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, 'perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.'"

In the other gospels, Jesus sends his disciples to find and bring back to him a colt which had never been ridden.  Jesus sent them directly to where the colt was.  This was in fulfillment of scripture (Zechariah 9:9).    All was proceeding as it must.  The Pharisees unknowingly prophesied when they said "behold the world is gone after him", Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, those who believe are in Christ Jesus.

In the next post, Jesus tells his disciples that his hour has come.

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vcg

Daily Bible Reading: John 12:1-11 - Mary Annoints Jesus and Judas Protests

John chapter 12 follows the raising of Lazarus from the grave in a mighty display by the Lord Jesus.  After this Lazarus returned to his home and his sisters where a dinner was made for Jesus.  Lazarus was there as well.  It was at this dinner that Mary, the one who sat at Jesus' feet and learned of him, anointed him.  This is where the true personality of Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus, begins to show itself.

V1-2  "Six days before the feast of Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was which had been dead.  There they made him a supper and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."

To learn where Passover originated, please read Exodus 12.   One cannot help but marvel that Lazarus who had been in the grave for four days was raised free of the illness from which he had died, his body restored.  This time Martha is willingly serving, and does not complain to the Lord about Mary not helping her as she did on a previous occasion. (Luke 10:38-42)

V3 "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

For an excellent  explanation of what Spikenard is, please follow this link to Got Questions.  It is speculated that this spikenard might have been Mary's dowry.  She wanted only the best for Jesus.  It is fitting that the one who sat at the feet of Jesus and learned of him would be the one to anoint his feet and dry them not with a towel but with her hair.  In these times hair was the woman's glory and Mary did not hesitate to use her hair in this manner, showing her love and respect for Jesus. The odour of the ointment was so strong and beautiful that it filled the house, thus Mary's act of love for Jesus had an effect on the whole house.