LOOKING UP

LOOKING UP

 

1Thessalonians [GW] 5:10-11 He [Jesus] died for us so that, whether we are awake in this life or asleep in death, we will live together with him. Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.

 

  It’s been quite an eventful time of it lately.

  Enjoyed wonderful final years with dear Ann after our hearing fatal disease notice.

  Gradually losing my upper body motor skills, after numerous tests including MRIs, my old neck bones were the culprit. Spinal surgeon did a fine job of cutting my throat and rebuilding with “donated parts” and titanium.

  My second delightful greatgranddaughter entered this world.

  I fell in love with another heroic woman. Still am.

  Experienced without-warning July 10^th stroke that could have killed or crippled me, but after brief easy recovery period, I’m fine. (I think.) As precaution to self, family, and public, I was encouraged to not drive for 6 months. I readily concurred, and have since been enjoying more one-on-one time with daughters (and others) since I was the one chauffeuring them as kids and teens.

  Pacemaker installed.

  Years of slow deterioration of right eye made for necessary surgical repair. Follow up included 96 hours face-down. After 4 very restless nights, 5am Sunday morning I shouted “ENOUGH!” . . . laughed, rolled onto my side, promptly fell asleep and didn’t awaken until 11:30am. Five more weeks recovery time then new glasses before Christmas.

  A few recurring thoughts that I’m left with:

  Was God with me? As promised, yes. (Heb.13:5)

  Was I with Him the entire time? A good question requiring personal examination.

  Was the travel a worthwhile refresher course in patience. (Rom.5:3) Indeed so.

  Right eye contains liquid that will gradually drain down. Oddly, when both eyes are open the left goes lazy and blurry right is foremost. Lesson I’m reminded of is that problems always beggar to dominate our life, but God has made provision. (1Cor.10:13; 1Pet.5:7)

  In life I’ve received recognition and awards et al, but none compare with the value of the loving esteem of family, friends/neighbors. (Phil.2:3)

  And last but not least I decided to search “looking up” and discovered 3 KJV verses all pertaining to Jesus’ action.

 

Matthew 14:19  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Mark 7:34  And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

Luke 9:16  Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

 

  Why do I share these random thoughts? Being very much still awake in this life, and highly aware that regardless of further repairs it will not last, I do so in compliance with God’s directive in 1Thessalonians 5:11.  EBB4

BEING PREPARED

ABIDING IN AS OPPOSED TO DECIDING FOR STRENGTH

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

 

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Hebrews chapter 11 [Hall of faith.] … These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [verse 13]

 

  The Boy Scouts of America didn’t come up with the important principle of whenever possible being prepared before time of need. Nor did my family prior to my joining the Scouts. Neither did their ancestors.

  The Word Everlasting did.

  Unfortunately there are Christians that live unprepared. They’re not exercising in God’s Way and when stress comes they are as easily shaken as leaves in the wind.

  Our prime example is Lord Jesus Christ; the Word (Jn.1:1); the Way (Jn.14:6-12). He established early on in His Incarnate ministry that He is Strength . . . asking the crowd what they expected to see, a reed trembling in a breeze? (Mt.11:7)

  I read of this strength in characters in Scripture, especially the list in Hebrews 11. (And they didn’t have or understand all that we now do.)

  I observe this strength in people I know, and have known, my beloved Ann for one.

  I well remember the day we were informed Ann had a fatal incurable disease that is so rare the health industry invests little or no money toward its prevention or cure. Of course I didn’t like the news, but I well remember Ann’s lifelong overarching attitude: We know we die, the difference being having advance notice, and though she loved family and friend, she had always looked forward to what she referred to as “The ultimate healing.” And so we observed her life prior to and during those months and final days.

  There is much in the Word exemplified and written to prepare us with daily and advance strength.

Though there is many more, I here mention two large, one for now and one for eventual leaving this world.

• 2Timothy [GW] 3:16-17 [Paul explained] Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.
• John [GW] 14:1-2 [Jesus said]"Don't be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. My Father's house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I'm going to prepare a place for you?
    Don’t wait for the gales of life or the winds of death, be prepared!  EBB4
   
  PS. Due to eye surgery tomorrow morning I’ll be offline for a while.

PREDESTINATION AND FREE WILL

PREDESTINATION AND FREE WILL

 

God is love. 1John chapter 4

2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

  Still thinking. The past 9 days with the aid of Sunday School (SS) as stimulant.

  I like Bob, and think most people do. Bob trusted Christ as Redeemer later in life, and experienced radical life-change. Retired of late, he joined SS as a student.

  One of the things that makes our class interesting is the rotating teachers system. Bob’s insightful comments during discussion led to him being asked to take a turn teaching. He said no, then said yes.

  Did Bob consent because he could do no other because he was/is predestined to teach? Or did he prayerfully exercise free will? Or was it some sort of combination of both?

  Before I go further; I’ve heard and read the ancient predestination versus free will arguments for over 50 years. Somewhere along my timeline I concluded there is no “versus”. I believe it is as in today’s title I chose, “and”.

  I believe Adam and Eve were predestined by Jehovah God to live on as established, sinless et al. However, God being love, they were not created automatons with no course other than responding to commands. As great demonstration of His love He granted free will, the privilege of choice . . . including alternative option within range of physical and intellectual senses.

  Since their fall and eviction with dire consequences, I see predestination and choice as our continuing operation.

  This is obvious in God’s Record as we read tales of individual, family, group, and nation choosing for or against life. (Deut.30:15, 219; Jer.21:8 as examples)

  Consider John 12:32, Jesus explaining that if He be lifted up, He would draw all people to Him. Jesus was crucified and He does draw all to Him; predestination. But in exercising free will, many prefer darkness and remain eternally lost. (Jn.3:14-21; also consider 2Pet.2:9)

  God’s master plan is unalterably predestined. Our individual, family, group, national participation, or not, is optional. For example, consider the life of Christ; though they tried repeatedly only He could lay down His life.

  But what about the contemporary question about Bob?

  As Solomon concluded after much study and thought, Bob, as with all others of our ilk are predestined to serve God. At times He specifies whom (Moses, Gideon, Saul/Paul etc.) and doing what; even then leaving agreement or refusal theirs.

  Bob agreed and I among others am pleased and benefiting. Did I tell you his first topic was predestination and free will?  EBB4

 

PS. I’ve been serving God as DT student and writer most days for about 12 years. Predestined? I believe so, but I could have refused when that missionary bush pilot dropped the ministry in my lap.

A SINGLE THOUGHT ABOUT WORSHIP

A SINGLE THOUGHT OF WORSHIP

Sunday, October 12, 2014

 

  Today there will be many words spoken and sung about God. As will many others everywhere, I will participate in a Sunday School class and listen to another sermon. Sometimes though, worship comes down to a single thought impressing upon one’s soul: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Ps.90:2)

  Reflecting on this powerful truth, consider that everything in the universe has a beginning and will eventually end, everything except God. Such rules of limitations don’t apply to Him, because He as Sovereign Creator and Sustainer made them.

  Before there was time, God was there; when time is no more, He will be there.

  Presently, He is here.  EBB4

RUN!

RUN!

Friday, October 10, 2014

 

1Kings [GW] 19:1-4 Ahab told Jezebel everything [Jehovah’s prophet] Elijah had done, including how he had executed all the [950] prophets. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah. She said, "May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't take your life the way you took the lives of Baal's prophets." Frightened, Elijah fled to save his life. He came to Beersheba in Judah and left his servant there. Then he traveled through the wilderness for a day. He sat down under a broom plant and wanted to die. "I've had enough now, LORD," he said. "Take my life! [ISBE: “Among the pensioners of Jezebel were 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Asherah - still fed by the royal bounty in spite of the famine.”]

 

  My 80 year old neighbor has seen and experienced a lot in her professional and personal life. This week, expressing displeasure with international, USA, and local developments, she told me “I’ve always wanted to see Canada, but until recently I never thought I’d think about moving there!” I’m hearing increase in such sentiment these days.

  My observation is few are fleeing to Canada, but rather to fleeing into tolerance of false leadership, seeking peace far from outrageous changes in America.

  Are Christians today called to destroy false prophets? I think not for we have the power of the vote . . . if we exercise it.

 Why do I say “if”?

• Many don’t vote.
• Among those that do, too many vote their wallet.
• How many that do vote study and ask the Word for direction?
    If we don’t vote at all or vote apart from God’s direction - who makes the final vote?
  EBB4

CLASS REUNION

CLASS REUNION

Thursday, October 09, 2014

 

Philippians [ESV] 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 

  Our Class of 54’ recently had their 60^th reunion, and did so without my presence. L They did however send a classmate bearing gifts of video and such. J

  One informal topic of discussion was the great changes in school cultures in the last 6 decades. Last evening, while same-age Omaha neighbor lady was driving us to one of our “non-date” meals (She typically immediately educates the wait person on this.), she brought up the same subject.

  What started the in car discussion that continued as we walked across the parking lot to Appleby’s?

  The yesterday front page article in Omaha World-Herald newspaper informing that several OPS board members want to reexamine the job description of the OPD retired officers that serve in OPS public schools as SROs. (School Resource Officers, a euphemism if ever was one.) The board members in question are troubled that SROs are arresting far too many students for drugs, assault, violence, weapons et al, and consequently thereby harming their future.

  Then this morning I received news that Lincoln, Nebraska, “… school district has instructed its teachers to stop referring to students by “gendered expressions” such as “boys and girls,” and instead use “gender inclusive” ones such as “purple penguins”.” (I’ve initially verified thru several check sources, and am waiting for more info from my wonderful bird dogs.) (https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrT6VnlkzZUCvIA.QQPxQt.?p=Lincoln+Nebraska+purple+penguins+news+&fr2=sb-bot&hspart=SGMedia&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb&type=20140826_zv_ie_sr.sshome_bgenra )

  Then there was a recent complaint from a loved one about undependable and lazy young employees . . . he himself being just past 21.

  I leave you with question: Within your scope of knowledge, how many latter day reunions presently are or you think will be without class?  EBB4

STRICTLY SPEAKING

STRICTLY SPEAKING

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

 

Numbers 30:1-16 Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, "This is what the LORD has commanded about vows: … These are the laws the LORD gave Moses for husbands and wives, and for fathers with young daughters still living at home.

 

  Once again, I like and prefer KJV. Also, I am not a male chauvinist, but do however beginning with Adam see that we men are ultimately of primary responsibility before God. (Rom.5:12)

  This morning I received request from young woman asking for explanation of Numbers 30.

  KJV Numbers 30, with its looping style, is difficult for other than elder folk to understand. So, first I suggest they read in a favorite modern English version.

  Though it is there, the text is not emphasizing authoritarianism on the part of father or husband.

  As long as a female is under a dad or husband’s umbrella, before God they are to protect them as much as possible in all areas. It is no secret that there are those of many striped apes that prey on females. (This is not to say that females are an absolutely willy-nilly helpless lot. They are not. I know many strong women. A characteristic of each one is they fear not nor resist God’s umbrella design. Truth is, as I’ve grown older a team of females have increased my protection. And are quite good at it! Did I ever tell you about the cougar that showed up?)

  If an at-home daughter or wife makes a foolish or counterproductive (Think: indebtedness, obligations et al.) commitment, and the male knows about it, he has responsibility to let it go or cancel.

  Whichever way the male decides:

• The female before the Lord is free of responsibility. This is not to say those sworn to, including Christian brethren, will see it this way or honor the Lord. Indeed there well may be unhappy societal consequences.
• The male, if he allows by slothful neglect or dead set against conflict real or potential (Thereby not accepting responsibility before the Lord.) or by agreement accepts supportive obligation. (Again, think indebtedness, obligation et al.); is ultimately responsible before God and man.
    If the male willy-nilly wavers, by God’s measure he is fully responsible before Him and man for the consequences.
    To me the real lesson is, whether dad or daughter, husband or wife, or any others, that we should be wiser than natural inclinations ours in opposition to complete decision-making wisdom available from the Omniscient One.  EBB4