The book that I would like to review today is entitled, "Molly: The Amazing True Story Of The Dog Who Rescues Cats" by Colin Butcher. I really enjoyed this book. It is different than many of the dog books I've read recently.
Colin Butcher started off working for the police force in the UK. He rose to the rank of inspector, and he often had the opportunity to work with K9 officers and their handlers. After a time, Colin decided to leave the force and establish his own private investigation business. He operated that successfully, and then he decided to branch out and start a pet investigation business as well.
Colin was doing well, but he wasn't satisfied with how the business was finding lost cats. He felt they needed something extra. That's where Molly comes into the picture.
Molly is an English cocker spaniel that Colin rescued. She was trained by expert trainers to scent locate cats that had gone missing.
The bulk of the book details Molly's training, and how she and Colin started working together. What I liked most about the book is that the author relates many actually cases. It provides the book with a sense of excitement, and it really lets the reader understand how the detection process works.
I highly recommend "Molly". I believe all dog lovers will really like this book.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
Verses For The Week
Psalm 28:7 -- "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."
Philippians 4:4 -- "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4 -- "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Weekend Sermon -- The Bible And Social Justice -- Part 2
Welcome to this week's posting of the Weekend Sermon. I am glad that you have taken the time to read the sermon this week, and I hope and pray that everyone is doing well.
Last week, we began a new series of messages about what the Bible has to say about the issue of social justice. We covered a few of the verses in the Bible that tell us about God's concern for justice. The Lord cares about what happens to the poor and the oppressed. He cares about what happens to this world that He has made.
Today, I want to go into something a little more specific. I would like to discuss what the Bible says is the individuals duty to the poor. Later in the series, we will discuss what the Bible says the government's responsibility is toward helping the poor. By the way, the Bible does say that the government does have a duty to help the poor.
Starting in the Old Testament, the Bible is quite clear that we are to help those who are poor. In fact, the people were instructed in Deuteronomy 26:12 to bring a tithe to be distributed for the poor every three years. In Leviticus 19:9-10, the Lord provided the following instruction, "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God." With this instruction, the Lord was telling the people that they needed to make sure that the needs of the poor were taken care of. Everyone had the responsibility to make sure that those who were less fortunate had what they needed to survive. We might not have fields to leave behind a portion of the grain, but this verse tells us that we need to contribute to helping the poor in some way.
In the book of Ruth, we see this instruction of the Lord carried out. Boaz first encountered Ruth when she was gathering up some of the harvest that had been left behind for the poor.
Some Christians acknowledge the books of the Apocrypha and some do not. I am going to mention a selection from the Apocrypha that speaks to the issue of giving to the poor. In the book of Tobit, Tobit gives instruction to his son about how he should conduct himself in life. He says in Tobit 4:7 -- "Give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of God will not be turned away from you." Tobit goes on in verse 8 to say, "If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give from the little you have." What Tobit is telling us is that we should give to the poor in proportion to how much money we have. If we are wealthy, we should give more. If we have little and are still able to give, we should give and help out as we are able."
The New Testament has much to say about giving to the poor and helping those who are in need. In Luke 16, we have the story that Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man didn't do anything to help Lazarus. Lazarus was sick, poor and homeless. The rich man didn't even give him a few crumbs even though Lazarus was outside of his gate. The rich man ended up in hell. And Lazarus went to Heaven.
In Matthew 25, the Lord Jesus tells us that when we do good to those who are hungry, naked and poor, we are doing good to Him. He says, "When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me."
In Act 4:32-35, we are told about how the members of the early church conducted themselves. This passage tells us that they had all things in common. They sold their possessions to help one another out. We are told that there was no needy person among them.
The final verse that I want to give you is from I John 3:17 that really tells us clearly about our obligation as believers in the Lord Jesus. This passage states, "If any one has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
Now, I just want to wrap this up. The Bible is clear that the Lord expects us to take care of those who are poor, homeless and needy within our church family and within the society at large. When the Lord was establishing the people of Israel in the land, He made sure that the needs of the poor where addressed.
The Bible tells us that we should help those who are poor and in need in proportion to what we have. To whom much is given, much is required.
If we do not help the poor, homeless and needy, we are just like the rich man who did not extend his help to Lazarus. The Bible says that those who do not help those who need help do not have the love of God in their hearts.
There is a great deal of need in this world. There are people who don't have enough to eat, they don't have enough money for proper medical care and they don't have adequate clothing. As believers in Jesus Christ, it is our obligation to help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are in the world. When we reach out to others, it is as if we are doing good to the Lord Jesus Himself. Amen
Prayer Requests And Other Matters
I just want to thank the Lord for a very good week in writing. I am enjoying working on writing a lot lately.
This week, I do have a job interview for a part-time job. Please pray that I will know the Lord's will in this matter.
In prayer this week, please remember to pray for those who are recovering from storms and other natural disasters. Pray for those in Japan, the Philippines, the Bahamas and in Texas. Also pray for those dealing with the fires in California.
Let us also be in prayer about the fires in the Amazon. Pray that these fires will be extinguished soon.
This week, I heard a report that there was a possible peace agreement in Yemen. I hope that this is true. I thank the Lord for a chance at peace. Let us keep praying for Yemen. Let us also continue to pray for peace in Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Let us pray for refugees wherever they are in this world.
Remember to pray for those in Congo. Pray that the Ebola outbreak will end.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Togo and Vietnam. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday I will have a review of a dog book. The schedule for next week is tentative. We are supposed to have two possible snow events. May God bless you all. Amen.
Last week, we began a new series of messages about what the Bible has to say about the issue of social justice. We covered a few of the verses in the Bible that tell us about God's concern for justice. The Lord cares about what happens to the poor and the oppressed. He cares about what happens to this world that He has made.
Today, I want to go into something a little more specific. I would like to discuss what the Bible says is the individuals duty to the poor. Later in the series, we will discuss what the Bible says the government's responsibility is toward helping the poor. By the way, the Bible does say that the government does have a duty to help the poor.
Starting in the Old Testament, the Bible is quite clear that we are to help those who are poor. In fact, the people were instructed in Deuteronomy 26:12 to bring a tithe to be distributed for the poor every three years. In Leviticus 19:9-10, the Lord provided the following instruction, "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God." With this instruction, the Lord was telling the people that they needed to make sure that the needs of the poor were taken care of. Everyone had the responsibility to make sure that those who were less fortunate had what they needed to survive. We might not have fields to leave behind a portion of the grain, but this verse tells us that we need to contribute to helping the poor in some way.
In the book of Ruth, we see this instruction of the Lord carried out. Boaz first encountered Ruth when she was gathering up some of the harvest that had been left behind for the poor.
Some Christians acknowledge the books of the Apocrypha and some do not. I am going to mention a selection from the Apocrypha that speaks to the issue of giving to the poor. In the book of Tobit, Tobit gives instruction to his son about how he should conduct himself in life. He says in Tobit 4:7 -- "Give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of God will not be turned away from you." Tobit goes on in verse 8 to say, "If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give from the little you have." What Tobit is telling us is that we should give to the poor in proportion to how much money we have. If we are wealthy, we should give more. If we have little and are still able to give, we should give and help out as we are able."
The New Testament has much to say about giving to the poor and helping those who are in need. In Luke 16, we have the story that Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man didn't do anything to help Lazarus. Lazarus was sick, poor and homeless. The rich man didn't even give him a few crumbs even though Lazarus was outside of his gate. The rich man ended up in hell. And Lazarus went to Heaven.
In Matthew 25, the Lord Jesus tells us that when we do good to those who are hungry, naked and poor, we are doing good to Him. He says, "When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me."
In Act 4:32-35, we are told about how the members of the early church conducted themselves. This passage tells us that they had all things in common. They sold their possessions to help one another out. We are told that there was no needy person among them.
The final verse that I want to give you is from I John 3:17 that really tells us clearly about our obligation as believers in the Lord Jesus. This passage states, "If any one has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
Now, I just want to wrap this up. The Bible is clear that the Lord expects us to take care of those who are poor, homeless and needy within our church family and within the society at large. When the Lord was establishing the people of Israel in the land, He made sure that the needs of the poor where addressed.
The Bible tells us that we should help those who are poor and in need in proportion to what we have. To whom much is given, much is required.
If we do not help the poor, homeless and needy, we are just like the rich man who did not extend his help to Lazarus. The Bible says that those who do not help those who need help do not have the love of God in their hearts.
There is a great deal of need in this world. There are people who don't have enough to eat, they don't have enough money for proper medical care and they don't have adequate clothing. As believers in Jesus Christ, it is our obligation to help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are in the world. When we reach out to others, it is as if we are doing good to the Lord Jesus Himself. Amen
Prayer Requests And Other Matters
I just want to thank the Lord for a very good week in writing. I am enjoying working on writing a lot lately.
This week, I do have a job interview for a part-time job. Please pray that I will know the Lord's will in this matter.
In prayer this week, please remember to pray for those who are recovering from storms and other natural disasters. Pray for those in Japan, the Philippines, the Bahamas and in Texas. Also pray for those dealing with the fires in California.
Let us also be in prayer about the fires in the Amazon. Pray that these fires will be extinguished soon.
This week, I heard a report that there was a possible peace agreement in Yemen. I hope that this is true. I thank the Lord for a chance at peace. Let us keep praying for Yemen. Let us also continue to pray for peace in Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Let us pray for refugees wherever they are in this world.
Remember to pray for those in Congo. Pray that the Ebola outbreak will end.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for Togo and Vietnam. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. On Monday, I will post the verses. On Wednesday I will have a review of a dog book. The schedule for next week is tentative. We are supposed to have two possible snow events. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Two Poetry Book Recommendations
Today I want to recommend two poetry books that I've recently read. The first is called "The Rain In Portugal" written by Billy Collins. This is Mr. Collins' twelfth book of poetry. He is the former Poet Laureate of the United States.
I've recommend other poetry books by Billy Collins here on the blog in the past. His poetry is very accessible and interesting. The poem that serves as the title of the collection is among the best of the 50 that you will find in the book.
The second poetry collection I would like to recommend is "The Collected Poems of Wendell Berry 1957-1982". This collection contains some of Mr. Berry's most well-known poems including "The Peace of Wild Things". I enjoy Wendell Berry's poetry very much, and I believe that you will too. This is a good introduction to his poetry. Like Billy Collins, Wendell Berry has several poetry collections available that you can read and enjoy.
I've recommend other poetry books by Billy Collins here on the blog in the past. His poetry is very accessible and interesting. The poem that serves as the title of the collection is among the best of the 50 that you will find in the book.
The second poetry collection I would like to recommend is "The Collected Poems of Wendell Berry 1957-1982". This collection contains some of Mr. Berry's most well-known poems including "The Peace of Wild Things". I enjoy Wendell Berry's poetry very much, and I believe that you will too. This is a good introduction to his poetry. Like Billy Collins, Wendell Berry has several poetry collections available that you can read and enjoy.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Verses For The Week
Colossians 3:1 -- "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Hebrews 10:14 -- "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
Hebrews 10:14 -- "For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Weekend Sermon -- The Bible And Social Justice --- Part One
Thank you for taking the time to read the Weekend Sermon. I am once again thankful to the Lord for providing me with the opportunity to post this message. I hope and pray that you are all having a very good week.
This week, we will be starting a new series of messages that I am calling the Bible and social justice. The Lord has a lot to say in His Word about justice for the poor and the oppressed. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will look at what the Scriptures tell us concerning our obligations to the poor and the vulnerable in society. We will examine what the Bible has to say about what the government's role is in helping its citizens. We will also explore what the Bible has to say about our obligations as far as environmental justice is concerned.
In today's message, I want us to focus our attention on the verses that speak about God's desire for justice and God's care for the poor and the oppressed in society. One of the first verses that came to my mind when I was first thinking about this series of messages was Micah 6:8 which states, "He has shown you, O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and love mercy and to walk humbly with you God." This verse clearly shows us that the Lord expects His people to be merciful and to seek justice in the world.
Another verse that came instantly into my mind when considering this series is James 1:27 which reads, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." The Lord expects us to look after those who are considered the most vulnerable in society.
There are other verses that I want to make you aware of that speaks about what the Lord expects of His followers in regard to helping the poor and standing up for justice. One important verse is Isaiah 1:17 which states, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 58:6-7 gives us this word, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter, when you see the naked to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
When the Lord led His people out of bondage in the land of Egypt, He provided them with instructions on how they were to deal with vulnerable people in society. We read in Exodus 22:21-23, "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Do not take advantage of the widow of the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry."
One other verse that I want to point out from the Old Testament is Malachi 3:5 that gives us these words, "So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear Me, says the Lord Almighty." This verse is very clear. The Lord will judge those who oppress the weak and the powerless. The Lord demands that His people stand up for justice and what is right.
These verses tell us that the Lord cares about what happens to those who are poor and in need. However, the passage of Scripture that I believe tells us what our obligations are to those who are in need come from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 25, Jesus judges the sheep and the goats. Jesus said that those who did good to the least among them will enter into His kingdom. Jesus said that when you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me. Those who rejected the poor, hungry and naked where in essence rejecting Jesus Himself.
I believe that there can be no doubt that everyone who is a follower of the Lord Jesus has an obligation to stand up for justice for the oppressed. There is an obligation of the follower of Jesus to help the poor, the hungry and those who are sick.
In the week's to come, I want to look at some of the specifics that the Bible gives us for how the poor are to be treated. I want to look at what the Bible says about how immigrants are to be treated. I will also look into what the Bible says about taking care of the environment, and what the Bible says about the government's responsibility in caring for its most vulnerable citizens. I hope that you will read the Weekend Sermon and find out more about these things in the weeks ahead, Amen.
Prayer Requests and Other Matters
This has been a good week for me. I have been feeling well, and the Lord has provided me with a lot of writing work. I am trying to find a part time job to get a little extra money, and I would ask that you pray for me in this matter.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Japan who were in the path of the storm. Pray that those who were affected by the storm will receive the aid and the help that they need.
Let us all pray for those in the Philippines. There was an earthquake in that country this week, and we need to pray for those who need help.
Continue to pray for those in the Bahamas who are recovering from the hurricane. There are people in Texas who still need help from the flooding that occurred there.
Please continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray for those who are trying to help in that situation.
Remember to keep praying for peace. There is a terrible crisis in Syria, and that country really needs our prayers. Let us also pray for peace in Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those who live in Lebanon and Malaysia. Pray that many will hear about the love that Jesus has for them.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. I will post the verses on Monday. On Wednesday, I will post a review or a poem. May God bless you all. Amen.
This week, we will be starting a new series of messages that I am calling the Bible and social justice. The Lord has a lot to say in His Word about justice for the poor and the oppressed. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will look at what the Scriptures tell us concerning our obligations to the poor and the vulnerable in society. We will examine what the Bible has to say about what the government's role is in helping its citizens. We will also explore what the Bible has to say about our obligations as far as environmental justice is concerned.
In today's message, I want us to focus our attention on the verses that speak about God's desire for justice and God's care for the poor and the oppressed in society. One of the first verses that came to my mind when I was first thinking about this series of messages was Micah 6:8 which states, "He has shown you, O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and love mercy and to walk humbly with you God." This verse clearly shows us that the Lord expects His people to be merciful and to seek justice in the world.
Another verse that came instantly into my mind when considering this series is James 1:27 which reads, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." The Lord expects us to look after those who are considered the most vulnerable in society.
There are other verses that I want to make you aware of that speaks about what the Lord expects of His followers in regard to helping the poor and standing up for justice. One important verse is Isaiah 1:17 which states, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 58:6-7 gives us this word, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter, when you see the naked to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
When the Lord led His people out of bondage in the land of Egypt, He provided them with instructions on how they were to deal with vulnerable people in society. We read in Exodus 22:21-23, "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Do not take advantage of the widow of the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry."
One other verse that I want to point out from the Old Testament is Malachi 3:5 that gives us these words, "So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear Me, says the Lord Almighty." This verse is very clear. The Lord will judge those who oppress the weak and the powerless. The Lord demands that His people stand up for justice and what is right.
These verses tell us that the Lord cares about what happens to those who are poor and in need. However, the passage of Scripture that I believe tells us what our obligations are to those who are in need come from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 25, Jesus judges the sheep and the goats. Jesus said that those who did good to the least among them will enter into His kingdom. Jesus said that when you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me. Those who rejected the poor, hungry and naked where in essence rejecting Jesus Himself.
I believe that there can be no doubt that everyone who is a follower of the Lord Jesus has an obligation to stand up for justice for the oppressed. There is an obligation of the follower of Jesus to help the poor, the hungry and those who are sick.
In the week's to come, I want to look at some of the specifics that the Bible gives us for how the poor are to be treated. I want to look at what the Bible says about how immigrants are to be treated. I will also look into what the Bible says about taking care of the environment, and what the Bible says about the government's responsibility in caring for its most vulnerable citizens. I hope that you will read the Weekend Sermon and find out more about these things in the weeks ahead, Amen.
Prayer Requests and Other Matters
This has been a good week for me. I have been feeling well, and the Lord has provided me with a lot of writing work. I am trying to find a part time job to get a little extra money, and I would ask that you pray for me in this matter.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Japan who were in the path of the storm. Pray that those who were affected by the storm will receive the aid and the help that they need.
Let us all pray for those in the Philippines. There was an earthquake in that country this week, and we need to pray for those who need help.
Continue to pray for those in the Bahamas who are recovering from the hurricane. There are people in Texas who still need help from the flooding that occurred there.
Please continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray for those who are trying to help in that situation.
Remember to keep praying for peace. There is a terrible crisis in Syria, and that country really needs our prayers. Let us also pray for peace in Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those who live in Lebanon and Malaysia. Pray that many will hear about the love that Jesus has for them.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. I will post the verses on Monday. On Wednesday, I will post a review or a poem. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Two DVD Recommendations
I want to recommend two DVDs that I watched this week. The first was a travel program called "Visions of Greece". This was a fantastic program that contained aerial views of the Greek countryside and the Greek islands.
The second DVD is entitled "Itzhak". This is a film that deals with the life of violinist Itzhak Perlman. The film takes us into Mr. Perlman's life in music and with his family. While we are seeing Itzhak Perlman in the present, we are also provided with details about the musician's life.
I found this to be a very well done film. The music was great, of course. I think the portion that I liked the best was watching Mr. Perlman rehearse with other great musicians. As someone who plays the trumpet, I found it fascinating to see how truly professional musicians practice and prepare for performances. If you like classical music and you want to know more about the life of one of the world's great classical musicians, you should watch this film.
The second DVD is entitled "Itzhak". This is a film that deals with the life of violinist Itzhak Perlman. The film takes us into Mr. Perlman's life in music and with his family. While we are seeing Itzhak Perlman in the present, we are also provided with details about the musician's life.
I found this to be a very well done film. The music was great, of course. I think the portion that I liked the best was watching Mr. Perlman rehearse with other great musicians. As someone who plays the trumpet, I found it fascinating to see how truly professional musicians practice and prepare for performances. If you like classical music and you want to know more about the life of one of the world's great classical musicians, you should watch this film.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Verses For The Week
Matthew 14:14 -- "When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them and healed their sick."
Isaiah 40:11 -- "Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arms He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes."
Isaiah 40:11 -- "Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arms He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes."
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Weekend Sermon -- II Corinthians 5:18-21
Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read the sermon. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well.
I've had a busy week. I had a lot of writing work to do, and I had a temporary job helping someone with a project. I thank the Lord for the work.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Japan who are impacted by the typhoon. Pray that people will be safe, and pray that those who are injured or who have suffered damage will get the help that they need. Pray for those who still need help in the Bahamas as well.
Please pray that in my country, the US, that those children who were separated from their parents at the border will be reunited with their parents. Courts have ruled that the children should be reunited with their parents, but this has not happened in all circumstances. This is a terrible thing that has happened, and these children need our prayers.
Continue to pray for the end of the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray for those who are assisting with this crisis.
The nation of Syria really needs our prayers right now. Many people are suffering today, and it didn't have to be this way. Please pray for peace in that nation. Pray for peace in Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya as well.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the Czech Republic and Qatar. Pray that many will recognize their need for the Lord Jesus.
This week, we will be concluding our series of messages on what we can learn from II Corinthians chapter 5. Today, we will focus our attention on verses 18-21. I want us to focus on two particular themes from these verses. First of all, verse 20 tells us that we are to be ambassadors for Christ. The second thing that I want to emphasis is what Jesus has done for us.
We are called to be ambassadors for the Lord in this world. What does this mean. An ambassador is a person who represents his or her country in another country. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are citizens of His heavenly kingdom. We are not at home in this world. We are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
While we are here on this earth in its unredeemed state, we are to be the representatives of our Lord and King Jesus. We are to tell others about Him, and we are to represent the values of the Kingdom of Heaven while we are on the earth.
One of our important missions as ambassadors for Christ is to make Him known to others. Jesus instructed us to do this when He gave the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. We are to tell others that Jesus has come to seek and to save those who are lost. As we see in II Corinthians 5, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are to tell others that they can be reconciled to God the Father through the His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
As ambassadors for Christ, we have another important duty. We are to demonstrate in our lives and in our actions the values and the teachings of the Lord we claim to serve. Jesus lived His life on this earth as a demonstration as to how we are to live in the world. He gave us the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount so that we would know what the values of the Kingdom of Heaven are.
This world in which we live does not for the most part honor and practice the values and teachings of the Lord Jesus. The poor are exploited for profit. Greed abounds. People are discriminated against because of their race, sex and ethnic origins. The environment is being destroyed. People are going hungry and dying from treatable diseases. This is not in keeping with the values taught by the Lord Jesus.
As ambassadors for Christ in this world, we are to speak up against injustice and oppression. We are to work to make this world a better place. We are to help others in the name of the Lord.
Now, I would like to focus on the final verse of II Corinthians 5 which states, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Jesus came to this earth to save us from our sin. On the cross, He bore our sins in His body. He took our penalty. He was the Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world.
When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus, He forgives us of our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He takes our sin from us, and in its place, He gives us His righteousness. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
I hope that you have asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins. I hope that you are acting as an ambassador for the Lord in this present age.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. We will be starting a new series of messages. I will post the verses on Monday. I will try to post a review or a poem on either Wednesday or Thursday. May God bless you all. Amen.
I've had a busy week. I had a lot of writing work to do, and I had a temporary job helping someone with a project. I thank the Lord for the work.
In prayer this week, please pray for those in Japan who are impacted by the typhoon. Pray that people will be safe, and pray that those who are injured or who have suffered damage will get the help that they need. Pray for those who still need help in the Bahamas as well.
Please pray that in my country, the US, that those children who were separated from their parents at the border will be reunited with their parents. Courts have ruled that the children should be reunited with their parents, but this has not happened in all circumstances. This is a terrible thing that has happened, and these children need our prayers.
Continue to pray for the end of the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray for those who are assisting with this crisis.
The nation of Syria really needs our prayers right now. Many people are suffering today, and it didn't have to be this way. Please pray for peace in that nation. Pray for peace in Afghanistan, Yemen and Libya as well.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the Czech Republic and Qatar. Pray that many will recognize their need for the Lord Jesus.
This week, we will be concluding our series of messages on what we can learn from II Corinthians chapter 5. Today, we will focus our attention on verses 18-21. I want us to focus on two particular themes from these verses. First of all, verse 20 tells us that we are to be ambassadors for Christ. The second thing that I want to emphasis is what Jesus has done for us.
We are called to be ambassadors for the Lord in this world. What does this mean. An ambassador is a person who represents his or her country in another country. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are citizens of His heavenly kingdom. We are not at home in this world. We are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
While we are here on this earth in its unredeemed state, we are to be the representatives of our Lord and King Jesus. We are to tell others about Him, and we are to represent the values of the Kingdom of Heaven while we are on the earth.
One of our important missions as ambassadors for Christ is to make Him known to others. Jesus instructed us to do this when He gave the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. We are to tell others that Jesus has come to seek and to save those who are lost. As we see in II Corinthians 5, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are to tell others that they can be reconciled to God the Father through the His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
As ambassadors for Christ, we have another important duty. We are to demonstrate in our lives and in our actions the values and the teachings of the Lord we claim to serve. Jesus lived His life on this earth as a demonstration as to how we are to live in the world. He gave us the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount so that we would know what the values of the Kingdom of Heaven are.
This world in which we live does not for the most part honor and practice the values and teachings of the Lord Jesus. The poor are exploited for profit. Greed abounds. People are discriminated against because of their race, sex and ethnic origins. The environment is being destroyed. People are going hungry and dying from treatable diseases. This is not in keeping with the values taught by the Lord Jesus.
As ambassadors for Christ in this world, we are to speak up against injustice and oppression. We are to work to make this world a better place. We are to help others in the name of the Lord.
Now, I would like to focus on the final verse of II Corinthians 5 which states, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Jesus came to this earth to save us from our sin. On the cross, He bore our sins in His body. He took our penalty. He was the Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world.
When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus, He forgives us of our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He takes our sin from us, and in its place, He gives us His righteousness. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
I hope that you have asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins. I hope that you are acting as an ambassador for the Lord in this present age.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Saturday. We will be starting a new series of messages. I will post the verses on Monday. I will try to post a review or a poem on either Wednesday or Thursday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Book Review -- The Dog Went Over The Mountain
The book that I am reviewing today is called "The Dog Who Went Over The Mountain", and the author of the book is Peter Zheutlin. This book is about a man who takes his dog named Albie on a journey to retrace the journey taken by John Steinbeck and his dog Charley. Steinbeck writes about his travels in the book "Travels With Charley."
The author and his rescued Labrador mix begin their journey going in the opposite direction taken by Steinbeck and Charley. Peter and Albie head south first. I found the descriptions of this part of the journey interesting.
Another major part of the book recounts the time that the author and Albie spent in New Orleans. From there, the pair traveled up to Oklahoma to visit the home of Woody Guthrie.
One of the better parts of the book was the section about the Grand Canyon. You will be hoping as you read the account that that the fog will lift so that the author can once again see the Grand Canyon.
The journey continues into California were the author gets to visit the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. The author was able to see the actual vehicle that Steinbeck and Charley used for their journey.
After this part of the trip, the narrative takes a turn, and this is my disappointment with the book. From the writing, it seems that the author was growing tired of the journey and just wanted to get back home. This is especially true after he and Albie left Idaho. The description of the rest of the journey is limited and rushed.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book. However, it wasn't as good as I thought that it was going to be. The book isn't bad, it's just not great. The author and Albie do have a nice relationship, and Albie seems like a very nice dog.
The best book I've read about a man traveling the country with a dog is " A Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins. "Travels With Macy" by Bruce Fogle is another book about a man inspired by "Travels With Charley" taking a journey across America. This is a very good book that I definitely recommend.
"The Dog Who Went Over The Mountain" is a good book. You will enjoy reading the first half. The second half isn't as good.
The author and his rescued Labrador mix begin their journey going in the opposite direction taken by Steinbeck and Charley. Peter and Albie head south first. I found the descriptions of this part of the journey interesting.
Another major part of the book recounts the time that the author and Albie spent in New Orleans. From there, the pair traveled up to Oklahoma to visit the home of Woody Guthrie.
One of the better parts of the book was the section about the Grand Canyon. You will be hoping as you read the account that that the fog will lift so that the author can once again see the Grand Canyon.
The journey continues into California were the author gets to visit the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California. The author was able to see the actual vehicle that Steinbeck and Charley used for their journey.
After this part of the trip, the narrative takes a turn, and this is my disappointment with the book. From the writing, it seems that the author was growing tired of the journey and just wanted to get back home. This is especially true after he and Albie left Idaho. The description of the rest of the journey is limited and rushed.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book. However, it wasn't as good as I thought that it was going to be. The book isn't bad, it's just not great. The author and Albie do have a nice relationship, and Albie seems like a very nice dog.
The best book I've read about a man traveling the country with a dog is " A Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins. "Travels With Macy" by Bruce Fogle is another book about a man inspired by "Travels With Charley" taking a journey across America. This is a very good book that I definitely recommend.
"The Dog Who Went Over The Mountain" is a good book. You will enjoy reading the first half. The second half isn't as good.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Verses For The Week
The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi was on October 4. This last Sunday was also the day that many churches have their blessing of the animals service. In light of these events, I want to post some verses this week about animals and the creation.
Psalm 24:1 -- "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell there in."
Proverbs 12:10 -- "Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel."
Psalm 95:5 -- "The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."
Job 12:7-10 -- "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Psalm 36:6 -- "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals."
Isaiah 11:6 -- "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child shall lead them."
Tobit 6:1-2 -- "The young man went out and the angel went with him; and the dog came out with him and went along with them."
Psalm 24:1 -- "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell there in."
Proverbs 12:10 -- "Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel."
Psalm 95:5 -- "The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."
Job 12:7-10 -- "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Psalm 36:6 -- "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals."
Isaiah 11:6 -- "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child shall lead them."
Tobit 6:1-2 -- "The young man went out and the angel went with him; and the dog came out with him and went along with them."
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Weekend Sermon -- II Corinthians 5:16-17
Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon this week. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to share these messages.
It's been a busy week for me. I thank the Lord for the writing work that I've been able to do this week. We've had a lot of rain, and it is raining again today. Thankfully, we haven't had any flooding problems with this last batch of rain.
As we go to prayer this week, please remember to pray for those in the Bahamas and Texas who are dealing with all of the problems as a result of the storms. Pray that people will get the help and the aid that they need.
Continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray for the safety of those who are working with those who are ill.
It is about time for the flu season to get underway. Pray that this will not be a bad flu season. I lost a friend to the flu. It isn't something to take lightly.
Remember to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Yemen, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for those who live in the nations of Turkey and Brunei. Pray that many will hear about the love and grace of the Lord Jesus.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have been engaged in a study of the important things that we can learn from II Corinthians 5. I would like to continue with that series today and next week,
Today, I would like us to focus our attention on II Corinthians 5:17 which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
This verse of Scripture teaches us that when we come to faith in Jesus, there is a transformation that takes place. We are different from the way that we used to be. Jesus makes a difference.
When we come to know Jesus, He forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We renounce sin and Satan, and we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life. We no longer produce the fruits of the flesh, but we now produce the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible says that we are transported from darkness into the light of Christ.
A changed life is a characteristic of someone that has a true possession of faith and not just an empty profession of faith. True faith and trust in Jesus leads to a change in lifestyle.
When I think about this verse and becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus, I think about the difference that Jesus made in the life of my Dad. He is my example of the difference that Jesus makes.
My Dad did not have anything to do with Jesus when he was a boy. He didn't go to church, and he didn't have any exposure to spiritual things.
When my Dad was a young man, he was involved in many sinful ways. He drank heavily, and he was often involved in barroom brawls. Most of those who knew him at that time said that he was very hard to get along with.
When my Mom and Dad got married, neither of them was involved in church. Although, my Mom was raised in the church. After I was born, my Mom decided that she wanted to go back to church so that I would be exposed to the things of the Lord.
My Mom's parents had come for a visit, and my Mom and grandparents decided to visit a small church in the area. The next Saturday, the pastor of that church came to the house to visit with my Mom. She wasn't at home, but my Dad and Grandpa where there. The pastor came into the house, and took the time to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my Dad.
My Dad knelt in prayer and asked Jesus to come into his life and become his Savior and Lord. From that forward, my Dad's life was transformed. He quit drinking and going to bars. He stopped being the violent person he had been. He would go on to be involved in evangelism and the church's bus ministry. My half-brother would tell me years later that the Dad I grew up with was very different from the Dad he knew.
What made the difference in my Dad's life. Jesus made the difference. My Dad left sin and darkness behind him, and he became a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is the one who makes the difference in people's lives. Jesus can make the difference in your life. If you have never invited Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do that this very day. You will never be the same again.
Next week, we will conclude our series on II Corinthians 5. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will post a review on Wednesday. The sermon will be posted on Saturday. May God bless you all. Amen.
It's been a busy week for me. I thank the Lord for the writing work that I've been able to do this week. We've had a lot of rain, and it is raining again today. Thankfully, we haven't had any flooding problems with this last batch of rain.
As we go to prayer this week, please remember to pray for those in the Bahamas and Texas who are dealing with all of the problems as a result of the storms. Pray that people will get the help and the aid that they need.
Continue to pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. Pray that those who are sick will recover, and pray for the safety of those who are working with those who are ill.
It is about time for the flu season to get underway. Pray that this will not be a bad flu season. I lost a friend to the flu. It isn't something to take lightly.
Remember to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world. Yemen, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for those who live in the nations of Turkey and Brunei. Pray that many will hear about the love and grace of the Lord Jesus.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have been engaged in a study of the important things that we can learn from II Corinthians 5. I would like to continue with that series today and next week,
Today, I would like us to focus our attention on II Corinthians 5:17 which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
This verse of Scripture teaches us that when we come to faith in Jesus, there is a transformation that takes place. We are different from the way that we used to be. Jesus makes a difference.
When we come to know Jesus, He forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We renounce sin and Satan, and we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life. We no longer produce the fruits of the flesh, but we now produce the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible says that we are transported from darkness into the light of Christ.
A changed life is a characteristic of someone that has a true possession of faith and not just an empty profession of faith. True faith and trust in Jesus leads to a change in lifestyle.
When I think about this verse and becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus, I think about the difference that Jesus made in the life of my Dad. He is my example of the difference that Jesus makes.
My Dad did not have anything to do with Jesus when he was a boy. He didn't go to church, and he didn't have any exposure to spiritual things.
When my Dad was a young man, he was involved in many sinful ways. He drank heavily, and he was often involved in barroom brawls. Most of those who knew him at that time said that he was very hard to get along with.
When my Mom and Dad got married, neither of them was involved in church. Although, my Mom was raised in the church. After I was born, my Mom decided that she wanted to go back to church so that I would be exposed to the things of the Lord.
My Mom's parents had come for a visit, and my Mom and grandparents decided to visit a small church in the area. The next Saturday, the pastor of that church came to the house to visit with my Mom. She wasn't at home, but my Dad and Grandpa where there. The pastor came into the house, and took the time to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my Dad.
My Dad knelt in prayer and asked Jesus to come into his life and become his Savior and Lord. From that forward, my Dad's life was transformed. He quit drinking and going to bars. He stopped being the violent person he had been. He would go on to be involved in evangelism and the church's bus ministry. My half-brother would tell me years later that the Dad I grew up with was very different from the Dad he knew.
What made the difference in my Dad's life. Jesus made the difference. My Dad left sin and darkness behind him, and he became a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is the one who makes the difference in people's lives. Jesus can make the difference in your life. If you have never invited Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do that this very day. You will never be the same again.
Next week, we will conclude our series on II Corinthians 5. I will post the verses on Monday, and I will post a review on Wednesday. The sermon will be posted on Saturday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
A Few Recommendations
I haven't had much chance the last few days to read much, so I am going to have to wait until next week for any book reviews. I am currently reading some good animal and dog books, so there will be reviews on these in the near future.
Today, I would just like to post a few recommendations of some animal and dog movies and books that I have enjoyed in the past.
Dog Movies
Red Dog
Red Dog True Blue
White Fang
White Fang 2
Call of the Wild -- The one with Rutger Hauer
My Dog Skip
K9
K911
The Incredible Journey
Lassie -- There are many of these
Cat Movies
Cat From Outer Space
Harry and Tonto
Animal Movies
The Bear -- This is one of my favorite movies
Dances With Wolves -- This isn't really an animal movie, but there are a lot of animals in it.
TV Programs With Animals
All Creatures Great And Small -- My favorite
Due South
Dog Books
Maya's First Rose
The Dog's Who Came To Stay
My Dog Skip
Merle's Door
Following Atticus
Sirius
The Taken Trilogy by Alan Dean Foster -- A dog is a main character
Nop's Trials
Tomorrow
Cat Books
The Norton Trilogy
The Cat Who Came For Christmas and its sequels by Cleveland Amory
The Joe Grey Mystery Series
Pawprints In The Moonlight
Toby Jug
The Traveling Cat Chronicles
Animal Books
All Creatures Great And Small and the other books by James Herriot
Tiger Portrait of a Predator -- Valmik Thapar
Today, I would just like to post a few recommendations of some animal and dog movies and books that I have enjoyed in the past.
Dog Movies
Red Dog
Red Dog True Blue
White Fang
White Fang 2
Call of the Wild -- The one with Rutger Hauer
My Dog Skip
K9
K911
The Incredible Journey
Lassie -- There are many of these
Cat Movies
Cat From Outer Space
Harry and Tonto
Animal Movies
The Bear -- This is one of my favorite movies
Dances With Wolves -- This isn't really an animal movie, but there are a lot of animals in it.
TV Programs With Animals
All Creatures Great And Small -- My favorite
Due South
Dog Books
Maya's First Rose
The Dog's Who Came To Stay
My Dog Skip
Merle's Door
Following Atticus
Sirius
The Taken Trilogy by Alan Dean Foster -- A dog is a main character
Nop's Trials
Tomorrow
Cat Books
The Norton Trilogy
The Cat Who Came For Christmas and its sequels by Cleveland Amory
The Joe Grey Mystery Series
Pawprints In The Moonlight
Toby Jug
The Traveling Cat Chronicles
Animal Books
All Creatures Great And Small and the other books by James Herriot
Tiger Portrait of a Predator -- Valmik Thapar
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Prayer Request
I would once again ask you to pray about the flooding situation near where I live. The forecast for tomorrow is for a lot more rain. The area 10 miles to the south of me had bad flooding over the weekend. We do not need any more rain right now. Please pray that we won't get heavy rain. Thank you for your prayers.
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