Monday, June 29, 2020
Verses For The Week
Matthew 5:3-5 -- "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. "
Friday, June 26, 2020
Weekend Sermon -- Daniel Part 5
I am glad to be able to once again post the sermon this week. I hope that you are all safe and well and having a good week.
For the last several weeks, we've been looking at some of the events from the life of Daniel the prophet and what we can learn from them . Today's message focuses on the events recorded in Daniel chapter 5
Chapter 5 begins with a party. Belshazzar has been placed in charge of Babylon after the death of Nebuchadnezzar. The new ruler decided to have a celebration with his top nobles and officials. While they were feasting, Belshazzar ordered that the golden cups and goblets taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought out. The king and his guest filled the cups with wine and drank to their false gods.
While this was going on, a hand appeared out of nowhere and wrote a message on the wall. Belshazzar was terrified. At this point, the queen reminded the king of Daniel's service in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was brought in to interpret the message. He informed the king that the message was from the True and Living God. God was bringing the king's reign to an end. He had been weighed on the scales and found wanting. God would cause the Babylonian Empire to fall to the Medes and Persians. That same night, the words on the wall were fulfilled.
There are two applications that I want to make from this story. First of all, we should respect that which is holy. Belshazzar didn't, and it contributed to his downfall.
In our lives, I believe that we can treat that which is holy with disdain when we use the Lord's name in vane. The name of Jesus is precious, and it should never be used as if it is a curse word.
Another way that people can improperly treat what is holy is by not taking sin seriously. We sin willfully expecting God will forgive us. This attitude shows a lack of respect for the blood that Jesus shed so that we might be redeemed.
Now I want to focus on leaders being weighed on the scale and found wanting. The scale is the scale of God's justice, and God expects all leaders of nations to measure up. God is watching what the leaders of this world are doing, and He will bring judgment as He sees fit. Every leader that has opposed the things of God has fallen sooner or later.
We have leaders in this world today who have been weighed according to God's word and found wanting. These leaders only care about themselves and their own power. They don't care that thousands in their nation are currently dying of a disease sweeping the planet. The aren't concerned about the fact that millions of their people don't have access to proper and affordable healthcare. They are uncocerned with the thousands who sleep on the streets of their cities every night with no place to call home. God requires that leaders take care of the poor and the oppressed. Those who fail to do so, and those who oppress others will be judged just as Belshazzar was judged. May we all pray that God would raise up those who would love justice and mercy and would walk humbly with their God. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters.
As we go to prayer this week, we have something to be very thankful for. We've been praying a long time for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. I heard today that the WHO believes that Ebola is at an end in Congo. Praise God.
I would like to ask for your prayers in a matter. There are storms predicted for my area for the next few days. Please pray that the storms will not be bad.
Let us continue to pray that the coronavirus will stop spreading. Thank God that some countries now have very few cases. Many other nations still have many getting sick and dying. Pray that the sick will recover.
Continue to pray for peace. Syria and Yemen really need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries, let 's pray for Japan and Botswana.
Next week we will continue in Daniel. The verses will be posted on Monday with a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you all.
For the last several weeks, we've been looking at some of the events from the life of Daniel the prophet and what we can learn from them . Today's message focuses on the events recorded in Daniel chapter 5
Chapter 5 begins with a party. Belshazzar has been placed in charge of Babylon after the death of Nebuchadnezzar. The new ruler decided to have a celebration with his top nobles and officials. While they were feasting, Belshazzar ordered that the golden cups and goblets taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought out. The king and his guest filled the cups with wine and drank to their false gods.
While this was going on, a hand appeared out of nowhere and wrote a message on the wall. Belshazzar was terrified. At this point, the queen reminded the king of Daniel's service in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was brought in to interpret the message. He informed the king that the message was from the True and Living God. God was bringing the king's reign to an end. He had been weighed on the scales and found wanting. God would cause the Babylonian Empire to fall to the Medes and Persians. That same night, the words on the wall were fulfilled.
There are two applications that I want to make from this story. First of all, we should respect that which is holy. Belshazzar didn't, and it contributed to his downfall.
In our lives, I believe that we can treat that which is holy with disdain when we use the Lord's name in vane. The name of Jesus is precious, and it should never be used as if it is a curse word.
Another way that people can improperly treat what is holy is by not taking sin seriously. We sin willfully expecting God will forgive us. This attitude shows a lack of respect for the blood that Jesus shed so that we might be redeemed.
Now I want to focus on leaders being weighed on the scale and found wanting. The scale is the scale of God's justice, and God expects all leaders of nations to measure up. God is watching what the leaders of this world are doing, and He will bring judgment as He sees fit. Every leader that has opposed the things of God has fallen sooner or later.
We have leaders in this world today who have been weighed according to God's word and found wanting. These leaders only care about themselves and their own power. They don't care that thousands in their nation are currently dying of a disease sweeping the planet. The aren't concerned about the fact that millions of their people don't have access to proper and affordable healthcare. They are uncocerned with the thousands who sleep on the streets of their cities every night with no place to call home. God requires that leaders take care of the poor and the oppressed. Those who fail to do so, and those who oppress others will be judged just as Belshazzar was judged. May we all pray that God would raise up those who would love justice and mercy and would walk humbly with their God. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters.
As we go to prayer this week, we have something to be very thankful for. We've been praying a long time for an end to the Ebola outbreak in Congo. I heard today that the WHO believes that Ebola is at an end in Congo. Praise God.
I would like to ask for your prayers in a matter. There are storms predicted for my area for the next few days. Please pray that the storms will not be bad.
Let us continue to pray that the coronavirus will stop spreading. Thank God that some countries now have very few cases. Many other nations still have many getting sick and dying. Pray that the sick will recover.
Continue to pray for peace. Syria and Yemen really need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries, let 's pray for Japan and Botswana.
Next week we will continue in Daniel. The verses will be posted on Monday with a book review on Wednesday. May God bless you all.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Cat Book Recommendations
I am in the process of reading three dog books, and I hope to have reviews on those in the coming weeks.
Over the last few days, I've been re-reading Cleveland Amory's three books about his cat Polar Bear. The three books in order are: "The Cat Who Came For Christmas", "The Cat And The Curmudgeon", and "The Best Cat Ever". These books are all well written and interesting. The author was the founder of the Fund For Animals, and there are many stories about the work of this organization in the books.
I've recommended these books before. After reading them again, I wanted to once again bring them to your attention.
Over the last few days, I've been re-reading Cleveland Amory's three books about his cat Polar Bear. The three books in order are: "The Cat Who Came For Christmas", "The Cat And The Curmudgeon", and "The Best Cat Ever". These books are all well written and interesting. The author was the founder of the Fund For Animals, and there are many stories about the work of this organization in the books.
I've recommended these books before. After reading them again, I wanted to once again bring them to your attention.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Verses For The Week
Luke 20:41-44 -- "Then he said to them, 'How is it that they say the Christ is the son of David? David declares in the book of Psalms himself, -- The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. -- David calls him Lord, how then can he be his son?'"
Friday, June 19, 2020
Weekend Sermon -- Daniel -- Part 4
Thank for taking the time to read the sermon today. I hope everyone is safe and well. I would like to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to post this message.
For the last couple of weeks, we've been studying what we can learn from the events in the life of the prophet Daniel and his associates. In one message, we saw how Daniel was called upon to interpret the dream of the king of Babylon.
In today's message, we see that Nebuchadnezzar is dreaming again. He is troubled by the dream, and he knows it points to something negative.
Daniel is once again called in to interpret. He tells the king the dream means that Nebuchadnezzar is headed for a mighty fall. However, Daniel tells the king that if he turns from his sins and does good to those who are oppressed, the Lord might spare the king from what is to come.
The king did not do right. He looked around and was impressed with all that he thought that he had accomplished. He was filled with pride. At that moment, the Lord's judgment came on the king. He lost his mind and the ability to rule for several years. Eventually, the king acknowledged the True and Living God. His kingdom was then restored.
What does this story have to teach us? First of all, it tells us what the Lord expects from a leader. He expects a leader to live in a humble and righteous manner. A good and true leader will seek the ways of God and turn aside from wickedness and sin.
A good leader will also make sure that those under his or her rule will not be opressed by those with power. The good leader will do what is necessary to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
The second thing that we learn from our story today is the consequences of pride. When a person is lifted up with pride, a fall is in that person's future. When we do not acknowledge our dependence on the Lord and the help that others have given us, we are doomed to ultimate failure.
We can do nothing without the grace of God . No person accomplishes anything in this life without help from others along the way. Always acknowledge God, and have a humble heart like the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters.
I would like to thank the Lord for a good week in writing. I would also like to ask for your prayers in a certain matter. We are suppossed to get a bonus at my part-time job this week. Please pray that it comes through OK. Also, please pray that the weather will not be bad. Thank you.
In other matters, please pray that the coronavirus will stop spreading. Pray that the sick will recover.
Let us pray for peace. Pray for peace between India and China. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's us pray for those who live in Turkey and Eritrea. Pray that many will experience the love of Jesus.
Next week we will continue in Daniel, and I will post the sermon on Friday. I will post the verses on Monday, and a review will be posted on Wednesday. May God bless you all.
For the last couple of weeks, we've been studying what we can learn from the events in the life of the prophet Daniel and his associates. In one message, we saw how Daniel was called upon to interpret the dream of the king of Babylon.
In today's message, we see that Nebuchadnezzar is dreaming again. He is troubled by the dream, and he knows it points to something negative.
Daniel is once again called in to interpret. He tells the king the dream means that Nebuchadnezzar is headed for a mighty fall. However, Daniel tells the king that if he turns from his sins and does good to those who are oppressed, the Lord might spare the king from what is to come.
The king did not do right. He looked around and was impressed with all that he thought that he had accomplished. He was filled with pride. At that moment, the Lord's judgment came on the king. He lost his mind and the ability to rule for several years. Eventually, the king acknowledged the True and Living God. His kingdom was then restored.
What does this story have to teach us? First of all, it tells us what the Lord expects from a leader. He expects a leader to live in a humble and righteous manner. A good and true leader will seek the ways of God and turn aside from wickedness and sin.
A good leader will also make sure that those under his or her rule will not be opressed by those with power. The good leader will do what is necessary to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
The second thing that we learn from our story today is the consequences of pride. When a person is lifted up with pride, a fall is in that person's future. When we do not acknowledge our dependence on the Lord and the help that others have given us, we are doomed to ultimate failure.
We can do nothing without the grace of God . No person accomplishes anything in this life without help from others along the way. Always acknowledge God, and have a humble heart like the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters.
I would like to thank the Lord for a good week in writing. I would also like to ask for your prayers in a certain matter. We are suppossed to get a bonus at my part-time job this week. Please pray that it comes through OK. Also, please pray that the weather will not be bad. Thank you.
In other matters, please pray that the coronavirus will stop spreading. Pray that the sick will recover.
Let us pray for peace. Pray for peace between India and China. Pray for peace in Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's us pray for those who live in Turkey and Eritrea. Pray that many will experience the love of Jesus.
Next week we will continue in Daniel, and I will post the sermon on Friday. I will post the verses on Monday, and a review will be posted on Wednesday. May God bless you all.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
A Post About Various Things
I had intended to post a dog book review this week, but there have been a couple of things that I have learned recently that made me change my mind about what I wanted to post today.
As you may know, the series of Joe Grey books written by Shirley Rousseau Murphy are among my very favorite books. I have often given them my Cat Book Of The Year Award here on the blog.
This week, I learned that there will not be any more books in the series. Due to her health, the author has decided not to write any more. I thought the way that the last book ended that it might be the final one. I was hoping I was wrong.
I just want to thank the author for writing 21 great books that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
If you haven't read a Joe Grey book let me tell you a little about them. Joe Grey is a cat who can talk. He is part of a small group of cats who have this ability. Joe and his friends both human and feline investigate crimes in the town of Molena Point. The books are a combination of fantasy and mystery. I recommend that you start with "Cat On The Edge" which is the first in the series. Read through until you've finished them all.
Now, on another note, I learned last night that Streetcat Bob has passed away. This is very sad news. Bob helped James Bowen get his life turned around. There are several Bob books available. "A Streetcat Named Bob" is the first and the best. There has also been a movie made about James and Bob that has the same name as the book. The film is very well done.
Finally, a word about the coronavirus pandemic. The number of cases is rising in many parts of the US. People need to wear masks and practice social distancing. People's lives are at risk.
As you may know, the series of Joe Grey books written by Shirley Rousseau Murphy are among my very favorite books. I have often given them my Cat Book Of The Year Award here on the blog.
This week, I learned that there will not be any more books in the series. Due to her health, the author has decided not to write any more. I thought the way that the last book ended that it might be the final one. I was hoping I was wrong.
I just want to thank the author for writing 21 great books that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
If you haven't read a Joe Grey book let me tell you a little about them. Joe Grey is a cat who can talk. He is part of a small group of cats who have this ability. Joe and his friends both human and feline investigate crimes in the town of Molena Point. The books are a combination of fantasy and mystery. I recommend that you start with "Cat On The Edge" which is the first in the series. Read through until you've finished them all.
Now, on another note, I learned last night that Streetcat Bob has passed away. This is very sad news. Bob helped James Bowen get his life turned around. There are several Bob books available. "A Streetcat Named Bob" is the first and the best. There has also been a movie made about James and Bob that has the same name as the book. The film is very well done.
Finally, a word about the coronavirus pandemic. The number of cases is rising in many parts of the US. People need to wear masks and practice social distancing. People's lives are at risk.
Monday, June 15, 2020
Verses For The Week
Proverbs 3:5 -- "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Luke 6:46 -- "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?"
Luke 6:46 -- "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?"
Friday, June 12, 2020
Weekend Sermon -- Daniel Part 3
Welcome to this week's posting of the Weekend Sermon. I hope that everyone is having a very good week.
Today, we will be studying one of the more familiar stories in the Bible. If you went to Sunday school as a child, you heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the firey furnace.
If you remember, Daniel and his companions were taken into captivity in Babylon. Even though they were in a strange land and on their own, they determined that they were going to serve the Lord and do right no matter the cost. Their committment is strongly challenged in our story this week.
King Nebuchanezzar built a large statue. He wanted everyone in the kingdom to bow down in worship towards the inage when the music began. Everyone bowed down except for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel would not have bowed down. I assume he was away on the king's business when these events occurred.
The king was furious that the three men would not bow to the image. He told them that if they did not bow, they would be put to death. The three men said that they belived that God would deliver them. However, even if God did not see fit to provide deliverance, they would still not bow to the image.
The king had the three men thrown into the furnace, and something miraculous happened. They were not harmed. In fact, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around, and there was a fourth man in the fire who was like the son of God.
The king brought the three men out of the fire. He praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for doing such a marvelous thing.
So, what can we learn from this story? I believe that there are at least three areas that we can focus on. First of all, the three Hebrew men were not afraid to stand up for their belief in God. They would not obey the king even if they were to suffer a gruesome death. They stood firm for the Lord.
Many of us will face challenges in our lives when it comes to the area of standing up for our faith in Jesus Christ. Some will be called upon to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Lord. When we are called upon to compromise our faith in Jesus, we need to remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We can remember the words of Peter that it is better to obey God than men. We are not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The second thing that I want to point out is the attitude of the three men. They belived that God could deliver them, but they were ready to die if that was necessary. Their lives and destiny were totally committed to the will of God. This needs to be our attitude. Whatever the Lord has for us, we must trust that He is doing what is best. Even if we face death in this life, we know that Jesus is always with us, and He will take us to be with Him in the Father's house when we pass from this life.
This leads us to the third point that I want to make. There was a fourth man in the fire. Many Bible scholars believe that this was a preincarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus. He came to be with the faithful in the time of trial . When we are going through the roughest times in life, we can rest in the fact that Jesus said that He would never leave us, and He will never forsake us. He will deliver us in this life or the next, but He will never leave His friends nor forget about them. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters
This has been an interesting week. First of all, the Lord provided me with a car. My brother sold me his car, and I am thankful to the Lord and to my brother. The storms were not bad, and I thank you for your prayers.
Please continue to pray for an end to the Covid 19 pandemic. Pray that the sick will quickly recover.
Pray and work for an end to racism and hate.
Pray for peace in this world. Pray especially for peace in Yemen this week.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those in Taiwan and Togo. Pray that many will experience the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Friday. The verses will be posted on Monday, and I hope to have a dog book review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Today, we will be studying one of the more familiar stories in the Bible. If you went to Sunday school as a child, you heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the firey furnace.
If you remember, Daniel and his companions were taken into captivity in Babylon. Even though they were in a strange land and on their own, they determined that they were going to serve the Lord and do right no matter the cost. Their committment is strongly challenged in our story this week.
King Nebuchanezzar built a large statue. He wanted everyone in the kingdom to bow down in worship towards the inage when the music began. Everyone bowed down except for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel would not have bowed down. I assume he was away on the king's business when these events occurred.
The king was furious that the three men would not bow to the image. He told them that if they did not bow, they would be put to death. The three men said that they belived that God would deliver them. However, even if God did not see fit to provide deliverance, they would still not bow to the image.
The king had the three men thrown into the furnace, and something miraculous happened. They were not harmed. In fact, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around, and there was a fourth man in the fire who was like the son of God.
The king brought the three men out of the fire. He praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for doing such a marvelous thing.
So, what can we learn from this story? I believe that there are at least three areas that we can focus on. First of all, the three Hebrew men were not afraid to stand up for their belief in God. They would not obey the king even if they were to suffer a gruesome death. They stood firm for the Lord.
Many of us will face challenges in our lives when it comes to the area of standing up for our faith in Jesus Christ. Some will be called upon to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Lord. When we are called upon to compromise our faith in Jesus, we need to remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We can remember the words of Peter that it is better to obey God than men. We are not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The second thing that I want to point out is the attitude of the three men. They belived that God could deliver them, but they were ready to die if that was necessary. Their lives and destiny were totally committed to the will of God. This needs to be our attitude. Whatever the Lord has for us, we must trust that He is doing what is best. Even if we face death in this life, we know that Jesus is always with us, and He will take us to be with Him in the Father's house when we pass from this life.
This leads us to the third point that I want to make. There was a fourth man in the fire. Many Bible scholars believe that this was a preincarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus. He came to be with the faithful in the time of trial . When we are going through the roughest times in life, we can rest in the fact that Jesus said that He would never leave us, and He will never forsake us. He will deliver us in this life or the next, but He will never leave His friends nor forget about them. Amen.
Prayer Requests And Other Matters
This has been an interesting week. First of all, the Lord provided me with a car. My brother sold me his car, and I am thankful to the Lord and to my brother. The storms were not bad, and I thank you for your prayers.
Please continue to pray for an end to the Covid 19 pandemic. Pray that the sick will quickly recover.
Pray and work for an end to racism and hate.
Pray for peace in this world. Pray especially for peace in Yemen this week.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those in Taiwan and Togo. Pray that many will experience the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will post the sermon on Friday. The verses will be posted on Monday, and I hope to have a dog book review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Poem
Forest Whispers
In an ancient, ancient valley,
beheld only by celestial eyes,
a virginal forest whispers.
The whispers speak of wishes:
solitude, solemnity, respect.
Will the soft forest whispers
filter outward with the wind?
In an ancient, ancient valley,
beheld only by celestial eyes,
a virginal forest whispers.
The whispers speak of wishes:
solitude, solemnity, respect.
Will the soft forest whispers
filter outward with the wind?
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Prayer Request
The forecast in my area is for some bad storms and high winds for the next two days. Please pray that these storms will not be bad. Thank you.
Monday, June 8, 2020
Verses For The Week
This is an important passage showing that racism should have no place in the heart of one who is trying to follow Jesus.
Revelation 7:9-10 -- "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Revelation 7:9-10 -- "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
Friday, June 5, 2020
Weekend Sermon -- Daniel Part 2
Back before all of the stay at home orders started, we had just started a new series on the book of Daniel. We saw that Daniel and his companions had been taken into Babylonian captivity. Even in a hard place, Daniel and his friends were determined to follow the law handed down by the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. God blessed them, and they found favor in the eyes of king Neduchadnezzar.
One day, the king had a dream that troubled him. He wanted his wise men, magicians and astrologers to tell him the meaning of the dream, but he also wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed. The king's counselors couldn't do it, so he order them to be put to death.
In the midst of this situation, Daniel prayed. God told Daniel what the dream was and the interpretation.
The dream was of a large statue. The top was made of gold, the next section silver, then bronze, then iron. The feet were clay and iron mixed together. A rock not cut with human hands hits the statue causing it to crumble.
Daniel provided the king with the interpretation. The gold represented the kingdom of Babylon. Eventually, another weaker kingdom would come. Other kingdoms would follow until the kingdoms of this world would be destroyed by God. He would then set up a kingdom that will have no end.
Nebuchadnezzar was pleased with what Daniel said. He and his friends were promoted within the kingdom.
This is all very interesting, but what does it mean for us. Some have speculated as to which kingdoms are represented by each type of metal and what the last kingdom of humanity will be like. I don't want to get into that. I think there is something deeper to see. This dream tells us that every human kingdom has and will pass away no matter how powerful. Every great power throughout history has collapsed including the mighty Roman Empire. All of its monuments and grandeur are but ruins.
One day, the kingdom of God will be established on this Earth. Jesus will rule and reign with justice and righteousness. All who believe and trust in the Lord will be part of that kingdom. That kingdom will have no end. Do not give your allegiance to an earthly kingdom. As Christians, we are pilgrims upon this Earth. We are looking for a better country and a better city whose builder and maker is God. Our devotion is to be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our eternity is secure with Him.
Prayer Requests and other matters
We have a lot that we need to pray about. Continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus. Pray that those who are sick will recover.
Please pray in regard to the protests here in my country. Pray for an end to racism. Pray for justice. Pray that the protests will be nonviolent, and pray that the police will not use excessive force.
Let us pray for peace in the world. Pray especially for peace in Syria.
For our prayer focus countries, let's pray for Pakistan and Tunisia. Pray that many will come to know the Lord.
Today is a sad day for me. This is the date when my friend Toby passed away. I miss him so much even though I know that he is safe with Jesus. Please pray that I can make it through the day.
I believe that I have a car lined up, so thank you for your prayers. The storms were not too bad, and I am grateful to the Lord.
Next week, we will continue with our series in Daniel. On Monday, I will post the verses. I will try to post a review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen
One day, the king had a dream that troubled him. He wanted his wise men, magicians and astrologers to tell him the meaning of the dream, but he also wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed. The king's counselors couldn't do it, so he order them to be put to death.
In the midst of this situation, Daniel prayed. God told Daniel what the dream was and the interpretation.
The dream was of a large statue. The top was made of gold, the next section silver, then bronze, then iron. The feet were clay and iron mixed together. A rock not cut with human hands hits the statue causing it to crumble.
Daniel provided the king with the interpretation. The gold represented the kingdom of Babylon. Eventually, another weaker kingdom would come. Other kingdoms would follow until the kingdoms of this world would be destroyed by God. He would then set up a kingdom that will have no end.
Nebuchadnezzar was pleased with what Daniel said. He and his friends were promoted within the kingdom.
This is all very interesting, but what does it mean for us. Some have speculated as to which kingdoms are represented by each type of metal and what the last kingdom of humanity will be like. I don't want to get into that. I think there is something deeper to see. This dream tells us that every human kingdom has and will pass away no matter how powerful. Every great power throughout history has collapsed including the mighty Roman Empire. All of its monuments and grandeur are but ruins.
One day, the kingdom of God will be established on this Earth. Jesus will rule and reign with justice and righteousness. All who believe and trust in the Lord will be part of that kingdom. That kingdom will have no end. Do not give your allegiance to an earthly kingdom. As Christians, we are pilgrims upon this Earth. We are looking for a better country and a better city whose builder and maker is God. Our devotion is to be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our eternity is secure with Him.
Prayer Requests and other matters
We have a lot that we need to pray about. Continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus. Pray that those who are sick will recover.
Please pray in regard to the protests here in my country. Pray for an end to racism. Pray for justice. Pray that the protests will be nonviolent, and pray that the police will not use excessive force.
Let us pray for peace in the world. Pray especially for peace in Syria.
For our prayer focus countries, let's pray for Pakistan and Tunisia. Pray that many will come to know the Lord.
Today is a sad day for me. This is the date when my friend Toby passed away. I miss him so much even though I know that he is safe with Jesus. Please pray that I can make it through the day.
I believe that I have a car lined up, so thank you for your prayers. The storms were not too bad, and I am grateful to the Lord.
Next week, we will continue with our series in Daniel. On Monday, I will post the verses. I will try to post a review on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Prayer Request
There are several items that I would like you to pray about. First of all, my car went bad this week. I have to get a new car, but I have very little to spend. Please pray that I can find what I need. I am thankful to the Lord that my brother is letting me use his car for a little while. Also, please pray that the storms won't be bad tonight. I am also strongly considering selling my house. Please pray that I will have wisdom in this matter. Thank you
Poem
This is a poem I wrote that was published in the winter 2005 edition of Parnassus Literary Journal
Spirit Bear
Bear of white,
leaving imprints of spirit
prowling the forest.
Pacific bear,
a spectral presence
reminder of ancient ages
when cold slabs slithered north
unlocking entombed soil.
You remain to haunt the green,
rummaging in shimmering mists,
echoing back the ancestor's voices
wisdom from long ago.
Ghostly apparition,
standing at the edge of clear cut,
fading in the northwest haze.
Spirit Bear
Bear of white,
leaving imprints of spirit
prowling the forest.
Pacific bear,
a spectral presence
reminder of ancient ages
when cold slabs slithered north
unlocking entombed soil.
You remain to haunt the green,
rummaging in shimmering mists,
echoing back the ancestor's voices
wisdom from long ago.
Ghostly apparition,
standing at the edge of clear cut,
fading in the northwest haze.
Monday, June 1, 2020
Verses For The Week
Mark 9:35 -- "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all."
Luke 9:23 -- "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me."
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