The God of Jacob

1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

2 While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.

A few days ago I was talking with a friend of mine and she told me that someone had told her that the God talked about in the Old Testament was not the same God of the New Testament. "What!!!", I said. God is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow. He doesn't change. It is us that do the changing. It is of great comfort to me that I know He doesn't change. I can always go to Him and He is always waiting for me, willing to listen, willing to talk.

Hope your day is filled with much love today and you enjoy God's earth trusting in Him rather than anything else as Jacob finally did. I love the story of Jacob because it shows me again how much we can mess up things but God can turn things around and work them for His good and ours. It's a good thing that the God of Jacob is the same God we have today and will be for all eternity.


Wellness Tip: Low Fat Does not Mean Eat More - Just remember to check the food label to make sure you are actually reducing your caloric intake and do not double-up on the servings consumed just because the food is "fat-free." Too many calories, whether from carbohydrates, protein, or fat will lead to weight gain.

A psalm of praise

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.

11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,

12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.

14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Today's image is a gift from a dear friend several years ago. I looked and looked for the picture of it full of red Gerber Daisies, but couldn't find it. That's how it arrived at my house and came at a time I really needed a smile for my heart. Thank you Elaine.

I'm a bit frazzeled today, but I'll get over it. :) Cocoa Puff and I are on adventure away from home. It's time for every creature to have the opportunity to praise God don't you think?

Renewed day by day

2 Corinthians 4
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I certainly feel the effects of outwardly wasting away these days but at the same time I can say I certainly feel the effects of being renewed day by day too. I think that's one of the reasons I wake up eager to see what new word God has for me each morning. My soul swells with each renewed understanding. Each morning I become more and more thankful for His presence in my life.

My iron level has dropped again. :( Why it is that I can't find a routine that will keep me on a level keel, I don't know. My days are busy with this and that and I seem to fit in most things I want to do, but those that I don't, stay on my 'to-do' list aggravating me and keeping me from enjoying the time I spend doing the enjoyable things. Sigh

It is true, the older I get the more I realize that my time on this earth is fleeting. Yesterday pastor Barber reminded just how important spending time with God and serving God really is when you look at the big picture. When we look at our lives here on this earth compared to what we know about our lives living eternally with God, it becomes crystal clear that our troubles here on earth are fleeting and there will come a time when we all will stand in judgment of how we spent our lives given to us here on earth. In my life, that's scary. That's what I'm thinking on today and am praying that God will show me ways to use my life each day the way He would have me use it.



Mustard Seed:

"You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Like a tree

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

This morning is house is quiet except for the soft meows of Cocoa Puff. Now, there is one more gentle cat. She lets the girls drag her around in what I know has to be the most uncomfortable positions and just bides her time until she can escape under the bed or some other secret hiding place. Who says cats aren't smart? Not me.

Today in SS we will be talking about our actions, good and bad. Here are some of the questions. I know I'll be thinking more on these today as we continue our studies in Genesis and today in chapter 32.

1. Why do we make matters worse rather than solve them?

2. Describe a time when your actions caught up with you and created big problems. What do you wish you had done before this point?

3. What messengers have you sent ahead to prepare you for a threatening situation? What clues got you ready for what you were about to face? Why do you thing Esau chose to bring 400 men along with him?

4. How are your past mistakes affecting your present and future possibilities? What is God's path out of that predicament? What other paths compete for your attention, offering false solutions?

5. How do you keep from making things worse when feeling regretful about a past action or series of actions?

6. Describe a time in your life when you come to terms with your own sin and mistakes. Was this process easy or hard?

7.In two or three sentences rewrite Genesis 32:9-12 as if it were your prayer to God.

8. How has God helped you to accept what comes? What has He taught you over time?

9. Is it always right to admit fault, no mater how the other person might receive the admission? Why; what else should I do?

10. Whey do you think Jacob saw the face of God in his reunion with Esau? Where have you seen God's touch?

11. The amazing truth is that dealing with our sin sets us free. The justification and fear are what enslave. We know this, but we don’t act upon it. Why?
12. Sin is sneaky. It is often the little things that trap us. Give examples in your life.

13. What person will embrace you as you deal with the sin you have done or are doing?

The key to freedom from our own sin, guilt, and brokenness is found when we practice godly humility. Let God show you what to do about past wrongs, and how to heal relationships.

Powerful heavy questions this morning. I'm just thankful that we have a Savior that we can go to for help with anything, the big and the small issues.

Hope your Sunday is a good one with rest in preparation for days ahead.

We are His people

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We all have expressed how thankful we are of our lives and the many blessing God has bestowed on us. Today I want to tell you how thankful I am for those that visit this blog. Those that are quiet and those that leave me messages. I feel your presence in my life.

I'll need to come back later and add some other thoughts. The girls are wake and you know what that means. :)

4:00 pm More thoughts: The girls are taking a nap. I really had a hard time getting them to go to sleep because I decided that we would go by Wendy's and pick up chicken nuggets to take to my mother’s house and eat lunch with her. We ate lunch and then went to see the chickens. They had no idea those cute little fuzzy feather balls might one day be their supper. I wish I didn't know that either. Anyway, coming back home, which is just three miles away on a country road, Anna went to sleep. Then she decided that was enough so it took me about an hour to get both the girls to sleep. Kimberly, I know you know all about how hard this is. I never remember it being this hard with Brent, but then again, he was my only child and I was at work most of the time.

It's relay for life time weekend here in Thomaston. Terri and Brent are participating and I'm participating by keeping the girls all day instead of the normal half day on Saturday. Thinking about relay for life makes me thankful too that there are so many that can be helped by joining forces to make a difference not only with the money raised, but the support felt and prayers sent up.

Soup et al.

When I lived in Charleston S.C. as a pre-teen I would spend my baby-sitting money on a Shrimp Salad from cafe in our neighborhood. Can you believe a child would do that! We'll to me it was the best ever and I've never forgotten it. I always look for Shrimp Salad recipes that might be like the one I remember and think I've found it. I haven't tried it yet, but when the girls are gone, I'm going to the grocery store, buy shrimp and stuff and see if this is the ONE! Wish me success!

SHRIMP SALAD OR POTATO SALAD

2 1/2-3 lb. boiled, shelled, deveined, chopped shrimp or
8 boiled peeled, med. Irish potatoes, chopped
1 c.green celery, chopped
1 lg. green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. canned pimento, chopped
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 tbsp. dried chives
Mayonnaise, salt, black pepper to taste

Do not use salad dressing. Combine shrimp (or potatoes), celery, green pepper, pimento, eggs and chives, salt and pepper; mix well. Add mayonnaise. Gradually, being careful not to use too much, sprinkle top with paprika. Garnish with sliced boiled egg, pickles, or strips of bell pepper, pretty on lettuce leaves.

Credit: Cooks.com

This recipe says either shrimp or potatoes, but I remember both being in the salad, so I'm going to use half and half. Again, I'll let you know.

I can't wait!

+++++++

I'm sure y'all have some of the same funny traditions we have so here's a flamingo for your cyber yard. Feel blessed.

The Holy Land

Matthew 1: 18-24

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

I love this story!

Let's go to the Holy Land.

Genealogy

Matthew 1: 1-17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram.

4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.

5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,

6 and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

7 Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa.

8 Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah.

9 Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.

10 Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah.

11 Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.

13 Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.

14 Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.

15 Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob.

16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.

I have a friend who is all into genealogy. She spends hours and hours doing research and learning interesting details about her family. I, on the other hand, only have a fleeting interest in knowing the roots of my family. I'm not really sure why except for the fact that I know knowing all that wouldn't change who I am. Maybe there are deeper reasons but I don't even care to know that either. The confusing part to me is that I absolutely love history and can spend hours and hours reading and exploring the events and people that have lived before me. Perhaps it's because I like to see the big picture and leave the details to others. Perhaps it's because I don't want to do the historical research myself, but want to read what others say. I don't know.

The verses this morning and the genealogy listed are very important. It's not just a useless list, but rather it shows the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. That's the chief intention but looking deeper at the names, there are some I recognize immediately as not being such good people. This also serves as a marker for us to realize what a big deal it was for Jesus, who knew no sin, to come down to our level taking on the form of man. This is how much He loved us. It is for His sacrifice I am thankful for on this Thankful Thursday.

Oh, by-the-way, my brothers name is Willam Asa Russell. He was named after both our grandfathers, George William Slaughter and Asa Russell. I just realized I don't know the full name of my grandfather Russell. Guess I should do something about that at least.



Tom, Brent, Phyllis Franklin - Circa 1974



"Summer Love" - The Blackbyrds - Circa 1974

Poor in spirit

Matthew 5: 3

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Yes, I'm still thinking about the beatitudes. Today I'm thinking about what it means to be poor in spirit. To me this seems a bit confusing because I don't think being poor anyway would be a good thing, but Jesus said those that are poor in spirit are blessed and I know He tells us the truth.

Looking back again at some notes I took last year, I list poor in spirit as meaning you know yourself. You know who you are in Christ. It's an attitude of humility. When we get to the point in our lives where we completely give ourselves away in humility to God, we receive the gift of heaven. We have to realize that we can't save ourselves, only Jesus can do that. We have to realize that we can do nothing or be nothing without Him. Accepting Jesus as our saviour is the ultimate answer to what it truly means to be poor in spirit. We are weak; He is strong.



Wellness tip: When you first start walking, a ten minute walk is ten minutes better than not walking at all. If you can block out 10 minutes for a daily walk chances are you will have days your walk can be longer. It's all in getting started and that's what I'm going to do today!

Blessed vs Blessed

Luke 6: 20-23

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Yesterday my mind stayed on the verses in Matthew called the Beatitudes. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the time I like to read my King James version of the Bible mainly because that is what I began with and memorized verses in GA’s (Girls Auxiliary). I also like my NIV study Bible and my Life Application Bible. When I read the Beatitudes, I always say Bless-ed be… I’m not sure why other than what I have heard all my life.

Last year in Sunday School we began studies in Matthew and ran into the question as to if the word blessed in Matthew 5 was pronounced blessed or bless-ed. I suppose it doesn’t really doesn’t matter much except when you dig deeper and begin to think how the word gets translated and how it’s used in our English language today and then how it relates to us personally. I remembered that I made notes and went to find them in my journal. It seems the word “bless-ed” means something like a congratulation or approval by God. Translations from Greek word makarios found in both the Matthew 5 and Luke 6 writings of the Beatitudes do not carry the secular sense of happy or fortunate. At the same time, if you find yourself bless-ed you surely would be blessed, wouldn’t you?

When a person says “I am blessed” that usually means that God did something for them, that they are happy or fortunate. When a person says “I am bless-ed” that usually relates to the nature, constitution or condition of that person. It’s the difference between using the word as an adjective, noun or past tense verb. This confusion, which I fully admit I still have, is all the more proof that translators have a HUGE job.

As I thought more about being bless-ed or being blessed, I decided I wanted both. I want God to approve of me and I want to reap the rewards of being approved. I want to be bless-ed and I want to be blessed. I’ll think on this some more, I’m sure.



Today's photo is of a favorite tea cup of mine. I got it a couple of years ago as a present to myself while shopping in the gift shop of Kanapaha Gardens in Florida. When I want to feel really prissy with my tea making I pull out this cup. As you can see, it has it's own strainer and a lid to keep the tea warm until it's brewed just the way you want it. I've looked for others like it but haven't seen any. I'd like to have at least another one so I could share my little secret ritual with a friend. In the meantime, I guess Cocoa Puff won't feel too left out. I don't think she likes tea that much.

Happy earth day. :)

Am I "Blessed"?

The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12
1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “ Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Somehow reading familiar passages is comforting to me but still, I have to be on guard against just skimming over passages thinking they have nothing new to tell me. When I catch myself doing this I stop and ask God to slow me down. In my comfort state it might not seem that I need to be slowed down, but being in the comfort zone is just the place where you can let things slip by without noticing. Have you ever been driving to a destination and when you arrived didn't remember going thru a particular street or city? That's scary.

As I look at the Beatitudes this morning I noticed that these are all promises from God. He tells us that we are "Blessed" when we fulfil each of the actions He lists. What does the word "Blessed" mean? I suppose each of us have our own way of describing the word "Blessed". For me it's certainly worthy of thinking on today. As Jesus taught then and teaches today, where do I fit in? Am I blessed? Am I doing what He would have me do under each of these circumstances? In some areas I am strong and others weak. Yes, I am blessed... but only through His power.


Carley Ann learning to paint finger nails.



Mustard Seed: It doesn't matter how much you mess up, God is always loving you, guiding you, and proud of all your efforts just like we are of our children.

The King of glory

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Mr. Cason's vegetable garden at Callaway Gardens

A new heaven and a new earth

2 Peter 3: 10-18

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

It's the middle of the night and I'm awake for who knows what reason. The TV 24/7 news program blasts the problems of the moment and I shake my head. Anna Claire sleeps peaceful in my bed and I find myself weepy over her beauty and innocence. I pick up my bible to continue reading the books of Peter and am reminded again that this earth is not going to continue. I almost want to say duh. The only thing is, God is so good. It's His mercy and goodness that continues forever and I am thankful for that.

Peter asks us to be on guard so we don't follow the wrong path. He asks us to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am happy to do that each day, step-by-step, moment-by-moment until God decides it's time for a new heaven and a new earth. In the meantime I'll enjoy this earth and life He has given to me and be thankful for all the blessings in my life.

SESAME SALAD DRESSING

1/2 cup corn syrup
3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 dash garlic powder
1 dash ground black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

This yummy recipe is good over a mixed green salad, throw in some mandarin orange slices, apple, pineapple or avocado depending on your taste of the day. It's also a good rub to use when grilling chicken to use in your salad. The dressing recipe is based on Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad dressing. When I make this I open a small can of pineapple slices and use the juice in my dressing recipe and the pineapple in the green salad.

Time?

2 Peter 3: 1-9

1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."

5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.

7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Here on this earth we measure time but the scripture above tells us that the Lord's day can't be measured. It's a mystery. How can there be no time? The only thing I know about having no time is measured by time. :) When these verses were written, the apostles expected Jesus Christ to return shortly. They were measuring time just like we do by what we know about time.

As I think on these words today I'll be thinking about time and about the return of Jesus and remembering that we don't know when He will choose to come for us. We just need to be ready, but I don't think we need to pack anything. :) It must be truly grand not to worry about time.

Vicky and Danny Smith, members of my church, are going to travel to Moldova next week to take Bibles and talk to the people there about Jesus Christ. I thought you might like to see some photos of where they are going and pray with me that their trip will be successful and they will have a safe journey there and back.

http://www.harvestmoldova.org/photo_albums/albums/countryside_album/index.html

What has mastered you?

2 Peter 2

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment;

5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;

7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men

8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—

9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;

11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.

12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

22 Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit,"and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

Last night in prayer meeting we looked at Genesis 25 where Abraham died. I forget how old he was but 175 sticks in my mind. That's a long time to live. We talked about his life and the mistakes he made but how through it all he was a testimony to the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord and a good example to his families. That's a goal worthy to reach for.

Reading this morning in Second Peter, I find myself again thinking about Abraham and his faithfulness and role models. In this day it's easy to find people we admire that seem to live the kind of spiritual life we wish we lived. Still, we just can't use them as our spiritual yardstick no matter how good they happen to be if heaven is our goal because people are human after all and subject to mistakes. Jesus Christ should be the only yardstick we have. When we accept Him as our master, all else falls in place and we don't have to worry about false teachers or prophets. We listen to Him and measure all else by what He says. Peter is trying to tell us that we have to be on the look out and guard against people or anything that might become masters of our hearts and souls.

Bottom line, there is no spiritual path to follow excepting that given to us by Jesus Christ. Be on guard. Yesterday, today and tomorrow there will be those that offer a path that seems the right one and may even borrow His teachings and His words to bend them for their own purposes. Following after them instead of following Jesus Christ would be, well, just wrong.

Today I am thankful for the blessings in my life and the beauty of this earth.