God's WInd Power

“He Brings the wind out of His treasuries.” Psalm 135:7

Hey Gang, the above picture has been the view out our front window – roots of more than 30-foot Pine tree - since the first big wet snow and wind in early winter.  Yes, we praise God that it fell towards the woods, not towards the house.  It is a good conversation starter!

I have been wondering how to include this picture in a blog.  Today, I I found a connetion.  Not only do I read the current Guidepost Devotional, but also older ones.  This year I am reading in 2012 Book.  As you read this March 25 Devotional from Daniel Schantz, I think you will see the connection to ‘wind power’.  We, too, have driven by these awesome wind farms in Illinois.

    From a distance they look like angels doing their morning calisthenics. As we get closer to the wind farm in central Illinois, I pulled off to the side of the road so we can admire these towering pinwheels on the prairie. “They’re so majestic,” my wife says in a reverent whisper.

  I read that they’re taller than the Statue of Liberty, and their blades bigger that the wings of a jumbo jet. We watch them a long time before reluctantly driving on- soon the turbines are just little white daisies in my rearview mirror.

  The force of the wind has been present since creation, but only lately we have learned to lasso these invisible horses and put them to work.  It was just a mater of putting something up there to catch the power.

   The rest of the way home I think about all the forces that exist in my life, just waiting to be tapped. I think of all my friends who stand ready to help me when I humble myself and ask for assistance.  I think about the energy of positive attitudes: optimism, hope, courage, decisiveness. Arthur Gordon’s famous line comes to mind: “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.”  I think about the magnetic power of prayer to attract God’s help. I think about my library, my Bible, my computer, my family – all treasures of information, when I access them.

  “Who has seen the wind,” wrote Christina Rossetti. “Neither you nor I: But when we seethe trees bow down their heads, the wind passing through.”(One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 55:12 “…the trees of the field will clap their hands…”

  Lord, I bow my head, asking you to fill me with Your Holy Wind, that I might be a source of power to those around me.

Me, too, Lord.

My thought:  With this Caronavirus crisis many of you are out of school, working from home or not working. Soooo, be creative in family interactions, games and communication, take time to harness God’s Power by  sharing  Devotions, God’s Word and Prayer power.

Blesseings,

Gma J

Are The Horses Being Saddled?

“And I saw heaven opened and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war….And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11/16).

Hey Gang, some time ago, the focus of my thoughts was on horses.  I wondered if there would be horses in heaven.  As I was cleaning the basement the thought entered my dome of intellect that the last days on this earth are filled with horses. (I believe our David, Michael and Ryan are helping ready them.)  

   

In my research of horses in the last days, the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse surfaced in my thinking.   I came across the following description of the horseman in the “Question of the Week” blog. It is so much better than anything I could write, so I decided to plagiarize it- with a few additions by a Pennsylvania Hillbilly.  

The writer describes the four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation chapter 6, verses 1-8. "They are symbolic descriptions of different events which will take place in the end times. The first horseman of the Apocalypse is mentioned in Revelation 6:2: “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” This first horseman likely refers to the Antichrist, who will be given authority and will conquer all who oppose him. The antichrist is the false imitator of the true Christ, who will also return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16)."

The second horseman of the Apocalypse appears in Revelation 6:4: “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.” The second horseman refers to terrible warfare that will break out in the end times.

The third horseman is described in Revelation 6:5-6: “...and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” The third horseman of the Apocalypse refers to a great famine that will take place, likely as a result of the wars from the second horseman.

The fourth horseman is mentioned in Revelation 6:8: “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation. It seems to be a combination of the previous horsemen. The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse will bring further warfare and terrible famines along with awful plagues and diseases.

What is most amazing, or perhaps terrifying, is that the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are just “precursors” of even worse judgments that come later in the tribulation (Revelation chapters 8–9 and 16).

Sooo, does this account of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse sound familiar.  Are we not in perilous times when war, pestilence, drought and famine are as common as the rising and setting of the sun?  Jesus said, "When “ALL’ of these things come into view, look up for your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28).

 Are you looking UP?

Blessings,

Gramps

PS This was one of the blogs Gramps put in the diminishing list of reruns for me to use.  I did not choose this because of the situation we are in, but rather one of the only ones left.  I had to add the names of Ryan and Michael, so it was written before 2013.  It certainly is appropriate for today.  Our prayer is this current virus and shaking of nations will cause people to seek a relationship with Jesus.

Proclamation of National day of Prayer Mar 15, 2020

Gramps wanted me to send this to all of you!

In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty.  As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship.  But in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones.  I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation.

As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle.  We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7:  “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”  Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time.  With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.

On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders.  We are confident that He will provide them with the wisdom they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country.  As we come to our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in Psalm 91:  “He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God; in him will I trust.”

As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help.  Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been.  As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.  May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts.  I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected, including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

PS It would be good to continue praying!
Gma
Search out for yourself other Scriptures that encourage not to fear but to be wise and Trust God!

Importance - What Is????

“For the kingdom of God is not just eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). 

Hey Gang:  Is it not amazing what we sometimes choose to get our tail-feathers up-in-the-air over?  Returning from three wonderful weeks of sunshine and warmth in Florida some years ago, ,I wondered if someone were to ask me, ‘What was the high point of the three weeks?’ How I would respond.  Quickly the thought came: ‘The clicker to the television was greatly neglected’. 

We happened to choose, by accident, those weeks referred to as ‘Spring Break’.  In the Sun Belt that means the recreation industry will either make their year or come up wanting.  Finding a room is like the preferable ‘hen’s teeth’ challenge,’. If you did not have the foresight to make your reservations months in advance, be prepared to sleep in your car.  It is suggested that billions of dollars pass through the coffers and credit-cards of the Sun Belt, all seeking that moment of bliss.

So, what is important to you.  As a boy I attended a church that had a wonderful youth program, a thriving community out-reach and God was honored in worship and praise.  As I recall Pastor Byler and Pastor Martin had one focus, unity in the family of God under the power of God.  

And then one day it was decided the worship and praise could be moved up a step or two if they purchased an organ.   The church waited in anticipation for the completion of the installation and the wonderful music that would resonate from this new addition to the worship service.  There were no praise teams at that time.   

But there was a problem boiling beneath the surface that reared its ugly head even before the organ was installed – who would play the organ? It turned out to be a battle similar to the Martin’s and McCoys of folklore days. The church split right down the middle aisle.  Those for Alice on the right side and those for Betty on the left.

To make a long story very short – for over a year there was intense arguing and the church began to come unglued.  The pastor resigned and moved on, the youth leaders resigned and moved on, the church leadership resigned and move on and Betty and Alice also moved on and the average attendance dropped from more than two hundred to less than seventy.

So, keep in mind, it is very easy to get caught up in things that don’t really matte; things that over-shadow the important things like loving God and each other.  When asked what is the greatest commandment? Jesus gave the answer that solves such issues as “organs” Love the Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.”   As one elderly gentleman suggested, “Let’s have a congregation wiener roast and burn the organ”.   That my young friends was pure wisdom. 

Blessings,

Gramps

P.S. The tragedy of the story, the winner also chooe to get up and leave even before the first sound from the new beautiful organ.  That was more than seventy years ago and the scars remain locked into the hearts of the families of that war.  A suggestion that meeting at the cross, forgiving each other, and compromising, Betty plays this month and Alice next month.  But hearts were hardened and neither willing to deny self and humble themselves before the Lord.

Are We Smarter As adults?

Holy Land Picture of the Day

Israeli nuts and dried fruit Today's picture is of nuts and dried fruit produced and sold in modern Israel. It reminds us of Genesis 43:11; "Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds"  Why are We So Much Smarter When We are Little Squeezers? “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart” (I Cor. 9:6-7a). Hey gang, Why is it, when we are small and growing up we only stuck our finger in the fire once and learned that is was not such a good idea?  I learned very early it was not a good idea to sass mom or dad or the bully down the street- who was six inches taller than me.  I suspect each one reading this blog or email this morning could relate stories of woe where they tampered with God's irrevocable laws and paid the Piper for it.  But, as we grow older, do we not sometimes become slower learners?  I came across a neat little story where the daughter of a business executive asked her daddy, who was preparing to go out on the town, “Why do you wear that black suit and bow tie when you know you will be deathly sick and have a splitting head ache tomorrow?”  A short trip through skid row with your children is not a bad idea.  But only, if you are not making the same mistakes those made to earn their position in the gutter.  It is always amazing to me that there is no question smoking and boozing and drugs are not good for your body and you will pay the piper down the road for using them. But it does not matter how much the price of these life-destroying things cost, people will sacrifice the finer things of life to purchase them. I wonder if someone opened a “Reap What You Sow School of Higher Learning" would anyone come?  I confess there are many times when I stuck my fingers in the fire, even though I knew it was going to be painful.  But did you know the more you stick your finger in the fire the less the pain?  We can become so immune to pain and scar-tissued  that we no longer feel it. Paul gave fair warning to all when he wrote: “God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows this he will also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:6-7).  Paul's counsel: “For in due time we will reap………..when we do not grow weary”. (v.9)  Paul closes this bit of truth with a challenge to those who love the Lord: “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (V.10). Sooooo, it is time to close this epistle and get about some spiritual plowing, discing, planting, fertilizing and cultivating but keep in mind God is the harvester.   Blessings,  Gramps