Light

SAD is a defined depression – Seasonal Affective Disorder. For centuries authors have used winter in their word pictures of sadness and depression. With SAD, a person may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. SAD appears to be related to light, has a higher rate of incidence in northern latitudes and even cloud cover may be related. SAD is found in otherwise mentally healthy individuals.

It is interesting to find such a disorder directly related to the sun, which has been the object of worship throughout history. Whether it was the Egyptian barge for Ra or the Greek chariot for Helios. Do not think this is confined to western culture – Chinese and Hindu mythologies include sun personifications, evidenced by references to Surya.

Medical discoveries of a relationship between sunburns and cancer has barely slowed the tanning along our own beaches as people enjoy their time in the sun.

But it has not always been so – and shall not always be.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3 KJV)

That light was created by God for mankind. It was necessary – and remains necessary – for this earth to function. Without the full benefit of our sun, life on this planet would not exist. Yet it does not provide that same benefit for other planets in this solar system. We are situated “just right.”

There will come a time when that is not true. It has been foretold, and should not be ignored. The replacement, though, is simply awesome:

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23 KJV)

That’s that same Lamb of God of whom it is written:

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29b KJV)

The same Lamb of God who cried over Jerusalem:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37 KJV)

The same Lamb of God who has been and will be the true light:

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 KJV)

And some day will be our only light:

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:5 KJV)

Defense Systems

Interstate 40 bisects the state of Oklahoma as well as the capitol, Oklahoma City. It also pretty much bisects the United States, beginning in North Carolina and ending in southern California. It is one of the most successful defense programs of the US, the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways

Following World War I, Captain Dwight David Eisenhower stayed in the Army. One of the projects assigned to him in 1919 was to traverse the United States on the current highway system. The result was confirmation that troop movement would be difficult during an emergency. By the time World War II was over, troop movement from coast to coast had proven effective using trains, but the then General Eisenhower could see the advantage of a national highway system as part of this country’s defense. By 1952, then President Eisenhower was in a position to start what changed the face, and lifestyles, of America.

The Interstate System was designed to have straight stretches ever so many miles to be used as a landing strip for aircraft. It is a controlled access system. And, it has grown much larger than the original plans. Never used as a defensive mechanism, the system has been used to pump the growth of American goods – and international goods – across as well as down the US.

Until something goes wrong.

It did in 2002 along I-40 near Webbers Falls when a barge on the Arkansas River hit a bridge support and a portion of the roadway fell. There was no warning to traffic on the highway and several vehicles plunged into the river with deadly consequences. Once the danger became apparent, cars stopped, warning those behind them. Giving them the knowledge and opportunity to stop, and save their lives.

That’s what God requires of those who know Him.

Once the danger was made apparent, if the cars did not stop, it was out of the hands of those who warned. Ezekiel describes a similar situation:

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (Ezekiel 3:17-19)

Consider carefully the warnings given by God. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Be a Berean: And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11)

e-Sword Revised

A couple of facts:

Two very nice Filipino Christian girls read my blog. They often write in Tagalog.

e-Sword offers a Tagalog version of the Bible. And, a new version 9.0.3, updating the entire application.

I would love to post Tagalog verses for Gift and Glad, but it would be necessary to update to version 9. That meant downloading all the different Bible verses and reloading them. Let me assure you, it’s worth it!

Naturally, the screens appear updated, and there are a couple of layout changes that focus more on scriptures than on finding them. Looking up scriptures is a quick click, no more scrolling up and down through open books by chapter. Simply click on a Bible icon, select the book, chapter and verse. Easy!!

It’s just as easy to do a comparison of all versions on a single verse, and a parallel with as many as four versions.

The majority of the versions are free. There is a charge for Amplified Bible, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NRSV and RSV – but those run about $15 to $20 for the soft copies. For me, I’m quite content to enjoy the King James Version that comes with the initial setup.

Rick Meyers, creator of e-Sword, has a verse that gives his views on the cost:

freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8b KJV)

Mr. Meyers has given us a tool to use in Bible study that is not only free, but virtually unmatched in its ability to search the scriptures, provide a commentary and display a dictionary at the same time. Awesome!

And, each time a Bible is downloaded and read, God’s promise is fulfilled:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 KJV)

Or, as it is read in Tagalog:

Magiging gayon ang aking salita na lumalabas sa bibig ko: hindi babalik sa akin na walang bunga, kundi gaganap ng kinalulugdan ko, at giginhawa sa bagay na aking pinagsuguan. (Isaiah 55:11 TAB)

Or, in Spanish:

así será mi palabra que sale de mi boca, no volverá a mí vacía sin haber realizado lo que deseo, y logrado el propósito para el cual la envié. (Isaiah 55:11 LBLA)

Oh, yes – I forgot to mention to maps – even shots from NASA. Don’t miss out on this free tool.

"If You Only Knew"

Another song from Saturday was originally from the Rochester Family, “If You Only Knew.” When looking for the lyrics, I found the Rochester Family video on YouTube. There were related videos of the family there, too. I sure wished then that I had better speakers on my computer!

In case you don’t get to hear it, the song speaks of someone wanting their loved ones to know that prayers were answered. They are no longer ill. But instead of the healing expected, they went home to be with the Lord in heaven.

Except for Christ’s return after his resurrection, there’s not a Bible story that speaks of someone returning. There is, however, the story of someone wanting to return – or at least send a message.

Luke tells the story of the beggar Lazarus. He certainly didn’t want to return. The rich man didn’t end up in the same place, but he could see Lazarus:

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:22-23 KJV)

Water. Just a touch of water on his lips, was his request: And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24 KJV)

Abraham explained that could not be done: And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luke 16:26 KJV)

Apparently the rich man loved his family, for: Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (Luke 16:27-28 KJV)

He plead again, but the answer remained the same as: Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. (Luke 16:29-30 KJV)

Abraham knew that those who would believe do so, and those who will not cannot be convinced:
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:31 KJV)

And, they have not. Christ rose from the dead – having told before hand that he would, and having fulfilled numerous prophecies. Today He is often ignored or His followers dealt with in derision.

May we never hear the cry from someone we know: And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24 KJV)

Small Tasks

It’s much easier to accomplish a small task than a huge one. “Clean the house,” is often too daunting to even start. An experienced cleaner knows that it cannot be accomplished without a lot of work, and that there will be interruptions.

So, the best thing to do is divide the tasks and/or the time. Complete a single task in a single room, or set a specific time then move on to something else.

But never overlook the small tasks that can be easily accomplished.

Our churches ask each of us for some small tasks. Attending services is one. They ask that we come for an hour each Sunday and some ignore them. Yet others find time to attend Sunday School as well as morning services, evening services, visitation, prayer meetings, choir practice and a score of other church activities while some ignore each and every one of them.

Christ’s disciples accomplished some tremendous tasks, but they also completed some small ones based on faith. The first one mentioned in the sermon last was Mark 11:1-6. Christ sent them for a colt. They didn’t know the owners, just directions to where it was and what to say:

And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; (Mark 11:3a KJV)

The went, found, took, answered the question And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. (Mark 11:7 KJV)

Jesus then rode into Jerusalem on what we commemorate as Palm Sunday.

The next illustration in the sermon was Luke 5:1-6. Again a small task is requested:

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (Luke 5:4 KJV)

For a fisherman, it was a very small task He set for them to do. But the work was over, the boats had been brought to the shore, the nets were being washed And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: (Luke 5:5a KJV)

Why keep on trying when it was for nothing? Nothing to show for a night’s work, no reason to comply with the request for nets. Yet Peter accomplished this small task, nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5b KJV)

Please note, though, that Christ asked for nets and Peter responded with a net. But that changed, quickly.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:6-7 KJV)

This allowed Peter to write: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16 KJV)

What I Would Want You To Know

Early Saturday morning, Beloved Husband baked a couple of cakes. Before 11:00, he took them to the church. The Benevolence Committee took them, and dozens of other dishes, to set out for the family. The funeral was at 1:00, and our church provides a meal for the family each time.

It’s a small offering we give to the family to let them know there is support and prayer as they go through grieving their loss. Just a simple service each of us can perform to acknowledge their loss and our support.

This couple had been married 62 years. Would soon have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Instead, we celebrated her life, and her home going.

Based on her health, they had prepared an obituary, and had written a short history to share with family and friends. It did not address what we knew as their love and care, for these last years she had been confined to a wheelchair, and he had cared for her physically as well as with his heart.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:11-12 KJV)

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Proverbs 31:28 KJV)

It was the virtuous woman, priced above rubies, that our pastor used in scriptures for her service. And, did so appropriately.

The music spoke of eventual reunion: “Shall We Gather At The River” And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1 KJV)

She answered Christ’s question in John 6:67 just as Peter did, as we all do who love Him and follow:

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:68-69 KJV)

So, I’m looking at what I would say to those who attend my funeral. What would I want you to know above all else? This:

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (Job 19:23-26 KJV)

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (John 14:28 KJV)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)

One World

Many support the concept of a one-world government. Unfortunately, many of them are Americans actively working toward that end. Judges considered for the Supreme Court advocate including international law in considering our constitutional questions.

Walter Conkrite was openly in favor of a one-world government under the auspices of the United Nations. He desired the UN to make law and to have the military forces to enforce those laws. In 1999 when he accepted the Norman Cousiins Global Governance Award, given by the World Federalists Association, he is quoted as saying: ”Pat Robertson has written in a book a few years ago that we should have a world government, but only when the Messiah arrives. He wrote, literally, any attempt to achieve world order before that time must be the work of the devil. Well, join me. I'm glad to sit here at the right hand of Satan”

Conkrite was "mainstream media." Journalists hold him as the example of what to be. Unfortunately, it is the example of how to influence people, not how to report facts and keep them separate from personal ideology.

It would help American to have the same separation of journalism/state as is required for religion/state. Today’s Fourth Estate frowns as equally upon the political leaders of our nation as it does on religion and common people. It is obvious they “know what’s best for all”, for they continually tell us so. The media works to shapes public opinion, and does not understand when that opinion differs from what has been published.

A one-world government is coming. Pat Robertson is wrong to think otherwise. It may not be created by, but will be led by the anti-Christ and is just as real as the death of Christ on the cross. Is it well for Christians to pray, as Christ prayed, that this cup pass -- but we must also be prepared, as He was, to accept God's plan. To deny its coming would be to deny prophecy.

The key is preparation. Work with the Holy Spirit to reach souls. Be the watchman Ezekiel was told to be -- tell them the prophecies. And, be prepared to shake dust off when it is time. Also, be aware that we don't know what time there is. Use what we have to do follow instructions given to us:

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. (Luke 6:42)

Be certain of your own adherence to God’s will in your life. He will lay before you the work to be done. Isaiah 49:8 is quoted by Paul to explain that today is the day of salvation:

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)

When speaking of those last days, Jesus gave us a warning. We would do well to heed it:

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:3-4)