Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Talk to Yourself?

Talk to Yourself?

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

                                                                                        …Ephesians 5: 18-20

            Walking down the street talking to your self is not uncommon anymore.  In fact I have caught my self in times past wondering who the man or woman was talking to, passing in the grocery store, oblivious to other’s watching.  Looking around, there is just this young man and me, the only ones in the baking isle.  I finally figured out the young man was wearing a very small telephone as an ear phone.  This is much more common now to see, but still, I find it annoying in some places.  Especially when you’re trying to have a nice relaxed evening when all you hear are phones ringing around you.  Just what you need, is to be reminded of work, babysitter, etc.

            As I was standing in line at a supermarket the same thing happened.  A young lady lied to the person on the other end of the line saying, “No, I’m not, I really am at work.”  Funny!  I doubt standing in line at the supermarket, was actually her job.  But there she was like she was talking to someone, but it sure wasn’t me.

            A friend of ours said he has his lunch while listening to Rush Limbaugh.  To anyone walking by and looking in the classroom they might have thought someone else was in the room, but he had directed his conversation to the radio.

            Many of us have conversations with no one around, but do we speak to ourselves in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs like in Ephesians?  I sing, but whether I make melody, I am not sure. This melody is to be in my heart.  If it does not originate there, then it is just singing and not a melody or praise of thanksgiving.   This melody of thanksgiving is to be always, for all things.  That is quite a feat in itself. 

            Go ahead, talk to yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; it’s all right.  Actually this activity would help you forget your troubles and lift your spirits high.  Try it!  Sing and make melody in your heart.  Listen! And maybe you can perceive others doing the same and before you know it, a choir of Saints is formed all around you. 

            Many others are talking to themselves, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.  You are not alone.  Listen!  Can you hear it?  The Saints are praising God the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  What a melody.  Take time to listen.

           

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Funny Looking Bear

Funny Looking Bear

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

                                                                             …Luke 23:8

            The day came and hunting season arrived.  All geared up, some friends told us of their day they had so long waited for.  Days had been filled with dreams of hunting a bear, a trophy to show his friends and family.  Excitement filled the air, when even it seemed to freeze in space as the cold of winter was settling in.  Time went by, hours flew, but there were no bears to be seen.  The day was spent but all of a sudden out of the corner of our friend’s eye, something moved.  Carefully checking to see if it wasn’t one of his buddies, he aimed and shot.  He had a trophy to carry home after all. 

            His wife looking out the front window sees their arrival.  Imagining a tale and a half, she made her way to the back door to be the first to congratulate him.  The door opened and out came a laugh she could not contain.  The trophy he was awarded from the full day of hunting had feathers.  Yes, he went bear hunting only to come home holding a turkey.  He had hoped to stop a bear in his tracks, but to no avail.  Instead, he had a nice turkey to offer for a future festive dinner.

            Another hunt was on, where the man came back empty handed.  Christ’s death was inevitable, but the scene leading up to it is quite interesting to ponder.  Jesus told Pilate who He was.  Herod on the other hand, passing through Jerusalem, wanted to see more from this man.  Herod wanted to see Jesus perform miracles which he had heard so much about, but Jesus did not oblige.  Herod then joined in mocking Christ dressing Him up as an earthly king.  With no voiced opinion, Herod sends Him back to Pilate.

            What this “tetrarch of Galilee” expected, he didn’t get (3:1).  He assumed Jesus would do all these things if he could, to save His skin.  If no miracle is performed, no loss; to him this would just confirm his doubts about Jesus.

            Interesting, Herod’s motives were to see miracles performed maybe to see how he himself could benefit from them.  After all, he would be able to have Christ in his courts to make Herod look good; by having “this man of Galilee” be great, he too would be considered great.  Why, wouldn’t he look good? If Christ could provide food automatically just at a whisper like He calmed the sea, then the kingdom would never face hunger.

            Jesus answering not, showed power under control, not weakness.  The men still would not see Jesus for who He really was—the “Son of God.”  His silence would seal His plight.  Herod physically sees Jesus, but didn’t recognize Him to be the Son of God.  What made him think seeing miracles performed would change his mind? The greatest of all miracles right before him; the cross, the darkened sky and the stone rolled away still wouldn’t do it. 

            This man of power went to take down the power of all powers—but came back with a mock robe left from the hunt.  Herod didn’t recognize Jesus the King of Kings.  He was satisfied to be left with a trophy of only an earthly crown.  Just like our friend that went hunting, he too hoped for one thing and would bear another.  

Sliced Diced and Mashed/Not All Girls

Not All Girls!

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.

But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.

                                                                                                           

                                 …Leviticus 26:44-45

         While watching a Garfield movie with our grandsons, seven year old Jordan watching with anticipation and the museum owner moved down the highly decorated family photos expressing once again the importance of family, “Don’t forget, these sire, your ancestors of over 400 years!”

            Jordan pops up with, “There were boys too!—There weren’t just girls in those pictures!”  We looked at him as if to say “what?” Jordan then repeated back to us what he understood the butler to say. He thought him to say, “These are your Aunt-sisters of over 400 years.” This actually shows what a thinker and observer he is.  Even he knew, to have a family tree, there must be a man and a woman involved, not just aunts and sisters. Now I can’t say much for his hearing.

            Jordan actually understood a basic truth that many adults don’t get.  How do we think we have ancestors?  Maybe not all we are proud of, but all had to have a mother and father, or male and female to be here today.  How can we expect God’s blessing on us as a nation, when we have turned to our own ways.  We are doing just as Israel had done so many times …did that which was right in their own eyes.

            Jordan misunderstood what was said in the Garfield movie, but Scripture is very clear in what God expects from our behavior.  If we carry the name of Christ to the next generation, then we will have something to write home about, when we look down the halls of our ancestors.  Remember it is not aunt-sisters, or uncle-brothers, it is honor thy Father and thy Mother, to have the correct ancestors.  Of course, you ancestors may not be from the prestigious Garfield line or feline!

Sliced, Diced, and Mashed/Camel Spider

Camel Spider

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a  storm against the wall. 

                                                                                                        …Isaiah 25:4

            War is inevitable.  Desert Storm took our men to the desert.  This was much different than most of our young men were used too, with the sand and blistering heat beating on them daily.  One interesting creature some of our soldiers came upon was the Camel or Sun Spider known to this particular region of the world.  Solpugids are not actual spiders, but named, because appear and jump as spiders.  Uniquely camouflaged the Sun Spider blends in with his surroundings making it harder to be seen by his predators.  Most of the numerous species are non-venomous, but can make you ill when dehydration is an already possible factor.

            When the camouflaged spider becomes too warm in the sun, it runs or tries to jump in the shadow of anything or anyone passing by.  The spider begins to chase after you trying to cool in your very shadow.  I would be running for sure if I saw this huge spider chasing me.  It can be a frightening occasion if not expecting this normal occurrence in the desert.  I would be chasing your shadow too, if I were in the blistering heat needing to find comfort. 

            Isaiah talks about running to the shadow of the Almighty.  In this verse he is praising God for His faithfulness.  Lord you have been a strength, a refuge,… and a shadow from the heat. When the weight of the world hits you full force, and the blistering heat of trouble takes your strength away, run to the shadow of the Almighty.  There awaits you renewed strength, complete restoration in the safety and comfort of Almighty God.  Run for the shadows! Run for a renewed commitment!  Up till now, it has been the Holy Spirit wooing you to His care.  You heard it, now it depends on you to obey and run to his open arms.  Christ is waiting.  Don’t be drawn and satisfied with little patches of shade when you can be completely in the Shadow of the Almighty.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.…Psalm 36:7

           

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/To each His Own

To Each His Own

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

                                                                                                     ...I Kings 11:4

            An alabaster sphinx found in the ancient city of Memphis, dated 1240 B.C. was incorrectly named by the Greeks, during the reign of Ramses II.  The Greeks referred to the sphinx as demons while the Egyptians looked upon them as powerful and majestic in nature.  A real sphinx formed the head of a Pharaoh and a body of a lion, a symbol of their sun god.  Wherever the sphinxes were placed, you could almost be guaranteed to see a temple near by, considered to be a landmark. 

            The beauty and awe of the sphinxes also influenced other countries.  The head of the Pharaoh was certainly a reminder of power over the commoner.  The Egyptians originated with the form, the head of Pharaoh and body of a lion.  The Greeks imitated even making miniature sphinxes, while the Assyrians did the same, adding wings portraying them as demons.  Assyrians went even a bit further not depicting nobility, but replacing facial expressions with frightening, evil shaped eyes and mouth.  Even the ancient Maya people of South America had a representation of a monster like sphinx in their history.

            The gods of the neighboring countries were always influencing the Israelites.  Egypt we know had a big influence on them.  When God asked them to destroy existing idols, His instructions were ignored. Years and years of turmoil for not clearing out the land of false idols followed the children of Israel. 

 From Genesis to Revelation we can read about other gods.  Old Testament tells how idols were varied from the goddess of the Zidonians, Ashtoreth (goddess of sex), which Solomon went after, Chemosh, and Molech, as well as others.  Solomon did not abandon God, but included other gods in his "worship." The older he became, the further he drew from God, because of wives and horses (I Kings 10 and Deut. 17). 

All paganism is different in shape, form or statue, but all just the same, false gods. Today the name of the sex god has changed, but without a doubt, obviously holds the reigns of many in our world today.  Yes Christian, it can for you too!  Thou shalt not have any other gods before me...

Don't try to play the Solomon game, let's mix in a little here and a little there.

From sphinxes to Nascar, football to a job or career all are idols, if they hold your attention more than God does.  Does God have your attention?  If He doesn't, you might want to clear the way before He has to.  The path is cluttered.  Begin now to put order in your life.  What ever happened to the God first, family and somewhere down the way, job.  Is your job earning first place in your life? 

Is your heart the temple of God?  Then, why are there sphinxes at the door of the temple?  God needs no help; He alone is sufficient.

           

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Say That Again!?

Say that again?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.       

 ...Romans 10:13

            Learning another language was certainly an experience.  We struggled the first few months with Portuguese while our 4 ½ year old daughter April, was quietly storing her vocabulary away.  One day she decided to come out of her shell, but did she have to show us up?

Why were we so concerned about her adapting, when she rolled off Portuguese so naturally?  It made us sick and envious of an almost five year old.  I know it wasn't right, and I confessed my envy to the Lord, but she kept on and on, while I tripped and stumbled like an idiot.  We fooled her, when we finally caught up a few years later.

Caught her once though!  I knew something she didn't.   I was expecting her baby brother Robert, "Bobby" and April had heard I would soon dar a' luz, or give birth.  April was in church and heard preacher say Jesus was going to dar luz.  "Jesus is going to have a baby?"  Her eyes opened wide in astonishment still asking, "Is Jesus really going to have a baby?"

I gained the upper ground now!  I had her!  In English I explained to April that Jesus da' luz ao mundo, He gives light to the world, not gives birth.  These two expressions were so close in nature it confused her. I wouldn't admit it threw me off for a minute also.   I know kid, it's not easy is it, understanding this foreign jibber-jabber?  We came to a truce that day 26½ year old with a 4½ year old.  She promised not to show me up and I promised to feed her as I tickled her fiercely

Bobby turned around and did the same thing.  Born in Brazil, he too spoke fluently.  I know April whispered in his ear "Come on, you gotta help me here.  We've gotta stick together--make em' look bad."  The Portuguese finally came, but what a trip!

Later, our children did understand about a birth, the birth of Christ, and the reason for His coming.  Portuguese or English, it is still the same message.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  ...Romans 10:13

Jesus is the light of the world. 

From book Sliced, Diced, and Mashed/A Library Visit

A Library Visit

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

                                                                                                                        ...I Titus 1:2

            Our son Robert sat behind me as he, April, his older sister and I were heading across town.  Robert was quiet in the back seat most of the way up Glenstone Ave. when pensively he asked, "When are you going to take me to the library like you promised?

Upon looking through the rearview mirror, five-year-old Robert was pointing to the cemetery while asking the question.

            April looked at him weird as most sisters do their little brothers.  I do remember Robert finding it interesting, the fact there were so many white tombstones.  I tried the best I could to explain that it was not a library, but the Springfield National Cemetery.  This cemetery is the home of soldiers who died in past wars for us to have freedom.  His little mind could only take in so much history, and my mind could only give him so much history.  His dad should have been in the car at that time-the history buff he is. 

            Needless to say we straightened out the difference between libraries and cemeteries that day.  What all was going through his little mind I don't know, but for a long time we teased him about going to the library. 

            Actually Robert was not that far off.  Visiting the cemetery is like visiting a library.   One can find facts about people, history, study family genealogies and how beloved the person was to those left behind.  Another fact, revealed on some tombstones, is whether a person had that blessed hope of eternal life and proclaimed it even in death.   Many don't have a habit of visiting the library too often, but be sure of it, we will all pass through the cemetery unless, Christian, the Lord returns in our lifetime and we are caught up into the heavens with Him.  Aren't you glad God has given us hope, the kind we can count on, and not the maybe or we hope so?  Christian, when we die, we are not dead; we are freed-from sin.

Do you want to see proof we don't live on this earth forever?   Then visit the library or cemetery either one!

Robert, you were right after all!