Curled Determination

Curled Determination

For in many things we offend all, If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

                                                                                                            ...James 3:2-3

            Missing his sister's company, our son Robert needed something to occupy his time out at the youth camp.  Not having her to pick on was no fun.  Our neighbor offered a horse to us, so thinking about it, Bill and I thought that would be a good activity and exercise for him.  "Boneca" was a beautiful horse but had a good memory of where she lived before coming to our place.  Each time the gate was opened, off took "Boneca" heading for her old place. 

            Robert and I placed the bridle and bit quickly and saddled her up with Robert on, before opening the gate.  She sure did not like the bit in her mouth, curling her tongue stubbornly she refused it wholeheartedly, determined not to let us gain ground.  Her tongue was strong and well trained for this moment.  After training her to wear the bit for short periods of time, she accustomed to it. 

            Boneca was finally trained, or tamed enough to wear the bit.  James 3:7-8 reminds us of the human tongue and how it cannot be tamed.  James says every kind of beast has been tamed of mankind, but verse 8 reads, But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

            What does this say about man?  God gave Adam dominion over the beasts of the field, but cannot gain control or dominion over a small member such as the tongue.  It is big enough though to defile the whole body.  Why is it so easy to forget this?  We do know, but we like "Boneca" push against the will of God, curling up our tongue from allowing Him complete control. 

The being in control feels powerful, but in the long run proves trouble for the Christian.  Go ahead keep pushing away, show everyone how strong you are on your own but one day the blisters from struggling against the bit, will be enough for us to give in and quit resisting. 

What is wrong walking with God, harness in His hand and a bit guiding us on the right path?  Why do we fight it anyway?  Try giving Him control and you will see the path is so much easier, and new pastures will be found. 

Do you have curled determination?

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Curled Determination

Curled Determination

For in many things we offend all, If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

                                                                                                              ...James 3:2-3

            Missing his sister's company, our son Robert needed something to occupy his time out at the youth camp.  Not having her to pick on was no fun.  Our neighbor offered a horse to us, so thinking about it, Bill and I thought that would be a good activity and exercise for him.  "Boneca" was a beautiful horse but had a good memory of where she lived before coming to our place.  Each time the gate was opened, off took "Boneca" heading for her old place. 

            Robert and I placed the bridle and bit quickly and saddled her up with Robert on, before opening the gate.  She sure did not like the bit in her mouth, curling her tongue stubbornly she refused it wholeheartedly, determined not to let us gain ground.  Her tongue was strong and well trained for this moment.  After training her to wear the bit for short periods of time, she accustomed to it. 

            Boneca was finally trained, or tamed enough to wear the bit.  James 3:7-8 reminds us of the human tongue and how it cannot be tamed.  James says every kind of beast has been tamed of mankind, but verse 8 reads, But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

            What does this say about man?  God gave Adam dominion over the beasts of the field, but cannot gain control or dominion over a small member such as the tongue.  It is big enough though to defile the whole body.  Why is it so easy to forget this?  We do know, but we like "Boneca" push against the will of God, curling up our tongue from allowing Him complete control. 

The being in control feels powerful, but in the long run proves trouble for the Christian.  Go ahead keep pushing away, show everyone how strong you are on your own but one day the blisters from struggling against the bit, will be enough for us to give in and quit resisting. 

What is wrong walking with God, harness in His hand and a bit guiding us on the right path?  Why do we fight it anyway?  Try giving Him control and you will see the path is so much easier, and new pastures will be found. 

Do you have curled determination?

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/ What a Strange Thermostat

Strange Thermostat

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.                                                                                              

                                                                                                 …Romans 8:16, 26

            The sky blended from pink to a deeper pink on the horizon while I watched the day fade away into the early evening.  One sprawled tree became the backdrop for a beautiful picture that fine day.  It has been engraved in my memory for some time.  But something else stood out in this picturesque view even more this approaching night.

            Our Brazilian neighbor owned a Brahma Bull named Benfeitor that roamed the pasture as if he owned it.  In fact he could have it!  No one bothered to argue otherwise.  The silhouette of this huge bull was a sight to behold in proud stature, standing tall against the sky. 

            The muscled creature, strong in nature held his head up high as if king of the hill.  The outline of the silhouette showed a hump on the back of the neck, distinguishing the Brahma from other bulls.  The hump works as a thermostat to help cool the beast during very hot days; while veins run down the sides, to help the cooling process.

            Brothers and sisters in Christ we too have a thermostat that provides us with insight about our spiritual lives indicating if we are cooling in our attitude towards our Savior.  Interestingly most run to the Lord when things start to heat up in their lives.  All of a sudden when the heat is on, they suddenly look to God to be rescued. 

            The Holy Spirit is part of our life when we become a Christian, so running away won't get you far.  His work is to convict and bring you back to God in true fellowship.  If you thought much about this personal thermostat we possess, we would be so truly thankful.  It wouldn't be a pretty picture if we didn't have the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit to bring us back to the fold.  Now that is true fellowship as a believer.

            Let the Holy Spirit work in you not allowing sin to come into your life showing lukewarm on God's spiritual gage.

             Because of Christ, the Holy Spirit or thermostat has been made available to regulate your life and He will direct us to keep it ever level and at a temperature that pleases the Almighty. 

            When you start to feel the temperature dropping or cooling, remember it is not the thermostat. When you stop fellowship with other believers, remember it’s not the thermostat, because He doesn’t communicate a wrong reading.  You have hurt, sin, or disbelief going on inside.  Call on the Lord and permit the Holy Spirit to work and fellowship with you the way you allowed Him to before.  Don’t continue to push Him away.

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/It's Just Not in Me

It's Just Not in Me!

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.                                           

       ... Job 28: 12-14

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

                                                                                                                        ...Job 28:17

Chuck loves using a metal detector every chance he gets.  When diamond rings are lost he is called to try to rescue the precious sentiments.  Looking for jewels, old coins, or just finding old keepsakes, these metal detectors help people who have lost precious belongings. At the time of writing this, our friend has found his way out to Arizona to the wide-open lands. 

Chuck will have stories to tell and adventures too numerous to relate.  A hobby like this could be quite relaxing, camping in the open air beneath the only light around, the stars. 

If our friend were to look for wisdom or understanding while out with his metal detector, it would not be found. Wisdom can not be found in the land of the living, as the scriptures read very clearly.  No matter how far down we were to go beneath the earth, or sea, it would not be retrieved.

The price of wisdom is not known.  Fine gold, crystal and jewels can not equal it.  Where is wisdom found?  Wisdom is found only in the Lord.  Job proclaims those who regard not God, die without wisdom. 

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

...I Corinthians 2:7

With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.    ...Job 12:13

How long have you been searching in all the wrong places?

Sliced, Diced, and Mashed/ Under the Cloud

Under the Cloud

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

                                                                                                                      ...Exodus 13:21

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

                                                                                                               ...I Corinthians 10:1

            The year 2005 will be a year to remember for so many hurricane victims.  The hurricane season seemed to last forever, spewing wrath upon the coastal areas of the U.S.  Between storm surges, high winds, tornadoes, flooding and homeless, panic was rapidly and secretly affecting many, even in outlining states.  The physical elements were obviously felt through winds, rains, and floods.

            Hurricanes, tropical cyclones, low pressure, or a tropical depression, all from off a large body of water like the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, or the Atlantic.  Most storms have been named for easier tracking and logging.  Some familiar names have been Hugo, Fran, Katrina, Rita, and more resent, Wilma. Today's forecasts are much more accurate, compared many years ago; there were no warnings.

            Weather and physical elements have been noted and logged since Bible times, but not quite in the same way as today.  The Bible speaks of a cloud, which followed the people of Israel through the wilderness.  Under this cloud there was protection, provision and leadership. 

Once the Israelites began to be weary of manna, they also began to encounter problems, wanting more, something different.  But many of them God was not pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (I Cor.10:5)  When they were not satisfied with the meat or the drink, they were also not satisfied with the spiritual food and drink.  They were tired of God His protection, provision and leadership. The children of Israel wanted changes, and got what they asked for!  A whole generation died in the wilderness because of rebellion.

Be careful of tiring of truth and begin to look elsewhere.  You may wish you had just savored more the flavor given to you by many generations.  They too suffered because of sin sick souls, but God allowed that truth to arrive to you, because of many faithful warriors.  Maybe you are bored with Jesus?

Be thankful that so many were under the cloud, under the weather, and even went through the sea, just for you to hear the simple plan of salvation.

Try resting under the cloud, not under the weather, and led by the Light when you are facing the deep sea and mighty winds of adversity.

Carol Levergood's blog: Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Disappearing ACt

Carol Levergood's blog: Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Disappearing ACt

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Disappearing ACt

Disappearing Act

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

                                                                                                         …Revelation 15:3-4

            Watching some of Amazing Videos, I saw the “extreme” displayed with unexpected, surprising events even to those participating.  The word “amazing” can not express the evening’s program.  Before us a choir of two hundred Brazilians, with much enthusiasm and talent sang their hearts out.  I was totally impressed with the beautiful Portuguese music and the appearance of one combined, harmonizing voice.

            Just getting into the feel of the music, all of a sudden the floor beneath the choir gave way to the weight of the members.  Now there must have been some heavy choir members or heavy metal somewhere. No one was critically injured but quite a few hurt in the mishap.  I almost felt like it was a sophisticated gong show.  In all seriousness, it could have been much worse, and thankfully there wasn’t tragedy written in the next morning’s paper.   The building or concert hall was for that purpose, but the documentary that evening did not indicate what caused the floor to collapse.

            Can you imagine what the heavenly choir will sound like?  Talk about moving the floor beneath you! We are to be victorious Christians because we have a lot to sing about.  Our praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, should lift the roof off of any prayer closet or personal sanctuary.  Just think putting all those who know Jesus together, will even lift the roof off.  The world will know who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  John saw seven angels singing the song of Moses, and the song of the Lamb.  Now that is a “Wow” verse, or one to get excited about.  And you thought Baptists couldn’t get excited! 

            Praise Him, all ye saints and nations! Glorify His name! …for all nations shall come and worship thee… Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess; what a day that will be.