Life’s Fiery Trials

In Idaho, wildfires can threaten our beautiful forests.Teams of Forestry personnel risk their lives every year to protect our forests from ruination. Interestingly enough, they’ve learned throughout the years that a certain amount of fire is required in the forest to maintain them.  If the undergrowth gets to mature, it becomes additional fuel so that when lightening does strike, it makes the fire more severe.

The Forest Service does prescribed burns to eliminate the undergrowth during the wet season which allows for a fire without causing a large amount of destruction.

Another reason for the prescribed burns are that some pine trees (fired climax pines) require the fire to open the cones and release the seeds into the ground.  Without the heat, new pine trees cannot be seeded and grow.

Our Lord has told us that with faith the size if a mustard seed, we would be able to move mountains.  Matthew 17:20-21 NIV

But how does our faith grow? Paul wrote to the Thessalonians their faith is growing  and that he was pleased that they persevered and had faith in all of their persecutions.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 NIV

As I see friends and family experience financial problems, health issues, emotional pain & loss, I find myself asking, “Why Lord?”  Could it be that like the seeds of the pine cone, through our trials seeds of faith are released into our hearts to grow and help us persevere in our race for the Lord?

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Breath of Heaven

May the Breath of Heaven breathe new life into our troubled world this Christmas Season.

When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll...

It has been 20 years last September since we lost my brother in a helicopter accident.  He was out on maneuvers, training  for a war yet to come, that would later be named Desert Storm, when his helicopter had mechanical problems and crashed.  At times it's seems like a long time ago, and at other times it seems like yesterday.  Growing up in the church, I'd probably sang, "It Is Well With My Soul" a multitude of times.  But after my brother's death, it took on a new meaning for me and has provided great comfort.  I wonder if Horatio Spafford could have known what an impact his words would have on future generations.  Through his many tragedies would come a hymn that would comfort generations to come, 

"When Sorrows like Sea Billows roll....."

Mr. Spafford's life was certainly one that was filled with hurt and loss.  A lawyer in Chicago, Mr. Spafford and his wife had a son and four daughters.  In 1871, Mr. Spafford lost his young son and later in that year, a fire wiped out many of his real estate investments, causing him to lose everything.   In 1873, he and his family decided to take a trip to Europe.  His wife and daughters headed out first with him to follow on another ship later on in the week.  The first ship carrying his wife and daughters was struck by another ship and only his wife survived.  As he made the journey to Europe to be with his wife,he came close to the spot where his daughters were lost, and he began jotting down the words that would become the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul".

King David too had a lot of hurt and sorrow in his life. In Psalms he writes:

My soul is weary with sorrow; 
strengthen me according to your word.

Psalm 119:28 

If you too are experiencing hurt and loss, my hope is that you can find strength in God's word and a peace like a river.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

Petitioning, Penitence, Praising, & Prayer

Prayer can be such a mystery, at least for me. I learned at an early age that prayer was important.  My mom would come in each night and listen to our prayers, both my brother's and mine,at first with them being very much rote, you know the one, that starts, "Now I lay me down to sleep....", but later went on to include, "God bless grandma & grandpa, mom & dad.." which taught us to prayer for others.   I've wondered sometimes how it's all pieced together.  Just as jewel has many facets that brings light and beauty to the stone, there are many facets of the light & beauty of prayer.  Examples of these many facets are written about throughout the Bible. 

Hannah who was distraught prayed for relief from the emotional pain of not being able to conceive a child petitioned God for a son 1 Samuel 1:9-11  and King Hezekiah prayed for health and an extension of life and God granted him his request.  Isaiah 38 1-36 

Ezra and the people of Israel demonstrated their penitence when they realized that they had gone against God's will when they had married into and adopted the culture and religious practice of the people around them.  Ezra 10:1.

David offers adoration and worship through is prayers of praise.   1 Chronicles 29:10-20 

Jesus petition God continually regarding every aspect of his ministry. We read how Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

During one of these times he asked God for guidance regarding choosing his disciples.  Luke 6:12-16

One of the ways to record our prayer jewels is a prayer journal.  I'd first heard of prayer journals during a lecture of at BSF.  Our discussion leader had recommended our journaling our prayers.  Journaling can weave a tapestry of God's working in our lives.   I've seen where a prayer for a friend deciding whether or not to take a new job can lead to his offering a job to someone else who needs one.   Other threads of the tapestry can be records of healing, safe travels, guidance, and other topics that are as wide and varied as our collective lives.  It's exciting to read through past entries and see how God has worked in our lives. 

Regardless of how we communicate with God, we know that our prayers to do not go unheard and we can have faith in him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Beach Cathedral

               

 

Some times the best cathedrals, in which to pray are not formed by man, but instead are formed by God himself through his creation.  The sandy beach floor forms the nave for the worshippers while the wave act as the choir seated in the chancel, booming out the power and greatness of God.  The last rays of the sun paint the stain glass windows of the sky reflecting the wonder and glory of the God who placed them there, and great rocks growing out of the ocean floor as the apse and spire.

Psalm 148

¹ Praise the LORD. 
       Praise the LORD from the heavens,
       praise him in the heights above.

 ² Praise him, all his angels,
       praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

 ³ Praise him, sun and moon,
       praise him, all you shining stars.

 ⁴ Praise him, you highest heavens
       and you waters above the skies.

 ⁵ Let them praise the name of the LORD,
       for he commanded and they were created.

 ⁶ He set them in place for ever and ever;
       he gave a decree that will never pass away.

 ⁷ Praise the LORD from the earth,
       you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

 ⁸ lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
       stormy winds that do his bidding,

 ⁹ you mountains and all hills,
       fruit trees and all cedars,

 ¹⁰ wild animals and all cattle,
       small creatures and flying birds,

 ¹¹ kings of the earth and all nations,
       you princes and all rulers on earth,

 ¹² young men and maidens,
       old men and children.

 ¹³ Let them praise the name of the LORD,
       for his name alone is exalted;
       his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

 ¹⁴ He has raised up for his people a horn,  
       the praise of all his saints,
       of Israel, the people close to his heart.
       Praise the LORD.

Hello God? Have We Been Disconnected?

I been talking with with someone who has a friend that believes that God is not listening to him because because he believes that God has not answered his prayers. Certainly we've all had that same thought even if it's for the briefest of moments.    I think it's important to note that when we feel that way, we're in good company. King David writes:

 

 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
       let my cry for help come to you.

 Do not hide your face from me
       when I am in distress.
       Turn your ear to me;
       when I call, answer me quickly. Psalm 102:1-2

When Paul was teaching in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch be speaks of David in this way:

After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' Acts 13:22

You can sense David's yearning for God's help in his situation and like us, wondering if he will have his answer to prayer.  And yet, God saw David as a man after his own heart.  For any of us who might be facing a trial, and wondering what the answer could be or when the answer might come, I think we can take encouragement in the story of David, a man after God's own heart.  God is always there, looking after us, and we can have peace in him.  

The Lessons The Garden Gives

With summertime comes a lot of work in the garden.  As I've been puttering around the garden, different Bible verses have come to mind.  Since agriculture  was a major part of daily life during the time Christ conducted his ministry, it probably comes at no surprise to anyone that many of Christ's teaching illustrations were based on the raising of crops.  The issues of that day were similar to the ones we face today.  They too were concerned about making ends meet and it would not be a stretch of the imagination that they faced an uncertain economy with the Romans as occupation of the region.

Today as in Christ's time, we are facing an uncertain and failing economy, which  has touched many families including mine.  A close family member has lost his job.  I must admit that I have been somewhat worried about how he and his little family will fare.  Christ tells us:

mine.  A close family member has lost his job.  I must admit that I have been somewhat worried about how he and his little family will fare.  Christ tells us:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Matthew 6:25-32 .  I must learn to take comfort in his words and put them into practice. Christ would not make a promise, on which he could not deliver.

I'm trying my hand at raising vegetables.  I've not had much success in the past, but I am trying to do it right this time around by putting in raised beds.  No sooner did I get the seeds into the furrows, than birds began lining up on the fence right above my bed.   I was concerned they may not wait for the plants and would instead dig up the seeds. The birds did leave them in the ground, but seemed to be waiting for the smallest sign that the seeds have taken root and will begin to produce. I was really concerned that all of the work I'd put in was going to be wasted. This real life example was a perfect picture of what Christ spoke of in the passage of Luke 8:1-15.   In this passage, Christ likens the seeds to the word of God that is preached throughout the world.  In his story the birds of the air snatch up the seeds just as the Devil, in real life sometimes snatches the word of God from the listener and does not allow him/her to fully understand it and accept it.  Christ goes on to tell about seed that falls onto the rocks, where the listener hears the word and is overjoyed about it, but it never takes root and they drift away when tested.  The seed that fell amongst the thorns started to grow but was choked out by the weeds of worry, riches, & pleasures; more of letting the things of life distract them from fully committing to Christ.  The seed that falls on good soil is representative of the word of God falling on receptive ears, those people who make a commitment to Christ and whose life exhibits the completion of the work God has given him/her.

The loss of jobs, family members, political strife, & the other uncertainties of life can be overwhelming, but Christ can be there to support you if you will let him.  Anyone can be the "good soil" of Luke 8:15, the ones who have a noble and good heart, who hear the word and retain it, and perseveringly produces a crop.  The first step is believing in Christ.

Happy Fourth Of July

 

What's On My IPOD

It's time once again to travel to the mountains to participate in the Royal Family Kids' Camp.  This camp is held for abused and neglected children that live in our area.  Most of if not all of these children are in the Foster Care program and are not able to be with their parents for a variety of reasons.  The song, "There Are No Orphans of God" is one of the songs we will be singing for our Communion Service.  the music video is below:

 

As I listen to this song, I realize there are many who very alone who don't wear the label of Foster Child or orphan, and yet feel that singleness and lack of hope of not having anyone that they can feel close to.  For those who may feel this way, know that you have this hope.

There are no strangers, there are no outcast, there are no orphans of God. So many fallen, but hallelujah, there are no orphans of God.

¹⁵ So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.^[a] Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”^{[b] 16} For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15-16  New Living Translation

For those who would like to follow the happenings of Royal Family Kids' Camp, you can read our blog, which will have daily entries.

Experiencing A Loss

I lost my dad a couple of weeks ago.  As is often the case with these types of losses, it was a complete surprise.  I don't think anyone is totally prepared when they lose a family member or friend, but sometimes there's a few warning signs, such as an illness or a word from the doctor. In this case, my dad had just been to the doctor and he'd been told his health was good.  I think I am still in shock but can write a bit about it now.  The memorial services are over and now begins the time of sorting through the things that my dad thought were important to keep.

Our Lord understands what it was to lose someone dear.  It is recorded in John 11 that Jesus' close friend Lazarus had passed away.  Although Jesus knew that God the Father was going to raise Lazarus from the dead ..."This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."  v. 4, he still was moved by how Lazarus' death was affecting Mary and Martha who he dearly loved, "Jesus wept". v.33-35

It is reassuringly  to know that Jesus understands our emotions and has a desire to comfort us when we are grieving.   He offers those who are grieving this blessing:

Blessed are those who mourn,
      for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

We can be thankful for a Lord who is moved to love us and comfort us in a time of need.

What's On My IPOD

 

Voices

I received an email from fellow blogger Lance, which is raising  the awareness of some of our fellow believers who are suffering, simply for sharing their belief in Christ. The email specifically speaks of two young women,  who have been imprisoned under the charges of anti-government  activists.  They're both unwell and suffering.  We know that believers are persecuted around the world but so many times it just a number or a statistic, much like when we hear on the news of the loss of life from a natural disaster.   We're horrified,  but the loss is hard to fathom, internalize, and understand.  The many faces such as   Marzieh & Maryam's  shown on the PrisonAlert web site, make it more personal. 

When I attended BSF, periodically a question would address being persecuted for our faith.  Our Lord warns us:

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 

  I knew that I was not persecuted for my faith and in fact I am very blessed that the country in which I live provides me the right to practice my faith. This made answering this question very difficult.  The best I could come up with is that believers in our country can be excluded from the group, labeled with various labels such as "Closed minded" or even discriminated against, because of their faith. But to be truly persecuted, is something that I cannot stake a claim.  Along with my freedom of religion comes the recognition that I often times take the right to worship our Lord for granted.  How many times in a day does my mind turn to solving work problems (while not at work) or to focus on something on TV (The History Channel).  When I compare how much time I spend in prayer, Bible study or worship to how much time I spend in other areas, there's no comparison.    I need to remember to continually refocus on Him.

Please remember the martyrs for Christ around the world with your prayers and support.

Susan Boyle

It's more than likely that by now you've heard Susan Boyle's stirring performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables.  Within a week the online videos of her performance totaled over 40 million having been plastered all over video sharing web sites such as YouTube & DailyMotion and on news sites with the likes of  CNN & MSNBC.  I've embedded a DailyMotion video version of her performance in case you've not run across her video or like me, love listening to her sing.  There's been some talk  of Susan's performance that we should learn to not judge a book but it's cover and the beauty within.

For me there's another inspirational story that Susan inspires. She began singing in her parish church at the age of 12 and sang throughout her life, with an eye toward becoming a performer in Musical Theater.    She put her dream aside while she looked after her ill mother, but never took her eye off of her goal.  Surely putting her mother's well being above her own ambitions demonstrated what our Lord has asked us to do, to love our neighbor.  With her mother now gone and at the age of 47, she once again strikes out to realize her dream.

I think it's her drive regardless of age that I find so inspiring.  At time when my co-workers, who are in my age group talk more about retirement than striking out on a new destiny, I often get caught up in the "Being put out to pasture" mentality.

I think in the next few years, the Lord may have a new chapter for me.  Susan's story inspires me to be open and looking for that opportunity when it presents itself.  We must remember:

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

But in order to take the path God has established for you, you must take the first step of your spiritual journey which is to believe in Christ as your savior.  Christ tells us:

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."  John 6:27-29

The Soldier

 

Happy Easter 2009

 

 

 

Easter a time of celebration and thanksgiving for our resurrected savior.    And yet that first Easter was one of confusion and fear for Jesus' early follower.  Three days earlier Jesus was handed over to soldiers who with sickening ruthlessness tortured Jesus.

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.   Matthew 27:27-31

The same group of soldiers who had tortured Jesus were responsible to carryout his execution.  Nailing him to the cross, the soldiers settled back considering their job complete, waiting for Jesus to die.

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:50-54

These battle harden soldiers' realization that they had killed the Son of God struck terror in their hearts.  It is likely that these miraculous signs would have convinced many Jesus was the Son of God.  With all of this happening, we find that Jesus' disciples were in hiding, afraid that the Jewish leaders would be coming after then.

I've heard some speakers make disparaging remarks about the disciples and their lack of faith.  Quite frankly, I am willing to cut them some slack.  After all, Matthew 28:11-15 tells that  when the guards who were watching over Jesus' tomb witnessed the miraculous opening of Jesus tomb and his resurrection, the chief priest chose to offer them bribes for hushing the story up and telling lies, rather than having the response of the soldiers and with remorse saying, "Surely he was the Son of God."  With that type of drive to maintain power and their current lifestyle, I wouldn't find it too far fetched that the disciples might be in danger.  But their fear soon turns to joy.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20

Thomas too may get some grief at times  from modern day Bible teachers & it is true that Jesus told him to stop doubting.  However I am not sure that Jesus was saying this to him in a condemning manner. After all, Jesus had shown the other disciples his hands and his side and Thomas seems to be asking for the same  confirmation.

 

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
      But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:24-29 

I have many favorite Bible verses and John 20:29 is at the top. "... blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."   Those who have believe even though Jesus has not appeared before us and shown us his wounds are blessed.  We are blessed for believing.

It is through the prompting of the Holy Spirit that we are led to Jesus, his salvation and ultimately reconciliation with God the Father.  Have you put your faith in Jesus?  if not I would encourage you to research for yourself what the Bible has to say about him.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus to you.

Jesus tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."  Matthew 7:7-8

Easter would be a great time to begin that search.

It's A Girl

 

Once again, I am pleased to report that I have been made a Granddad.  Our son & daughter-in-law have a new baby girl.  The birth of a child is such a miracle and this one was no exception.  In this case our little girl wanted to join the world much earlier than her development would permit.  Just prior to Christmas, our daughter-in-law was confined to her bed in hopes she could hold out as long as possible regarding the birth, giving our little granddaughter as much chance as possible to survive in the outside world.  This wasn't the first time our family had experience the threat of a child being born to early.  Our grandson [post It's A Boy] joined this world two month's earlier than his due date and friends and family rallied around to pray for his health.  The Lord has blessed him with robust health.  Just as with our grandson, friends and family linked together to pray for a healthy and safe delivery.  Little did we know that our granddaughter would make it full term growing to 8 Lbs 5ozs and a length of 19 & 3/4 inches.

Our Lord takes an interest in children.  In Mark 10:14-16 we read of Jesus' love for the children.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

We are thankful to the Lord for the blessing of life he has granted our granddaughter and we're very thankful for the prayer support of our friends and family.

Looking For a Good Building Site

 

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."  Luke 6:46-49                                                               Stained Glass Cathedral of the Rockies

I came across the most recent American Religion Identification Survey (ARIS) conducted by Trinity College.  The survey outlines shifts in denominational numbers and highlights an increase in those Americans that identify themselves as "Born-Again" [Born Again defined] or "Evangelical".  Another category that increased was the listing of "None" in terms of religious identification.  I want to state that I do not believe church affiliation or membership is the key to reconciliation with God.  Jesus tells us:

...  "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. " John 14:6

Rather, church is place of learning and a place of worship.  Jesus set the example by teaching in the churches of his region. 

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Luke 4:14-15

And Jesus said of himself:

I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret."

With all of that said, I can't help but wonder if those who aligned themselves with the "None" category lack faith in Christ and a relationship with him.  It's a sad thought that his love, joy & salvation could be missing from their lives.  I had a friend that I lost to cancer.  During the time of chemotherapy and her fight with the disease, she would tell me, "I can't image trying to go through this without God in my life. I can't fathom how they can go it a lone."  She told me that she wasn't afraid to die, but that while she was here she would fight.

What box you would mark on the ARIS survey form is not important.  What is important is you're relationship with Christ.  Is he in your life?  Do you rely on him as your savior? Is he your way, your truth your life? Is he your connection to God? Are you one of those people who as my friend described, are going it alone?  It doesn't have to be that way, you can have that relationship with Christ, simply by asking him for it.

One Of Those Weeks

 

Man, it's been one of those weeks. We've all had them, a week where seemingly a thousand things pile on top of us apply the pressure.  This week was one of those weeks.   A couple of the projects at work that are a part of my program are coming in late.  This is definitely frowned upon.  Other things seem to have crept in as well to keep the stress level up.  So many times, I completely forget to bring these stressing things to the Lord and in fact this was one of those times. It wasn't until I was reading someone's personal web journal and he was talking about how he was relying on the Lord to help him with some of the circumstances in his life that I realized I'd left the Lord completely out of my stressful situations.

With that I mind I went to my favorite Bible web site and did a search on stress.   This verse came up and I must say it spoke volumes to me.

Your justice is eternal, 
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, 
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right; 
help me to understand them so I may live.  Psalm 119:142-144 (NLT)

But what does the bit about "I find joy in your commands" mean?  Should I delight in the thou shalts and thou shalt nots or is there something more?  Certainly if we were able to live our lives by the Ten Commandments, we'd be a happier lot.    However the Lord shares with  us the Greatest Command:

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 

Is this something we can do naturally? Can we love others as we love ourselves?  Our world is described as dog eat dog, buyer beware, look out for number one.  I would assert that this is not a natural tendency, but something we can strive towards through prayer and studying God's word.  Through the power of God, we can find joy and melt the stress away.

The Night Sky

 

 

Man has always been in awe of the stars of the night sky.  Glowing orbs of red blue and white drawing our eyes upward causing us to contemplate how did this all come to be? What great power put this all in place?

The Hubble Space Telescope has brought the universe much closer and when I see some of the photos, I can't help but wonder about the Almighty God, maker of the heavens and the earth.  The great being, who created these magnificent stars knows my name, cares about me, & wants to have a relationship with me.  This is not due to any thing I am or have done but quite the opposite, which adds even more to the great mystery of why he cares for me. The Psalmist writes:

 

When I consider your heavens,
       the work of your fingers,
       the moon and the stars,
       which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,
       the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings 
       and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5

I have to ask, "Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name."

God's desire to commune with mankind is not limited to me but to all people of the earth.  He gave his only Son so that we could be reconciled to him and have that relationship he desires so much.  All we need to do is take that first step towards God by accepting his Son's gift of salvation, to begin our lifelong relationship with him.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

Sanctuary

 

 

	Christ Chapel, formerly known as Saint Michael's built September 1,1866

St. John's Cathedral dedicated in 1921 designed in the Romanesque style, using the German cathedral of Mainz as a model	St. Michael's Cathedral dedicated May 25, 1902 built in the English Gothic style
Cathedral of The Rockies dedicated December 18, 1960, built in the Gothic style.	First Baptist Church
Central Christian Church	The Swedish Lutheran Church of the Augustana Synod built in the Gothic style and dedicated September 22, 1915

Boise was incorporated as a city in 1864.  Two years later the little pioneering community had dedicated their first church.   Most of the older churches shown in the above photos are located in the historic district know as the North End where I spent my early childhood years.  There's something about just the sight of a church that brings a sense of peace to me.  Even the little church ornaments we've purchased for our Christmas tree bring about a peaceful feeling.  I've wondered why that would be since really churches are buildings made of brick, stone, or wood and really have not means of providing comfort on their own. 

After giving this some thought, I think this might be the possible answer.  I think that it's not the church but the God to which the church is dedicated that brings peace to me.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

The scriptures tell us that it is Christ that provides this peace for us and I am extremely thankful for Christ's provisioning  peace.  It has been at some of the most devastating times of my life that I fled to one of these  churches and called out to God for his comfort.  Of course we can call to God from anywhere and anytime. It's doesn't have to be just from a church.  But for me during those times of crisis, the silence of the church & the crosses, windows and other items help me to focus and remind me of the greatness of God who can restore that peace to me when I cannot focus on God completely on my own.

But the scriptures don't only describe the peace and comfort Christ provides us here on earth during our times of trouble.  The scriptures speak of the peace of reconciliation Christ has provided us through the great sacrifice he made for us.  The peace that knowing regardless of all my short comings both in my past and the falls that will likely plague my future, I have that unshakeable promise from Christ that he will never leave me and that I am sealed with the Holy Spirit until the time when I will be with him in Heaven.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14