It's A Miracle!

This is the season for miracles. But my wife and I never thought we would witness one in our own house.

Our local weatherman said we were going to have an ice storm Wednesday night and into Thursday. Umm, well, he was right. And what a storm! We lost five of our trees, two of them falling on our carport, and crushing it.

We lost power on Thursday about noon. Right in the middle of my wife baking some of her apricot bread, our favorite. She was really upset about that. Me too. It's delicious.

It was a long day of cutting up fallen trees, one of which spanned the entire road in front of our house. I even had to use the snow shovel to remove all the ice from the roadway.

We had two of our neighbors stop and offer to help. That was really nice, and I told them so, but I was just about done and they drove off.

The power came on at 4:00. I'm happy to say that our new generator worked perfectly (Generac 2000 if you're looking for a good portable).

Now, here's the miracle. After all of our unexpected work at damage control, my wife opened the oven to remove het half-baked bread.

"It looks done!" she exclaimed. "How is that possible? We had no power."

She cut open the loaf to make sure it was done, and it was! Then she cut us each a slice, we buttered it and ate it. It was, indeed, perfect.

"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread." - Psalm 37:25

It's Your Breath

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." - Genesis 2:7

When I was a young boy (aged 9-10) our family lived on a sheep farm. Early one morning my dad took me over to my grandpa's barn. It was dark outside, but not in the basement of the barn. My grandpa was already down there working. It was lambing season!

Have you ever witnessed a birth; human or animal? The whole process is quite amazing, and definitely a God thing. Here's a young life. It's heart is beating, but it is not actually breathing until it exits it's mother's womb. Not until that moment did it ever breathe one single breath.

I'm no medical expert but WHY do we all start breathing at that very same moment? And, now that I think about it, I've heard of women giving birth where the baby comes out under water. Here's an explanation.

But think about it. How did this whole process ever begin in the first place? It's definitely a God thing in MY mind. I would even go so far as to call it a miracle.

Why, suddenly at birth, do we breathe? What causes us to do that? If we go back to Adam and Eve, neither of them were born. Both were created - Adam using dust and Eve using one of Adam's ribs.

Then the first baby was born - Cain. Cain had the very first belly button. He was also the first baby to take his first breath after exiting the womb.

These things are all too amazing for us to understand. But we believe they happen because they DO happen. Miracles DO happen! We are LIVING proof! Let us praise God for the miracle of His creation! And thank Him, for without His creation, where would WE be?

Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters

12 Years of Age

This past week was Vacation Bible School at our church. The daily fun and teaching is all over now, but not the lessons learned, by the kids, AND by the adults.

If you are a regular reader of these stories, you would have read about a girl named Kortney. She's the one who had a heart and double lung transplant. When I first met Kortney, she was 12 years old. The same age as our oldest kids in VBS.

When the surgeons removed Kortney's heart and lungs, she was literally dead, even if it was only for a moment. But then they installed the donor's heart and lungs and got them working, she came back to life!

I told the kids how God gives gifts to us and enables us to do some pretty amazing things sometimes - like Kortney's surgeons did for her. "That's a Wonder!" as we' said about Jesus in VBS this year.

As I told Kortney's story, they ALL were listening very intently. As I showed them her picture, I examined their faces. They were not only hearing the message, but they were also receiving it. And here's why. Part of the VBS teaching that day. Jesus did even MORE amazing things than Kortney's doctors did.

"While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement." - Mark 5:35-42

Children like to have fun and goof around. That's a given. But as teachers, it's our job to get them to listen. And, if at all possible, to get them to think. It's one thing to hear a story from the Bible. It's another thing to hear about the same thing happening to someone in real life. 'It hits different' as they say.

That's why our own testimony about how Jesus changed OUR lives is so important. Because is really happened to US, no one can argue against it.

How did God change you?

The Invisible Things

God created invisible things, like the sniper in this picture. Can you see him? Better hurry. There's a red dot on your chest. Woops! Too late. You're dead.

That's just one example of something that seems invisible, but it's really there. In case you were wondering, left center, between the two trees, lying down, pointing his rifle at you.

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible." - Colossians 1:15-16

Invisible things. Think about it. There are all kinds of invisible things that God has made. God Himself is invisible. The air we breathe, and our very souls are invisible. Love is invisible. Our thoughts, our desires. God really does create invisible things!

"When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." - 2 Kings 6 15-18

Last time, I wrote about the Biblical 'paradise' really being a garden or park. Whatever happened to the Garden of Eden anyway? Is it still there, only made by invisible by an all-powerful God? I don't know. And where did those Chariots of Fire come from anyway? They were invisible one second, the next, they were surrounding everybody.

The picture above is of a sniper demonstrating invisibility. He is literally unseeable, until he moves. Unless you know where to look. And that camo was something that MAN has made. God's invisible things are REALLY invisible!

God has sure done some pretty amazing things. He created the entire universe, parted the Red Sea, flooded the entire plant, stopped the Jordan river from flowing, AND He changes people's hearts with just a thought. He made an entire army of chariots and horses invisible!

Maybe we should just leave it at that and praise the God who loves us and created us for His ultimate glory. Amen?

The Power of Invisibility

Inmortal Invisible God Only Wise - Steve Green

Nothing Else Matters

Nothing catches your attention like a little Metallica at your granddaughter's first dance recital but that's exactly what happened yesterday.

My wife and I were sitting there watching all these little girls dancing around, and then I was hearing . . . Metallica? Nothing Else Matters. What?

So, now I've got these words on repeat, running through my brain.

"Nothing else matters, nothing else matters,"

That's when another young lady took the stage, and another song found its way into my already overloaded brain. This one was a Christian song whose catch phrase was "Light of The World." Great! Now I've got TWO songs bouncing around in my head! Or is it just ONE song?

The words of BOTH songs kept repeating over and over again. Next thing I knew the songs in my head blended into one.

The Light of The World - Nothing Else Matters.

Well, that's certainly true. I wonder if the lyrics might contain any more inspiration. From Metallica:

Trust I seek and I find in you

Every day for us something new

Open mind for a different view

And nothing else matters

Seeking someone to trust in this world can be a difficult task. There is only one place to place our trust and hope, and that's Jesus. The trust I seek I find in You, Lord.

"I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:2

The worldview most people have these days does not contain God. It is a secular world view. But if we open our minds to a different view - a Biblical worldview - then we can find it truly is the only view that makes any sense. Nothing else matters. Then the next song from Lauren Daigle:

The world waits for a miracle

The heart longs for a little bit of hope

Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel

This is a time of miracles alright. A baby born in a manger, He came to save the world. A virgin birth, God coming to earth as a man, miracle after miracle for us to see and still so many do not believe.

"Even after Jesus had performed so many signs and miracles in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39For this reason they could not believe." - John 12:37-39

The message I received in these two songs is a perfect one, especially during this time of year.

The Light of The World (Jesus) is worthy of our trust. He never lies, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Won't you let Him perform a miracle in your heart? Let Him give you the hope that you seek. Considering the world we live in today, could placing our trust in Jesus cure the sad feelings in our hearts? Pray this prayer with me:

Heavenly Father, I am so sick of this world. I place my trust in You, and You alone. I pray that You Lord would perform a miracle in me. Change my heart. This world holds nothing for me anymore. You are the Light of the world! I place my trust in You and You alone. Lord, nothing else matters . . . but You. Amen.

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica

Light of The World - Lauren Daigle

The Miracles of God

As we approach Easter, the celebration of God's raising Jesus from the dead, it seems like a fitting time to reflect on God and His performing miracles in people's lives.

A few weeks ago I wrote a story about meeting a friend of mine on a rural road near our house. The story was about my friend's battle with cancer and his dealing with the terminal nature of his brain tumor.

To briefly recap, his doctors had given him a few months to live. He had already contacted people about serving as pall bearers at his funeral. The end was pretty much in site, Then this Facebook post last night . . .

"Hey guys, I got the results of my MRI..."

Then this these.

"I'm CURED through Christ!"

"They are amazed. Like it never happened."

And then this.

"It's a miracle from God"

And that it is!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

King Hezekiah was told that his life would soon be coming to an end. Hezekiah prayed and wept. God heard his prayer and extended Hezekiah's life. A miracle! A gift from God!!

"In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’ ”

2Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, 3and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, 5“Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. 6I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.” - Isaiah 38:1-6

Some people mock Christians for our faith. but look at my friend Paul, suddenly cancer free. We pray, we seek help from a great God who saves. Some people "trust in the science." They trust their doctors. But as for me and my Christian brothers and sisters, we trust in the Lord!

Lord, we thank you and praise you for hearing our prayers. There is NO ONE like You!!

Our God - Chris Tomlin

Open Our Eyes

Sitting in the park on Mackinac Island, my wife and I were eating our lunch. We love to people watch and that's just what we were doing. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping their way to some destination, bicyclists doing the same . . . at three or four times the horses speed.

Pedestrians were everywhere, walking both sides of the street and crossing the street. For such a small little town that doesn't allow motorized vehicles, there sure was a lot of traffic!

Just as I was taking my last bite of Doud's pizza, I noticed a couple crossing the street, arm in arm. One was talking in a rather animated way while the other swung a long, white cane back and forth in front of his feet. He was blind.

That got me to thinking. What would it be like to have never seen anything? My socks would never match. I would not be able to have the job that I do. I couldn't see the face of my grandson, or my kids, or my wife.

Of course there are some benefits as well. I could no longer see any political ads. Facebook would be useless. There would be no scantily-clad women to see on television anymore, no need for window washers, I'd save thousands on gas for my car. Heck, I could SELL my car!

But then I thought about all of the people who don't believe in God. They are spiritually blind. I was that way myself 11 years ago. Blinded to the fact that God is real.

I had no interest in knowing God because he wasn't real to me. Just some fairy tale mythical creature in an old story from my childhood Sunday School.

One thing I have had to deal with after coming to believe is the knowledge that God does not call everybody to His kingdom. He wishes that none would perish but also knows that some will. And some of those people we will know and love.

I have had the pleasure of being blind, spiritually, and then coming to see. It is a wonderful thing! But until you have faith in God it will never happen to you.

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

³ “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

⁶ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ⁷ “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

⁸ His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” ⁹ Some claimed that he was.

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

¹⁰ “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

¹¹ He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” - John 9:1-11

I think I could handle being blind. I could adjust to a different way of life. But I don't think I could live a life without Jesus. Knowing what I know now, having once been blind only to have my eyes opened, I would have surely perished. But faith in Christ changes that. The gift of eternal life is offered to everyone. Jesus died for everyone.

Open our eyes, Lord. Make us see.

And Now My Lifesong Sings - Casting Crowns

It's Not Me, It's You!

We all walk through this world, viewing things from our own eyes. We watch others react TO us and WITH us as if we are the main players in a movie, and to some extent we are. We are in every scene. Our eyes are the camera lens through which we see everything. If we are not careful we can find ourselves in the lead role. And that's a bad thing.

I have seen much in my 63 years of existence on this planet. Much of what I have seen has saddened me. Other things have brought me great joy. Marrying my wife, the births of our children, the view from a mountaintop, and seeing a bald eagle fly close by and look directly at me. All these things could be viewed as scenes in a movie - starring ME!

God is very good at humbling us when we need it. I thought I had done a pretty good job of making sure that GOD was the star of MY movie but this past week God reminded me once again that HE is the star. HE writes the scripts. HE casts the players and HE makes things happen all on HIS timetable, not mine.

I received a message this week from a young adult friend of mine saying simply, "I think I'm ready." That could mean almost anything. However, previous conversations and prayers made me hopeful that this young soul was about ready to give her life to Jesus.

I did all the right Christian things to get ready. I began to pray. I enlisted others to pray. I literally had five people praying for this person. I invited her to church and then out to lunch afterwards where I assumed we would be talking about Jesus. I was all ready to go!

Take a look at the first word in each of the sentences in the last paragraph. I-I-I-I-I-I. At that point "I" still had no clue that "I" was in the process of learning a very important lesson. No clue whatsoever.

The conversation that day with my young friend went nowhere. Jesus came up a few times in the conversation but things didn't turn out the way I had planned. We talked about how we must take a leap of faith sometimes and trust in God to catch us. But the day, and the conversation, just left me feeling empty somehow. Like I had failed God.

Meanwhile . . . everyone one who had been praying for my friend continued to do so. They didn't know my friend. They had never met her. Yet they prayed for her to receive Christ.

Four days later . . . when God felt like enough time had elapsed so I could properly see who was in control . . . I received the following message from my young friend.

"Good morning! Still thinking about that leap-of-faith talk we had."

That's when things became clear in my mind about the lesson God wanted me to learn. That's why I named this story what I did.

It's not me, it's You, God. It always has been You.

^"30 He must become greater; I must become less.” ³¹ The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all." - John 3:30-31

Father, please forgive me. I have walked through this life you have given me thinking there was something I could do to bring people to you. I have come to realize through this lesson you have taught me that it's not me who works miracles through some spoken word or persuasive speech. It's YOU, Lord! It's not me who baptizes, it's you! It's not us praying some sinner's prayer. No! It's YOU!!! You are the giver of life, You raise the dead back to life. Our goal should not be righteous works, it should be abiding in You. If we abide in you, Your work will happen in and through us. Lord, it's not me, it's You!!

Rethinking Outreach - Francis Chan

We Need A Miracle

Maybe you've seen them - visual representations of our lives in the world around us. Examples in nature or in our surroundings that teach us things. They might show us the correct decisions to make or they might teach us something about ourselves. Here's an example of what I'm trying to get at.

You're driving down the road. Some people are going the same direction as you. Others are going in the opposite direction. As long as everybody stays in their lane the world is fine. But when someone crosses the center-line into YOUR lane, there's bound to be trouble. This is a perfect example of conflict in our world views.

The political right has certain opinions about what is right and what is wrong. So does the political left. One side's views often contradicts the view of those on the other side. When the two get together there is often disagreement and conflict. It seems as if we need a miracle for anything to get done in Washington D.C.

But conflict can arise even amongst those with similar goals in mind. A lamb walks through a field of grass. It's sole desire is to eat. A lion watches from the under brush. It desires the same thing - to eat. They both have the same goal in mind, the same desire. But conflict soon arises when one desires to eat the other. The lamb needs a miracle in its life. And so do we.

You and I walk through this world we live in. Each of us has our beliefs. What happens when we encounter someone with differing beliefs? There is disagreement at best, conflict - more likely. Have you been disagreed with because of your beliefs? Did you feel defensive? Did your view of the other person change?

ISIS chops off the heads of those it encounters who don't believe as they do. What do we Christians do? We pray. Prayer contains more power than we're ever know.

When King Hezekiah and the Jewish people were surrounded by the Assyrians, the king prayed a prayer. Surrounded by a mighty army, they had no chance. They needed a miracle. God heard and answered Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah.

32 “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”

35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. 37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place." - 2 Kings 19:32-37

When faced with a trial that seems too large to bear, I have heard many people say, "Well, I guess all we can do is pray." My friends, prayer is the FIRST and BEST thing we can possibly do!

This country needs a miracle if it is ever to turn itself around and get right with The Lord. Just like King Hezekiah, we need to pray, our leaders need to pray. This country has turned its back on God and on Israel. History has recorded what happens to people and nations who do that. Let us pray to the Lord for mercy and help.

God's Word is "Sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) and our God is mightier and stronger than ANY other would be god. Let us pray to the Lord.

"God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[b] help in trouble.
2
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress." - Psalm 46:1-7

The Lord God A;mighty reigns!!

Shout To The Lord - Darlene Zschech (plus Agnes Dei) with Michael W. Smith

Behold! His Mighty Hand

Do you remember in The Ten Commandments movie, when God parted the Red Sea? Wow!! What a sight that must have been! How could a nation such as Israel ever turn away from a God who did such a thing to save His people? Yet they did.

These days God works more quietly than in the days of old, but He is still in the business of saving people.

The times I usually see God at work are shortly after I have done something I thought was noteworthy. Then, something else happens that tops what I had just done, by a ton. God never passes up an opportunity to teach me a lesson. And I am glad. :)

I was talking with a young friend of mine, telling her about my failings as a father before I had placed my faith and hope in Jesus. I had shirked my responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go and, when he is old, he will not part from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Neither of my kids was a believer after college, following the sad example their father had set.

How I craved a second chance. How I kicked myself for not coming to faith in Jesus before I did. But I eventually came to believe, and God placed me in a youth group at my church. Suddenly God had provided me with dozens of kids to train up. Plus, both of my kids now attend church. That's WAY better than parting the Red Sea in this dad's opinion.

What miracle has God wrought in YOUR life? Have you beheld His mighty hand? He is always working. Sometimes in major ways, but most of the time quietly and subtly, with little or no notice.

This world, this country, is in need of a Godly miracle. I think if we approach His Holy Ground with our sandals off in repentance and humility, He will heal our land . . . if we pray.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Behold His Mighty Hand" - Moses

Do You Have A Family Like Mine?

After being away from home the past two weekends it sure was good to be back to worship at my home church. The guy I usually sit next to, Robbie, greeted me warmly, saying he was concerned that I was sick because I hadn't been there the past few Sunday's.

When I got home after church my wife asked me how the service was. I related the story of Robbie's concern to her to which she replied, "No one asked me where I had been these past two Sundays." And that is exactly the problem the many churches today. They are not . . . a family.

My wife belongs to a different church than me. Theological differences and the importance of "tradition" keep us from worshiping together. Her church is much larger than mine, filled with tradition, liturgy, robes and a pipe organ. The church I attend is much smaller, has no liturgy or tradition and the worship team is composed of two grey-haired gentlemen with guitars. But that's the beauty of the church I attend. It's simple, it's humble, and it's . . . a family.

Big churches are okay I guess but I prefer small ones. They're more family like. In bigger churches it's hard to feel like part of the family when you have 1000 or more brothers and sisters. Still, even though the early church was small, God added to their number daily and it grew quite large.

Small groups might seem like the answer - smaller size, more intimate relationships - but the accuracy of scriptural knowledge and theological discussions are dependent upon the most educated person in the bunch. Sometimes that's a drawback.

What make a church family a family? Well, the first thing is the Holy Spirit. He is that common thread that binds us together. Our mutual faith in God is another thing. When we believe the same things it is very easy to get along . . . just like family.

My earthly family is great but we do not always agree with one another, theologically speaking, That is not the case with my church family. We all love Jesus, we all believe He is the Son of the Living God. He was crucified, died and was buried but then on the third day He rose from the grave and walked among His "family."

Family is a precious thing. It is a gift that is given from God, but it can sometimes be lost. When we lose a family member it is always a difficult thing to go through. But family helps. Family helps us get through.

The Easter season is upon us or, as my church likes to call it, Resurrection Sunday. Have you come to know Jesus yet? All will get to meet Him one day. Some will be happy to do so. Others will not be as joyous. How amazing would it be if entire families were called to be a part of God's eternal family.

We all have a choice. Has God called you to be part of His family?? Is He knocking on your door?

"20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” - Revelation 3:20-22

Lauren Scruggs - I Am Second

Only You

Have you ever had something happen in your life that could ONLY have been "of GOD"? Something that only God could have done or arranged? I bet if you stopped and though about it, we could ALL come up with something like that.

Many instances of God at work in our lives go unnoticed. Maybe you're running late getting to school or work and you come upon the scene of an accident. We often drive right by without thinking that, "That could have been me if I was running on time."

We don't tend to think about stuff like that because nothing really happened. But what about the things that DO happen? The life changing events in our lives . . . are they really of God? Do we say, "Only You, God" in our prayers of thanks?

When Israel was fleeing the Egyptians (Exodus 14) and Moses raised up his staff towards the Red Sea, did the people really think that Moses did that? No! Only God could have done something like that! Only God could have delivered His people in such a way by separating the waters of a sea to create a walking path!

Still not all "miracles" are of God. That parking spot we found right by the entrance to the mall on Black Friday is probably just random chance. The Packers kicking a game-winning field goal with time running out is probably not "an act of God." Those things COULD be examples of God intervening in our lives, but probably not.

I am planning a building project when I retired. It's a rather ambitious project and I have had my doubts about whether or not I can accomplish it and if my idea is "of God." The idea is to build homes for the homeless. Specifically teens, young adults and veterans - ANYBODY in need. That is rather an ambitious project for someone with marginal ability and finances. But in the past few months, as I have told people about this idea, I have been amazed at their willingness to help. For free!!

A structural engineer, a plumbing designer, an architect, a cabinet maker - all have signed on as willing members of this "miracle" team. I have also seen the need in the lives of several acquaintances of mine who could benefit from this program. Example after example of people who could use a safe place to stay. Hmm. But there is one example that stands out among all the rest.

I got a call from a local pastor, requesting that we meet. He told me he represented a group of 20-30 men and women who "felt led" to do something for our area's displaced (homeless) teens but had no idea what to do. Uh . . .

When I told this pastor my ideas about a building / mentoring program, he began taking notes. After I had finished my brief description of what I was planning he said, "That's odd. You are planning a rather ambitious building project. Half of the men in the group I represent . . . are builders."

In my opinion, only God could arrange something like that!

When we meet challenges in our lives, or obstacles, seemingly to large to overcome, do we give up quickly on them or not even attempt them because they are simply "too big"? NOTHING is "too big" for God. It is our faith that is too small!

"14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:14-20

I think God does things in our lives for a reason . . . a purpose. And I also believe that, when He does them, He will do them in such a way that will leave us KNOWING that ONLY GOD could have done something like that. GOD will get the glory, not us. And that's the way things SHOULD be.

How is your faith? How strong is your belief that God can do ANYTHING? We must believe and not doubt. I have seen many things happen in my own life that are examples of "divine intervention" but still I doubt. Where is MY faith? Where is MY trust in God that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13)? I tend to fall short in my faith and trust. My prayer is that my strength in those areas of my faith life might increase.

May I have more faith and trust in You, Lord. May my faith be capable of moving mountains, not because I can move them, but because I KNOW that ONLY YOU can.

Only You - The Platters (1955)

Queen Anne's Lace

One of the reasons I enjoy taking long walks out in God's creation so much is that I get to see and appreciate the many things He has made. Birds, animals, trees, rivers, lakes, clouds, the list is endless. There are SO many things that God has made for us to enjoy!

But God doesn't stop there. He provides for us in many other ways too, beyond the things we see around us each day. Some of God's provisions we cannot see at all. The air that we breathe, the smells and aromas. Even things that haven't been discovered yet are out there, each with an incredible story to tell about God and His incredible provision.

Today I would like to talk with you about a common plant. You can find it growing in fields and along roadsides. Most people would call it a common weed but I call it a miracle - an incredible,  miraculous provision from God. Queen Anne's lace.


Queen Anne's lace also goes by other names. Wild carrot is one. The root of this miracle plant is edible. It's closely related to the carrot. As a matter of fact, if you planted carrots in your garden this year, try this interesting demonstration. Leave a carrot in your garden over the winter. Guess what will come up in the spring? That's right! Queen Anne's lace!

There many other things this amazing plant is used for. Here's a list:

Queen Anne's lace is an analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-schizophrenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-flu, antihistamine and antioxidant. It also appears that is may be useful in helping to treat Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, digestive issues, Parkinson’s disease, infertility, cancer and diabetes. Wow!

God put all those things into this one plant! All we had to do was discover it's uses. But as amazing as all that is, there is STILL one more thing this plant does. Some may disagree but I this Queen Anne's lace proves creation over evolution.

Look at a close-up of it's big, white flower. What do you see?

Yup. A purple flower within the flower itself. The entire flower is white. Why this one single purple flower in the midst of the rest. What is the evolutionary purpose of the purple pedals? There is none. It is easier for me to believe this was created for a reason. And just staring at it now, I think I figured it out.

"After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.



Jasper and Carnelian (symbolic of blood)

 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.

Go back up and look at the purple flower surrounded by all the white ones. Jesus on His throne in heaven? If people want to think this flower evolved from some ocean somewhere, that's up to them. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

One more verse before I close . . .

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they existed and were created.” - Revelation 4:11


The Marvels of Queen Anne's Lace

Listen To What He Says

I was in a Bible study once where our assignment was to read a passage of scripture over and over again, refining it each time. Whittling it down to see if we could discern the basic message God wanted us to hear.

The text I chose was Jesus at the wedding in Cana. Let's read it together.

"On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." - John 2:1-11

The things that popped out at me from this text are these:

"On the third day . . ." - Jesus in the New Testament and God in the Old Testament did many things on "the third day," most notably of which was when Jesus was raised from the dead. And speaking or miracles . . .

"My hour has not yet come." - Jesus was speaking of His crucifixion and overcoming death - the REAL miracle! Not this silly water-into-wine stuff.

The part of this text that really spoke to me though was not actually spoken by Jesus. It was said by his mother, Mary.

“Do whatever he tells you.”

Yes, Jesus performed a miracle that day. Yes, it was a foreshadowing of when Jesus' blood would be poured out for the master of the feast. But what really caught my att3ention that particular day was "Do whatever He says."

If you follow the commands of Jesus we will demonstrate our love for Him. We might have particular ideas and thoughts of our own, but if they do not match those of our Savior, they are simply not worth our time. If we follow the commands of Jesus He will work yet another miracle . . in us! Jesus can take a lowly sin-filled human being and turn that person into a holy and righteous individual. We become sinless in the eyes of God simply by our faith in His Son. Have YOU been turned into wine yet?

To close, I found this piece of Old Testament scripture in my reading the other day. Interesting foretaste of things to come.

"20 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. 21 Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.

22 “But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." - Exodus 23:20-22
Our God - Chris Tomlin

Creation

I haven't eaten at McDonald's for years. My absence from their counter is due to many things but one of them is actor/comedian, Steve Martin. He had a theory that everything McDonald's "created" came out of one giant machine in the back room - cheeseburgers, shakes, cardboard boxes, nerds at the counter, everything. Slightly funny but somehow his words had a hint of truth to them, at least for me. When I used to eat there though, I often had me a Filet-O-Fish sandwich! Fish. Yummm. :)

So, what does a fish sandwich have to do with a blog post about creation? Read on, Ronald McDonald.

I was listening to a Christian radio talk show this past week (Stand Up For The Truth) and I heard something that really made me think. The host and his guest were discussing creationism. They were going through the Old Testament account of creation found in the book of Genesis.

That was good but I have already heard all the arguments about creation vs evolution. I have chosen to believe everything that is written in the Bible. Oh, but I still believe in the Big Bang theory ;) . . . as written on a bumper sticker I saw once . . . "I believe in the Big Bang Theory. God created the universe. BANG!" Funny. Anyway, let's get back to the radio show about the evidence for creation side of things.

The guest said he learned something new about creation and God by reading a NEW Testament story - the feeding of the 5000. Evidence of creation in the New Testament? See if you can find it. Here's the story from the Book of Matthew.

"When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children." - Matthew 14:13-21

Think about what had just happened for a moment. You have just read a story of creation . . . on a smaller scale than the creation of the universe to be sure, but think about what Jesus did there. Hmm, I wonder how those who were present that day reacted when they witnessed "creation" occurring in their very presence.They actually saw Jesus create enough fish and bread to feed 5,000 men PLUS all their women and children. God created, right before their eyes!

I wonder how evolutionists could explain THAT story. I mean, according to evolution, wouldn't Jesus have to find a single-celled organism, toss it into a pool of "ooze" and then tell everyone to wait a few a gazillion years? But Jesus didn't do that. He created fully-grown, adult fish and hundreds of loaves of baked bread, without a net, without an oven. BANG! Right there on the spot!

It was late, Jesus, the disciples and the townspeople had all experienced a long day of travel - some by boat, others by foot. Yet Jesus healed ALL of their sick, and then he CREATED enough food to feed them all to eat! And Jesus just did it, easily, after a long day, by giving thanks to God and breaking bread.

After reading that story, I don't know about you but I am rather impressed. No wonder all the people were bringing their sick to be healed. Jesus healed . . . and then he fed them! He provided for their every need. Amazing!

Why then do we have so much trouble believing that God created everything? Why are there all these "theories" trying to explain everything from creation to the flood to Jonah living three days in the belly of a whale? Why can't we be satisfied knowing that God has the power to do ALL these things? He IS God after all!!

I think it's because we humans keep trying to explain the seemingly impossible actions of an incomprehensible God. We get frustrated trying to understand God on our terms, human terms, when the fact is, God is way, WAY beyond our own understanding. God must be shaking His head at our silly little theories and ideas.

Even Moses, when he was talking with God on Mount Sinai, even HE tried describing God in human terms. Moses wanted to know God's name. After all, us humans ALL have names, God should too, right? And what did God say?

"I am who I am." (Exodus 3:14). God has no name, He simply . . . is.

And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day." - Genesis 1:20-23

We humans always have to have an explanation, a reason, a purpose, for everything we do. It's our nature I guess. We have to understand everything, conquer everything, and justify everything that has been done throughout all of time. You know, all we REALLY need to do is to have faith and trust and belief in a God whose thoughts simply become reality.

Let us be content in the knowledge that God is God. There is no other. There is none like him. We are all unworthy to be in His presence. Yet, that is the very thing that God desires. He wants us to be with Him (like Adam & Eve in the garden of Eden). Despite our disobedience, God continues to love us. He loves us SO much that he sacrificed His one and only Son so that he could feed us "bread" (Jesus) and work a "miracle" in each of us (through His Holy Spirit). Rather than question and doubt, trying to do things on our own, let us embrace God for who He is and give Him thanks and praise.