Keeping in Step with the Holy Spirit

Keeping in Step
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Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

 

²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Pastor Jerry read from Galatians chapter 5, and the works of the flesh are obvious and there is a list that we all know; and the Fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.

Gleaning from Pastor’s sermon he gave an illustration of the first TV in his home as a child.  He remembered the cartoon character trying to make a choice to do right or wrong.  An angel sat on one shoulder and a devil on the other. 

He stated that he learned right from wrong from his parents and we probably did also.  In some cultures there are certain wrongs that we would not consider wrong. 

For example, whistling or laughter in certain places shows disrespect and is frowned upon.

If you ask the terrorist what is right and then ask the victim the same question, you will receive a different answer.

In the early church there was much arguing that the new Christians must obey the Jewish laws, especially circumcision.

Paul was not only a Jew, but he was a Pharisee and knew all the 600 or more Jewish laws.  After his amazing conversion, it was the Holy Spirit that taught Paul all about Grace and freedom.

Paul taught that it goes without saying, that to place bondage on the new Christians was wrong.  He stated that we are not to use our freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, to serve one another humbly in love.

As we manifest the nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, we will focus on our relationship first to God, then to our neighbor and also to our self.  Paul emphasized that on this law of LOVE hangs all the law.

Jesus Christ has set us free from false doctrine, but we are not free to participate in what ever we desire.  We are free from sin, not free to sin. 

We are free to serve God and others. 

 

We are free to depend on the Holy Spirit

We as a Nation are celebrating July 4^th as our Independence Day.  Our Declaration of Independence declares: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,”

We can view that Freedom is being filtered into other nations. 

 

Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in Prison but it did not kill his spirit.  He challenged South Africa to move out of the Dark Ages and to treat all as equals.  He extended kindness and forgiveness even to those who had imprisoned him.  SA still has problems, but it has taken a giant step toward freedom.   

There is a always a constant working together for us all.

If we live by the Spirit, let us be led by the Spirit.

In a marching band, it is wise to keep our eyes on the one in front and also those on either side. 

As Christians, may we always strive to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

This post is also Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

 

Why Did He Quit His Good Job?

I Quit
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I had misjudged the man.  I had only heard part of the story. 

Of course he and his boss had words, and my friend ended up quitting his good job.

My thoughts were that my friend had a quick bad temper, and I figured he was foolish to give up a good job.  This was only one side of the story.

What I did not know was that our friend had vouched for his cousin and got him hired where he worked. 

All went well until his cousin decided to help himself to some money that he thought no one would notice.

Our friend was called on the carpet and blamed for recommending a thief to work in their establishment. 

 

Harsh words were exchanged, and our friend decided that it would be too embarrassing for him to stay on this job after what his cousin had done.  So he quit.

As time went by our friend got a better job that ended up in a lucrative career for him and his wife.  His cousin last we heard was still running from the law.

Isn’t it amazing when we only hear one side of a story we make our conclusions. 

That did teach me a lesson in judging, but sorry to say I have no doubt repeated being critical many times without knowing the whole story.

When it comes to serving God, and we try to outsmart Him with our excuses, - - He can see right through us and our pompous attitude and sad story he doesn’t even want to hear.

With God, there is only one side of the situation and his word is always, “humble your self, repent and walk in love toward others. 

About now we may need to give someone the benefit of the doubt.

 

Soda in The Pot Repost

This Story is a Chapter from my new Rescue the Stories Book Two.  Fed EX has picked up my shipment at the printers and my books will arrive at my home soon.

 

Black COFFEE
Courtesy photobucket.com

 Reading Helpful Hints has always intrigued me.  One tip that I discovered was to use baking soda to clean your coffee pot.  It also worked as an excellent cleanser in the coffee thermos bottle that my husband took with him to work each day.

One summer morning I put some soda into the thermos and let it soak for awhile before I rinsed it out.  Soon I continued the washing of the bottle and poured in the coffee for my husbands work. 

That particular morning, my husband Robert was taking the two teen age boys to work with him.  Our son, Steve and his young Uncle Doug were the same age and enjoyed being able to help on the job.

 

 

 

Returning from work that afternoon, Steve triumphantly marched into the kitchen and handed me the coffee thermos as he declared, “Dad did not drink his coffee today, and I am so glad, because I saw you put soda in it this morning.”

My face color drained to ashen as I realized that Steve had not seen the entire picture.  I carefully explained to him that I would NEVER pull a stunt like that as a joke, or to harm anyone especially not to his Dad. 

I wanted to make it clear that soda is to help clean the thermos and it is always rinsed out before the coffee goes in.  Then I carefully dumped the coffee into the sink, so Steve could see that there was only coffee in the thermos. 

The relief in his face was visible as he understood that all is not - - as it sometimes appears.

I was so thankful that Steve did not harbor this incident in his heart and believe the worst of his mother.  Instead he considered it wise to come to me and to clarify the facts.

This is a perfect example to always discover the entire story before relating to others what might prove to be only what we thought we saw.

There is an old quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin that says, “Believe none of what you hear - - and only half of what you see.”

The scriptures instruct us that our mortal eyes and ears cannot comprehend all that God has prepared for those who love Him.  

 

1Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.

Shared with Gail at T.G.I.F. and Bible Love notes
This is a beautiful blog hop with many great stories.

Also linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays  
A Recipe or a story about food is acceptable at Ann's site 

 

Praying for One Hour




Prayer - courtesy photobucket.com



 

Our Pastor had requested volunteers to sign up for an hour of prayer, so that our church would be praying every hour around the clock.  We were asked to commit for one week.

I was only a teenager, and my prayers were for the most part, over my food, and at night naming all my family for God to bless.

My friend Elizabeth, who was a couple years older then me, suggested that we split an hour and each pray for half an hour.  That sounded simple and reasonable to me, so I said “Yes, how about the seven to eight in the evening?” 

So it was that we signed up to pray for half an hour daily, for the entire week.

Seven O’clock came around and I retreated to my bedroom.  Setting my clock on my dresser, I began. 

Time passed, and I opened my eyes, because surely my half hour must be up!  NO only five minutes had gone by.  Wondering to myself, I questioned how was I ever going to be able to do this?

Enlarge my vision was the answer.  I began to pray for the President, for Congressmen, Senators, Governors, the local mayor, the police department and other governments. 

Protection for our missionaries and their ministry came into view; my own pastor and each Sunday school teacher, and the leaders in my church.  Then I began to pray for my school teachers  that they might have wisdom in teaching us. 

By tomorrow, I knew that I might need some actual names instead of a blanket prayer.

It took some doing, but by the end of that week, I had been faithful to the assignment.

I haven’t prayed for an entire hour for some time, but this is my daily practice.  I seek to Commune with God all during the day; zoning my thoughts on His word and presence.

As someone comes to mind, I shoot up a prayer for them.  Paul calls this praying without ceasing. 

 

If someone is facing surgery, I pray that the surgeon will have skillful hands and that healing will be quick and without any problems.

At night, I again lift up those, mentioning names and their needs.

I am reminded when Jesus said, “Could you not pray with me for one hour.”

There may yet be times that we will want to, and need to pick up this challenge and set aside an entire hour, or more for prayer.

My suggestion is that we do not get into bondage, and lay a guilt trip upon ourselves because we may not always pray one hour.   

 

Be at peace with God and with yourself.

 

This post is Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

and also shared at: Tell Me a Story

Deafening Sound of Silence

 

 

Sharing from my notes as Pastor Jerry ministered from I Kings 19:1-15 about the decline of Israel as they forsook God and worshipped other gods.  God caused there to be a draught and there was no water in the land.  The Prophet Elijah was sent to Ahab with a message that rain was on the way. 

Elijah ordered the prophets of Baal to build an altar to their God; and Elijah also built an altar to the true God.  He said to the people, the God who answers by fire is the one whom you should serve. 

After much dancing, cutting themselves, and chanting - - the priests of Baal gave up, because their god did not send the fire.

Elijah instructed his men to bring barrels of sea water and pour over his sacrifice.  He offered a simple prayer, and God sent fire burning up the sacrifice and also licked up all the water. 

 

Some thought Elijah may have abused his power, because he ordered all the priests of Baal to be gathered and slaughtered.

When wicked Jezebel, King Ahab’s wife heard the news about her prophets being slain, she was furious and vowed to kill Elijah.

By this time Elijah was extremely tired, and fear set in as he ran for his life.  He found shelter under the shade of a Broom tree.  Trying to relax he took a nap and before long he was twice awakened by an angel who offered him food for his journey. 

On  the strength of the Angel food he was able to travel for 40 days, until he reached Mt Horeb, and there he hid in a cave.  By this time he was really tired, weary and discouraged. 

God spoke and asked him why was he here?  Elijah began to enumerate all the good he had done, and all the self pity poured out, because he felt he was the only one left serving God.  The many “Why” questions came flowing out along with poor me.

In a voice soft as a whisper, God spoke and told him to go up upon the Mountain of God and he would show himself to Elijah. 

 

First there was a big wind, then an earthquake, then a fire, but God was not in any of those manifestations.  Then there was silence. 

In life we tend to get tired with all our busy activity, and we pile on the questions and jabber on talking and talking in our prayers.  God was asking Elijah to be still, and he often asks that of us - - so that we are free to listen.

We often complicate the matter.  We want an answer, and we want it now. 

Yes, God’s world needs healing.  We each need a personal awakening, and perhaps we also need to slow down, relax, and allow God to whisper to us.  God is there for what ever is our situation.

As we seek God’s guidance, we may have to settle down, find our own Broom tree, rest, be quiet and refreshed, and simply listen patiently. 
 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

This post is Also  Linked with Michelle’s

 Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Learn to Feed Yourself Repost

This story is a chapter from my soon to be self published, Rescue the Stories, Book Three, The Golden years.

Black Lab
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Have you ever done something that was so embarrassing that you certainly did not want to share it with your neighbors?  I am not speaking about doing something sinful but just something too silly to advertise!  I’ll get back to that thought in just a minute!

In the early days mothers did not have Gerber’s and other baby foods so they utilized unique methods to nourish their growing babies.  Often it was the grandmother who would first chew the baby’s food and then feed it to him.  As the child grew he would hopefully learn to feed himself.

I can remember many times as a child I did not want to eat what was put before me.  Mother would often play a little game called “Airplane” and the spoon would find its way to the “Airport.” 

 

The bottom line was that moms did whatever it took to keep their families healthy!  For the most part these days they still do.

Now - - - my embarrassing confession.  We have three spoiled dogs.  One is a pig by nature and eats every thing in sight including the dog food meant for the other two dogs. 

 

When I discovered what was happening, I decided to ensure that my 5-year-old Labrador received his own can of special food.  I took the spoon that I had used to scoop out the food and began to feed him by playing the game “Airplane.” 

You might say that this special attention became a favorite game with him and he doted on the spoiling.  Sadly it has come to the point that he will barely eat his dinner unless I feed him!! 

It occurred to me that many Christians enjoy the Word of God, but only after it has been chewed and spoon fed to them.  Others will not “eat” the Word of God, unless a game is played to stimulate their appetite. 

Justifiably for the children in Sunday school who are just beginning to learn to “feed” themselves certain methods of motivation and training are necessary. 

 

They need the Bible Stories and the lessons in down-to-earth everyday examples so they can understand what God is saying to them. 

 

Hopefully as they begin to read and study they will learn to nourish themselves.

I am not against devotional books and Christian magazines, as I enjoy several.  However they are not a substitute for the actual Bible which is God’s word to us. 

May I encourage you to dust off your Bible and begin today to read through the New Testament?  A chapter at a time is a good way to start.  Some study Bibles have “helps” to explain the scriptures.  The “helps” will suggest verses to follow along the same theme and the Holy Spirit is also right there to guide.  

When Christians become skilled at handling not just the milk of the Word, they will profit spiritually.  It will be like adding meat to the diet.  The good news is when you learn to feed yourself you will become spiritually healthy and fit just the way God planned. 

 

I Corinthians 3:2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays  

Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes

Teddy Bear Lost

Teddy Bear
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Teddy Bears are Fun, while some children cling to a favorite blanket, or other fun toy. 

In my opinion every child needs a fun doll or stuffed animal to cuddle and love. 

 

A teddy bear is perfect to fulfill this need for both boys and girls.

 

Somehow in the different moves from one apartment to another, through no fault of his own, our Uncle Doug had lost his Teddy Bear. 

I am not sure if he wanted another one or not, but a few years later I found an identical bear that matched his first one.  It became a Christmas gift to him.

He seemed to appreciate the gift and he placed it on his bed.

There was another teddy bear that did not fare so well.  A child of a dear friend received a similar bear, one Christmas from us. 

While her mother was having a new baby, she came to stay with us for a few days. 

She offered the subject, and said she wished she had a Teddy Bear.  I suggested that she already had one and why did she need another one?

“Oh no,” she replied, “My dad cut off his head because I touched something that belonged to him, so I no longer have a Teddy bear.”

I felt so sorry for this child and almost “hated” her dad for such cruel and selfish behavior.

However I could not bring myself to replace a new one for her, lest it meet the same fate.

When her parents divorced, I was not even sad, because I knew in my heart that God had something better for our friend.

No, I do not approve of divorce, but there are times when it is Biblically correct and this was one of those situations.

In life as we looking back, many of us including this dad, could wish things had been done differently.

The best thing one can do in a present circumstance is to “Let go what might have been” and move on forward with life.

If you are holding on to an old Teddy Bear, keep it safe and put in a place of honor.

 

This story has been shared with Gail at T.G.I.F. 

Also shared With Ramona at: Create With Joy

The theme is Fun Facts
 

A Friend in Real Trouble!

Caught Ya !!
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At age 16, I was feeling blue, because my boyfriend had committed a crime and was being sent away to Juvenal prison camp.

In our neighborhood, we had a large number of teenagers, and we tended to pair up when we went skating or swimming, or walked to school together. 

This boy was one of our friends, and daily he and I enjoyed the short walk to school, and we also ate lunch together.

He and his two brothers were being raised by a single mom, and he never brought a lunch, so I would share my lunch with him.  I even asked my mother to add an extra half sandwich, and she never asked why, but I am sure she guessed.

It never dawned on me how my boy friend got his spending money, but he always seemed to have enough for things he wanted, like bus fare and cigarettes.

I learned of his arrest because of an article in the local paper about a teenager snatching a purse and getting caught.  I hid the paper from my dad, but he had already read it and was kind enough not to tell me “I told you so.”

Two other boys in our group, Ken and Pat knew I was feeling sad, so they decided they would walk me to school. 

They were both a year younger than me, but what is age?  I laughed and told them that I could not choose between them, so they could both be my boy-friend.  They seemed satisfied, and none of us took it seriously - - except Ken.

A few days later Ken handed me a pretty ring and asked if I would wear it, so I did.  My friend Joann noticed the ring and wanted to know where I had gotten it; because it looked a lot like Ken's sister, Fay’s ring.  When I told her, she suggested that I instruct Ken to immediately put it back in Fay’s jewelry box.

Ken’s feelings were hurt when I returned the ring, but as I explained that the ring might be Fay’s and he should return it to her - - he seemed to understand.

There are times in life when we get hit with something that has happened to a friend, and we suffer depression along with them.  It is good to have other friends to come along side and cheer us up.

I don’t remember my family trying to console me, but it was my friends from the neighborhood that gave me comfort. My family felt to keep quiet, and not speak of it would be a good thing, and they were probably right.

At times we are at a loss for words, when others suffer. Probably the best we could do for one who is sad, is just spend some time with them, and let them talk while you listen.

I am so thankful that God is always a good listener and he also brings comfort to the broken hearted.

 

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

And with Rosilind in Croatia, at Wednesday R & R

 

 

How Can I make my Life Work?



If Only I could Do it Over!
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 Each Sunday I glean from Pastor Jerry’s Sermon.  On this day he was reading from Luke 7:36 and then Galatians 2:15-21

To begin his sermon, he mentioned several scenarios of woe and then the question: “How can I make my life work.

A boy attending college for 4 years and then returning home.  The privacy of his parents is now disturbed and the son has no ambition.  Both wonder how can I make life work?

Others with divorce, job loss, death of a spouse, parent's teen son is murdered, workers who finally reach pension age, discover their pension was lost in the recession. 

 

Each was asking the same question, “How can I make my life work under these circumstances?”

In the 16^th century, Martin Luther asked, “How can I find a gracious God?”

Trials, tests, illness, and tragedy are not new.  The question is not new, and  it is still being asked today.

How can I keep a loving relationship with family and friends, when I am falling apart?

Those inside the Church and those outside were both interviewed.  The ones inside believed that sinners were still asking as Nicodemus did, “What must I do to be saved?”

Actually the people outside the church were asking, “How can I make my life work?”

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus visited at the house of Simon, and there entered a women of questionable reputation and poured an expensive ointment over Jesus and began to wash his feet with her tears. 

Simon was offended, but Jesus rebuked him and told a story or two men whom the Banker forgave their debt.  One a large debt and the other much smaller.  Which one will be more grateful asked Jesus.  Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” 

Then Jesus told the women, “Your sins are forgiven, and your faith has saved you, go in peace.”

"There is a distinct difference between belief and faith. What is belief? It is a principle, proposition, idea that is accepted as true; opinion, conviction; religious faith; trust or confidence.  What is faith? It is the confident assurance in the character and nature of God; a strong or unshakeable belief in something, without proof or evidence." anon

If rule keeping would save us, then Jesus would have died in vain.  No it is not our works that saves us, but a realization that it is NO longer I but Christ. 

 

This is the answer to the often asked question.  I can, through faith in the Son of God who lives in me and through me.

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

Pigeon Pie

Todays post is a chapter from my soon to be self published Book, "Rescue the Stories Book Two, The Early Years."


Pigeon
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Chose a Pretty Pigeon 

 

Pigeons were having a field day in my dad’s city garden, and had become a nuisance, so he began to take drastic measures.  He constructed what he called a pigeon trap and placed it in his garden.

While I worked at my temporary job, my Mom and Dad were caring for my two pre-school children.  One day my dad showed my kids all the pigeons he had been catching in his trap.

He told my youngins, “Each of you may choose a pretty pigeon.”  With careful thought they began to decide which pigeon was the prettiest.  “I like this one, this one and that one.” 

They spoke with glee, thinking that they were to have a new pet.

Now this is the terrible part of my story, and to this day, after many years my children still remember what came next!

My Dad had not prepared my kids for the subsequent event. - - -

Those pigeons were going to be the main course for their lunch,

After all pigeon meat is tasty, just like quail or chicken!!

Dad was not sadistic, he was just being a farm boy, and to him the food chain was a fact of life. 

However he was a bit dense working with impressionable children.

He had devised a creative and brilliant method to rid his garden of pigeon pests and gain some nice meals for his dinner.

Although you and I probably will not resort to catching our dinner, we must realize that the Bible tells us that all food is good when received with thankfulness. 

Missionaries in foreign countries have been offered much worse than a pigeon meal, and in order to save face, have found it necessary to partake of monkey, dog, snake, rats, bugs and the like. 

Now these would be a gross feast to you and me but they are delicacies to many in other lands!!

So perhaps my Dad was not so far off in his determination to take advantage of a nice pigeon banquet.

One thing I hope is that you never get yourself into a situation where you must: “Eat Crow!”   

This post is linked with

Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   

 

Also shared with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday
 

Also Shared at: Week End Brew with Barbie 

 

 

Arrested Development

This post has been shared With Ramona at: Create With Joy The theme is Quotes

Why no Growth or Maturity?
courtesy photobucket.com
 

Quote from R.T. Kendall,

Arrested Development

“There comes a time when needy persons must begin to help someone else.  I know some Christians who after years still need the same old kind of help.  It has not entered their minds to help anybody else. They figure if they once get sorted out, then they will be on their way to help others. Yet years later they are still in much the same condition!  Often the best way to solve your problem is to get your eyes completely off yourself and start helping someone else. 

Trouble comes to us all, but if he or she does not dignify the trial, if they do not learn to forgive, if they do not grow in grace and walk in the light, something backfires internally; they might continue going to church, but there is an arrested development, and they never move on.”

What is RT saying here?  Is he suggesting that some people of sound mind and healthy body, want to be the one for others to bless and they are ready to receive your help with your money, groceries, clothes, and prayer.  Take a job?  No thanks, they are doing fine with your help so do not suggest they work.  In fact they have a list of others besides you, who also are an easy touch.

Why are the same people in need so much of the time?  RT believes they have not grown in grace, and have remained immature in their spiritual walk.  They may also be holding on to unforgiveness which has stunted their spiritual and material blessings.

We had a relative who was an alcoholic.  We tried to help him, we gave him work and money, we prayed at the alter bench with him, but to no avail.  He remained a drunk. 

Finally he left our state because he was wanted on a minor offence, and he began a new life.  He found a Baptist church, really got saved and now is sober and teaches a Bible class.

There are times when we just need to say, enough is enough and turn these needy people over to the Lord.

I realize that many are homeless, and seem to be on disability but why?  Did they ruin their health with diet, drugs or alcohol? 

Perhaps I am being harsh and judgemental, but maybe not.  I notice a man who parks his car in the same place every day with a sign that says, “Out of work and my family needs food.”   He is diligent to hold up that sign each day.

We had a pastor at one time, who told us how to find work.  He said, “Pack a bag lunch as if you are going to work, and start out early in the morning and visit every place in town where people work.  Treat looking for work as if it is your job.  Nine times out of ten, the person will find work in a short while.”

Thanks R.T. You have given us thoughts to ponder!

Erase – Good and Bad

Micah 7:19 He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.

You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
 

Erase
courtesy photobucket.com

When my husband, Robert decided to redo his computer, because his printer wouldn’t work, and some downloads had messed up the workings, he decided to clean his hard drive.

First he saved all his documents to his external hard drive.  He thought the two books he was working on were now safe.  WRONG!

Next he planned to reformat his PC hard drive and when he did so, both of the hard drives were erased all at once.  Gone were all the hours of hard work with his many chapters for his two new fictional stories.

Everything he tried to do inorder to restore the hard drive was to no avail, and when he searched for answers, others claimed they also had experienced this problem. 

He wasn’t about to pay a high price for a program to relocate his documents, that might or might NOT work, so now he must try to begin again and hopefully remember his stories. 

Next time he decides to reformat he will use one of those small flash drives to save his documents, or forward them to me even if they aren’t finished.

That is the bad news about erase.

The good news is that when we come to Jesus and ask him to come into our life, he erases from HIS memory all the sins and evil of our past.  He remembers it no more.

Now that is a good erase.

"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins" Isaiah 43:25'

This post is Shared with Gail at T.G.I.F.

The Bee Man

Our grammar school was only a short walk from school to home, and I was happily skipping along heading for home, minding my own business.

Suddenly a man’s voice that I did not recognize called to me.  “Little girl can you help me?” the man said.

Not speaking a word, I stopped and stared at the man who was clothed in a funny white suit with a big box in his arms. 

 

He stood across the street, and otherwise I would have run all the way home.

The man began to explain that he was the Bee man who lived across the street, but his bee hive had swarmed.  He believed that his queen bee had taken a host of bees with her, and that she was now in our back yard.

He stayed on his side of the street as he asked me to quickly go home and ask my mother permission for him to enter our back yard.

When I arrived home and told Mother about the situation, she promptly looked out our dining room window and sure enough there on our boysenberry vines was this large ball of buzzing bees. 

 

Our vines were in full bloom, and they probably knew this was a good place to land.

Opening our front door, Mother beckoned to the man to cross the street and gather up his belongings.

Within only a few minutes most of the ball of bees was collected into the box and the remaining bees followed the man home to a new hive that he had waiting,

He must have verbally thanked us, but as far as I know, he never brought us a sample of his honey, and oh how I love honey.

In life there are at times that bee buzzing changes might occur, some welcomed, and others not.  There might be changes in a job, in a marriage, in our health, or in a place to live.

When the excitement settles down and all have come to rest in the new environment, may we experience a calm and peaceful time to put our feet up and relax, for God is in control.

Bee wise, Bee flexible, Bee happy and learn to Bee content in the new hive.

This post is shared at: Tell Me a Story

 

One Day Jesus Came Upon a Funeral



Dead Son Restored to His Mother
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I took notes and gleaned from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he read from Luke 7:11-17.  This was the account of Jesus leaving Capernaum and a large crowd following him to the city of Nain.

Pastor reminded us that when we shop at the grocery store and approach the check out counter there are tabloids with strange stories inviting you to read their entire account.  Most are pure nonsense, and rarely true, yet people are intrigued by the trashy headlines.

If there was a Marketplace newspaper in the early century, the title may have read, “Itinerate Rabi raises young man to life.  Many would probably say, “That is Absurd.”

The Bible story relates that as Jesus and those following him approached Nain, another crowd was coming in the opposite direction.  The people wailed loudly as was the custom and were telling the story of the young man’s death. 

 

The widowed mother was weeping and following the pall bearers.  This was her only son, and she now had no one to care for her.  No doubt her son’s death was also a death sentence for her as well.

The crowd following Jesus moved aside to allow the funeral procession to pass, and Jesus had compassion upon the poor widow. 

 

Unthinkable in that day, was to touch a dead body, but Jesus reached out and touched the bier.  Then he touched the dead man and said, “Young man I say unto you arise.”  Amazing to the audience, the boy sat up and spoke.  Then Jesus gave the boy back to his mother alive.

A lot of rumors began to circulate that day about Jesus.  Is he a prophet?  Is he the promised Messiah? How can he do these miracles that are being reported?

Pastor mentioned that there is a difference between Resuscitate and Resurrect.  Jesus had brought back to life a young girl, then Lazarus, and now this boy.  They remained in their own human body and one day they would die again. 

 

Jesus was Resurrected, and given a new body and he is alive for ever more.  One day we too shall receive a resurrected body when we arrive at heaven’s gates.

Since His baptism Jesus had been very busy; He spent 40 days fasting, he turned water into wine, healed a leper and others, released a demonic man from his chains, yet many were disturbed by this man Jesus. In his home town, a crowd tried to throw him over a cliff, but he disappeared from their midst.

 
We wonder if we should go around speaking to the physically dead and telling them to arise.  

No, probably not unless you are definitely led by the Holy Spirit. 

However there are many spiritually dead all around us and they need to hear the message that in Jesus there is everlasting life available, if they will receive Him. 

Let us proclaim the Good News while it is yet day - - for the night cometh when no man can work.

 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

Also Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday