Keeping the Word before your face Concept and meaning ever trace Continual changes in you Please God and better run the race Setting your mind on things above The things of God you learn to love Cleansing your heart so it is true Undivided heart like a dove Eternity within the heart Begun in Christ and not depart When I’ve sinned and turned away too By His Spirit I may restart Learn to live life by faith alone No schemes and planning on your own By His Word guided by each clue To heed the Spirit’s call be prone When in danger for Him you call Secure in Him never can fall Peace with God is ever in view Assurance of heaven’s bright hall The Word before your face again Best deterrent to prevent sin Knowing that all to God is due Forgiveness, glory, life you’re in
I was encouraging my healthcare provider and Christian brother who turned and encouraged me even more by several comments he made. The one that struck me most was him holding his palm before his face and saying, “If we keep the Word before our face it keeps changing us.” We listen rather than work because our sanctification is by grace through faith as surely as our initial salvation experience.
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At least once a summer, the boys and I go to a great swimming hole and play until we are worn out or too cold to move. The weather has been plenty hot enough to preclude the latter.
Falls at the swimming hole
There are many jumps into foaming deep water from heights of 5, 20, and 25 feet. There are gentle rapids to float in and rocks to sun on. And usually there are no other people there since it is a steep mile and half walk in.
25 foot drop
I forgot my goggles this trip and didn’t get search the bottom for trout and “crawdads”, but the jumps and swimming up near the falls and sliding through the rapids and taking pictures of plants and spiders and sunning and eating snacks was quite enough for one trip.
The jump takes your breath and the foam ingulfs you and sweeps you away, but I’ve not found a way that it hurts (belly, back, face).
Forward Flip
I get dizzy trying to do a flip any more but some can still do it. I do advise that if you try what we are doing that you thoroughly explore what is under the water as we have. There are certainly places we don’t jump. The turbid water prevents seeing rocks that are less than a foot under. Other places are 8 to 12 feet deep right off the edge. The water was up for summer which makes it more turbid, more fun current and deeper pools. The only drawback of higher water is the turbidity that prevents seeing fish and formations under the water, but we couldn’t anyway.
I wander what caused the wilting of the blackberry leaves, a mildew, a smut, a rust. But the blackberries sure look good.
The grass spider builds a sheet with a funnel where it awaits prey. During windy times more prey falls but also more litter. The spider knows the “signature” of falling prey and ignores the litter. Unlike orb weavers, some of whom eat, reprocess, and re-weave an orb every day, or least every few days, the grass spider may go most of the season only repairing the web and tolerating “camoflouging” litter. If the site is good there is no reason to move other than another large spider running you off your web.
Grass Spider in the Entry-way
The lampshade spider is the hardest spider
Lampshade Spider
for me to take a picture of because it so well blends in with the rock it is on. Also, it is extremely difficult to show both the spider and the lampshade shape of the web though this picture is one of the better efforts.
Doghobble
The heat this summer has been accompanied by a substantial amount of rain in our area, so the vegetation has been quite green and much that the drought years had killed back is filled in. I include here but a few nice samples of what we saw.
Souther Shield Fern (Maiden Fern)?
A fern will not usually grow so tall and robust as this one on a rock shelf in full sunlight where this is located unless the rainfall and seepage supplies ample water as is true here. This sample was more than 3 feet tall. You naturalists can tell me if I identified it correctly.
Water spiders and their shadows
There was this pool at the side of the river at an incoming creek of spring that was relatively very cold. The boys and I had to dare each other to get in. While I was waiting for them to take their turns I noticed that water spiders
"Crawdad" exploring his domain
cast a shadow much larger than themselves. I guess I could to if I controlled the fringes (diffraction pattern at the edges of my person in the medium I’m in), but alas I am not supported on the surface tension of my medium or his. Yes, I did go into the pool and I was not the last one. I also jumped off the 25 foot jump several times but the picture of it was blurry. A few final pictures of my boys. One I couldn’t pass up because it’s classic:
"The Look"
Where are we?
Peaceful, contemplative moment
Cardinal Flower
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Last Sunday the pastor preached a Bible-based, convicting and practical sermon. The text was John 18:12-27. Early on he said the theme of this intertwined story was “the glory of Christ in His trial; the sinfulness of Peter in his denial.” As the sermon progressed this sentence kept working on me. It rhymed and it showed great contrast. I began to think there was a poem here that might help me remember the sermon ideas reflecting the text.
Glory of Christ revealed in His trial Peter’s sinfulness in his denial Contrast Christ abiding in the Father With Peter wandering, to then falterNot shrinking from truth in the face of death Fearing man when expectations a myth If I spoke “rightly, why do you strike Me?” One of His disciples? Not I, said he
Dependence on God and Christ is the way Reliance on self will bring much dismay Cohorts, commanders, courts could not dissuade A slave-girl side-tracked allegiance once made
“I have spoken openly to the world” Not a cold heart while warming hands unfurled Boldly speak of Jesus the Son of God Or rooster crow pierce your heart like a rod
Trust in the Father through Jesus the Son Don’t shift allegiance to serve number one Return to your first love, know of His grace Don’t wander and falter, finish the race
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What happened? In a moment from life to death, from intimacy to estrangement, from bliss to dread. Oh that we, the beloved, might imbibe the last state of our soul as readily as the former. His grace shines in the latter all the more in the light of our former. He has rescued us as “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (II Corinthians 5:21)
Temptations rife Hazard all Indiscretions, fall Shame, strifeBlame wife Cover all Oh the gall Death not life
Pay the fife Lost all Darkness fall Sorrows rife
Took the knife Once for all Order tall Gave us life
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I am far from being a materialist but God has ordered a material world which is fascinating. It shouts of deep complexity and beautiful simplicity. He is intimately involved and yet He set it to work. Oh, what a wonderful Creator and Sustainer is He!
Sunlight on the grass and trees Photosynthesis within the leaves Glucose stored in chloroplast In the food web first, but lastConsume producers all day Cell respiration at work and play Glucose energy that may Be used to keep death at bay
Up the chain energy flows ‘Eat or be eaten’ the saying goes Predator and prey each knows Watchfulness precludes dire woes
Top dog on a nonstop binge Top of the food chain has its challenge On catching the food will hinge Life and on offspring impinge
Death comes to all in their time Decomposers recycle the grime The world would be full of slime Life’s web would lose all its rhyme
In and out energy goes Though inefficient transfer, life grows From sunlight to plants it flows Animals, then decompose
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| Click on |
May the Blessing of God for an original song speaking blessing over you.
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Bee on flower in mutual dance
Mare with colt on a beautiful prance
Sword fishes school marshal every lance
Not a chance
Four main forces balanced precisely
Fingers on key board glide adeptly
Sun, Moon, and stars trace paths exactly
Not likely
All of life programmed in DNA
Beauty and function have interplay
Complex fossils in low strata lay
Hey, no way
Unless an all sufficient first Cause
Transcendent of effect, without flaws
Made it all, His rule the written clause
Let give pause
Bumblebee on Woodland Sunflower?
Bumblebee on Woodland Sunflower?
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I seem to be in an extended season of difficulty. This time around I wondered what I could have done to cause the problem. How had I strained my ankle? Rain and responsibility had kept me from doing much activity for several days before the swelling and pain. It turns out that it was not structural at all but rather inflamation. It is yet another time to reflect on God’s goodness and man’s condition.
Pain and pleasure juxtapose First grow thorns and then the rose Why these two rise side by side One we cherish one derideMust it be that we suppose Foulness comes with the sweet dose Neither so before the Fall Nor in heaven eternal
Better does it good disclose More thankful now more repose By suffering our wants end God does good superintend
Now I enjoy more the rose Beauty of its top stem pose Thorns diminish all one day In His presence I will stay
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In Matthew 22 Pharisees, Herodians, and Saducees were trying to “trap Him in what He said.” (v.15) The issues they used were the poll tax to Caesar, remarriage, and the ranking of commandments. The real issues were heart issues of authority, belief in the resurrection, and the prioirty of loving God and your fellow man. Since they were questioning Jesus’ authority the whole time, after His adept answers He turns the tables and asks them a question about authority from Psalm 110:1: “If David then calls Him ‘Lord’ how is He his son? (v.45) Both Jesus and the Pharisees would agree that this passage spoke about Messiah when is says ‘my Lord’. The Pharisees taught correctly that Messiah would be a son of David but their understanding of authority structure did not allow a son to rule a father. However, the real reason they were unable to answer Jesus was because they were spiritually “blind men” and blind guides” (Matthew 23:13,14,15,23,25,27,29). Jesus had no need of answering them because the answer had been repeated by three sources: Scripture, the people, and Jesus’ own works and miracles. Such Scriptures as Jeremiah 23:5-6 speak of the offspring of David who is “the Lord our righteousness”, and of His suffering when “Messiah will be cut off” (Daniel 9:26), and of the time of His arrival in 69 weeks of years (Daniel 9:25). The people were positively identifying Jesus as the “Son of David” (Matthew: 15:21: 20:31; 21:15-16,9). In the latter of these verses the Pharisees see His works and hear the peoples’ declarations and effectively ask Jesus to silence them. Jesus affirms that their praise of Him is praise of God and happens because “You have prepared praise for Yourself” (21:16). And the miracles testified of His authority: “the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me” (John 10:25) and that they should “believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father” (v.38). So, Jesus does not answer His immediate question to them so that “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive” (Matthew 13:14; Isaiah 6:9), but so that we might search deeper and both hear and see.
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The very idea of knowledge has many fascinating angles. Four examples are the wonder of discovery (Hey, just think, that old person with dementia that you feel so sorry for is really very happy because of their new discoveries each and every day, even if they are just old ones rediscovered), the satisfaction of knowing (This doesn’t have to be arrogance or pride but can be refamiliarization of an old friend, like when I eat a good peach knowing beforehand that it will be good and confirming afterwards that it was as it should be), the humility of not knowing, and the “need” to know (OK, desire to know). For example, the other day another teacher sent several students to me with a catch they had made behind the school assuming that I was the resident spider expert. They would only accept a quick answer so I gave one, “Wolf spider.” I said that I was interested in looking more closely at it and satisfied, they agreed to leave it with me. Lycosidae is indeed the family of “Wolf Spider” and I thought it would be interesting to key it down to genus or perhaps even species. So I got out my page-darkened “How to Know the Spiders” by BJ Kaston and began keying from the beginning. But I couldn’t get to Lycosidae. Oh well, thought I, I’m abit rusty. I’ll go straight to the Lycosidae family key and continue. Try as I might every attempt ran into a dead end. I Googled terms to get me back up to speed; I worked backwards from supposed possibilities. Perhaps this had been a bit longer ago than I thought. Then I thought to go back and read the family description. The eyes of Lycosidae are recurved and of two different sizes. Oops, this spider definitely had eight eyes of almost identical size in two straight rows. Now I was experiencing knowledge-based vertigo, disorientation. Oh well, the only other similar spider family is Pisauridae, “Nursery web spiders”. They are fequently hunters as the wolf spiders and therefore do not build webs, but I did not remember any of that family being so big. The females build a web around the egg sac and keep watch to protect it. Before this they carry the egg sac in their chelicerae (the projections that hold their fangs) whereas the wolf spiders carry their egg sacs with their spinerets (other end!). I promptly keyed the spider out to Dolomedes vittatus, Fishing Spider. I definitely had a female and probably pregnant. The males have a white band down the center of the carapace and around the margins of the same. This speciment was dark brown with tan spot on its abdomen. These live near streams and catch insects, spiders, and occaisional minnows! I enjoyed discovering the true identity of the spider. The realization of what I did know that enabled me to discover this and the use of a once well-worn key, the humility of having been wrong reminded me of how little I know compared to others and the many things only God knows, while the “need” to know drove me on to discovering the identity and habits of a backyard neighbor. Enjoy the pictures.
Dolomedes vittatus, Fishing Spider
Some people call it too much time on your hands, but being a good teacher involves a continued love of knowledge and a solid knowledge base. Modern educational theory rejects knowledge base as no more than a trivial side light, emphasizing the art and practice of teaching. Without diminishing these I submit that students want teachers that know something. It takes time and effort.
From the Kaston "Spider" Key, female on the right
The author of knowledge and wisdom must enjoy us obtaining it in whatever respectable form. To Him be the glory!
Dolomedes vittatus, Fishing Spider
From the Kaston "Spider" Key, female on the right
The author of knowledge and wisdom must enjoy us obtaining it in whatever respectable form. To Him be the glory!
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This poem does not feel complete to me, but it is all that I know to do with it now. We are all saved by grace but I believe that God has and is dealing with us through different adminstrative dispensations. This poem attempts to touch on that theme but as I say needs much “filling out”.
Set up for praise, honor, and fame This good promise to Israel came Nations are not treated the same For the sake of God’s holy name Obey His commands was required Know your God and Him be desired Never in idol worship mired Not in doing the good be tired It was by Him sovereignly planned Blessing or curse on Israel’s land And offspring few or like the sand Obey and trust His gracious hand We are the people of the Lord By Christ’s blood salvation afford Love Him well, keep His word the sword In trusting Him comes great rewardPosted in General, God Thoughts, Poem | Tagged God Thoughts, Poems | 1 Comment »
Yes, it was an exceptionally long winter, using nearly twice as much firewood as I have ever used while in this house or this county, but the length was prolonged for me by serious illness from which I am not fully recovered. Therefore, I am all the more grateful to my Creator for allowing me sufficient energy to get out into Creation with my 4th son the other day and take these pictures. I hope that you may enjoy them a fraction of the amount I did.
Solomon's Seal
Yellow Poplar
- Dog Hobble and ?
- High Shoals Falls
- One Oak Tree
I forgot to tell you that we are getting ready for next winter!
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The more I read the Old and New Testaments, the more I think that God is most usually repeating Himself in the New and expanding on the thought. When He repeats Himself He must have a reason and we had better listen carefully. For instance, we tend to believe Leviticus to be the driest of reading and yet Jesus quotes it several times in the Sermon on the Mount and other places throughout Matthew. Hebrews also frequently uses Leviticus; we should look closer at it. Among the most repeated Old Testament passages are those of Psalms 110. I have long been fascinated by the repetition of verse one in the New Testament which reads, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” It is indeed important and the unfolding of its interpretation in the New Testament is quite interesting.
In order to understand the train of thought it is helpful to have some understanding of the psalm itself. In just seven verses it packs in amazing insight on three persons and two groups of people. The first person in sequence and in priority is the LORD (Yahweh in Hebrew), the Great I AM, who is the covenant-keeping God revealing Himself to Abram in Exodus 3:14-15, and who is declared Creator (Exodus 20:11) as He acts as Law-giver in the conveying of the Ten Commandments. He is speaking to the Lord (Adonai in Hebrew), who Yahweh declares will rule (v.2) and preside as a permanent priest (v.4) and reside at Yahweh’s right hand. The third person indicated in the psalm by “my” is David, who wrote the psalm, the present king of Israel. Because he refers to “my Lord” he clearly identifies himself as a servant of Adonai. He is perhaps standing at the foot of the throne as Yahweh makes these declarations to Adonai in verses 1-4 and Adonai responds in verses 5-7. And Adonai’s response is just as bold as Yahweh’s declarations as He affirms that He will fulfill His position and role. From this position of strength, at the right hand of Yahweh, Adonai will act as a warrior king, smashing the enemies among whom He rules (v.2,6). As a picture of the victorious champion He will lift up His head from drinking (v.7) as He pursues His enemies, fully confident of the outcome, which is, His enemies as a footstool (v.1). His people are those who freely volunteered when He came to power, plentiful as dew and sanctified (holy array) from the inception of His rising (dawn) (v.3). His people are greatly blessed by walking in the victory He is given by Yahweh and secures by His rule, while His enemies, the kings and their nations will be shattered and their corpses spread over a wide country (v.6). When the enemies are subdued He will continue as a priest among His people even as Melchizedek, king of peace and righteousness (Hebrews 7:2). Melchizedek, and therefore Adonai by Mechizedekian priesthood, is clearly greater than Abraham, the father of the Hebrews (Hebrews 7:4-7), because Abraham blesses him. Thus, He will fulfill being “a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices” (Zechariah 6:13). But who is this “Branch” (Zechariah 6:12), this Lord, this king, this priest, this champion? The proclamation of who is laid out in careful sequence with abundant evidence in the New Testament. I want to write about that another day.
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During the collection of insects last semester one of my students 
collected a moth. After a day in the ziplock there were small round dots in the container. “What are they?” We put them under a microscope and there appeared these translucent moth eggs. They contain an embryo you can see, looking almost like crystals, and ridges on the outer coat. A “hair” projects off to the left. There is little doubt that a knowledgeable scientist could identify the species of moth by these characteristics. My students and I were fascinated by the intricate design. And why shouldn’t we be considering the Infinite Designer? And in six short days; is it any wonder many try to deny such a mind boggling display of intelligence and power? “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Exodus 20:11)
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Like most anyone else I have experienced ambitions to succeed at this or try that or do the other. As the years have passed my thoughts of ambition have continued to some small degree though experience has quelled the impulse to apply action to those desires. The desires to do something noteworthy that have most bewildered me are those I thought to be directed at glorifying God. Evidently all too many of them were colored by personal ambition I did not understand. As I reflected on God’s goodness, my failure to take ahold of Him to the degree I desired or serve Him in the way I thought desirable, I saw in my mind’s eye what my ambition should be. I possess because of His gift a most precious resource. I don’t want misunderstanding of my poem so consider that holding the jug means to possess the gospel while raising it refers to witness, that is, offering the gospel, and pouring would equate with praying with someone to receive Christ:
Only a lowly servant holding a water jar
But oh, refreshing contents rescued the very same
Now to offer water to travelers near and far
Brings joy to him and to his Master fame
Standing by the seated Master pouring on command
As one by one thirsty souls file past the servant there
Water offered unto all, received by those pre-planned
Await the Master’s nod, then pour with flare
Why so rarely raised the jug Master offers to all?
Servant holding back more for self that supply not fail?
The joy is more when raised or poured, not one drop will fall
Every single draught will for sin avail
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My family and I have watched a 12 part BBC series on the Charles Dickens comedy Pickwick Papers. Many scenes are funny and others sobering. And since it is evidently true to the book, I could recommend either. Without giving away the story, there is a despicable character named Mr. Jingle whose oddity is speaking in one to three word phrases with dramatic intonations and short pauses. There is a complete economy of words and yet a rich and clearly understood meaning to all that he says. I do not encourage his actions but his speech compels me to want to learn this mode. While reflecting on this speech the other day I attempted to write a poem in that form. I will know if I have succeeded if you understand the poem. If you know the subject about which the poem speaks, comment your knowledge below:
Temptations rife
Hazard all
Indiscretions, fall
Shame, strife
Blame wife
Cover all
Oh the gall
Death not life
Pay the fife
Lost all
Darkness fall
Sorrows rife
Took the knife
Once for all
Order tall
Gave us life
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One of the ways that God has given us to communicate with people is through words. Body language and acts of kindness, hatred, or neglect are other ways. Not only kind, encouraging words, but constructive criticism words and instructive and insightful words that build someone up and demonstrate concern are helpful. As the Proverbs say, “Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad,” (12:25) and “A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word,” (15:23) and “Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” (27:6) and “Heed instruction and be wise,” (8:33) and “the tongue of the wise brings healing,” (12:18), and “he who forsakes reproof goes astray,” (10:17) and many more good words.
But I have observed that though the eargate be open and the volume be sufficient and distractions be few, many good words are not heard. In fact, the emotional baggage and relationship histories can shut a mind down to where it not only refuses to accept good words, rejecting them or twisting them to have some nefarious meaning or intentions, but such a mind can deny before witnesses that the words were ever spoken. Though this is an amazement to me, I have both observed it and commited this crime of unkindness to the speaker. So, I am resolved to hear better and attribute intentions as purer to words that are of benefit to me while understanding that discouraging or untrue words may well come from a speaker who does not fully understand the source of their own intentions. To this end I have composed a poem:
What is the need for a stern word From loved ones, colleagues, or stranger A cautionary note not absurd When it rescues one from dangerWhat is the use of a taught word Is it something you need to know Keep you from running with the herd Help your mind continually grow
What is the goal of a wise word Of discernment that penetrates So that on your life you may gird Tools for living, such worthy traits
What is the help of a kind word With regular sincerity Just like a beautiful song bird A seasonal sound rarity
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Soon many Christians of the world will celebrate Epiphany (“appearance” of Christ and visitation of the Wise Men, January 6th). But to whom were these Magi coming, a mere peasant or the forsaken descendent of a long defunct dynasty? If the New Testament is to be believed He was and is much more. My last article demonstrated in part the external, pre-Nicean and internal, scriptural evidence for the New Testament’s reliability. The presence of each of the 27 books and the absence of others (particularly late, Gnostic writings) is valid apart from accusations that the Council of Nicea and emperor Constantine contrived it. The same Scripture and pre-Nicean church fathers present a clear and strong case for who Jesus is.
Following are quotes of church fathers from AD 105 to AD 305.1 Recall that the Council of Nicea occurred in AD 325.
“God himself was manifested in human form.” (Ignatius)
“It is fitting that you should think of Jesus Christ as God.” (Clement)
“The Father of the universe has a Son. And he… is even God.” (Justin Martyr)
“He is God, for the name Emmanuel indicates this.” (Irenaeus)
“…Christ our God.” (Tertullian)
“No one should be offended that the Savior is also God” (Origen)
“…He is not only man, but God also…” (Novatian)
“Jesus Christ, our Lord and God” (Cyprian)
“…He truly was and is… with God, and being God…” (Methodius)
“We believe him to be God.” (Lactantius)
“Christ performed all those miracles…the…duty of Divinity.” (Arnobious)
Polycarp, disciple of the apostle John who “was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ”, wrote in his Letter to the Philippians (not the book in the Bible, this having been written between AD 120-140), “to all those under heaven who will yet believe in our Lord and God Jesus Christ and in his Father who raised him from the dead.” Polycarp was burned at the stake in AD 155 affirming his belief in Christ as his Savior. These men were not no-names or cronies from a political party. They were leaders in their churches, different nationalities and generations (independent sources), who affirmed that Jesus is God.
How could they do otherwise and be truthful? The New Testament gives abundant testimony to the nature of Christ as both fully man and fully God. The most clearly attested New Testament books, the Gospels, record Jesus’ declarations of who He is. “So the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’ Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him…” (John 8:57-59). The strongest evidence that this clearly is a declaration of deity by Jesus was given by the Jews who attempted to stone Him. They rightly understood that Jesus was declaring Himself to be the “I AM” of Exodus 3:14 and proceeded to execute the judgment of “anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death” (Leviticus 24:16). Jesus also said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). On another occasion Jesus said to His disciple, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9). These two declarations of unity with the Father do not mean similarity but congruence of essence and nature. But why doesn’t Jesus just say He is God? The reason is clear. Jesus says of Himself, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me of whom you say, ‘He is our God’;” (John 8:54). Jesus is giving more than enough information for anyone who hears Him to believe that He is claiming to be God and backs it up with miracles and fulfilled prophecy. But “The Jews gathered around Him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me.’” (John 10:24-25). What a privilege I have to begin the New Year with the declaration that Jesus is my God and Savior. What a good time for Him to become yours.
1A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, editor David Bercot, 1998.
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It was one of those “around the end” weather patterns that bring us the big snows. When we more typically get a front come over the mountains, because we are in the lee, most of the snow is shed on the Tennessee side and in the mountains. But when the cold comes over the mountains and the moisture comes from the Gulf by way of a low pressure moving around the southern end of the Appalachian chain then near to shore or across the coastal plain, watch out.
Catalpa Drift
I went out this morning to take pictures before the temperature began to rise and the foot and road traffic began to obscure the beauty. I discovered last evening while taking a 4 mile walk with two of my sons that they prefer frolicing while my disposition of years causes me to prefer soaking in the beauty. The storm, of course, reminds us of the ’93 blizzard, and from a localized perspective it may be apropos in places, but the snow is nowhere near as deep and the extent of the storm does not compare. Still it will be a snow to remember and my youngest son just saw his first 6+ inch snow of his young life. 
It may have caused me to start my school break 3 days early. If the temperature stays low enough to preserve some snow or cause icy spots on the road, we’ll stay home. I have no lack of reading, writing, and chores to keep me busy. Snow presents multiple opportunities for pursuits not otherwise available. It is one of the
The evidence
pleasures of snow days: Time spent with family, varied activity, exercise, rest, and memories. The mystique surrounding a snow may have more to do with what else happens because of the snow rather than the snow itself. But on the otherhand snow is refreshing to the soul and few there are that don’t get excited at its sight. I am thankful to God for the timing, its beauty, a warm dry house, and family to enjoy it with. I hope people are finding shelter and being prudent about travel. I think I’ll continue my snow day activities and hope yours are pleasant to you.
A Snowball Bush
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CreatorWorship 
Review of what we should have learned
February 2, 2010 by creatorworship
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