Zoo-Bilee
Zoo-Bilee? That's the name of this page, which will begin to grow. I enjoy watching animals, having been raised around cats especially, who crave to be touched. Our God, Our Creator of all things, craves for us to reach out and touch all that he has for us, through the blood of Jesus. I am a Zoo Friends Member, with a benefit of unlimited visits to the zoo, and will use this as an advantage to observe many kinds of animals there are to see; and journal. And then, to take this journaling, and create sermons for both children and adults, using animals and pictures.
Animals teach us many things. They teach us to love unconditionally, to care about others rather than just ourselves, to be playful, to enjoy life and take moments to enjoy the fresh air of life; and they remind us that they are all around us, just as God is all around us.
Check back to this page for updates; and if you have a specific animal that you would like a sermon about, or perhaps a picture of, you may send an email to: recovering_strength@yahoo.com or call at 405-413-6278
To all my friends and the best friends, and the best of the best friends; sometimes growing up I had 25 best friends in a week! Which one was the best? They're all my brothers and sisters in Christ, each one unique, each one possessing special gifts and talents to help edify the family of Christ which extends worldwide.
Friends; my friendship with you reminds me of the friendship I have with Christ. You listen patiently to my troubles, like he does when I pray. You offer me sound advice, like he does in his word. You stick by me and stick up for me when it seems like no one else will. You gently correct me when I'm wrong. You have been my friend for years, and I have confidence that you will continue to be. I thank God for the friend he is to me, and the friend he's given me in you.
When I think of friendship, I always think of a scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:12 which reads, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This tells us about the power of friendship, something that everyone needs; with the church-the people offer gratefully. When two brothers or sisters in Christ are gathered, there are actually three gathered; as Christ is in their midst. There is power in numbers; have you ever tried to lift something heavy with a piece of yarn? Of course not, because it'll snap easily. When we lift a friend from a deep hole that they've fallen in along their journey of life, a rope is allot sturdier with many cords, to help create a tug with christian love. A friend won't leave a friend in that hole; we're under a new command by Christ. "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ( John 13:34 ).
What a friend we have in Jesus, his love is big enough to accept all of us; strong enough to last forever. Bright enough to burn away your darkest fears. His love won’t turn its back on you, that won’t grow old or cold. That is the description of a true, best friend!
Water of Life
When you look out over the surface of a lake, river, sea, or ocean; it's often difficult to see what's beneath those waters, unless the waters are clear. When the waters become rough and waves crash against the shores with a fury; you may wonder how life can exist in those torrents. We know, however, when we visit an aquarium or see pictures of sea life on television, in books, that life does exist beneath those waters. Not just ordinary fish and sea life, but that which is painted in beautiful stripes of color and shape. Not just ordinary sea life, but that kind of sea life which we read about in the bible having swallow Jonah!
Fish, they have a dependance common to one another-water; without it, they wouldn't survive. Some fish need different types of water; I learned this the hard way when I placed my first goldfish in tap water- I thought the fish was being an acrobatic a few hours later! I thought wrong! Water, however, is the life source of a fish. What is our life source?
Our life source is the blood which Jesus shed for our sins, so that we may be free and have life everlasting. Noone goes to the Father, except through Christ. Our Heavenly Father, Our Heavenly Daddy, Creator and Provider desires a personal relationship with us; our lifesource, he was the giver of life. He knew each of us before we were born, and knows the number of hairs on our heads.
Each person has unique gifts, talents, and abilities with which to help edify the church- the people, and our communities. Each person has the opportunity for brightness in their lives, although they may feel that their lives are cast beneath those dark and murky waters of life. When we leave our church buildings each Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, or whatever day; we are entering the mission field. It is our job to go forth into our communities and through christian love and kindness, to help reveal those bright shining colors of each person and the potential they have. It's our job to serve as a witness of what Christ has done for us, and what he can do for others.
We've all seen news footage of dolphins and whales who've found their way up the wrong waterways, and have gotten stuck. We are the hands and hearts which God has to help lead others into the right waters; we are the hands to offer a warm embrace of love and care and a heart of devotion. It begins with our devotion through which God can work through to touch the lives of a hurting community, to reveal one anothers bright colors and bring them closer to the one way, truth and light...AMEN!
Astray from Home
Proverbs 27:8 tells us "Like a bird that strays from its nest, is a man who strays from his home." We've all seen birds in flight, and know that there are many obstacles that can distract or block a birds path, with little room for a change in direction. Quick moving cars, trucks, aircraft in ascent and descent; and in large cities especially, tall buildings with mirror reflections that make it look like another fellow bird to catch up with. At the top of the list would have to be cats, who love to catch birds and leave them on your doorstep as their gift to the family! Worse than your doorstep would be the bird on your fluffy bed pillow; once again, their gift to the family. It truly is a dangerous world to be a bird, especially in the city! The environmental factors, however, aren't going to change that much for a bird There will always be cats and vehicles to name a few. The bird sets out in courage, however.
This passage of Proverbs tells us that when a man strays from his home, he has lost his security and may be vulnerable to temptation. it doesn't mean that we shouldn't leave our homes, or does it? Each day, we leave our physical homes; and yes, we'll face trials and temptations of many kinds. We hear those words echoed in James 1:2-3, "Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." When we leave our homes, we'll face the trials and temptation of life; temptations that include lust, envy, being quick to anger, and rude. We have to remember always that "God cannot be tempted by evil ( James 1:13-14 ), nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by is own desire, he is dragged away and enticed." This is when we leave our spiritual homes; for our spiritual homes are in Christ, in God. Through God all things are possible, however we often try to make this journey through life on our own; and then you hear someone say "Oh God" when the going gets rough. When things are going well, you don't see them or hear from them.
We need a constant one on one relationship with God, through prayer, bible reading, meditation, bible study and worship. We find worship within the church, or the people- other believers. Through the church we gain inspiration, guidance, and encouragement of other believers. There are many who claim that they don't need a "church home", that they read their bibles everyday and pray. When we stray from our church homes, we stray from the truth, from the knowledge of those scriptures which we may not understand and from the fellowship of others to lift us up when we're facing those trials and temptations.
Will we be trapped and tied down by those trials and temptations? Or will be return home to the security and peace of Christ, who can renew our lives today, by the precious blood he shed for our salvation long ago...AMEN
White as Snow
I’ve always enjoyed the winter season, because many of us have had the opportunity to have seen at least one or to flakes of snow…and sometimes this snow blankets the land in a brilliant white, covering just for a short time all the trash, dirt and rubble. I’m reminded with the topic of snow, that in 2008, it snowed in
There are two scriptures that mention snow. One is from Isaiah 1:18, which reads “ Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red a crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.”
I believe that the key phrase is, “ if you are willing and obedient” with the word “ willing” to truly catch our attention. You see, God won’t force himself upon us, but we are invited to be in a relationship with God through the blood Christ shed for us. We are invited to be a part, if we only surrender those hurts, habits, hang-ups, and unhealthy ways of life which have consumed us. Perhaps we were blinded and took the wrong path, and we slipped. When we surrender to Christ, we are a new creation, all of our sins are blotted as white as snow, whatever we did before we surrendered and confessed ( or admitted ); it doesn’t exist with God. We have to make the choice; and it often takes the encouragement of other believers in Christ to help others to realize the one way, one truth and one light. I believe that every church should have a sign at the exit which read, “ You are now entering the mission field.” Will we be obedient to the great commission of Christ before he ascended into heaven, “ to go into all nations, everywhere, teaching others as he has taught us.”
The second verse of snow is from Psalm 51:7, which reads, “ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” Once again, through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the greatest sacrifice which he made for us-giving his life upon the cross; our lives can be made whiter than snow. Sin should be spelled with a capital “I” because sin begins with us and our humanly desires and wants, our pleasures that can often get us in trouble; and thus, we neglect what truly matters. What truly matters is that God will never give us more than what we can handle, that in the rough times- God will provide for us….just as he provided manna when all seemed helpless. It all begins with surrendering our lives, our ways, and becoming a new creation; as white as snow-and walking in faith striving to be obedient.
Blended In
I enjoy taking morning walks, especially in the cool autumn air or spring air; during seasons when change takes place. The foliage of trees painting the landscape in hues of red, orange, and bright yellow to name a few during autumn; and the sounds and sight of new creations during spring. Those seasons remind me the most that God is always at work around us; and that there is so much beauty of both earth and sky, that all we can do most often is to stand in awe. There is much that science still attempts to find answer to on earth and throughout the universe, when the real answer is in Gods hands and control; and once again, we stand in awe.
As I take morning walks through dew tipped grass, as the creatures of nature make their joyous sounds of harmony; I often observe spider webs strung from one spot to another by the dew glistening upon them in the sunlight. Other times, however, I walk into these spider webs because they appear invisible. In those moments, it appears to others as if I’m doing a foreign dance, trying to get the sticky web off of me.
Just as we can’t physically see the wind which blows, or the air which we breathe; we know it exists. We may not see God physically, but we know that he exists when we see all the splendor and beauty around us; and yet, in that splendor and beauty we see God through the mighty works of his hands. When we pray over someone who is ill, and they are healed, that is God working through us; and through that experience we see the mighty power of his works. We don’t se him physically, but we know he is there. Often we have to look close, or we will miss what’s most important. On a cloudy day, we may think that the suns not shining, when in reality it’s shining above the clouds and illuminating the clouds for us to see.
Insects and butterflies have a way of blending themselves into their surroundings, and to see them you have to look closely. So it is with God, he’s all around us; yet, we have to tune in spiritually and look closely- appreciating all of creation, all of who we are. God is ever present, all around us, all the time…just as the air we breathe which keeps us alive. God, Our Father, Our Creator, Our Comforter, is our life…praise be to God!
Another view of God is to look at ones self, for we were created in the image of God. When you look at yourself in the mirror, remember that you are a special person, created the way God wanted you to be; you can see God in yourself. When you see someone else, treat them as an angel unaware, because you never know when you will come across Jesus in your daily walk.
AMEN
Trust and Confidence ( Psalm 20:7 )
What do we trust? The shortened definition of trust is to have confidence; in what do we have confidence? As technology advances, more and more vehicles are being produced with onboard GPS ( global positioning systems ) which tell the driver how to get from point A to B; and most often, GPS can be very reliable and handy, especially when you’re in a town you’ve never been to before. Technology has its limits, however, and there’s been random cases worldwide of drivers following their GPS units to the exact degree in turn; and have ended up driving into buildings and other fixed structures, because the GPS told them too. They had confidence in a system that’s not 100% reliable.
For those of us who’ve taken to the friendly skies, of which I must’ve flown back and forth across the
Psalm 20:7 tells us that “some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we trust in the name of the Lord Our God.”
As humans, living in our fleshly bodies; it’s too easy for us to trust in the physical things which we see. Some get stressed and find junk food a temporary release; short term trust in unhealthy dieting. Some find the bottle as a temporary release; temporary trust in something which fades away, and the problem still exists. Some find temporary comfort and trust in relationships, to fill a temporary void of hurt; when in reality the hurt is still there. Trust and confidence also find its way into television shows, arcade games and magazines; in which we trust that if we act and follow in a certain way, that things will be “Hunky Dory!”
Some trust in chariots and horses; chariots can break down, and horses eventually lose steam. Those are physical things that won’t last forever; those who traversed the wild west from east to west knew this well. Several times across rough terrain, horse drawn wagons would break down at times unknown; and these pioneers had to have knowledge of how to repair their wagons. Way back in time, there wasn’t the convenience of rest stops and service stations as we know them; when something broke down a thousand miles from home, they had to know what to do.
If you’ve ever taken a long trip, chances are you used a road map; and roadmaps are dated by year. Why? Because as time advances, new roads are created, and old roads are destroyed. If you took a trip cross country in 2008 using a 1986 road atlas, you might very well be in trouble! There is one road map, however, that will never fail; the bible, Gods Holy Word. Although we don’t physically see God, we believe and trust in God; just as we don’t physically see the wind, but know it exists. Psalm 20:7, when we trust in the name of the Lord Our God; when we trust in the word, our roadmap of life, we begin to gain knowledge to face obstacles and challenges in our lives. Just as those early pioneers, we don’t trust in the wagon, chariot or the horse; but our knowledge to keep them going. When we face trials in our earthly, physical bodies; when we trust in the name of the Lord Our God, we are trusting in a higher power which we may not see- but the return knowledge manifested through the Holy Spirit is what carries us through those trials.
As our faith grows, as our trust grows, as our confidence grows in God, in the power of the Holy Spirit; expect for miracles to take root. Expect for the impossible to be possible…for all things are possible for those who believe in the name of the Lord Our God!
Don't Hide
Many animals have a unique way of camouflaging, or hiding themselves, amongst any environment they may be in; often for protection from their perceived enemies. Often, as like in an ink blot, you have to look extremely close to pick out these hidden creatures; a praying mantis for example, can make itself appear as part of the twig upon a tree. A snake can make itself appear as like a patch of grass, and a snow leopard can appear as part of the snowy environment.
We too, have a way of camouflaging ourselves; perhaps not in the physical sense as the creatures roaming sea and land, but in a spiritual sense. How do others see us within our communities? Do they know that we are Christian, and do they know what we stand for and who we represent? We profess our faith in one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who shed his blood for the sin of all, as we worship on Sunday; we profess and learn more and more about our faith within bible studies and meditations during the week. As we leave the confines of our church structures, however, do others see this profession by our words, actions and affirmation of who we are? “Love” is our greatest affirmation to others, and our greatest commandment of Christ; for love covers all things. If you love, you won’t kill; if you love you won’t cheat; if you love, you won’t lie; if you love, you will affirm the attitude of “WWJD”, What Would Jesus Do” in all you do.
Many people, however, camouflage themselves; they attend church and bible studies; and the rest of the week, they’re back into the same routine of their hurts, habits and hang-ups- those things that lead to a dead end road. No one can see Christ in them; when in reality, there should be a large sign on every church door across
We are the only hands for God to hug others with, to pat others on the back with, to help carry one another with; we are the only feet for God to walk the streets within our communities with the good news of the one way, one truth, and one light-Jesus Christ. With this being said, it would be impossible to hide or camouflage ourselves; ambassadors and representatives of Christ. We are a city set on a hilltop, who’s light shines as a beacon for others…keep your light alive! Just like a prism, our light has the ability to magnify through others and spread across greater horizons…so let your light shine, and let it shine brightly…..AMEN!
Our Comforter, Our Guide, Our Strength
If we were told that we could drive between
We are quick to view the large picture of things rather than the intricate details that can bring much peace. For example, how often do we want to smack a spider with a rolled up magazine, because we don’t like insects; rather than realize that the spider builds a web that catches all the smaller bugs such as mosquitoes and flies- that we really despise!
It’s so easy to say “impossible.” It’s impossible to drive between
God, Our Creator, Our Comforter, Nurturer, Guide, and Protector; he always has a hand ready to grip ours; ready to catch us when we fall….no matter what the circumstance is that we’re falling from. Perhaps we’ve fallen flat and hard already; Gods hand is there ready to grip our hand, and pick us up to new heights, no matter what the circumstance. In this we can find no greater joy; for we have a father of unconditional love and forgiveness. If we were to test the needle of the speedometer and get caught, we’d have a difficult time seeking absolute forgiveness and erasure of a hefty speeding ticket; but no matter what we’ve done in life; we have a Father above who is willing to do just that, wipe the slate entirely clean with entire forgiveness….not impossible…we just have to ask at this moment in time and we’ll begin that journey of being lifted to new heights. We’re not alone; just as a mother watches her young like in this picture above, so we have a Father of endless love, watching over us, ready to comfort us and comfort us in his warmth, care, and gif of eternal life sent through Jesus, his Son for all of us here today….AMEN
Thanks be to God
Thankyou God for the elements of wind, rain and snow. Although they can be a pain, it reminds us that you continue to move across the earth-remolding such places as the
Thankyou God for friends, teachers, pastors and counselors; showing us that we’re not alone, and that each one of us has a purpose as we help to support and nurture one another in christian love.
Thankyou God for all the animals of the earth, how they innocently do their own thing with such tranquility and peace; yet another example that we too, can learn from them.
Thankyou for all the obstacles that you place upon our paths, not that we like them, but that you’re teaching us to grow in steadfastness and strength. Thankyou for everything new that you have placed in our lives with further opportunities to grow-not as we would want to be, but as you would want us to be.
It is in all these things that we give thanks to you, and you alone…AMEN
GEESE
Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone throughout our cities, and nations were as eager for spiritual nourishment- as a goose is eager for physical nourishment? Perhaps you've shared in the experience of a trip to the park with a loaf of bread, of which you begin by feeding to one goose. Almost as soon as you've fed a tiny morsel to one, nearly thirty others have congregated around you for the same thing. It would be an immeasurable blessing to see how quickly our sanctuaries and places of worship could fill up in much the same way, as we offer spiritual nourishment of life. Indeed, the numbers increase when physical nourishment is offered; and to these missionaries and outreach workers who see to it that the less fortunate are fed, I say thanks.
The geese come to mind, however in perspective, when I had provided them with the last morsel of bread. They quickly went from happy geese to unruly geese in a split second, hissing and growling. Just seconds earlier they were happily squaking and honking as the bread was tossed like manna from above and when the supply was suddenly depleted, they protested for more. It seemed almost like an eternity that they barricaded themselves around me in their protest, before dispersing...they wanted more....
My prayer is that in every community, in every land, in every nation everywhere; that there would be more hunger and ambition for the Holy Word and spiritual nourishment of life. It is my prayer that as this ambition, as this desire spreads; so would the power of peace over hostility, war and bloodshed. How does this trend begin? It begins as we leave the comforts of our homes, and the frameworks of our places of worship-into the mission field of our communities near and afar...so let’s go therefore and "make disciples of all nations, everywhere-teaching them as Christ has taught us...."
ELEPHANTS
Do we have elephants on our tables? Of course not, how would we eat? Then again, do we have elephants on our tables, which prevent us from spiritual growth and nourishment. Do we have elephants on our tables that prevent us from experiencing and demonstrating the christian “love”, the number one commandment appointed to us above all and which encompasses all commandments. Some of these elephants are enormous, while others are young; however, both can be rather difficult to move! If we can’t move these elephants that barricade one from another, do we give up, or is there still hope?
There’s a humungous elephant between North and
We cannot fix one another, we can support one another. We may not be able to remove the elephant entirely like we can “Fluffy” the cat, but we can cross around from our own comfort zone into new boundaries, to provide help. That elephant can be viewed as the end of the road-cant go any further; or can be viewed as a challenge to climb over, climb and crawl around…do whatever it is we have to do to help one another in christian love, unity and respect. As a homeless man for nearly a year and a half, my only income was from bottle and can redemption. Needless to say, finances were an enormous elephant between me and peace-although I was at peace in the Lord. I took 10% of what I had accumulated each week, and gave it to God through the church. An elephant was moved as I discovered new openings into housing and new jobs, new opportunities.
I faced an elephant in my life as I struggled with tremendous pain and abuse in Enid Oklahoma for a long while, a major elephant. That was one elephant I sent to the zoo, as I left to start a new beginning, facing smaller elephants that’re difficult to round up and move along…but things are possible for those who believe in God…
There are many missions in our communities today through which local churches volunteer to provide hot meals, stepping outside of their comfort zones and around those elephants that others may be fed. There are counselors and case managers in our communities that will give up their time, to step around enormous elephants in order to help…and to these people I say thankyou.
Elephants, they’ve roamed our world for quite a while; roamed meaning that they’ll continue to move, that those obstacles in our lives aren’t permanent….God Bless all who read these words!
REST
Rest is a necessity. We can’t drive a car forever, in example, we have to stop to refuel, tune-up-or in other words, recharge.
On average, we make it through 29,200 days in our lives, for a total of 700,800 hours; 77,866 during which we’re asleep ( at rest ) or 3244 days. Almost 9 years of our lives devoted to rest. Why is rest so important? Those 29,200 days of an average life would easily be cut in half if we had the ability to successfully avoid rest. Many have tried to break the record of how long they could avoid sleep, which lasted about 2 weeks. Rest is an automatic function of our body; when you’ve done too much, when you’re tired, you fall asleep. When we sleep, the body is at work in its own intricate ways of healing and mending, along with other processes that are physically beneficial; and we feel refreshed the next day-recharged.
Rest doesn’t necessarily mean sleep, however, there is a spiritual rest. A time during which we place aside all of life’s worries and frustrations, and go to the Lord. A time during which we immerse ourselves in scripture, our roadmap of life, and find the proper direction before we stray too far from the light of the world. When we take a moment of rest from life’s daily grind, we can clearly examine those areas in which we have to be thankful for.
The Lord is our strength, meaning that we can take rest in knowing that when we face challenging moments in life; all we have to do is pray for help, in the name of Jesus-the light of the world. How can we learn to face these challenging moments with ease? Take rest from our daily lives by devoting one hour a week ( one hour out of 168 hours in a week ) to worship. Devote one hour out of 168 hours in a week to bible study. Devote one hour out of 168 hours in a week to charity, doing something nice for another. 63 of 168 hours we sleep each week, 3 hours devoted to spiritual preparation and warfare; and we’re still blessed with 102 hours of the week!
Take rest and know that we serve an awesome God, who loves unconditionally, always willing to take us into his comforting embrace as a child of his-which we are-praise be to God!
Prominent Looks
The most prominent feature of the bird in this picture, of course, is its beak! If you were asked to describe the most prominent feature of a friend, what would it be? Their long nose, their puffy cheeks, or perhaps their wavy hair? In reverse, what is the most prominent feature we think that others see in us; our long arms, cute dimples, or sparkling eyes. Naturally, it's the most easiest to recognize people and things at the physical, fleshly level. What truly matters, however, are the virtuous features; those actions we portray that help create for us a place in society. It’s those features that we want others to see in us, that we represent. We don't represent our noses, we represent our care for one another; we have noses, but everyone has one. What is it that makes us stand out? We represent the beliefs and values within us; and thus, with Christ in our life, are representing Christ.
It should be our goal in each day, which God has given to us as a gift; to identify how we can best demonstrate christian "love" and then to let this christian love stand out as most prominent to others. When others see us, we want them to know that we're covered in the blood of Jesus, that we're filled with the Holy Spirit. We want them to ask questions, and we want to help create in them-through the blood of Jesus, a life changing experience. Remember as a child, when a friend had more than what we had suddenly, we questioned them-we wanted the same things, perhaps. And so, it's like that when others see change take over, when they see Christ take over our lives, that like the sun which is most prominent on a partly cloudy day; and they'll begin to want that more and more-who wouldn't?
How do we make christian "love"-the number one commandment, the most prominent in our lives? Begin each day in thanksgiving to God for yet another day, whether it's rainy or sunny. Begin each day by looking in a mirror and saying "I am a child of God" because we are, no matter how bad we mess up. Begin each day with scripture; begin each day by saying something nice to your neighbor, stranger or school bully. Offer words of encouragement to others and words of prayer. Above all, remember, this is the day that the Lord has made-so rejoice, and let your light shine!
Boundaries
When we view pictures of our majestic globe from space, not only do we see the one planet which everyone shares, but you can hardly see the man-made borders dividing one from another. Sure, you can see faint parts of the Great Wall of China or the Panama Canal, but not the entire boundary between the
You see, nothing stops most birds from crossing any and all boundaries, sometimes even seas. I'm not advocating that we break the law by crossing our borders without passports, if needed; but rather asking a question....what is stopping us from crossing other boundaries? Christ left us with great commission before ascending into heaven, to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). The word nations generally means foreign lands in books today, and we praise God for the missionaries who "go" to other nations; leaving behind the comforts of their own home. It's these same type of comforts that bring the word "nations" to a much more local level.
I remember in elementary school, we had to pass through the high school building to go to the cafeteria. A second grade four-foot-five student in a high school with others towering above you, could be a foreign nation; definitely not in our comfort zone. What held me back? Nothing, I was hungry! Aren't we hungry for spiritual growth? Thousands of years ago, the afflicted were avoided; but then a disciple asked Jesus in John 9 concerning a blind man-who sinned, this man or his parents? Christ tells us that neither the man nor the parents, but that the work of God might be displayed in that blind mans life. We can learn allot from others, especially the disabled, that show us that even though they're in a condition-they have life; they're doing something. They're crossing boundaries in their lives, they have hope and faith; soaring on wings like eagles ( Isaiah 40:31 ) to new heights.
What is holding us back from growing further in our faith walk, what boundaries are we struggling against that separate us from experiencing and demonstrating "real" christian love, within our families and communities? Do we think more of our own needs that that of others? Do we neglect true needs from false needs such as alcohol and drugs? Isaiah 59:2 tells us of a boundary in which our iniquities-our sins, have separated us from God. How do we cross that boundary? Through the blood that Christ shed for those iniquities, those sins; that we may have life everlasting. It's through the blood of Christ, through faith, that we have the ability to rise up like a bird and cross all boundaries with confidence in the one Savior that has already crossed them!
There's a boundary between those who know Christ, and those who don't; and it's our mission to go into every corner ( every nation ) of our community, and display the christian love that would make others say "Wow." When we let our light shine, it's truly visible, and others will start asking questions; especially when they see remarkable changes in our lives take place perhaps. They may wonder how that can happen in their lives, and there you have a one of many avenues to bring them into the light of Christ!
Let us rise up like a bird and cross life-changing boundaries, and as we face turbulence, like a bird does as it dips up and down, take comfort in 2 Corinthians 7:4 that tells us...I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged, in all our troubles, my joy knows no bounds! AMEN
Like a Lion
Psalm 18:46 tells us that the Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, my Savior!
We're all curious, we all have questions, many moments of many hours of many days; often going to whatever height or length it takes to find the answer. There are times, however, when we think we've found a good vantage point over which to see deep into the horizon of our immediate futures or perhaps lives, and realize that we've stepped onto a gigantic mole hill! Other times we may leap for a new height, and miss it entirely. Having grown up around many cats, I would often see them perch below what they perceived a mountain ( counter-top ), in their eyes judging the distance; and then to leap, sometimes making it successfully and other times sliding off the other end into a flying furball!
In the words of 1 Corinthians 10:12, "if you think you're standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"; we're told , men not to drive while avoiding the woman’s instructions. If you think you know the right way, you may be wrong! Women are the shepherds in this regard and we're the sheep! A mountain climber wouldn't climb Mt.
A mountain lion, as well as many wild cats, have great balance and agility; often they can successfully jump upon a hill, or upon a rock with confidence. They jump instinctively to higher ground as both a guarding tool and a way to find food. Whenever you see a mountain lion, it seems as if they're glued to that rock, watching our every move intently. Psalm 18:2, tells us that the Lord is our rock, our fortress and deliverer. Our goal should be to scale- to climb that rock, and to help others scale the rock as well; that's what we're called to do as a church in the communities. We're called to climb firm rocks rather than anthills, where we sink and get bitten! Love is God, God is love; and so if we're not showing love, we're on an anthill. If we're not treating others as if they could be Jesus ( angels unaware ) or if we don't know Christ-we're definitely in the anthill.
Genesis 49:9-10 tells us that "you are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down like a lioness-who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nation is his.
A lion cub, a symbol of sovereignty, strength and courage. Judah ( or Israel ) is often pictured as a lion in later times with the greatest indication being in Numbers 24:9 which brings the same rhythm of Genesis 49:9-10, except to continue by saying "May those who bless you be blessed, and those who curse you be cursed"
A lion is a great animal, definitely not one to use a small piece of string with, or offer a morsel of a cat treat to; but one that takes strides in courage, that doesn't easily take defeat. A lion is one that quickly jumps to the top of a rock; and as we allow ourselves to grow in faith, in christian ( Christ-like ) love, we too will be able to leap without hesitation. The Lord is Our Rock, and thus to get to the other side, you've got to go through the Lord Jesus-who shed his blood for you and I, that today may be a new day in life!
We are lion cubs, we're children of God, each day growing stronger and more faithful than the day before. We demonstrate faith by believing in the air which we breathe-but don't see, we demonstrate faith by sitting in a chair-but not checking it out first to see if it will support us. Magnify this faith, continue in this faith with God, through his word, through Jesus; and we too will develop qualities similar to the lion. To be christian ( Christ-like ) and striving each day to grow, we'll show others around us who Christ is...just as a lion confirms to us who he is with a booming roar!
COLOR WITHIN
If you’ve seen pictures of the sea, or perhaps you’ve been to the coast somewhere; you know how difficult it is to see all of the aquatic life that flourishes within the waters. It’s quite a contrast to an aquarium, where you can look across the rolling waters and see life in all sorts of wondrous colors. It would be absolutely breath-taking if you could look across the sea for miles on end and see the same thing that you see at an aquarium; and there are certain places which you can go to see this spectacle, such as deep in the
I thought about this image of the sea and aquarium on a recent trip to the zoo, where I saw fish of such vibrant colors; realizing that those same fish in the rainbow of reds, blues, and yellows thrive within that sea water which we cant see into. If you could imagine for a moment taking a clear jar of water, filled with a layer of sand and one marble. With the lid securely fastened, if you were to shake the jar quickly for several moments, you wouldn’t be able to see the marble amidst the swirling sand. Soon, however, the sand settles, and you can see that marble.
Each person has the potential to be a beacon of light to others, as bright as the brightest fish of the sea; however, it’s the crud, silt, and impurities- the sin- that makes that brightness and potential fade. We’re not perfect, and we all at one point or an other in our lives have gotten hung up in hurts, habits, pains and recurrent obstacles- which sometimes seem to last forever. We may have felt hopeless, when in reality, there is hope. When problems seem hard to bear, remember that our brother, Our Savior- Jesus Christ, won all our battles before we were conceived! When problems seem hard to bear and overcome, when the waves of our lives seem to roll in massive torrents; Christ has the power to make them calm. His words in scripture were…”Be Still.”
“Be Still”…when that jar was shaken, you couldn’t see the marble until the sand was still. In parts of the world, the sea is so still that the sediments are settle and you can see the life. How do we “still” the raging torrents of our lives, so the brightness can be seen? Allow Christ to be the pilot and take rest into the passenger seat; allow Christ to be the guide of our lives. Immerse ourselves in the bible- “the Holy Word”- which is so dynamic that it can fit any problem or situation, and bring encouragement or inspiration. Immerse ourselves within a church body of believers, where we can find support of one another; where our colors can begin to be identified. Sometimes it’s hard for us to see something that someone else may be able to point out in us, such as gifts and talents…that’s one of the many strengths in the body of believers.
How do we bring out the brightest colors in others within our communities? Treat others as angels unaware; treat each person as like they were Christ….for you never know when you may encounter Christ. Treating each person in this respect will boost their esteem, maybe slowly to begin. Say something nice about someone; or offer a word of prayer to a stranger. There’s color in everyone, there’s potential in everyone; we’re all children of God, created in his image. Let our brightness shine today:
God, help me to be all I can be in your image. Create in me a new heart, and renew within me the Spirit of peace, hope, love and joy; in the name of Jesus. Forgive me and breathe in me renewed life. AMEN.
( Genesis 1: 20-25 )
God said, "I command the ocean to be full of living creatures, and I command birds to fly above the earth." So God made the giant sea monsters and all living creatures that swim in the ocean. He also made every kind of bird. God looked at what he had done, and it was good. Then he gave the living creatures his blessing-he told the ocean creatures to live everywhere in the ocean and the birds to live everywhere on earth. Evening came and then morning-that was the fifth day.
God said, "I command the earth to give life to all kinds of tame animals, wild animals, and reptiles." And that's what happened. God made everyone one of them. Then he looked at what he had done, and it was good.
Collection of animal videos at: www.myspace.com/allnaturesmallandlarge
