Loving Your Neighbor. Suddenly! Trust in the Lord. Myth Busters. Update.

Ok! Ok! I know you are sick of it, but here are a few thoughts, some might be a comfort to you:

Loving Your Neighbor in the Age of Coronavirus

“Coronavirus is currently changing daily life for everyone. To younger people, it can seem like a big frustrating overreaction. But here’s another perspective to consider.
To everyone under the age of 70 years old:
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives. We’ve all had to make sacrifices—and possibly will have to make more in the future—as our world struggles to find its way through this global crisis.

Sacrificing for others

The COVID-19 disease will likely have little effect on you—even if you contract it. So the sacrifices you make, the inconveniences you endure, are not really for you.
The greatest danger to human life this disease poses is to older people, senior citizens with whom you may have very little contact on a daily basis. 
As one of those seniors (I’m in my 70s), I’d like to offer a different perspective on the current crisis. It seems true that younger people who contract the virus have relatively mild symptoms, and in some cases may not even realize they are infected.

Overreaction to a virus no worse than the flu?

Many people, especially those with little or no medical training, have cited the relatively low death rate among younger people to say that this virus is really no worse than the common flu.
If that were the whole story, they might have a valid point. We could even cite the number of deaths worldwide from the virus as further proof of its limited severity, though those figures are changing so rapidly that it’s hard to make any argument from them at this point.
It’s easy to understand why a young, healthy person (with little to fear) would feel frustrated with all of the current restrictions on normal life we are facing because of this pandemic. Limiting entertainment, sports, recreation, dining out, and many other social events seems like an overreaction for such a mild disease.

Seeing faces, not numbers

The perspective I wish to offer is a little different. I am not young and healthy any longer. While the World Health Organization put the overall mortality rate at 3.4 percent globally, in my demographic, the fatality rate is around 8 percent. That means for every dozen 70-something people who contract this easily transmissible disease, one will die. (A recent report says the fatality rate is 3.6 percent for those between the ages of 60-69, but 14.8 percent for those over 80.)
If one out of 12 is going to die from this disease over the next few months, I’m not losing numbers, I’m losing friends.When I consider that figure, I honestly don’t see numbers. I see faces. I hear names. I could easily list several dozen people who are my friends and family who are in that demographic—my wife, my in-laws, many of the friends I have had since the days when we were young and healthy together.
If one out of 12 is going to die from this disease over the next few months, I’m not losing numbers, I’m losing friends. I’m losing a part of my life. For all I know, it may be my name that gets listed among the casualties before this pestilence has run its deadly course.
Here’s the point: If everyone makes the sacrifices today, some of those lives may be saved tomorrow. Perhaps it can help us to put names and faces on those lives instead of numbers. Whose life could you save by your sacrifices today?

“Love your neighbor” in the age of coronavirus

What we are seeing in all of this is the operation of an ancient principle, often ignored or minimized in modern society. In the Bible, God is recorded as telling His people to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
Are we just “believers”—as long as that belief doesn’t inconvenience us or hinder our ability to do what we want, when we want?The same instruction is quoted seven times in the New Testament. In addition to Jesus’ statements, the apostle Paul says that phrase summarizes the entirety of God’s law (Galatians 5:14). James refers to this principle as “the royal law” (James 2:8).
Throughout history, “love your neighbor as yourself” has always been easier said than done. What about when your neighbor is not so nice? What if he or she doesn’t look like you or sound like you or believe like you? What about when you don’t even know your neighbors? What about when they are just statistics in a news story?
That’s when loving your neighbor becomes a test of what we really are. Are we genuine followers of Jesus Christ and His Word? Or are we just “believers”—as long as that belief doesn’t inconvenience us or hinder our ability to do what we want, when we want?
You probably don’t know me, but: I’m the neighbor.
I’m part of the population that is threatened with an 8 percent death rate. I’m older and much more vulnerable than I would like to be, and I’m in need of your willingness to sacrifice your convenience to give me a better chance to survive this crisis.

Thank you for your sacrifices

To those of you diligently doing that: On behalf of all us 70-somethings, thank you. Your sacrifice means more than you will ever know.
And if you happen to be one of those complaining because of the current limits this has posed to your freedom, well, this may be the big test of whether your belief and character are genuine or just a nice slogan. I believe it’s clear what your response should be, but that choice is still entirely yours.”   From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/loving-your-neighbor-in-the-age-of-coronavirus/?
To learn more about how to “love your neighbor as yourself,” read “How to Be a Good Neighbor.”
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Suddenly the world changed.
New York now sleeps
Mickey Mouse went on vacation✈
The NBA said NO
The toilet paper is a treasure to find (Used as chips in poker game) 
No more vacation ✈️
We learned to wash our hands
Kisses and hugs are not daring, today they are contagious
Sanity gave way to hysteria and panic
And a virus crowns as if it were the owner of the world ...
But it is not so, and there is something that the coronavirus will not change! It is the love ❤ and the mercy of God ... that will remain for eternity! May our faith not diminish. Let's not stop praying He is in control!
I know so! And you? ❤ God is good! All the time!
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This is what Brother Oscar from my previous church in Willis wrote to the congregation:
“My dear church family,
I pray that you and your family find yourself blessed and at peace in this time of concern that not only this nation is going through, but the world.
I am being asked by some of you, and others, my opinion on the Covid-19 Pandemic. A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. 
First and foremost, as our Pastor mentioned, we must have complete faith in our heavenly Father YHWH through our Lord and Savior Yeshua. He is the One who is in control of all things and the One that holds our lives in His hands. We are merely on a journey, in His service, awaiting the glorious return of our Lord and Savior.
There is nothing wrong with having a “godly concern” over something, there is however, everything wrong with “worrying” about something. Scripture teaches us not to worry.
Philippians 4:6-7   Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
With that said, I am in full agreement to do our due diligence and take all necessary precautions that local, state and federal government is asking its citizens to follow, Scripture teaches to submit to government:
Romans 13:1-2 and following says...
13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves...
Scripture also teaches that we should not tempt God:
Matthew 4:7  Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”
When our government is asking us to do something that does not go against God's will, we are to obey.
It is imperative to try to nip problems in the bud and not allow them to blossom, which is what our government is attempting to do.
I am of the opinion that short term sacrifice to avert long term suffering is prudent and wise.
As I'm sure, most of you have been doing your own research, a few pointers (among many) I have found is:
The Covid-19 virus mortality rate is 10 times higher than the flu mortality rate as of today.  Mortality rate numbers will inevitably change as time goes on and more is known.
The flu has been around for about 2000 years and the human body has developed some limited type of immunity or resistance towards it.
The human body has not had any time to develop any immunity or resistance to this new virus.
Of course, anything can be found on the Internet to prove a point one way or another, but it's best to play it safe now than to be sorry later.
I believe that Non believers and God's people may be paying a consequence for disobedience towards Him with this virus, therefore, He is testing us, his people, so we ourselves, can see how we will react.
John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
This is excellent closing Scripture to answer all of your questions.
You are all in my prayers, God bless you all.  Be safe, be clean and most of all, be blessed.
Brother Oscar”.
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters

Please look at these myth busters, there are too many to show on this page.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

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Update
I sincerely pray that you and yours are all well.  Please take care of your critters, don’t go leave them at a shelter where they will be put to sleep because they can’t have Adoption Days anymore.  Though I suppose that will be better than starving to death if you can’t get food for them. 
We had the Bible studies on Friday morning and Sunday afternoon as usual, but that was all changed by Tuesday.  The apartment management locked the doors to the Community Room and the outside door too, so only the few who have a key can even get into the building to do laundry.  The Fitness Programs, Bingo and St. Paddy’s Day lunch were all cancelled.
When I went to Physical Therapy on Wednesday, they screened me with questions before they would even see me.  When I stopped at the grocery store the few that were there, were keeping their distance from each other.
Now, there is an order in TX where there can’t be more than 10 people together at any one time.  Fortunately for me, I am in a county which has no one infected so far.
On the Sabbath, our Pastor live-streamed the service through FaceBook, so my un-computerized neighbor who attends that church too, came here with her dog, and we watched it together.  I even found a website that has hymns with a piano and the lyrics, too.
Not knowing that physically going to church would be canceled, I had made a big.Cheesy-Egg-Hashbrown-Casserole.  We enjoyed some of that, and the rest will be frozen for another day.

Should You Keep the Festivals Jesus Observed? The Feast of Trumpets. God Calling!

For “Scripture Sunday”:  

The Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah, will be observed the third week of September.

Should You Keep the Festivals Jesus Observed?

“Jesus observed the Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles and the other festivals that God gave to Israel. Should you follow His example? Are those sacred festivals still applicable for Christians?

Jesus Christ observed the festivals God gave to ancient Israel. Christians, of course, are expected to follow His example, to "walk just as He walked" (1 John 2:6).

Some of our readers may be surprised to learn that the United Church of God, (and the Messianic Churches), observe the same religious festivals that Jesus observed. Why would we follow His example in the matter of which days we keep?

One obvious reason is that Jesus Christ was the perfect model of how a Christian should live. Equally important is our conviction that religious practices should be founded directly on what the Bible approves. The only religious festivals commanded or approved in the Bible are the ones Jesus kept. But are these the only reasons, or is there more to this story?

Jesus Christ observed the festivals God gave to ancient Israel. Christians, of course, are expected to follow His example, to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). One reason Christ observed the festivals is that they are relevant to His message, the gospel of the Kingdom of God. By observing them we can learn much about God’s plan to grant eternal life to those who become His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. This is what gives these festivals their Christian importance and significance.

At one of these festivals a city newspaper reporter once asked me, “Why does your church observe the Feast of Tabernacles, a Jewish festival?”

I had the opportunity to explain that the occasion is not a festival for Jews alone, but for all humanity. This is one of God’s own festivals for the benefit of the human race. She later wrote an article complimenting the church for bringing a truly family-oriented convention to her city.

The Feast of Tabernacles, observed annually in September and/or October, is indeed a family festival. It has a distinct atmosphere, presenting abundant opportunities for close cooperation and communication among family members. It reflects what God is doing to create a family for Himself, His own children. He says to those called to be Christians: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the L ORD Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18, emphasis added throughout). God seeks a family relationship and calls on us to become a part of that family!

The harvest of the children of God

The festivals of the Bible are closely linked to the harvest seasons of the Holy Land, where Jesus Christ spent His human life. Jesus often compared what God was doing through Him to a harvest. For example, Christ said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white [ripe] for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together’ ” (John 4:34-36).

Here Jesus links the idea of a harvest to His work of bringing humanity into a relationship with God that leads to eternal life. The festivals are not just memorials of what happened to ancient Israel, nor are they meaningless ritual. They were given to reveal major aspects of Jesus’ role in securing the redemption and salvation of all humanity. They are all about the work of Jesus Christ. That is why we keep them.

God’s marvelous master plan

Few realize that God has a master plan He carefully follows. His actions are not random or capricious. He formulated that plan before He created the heavens and earth. He began revealing important aspects of it with our first human parents, Adam and Eve. Let’s examine what the Bible says about that fascinating plan and how the festivals that Jesus observed reveal the order in which God’s magnificent blueprint for mankind will be accomplished.

When did God conceive His plan for creating mankind and offering us eternal life? Paul tells us that he became “a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time ” (Titus 1:1-2, New International Version).

Time, of course, is measured by the movement of the earth and the other heavenly bodies in space. Paul is telling us that before God created the universe He envisioned human beings and a way for them to receive eternal life. The salvation of mankind is not a new idea with God.

Later, when God evicted Adam and Eve from the garden paradise of Eden, after they had succumbed to the serpent’s influence and sinned, He told the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15).

In Adam’s and Eve’s presence, God revealed to Satan, “that serpent of old” (Revelation 12:9), that the time would come when a descendant of the very woman he had just deceived would crush his deceptive leadership over mankind. But first he would be allowed to strike (by crucifixion) a temporarily disabling blow to the promised Messiah.

God had a clear picture of the future. His plan included the death and resurrection of the Son of God, who was also to be the Son of Man-with God as His Father and the woman, Mary, His mother.

Is it any wonder that God began revealing more details of His plan to Moses at the time He selected ancient Israel as His special people? That was why God commanded the observance of His festivals with their dual meanings. Some of them represent truly historic events that occurred at the founding of ancient Israel as a nation. But they all represent the much more important relationship of all human beings to the mission of the Messiah (Colossians 2:16-17). That has always been their primary focus.

The Feast of Trumpets

The Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah, begins the new Jewish civil year. But it is also the first day of the seventh month of the sacred calendar. It pictures the beginning of a new era, the end of the age of Satan’s influence and the beginning of the age of the Messiah. God instructed Moses that “in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:24).

(Rosh Hashanah is known as the Day of Judgment. At the final judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:15, we read that "anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire." The book of Revelation tells us that the Book of Life belongs to the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:27). The Apostle Paul maintained that the names of his fellow missionary companions were "in the Book of Life." (Philippians 4:3))

Why remember the blowing of trumpets? What relationship do trumpets have to God’s master plan and the mission of the Messiah?

The Bible reveals the significance of trumpets: The blowing of trumpets will announce the return of Jesus Christ!

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet , and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:30-31).

Paul clarifies even more what will happen at the conclusion of the blowing of trumpets that will announce Christ’s return: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

Few events-pictured here by the Feast of Trumpets-could be more significant to Christians than those that occur at the blowing of the trumpets at Christ’s return. That is when Christians, living or dead, receive immortality and eternal life.

The Festivals kept today

Jesus Christ set us an example by observing the biblical festivals, not because they were traditions of the Jewish people, but because, from the beginning, they represented His personal role in bringing the children of God into His spiritual family.

His apostles, walking in His footsteps, continued observing the same festivals. A considerable portion of Christianity observed them for centuries after His death. Looking into the future, we find a continuation of the same pattern. The prophet Zechariah tells us that attendance at the Feast of Tabernacles will be required of all peoples after Christ returns (Zechariah 14:16).

Today there are still Christians faithfully observing the same festivals Christ kept. These annual occasions were instituted to keep God’s people, in all ages, aware of the key aspects of the mission and work of the true Messiah. They are, indeed, Christian festivals.” 

Complete article with list of Feasts: https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/should-you-keep-the-festivals-jesus-observed

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God Calling!

“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Called and chosen for what? What is God’s calling? Are you sure you are among the called? 

Can you imagine your telephone’s caller ID displaying “God calling,” when your phone rings? Of course, His calling is much more subtle than that, but it is just as real. Jesus plainly stated, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws [calls or invites] him” (John 6:44, also note verse 65). Clearly, Christ is saying that no one can come to Him; that is, no one can become a Christian unless the Father first calls that person.

Jesus’ teachings were shocking—so much so that John said many of Christ’s disciples took offense at His words and walked away for good (verse 66). God’s calling refers to the process by which the Father draws (or calls) a person. It includes God’s opening a person’s mind to understand spiritual truth, and it is literally an invitation to salvation for that individual.

There is much confusion about the meaning of salvation, so let’s simplify it. In the physical sense, salvation means being rescued, usually from death. A person pulled from a burning building has been saved from a terrible death. Similarly, spiritual salvation means being rescued or saved from eternal death. The difference is that spiritual death is a death from which there is no return, literally ceasing to exist. The saved, even if they experience physical death before Christ’s return, will be changed to spirit and live forever when He comes.

The Bible shows not everyone is called now

One of the passages in the Bible that clearly explains that God is not calling everyone to salvation at this time is Christ’s parable of the sower. “Behold, a sower [a farmer] went out to sow [plant seed]. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.

“Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear [who can understand] let him hear!” (Matthew 13:3-9).

Do you know what Jesus meant?

Jesus explains the parable

In the parable, a story with a spiritual lesson, a farmer planting seed is likened to the work done by Jesus Christ and His Church. The seed is the gospel of the Kingdom. Notice how Jesus explained it: “Therefore hear [understand] the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

“But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:18-23, emphasis added throughout).

“God calling” for the people in the story means the Father opens their minds so they can understand the good news of the Kingdom of God. This knowledge of the Kingdom includes knowing the King of this Kingdom (Jesus Christ), its territory (this earth), its constitution (the law of God) and its citizens (those over whom Christ and the saints rule on the earth). For further study, see the section on the “Kingdom of God.”

“Many are called, but few are chosen”

Not everyone who heard this parable [teaching] understood what Jesus was talking about. Although the entire multitude heard the same words, different reactions were taking place in those who heard the message. Some did not “hear” the call. Some did hear, but chose not to respond to the call.

The seed only grows in those God the Father is calling and who choose to follow His way of life. It is important to note that within the context of God’s plan of salvation for humankind, He is not opening everyone’s mind to the truth at the same time. Jesus had to explain this fact to His disciples, and He does so in the context of this parable of the sower (Matthew 13:11-17).

Another biblical example helps explain the fact that some are called ahead of most of mankind.

This is critically important

Another example of God calling only some during this age is found in the book of Acts. At the conclusion of Peter’s powerful sermon on the Feast of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given, many who heard him were sorrowful and repentant, realizing that their sins required the death—the sacrifice—of Christ. Notice their response; “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart [they were repentant] and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37).

This is critically important: Real repentance requires the person to act on the knowledge he or she has received. Conversion is much more than an emotional reaction.

Real repentance requires the person to act on the knowledge he or she has received. Conversion is much more than an emotional reaction. Peter responded, “Repent [turn your life around], and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission [forgiveness] of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (verses 38-39).

Notice the phrase “as many as the Lord our God will call.” Did everyone who heard the call positively respond that day by repenting and being baptized? No. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized” (verse 41). To be sure, God added about 3,000 people to His Church that day; but even so, many others who heard the call chose not to respond.”

Complete article at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/god-calling/ 

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Update.

Jay has been here a few times to help me as he needed cigarette money.  He feels that he has to spend nearly $7 for a PACK of cigarettes, just to go up in smoke.  No wonder he is always broke.  We used to pay $1.80 a CARTON at the base commissary!  I am so glad that I am not a slave to that anymore.  It’s been three years and nine months since I quit my 60 year fag habit. (The word "fag" is a British term, used to describe a tobacco cigarette.)  I didn’t smoke those expensive cigarettes, just the little cigars, but I still have saved a lot of money, and thankfully my oxygen is up now and I don’t have COPD.

He mowed my grass that had become really tall during all that rain.  We raked up more pine needles and burned them.  We moved a great big metal wide filing cabinet out of the mini-house carport up three steps into the new tool room, the old store room.  Now there are two of those 40” wide, and five legal size drawers in the tool room.  We had to remove the drawers to be able to move it, even with my big appliance dolly.  With the big filing cabinet moved and a humongous BBQ that I sold, that left a lot of space in the mini-house carport.  Now to just get the rest of the stuff sold.

Another morning, we cleaned up my front porch siding, tables and chairs and washed the fence.  It looks so much better.

I went down to Roni’s place (now mine) and then my van wouldn’t start.  I had had trouble turning the key all the way to make it connect, but this time it just wouldn’t go.  So I called the Emergency Road Service and they towed it up here.  A few days later Chris came over so that we could try to start it and get it into Conroe to the repair shop, but I couldn’t start it, but she did due to the ‘special words’ that she prayed over it.  The prognosis is that I need a new starter and radiator, which this day and age cost a lot, they said $650.  On Monday, Gary an elder from the church, is going to do some checking around.

My four little foster kittens had an outing, as they had had their second batch of shots they could safely go out into the big world.  Chris, my SPCA foster mom neighbor, took them to Petco for Adoption Day on Saturday afternoon. They were a big hit, but no applications came in for them.  They are so cute, friendly, playful, pretty and handsome that I have no doubt that they will be adopted soon after their neutering surgeries.

My daughter, Wendy, has been volunteering down in Brazoria, helping people she doesn’t even know, get their homes cleaned up after the floods.  She felt that it was just something that she had to do.  She has been helping tear out soggy sheetrock and carpet.  They thanked her, but she thanked them for letting her do it.  She used to live down in West Colombia, so she knows a lot of folks who had at least 4 feet of water in their homes.  She and her two daughters came and helped me when I had over 4 feet of water in my new house in the flood of October of 1994.  That’s when I bought on top of this hill!

With my van in the shop, Hans my neighbor, took Jay and me to church with my big insulated food bag containing food for the potluck, and the bag of peelings and scraps that I collect for Gary’s chickens.  Hans was going to an ice cream social so he couldn’t pick us up.  But Gary, his wife and daughter to the rescue once again as they brought us and our food bag back home.

Someone gave me an enormous cabbage, now what was I going to do with that?  I made buttered sautéed cabbage with carrots, and took it in a crockpot to the church pot luck.  Then I made a big glass bowl of Waldorf Slaw, and took it too, but I still have some cabbage left over.

The Bible readings were Deut. 3:23-7:11, (now that includes The Commandments in Deut. 5:6-21), Isa. 40:1-40 and Mark 12:28-34.  One of the songs that we sang was from Psalm 48.  With ‘The Feast of Trumpets’ nearly upon us the Teaching was about celebrating the Holy Days as Jesus did, and how Jerusalem is no longer the place of desolation that Mark Twain described in his day.

Christ Our Passover Was Sacrificed for Us. Q & A About The Passover. Bulletproof Washington. Update.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”:

“Christ Our Passover Was Sacrificed for Us”

“By observing the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, Christians do exactly as Christ Himself did.

In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul wrote that “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” Do you understand the profound meaning this statement holds for Christians?

Christ, as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” would pay the penalty for humanity’s sins “by the sacrifice of Himself” (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26).

Jerusalem shone golden in the afternoon sun as 12 men and their Leader made their way from the Mount of Olives to a house in the city. Earlier in the day, Jesus of Nazareth had instructed two of His disciples, Peter and John, to go into Jerusalem and prepare the Passover (Luke 22:7-13). Jesus said they would encounter a man carrying water, who would show them his guest room where they could keep the Passover, a ceremony that involved eating a sacrificed lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs in remembrance of God’s redemption of the Israelites in Egypt.

After finding the man, Peter and John prepared the food and drink for Jesus and the 12 to observe what would culminate in the first New Covenant Passover service.

Here’s a question we might ask ourselves in this Passover season: Do we truly appreciate Christ’s ultimate sacrifice?

Jesus probably said little as they entered the room and surveyed the preparations. To Peter and John, no doubt Jesus appeared introspective, but, beyond this, their Teacher seemed composed and calm. They all began to relax at the table and eat, following the lead of their Master.

It was then that Jesus began to speak to His disciples, explaining that He had waited for this special time so He could eat this Passover with them. “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God,” He told them (Luke 22:15-16).”

More at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-magazine/christ-our-passover-was-sacrificed-for-us

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Questions and Answers About the Passover

“Most of Christianity doesn’t keep the Passover, believing it to be an observance only for Jews. Is this true? This post covers this and other questions about this ancient festival.

The Passover is found throughout the Bible—both in the Old Testament and New Testament. Is it possible that Christianity is ignoring an observance that is actually very much Christian?

If you look at your calendar for April, you will probably see “Passover” marked. Most people think of the Passover as simply a Jewish national holiday commemorating Israel’s departure from Egypt as found in the book of Exodus. Around this season, network television usually airs The Ten Commandments, the epic 1956 film recounting the Exodus starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.

This may be the extent of your knowledge about the Passover. It is largely ignored in Christianity, which observes other spring holidays (such as Easter, Lent and Good Friday).

But did you know that the Passover is found throughout the Bible—both in the Old Testament and New Testament? Is it possible that Christianity is ignoring an observance that is actually very much Christian?

This post will answer some common questions about the Passover……

Question 2: Is there any connection between the Passover and Jesus Christ?

Yes, the Bible makes a strong link between the Passover and Jesus Christ. Putting the scriptures 

Yes, the New Testament is very clear that early Christians observed the Passover.

It is also important to remember that Jesus observed the Passover on the evening before His crucifixion and that His sacrifice occurred on the daylight portion of the Feast of Passover ( Matthew 26:18-19 ). But perhaps no scripture proves the link better than 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

Jesus commanded His disciples to “do this in remembrance of Me” ( Luke 22:19 ). He also instituted a foot-washing ceremony to teach His people the importance of humility and service (John 13:3-15).

The Bible shows us that the Church continued keeping the Passover in obedience to Christ ( 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 ; 11:23-26 ). Today, Christians around the world observe the New Testament Passover in March or April (on the 14th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar) to remember and commemorate Jesus Christ’s death and its significance to our lives. This year it will be observed after sunset on April 21. (Biblical time reckoning is from sunset to sunset, so sunset on April 21 is the beginning of the day of Passover.)”

Complete article at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/blog/questions-and-answers-about-the-passover/

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Bulletproof Washington

“An Amazing Fact: On July 9, 1755, during the French and Indian War, a force of 1,500 British soldiers was ambushed in the open by a small force of French and American Indian fighters shooting from the woods. The British soldiers—trained for European war—made easy targets standing shoulder to shoulder in their bright red uniforms. And their officers were even more exposed on horseback, high above the men on the ground, making perfect targets. The slaughter continued for two hours as nearly 70 percent of the British soldiers were cut down.

One by one, the chief’s marksmen shot the British officers from their horses until only one remained. Amazingly, round after round was aimed at this one man. Twice the young lieutenant’s horse was shot out from under him. Twice he grabbed another horse. Ten, fifteen, twenty rounds were fired by the sharpshooters. Still, the officer remained unhurt. The native warriors stared in disbelief. Their rifles seldom missed. The chief realized that a mighty power must be shielding this man and commanded, “Stop firing! This one is under the special protection of the Great Spirit.”

Eventually the lieutenant colonel gathered the remaining British troops and led them to safety. That evening, as the last of the wounded were being cared for, the officer noticed an odd tear in his coat. It was a bullet hole! He rolled up his sleeve and looked at his arm directly under the hole. There was no mark on his skin. Amazed, he took off his coat and found three more holes where bullets had passed through his coat but stopped before they reached his body. Nine days after the battle, the young lieutenant colonel wrote his brother: “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side!”

The 23-year-old officer went on to become the commander in chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. During the years that followed in his long career, this man, George Washington, was never once wounded in battle. Washington also escaped flying bullets on four other occasions and survived contracting diphtheria, malaria, smallpox, and tuberculosis.”
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Psalms 91:7

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Update:  One worker didn’t show up again, but another one did.  He is redoing the electrical boxes that Jay put in, getting the polarity right, and installing a couple of switches and lights.

My son, Kevin came to visit and he said he was starting a cold, so I gave him some Vitamin C.   I had been in front of a fan as Jay can’t stand to be anywhere without a breeze on him.  I call it a draft, as I don’t like fans blowing on me, and by Saturday I had come down with an allergy or cold.  I didn’t hug anyone at church as is our custom, and kept everyone at arm’s length.  The fostermom who lives around the corner She had taken my foster cats for Adoption Day, and saw what shape I was in.

The church is getting fired up and ready for Passover which will start on Thursday night.  One of the congregation ladies who lives near me brought over some organic pepper, garlic and onion to put in the organic farro and freekeh that she had bought.  Both ancient nutritious grains, and she wanted me to cook some of the freekeh for the Passover Supper.  She has some thing very amiss with her pitruitary gland because doctors gave her the wrong meds and now she can only eat organic (no pesticides) food, or she gets terrible migraines for days.   I cooked some of the farro, and wasn’t impressed, it seems very chewy. Then I made a freekeh and chickpea salad for last Saturday’s pot luck, just to see how it would be received and it was all gone in no time.  So I will make that again for Passover, but this time I will have some organic parsley and mint on hand as that is in the recipe which I omitted the first time.  The freekeh is a more tender grain than the farro.  I also took a graham cracker pie with bananas, cinnamon chocloate chips and craisins in a cranberry pudding.

The readings were Lev.14:1-16:33, 2 Kings 7:3-20 and Matt. 9:20-26, and the teaching was about Discipleship.  After we had all enjoyed the potluck, anything with leavening in it was taken out of the dining hall.  Most of it was given away to needy folks.  All the leavening will be removed from my house, too for the week of The Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Well, tomorrow I will lose some blood for the doctor, as it is Vampire Day.

Health Foods To Avoid. Slaughterhouses. What Did It Eat? How Organic Chemistry Convinced Me Of The Creator. Bible Study Topics. Update.

 

A little different format from the usual "Scripture Sunday":

It doesn't do any good to keep reading your scriptures, if your health is bad! 

Health Foods To Avoid: The dangers of excess fructose sugars, and other foods:

When you watch this, it will also have the links to watch Parts 1 and 3.  Very informative!

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Slaughterhouses

An Amazing Fact: "In the United States, about nine billion animals are slaughtered annually for food. Each year Americans consume more than 13.6 million tons of beef.

Slaughterhouses are not popular with the public. Though most people enjoy eating the end product, there is an aversion to the gruesome process of killing animals. In many places local laws actually specify where meat packing plants can and can’t be located. Animal welfare groups criticize the often callous methods of transporting, preparing, herding, and killing animals.

It is really unpleasant to think about the procedure. Cattle are driven in trucks or by rail hundreds of miles from a ranch or feedlot, typically in crowded conditions. Not all make it to the slaughterhouse alive. Then they are shuttled through narrow corrals and brought into holding pens where they are “incapacitated.”

I didn’t think much about this stuff when I ran a meat sales business in my VW many years back, but let’s just say that after hanging the animal upside down and draining out most of the blood, butchers begin to do their grisly work.

Does this process disgust you? I won’t explain the details of turning a cow into “food” for your local burger shop. Most of my readers are thinking, “Stop talking about this! What’s the value in even thinking about it?” Let me tell you. …

This is the analogy that Solomon uses to describe the fate of foolish young (or old) men, (this would apply to women as well), who are seduced into breaking God’s commandment on adultery. What seems like a flower-strewn pathway ends up being the road to hell.
Solomon says of this foolish man that he “immediately” goes after her.

In other words, he is controlled by his carnal nature and passions, not his rational brain. Like a bird flying into a net, “He did not know it would cost his life” (v. 23). Sin confuses us into thinking about the moment and not the true end-result.

No wonder the wise man says, “Do not stray into her paths; for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death” (vv. 25-27). It’s a one-way tunnel you don’t ever want to enter.
Additional reading: Proverbs 7:13–27
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
- Proverbs 7:21-22

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"If you don't know what you are eating ate, then you don't know what you are putting in your mouth​." - Tim Ferriss

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How organic chemistry convinced me of the Creator

"While studying organic chemistry in my third year at pharmacy school, I also began studying the Bible. I saw that in order to follow the teachings of God in the Bible, I would have to make some major changes in my thinking and living. But before making these changes, I wanted to find real proof of God’s existence.

I found that proof in an unexpected place.

I had already learned that, in simple terms, it takes a pure enantiomer to produce a pure enantiomer (i.e., it takes one to produce one). The question arose: From where did the first pure enantiomer originate?

Within the study of stereochemistry (the study of molecular structure in three dimensions) is the study of stereoisomerism. Isomers in general are chemical compounds with the same chemical formula but that differ in chemical structure. Ethyl alcohol and methyl ether consist of the same atoms in the same proportion and thus have the same atomic weights and the same formulas—C₂H₆O—but they differ in structure (see Diagram 1).

Diagram 1. Examples of compounds that are isomers. The structure of ethanol (C2H6O) is on the left and the structure of dimethyl ether (C2H6O) is on the right."    Images created using Maestro by Schrödinger, LLC, 2014." 

Complete article at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/is-there-a-god/proof-of-god/how-organic-chemistry-convinced-me-of-the-creator/

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Update:

As usual, it's been a busy and eventful week.

After the winds blew the cheap canopy carport's poles all bent and skewiffy, Jay and I went to Lowes and bought 4-4x4x8 and 6-2x4x10 treated lumber.  But when I found out that he wanted to put the 4x4's as uprights, I didn't even unload the van, as I knew it would be top heavy. 

The following day we laid the treated 2x4's out on the ground for the sides of the carport and squared it all up.  The next day we were on our way back to Lowes to return the 4x4's and get some fence top rail for new posts, but the van wouldn't shift into top gear.  So it was left at a transmission shop, with a bad prognosis.  I'll know more on Monday, when they have time to look at it.

It's awful not having a spare vehicle, so I am getting ready to put the Puddle Jumper back on the road.  It hasn't left this subdivision since 2006.  Things have changed, I can't just go buy tags for it any more, it has to be inspected first.  It won't pass inspection because there is a hole in the muffler.  There isn't a muffler shop around here for 15 miles!  So it has to have some kind of tags to get it there.  It is now eligible to have 'Classic' tags on it, as it is a 1988 Mercury Tracer.  It is still going strong and it is used every day like a golf cart around this subdivision.  I have owned it for many years.

Then a close relative informed me that she and her husband had split up after 20+ years.  I had a feeling this was coming, and I had asked her to look at  http://www.marriagetoday.com/ a long time ago.  Thankfully, now she is looking at the videos that this pastor made, and hopefully it will help them get back together with the knowledge from the Bible.   After all, it is our "how-to" book, because the Bible addresses so many topics that can answer our questions and help us now and in the future. What are some of the most important Bible study topics?: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/bible-study/bible-study-topics/

Jay's mother's washing machine won't spin anymore, so we are going to load it up in her truck on Monday to take it to the repair place.  While we are out, I will buy trip tags for the Puddle Jumper.   I had better get everything I need while I have her truck to use!!

Thursday, BabyGirl had her vet appointment, and that wonderful neighbor foster mom, Chris took her for me.  BabyGirl should be going to her new home next Thursday, we are meeting her new parents at the vet.  The vet just wants to make sure she is all better from her stump pyometra surgery. 

Jay and I started very early one morning trying to finally get this grass (weeds) mowed before it rained again.  Usually, I let Jay do it all, but we had dark skies and thunder all around us. We only just made it, each of us at the helm of one of my two old mowers.   

Then, even though it was pouring down rain, someone was interested in the camping trailer I had for sale.  He drives a wrecker so he has to carry on working whether it's raining or not.  I was paddling around in the rain showing it to him, getting soaked to the skin.  He decided to buy it so I gathered up all that went with it, and helped guide it through the puddles at the end of the side lot. That's one more big thing sold.

Because I didn't have any street legal wheels, I couldn't get to church. So I watched several of the services online. But my foster animals were picked up and had their little outing to Petco for Adoption Day.

The Nepal Earthquake. Baltimore Is The New Ferguson. 11 Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

into News & Prophecy

The Nepal Earthquake: 3 Lessons to Make Sense of the Tragedy

"Thousands have died in the recent earthquakes in Nepal. Life in Nepal will not be the same for years to come. How should this calamity affect your future?

As of this writing, over 4,400 lives were suddenly wiped out when a magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck Nepal this past Saturday, April 25. This number will undoubtedly rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. In an instant, a shaking earth destroyed buildings and roads and buried thousands of unsuspecting people going about their normal routine. Over 1.4 million people are now without food, shelter and hope.

Nepal was grossly unprepared for this tragedy—lacking buildings designed to withstand an earthquake of this magnitude and with little monetary or rescue resources to handle the aftermath of the quake.

Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. Tragedies like this should remind us how precious life is and how quickly life can be turned upside down. It’s at times like these that we should turn to the Bible. The Bible gives a unique perspective on tragedies, including difficult lessons we must learn.

Consider these three lessons we should consider:

1. This is not God’s world.

Many see tragedies like this as proof that there is no God. They reason that an all-powerful, all-loving God would not allow tragedies like this. But the Bible shows a different way we should look at it. Tragedies don’t occur because God doesn’t care. They are a result of human beings rejecting God. Essentially, this is not God’s world!

Those who died in Nepal did not bring this earthquake on themselves. Nepal wasn’t necessarily guiltier of sin than any other country. They were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a beautiful garden and interacted directly with them ( Genesis 2:8 ; Genesis 3:8 ). There were no earthquakes or other natural disasters in this garden. God was there and provided perfect protection and order. All God required of our first parents was that they live by His instructions. If they did, they would live in complete safety and happiness.

But when Satan appeared in the form of a serpent, he convinced them to reject God’s instructions and authority over their lives (Genesis 3:1-5). Because of this rejection, God removed them from the Garden of Eden and let them live in a world without His protection and influence ( Genesis 3:23 ).

All human beings have been given the same free will to choose their own way of living. God has warned that rejecting His law would bring suffering and death ( Genesis 2:17 ; Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Satan’s influence currently prevails over this world because man follows his way over God’s way ( 2 Corinthians 4:4 ). The suffering and anguish in Nepal is a result of living in a world cut off from God.

2. Unless we change, we will all perish….

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/the-nepal-earthquake-3-lessons-to-make-sense-of-the-tragedy/

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into News & Prophecy

Now Is the Time to Protest

"As we view scenes of the violent protests in Baltimore, we are reminded that the United States, and world, has many unsolved problems.  Is protest the solution?

Baltimore is the new Ferguson. 

It all started when Freddie Gray, 25, died on April 19, 2015, a week after being arrested for fleeing police and being caught with a switchblade. Amateur videos and eyewitnesses seem to indicate that Mr. Gray was injured by police as he was being apprehended.

One video shows him being dragged into a police van while bystanders yell that his leg is broken. Mr. Gray apparently suffered a severe spinal cord injury—either before or after he was placed in the back of a police van. He reportedly asked for medical help throughout the ride, but was ignored until he was found unconscious at the police station.

Freddie Gray’s death has led to violent protests in Baltimore—including looting; burning businesses, buildings and police cars; and throwing rocks at police. The protesters claim that police brutality (directed primarily at minorities) has been happening for years—and Gray’s death has aroused years of anger and distrust seething below the surface of the black population of Baltimore.

But, of course, it’s not just Baltimore.

This same basic story has been repeated in different areas throughout the last year. The most prominent examples have been Eric Garner (Staten Island, New York), Michael Brown (Ferguson, Missouri), Tamir Rice (Cleveland, Ohio) and Walter Scott (North Charleston, South Carolina).

Yes, there is a problem…   More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/now-is-the-time-to-protest/

The problem in the streets of Baltimore today is the effect of many wrongs committed down through history. We cannot disconnect the present from the past. 

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Spain Seeks to Reconcile With Jews

"In 1492 Spain expelled all its Jews. Now they welcome back descendants of those displaced.

Video: https://youtu.be/SrA6g1SOR7I

Transcript: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/spain-seeks-to-reconcile-with-jews"

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On a lighter note:

11 Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country

"The Texas Hill Country is filled with hidden gems, you just have to know where to look.

Flickr/Dave Hensley

The Willow City Loop is a gorgeous 20-mile stretch of road that winds through green hills of the Gillespie County. This route is perfect for motorcyclists and scenic drivers, as it offers a fun, winding drive and beautiful scenery. And, if you’re riding in the springtime, you’ll see an awe-inspiring display of bluebonnets. To find the Willow City Loop, take Highway 16 to Farm Road 1323 (another gorgeous road) and head to Willow City. The road starts there:"  More at: http://www.wideopencountry.com/11-hidden-gems-texas-hill-country/

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Update:

This is the skinny 17 year old foster, Phoebe, with the failing kidneys. She isn't crazy about the kidney diet that she is on, so we have had to get her other food.  Anything to keep her eating.  She seems happy and purrs when I pet her.

On Monday, Jay and I shampooed the upholstery on more dining chairs and a boudoir chair, then he helped me load them and boxes of items for sale into the van.

Ray's son and I took the load to the consignment shop on Tuesday when we went into Conroe to pick up some of his meds.  I picked up a few groceries, as I would be taking BabyGirl, my foster dog for her appointment at the vet for her ear packing on Thursday. 

On Thursday, Jay and I loaded the van with boxes and paper recycling, and the dog to go to the vet.   Early in the day, at the first thrift shop where we dropped off all the paper to be recycled, I did manage to finally find some white pants that aren't jeans.  Thursday wasn't cool like the day before, so when Jay wanted to go grocery shopping at Sam's and Kroger's, I had to say no.  Can't do much shopping with an animal in the car on a hot day.

Ray finally came back on Wednesday, and slept a day and a half before they called him out again on Friday.  While he was gone I had been in his house to feed his cats, see to their boxes, and that is all I did.  I don't go burrowing around in someone else's place.  He showed me his freezer, there was plenty of food, Ray's son just couldn't be bothered to cook it. 

I had petted Ray's 'cat-from-hell' twice each day when I went in there to feed her, but as soon as I tried to pet her in front of Ray, she tore a piece out of my thumb!  What gratitude!

While Ray was away, I made sure that Buddy, one of Ray's outside cats, kept his neutering appointment and he was in my grooming room for post-op observation.  As Ray is gone so much, I asked him if it was fair to keep Buddy?  Why not let him have a chance of a family who will be home to take care of him.  Ray agreed, so Buddy can't go outside anymore, as he has been tested free of FIV and Feline Leukemia, diseases that cats that go outside often get.  Another reason to keep cats indoors is that they kill birds, lizards and things.

So Buddy went to his first Adoption Day on Saturday.  He behaved beautifully, and seemed to enjoy his outing.  Now that he has been checked out at the vet he can be around my other foster cats, and not be relegated to the grooming room.  He and my foster cat Nala keep on following each other around, I think they are going to be good friends.  Here they are on my screen porch.

BabyGirl went to Adoption Day too, but for a different reason.  A young man has fallen in love with her, and his parents who have adopted from us before, wanted to meet her.  Apparently, this is a wonderful new home for BabyGirl where she will be loved and have excellent care.  BabyGirl just has to have a blood test at her next ear packing appointment to make sure that there is nothing else going on in her insides, and then she can go to her new home.

The SPCA foster mom who lives near me took both animals to Adoption Day, while I was at church.  The Bible readings were Lev. 16:1-20:27, Eze. 22:1-18, John 7:1-9:41 and 10:1-16.  The Teaching was about 'Whoever Sins is a Servant of Sin'. 

The potluck was great, as usual, and lots of laughing, fellowship and camaraderie. Thankfully, they didn't have the air conditioning so cold this time, so I don't think it made my cold any worse that day. 

Christ Preached on the Sabbaths. Paul Preaches to Gentiles. Hurrying to Be at Jerusalem for Pentecost. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Christ Preached on the Sabbaths

Mark 1:21

Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.

"In the parallel passage in the Gospel of Luke, Luke records that Jesus Christ “was teaching them on the Sabbaths” (Luke 4:31). Earlier, Luke recorded that in Nazareth, “as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16).

Jesus Christ’s custom and practice was to remember the Sabbath and to teach people on that day."

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Paul Preaches to Gentiles on the Sabbath

Acts 13:42-44

"So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

Many believe that the apostle Paul taught that those who were not Israelites do not have to observe the Sabbath commandment. But the Bible consistently shows that Paul taught both Jews and gentiles (non-Israelites) on God’s Sabbath. Here is how one of our articles addresses this passage:

“When gentiles in Antioch wanted to hear God’s Word preached to them, Paul had them come the next Sabbath ... (Acts 13:42-44). Had Sabbath-keeping no longer been God’s expectation of gentiles, Paul could have simply told them that he would preach to them the next day rather than the next Sabbath.” From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/paul-preaches-to-gentiles-on-the-sabbath/

For more on this, see “Did Paul Change the Sabbath Command?”

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Paul’s Sabbath Custom

Acts 17:2

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.

"As we saw in Acts 13:42-44, the apostle Paul consistently preached on the seventh-day Sabbath, even to the gentiles. In Thessalonica, Paul continued this custom, preaching on three Sabbath days and teaching why Jesus Christ had to suffer and die. The Bible shows Christ died for our sins—because we have broken God’s commandments (1 John 3:4-5; 5:3). This includes the Fourth Commandment about remembering to keep God’s seventh-day Sabbath holy.

Many think that the Sabbath was changed. Find out what the Bible says in our article “Was the Sabbath Changed to Sunday?”"

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Hurrying to Be at Jerusalem for Pentecost

Acts 20:16

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

"The apostle Paul planned his travel around God’s annual festivals. He spent the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread that year in Philippi (Acts 20:6). Because of a plot on his life, he traveled overland instead of by sea (verse 3). But verse 16 shows that he was still determined to get back to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost.

For more about Pentecost, see “Pentecost: God Gives the Holy Spirit” and “The Sermon That Launched the Church.”"

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Update:

It doesn't seem like it has been a week since the last post. 

On Tuesday, Jay and I went into Conroe to do some shopping, and dropped some things off at a consignment place.  They take clothes, furniture, books, whatever, so this might help me empty out this house.

We bought his mother a new toilet riser at a thrift shop, and it really helped her to get up off the toilet and back to her walker.  She just didn't have the upper arm strength to get up.  But the riser helped that.

On Wednesday, I bathed BabyGirl, my black lab foster dog, and then Chris came by to see if BabyGirl would like to ride to Magnolia with her. Chris is a foster mom neighbor who has horses and she was buying something to do with coconuts for her horses from a feed store in Magnolia, TX.  BabyGirl loves to ride.  She doesn't even look out of the windows, but just curls up, as happy as can be, in any vehicle.

Then later on Wednesday, a couple came from Houston to buy my Aerostar van.  I didn't like to see that reliable old van go, but I can't keep them all.

On Thursday, Jay and I took BabyGirl, my foster dog, and Phoebe, my new 17 year old foster cat, to the vet.  BabyGirl had her ears packed, as one still has an infection in it.  Phoebe was there for a blood and urine test.

Unfortunately, the vet tech didn't stick to the rules and she did the blood test first.  That made Phoebe pee on the table, and that wasn't the kind of pee that they needed.  It had to be a really clean specimen from a catheter, so Phoebe had to stay there until the afternoon.  Jay and I hung around town and looked in some thrift shops but didn't really want to stay in town with BabyGirl until Phoebe was ready, so we came home.  Another fortunate thing, Chris was in Conroe in the afternoon so she picked up Phoebe and brought her home.

The Dodge van started acting up bucking and missing so we couldn't wait to get it home.  I stopped at a Dollar General, ran in and bought some injector cleaner and put it in the tank.  The van immediately started running better, so I might have got some bad gas.  The gas gauge isn't that reliable.  It shows it's full, then a bell goes off and it drops to Empty.  So I buy $10 gas. The next time it's started up, it says it has a near full tank again.   So, today, I filled it up until it was literally overflowing, and it only took 7 gallons.  I set the trip, and we will see what it does now.  The van sat a long time before I bought it, so it is going to have to get used to being driven again.

The vet tests showed that Phoebe has kidney problems, another victim of a life of dry cat food.  When will people learn.  Now she will have to be on a prescription diet for the rest of her life. 

Jay had been feeding his disabled mother those frozen lasagnas and French bread pizzas, no wonder she is sick.  I steamed some celery, onion and carrots, fried some red cabbage and red onions in coconut oil, cooked some quinoa and took it to her.  She liked it and said that it made her feel better.

Ray, who rents my guest house, has been gone all week, so I have been taking care of his cats, as well as my own critters.  Buddy, his little boy cat is scheduled to have his 'boy' surgery next week, so I put him in my grooming room.  He was missing for a couple of days last week, and I need to keep tabs on him.  So now, I am getting him ready for his surgery.  He has already had his first and second shots, he has had Revolution applied to his neck to be free of fleas, mites, etc., and now three days of de-worming.  He loves being indoors and just cozies up to me and purrs when I go in the grooming room.  Buddy hasn't been checked out by a vet yet, so he can't be around my other two foster cats.  He will be confined after his surgery for a few days, so he might as well get used to being in my grooming room, sometimes in a cage, which he doesn't mind.

Saturday was Adoption Day, so two of my fosters were picked up by Chris to spend the afternoon at Conroe Petco, while I was at church.  Some possible adopters were going to come and 'interview' my cat Nala, and another cat.   As they were already approved they could take her that day.  So I packed up her refrigerated food in a dry ice bag, packed a laser light, some of her toys and printed out her care instructions.  I knew that I would miss her terribly, especially last thing at night when we play with that laser light.  But when Chris brought my fosters back, the people hadn't even shown up.  All that for naught.

I went to church early, as the pastor's wife was staying in ICU with her sick older sister.  She called and asked me to warm up her food for the potluck that the pastor was bringing.  The dishes that the other members bring, they stick in the oven, or fridge when they get there.  I usually take mine in a little crockpot or two so that she doesn't have to fool with my food. 1963 was the last time I used an electric stove, so I was a little out of my comfort zone.

The Bible readings were Psa. 105, 107, Lev. 9:1-11:47,. 2 Sam 6:1-7:17 and Mark 7:1-23.  We had our usual song service, thanks and praise reports, and praying for those in need.  I wanted to do what the pastor's wife does.  She goes into the dining hall kitchen and listens to the Teaching over the speaker while she warms up the food.  But two well meaning gentlemen members came to help me and they were talking, so I couldn't hear the Teaching.  Pastor Bobbie talks so very quietly anyway.

We all had a good meal and fellowship, but it wasn't the same without Ms. Eunice.  After we had all eaten, I gathered up the utensils, pots and pans, and washed them.  It was a busy day.

How Christian Is Easter? LEAVE LIVE ANIMALS OUT OF EASTER. When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. The Windsor Castle. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

How Christian Is Easter?

"Soon up to 2 billion people will celebrate one of the world’s most popular religious holidays—Easter. But curiously, the Bible nowhere promotes such an observance. Where did this day come from? How did it become so popular? And is it even Christian?

Source: 123RF

Where do you get your religious beliefs? Easter is the most important holiday for hundreds of millions of people. Anyone who claims to be Christian should want God to guide and lead them. But could you be misled?

I’m reminded of counterfeit money. Did you know that you could be carrying a worthless bill and not even know it? Counterfeiters are often successful because they make their fakes look like the real thing. Forgery is one of the oldest crimes in history, but it doesn’t just affect money.

Today a much greater counterfeit is so successful that most people don’t even realize they’re deceived. What counterfeit? The religion known as Christianity, as surprising as that may be! Jesus Himself warned about religious counterfeits, saying, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew:24:24).

More at:  http://www.ucg.org/holidays-and-holy-days/how-christian-easter/ article by Steve Myers

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LEAVE LIVE ANIMALS OUT OF EASTER

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

"Easter will be here soon. For those of us who work with animals, it’s also a time of dread. Thousands of baby chicks, ducks and bunnies are purchased every year as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or taken to shelters once the novelty has worn off. Sadly many are euthanized because homes cannot be found for them.

Some think it’s okay to release these animals into the wild. This means certain death. They cannot fend for themselves and will die of starvation, exposure to the elements or will be preyed upon by other animals. Don’t think that you can simply take the animal to a shelter either. Most animal welfare organizations are not equipped to handle animals given as Easter gifts. The only option for these groups is to try to rehome the animal and more often than not this is not possible and the animal must be euthanized."  More at: http://www.twrcwildlifecenter.org/leave-live-animals-out-of-easter/

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When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

"Sometimes we struggle to understand the events of our lives. When life is difficult, how can we make sense of what doesn’t seem to make sense?

There are things in life that we have just accepted—difficult things, unfair things, tragic things for which we have no explanation. But the time may come when we’re forced to confront these questions. When troubles strike close to home, we may either accept the fact that we have no answers or perhaps come up with answers that may later be proved wrong. That takes us back to square one. Is it possible to find the answers we need?

What is the purpose of life anyway?

An elaborate experiment.  Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived (1 Kings 4:29-30), sought to understand many of these questions. He tried to find answers to life’s enigmas by experimenting with every form of pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1). He tried alcohol (verse 3). He tried beautiful gardens with plenty of fruit (verse 5). He acquired vast wealth (verse 7). No CDs or DVDs were available then, but he had the real thing—live music whenever he wanted (verse 8)!

In the end, this wise man came to a conclusion well worth our consideration: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter [all the things he tried]: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Solomon’s conclusion? Even though there will inevitably be difficulties, life can make sense when we live according to God’s instruction—when we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/christian-living/when-life-doesnt-make-sense/  by Harris Hlazo

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The Windsor Castle

An Amazing Fact: "The Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied palace in all of Europe.

Windsor Castle is also the largest inhabited castle in England. It’s one of the residences of Queen Elizabeth II. She spends many weekends of the year there, using it for entertaining private and state groups. Located in the English county of Berkshire, it has a long history with the British royal family.

The castle was originally built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of William the Conqueror. It was designed after the motte and-bailey structure, with a raised mound surrounded by a ditch. A strong wall of timber and rock was created around a keep, often with a drawbridge, which led to a courtyard inside.

Towers were erected along the wall for defense purposes. In smaller castles, there might only be one tower that could house a few soldiers. Windsor began with a very simple plan, but over the last 950 years, new monarchs remodeled and created new additions. It now has three wards with the massive Round Tower occupying a central position. Many new towers were added over the years, including the Curfew, Edward III, Salisbury, Henry III, and the Garter Tower.

Windsor has survived many sieges since it was first built. In 1649 the English parliament almost voted to demolish the castle. A bill to destroy it lost by only one vote. It has been neglected and declared uninhabitable, but it now has been transformed into a luxurious palace. It has survived two World Wars. In fact, the royal family used the palace as a place of refuge during the bombings of World War II. In 1992 a large fire nearly destroyed a major portion of the castle.

In biblical times towers were built as places of refuge and safety, not just to make a fortress look nice. These strongholds could be more easily protected from approaching enemies since it placed defenders above attackers in a fortified structure. If a city wall was breached, people could run into a tower for safety. That’s apparently the picture presented to us in this proverb. God’s name is an impenetrable tower!

When Moses requested to see God, it was the Lord’s name that was presented to him. God’s name presents His character—gracious, loving, and compassionate (Exodus 34:6, 7). In other words, when we yield ourselves into God’s hands, the Lord, who is merciful, will be our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).
Additional reading: Proverbs 18:1–12
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. - Proverbs 18:10

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Update:

It has been another week of rainy days, smattered with a good day here and there.  Sweaters, coats and jeans one day, then tank top and shorts the next.  Heat one day, and AC the next.

Ray and I managed to sort out one of the lumber racks. Hopefully, if the rain stays away, we can sort out another one.  I like to keep the lumber, and short pieces, 'filed' in size order.

The Famotidine that the dermatologist prescribed has been making my life a bit better, as I haven't had such horrible flare-ups of the hives.  But, I have also been avoiding all nightshade veggies. http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/link-between-nightshades-chronic-pain-and-inflammation  and:  https://artistamyshealthjourney.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/list-of-nightshade-veggies-and-fruits/

I do not have any chronic pain or inflammation, but the nightshade veggies just seem to make me break out in hives. I really found that out after I had some eggplant, and also some bell peppers.  I have been avoiding anything with tomatoes or white potatoes in it, too, and that helps.  I have been eating sweet potatoes, quinoa, bulgur, http://www.bobsredmill.com/golden-bulgur.html and other kinds of veggies.

The red Dodge minivan is at the mechanics having a new blower motor, new door lock actuators and a few other things done to it.  So I am still driving old faithful, the blue Ford minivan.  After getting in and out of the Dodge, I realize how much easier it is than the Ford, as it is closer to the ground.  I have shrunk 2" in my old age.

Passover will be here soon, so Jay helped me move the fridge and vacuum every little place where leaven might be hiding.  "You shall remove leaven from your houses"
Exodus 12:15.  "Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." —1 Corinthians 5:7    This must be where the idea of spring cleaning came from.

Yesterday, while I was at church, Nala, my foster cat, and BabyGirl, my foster dog, both were taken to our SPCA's Adoption Day, for the afternoon.  They seemed to enjoy themselves.  BabyGirl loves any sort of outing, and just adores it when the kids come in and play with her.  Shy Nala even came out of her bed in the display cage to let a little boy pet her.

Some people found a baby possum when it's mother got killed by a car.  They are bottle feeding it.  I found out that it is illegal to possess an opossum in TX, but they don't want to turn it over to the Wildlife rehabilitators. I hope the poor little thing will be alright, I know I wouldn't want it!  I have bottle-fed many kittens and puppies, (and people babies), but a possum…..!

The Bible readings were Psa. 91,92,93, Exo. 38:21-40:38, 1 Kings 7:51-8:10 and Rev. 15:5-8. The teaching was about Jesus being our Passover. Jesus was the wave sheath offering. The Passover is for all of us, not just the Jews.

For the church potluck I took Wheat Berry and Bulgur Turkey-Apple Stuffing, a Weight Watchers Recipe, but minus the Wheat berries. http://www.thedailymeal.com/pointsplus-wheat-berry-and-bulgur-turkey-apple-stuffing-recipe  I also took a blackberry/yogurt pie made with rice milk, which I had made in a graham cracker shell.  No left-overs to bring home.

The potluck was great, as usual, and we had a lot of good food, talk and fellowship in the dining hall, while it teemed down rain.  After a while, I looked outside at the grass parking area and my van was sitting in 2" of water.  I knew that I had better get out of there before it got any higher.   Fortunately, I was able to back out around some other cars and head towards home.

No more rain in the 10-day forecast except for Thursday.