THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

Monday Musings #8

“Comfort ye, comfort ye My people,” saith your God.” Isaiah 40:1.

The writer of these words, the Prophet Isaiah, lived at a dark time for God’s true people. Israel had been taken over by the dreaded Assyrian Empire. Only the hand of God kept the city of Jerusalem from the aggressor.

Isaiah lived about 700 years before Christ at a time when Israel as a whole had forsaken God. He preached God’s prediction of the captivity of Israel because of their disobedience toward God. In Chapter 40, Isaiah receives a call from God to comfort His people.

God still has good things in store for those who choose to turn to Him. Isaiah 40:1-11 predicts the coming of Christ to earth. All four gospels quote Isaiah (Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3-6; John 1:23).

Fast forward now to England in 1741, when a music composer named George Frideric Handel was in trouble. The operas he composed had been successful for about 20 years, but now audiences were looking for something different. Handel turned to Isaiah’s inspired writing in Ch. 40 and wrote the music for “The Messiah.” George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was originally an Easter offering. It burst onto the stage of Musick Hall in Dublin on April 13, 1742, about 900 years after Isaiah’s time. In addition to Isaiah’s writing, Handel also incorporated prophesy and fulfillment from Haggai, Zachariah, Malachi, Matthew, and Luke.

Handel closes his musical with these passages from Isaiah and Matthew:

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

We live in a time of encroaching spiritual darkness. Demonic inspired murders, gun violence, drug abuse, and exploitation of children are now part of our daily news. So how should we react? Here are instructions from Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Let us extend our Shepherd’s love and comfort to shine His light to those in darkness. Peace, jwb

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No personal notes today, due to power outage.

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THE LAMP OF GOD HAS NOT GONE OUT

Monday Musings #7, May 22, 2023

Our nation needs a renewal of faith and service to God. When I was in grade school in the 1940s, school was one of the safest places for children. The Columbine shooting in April 1999, perpetrated by two students, killed 12 students and one teacher. That was the beginning of a new era. In 2022 our nation had 46 school shootings. Gun violence also took place in shopping malls, at parades, supermarkets, and other places where people gather. Overdoses on street drugs increased dramatically, especially among young people.

But God is not dead, and His promise in 2 Chron. 7:14 is still valid: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

I’m reprinting part of a blog I posted Feb. 20, 2022. Israel was in a situation similar to ours when God chose a child to help them return to God.

THE LAMP OF GOD STILL BURNS

(Posted February 20, 2022, Sunday Chronicles # 286)

Israel, a nation God had chosen as His special people, was in spiritual decline. Sin stretched dark shadows across the land. Their neighbors, the Philistines, stalked the borders, raiding the country and robbing the people of their food supply. Eli, the nation’s spiritual head, filled the office of high priest, but he was elderly and offered little anointed leadership. His apathy in dealing with his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who led sinful lives yet served as priests in the tabernacle, caused God to pronounce judgment on Eli and his family. The yearly sacrifice, when Israel gathered before God to seek forgiveness for their sins, was made in Shiloh, but so misused that the people went away depressed instead of uplifted. Some of the old men bemoaned the fate of their nation and thought about past days when Gideon had been their victorious leader. Even God seemed silent. “The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision” (1 Samuel 3:1).

Yet in the midst of a sinful society, some families continued to live by God’s laws. Such was the case of Samuel’s parents Hannah and Elkanah. God had been waiting, seeking someone ready to listen, searching for a heart that would yield. “And the lamp of God had not yet gone out…” (1 Samuel 3:3). The light was flickering, but it had not gone out. The menorah in the tabernacle was lit daily from fresh, consecrated olive oil and burned from evening until morning, according to Exodus 27:21.

The lamp still burned, and God’s covenant still existed. God would not be a covenant-breaker! In the dark hours, He spoke.

To whom did He speak? We would expect Him to choose an experienced leader. Israel had serious problems: lawlessness, drunkenness, immorality, and enemy oppression. Surely God’s man to restore Israel would have to be great and mighty. But how differently God chose! He spoke to a child–a lad with no commanding presence and little experience to draw on. Could this youth lead Israel back to fellowship with God?

Why did God choose the boy Samuel? Because Samuel, without knowing it, had been making preparation. Even his parents had made preparation. They had brought him to the tabernacle, and he lived there in the presence of God. He had a daily walk with God. “Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child” (1 Samuel 2 :18).

Second, Samuel had separated himself unto God. In the midst of sin, he was clean; he lived honestly. Amid laxity and laziness, he held to a regular routine of service. It would have been easy for him to imitate Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, and take advantage of God’s people, but he didn’t. He kept himself obedient as a servant of God.

There are those who feel that separation from sin and ungodliness is getting into a corner all alone, pulling close one’s pharisaical robes, and saying to the world, “Look how holy I am.” But this is not God’s kind of separation. His plan is for us to be in the world but not of it. He intends for us to go right on serving Him where we are, being an influence for good in the very presence of evil. How beautifully Samuel did this! The writer describes the sins of Eli’s sons and then adds, “The child Samuel grew … and was in favor both with the Lord, and also with men” (1 Samuel 2:26).

Third, Samuel did what he could to keep the religious services in operation. Probably most of his labors were small tasks. He was not yet eligible to fill the big places. He showed a spirit of willingness for the numerous unseen little jobs that had to be carried on in God’s house. When God called Him in the middle of the night, he thought it was only Eli calling. When Eli realized God was calling Samuel’s name, he told Samuel to answer, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.” When Samuel became aware that God was calling, he yielded. His mother, keeping her vow, had placed Samuel in God’s presence. Now it was his chance to accept or refuse. He chose to obey Eli, to listen to the Lord’s message, and to deliver it faithfully. He was willing for God to use him wherever, however, God pleased.

So often we want to yield ourselves to God for a ministry we choose. This reminds me of the little boy who, after having seen the honor accorded to a returned missionary, decided he would like to be a returned missionary. Sometimes we think we have yielded to God until He leads us into a ministry that is unnoticed and unappreciated or to things that are hard for us to do and bear. Then we feel the pull of our will and find it hard to truly say, “Thy will be done.” Often we want to yield ourselves to God for a ministry WE choose.

Several times in the last few years friends have shared with me about the lack of spirituality in their respective churches. I respond with the question, “What are you doing about it?” Some of them want to blame the minister or the leaders or simply the indefinite “they.” Spirituality begins with the individual.

If you are one who feels that your church is low spiritually, ask yourself: Have I made preparation for God to use me by spending time in His presence? Have I, in the presence of evil, lived not for self but for Christ? Have I kept my heart filled with His love? Have I yielded to God, responding willingly when called upon to serve?

When you can answer all these questions in the affirmative, the results will be felt by your church. Yes, darkness is abounding in our land, but the lamp of God has not gone out. His promise still stands: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). If you desire a more spiritual church, you can have it. But don’t leave it up to “them.” It begins with you. THE LAMP OF GOD STILL BURNS.
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Personal notes. Weather forecast for Springfield, MO, today is “partly sunny and beautiful!” I’ve looked out the door and from my viewpoint, it’s totally sunny and warm. I’d like to be able to go for a walk, but that pleasure doesn’t exist for me now. So I’ll watch the birds and any other animal visitors who come to check out the food supply for today, while I read morning devotions and pray. Thank God, He is always available no matter what the weather or problems of the day.

Thanks for your comments on my “Musings.” I hope they provide a bright spot in your day, as your comments do for mine. I appreciate your e-mails, cards, visits–all the helpful things you friends do for me. Please continue to pray for strength in my physical body.

May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you! Peace, jwb

THE “WHOSOEVER” OF JOHN 3:16

Monday Musings #6, May 15, 2023

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Much of the information for this Musings was sent to me by Rev. Russell Wisehart. He and his wife Ruby are long-time friends and fellow workers in ministry. They currently reside in Apopka, Florida, and continue to minister via “The Chapel Hour with Wisehart Family Singers.” Since John’s gospel was originally written in the Greek language, Bro. Wisehart consulted a Greek New Testament and Lexicon to determine the deep meaning of some words. I have heard it said that if a sinner knew only this one Bible verse, he could become a believer and follow Christ. Read it slowly and think on the meaning of each word.

For: (Preposition) used as a function word to indicate purpose, also to indicate an intended goal.

God: (Proper Noun) referring to the Creator of the universe.

So: (Adverb) to a great extent or degree, very extremely.

Loved: (Verb) strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another as the fatherly concern of God for mankind.

The: (Definite Article) used as a function word to indicate that the following noun is a unique or particular member of its class, also to indicate that a following noun is definite.

World: (Noun) earthly state of human existence.

That: (Pronoun) used as a function word expressing purpose, aim or goal

He: (Pronoun) referring back to God

Gave: (Verb) provided, sacrificed

His: (Pronoun) referring back to God

Only: (Adjective) unquestionably the best

Begotten: (Transitive Verb): unique, single of its kind

Son: (Noun) referring to Christ, the second person of the Trinity

That: (Conjunction) used as a function word to introduce a subordinate clause expressing purpose or desired result

Whosoever: (Pronoun) whatever person, no matter who

Believeth: (Verb) to be convinced and believe in a special sense

In: (Preposition) used as a function word to indicate inclusion

Him:(Pronoun) referring back to son

Should: (Verbal Auxiliary) used as a function word to express the quality or state of being future tense

Not: (Adverb) used to express the negative of other words

Perish: (Verb) to become destroyed or ruined

But: (Conjunction) used after a negative; used to connect coordinate elements

Have: (Verb) to hold or maintain possession of: privilege or entitlement

Everlasting: (Adjective) lasting or enduring through all time, eternal

Life: (Noun) “spiritual existence transcending physical death” (Webster’s definition)

Since God has done so much for us, how can we serve Him? By sharing His love with those who don’t know Him! Look around you and ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone who needs to know how much God loves them.

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Personal Notes: An early morning rain started off our weather in Springfield, MO, today. Forecasters predict rain or thunderstorms each day until near the end of this week. It seems April showers have come in May.

My helpers put out food for the birds, who share it with a squirrel and sometimes with a visiting cat. I’m not sure whether the cat is interested in the seed or the birds….

The turbulent weather increases the discomfort from arthritis. Also, the Hospice nurse says my heart is now missing every third beat. I appreciate your prayers for God’s help!

Thanks for remembering me with cards and notes. They brighten gloomy days. I often sing, “I know God’s promise is true! I’ve trusted and tested and tried it…I know God’s promise is true.” And God said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Until He calls me home to heaven, I will trust His promises! Peace, love, joy…jwb

SLOW TO BELIEVE BUT SURE OF THE TRUTH

Monday Musings # 5, May 8, 2023

Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, has been called “Doubting Thomas” by some writers. But I think that’s a bit unfair. When it comes to our soul’s final destiny, we all need to be sure where we stand with our Heavenly Father.

Thomas is listed along with the other disciples in Matt. 10:3, Mark 3:18, and Luke 6:15, but the first time we hear him speak is in John 11:16. Jesus and His disciples had left the area around Jerusalem because the Jews were seeking to stone Jesus. When Jesus received word from His friends Mary and Martha that their brother Lazarus was sick, He waited two more days before leaving to return to Bethany, the home of his friends near Jerusalem. During that time Lazarus died. The disciples tried to dissuade Jesus from returning to the Jerusalem area, fearing He would be killed by those religious leaders opposing Him. But when they saw that Jesus was going, Thomas speaks up: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).

I’m not sure if Thomas really expected to die, or if it was his way of challenging the other disciples. At this point in Jesus’ life, the disciples were still expecting Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom and put them in places of authority (Mark 10:35-45). The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and requested that her sons be seated on each side of Jesus when He set up His kingdom. Jesus replied that God was the one making those choices (Mark 10:40).

The next time we hear from Thomas is after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The other disciples were in a locked room hiding from the Jews when Jesus appeared to them, but Thomas was not with them. When they told Thomas Jesus had been with them, he said, “Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe!” Eight days later the disciples were meeting again and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to Thomas,

“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28)

The last mention of Thomas in the New Testament is in John 21:2. He is with several other disciples, including Peter and John, who had gone fishing. They fished all night but caught nothing. However, as they came near the shore, Jesus was standing beside a fire, cooking fish and bread. He called out to them and, following His instructions, they cast their nets again and caught 153 fish. After eating together, Jesus took Peter for a walk and recommissioned him.

In my blog “Breakfast by the Sea” in April 2021 (see link below) Jesus’ instructions to Thomas were “Be not faithless but believing.”

The last mention of Thomas in the Bible is Acts 1:13 where he is named with the other disciples as they meet in Jesus’ name and receive the Holy Spirit. But from church history, we learn that in the year 52 A.D. Thomas was ministering in India. A church there bears his name.

St. Thomas Church is located at Palayur (AKA Palayoor), in Thrissur district in Kerala on the west coast of India. According to tradition, it was established in 52 A.D. by St Thomas. It is the first church in India.

Thomas was killed with a spear during prayer on the “Big Hill” near Madras, India, on December 21 A.D. 72. Some believe it was an accident while others believe he was martyred for his beliefs.

Thomas may have been slow to believe but once convinced of the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, he dedicated his life to telling others. Isn’t that what all of us who believe should be doing?

https://boozejoyce.wordpress.com/2021/04/04/breakfast-by-the-sea/
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PERSONAL NOTES: Greetings from Springfield, MO, where the expected high temp today is 85! A thunderstorm is predicted for later today. The heavy air makes breathing harder.

Thanks to all of you who pray for me. God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us, and I cry out to Him regularly. I continue to enjoy watching the birds who come to pick up the feed we spread about. If God values a sparrow, then He will not forget us! Most days I see several doves. They are encouraging to me, as a sign from God of His care.

Your cards and notes are much appreciated. May God bless you for your care for me!

Peace, joy, and love…jwb

PRAYER — SOMETHING POWERFUL TO BE RECKONED WITH

Monday Musings #4 May 1, 2023

I’ve been a newspaper reader all my adult life, but like everything else, newspapers are changing. The Springfield paper devotes several pages of each issue to reporting sports events.

Lately, they printed lengthy articles about people who wish to be referred to by the plural pronouns “they” and “their.” Some young children are pursing changing their birth gender with medical help. Genesis 1:27 tells us “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Did God make a mistake assigning gender to His creation?

Yesterday’s Sunday edition of the News-Leader has a major article on the front page about recreational marijuana sales. Use of various drugs, both legal and illegal, to get “high” is common among American youth and has been for decades.

Sexual sins played a major part in bringing down both the Roman and Greek Empires. Rulers kept the common people entertained with free “bread and circuses,” while their leaders lived immoral lives in elegant mansions. Enemies grew stronger as the major empires grew weaker.

Historians give three major reasons for the fall of Rome: Political instability, economic and social problems, and a weakening of its borders. When we think about the fact that some of our enemies have been putting spy balloons in our skies for months, we can understand that our borders are in danger. The United States of America is the oldest democracy in modern times. But unless we see another “Great Awakening” and a return to including God in our national activities, our future doesn’t look hopeful.

But “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep” wrote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow at another time in history, in the year 1864.

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16, NASB).

Friends, you and I are the ones who must pray those effective prayers. In that way, we will accomplish much. The Message words James 5:16 more strongly: “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” It is easy to ignore the Scriptures when it is convenient for us or when the Scriptures advise us to do “uncomfortable” things.

But those prayers to our Heavenly Father are the ONLY thing that will bring the change we need in our nation and our world.

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PERSONAL NOTES

Here we are in Springfield, MO, on a sunny but cool Monday morning:  May 1.  I wish I could send each of you a May basket of flowers!

My physical body continues to deteriorate, but I enjoyed a good prayer time this morning, praying and singing praise to God. My singing voice is not what it used to be; I stopped singing after Nelson died. We used to sing worship songs together, but for months the grief kept me silent.  Now I look forward to joining him on the other side, and if God wills, singing together again.

I continue to have helpers put out feed for the birds, and now squirrels have joined the banquet! Doves are also regular visitors, and I feel encouraged when they come, because my sister believed they brought God’s blessings. 

Thank you for your prayers, visits, phone calls, and the cards you send. Getting mail always brightens my day! Peace, love, joy!  jwb

SUPPER WITH JESUS

Monday Musings #3 April 24, 2023

If you grew up in the depression years as I did and attended a Pentecostal church, you probably sang in the Booster Band. One of the choruses we sang was “Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man.” He was small in size, but after meeting Jesus, he was large hearted.

Here’s how they met: Jesus was passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Zacchaeus, a tax collector for the Roman Empire, heard Jesus was coming. He wanted to see Jesus but knew he would not be welcome in the crowds that lined the streets. So he climbed a sycamore tree and hid among the leaves. Perhaps no one else knew he was there, but Jesus did! He stopped under the tree and addressed Zacchaeus: “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Zacchaeus came down and joyfully received Jesus into his home.

Some of the Scribes and Pharisees who were Jesus’ enemies observed this and criticized Jesus for being the guest of a sinner and eating with him. Zacchaeus, however, quickly told Jesus: “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8).

From the four Gospels, we know that Jesus often ate with His friends in Bethany, such as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and Simon the leper who hosted a feast, honoring Jesus, (Mark 14:3-9). I’m assuming Simon had been healed of leprosy by Jesus and was showing his appreciation. On this occasion Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with her costly perfume. Some Bible readers believe that Simon may have been the father of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, since on this occasion, Martha was serving. We can sum up the two sisters by saying that in every place where we see them, Mary is worshipping and Martha is serving! Both worship and service are worthy methods of showing our love for Jesus.

A well-educated woman, in a modern day nation where Christianity is condemned, became curious about Jesus after reading a mention of Him in another book. She searched until she was able to find a Bible and began reading it. One night she had a dream in which she saw herself having supper with a man she knew to be Jesus. He had come to visit in her home and stayed for two days. She said, “He sat across the table from me and in peace and joy we ate dinner.”

” Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Rev. 3:20).

After Jesus’ resurrection, when His disciples had gone back to their everyday task of fishing, they came to shore to see Jesus there with a fire burning and fish cooking! They ate together and then Jesus took Peter for a walk and recommissioned him for ministry.

Jesus was a loving person, and much of His ministry occurred around meals and fellowship.

We have one more great supper with Jesus ahead. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9). What a gathering that will be! YOU are invited! If you haven’t already made reservations, do it now! Peace, jwb

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PERSONAL NOTES — A beautiful Monday morning here in Springfield, MO–the kind of day the Chamber of Commerce likes to advertise. Trees are putting on leaves, and walkers are out. How I’d love to take a walk, but my knees won’t cooperate. A cat, black with a white bib, stopped at my door when I was looking out. I have no idea where he belongs. I spoke to him, but he didn’t seem interested in making new friends. One of my helpers will be here soon, and she will put out feed for the birds.

I hope that wherever you are reading this, you are blessed by some of God’s creatures visiting you. Do your best to bless them in return! Extend that blessing to any of the human species that need a cheerful thought! Peace, jwb

DESCENDING INTO THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND

Monday Musings #2 April 17, 2023

I’m not sure what caused it. Usually I’ve been able to trust God during the bad times, knowing that He ALWAYS WORKS FOR OUR GOOD if we love Him.

Facing problems for which I had no solution, I cried buckets of tears. It seemed God had forgotten me! Then I thought of Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples. He was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them on resurrection morning. The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.”

But Thomas was a realist; he wasn’t accepting someone else’s experience without proof. He said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

Thomas nursed his doubts for eight days, then Jesus appeared again and Thomas was present. After greeting the disciples, Jesus spoke directly to Thomas: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27. Perhaps part of Thomas’ difficulty in believing was because in Jesus’ earlier appearance, Jesus breathed on the disciples and imparted to them the Holy Ghost (John 20:22).

In my life, I know that the activity of the Holy Spirit brings faith that God always works for my good, even when I feel forsaken. But I’m human, and I have to work to climb out of the depression that clings after a tumble into the “Slough of Despond.”

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

Amazing Grace, by John Newton, 1779

This Monday morning in Springfield, MO, is a glorious sunny day with an expected high of 70 degrees. We’ve put feed for the birds but they aren’t eating as much as usual, perhaps because recent rains have made worms more available. Also I’ve seen hawks flying around overhead.  The smaller birds may be afraid of being caught in a hawk’s claws.  It seems that in all creation where there is good, difficulties are also present. But God has said, ” Fear not!” over 75 times in His Word. The difficulties cannot over come us as long as we cling to Him!

I thank you so much for all your calls, cards, and letters. You are a blessing to me. Peace, JWB

Monday Musings

April 10, 2023


Dear Readers,
Several  months ago while living in my former apartment, I sat watching through a window as  birds visited the feeder outside. I was also praying about what, in my limited ability, I could do for God and His people.  It seemed He impressed me “Just keep feeding the birds.” And so I have.

When I moved to this smaller apartment in Sept. 2022, there was no place for the bird feeder as this apartment opens out on a concrete sidewalk and a black-topped parking lot.  I grieved over not being able to see or feed the birds. 

Then during one of the snows we had, I looked out the door and saw that my old Lincoln Town Car, parked in front of my apartment, had a  dry place under it, and several small birds were hovering there. I bought more birdseed and asked my helpers to scatter some along the edge of the car.  Since then, one of my friends has furnished bird seed.

After the snow melted, the birds, all small types, returned to eat each day. Gradually a few larger birds came to the feast. Then yesterday — Easter Sunday — I looked out and saw that the small birds had been joined by two doves, a cardinal, and a blue bird!  My sister, who was a greater woman of God than I’ll ever be, believed that seeing a dove was a sign of God’s favor. I don’t know exactly how she arrived at that belief, possibly because of the dove’s actions in the Noah’s ark story.
The doves were back today, and then a squirrel came to eat the corn that birds had left.
I think I can continue this ministry unless a skunk shows up! I would make some pictures to send but my old flip phone doesn’t do that!   Peace, jwb

“Just remember in His Word, how He feeds the little bird, Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there!”

WAR IN HEAVEN

Sunday Chronicles 344 April 6, 2023
For the Sixth Sunday of Lent and of studying the Lord’s Prayer

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:13 KJV). These three things–the kingdom, the power, and the glory–belong to God alone. He does not intend to give them to anyone else.

Satan, as Lucifer, was one of the three leading angels who stood by God’s throne. (Michael and Gabriel are the other two. Michael is a warrior angel, the leader of God’s armies; Gabriel fills the role of carrier of important messages; he brought the news to Zachariah that his wife Elizabeth, although past the age of normal child-bearing, would become pregnant and give birth to a son, John the Baptist. Gabriel was also sent to Mary, the future mother of Jesus, to tell her she had been chosen by God to bear a son, who would pay the price to redeem sinners.

Satan was noted for his beauty, but he wanted more: the throne of God. In a conversation with Eve, he entices her with a promise that eating the forbidden fruit would make her and Adam “as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). Because Satan wanted control of “the kingdom, the power, and the glory,” he led a rebellion against God, and one-third of the angels sided with him. The result was that Satan and those angels who followed him lost the battle and got kicked out of heaven.

“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NIV)

“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings  were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.” Ezekiel 28:13-15 NIV

Now they roam the earth as demons and cause trouble for everyone not under God’s protection. “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Rev. 12:9 NIV)

The Biblical book of Job (roughly equivalent in time to Genesis) opens with a scene where Satan is visiting heaven and speaking directly to God about his activities.

“One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it. (Job 1:6-7)

In Job’s time, Satan still had some access to heaven, and Bible scholars debate about whether that continues. Some believe Jesus’ death on the cross ended Satan’s visits to heaven; others think they will continue to the next war in heaven (Rev. 12:7-12.)

We can be certain that God will always be in control of “the kingdom, the power, and the glory.” Give Him praise!

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Personal Notes: I wrote a blog on this subject last week, then lost it in the computer. Finally, I’ve been able to rewrite it, but this one is not as well written as the one I lost. However, I’ve done the best I could, so I send it out hoping God will use it for His glory.

Please keep me in your prayers. I’m not sure if I will be able to continue writing each week. I know many of you have been faithful readers, and I pray God’s blessing for you.

With sincere appreciation, jwb