TABLE TALK - THE CATERPILLAR TEACHES US ABOUT THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE

THE CATERPILLAR TEACHES A LESSON IN THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE

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Right at the end Steve decides to break it out. For those of you who know him, you will get a laugh as he is always breaking this type of thing out.

WISDOM STRENGTHENETH THE WISE

Photo provided by Tara Bruce Cook

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty 

men which are in the city. For there is not a just man 

upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Ecclesiastes 7:19-20

CONSIDER THE WORK OF GOD

Photo provided by Tara Cook Bruce 

THE PATIENT IN SPIRIT

Photo provided by Janie Purser

A good name [is] better than precious ointment; 

and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

[It is] better to go to the house of mourning, 

than to go to the house of feasting: for that 

[is] the end of all men; and the living will l

ay [it] to his heart.  Sorrow [is] better than 

laughter: for by the sadness of the 

countenance the heart is made better.

The heart of the wise [is] in the house of 

mourning; but the heart of fools [is] 

in the house of mirth.  [It is] better to hear 

the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to 

hear the song of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:1:5

I WILL PRAISE THE LORD

Photo provided by Bill Price 

I will praise the LORD according to his 

righteousness: and will sing praise to the 

]name of the LORD most high.

Psalm 7:17

CARRIED ALONG BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

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TABLE TALK WITH STEVE AND SHERRY - SOLOR LIGHTS

Table Talk with Steve and Sherry Long 
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DRAWING WATER OUT OF THE WELLS OF SALVATION

Photo provided by Janet Sledge

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out 

of the wells of salvation.  And in that day shall 

ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, 

declare his doings among the people, make 

mention that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12:3-4

A LAND OF MILK AND HONEY - NOT ALL MILK AND NOT ALL HONEY

and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey." ' (Exodus 3.8)



God called Moses to go back to Egypt, from where he had fled, and deliver the oppressed Israelites. He would guide them back to the land from whence they had gone out four centuries prior – the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Of course, after 400 years, the land of promise would have greatly changed. On a positive note, it was a land flowing with milk and honey. This was clearly exhibited later on when some of their spies went in there and “cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole.” (Numbers 13.23)

Sounds like the kind of place any of us would want to live, doesn’t it?

However, before we get overly excited about the prospect of living in a land flowing with milk and honey, let’s not forget something.

In the same verse, God tells Moses that this place where he would lead Israel was also the land of the six “ites” – the Canaanites, Hittites , Amorites , Perizzites , Hivites and the Jebusites.

These six people groups would turn out to be formidable foes. God would tell Israel to drive them out, but it seems they never did 100%. They would turn out to be a huge thorn in Israel’s side and provide plenty practice for their young men to do battle. They would also be a negative influence on Israel with their immorality and idolatry.

The Christian life is a lot like this.

I wouldn’t trade my life in Christ for anything and I sure wouldn’t want to go back to Egypt (the place where I was apart from the love of Jesus). The walk with Jesus is truly a land flowing with milk and honey. There are abundant blessings every day.

But our life in Jesus is not without its conflicts. We have to deal with the world (1Jjohn 2.15-16,) the flesh (Galatians 5.17) and the devil (Ephesians 6.11) continually. There are battles to be won and ground to be taken in this walk with God.

The Promised Land in the Old Testament is not really a picture of heaven, for in heaven there will be no evil lurking around, trying to take away our blessings.

The Land of Promise is more clearly a picture of the abundant Christian life. Let us remember that walking with God is fulfilling and joyous but also full of challenges. However, God has equipped us to take on any foe to the faith which might come against us. As you walk with him today, the Lord will help, equip and empower you to overcome any evil that you might encounter. The battle is worth the reward.

…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  1 John 5.4

THAT THEY MAY HAVE MY JOY

Photo provided by Cathy Ponzio

...and these things I speak in the world, that 

they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

John 17:13

CHARACTER, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU POSSESS?

Photo provided by Pennie Beth Saum

Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive in an individual. With that said, we can fully understand why we are seeing a downslide in character.  I have worked in the public for more than twenty years but the last two years have been like a mudslide in character. 

It’s impossible to get the average person to cultivate greatness, work, or quality of life.  You can sound the call for a bowling/alcohol party and everyone wants to join in.  Beach party, the beach is full.  Any other kind of party and there is a full house.  Yet, the place of worship has fewer and fewer wanting to attend.

When I was growing up, if someone was in need there would be multiple people there to assist.  Not so in the twenty-first century as more than three-quarters of our society is so selfish they can’t seem to think past their own demands.  Notice I did not use the word, “desires” because that was something of the twentieth century, it is now, “demands,” because of everyone demands of others constantly. 

There is no understanding of the saying, “There isn’t enough funds to supply this request”. 

I am watching this same scenario play out in marriages, families, jobs, businesses, and organizations. Zero tolerance for not getting what I want.

Last week I had the opportunity to work with a young man that seemed above average. This man was very respectful, assisting even when not expected, each person he was around he treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. 

I took the time to sit down with this young man and enquire a bit.  His father had left his mother when he was in the fourth grade, shattering his life and his brother's and sister's lives. 

Mom, left to be both mom and dad, was suddenly thrown into a horrible state but one she conquered very well.  When he began to act out in high school and get into trouble, he said he had men who would take him out hunting, fishing or just working and during those times would work him over letting him know if he did not straighten his act up they would continue to have these talks.  

He said, “I probably would have ended up in jail if these men had not cared enough about me to shake my world upside down.”

I personally am not for this type of behavior in teaching a child, but honestly, the adults entering the workforce are hitting their boss on the head with books and laughing about it, sitting down on the job and when you try to get them to cooperate, they shut down even tighter.  They have one skill set, “Doing Nothing” and expecting to receive pay.

Character is what my neighbor displayed this morning. He was cleaning the leaves out of his yard and the alley.  Instead of blowing leaves further down the alley, he turned the blower toward his yard and blew far more than his own leaves into this yard, so he could bag them and dispose of. 

Businesses are struggling today because many Americans feel they can purchase items, use them and then return them, so they can go purchase more.  They are afraid to teach their children how to be an individual without having new things constantly, so they try to keep up with their friend's kids finding this drive/thirst is never filled but totally draining them of all their energy.  Many are never satisfied with meals, demanding the restaurants give them the meal free and the list goes on of the way Americans are throwing away their character.  

Are you an individual of character even when those around you have none? 

Character is something that will give you rest when you lay your head down, knowing you are treating people with respect. 

Character is something that may get you a promotion instead of being overlooked.

Character may be what keeps you on the job site when others are let go. 

Character is what may get you chosen on a team or get you a scholarship from a local organization.   

Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive in an individual, is this something you possess?

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES

This was a famous saying ushered in after World War II when the racetracks opened after the war. 

With this saying came the understanding that there were cars lined up ready for the race. 

Once the engines started and reved up, the next step occurred.  Either the light would turn green to go or a gun would fire into the air.  Each racer would put their car into gear and head for the finish line. 

Now, prior to entering the race each person needed to know what they were racing for and where the finish line was.  

In our Christian walk, we are the same.  Our main purpose is to reach souls for Jesus Christ until we reach the finish line and hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:23.

Yet, many of us are just spinning our whells at the starting line because we never moved the gear from neutral into drive.  

Shown below is why I say what I do.  

Erin was training to be a perimetic so she could make runs in the ambulance and save lives.  As she began to train, she had wounded people who she was trying to save their lives assault her, spit on her, scream at her, and she was exposed to life-threatening diseases and contaminated blood.  

When she joined the team and the first person assaulted her, she didn't go sit in the front of the ambulance and refuse to never move past that point again  She got right back up and went out to save more lives because people are precious and important. 

The average Christian never makes it out the gate to be wounded by others and if they have most of them retreated to the pew in the sanctuary of the church and have never moved past it to join those out in the world taking the hits, slander, attacks in order to save lives. 

In 1995, Steve and I did one of the hardest things.  There were twin girls needing a home.  We already had three children living in a very small house.  My baby sister used to say often, "People are more important than things."  Therefore, giving up some things we took those two teenage girls into our home and raised them.  

Why would we do such a crazy thing when we barely had the money or room for our own family?  It was because of our passion and drive to show others; lives matter.  At times, I was screamed at, lied to, and yes, even slapped by one of the girls.  I was called some extremely horrible names, but we never asked either of them to leave our house, because their lives mattered to us. 

I can tell you story after story of wounds received while being a pastor's wife and yet when it comes down to the time I think I should throw the towel in and say, "I am done."  I can hear my baby sister say, "People are more important than things."

When I hear those words, I have to say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. The race has only just begun and we are in it for the good times and the bad times, if that is what it takes to save lives.  

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

WHERE IS THE MANUAL?

I am very much a lady, liking to wear dresses and all that lady stuff, but growing up in the Creekmore family, I also learned very much about car motors, building houses, roofing housing, and much more. So the job I was moved into, instead of sitting at a desk, wearing a dress, as an admin that I was much more comfortable with, was helping the EH&S / Facility Manager who works in one town and I take care of all the EH&S / Facility Operations at two offices in another town.

Looking at the compressor one day and pulling the manual out to see how things should be running a bit smoother instead of throwing oil everywhere, helped me figure out this machine was larger than my wittle bwain, so I called a technician in to assist. The technician had read the manual hundreds of times, and he knew exactly what the problem was.

The next morning I was looking into the sky at the moon, and realized this object is hanging in mid-air with no strings attached, yet it knows precisely when to rotate. Most of all, it knows when to shine its light and has continued to do so for thousands of years.

There is nothing ever designed as intricate as our solar system.

Yes, this moon has a manual also. This manual tells who designed it, who hung it in the sky, who sustains it, and who will hold it in place until the moment the great designer decides it no longer needs to serve a purpose.

The greatest manual of all time; the Word of God, tells us each of these things. It is up to us to read it, trust it and apply it to our lives.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5

HE HEALETH THE BROKEN HEARTED

Photo provided by Bonny Kobialko

He healeth the broken in heart, and 

bindeth up their wounds. 

Psalms 147:3

STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF

Photo provided by Janie Purser

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing the word of truth.

I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVETH

Photo provided by Steve & Donna Rogers 

 for I know whom I have believed, and am 

persuaded that he is able to keep that which I 

have committed unto him against that day.

II Timothy 1:12b

POWER OF GOD

Photo provided by Leroy Ochoa 

 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers 

with pure conscience, that without ceasing I 

have remembrance of thee in my prayers night 

and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being 

mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled 

with joy;  When I call to remembrance the 

unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt 

first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother 

Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that 

thou stir up the gift of God, which is in 

thee by the putting on of my hands.

For God hath not given us the spirit of 

fear; but of power, and of love, and of a 

sound mind.  Be not thou therefore ashamed 

of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his 

prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions 

of the gospel according to the power of God;

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy 

calling, not according to our works, but according 

to his own purpose and grace, which was 

given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

II Timothy 1:6-9

THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM

Photo provided by Leroy Ochoa

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth 

cometh knowledge and understanding.

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: 

he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 2:6-7

IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK TO GET A FIRE GOING

This little song, It only takes a spark to get a fire going, is the song we sang at my mother's funeral.  This is something I fear most of us have lost.

You might say, "No, I still have the spark, I attend church every Sunday morning".

Folks, that is not a spark!

That is only an ember, and the ember is only small enough to warm the pew/chair on which one sits on Sunday morning.  Notice, I said one!  That ember will usually not make it past our own seat because while we are sitting warming that one spot we are whining and complaining about everything under the sun, and would most assuredly dowse any warmeth trying to arise around us.

I have spoken with several ministries lately and each mentions the same, "We can get people to volunteer any day of the week but only about 10% of the volunteers follow through."

Do you know what this does to leaders/pastors?

We hear so much negative about ministers nowadays but being a ministers wife, I can tell you pastor's and their families sacrifice an awful lot to keep unity in the group and keep everything running smoothly.

We have heard story after story about missionary/pastors kids growing up and not speaking to their parents anymore because the world has fed them a line and they latched on and believed they were abused growing up because they couldn't do certain things or go certain places.

Now they are harboring resentment and anger so deep you can hear it in their voice.  The funny thing is, everyone I have spoken to say the exact same sentences almost verbatim as it they have read what they need to be saying.

The worst abuse most of these children have experienced was not the abuse itself but the abuse they inflict upon themselves of carrying around anger, resentment, and distrust, they have not let go of for years.

The most abused people of all are those who dig a hole and hid away from the world with the accusation of being wounded when they were young.  They hid away and pick the wound until it becomes cancerous and destroys relationships and even their own selves.

Would it not be far better to forgive, move on and set a spark to get a fire going of hope, love, and encouragement for others to warm up under.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going
And soon all those around will warm up in it's glowing
That's how it is with God's love
Once you experience it
I want to sing
It's fresh like Spring
I want to pass it on.

WALK IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR FIRE

Photo provided by Kristy Long 

Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that 

obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh 

in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust 

in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass 

yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light 

of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. 

This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down 

in sorrow.  Hearken to me, ye that follow after 

righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto 

the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the 

hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto 

Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, 

and blessed him, and increased him.

Isaiah 50:10 - 51:1-2

THE LOVE OF MANY SHALL WAX COLD

Photo provided by Kay Rowe

And because iniquity shall abound, the love 

of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:12

LOOK NOT EVERY MAN ON HIS OWN THINGS

Photo provided by Rennie Brandow

Let this mind be in you, which was 

also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the 

form of God, thought it not robbery to 

be equal with God:  But made himself of no 

reputation, and took upon him the form of a 

servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he 

humbled himself, and became obedient 

unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted 

him, and given him a name which is 

above every name:  That at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth, and things under
the earth/ And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:4-11

ARE YOU WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE?

Are you where you're supposed to be?

Yesterday boarding the plane to Nashville Tenn (which I always go during the summer and never in Nov).

Scanning for the right seat and sitting beside a lady toward the back of the plane. Without a word said, she was off to sleep.

Toward the end of the flight, she woke up and we talked some. I gave her a book and she instantly started sharing.

She had boarded the plane with a load far too heavy to carry. She had just gotten word her brother had cancer and it was stage four cancer. This was more than she could emotionally handle.

She had boarded the plane, prayed, and shut the world out.

Her prayer was that the Lord send her someone to give her hope and let her know he would help her walk the path she was preparing to walk.

Upon getting the book, she said, "I can't wait to get to the rest of my family and tell them about this encounter, as I know if God sent you this very day, he has more in store for us and will send moment by moment the very thing we need in this time of trouble.

She said this book will certainly be what my brother needs to cross over from this life into the next with peace in his heart.

Amazing, because the last page is the poem about passing the baton to the next generation.

Folks, we need others to know we are still willing to keep Digging A Well.

My body, cars, and home have taken a beating over the last few months. This lady is the reason we don't stop fighting but keep on Digging A Well so others can drink from when they are dry and thirsty.

DID YOU LEAVE SOMETHING TO TIE ONTO?

Working at a location on the facility team gives me a great opportunity to learn new things almost daily.  I escort electricians, plumbers, painters, appliance technicians, and security technicians on a regular basis and normally ask a few questions while escorting, to gain a better knowledge of things. 

A few days ago I had a security technician show up to install cameras.  As I began to tell him how hard some of our areas are to access he said, for some folks, it could be difficult, but sometimes you need to know what to look for before starting the job. 

He began by getting a very tall ladder and going up into the ceiling.  Pretty soon he came down with a big smile and said, "This job will be a breeze!"  

He held a string in his hand that he had pulled from the ceiling.  He explained, "Many electricians, when doing their electrical work will leave behind a string running from one side of the building to the opposite side.  They do this for electricians coming behind them to tie onto.  

This young man picked up his cable, taped it onto the string, went to the other side of the building, crawled up and found the string and started pulling.  

To my surprise, out came the cable he had tied onto.  It worked!  The technician had turned a six to eight-hour job into just a couple hours. 

Instantly I started wondering what are we leaving behind for others to tie onto that will make their lives easier?  

Are we leaving anything behind?  

Are we even thinking about those that will come behind us?  

Do we even care about those who will come behind us?  

Far too often, we live our lives for ourselves, not preparing for anyone besides ourselves.  

Let's take time to leave something behind that others can tie onto that could save them time or even save their lives.  

According to Hebrews 11, the string we need to leave behind is the string of faith.  

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, 

the evidence of things not seen.  For by 

it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds 

were framed by the word of God, so that things 

which are seen were not made of things 

which do appear.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Following these verses listed above, is a list of all those who have gone before us that left the string of faith.  

By Faith Abel

By Faith Enoch

By Faith Moses

By Faith Abraham

By Faith Isaac

By Faith Jacob

By Faith Joseph

By faith, and you can list those related to you who left a legacy for you to grab hold of and make your pathway in life lighter.  

Don't ignore the string that was left behind, grab hold and teach others how to hold on to complete the race till we see Christ. 

NO MORE NIGHT

Photo provided by Brooke Erin Sorrels 

WATER OF LIFE

Photo provided by Brooke Erin Sorrels 

And he shewed me a pure river of water 

of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out 

of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the midst of the street of it, and on 

either side of the river, was there the tree 

of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, 

and yielded her fruit every month: and 

the leaves of the tree were for the healing 

of the nations. And there shall be no more 

curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb 

shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

And they shall see his face; and his name 

shall be in their foreheads. And there shall 

be no night there; and they need no candle, 

neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth 

them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

And he said unto me, These sayings are 

faithful and true: and the Lord God of the 

holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his 

servants the things which must shortly be done.

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that 

keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev 22:1-7

IN A STRAIT BETWIXT THE TWO

Photo provided by Kathy Mitchell

THEIR THIRST IS NEVER QUENCHED

Photo provided by Renie Brandow

Last week I went to Kroger to purchase some Aloe Vera to drink during my lunch break. I walked to the aisle I thought it would be on and to my surprise, I couldn't find it.  As I came around the corner of the next aisle I was taken back as it wasn't on any of the shelves on that aisle either.  Turning the corner to the next aisles and walking all the way down looking on every shelf of both sides, I realized there were no Aloe drinks on this aisle either. 

A bit frustrated at this point I turn to one of the workers and they direct me to the cold section where I found one type of Aloe drink, the original.  

As I was leaving the store I turned back around and said out loud, "Why in the world do we need six aisles of drinks?"

Last night at 2:30 AM. I woke up with the answer to the question I had asked myself, the week before. 

We are a city, nation, country, and a world that is so very thirsty.  We are grabbing for everything we can to quench our thirst, and it is still leaving us dry. We have done all we can to push Christ out of our intermediate schools, colleges, companies, governments, and even homes. 

While doing so our bodies are screaming for more.  

More of what?  

More of something to quench this thirst deeply hidden in our souls.  

Start reading the labels on all the beverages and it will amaze you what they aspire to. The advertisers state, "this beverage will make you clean, make you stronger, make you soar, make you focus, rejuvenated and fulfilled. 

Yet, if this were true, why do we need seven aisles of beverages?

We should be the strongest, smartest, healthiest, most motivated generation that has lived on the face of the earth.

Are we?

I must say, I have lived 56 years and finding each generation is only becoming more depressed, self-centered, spoiled, and depraved.

What is it like living with the baby boomers, generation X, Y and Z?

They are making more money, living in larger homes, driving the best cars and wearing the best clothing credit cards can buy.  They demand service everywhere they go, take away the rights of others, push and shove their way to the top without any regard to those they may be hurting.  Never satisfied, constantly searching for more, reaching for all they can get for free so they don't have to get out of the chair. 

Why is this?

We have thrown out the only thing that truly satisfies!

Jesus Christ, the Lord of creation, the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, the infinite one, the everlasting one, the faithful from days past, the merciful one for today and the hope for tomorrow.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

I thought it interesting to share with you a few of the advertisements on beverages. 

Kula Watermelon
So juicy, the tabloids are talking. The rumor are true, Watermelon is finally here, and it's making a huge splash. Surely you've heard your taste buds gushing about this big summer blockbuster. This premier flavor works your tongue like a red carpet, and the paparazzi are swarming. Luckily, what just 5 calories and 1 gram of sugar per serving, this big, juicy flavor looks just as good on camera as it tastes in your mouth.

Roar

Everything you need to make moves.  Roar organic has everything you need for success.

The world is a tough place sometimes...

Full of environmental stressors like pollution infrared sun rays and that person at work who is always ruining your vibe. 

While you can't affect who has the adjourning office at your co-working space, we do contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals which can damage your body.  

So, maybe a solution would be to work from home more often, skype your meetings and drink more roar.

We enhance our tasty liquid with B3, B5 & B6 vitamins to do what we can to help.  Besides, it's much easier & less painful than getting a shot in the bum at the local cryo-center 

Clean

Go Clean, supports recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.  

Sparkling flavor that will tantalize the tastebuds and a crash-free boost, it's time to dump the junk and go clean. 

Pepsi
Live for Now

Red Bull
Gives you Wings

Aspire
It sounds like a summer dream - a fizzy drink that actually makes you thinner.

What we truly need isn't a beverage from the grocery store but a beverage from the storehouse of the Lord Jesus Christ, one that will satisfy the quench deep within us. 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.

Rev 22:17

HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY

Photo provided by Renie Brandow 

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, 

and passeth by the transgression of the remnant 

of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for

ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

Micah 7:18

GOD COMMANDED THE LIGHT TO SHINE OUT OF DARKNESS

Photo provided by Janie Purser 

UNDER WHOSE WING THOU HAST COME TO TRUST

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon 

GET UNDERSTANDING

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get 

wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE

In the bible, (Hebrews 11.27) we read that Moses, by faith, forsook Egypt, "not fearing the wrath of the king;"

Why did Moses do this? "For he endured as seeing Him who is invisible."

There is so much we can't see, so we must depend on the One who can.

The other day, I reported for jury duty. Although there were hundreds of people there with me to do 

their service, we all left that day with no cases to try. The process was slow and extended so we had lots of down time.

During a break, while getting some food, I noticed a lady with a white cane trying to look at the menu on the wall. The menu was very high and she wasn't very tall and it was obvious that she was legally blind. She had pulled out a small scope to help her read the menu.

As she was spending quite a bit of time trying to see the entries on the wall, I asked her if she needed help.

She thanked me but said, "No."

In the bible, in the book of Ruth, Naomi became bitter with God because of her difficult circumstances. She even renamed herself "bitter" (Mara). She didn't think the name Naomi (pleasant) was appropriate any longer. She said, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." (Ruth 1.20) She, her husband and two sons had left Bethlehem, where they were from, and went into Midian. This was because of draught in their home country. After ten years she is returning to Bethlehem without her husband and two sons who had all died while in Midian. All she had left was one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, who had chosen her and her God over her own people and their false gods.

I realized that I could see the whole story because I had read the whole book. She and Ruth would go back into the land. A kinsman redeemer named Boaz would fall in love with Ruth, marry her and have a son to raise up to the name of her dead husband (that's the way they did it then in Israel). Ruth's son would be the grandfather of King David, who would be the ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus.

Now we can see what God was up to and it was good. At the time, however, Naomi could not see this. She was like the visually impaired lady with her scope, zooming in on her present circumstances, but not allowing anyone with further perspective into her world. She had become bitter because, in her words, "The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."

She could not see the whole picture whereas God could. Not only could God see the whole thing, he was in control of it and would bring something good and beautiful out of it.

My dear friends, it is important for us that when we cannot see beyond our next step that we trust in God who can see it all and is ready to orchestrate some incredible music above all the chaos we feel at the moment. Can you trust God? You can trust God.

I think Charles Stanley is right. He said walking with God is often like walking in the dark with a flashlight. In those times, we cannot see far ahead but only where to take the next step. In those circumstances, we must learn to trust the One who who knows the complete story - that is, the Lord.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28

LET NOT MERCY AND TRUTH FORSAKE THEE

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon 

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind 

them about thy neck; write them upon the table

of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour 

and good understanding in the sight of God 

and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine 

heart; and lean not unto thine own 

understanding.  In all thy ways 

acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy 

paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: 

fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:3-7

UNDERSTANDING THE FEAR OF THE LORD

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My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide 

my commandments with thee; So that thou 

incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply 

thine heart to understanding;  Yea, if thou criest 

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice 

for understanding;  If thou seekest her as silver, 

and searchest for her as for hid treasures;  Then shalt 

thou understand the fear of the LORD, and 

find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD giveth 

wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and 

understanding.  He layeth up sound wisdom for 

the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk 

uprightly.  He keepeth the paths of judgment, 

and preserveth the way of his saints.  Then shalt 

thou understand righteousness, and judgment, 

and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom 

entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is 

pleasant unto thy soul;

Proverbs 2:1-10