Me again!! Just in case you were wondering. Yes, I'm still here. Life has been going pretty normally (then again, what's normal?). This week I had a chance to play the guitar for our church service. I should be more specific. I had a chance to play by myself. Quite an experience! I think I still prefer playing the piano, but the guitar is definately my first alterative! Anyway, the service went fairly well. I was a little nervous so there were a few mess-ups, but not anything worth mentioning. I must say, however, that when the service ended my fingers hurt realllyyyy bad. I almost cried on the last song (laugh if you dare!).
As of right now, it's hot and I'm tired of sweating. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do to avoid it is sit in front of the fan and do nothing. But, even if my disposition allowed me to do that, you can't avoid the daily routine (you know, wash laundry, wash dishes, clean the living room, etc...). So, I sweat. It does make you appreciate a good shower though!
What else? Oh, I know. This last Sunday we went to our sister church for their evening service. It was really nice to see everyone again. Unfortunately (I love that word, it seems to spell misfortune. I would use it all the time except for the fact that my Mom has drilled me to much on writing good paragraphs), I was very tired and I actually fell asleep in my chair during the music service! I felt really bad and I was mostly just hoping that no one had noticed. I don't think they did...?
Well, reading back over what I wrote I think I sound tired and kind of silly, but there you guys have it! I hope I didn't bore you too horribly much. God bless you guys and have a nice day. I'm going to try and put up some new pictures soon.
I Christ~
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Vengeance is mine!
What is revenge? Is it okay as long as it makes me feel good? What if the other person deserved it?
Recently I've begun reading a book called "David". As soon as I picked it up the book proved that it would be a definate "meal" and not a snack. From the first I felt strongly convicted in many different areas of my life, but not nearly so much as this one. So, what exactly is this feeling we call "revenge"? Simply put, it means that you feel as though you have been mistreated and now want your persecuter to feel the same (or worse) than you do. Now, of course we have, over the years, changed what we call this "feeling". We now call it "standing up for our rights", in other words, justified retaliation. Whatever we call it, God calls it revenge. And He does not tolerate it in the slightest:
Romans 12:17-19 (see also Deut. 32:35-36)
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it concerns you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says the Lord.
We can't make anyone live in peace with us, but we can make sure that the path to peace is clear on our side. Regardless of how others respond to us, God tells us to "Never take your own revenge"
Revenge may be sweet, but it sours the soul. It starts with an injury- someone hurts or offends us. Silently we let the anger burn inside of us, gaining heat and intensity, looking for an area of vulnerability. A place we can strike. We can see an example of this as far back in history as the first chapters of Genesis: Cain and Abel. God accepted Abel's sacrifice but rejected Cain's- which Cain interpreted as an injury to himself. Cain waited until he found Abel alone in the field- vulnerability- and killed him. Violent evidence of the fall and our resulting depravity. Since we are not all-seeing or all-knowing, we must leave the vengeance to our just and holy God.
1 Samuel 24
Now we come to our example in David. Before we get into it, lets get a little bit of background on the story...
We come into this story at a point when the entire kingdom is in turmoil. David has been anointed king, Saul (who is the present king) knows it and is, right now, doing everything he can to ensure David's death. David is on the run with a few hundred men who are loyal to him, but, for the time at least, it seems as though they have found somewhere to hide. But not for very long...
001: And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
002: Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
003: And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
David knows what he should do, but even still, he can't completely give up this chance to get even.
...Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily (secretly).
Even before he has returned his knife to it's sheath, God pricks his concience.
005: And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
006: And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
Because of David's refusal to get even with Saul, God blesses him. We see that in Proverbs it tells us.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Let's see what happens to David because of his obedience. We see David coming out to Saul in humility and with respect, wanting to prove his integrity.
008: David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
009: And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
010: Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
011: Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
David's honesty and respect soften Saul's hardened heart.
016: And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
017: And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
018: And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
019: For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
020: And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
021: Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
022: And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men went up unto their srong-hold.
Revenge is as old as human nature. And, while not all vengeance creates a tragedy as bitter as Cain and Abel's, it all makes a travesty of God's plan for our lives. If you're plotting revenge, however small and insignificant you may think it to be, surrender it now. Release your grip on your get-even scheme, and place the control into God's hands.
So, how do we keep from falling into this trap of revenge? There are some key priciples to remember that will help us to relinquish our desire for vengeance;
Since humanity is sinful, expect to be mistreated.
The same human nature that took over Saul's heart can take over all of our hearts. Trouble cames when we expect, and then demand, too much from others. People are fallible; feelings will get hurt.
Since mistreatments are inevitable, we can anticipate our desires for revenge.
Temptation to retaliate is not the same as retaliation. Rather, when we are aware of what is going on inside, we have time to feel and pray and think and then choose a course of action that reflects our trust in God.
Since the temptation toward revenge is inevitable, refuse to fight in the flesh.
We can make up our minds ahead of time to leave things in God's hands, which will make us less like to impulsively lash back when we're wronged. We're not responsible for how others behave, just how we respond.
Psalm 54
004: Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
005: He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
006: I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
007: For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Recently I've begun reading a book called "David". As soon as I picked it up the book proved that it would be a definate "meal" and not a snack. From the first I felt strongly convicted in many different areas of my life, but not nearly so much as this one. So, what exactly is this feeling we call "revenge"? Simply put, it means that you feel as though you have been mistreated and now want your persecuter to feel the same (or worse) than you do. Now, of course we have, over the years, changed what we call this "feeling". We now call it "standing up for our rights", in other words, justified retaliation. Whatever we call it, God calls it revenge. And He does not tolerate it in the slightest:
Romans 12:17-19 (see also Deut. 32:35-36)
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it concerns you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" says the Lord.
We can't make anyone live in peace with us, but we can make sure that the path to peace is clear on our side. Regardless of how others respond to us, God tells us to "Never take your own revenge"
Revenge may be sweet, but it sours the soul. It starts with an injury- someone hurts or offends us. Silently we let the anger burn inside of us, gaining heat and intensity, looking for an area of vulnerability. A place we can strike. We can see an example of this as far back in history as the first chapters of Genesis: Cain and Abel. God accepted Abel's sacrifice but rejected Cain's- which Cain interpreted as an injury to himself. Cain waited until he found Abel alone in the field- vulnerability- and killed him. Violent evidence of the fall and our resulting depravity. Since we are not all-seeing or all-knowing, we must leave the vengeance to our just and holy God.
1 Samuel 24
Now we come to our example in David. Before we get into it, lets get a little bit of background on the story...
We come into this story at a point when the entire kingdom is in turmoil. David has been anointed king, Saul (who is the present king) knows it and is, right now, doing everything he can to ensure David's death. David is on the run with a few hundred men who are loyal to him, but, for the time at least, it seems as though they have found somewhere to hide. But not for very long...
001: And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
002: Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
003: And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
It would seem that David has now been given a perfect chance for revenge. There's no one around and God couldn't fault him could He? On top of this, even his men are urging him on. Can David resist such a strong temptation???
004: And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee...David knows what he should do, but even still, he can't completely give up this chance to get even.
...Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily (secretly).
Even before he has returned his knife to it's sheath, God pricks his concience.
005: And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
006: And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
Because of David's refusal to get even with Saul, God blesses him. We see that in Proverbs it tells us.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Let's see what happens to David because of his obedience. We see David coming out to Saul in humility and with respect, wanting to prove his integrity.
008: David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
009: And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
010: Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
011: Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
David's honesty and respect soften Saul's hardened heart.
016: And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
017: And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
018: And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
019: For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
020: And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
021: Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house.
022: And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men went up unto their srong-hold.
Revenge is as old as human nature. And, while not all vengeance creates a tragedy as bitter as Cain and Abel's, it all makes a travesty of God's plan for our lives. If you're plotting revenge, however small and insignificant you may think it to be, surrender it now. Release your grip on your get-even scheme, and place the control into God's hands.
So, how do we keep from falling into this trap of revenge? There are some key priciples to remember that will help us to relinquish our desire for vengeance;
Since humanity is sinful, expect to be mistreated.
The same human nature that took over Saul's heart can take over all of our hearts. Trouble cames when we expect, and then demand, too much from others. People are fallible; feelings will get hurt.
Since mistreatments are inevitable, we can anticipate our desires for revenge.
Temptation to retaliate is not the same as retaliation. Rather, when we are aware of what is going on inside, we have time to feel and pray and think and then choose a course of action that reflects our trust in God.
Since the temptation toward revenge is inevitable, refuse to fight in the flesh.
We can make up our minds ahead of time to leave things in God's hands, which will make us less like to impulsively lash back when we're wronged. We're not responsible for how others behave, just how we respond.
Psalm 54
004: Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
005: He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
006: I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
007: For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Arrival!!!
Hey, me again. We/I arrived safely. The first leg of the journey was, for me, a new experience. I got to fly in!!! But I’ve got to say, flying is not all it’s cracked up to be. Well, rather than getting you all confused by telling the story all out of order, let’s just start at the beginning. Here it goes!
(sorry, still no pictures)
The last morning at my Grandparents’ house was about like every other day. I got up late ;), ate breakfast and then just sat around until it was time to go to town and do some last minute shopping. That done (btw Grandma bought me three big bags of candy for my trip, yummmmm!!) we went back to the house to pick up Grandpa and my stuff (just as a side note, my bag was packed tighter than I thought was possible. When I checked my bag it weighed 49.5 lb. Talk about close) and headed out toward Kansas city. As a special (as if they hadn’t done enough already), my Grandparents took me out to Olive Garden, my all-time favorite restaurant. In case you want to know I ordered Chicken Scampi… I know, I know, not all that interesting. Anyway, on with the story. On the drive to KC I read a book I had brought and, by and by, we arrived at the airport. Since we’d gotten there an hour or so early we had some time to kill. We walked around a bit and then sat down and waited… and waited…and waited. Finally! It was time to board. I was kind of nervously excited as I walked through the corridor leading on to the plane. I chose a window seat (which I recommend for anyone who’s planning on traveling) and waited… and waited… and waited… tired of waiting yet? I sure was. Well, I’m not sure how long it was (felt like hours) but eventually we were off. Take-off was everything I’d been told. You know what it reminded me of? You know, when you’re driving on the road and you suddenly drop down, like a small hill? That’s what it felt like. For some reason it gave a wild desire to giggle uncontrollably. It took a serious effort not to do so. I ended up sitting next to a middle-aged woman, and I actually got to share some with her. By her accounts she’s a Christian. But the Bible says that actions speak louder than words, and her actions were not saying what she’d claimed. I hope, for her sake, that she was telling the truth.
Two hours after take-off we came into the Las Vegas airport. But man, for how hot it was outside it was freezing inside. And I’d forgotten to bring a jacket. I had a three and a half hour layover there before my next flight (it wasn’t to depart until 9:45 p.m.). I didn’t really do much. Everything was overpriced. I mean, I went to Burger King to buy a soda and ended up spending $3 for a medium, no refill! What’s that about? They wouldn’t even let me take my water onto the plane.
My second flight was much more enjoyable. I got onto a row by myself and I was seated behind two adorable little girls who had obviously been traveling wayyyy too long. Now, some of you might want to know how that would be enjoyable, but if you knew me and how much I love children, you wouldn’t be surprised at all! As I was getting off the plane, the father of the children said something that made up for all the discomfort and lack of sleep. As I was passing by their seat I commented that he had beautiful girls. He said thank you and then thanked me for keeping them entertained during part of the flight. I said it had been my pleasure, and then he said that I must be a Christian because only a Christain would have such a beautiful personality. I told him that I most definitely was and then I had to move. But, I guess that’s another example of actions speaking louder than words!
Now we get to the part where I see my family again. Since I got into Tucson so late the airport was nearly deserted and it was fairly easy to find my parents (who, btw, had just gotten there. Perfect timing :) . Anyway, so as not to bore you any more than you already are, I'll just tell you that we arrived to the house they were staying without any problems. The next day we left late, drove a lot more than I would have liked and arrived home around 11 p.m. Richard (our pastor) was there to meet us (as were the mosquitos) and after a quick goodbye we all headed off to bed. And, that's about it. So, here we are in Mexico!
Time to let you go (finally!!). But... Before you go,
Praises!!!
(sorry, still no pictures)
The last morning at my Grandparents’ house was about like every other day. I got up late ;), ate breakfast and then just sat around until it was time to go to town and do some last minute shopping. That done (btw Grandma bought me three big bags of candy for my trip, yummmmm!!) we went back to the house to pick up Grandpa and my stuff (just as a side note, my bag was packed tighter than I thought was possible. When I checked my bag it weighed 49.5 lb. Talk about close) and headed out toward Kansas city. As a special (as if they hadn’t done enough already), my Grandparents took me out to Olive Garden, my all-time favorite restaurant. In case you want to know I ordered Chicken Scampi… I know, I know, not all that interesting. Anyway, on with the story. On the drive to KC I read a book I had brought and, by and by, we arrived at the airport. Since we’d gotten there an hour or so early we had some time to kill. We walked around a bit and then sat down and waited… and waited…and waited. Finally! It was time to board. I was kind of nervously excited as I walked through the corridor leading on to the plane. I chose a window seat (which I recommend for anyone who’s planning on traveling) and waited… and waited… and waited… tired of waiting yet? I sure was. Well, I’m not sure how long it was (felt like hours) but eventually we were off. Take-off was everything I’d been told. You know what it reminded me of? You know, when you’re driving on the road and you suddenly drop down, like a small hill? That’s what it felt like. For some reason it gave a wild desire to giggle uncontrollably. It took a serious effort not to do so. I ended up sitting next to a middle-aged woman, and I actually got to share some with her. By her accounts she’s a Christian. But the Bible says that actions speak louder than words, and her actions were not saying what she’d claimed. I hope, for her sake, that she was telling the truth.
Two hours after take-off we came into the Las Vegas airport. But man, for how hot it was outside it was freezing inside. And I’d forgotten to bring a jacket. I had a three and a half hour layover there before my next flight (it wasn’t to depart until 9:45 p.m.). I didn’t really do much. Everything was overpriced. I mean, I went to Burger King to buy a soda and ended up spending $3 for a medium, no refill! What’s that about? They wouldn’t even let me take my water onto the plane.
My second flight was much more enjoyable. I got onto a row by myself and I was seated behind two adorable little girls who had obviously been traveling wayyyy too long. Now, some of you might want to know how that would be enjoyable, but if you knew me and how much I love children, you wouldn’t be surprised at all! As I was getting off the plane, the father of the children said something that made up for all the discomfort and lack of sleep. As I was passing by their seat I commented that he had beautiful girls. He said thank you and then thanked me for keeping them entertained during part of the flight. I said it had been my pleasure, and then he said that I must be a Christian because only a Christain would have such a beautiful personality. I told him that I most definitely was and then I had to move. But, I guess that’s another example of actions speaking louder than words!
Now we get to the part where I see my family again. Since I got into Tucson so late the airport was nearly deserted and it was fairly easy to find my parents (who, btw, had just gotten there. Perfect timing :) . Anyway, so as not to bore you any more than you already are, I'll just tell you that we arrived to the house they were staying without any problems. The next day we left late, drove a lot more than I would have liked and arrived home around 11 p.m. Richard (our pastor) was there to meet us (as were the mosquitos) and after a quick goodbye we all headed off to bed. And, that's about it. So, here we are in Mexico!
Time to let you go (finally!!). But... Before you go,
Praises!!!
- God provided a new airconditioning system for our car
- God provided new tires for our car
- There were no problems at our house while we were gone.
- We didn't get stopped at the border. Praise God!
- God provided places for my family to stay the entire time they were in Tucson
- We had a wonderful trip and, though it's hot, we're finally home!!
Prayer requests!!!
- That our financial needs would be met
- For our house in Oregon to sell
- Continued peace in our home
- A continual increase of faith in my life
- For my friends around the world!!!
- For the young girls group I've been put in charge of, that God would give me the words to say and the wisdom to lead these girls
Thanks guys!! May God bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you! In Christ~
Thursday, July 24, 2008
food for the heart
Usually, I'll put some sort of comment on the passages of scripture I quote. But this time I'm just going to post it like this. I pray that God will use it to somehow minister in your life!
Daniel 4:10-34
010: Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
011: The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
012: The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
013: I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
014: He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
015: Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
016: Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him: and let seven times pass over him.
017: This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
018: This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
019: Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
020: The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
021: Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
022: It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
023: And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
024: This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
025: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
026: And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
027: Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
028: All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
029: At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
030: The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
031: While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
032: And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
033: The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
034: And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
035: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
036: At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
037: Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Daniel 4:10-34
010: Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
011: The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
012: The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
013: I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
014: He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
015: Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
016: Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him: and let seven times pass over him.
017: This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
018: This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
019: Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
020: The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
021: Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
022: It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
023: And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
024: This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
025: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
026: And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
027: Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
028: All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
029: At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
030: The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
031: While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
032: And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
033: The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
034: And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
035: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
036: At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
037: Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Here I am!!!
Well, as of today I have been here nine days. It's been a great visit (though not over yet) and even through those struggles with the flesh God's still been faithful. Unfortunately, I have no pictures so, you guys will have to use you imaginations!!!
It's been a good week. My Grandpa took me golfing (which, btw, is much harder than it looks. I think my best score was a hole in 8). My arms still ache from that! I went to a fair judging with my Grandma (she is a professional weaver and is constantly being called with petions to judge at fair. She has another one this Saturday). It was a neat learning experience since they let me sit in on it. Other than that it's mostly been hanging out around the house, playing scrabble (we sit 1 to 1. I was really excited since that is the first time I'd ever played with an adult and won. My Mom usually beats me... Really badly!), reading, crocheting (I just finished the blanket I was making) and from time to time going into to town! I've begun to like the town of Girard, Kansas. Kind of a funny little place, and one you could only find if you had been there.
So, anyway, it's been fun, different and a great experience. When I get back home I'll write up about the individual days themselves. For now, however, you'll have to be content with this.
God's blessing to you guys. Have a great week!!!
~
It's been a good week. My Grandpa took me golfing (which, btw, is much harder than it looks. I think my best score was a hole in 8). My arms still ache from that! I went to a fair judging with my Grandma (she is a professional weaver and is constantly being called with petions to judge at fair. She has another one this Saturday). It was a neat learning experience since they let me sit in on it. Other than that it's mostly been hanging out around the house, playing scrabble (we sit 1 to 1. I was really excited since that is the first time I'd ever played with an adult and won. My Mom usually beats me... Really badly!), reading, crocheting (I just finished the blanket I was making) and from time to time going into to town! I've begun to like the town of Girard, Kansas. Kind of a funny little place, and one you could only find if you had been there.
So, anyway, it's been fun, different and a great experience. When I get back home I'll write up about the individual days themselves. For now, however, you'll have to be content with this.
God's blessing to you guys. Have a great week!!!
~
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Update (very brief)
Hi Everyone!! I really don't have time to write. I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still here and as much in need of prayer as ever. God's blessing to you all, and I'll try to write again soon!!
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