Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Rainy week-end with Dal and Lil
Hopefully not to death!
Sparkle ball is very entertaining!
Dal is a sicky, poor kid!
Ahhhh, a little rest.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"Vigorous In Power" -Isaiah 40:26
"In no way is there anyone like you, O Jehovah. You are great, and your name is great in mightiness." -Jeremiah 10:6
Yes, Mightiness or Power is linked to Jehovah's name meaning, "He Causes to Become" Power is one thing that enables Jehovah to cause himself to be whatever he chooses. Power is one of his important attributes.
Three ways Jehovah exerts his power:
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in Eden, an issue regarding sovereignty was raised. - Gen 3:1-6. If Jehovah had tolerated their unrighteous behavior he would have undermined his position as Universal Sovereign. As a righteous God, he had to sentence them to death. (Romans 6:23) In the first Bible prophecy, Jehovah foretold that enmity would exist between his own servants and the followers of "the serpent," Satan. (Rev 12:9; Gen 3:15) This enmity could only be resolved by the crushing of Satan. (Ro 16:20) That judgment act would result in great blessings for righteous mankind, ridding the earth of Satan's influence and making way for a global paradise through the Messianic Kingdom. (Matt 25:31) Those who sided with Satan would be an ongoing threat to the physical and spiritual well-being of God's people. Jehovah will have to intervene.
Jehovah has not changed; nor has his purpose to make this planet a peaceful paradise changed. (Gen 1:27, 28) God still hates wickedness. However, he dearly loves his people and will act soon act in their behalf. -Ps 11:7. The enmity described at Genesis 3:15 is expected to reach a dramatic and violent turning point in the near future. To sanctify his name and protect his people, Jehovah will once again become "a manly person of war"! -Zechariah 14:3; Rev 16:14, 16
Although Jehovah is "a manly person of war" when the situation demands it, this does not mean that he is warlike at heart.. In Ezekiel's vision, Jehovah is pictured as being prepared to fight against his enemies. Yet, Ezekiel saw God surrounded by a rainbow -a symbol of peace. (Gen 9:13; Eze 1:28; Rev 4:3) Jehovah is calm and peaceable. "God is love," wrote the apostle John. (1 John 4:8) Because all of Jehovah's qualities exist in perfect balance we can draw close to our powerful yet loving God.
Protective Power. -Psalm 46:1
God's promise of protection is realized only by those who draw close to him. Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." We need to know and trust the bearer of that name and live in harmony with his righteous standards. How kind of Jehovah to reassure us that if we turn to him in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us!
Jehovah has demonstrated his power to protect. Remember, when he protected the Israelites from the Egyptians, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they found themselves in a foreign land. Most important, Jehovah protected the infant Jesus from the enemy Satan. (Ex 7:4; Daniel 3:15-17, 29; Luke 1:31, 35; Matt 2:1-15.)
Why did Jehovah protect certain individuals in miraculous ways? In many cases Jehovah protected individuals in order to protect something far more important, the outworking of his purpose. The survival of the infant Jesus was essential to the fulfillment of God's purpose, which will in the end benefit all mankind. These examples strengthen our faith in our all powerful God -Romans 15:4
Our God does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this old system. Many faithful servants of Jehovah face severe adversities, including poverty, war, sickness, and death. Jesus plainly told his disciples that as individuals they might be put to death because of their faith. That is why Jesus stressed the need for endurance to the end. (Matt 24:9, 13) If Jehovah were to use his power to effect miraculous deliverance in all cases, there might be a basis for Satan to taunt Jehovah and to call into question the genuineness of our devotion to our God. -Job 1:9, 10.
As Jehovah's worshipers we can expect physical protection as a group. Those who draw close to God, need not worry about the execution of God's judgments during the "great tribulation", because, "Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial..." (Rev 7:14; 2 Peter 2:9)
Jehovah safeguards us through his living "word", which has the motivating power to heal hearts and reform lives. (Hebrews 4:12) By applying its principles, we can in some respects be protected from physical harm. For instance, abstaining from fornication, protects us from STD diseases, taking our anxieties to our heavenly Father in prayer, relieves stress, which protects us from stress related diseases.
Jehovah protects us spiritually. Our loving God protects us from spiritual harm by equipping us with what we need in order to endure trials and to safeguard our relationship with him. Prayer may not remove trials, but will provide wisdom to deal with them. (James 1:5, 6). Holy spirit that can make us equal to any trial or problem we may face. God's holy spirit can infuse us with "power beyond what is normal" to endure until Jehovah removes all painful problems in a the new world. -2 Corinth
4:7. Jehovah thus works to preserve our life, not just for few short years but for eternity.
Restorative Power.- Rev 21:5
Jesus and his apostles foretold that true worship would be corrupted and lost. (Matt 13:24-30; Acts 20:29, 30) After the apostles died, Christendom arose. Her clergyman adopted pagan teachings and practices. They made approach to God nearly impossible, saying he is a mystery, that mankind could never understand him. Instead of heartfelt prayers to God, the people were taught to look to the clergy to confess sins and to pray to "saints". Yes, God's purpose was to restore pure worship. When?
The prophet Isaiah wrote: "And it must occur in the final part of the days (last days) that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. And many peoples will certainly go and say: 'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many people. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore' " -Isa 2:2-4.
During these last days, Jehovah has taught his worshipers the ways of peace. He has abolished warfare among his people. In spite of imperfections he helps his people to put on "the new personality." He blesses their efforts with his holy spirit, which produces beautiful fruitage in them. (Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 5:22, 23) Jehovah is gathering into this spiritual paradise the type of people that he loves- those that love him, who love peace, and who are "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matt 5:3)
In the future God's people will experience the a grand restoration. Isaiah wrote of a time when the sick, the lame, the blind, and the deaf would be healed and even death would be no more. (Isaiah 25:8, 35:1-7) Remember in Eden, Jehovah made clear his purpose for the earth: It was to be inhabited by a happy, healthy, united family of mankind. Man and woman were to care for the earth and all of its creatures, to turn the entire planet into a paradise. (Gen 1:28) We do not see a paradise in the earth today. But we can be sure Jehovah's purposes will always become reality. (Isa 55:10, 11) Jesus, as the Messianic King appointed by Jehovah, will bring about this global paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Jehovah says, "Look I am making all things new" -Rev 21:5. He promises "a new heavens and a new earth." This means a new government will reign from heaven over a new earthly society made up of those who love Jehovah and who do his will. (2Peter 3:13) Satan and his demons will be locked up in an abyss( Rev 20:3) Mankind will be free of their corrupt, hateful, negative influence. Can you imagine the sense of relief!
Jesus will use his God-given power to restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, soundness of body to the lame and infirm. (Matt 15:30) The aged will be renewed to youthful strength, health and vigor, (Job 33:25) Wrinkles will vanish, limbs will straighten, and muscles will flex with renewed power. All of faithful mankind will sense that the effects of sin and imperfection are gradually diminishing, dropping away. We will thank Jehovah God for his restorative power.
Next, Jesus will fulfill his role as 'the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25) He will resurrect millions, giving them an opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth. (John 5:28, 29) Imagine the reunions as beloved friends and relatives, long separated by death embrace one another.
Jehovah is eager to use his restorative power in such a loving way! Do you feel drawn to our powerful Creator? Yes, we do, but what about the injustice we see in the world around us? Some people even have blamed God for the injustice they see. However, the Bible teaches the truth- Yes, "Jehovah is a lover of justice." Next we will examine God's quality of justice.
Yes, Mightiness or Power is linked to Jehovah's name meaning, "He Causes to Become" Power is one thing that enables Jehovah to cause himself to be whatever he chooses. Power is one of his important attributes.
Three ways Jehovah exerts his power:
1. Through his holy spirit. It is God's power in action. Like wind, God's holy spirit is invisible to our eyes, but it's effects are real and discernible.
-Genesis 1:2
2. Through his authority as Universal Sovereign. Jehovah rules over both angels and men.-Ps 68:11, 110:3; 103:19, 20.
3. Through his written word, "God's word is alive and exerts power"- Heb 4:12
God's written word can strengthen us, build up our faith and help us make changes in ourselves for the better.
It is true, imperfect humans often abuse power. (Ecc. 4:1; 8:9) However, Jehovah is holy, incorruptible. He has never abused his power and he never will. . Jehovah always exercises his power in harmony with his justice, his wisdom and his love. Jehovah does not use his power to force people serve him. He dignifies each individual with freedom to choose. He does warn of consequences of bad and tells of rewards for doing good. -Deut 11:26-28
Jehovah's power is creative, destructive, protective, and restorative!
Creative power. -Isaiah 40:26
Every day we see evidence of God's creative power. The sun and its energy, the stars, so many we cannot count. Look at the water cycle, the sun's power lifts up by evaporation water from the oceans. This water forms clouds, which are pushed all around the earth by atmospheric winds. This water is filtered and purified, then falls as rain, snow or ice. Our water supply is constantly being replenished. (Ecc.1:7) "He is the Maker of the earth by his power, ...." -Jeremiah 10:12.
Consider the power in all the animal life,elephants, alligators, lions and big bears. (Psalms 148:7-10; 150:6; 104:24).We learn too about God's sovereignty. The word "Creator" separates Jehovah from everything else in all the universe. Everything else is "creation" including us. Even Jehovah's "only-begotten" son, is the "firstborn of all creation" -Col 1:15. Jehovah's position as Creator gives him the right to have exclusive sovereign power over all the universe. -Romans 1:20; Rev 4:11.
Destructive Power. -Exodus 15:3
Jehovah uses his destructive power sparingly, and as a last resort.- Eze 18:23.
Although Jehovah is the God of love, he is also a God of holiness, righteousness, and justice. At times these qualities compel him to use his destructive power. -Isa 59:15-19; Luke 18:7. Think about when God used his power to destroy Pharoah and his armies in the Red Sea. -Ex 14:26-28; 15:1, 2. God does not blemish his holiness when he fights. He fights because he is holy. "...Holiness belongs to Jehovah". -Ex 39:30.-Genesis 1:2
2. Through his authority as Universal Sovereign. Jehovah rules over both angels and men.-Ps 68:11, 110:3; 103:19, 20.
3. Through his written word, "God's word is alive and exerts power"- Heb 4:12
God's written word can strengthen us, build up our faith and help us make changes in ourselves for the better.
It is true, imperfect humans often abuse power. (Ecc. 4:1; 8:9) However, Jehovah is holy, incorruptible. He has never abused his power and he never will. . Jehovah always exercises his power in harmony with his justice, his wisdom and his love. Jehovah does not use his power to force people serve him. He dignifies each individual with freedom to choose. He does warn of consequences of bad and tells of rewards for doing good. -Deut 11:26-28
Jehovah's power is creative, destructive, protective, and restorative!
Creative power. -Isaiah 40:26
Every day we see evidence of God's creative power. The sun and its energy, the stars, so many we cannot count. Look at the water cycle, the sun's power lifts up by evaporation water from the oceans. This water forms clouds, which are pushed all around the earth by atmospheric winds. This water is filtered and purified, then falls as rain, snow or ice. Our water supply is constantly being replenished. (Ecc.1:7) "He is the Maker of the earth by his power, ...." -Jeremiah 10:12.
Consider the power in all the animal life,elephants, alligators, lions and big bears. (Psalms 148:7-10; 150:6; 104:24).We learn too about God's sovereignty. The word "Creator" separates Jehovah from everything else in all the universe. Everything else is "creation" including us. Even Jehovah's "only-begotten" son, is the "firstborn of all creation" -Col 1:15. Jehovah's position as Creator gives him the right to have exclusive sovereign power over all the universe. -Romans 1:20; Rev 4:11.
Destructive Power. -Exodus 15:3
Jehovah uses his destructive power sparingly, and as a last resort.- Eze 18:23.
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in Eden, an issue regarding sovereignty was raised. - Gen 3:1-6. If Jehovah had tolerated their unrighteous behavior he would have undermined his position as Universal Sovereign. As a righteous God, he had to sentence them to death. (Romans 6:23) In the first Bible prophecy, Jehovah foretold that enmity would exist between his own servants and the followers of "the serpent," Satan. (Rev 12:9; Gen 3:15) This enmity could only be resolved by the crushing of Satan. (Ro 16:20) That judgment act would result in great blessings for righteous mankind, ridding the earth of Satan's influence and making way for a global paradise through the Messianic Kingdom. (Matt 25:31) Those who sided with Satan would be an ongoing threat to the physical and spiritual well-being of God's people. Jehovah will have to intervene.
Jehovah has not changed; nor has his purpose to make this planet a peaceful paradise changed. (Gen 1:27, 28) God still hates wickedness. However, he dearly loves his people and will act soon act in their behalf. -Ps 11:7. The enmity described at Genesis 3:15 is expected to reach a dramatic and violent turning point in the near future. To sanctify his name and protect his people, Jehovah will once again become "a manly person of war"! -Zechariah 14:3; Rev 16:14, 16
Although Jehovah is "a manly person of war" when the situation demands it, this does not mean that he is warlike at heart.. In Ezekiel's vision, Jehovah is pictured as being prepared to fight against his enemies. Yet, Ezekiel saw God surrounded by a rainbow -a symbol of peace. (Gen 9:13; Eze 1:28; Rev 4:3) Jehovah is calm and peaceable. "God is love," wrote the apostle John. (1 John 4:8) Because all of Jehovah's qualities exist in perfect balance we can draw close to our powerful yet loving God.
Protective Power. -Psalm 46:1
God's promise of protection is realized only by those who draw close to him. Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." We need to know and trust the bearer of that name and live in harmony with his righteous standards. How kind of Jehovah to reassure us that if we turn to him in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us!
Jehovah has demonstrated his power to protect. Remember, when he protected the Israelites from the Egyptians, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they found themselves in a foreign land. Most important, Jehovah protected the infant Jesus from the enemy Satan. (Ex 7:4; Daniel 3:15-17, 29; Luke 1:31, 35; Matt 2:1-15.)
Why did Jehovah protect certain individuals in miraculous ways? In many cases Jehovah protected individuals in order to protect something far more important, the outworking of his purpose. The survival of the infant Jesus was essential to the fulfillment of God's purpose, which will in the end benefit all mankind. These examples strengthen our faith in our all powerful God -Romans 15:4
Our God does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this old system. Many faithful servants of Jehovah face severe adversities, including poverty, war, sickness, and death. Jesus plainly told his disciples that as individuals they might be put to death because of their faith. That is why Jesus stressed the need for endurance to the end. (Matt 24:9, 13) If Jehovah were to use his power to effect miraculous deliverance in all cases, there might be a basis for Satan to taunt Jehovah and to call into question the genuineness of our devotion to our God. -Job 1:9, 10.
As Jehovah's worshipers we can expect physical protection as a group. Those who draw close to God, need not worry about the execution of God's judgments during the "great tribulation", because, "Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial..." (Rev 7:14; 2 Peter 2:9)
Jehovah safeguards us through his living "word", which has the motivating power to heal hearts and reform lives. (Hebrews 4:12) By applying its principles, we can in some respects be protected from physical harm. For instance, abstaining from fornication, protects us from STD diseases, taking our anxieties to our heavenly Father in prayer, relieves stress, which protects us from stress related diseases.
Jehovah protects us spiritually. Our loving God protects us from spiritual harm by equipping us with what we need in order to endure trials and to safeguard our relationship with him. Prayer may not remove trials, but will provide wisdom to deal with them. (James 1:5, 6). Holy spirit that can make us equal to any trial or problem we may face. God's holy spirit can infuse us with "power beyond what is normal" to endure until Jehovah removes all painful problems in a the new world. -2 Corinth
4:7. Jehovah thus works to preserve our life, not just for few short years but for eternity.
Restorative Power.- Rev 21:5
Jesus and his apostles foretold that true worship would be corrupted and lost. (Matt 13:24-30; Acts 20:29, 30) After the apostles died, Christendom arose. Her clergyman adopted pagan teachings and practices. They made approach to God nearly impossible, saying he is a mystery, that mankind could never understand him. Instead of heartfelt prayers to God, the people were taught to look to the clergy to confess sins and to pray to "saints". Yes, God's purpose was to restore pure worship. When?
The prophet Isaiah wrote: "And it must occur in the final part of the days (last days) that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. And many peoples will certainly go and say: 'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many people. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore' " -Isa 2:2-4.
During these last days, Jehovah has taught his worshipers the ways of peace. He has abolished warfare among his people. In spite of imperfections he helps his people to put on "the new personality." He blesses their efforts with his holy spirit, which produces beautiful fruitage in them. (Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 5:22, 23) Jehovah is gathering into this spiritual paradise the type of people that he loves- those that love him, who love peace, and who are "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matt 5:3)
In the future God's people will experience the a grand restoration. Isaiah wrote of a time when the sick, the lame, the blind, and the deaf would be healed and even death would be no more. (Isaiah 25:8, 35:1-7) Remember in Eden, Jehovah made clear his purpose for the earth: It was to be inhabited by a happy, healthy, united family of mankind. Man and woman were to care for the earth and all of its creatures, to turn the entire planet into a paradise. (Gen 1:28) We do not see a paradise in the earth today. But we can be sure Jehovah's purposes will always become reality. (Isa 55:10, 11) Jesus, as the Messianic King appointed by Jehovah, will bring about this global paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Jehovah says, "Look I am making all things new" -Rev 21:5. He promises "a new heavens and a new earth." This means a new government will reign from heaven over a new earthly society made up of those who love Jehovah and who do his will. (2Peter 3:13) Satan and his demons will be locked up in an abyss( Rev 20:3) Mankind will be free of their corrupt, hateful, negative influence. Can you imagine the sense of relief!
Jesus will use his God-given power to restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, soundness of body to the lame and infirm. (Matt 15:30) The aged will be renewed to youthful strength, health and vigor, (Job 33:25) Wrinkles will vanish, limbs will straighten, and muscles will flex with renewed power. All of faithful mankind will sense that the effects of sin and imperfection are gradually diminishing, dropping away. We will thank Jehovah God for his restorative power.
Next, Jesus will fulfill his role as 'the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25) He will resurrect millions, giving them an opportunity to live forever in Paradise on earth. (John 5:28, 29) Imagine the reunions as beloved friends and relatives, long separated by death embrace one another.
Jehovah is eager to use his restorative power in such a loving way! Do you feel drawn to our powerful Creator? Yes, we do, but what about the injustice we see in the world around us? Some people even have blamed God for the injustice they see. However, the Bible teaches the truth- Yes, "Jehovah is a lover of justice." Next we will examine God's quality of justice.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Rain Garden?
Have you ever heard of a rain garden? What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow, constructed depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants & grasses. It is located in your landscape to receive runoff from hard surfaces such as a roof, a sidewalk and a driveway. Rain gardens slow down the rush of water from these hard surfaces, holds the water for a short period of time 
A rain garden can be thought of as a personal water quality system because it filters the runoff from your roof and lawn and recharges the groundwater.
A rain garden also conserves municipal water resources by reducing the need for irrigation.
Rain gardens are a beautiful and colorful way for homeowners, businesses and municipalities to help ease stormwater problems. There is a growing trend by municipalities and homeowners to incorporate natural processes to help relieve flooding and pollution.
I thought this was very interesting. Makes me wish I could stay home working in a garden, rather than an office. Oh Well, "Hiegh Oh Hi Ho it's off to work a Get to go!"
For more information see the following links:
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/raingardenis.htm
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Yes! The Iris!
Soon to be in full bloom!
I love my Iris because they bloom so beautifully with so little attention.
Every few years I separate the tubers,
put a little bone meal in the soil
and a little water in summer
And what a reward, beautiful flowers!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Little Grandchildren, touch our hearts
Look who flew over to say "Good night"
Surprise mid-week visit
Nice boots!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
God is Holy
Holy Holy Holy- Isaiah 6:3, 4
As "the Holy One of Israel," Jehovah describes himself as dwelling "in the midst of" his people, sinful though they were. (Isa. 12:6; Hosea 11:9) So his holiness does not make him distant. How then is he separate? In two important ways:
This is comforting, because everything about human Society alienated from God is polluted in some way, tainted with sin and imperfection. We all have a war against sin within us. Yes, each of us is in danger of being overcome by sin if we let our guard down. (Roman 7:15-25; 1 Corinth 10:12) Jehovah is in no such danger. He is completely removed from sinfulness, he will never be tainted by the slightest trace of sin. This makes him the ideal Father, for it means , he is completely reliable. Jehovah will never turn corrupt. His holiness makes such a thing impossible.
He blessed that nation with a system of worship that was holy, clean, pure. Holiness is a recurring theme of the Mosaic Law. (Ex 28:36) A high standard of cleanness and purity was to distinguish their worship and their way of life. Jehovah told them, "You should prove yourselves holy, because I Jehovah your God am holy." (Lev.19:2). As long as the Israelites lived by God's council to the extent possible for imperfect humans, they were holy in a relative sense.
This holiness is in stark contrast with the worship of the nations surrounding Israel. Those pagan nations worshipped gods whose very existence was a lie. These gods were protrayed as violent, greedy, and promiscuous. They were unholy in every possible sense. The worship of such gods made people unholy. That is why Jehovah warned his servants to keep separate from pagan worshippers and their polluted religious practices.
(Lev.18:24-28; 1 Kings 11:1, 2.)
Holy Name
God's name is sacred, set apart from all defilement. (1 Chron. 16:10; Ps 111:9)
His name Jehovah is to be held as holy, sanctified above all others. (Matt 6:9)
Disrespect for his name merits punishment of death. -Lev 24:10-19, 23; Numbers 15:30.
Jehovah our Holy God
We are made in the image of the holy God, we have moral qualities and the capacity for spirituality. (Gen 1:26) There is potential for holiness within us all. Jehovah is happy to help us. As we continue to cultivate holiness we draw closer to our holy God.
Jehovah is also described as "vigorous in power"- Isaiah 40:26. What can we learn about God's power to create, to destroy, to protect, and to restore?
A most important quality to understand about God -He is holy. What does the word "holy" really mean? In the Biblical Hebrew, the word is derived from a term meaning "separate". In worship, "holy" applies to that which is separated from common use, or held sacred. Holiness, also strongly conveys the idea of cleanness and purity.
1. He is separate from all creation in that he alone is the Most High.
2. He is entirely separated from all sinfulness.
Holiness belongs to Jehovah.
He is the source of holiness. He can impart this precious quality to others, and he does so generously. For instance, humans can become holy in a relative sense, with God's help. An example is in the nation of Israel. God gave his people Israel the prospect of becoming a "holy nation" (Exodus 19:6)He blessed that nation with a system of worship that was holy, clean, pure. Holiness is a recurring theme of the Mosaic Law. (Ex 28:36) A high standard of cleanness and purity was to distinguish their worship and their way of life. Jehovah told them, "You should prove yourselves holy, because I Jehovah your God am holy." (Lev.19:2). As long as the Israelites lived by God's council to the extent possible for imperfect humans, they were holy in a relative sense.
This holiness is in stark contrast with the worship of the nations surrounding Israel. Those pagan nations worshipped gods whose very existence was a lie. These gods were protrayed as violent, greedy, and promiscuous. They were unholy in every possible sense. The worship of such gods made people unholy. That is why Jehovah warned his servants to keep separate from pagan worshippers and their polluted religious practices.
(Lev.18:24-28; 1 Kings 11:1, 2.)
Jehovah's chosen nation of ancient Israel could provide only a dim reflection of the holiness of God's heavenly organization. There, millions of spirit creatures, angels who loyally serve God are referred to as his "holy myriads" (Duet 33:2; Jude 14). They perfectly reflect the bright, pure beauty of God's holiness. One spirit creature, above all else -the only-begotten son of God, Jesus is the highest reflection of Jehovah's holiness. Rightly he is known as "the Holy One of God" (John 6:68, 69)
God's name is sacred, set apart from all defilement. (1 Chron. 16:10; Ps 111:9)
His name Jehovah is to be held as holy, sanctified above all others. (Matt 6:9)
Disrespect for his name merits punishment of death. -Lev 24:10-19, 23; Numbers 15:30.
Holy Spirit.
God's spirit, or active force is also called holy. (Gen 1:2) Jehovah uses his force, his holy spirit to accomplish his purposes. All that God does, he carried out in a holy, pure, and clean way. So, his active force is well named holy spirit, or spirit of holiness. (Luke 11:13; Roman 1:4) Deliberately working against Jehovah's purposes is blaspheming against the holy spirit. (Matt 12:31, 32)Jehovah our Holy God
Jehovah loves what is upright and pure. He hates sin. But he does not hate us. As long as we view sin as he does- hating what is bad, loving what is good.- and strive to follow in Christ Jesus' perfect foot steps, Jehovah forgives our sins. (Amos 5:15; 1 Peter 2:21)
Jehovah is also described as "vigorous in power"- Isaiah 40:26. What can we learn about God's power to create, to destroy, to protect, and to restore?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Happy and Proud!
Zane gave his first talk in the Theocratic Ministry School.
He did very well with his Bible reading and it was a challenge!
Nehemiah 11:1-14 with many hard to pronounce names.
Very happy with his parents for taking the time to practice with him.
Very proud of the outcome
And a special visitor was here from Saipan.
This is Keith and his mother
And this is Keith's father. (Pam's brother)
They live in a little island in the pacific.
They were happy to see Zane's spiritual progress.
We encourage our children to enroll in the Theocratic Ministry School
as soon as they are able. Zane is 7 years old.
The Theocratic Ministry School is free of charge,
open to the public at your neighborhood Kingdom Hall.
The curriculum is the same world wide.
All ages attend, there is no graduation as there is always more to learn.
"Congregate the people, the men and the women and the little ones and your alien resident who is within your gates, in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn..." Deut 31:12
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What does Thing 2 do...
when Thing 1 is at school?
He plays with his friend.
The neighbor's cat comes over every day to see him.
They really enjoy each others company
We call him 50/50
Can you guess why?
He plays with his friend.
The neighbor's cat comes over every day to see him.
They really enjoy each others company
We call him 50/50
Can you guess why?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Cheerful
Yes, Cheerful!
That's what I think when I see Daffodils.
My yard is not the most well cared for,
But when the Daffodils bloom it does look inviting.
Next it will be the Iris's turn to bloom!
And the strawberries are already hitting the market.
And the strawberries are already hitting the market.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
"And I have made your name known to them
and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." -Jesus in prayer to his Heavenly Father. (John 17:26)
When God commissioned Moses to return to Egypt to the deliver the Israelites from slavery, Moses asked, "...Suppose...I say to them (sons of Israel) the God of you forefathers has sent me to you and they do say to me, "What is his name? What shall I say to them? " -Exodus 3:13 (Ex 3:1-12)
Yes, God has a name. One of the saddest and most reprehensible things done in the name of religion is the removal of God's personal name from many, many Bible translations and replacing it with titles, such as "Lord" or "God". Why?
When you first meet someone the first thing you learn about the person, is their name. God is not a nameless, distant entity, beyond knowing or understanding. Although he is invisible, he is a person and God wants us to draw close to him. (James 4:8; Isa 55:6) He wants us to know his name.
Moses was really asking about the person represented by the name. Moses wanted to know what he should tell the sons of Israel, that would build up their faith in the God of their forefathers and convince them, this God was really going to deliver them from slavery.
God's answer to Moses, "I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be." -Ex 3:14 Some Bibles read, "I am that I am." Jehovah literally means "He causes to become". Yes, Jehovah would cause himself to become, whatever was needed in order to fulfill his promises. What ever the situation or need...God would "become" the solution to that need. Within the framework of his own perfect standards, there is nothing he cannot become in order to care for his earthly children in the best possible way. Jehovah invites us to think of him as the best Father imaginable (James 1:17)
Moses and the faithful Israelites soon learned that Jehovah is true to his name. They were eyewitnesses as he caused himself to become an unbeatable Military Commander, the Master of all natural elements, a peerless Lawgiver, Judge, Architect, Provider of food and water, Preserver of clothing and foot gear. -and more. (Gen. 13:18, 21, 22; 15:8; 20:1-17; 21:-22:31; 25:1-27:21; 16:45, 11-14, 26,27,31; 15:23-25;)
Yes, God has made his personal name known, has explained it's meaning and has demonstrated the meaning is true. Moses wanted to draw close to God and get to know him intimately, as his heavenly Father. In contrast, Pharoah was haughty, he cynically dismissed the God of Israel as being unimportant or irrelevant. (Ex 5:2) This attitude blinded the Pharoah to an important truth.
Jehovah is Sovereign Lord. -2 Samuel 7:22.
Jehovah is unique as the Creator -Rev 4:11.
He is King of Eternity - 1 Timothy 1:17; Rev. 15:3.
He has no beginning and no end. -Ps 90:2
So he is rightly called, "the Ancient of Days" -Daniel 7:9, 13, 22.
Jehovah is a spirit being, invisible to human eyes. -John 1:18; 4:24; Ex 33:20
He is not an abstract, impersonal force, or vague "First Cause"
Jehovah is a God with personality! He has four outstanding qualities, namely:
Power, Justice, Wisdom and Love.
His dominate quality is Love.
Jehovah has feelings, both strong and tender. He is "hurt at his heart" when his intelligent creatures violate the guide lines he provides for their well-being.(Gen 6:6; Ps 78:11, 41). But when we act wisely according to his Word, we make his "heart rejoice". -Proverbs 27:11.
How though can mere humans draw close to the Sovereign Lord of the universe?
By reading his word the Bible.
Examining our heavenly Father's qualities, and imitating all his ways.
The next few Thursdays I will be thinking about and posting my findings on God's four outstanding qualities. But first, what does it mean when the Bible says God is Holy? I hope you will join me.
When God commissioned Moses to return to Egypt to the deliver the Israelites from slavery, Moses asked, "...Suppose...I say to them (sons of Israel) the God of you forefathers has sent me to you and they do say to me, "What is his name? What shall I say to them? " -Exodus 3:13 (Ex 3:1-12)
Yes, God has a name. One of the saddest and most reprehensible things done in the name of religion is the removal of God's personal name from many, many Bible translations and replacing it with titles, such as "Lord" or "God". Why?
When you first meet someone the first thing you learn about the person, is their name. God is not a nameless, distant entity, beyond knowing or understanding. Although he is invisible, he is a person and God wants us to draw close to him. (James 4:8; Isa 55:6) He wants us to know his name.
Moses was really asking about the person represented by the name. Moses wanted to know what he should tell the sons of Israel, that would build up their faith in the God of their forefathers and convince them, this God was really going to deliver them from slavery.
God's answer to Moses, "I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be." -Ex 3:14 Some Bibles read, "I am that I am." Jehovah literally means "He causes to become". Yes, Jehovah would cause himself to become, whatever was needed in order to fulfill his promises. What ever the situation or need...God would "become" the solution to that need. Within the framework of his own perfect standards, there is nothing he cannot become in order to care for his earthly children in the best possible way. Jehovah invites us to think of him as the best Father imaginable (James 1:17)
Moses and the faithful Israelites soon learned that Jehovah is true to his name. They were eyewitnesses as he caused himself to become an unbeatable Military Commander, the Master of all natural elements, a peerless Lawgiver, Judge, Architect, Provider of food and water, Preserver of clothing and foot gear. -and more. (Gen. 13:18, 21, 22; 15:8; 20:1-17; 21:-22:31; 25:1-27:21; 16:45, 11-14, 26,27,31; 15:23-25;)
Yes, God has made his personal name known, has explained it's meaning and has demonstrated the meaning is true. Moses wanted to draw close to God and get to know him intimately, as his heavenly Father. In contrast, Pharoah was haughty, he cynically dismissed the God of Israel as being unimportant or irrelevant. (Ex 5:2) This attitude blinded the Pharoah to an important truth.
Jehovah is Sovereign Lord. -2 Samuel 7:22.
Jehovah is unique as the Creator -Rev 4:11.
He is King of Eternity - 1 Timothy 1:17; Rev. 15:3.
He has no beginning and no end. -Ps 90:2
So he is rightly called, "the Ancient of Days" -Daniel 7:9, 13, 22.
Jehovah is a spirit being, invisible to human eyes. -John 1:18; 4:24; Ex 33:20
He is not an abstract, impersonal force, or vague "First Cause"
Jehovah is a God with personality! He has four outstanding qualities, namely:
Power, Justice, Wisdom and Love.
His dominate quality is Love.
Jehovah has feelings, both strong and tender. He is "hurt at his heart" when his intelligent creatures violate the guide lines he provides for their well-being.(Gen 6:6; Ps 78:11, 41). But when we act wisely according to his Word, we make his "heart rejoice". -Proverbs 27:11.
How though can mere humans draw close to the Sovereign Lord of the universe?
By reading his word the Bible.
Examining our heavenly Father's qualities, and imitating all his ways.
The next few Thursdays I will be thinking about and posting my findings on God's four outstanding qualities. But first, what does it mean when the Bible says God is Holy? I hope you will join me.
Monday, February 7, 2011
SuperBowl 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Good Morning!
And Good Morning to you!
Thing one is a very big help.
A Happy newly engaged Couple!
May we land in your Yard?
Of Course!
Thing one is a very big help.
Who was in the balloon?
A Happy newly engaged Couple!
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