“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalms 19:1

THE WHALE

A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line and rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Faralon Islands (outside the Golden Gate in San Francisco) and radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. A very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer.

They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently, thanking them.

Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same…..

May you, and all those you love,

be so fortunate…
to be surrounded by people
who will help you get untangled
from the things that are binding you.
And, may you always know the joy
of giving and receiving gratitude.

-E-mail

What a wonderful story this is. I was looking outside this morning, praising God that the snow is almost gone. Snow is a wonderful thing but in the Spring we look forward to the ending of long cold winter days and enjoy the gorgeousness of new life. Spring is one of the most wonderful times to see the beauty of God’s creation. Everything looks dead after a long cold winter and then suddenly as the air gets warmer and the sun shines more, the rains come and soon the trees are budding with new life. Flowers will soon begin to poke their heads up through the earth.

Oh the joy of seeing the summer birds arrive at the bird feeder! How thrilling it is to see the first robin. We’ve had purple finches and house finches as well as a yellow finch arrive already! It was glorious to see two tan doves in the neighbor’s tree as well as so many other gorgeous birds. When we look at God’s Creation, we see beauty, detailed perfection, careful loving kindness. Oh how the glory of God is revealed!

I received an e-mail last fall that has a list of fruits and vegetables, what they look like and how they affect the body. It was quite amazing when you saw the pictures, but I believe you can visualize these products cut as described. I am only going to quote part of the list.

1. A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye… and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to, and function of the eyes.

2. A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopene and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

3. A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

4. Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

5. Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23 % sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

6. Onions look like the body’s cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

- E-Mail

THE MIRACLE OF SPRING

by Ethel Colwell Smith

The miracle of spring may come

To any man on earth,

And tranquil thought may trill with

Life’s abundant power and worth.

The sap climbs up. The tallest tip

Awakes in graceful glee,

For April’s wholly unconcerned

With laws of gravity.

Fragrant flowers are loveliest

At close of winter storm.

Oh, blessed fact: No fall seed died;

It grew and changed its form.

Then why art thou cast down, O soul,

Why not let hope hold sway?

For crucifixion always ends

In a resurrection day.

The hour is come for thee to live

As the Son of God should live;

To satisfy the Christ within;

To know, and be, and give.

And should some boastful bluster

Corner thee in dusky tomb,

Three days’ good work will raise thee up;

Life needs a radiant room.

God’s promises are kept. O soul;

Why not look out and sing,

“My God is life, and life is mine,

Sweet certainty of spring.”

-Ideals (Vol. 59, No. 1) p.59

Today

-Author Unknown

Today I can complain about my health,

Or I can celebrate being alive.

Today I can moan that it is raining,

Or be joyful at all that grows from the rain.

Today I can regret all I don’t have,

Or rejoice in everything I do.

Today I can mourn everything I have lost,

Or eagerly anticipate what’s to come.

Today I can complain that I have to work,

Or celebrate having a job to go to.

Today I can resent the mess the kids make,

Or give thanks that I have a family.

Today I can whine about the housework,

Or celebrate having a home.

Today I can cry over the people who don’t care for me,

Or be happy loving and being loved by those who do.

Today I choose to have a good day!!!

A deep darkness comes upon those who focus on their

own supposed weaknesses and inabilities.

By David Wilkerson

Do you know Christians who always complain about how stupid or inadequate they feel? They constantly belittle themselves and put themselves down. They compare themselves to those they admire, thinking,“I’m nothing like him. It’s hopeless for me.”

You may remember the Old Testament story of the Israelite spies sent to scout out the Promised Land.  They came back saying, “Yes, it’s a land flowing with milk and honey. But it’s also full of giants and walled-up cities. We’re not able to go up against these people. Compared to them, we’re mere grasshoppers” (see Numbers 13).

Now, these men didn’t accuse God. They never said, “God isn’t able. He isn’t strong enough.” They dared not voice such unbelief. Instead, they focused on themselves, saying, “We’re not able. We’re like little bugs in our enemies’ sight.”

Yet that is not humility. And it isn’t innocent, harmless talk. Rather, it’s an affront to the One who is the light of the world. This light commands us to believe, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”(Philippians 4:13).

You see, when you complain of your inabilities and weaknesses, you’re not putting yourself down. You’re putting down your Lord. How? You’re refusing to believe or walk in his Word. That is sin against the light. And it brings on darkness.

The Israelite spies were so focused on their inabilities, they were ready to quit. They even talked about going back to Egypt. What was God’s response to their fears and unbelief?

“The Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?” (Numbers 14:11).

Today, the Lord is asking his people the same question he asked Israel: “When will you believe what I have promised you? I said my strength would come to you in times of weakness. You’re not to rely on the strength of your flesh. I told you I would use the weak, the poor, the despised of this world to confound the wise. I am Jehovah, everlasting strength. And I’ll make you strong through my might, by my Spirit. So, when will you trust what I say to you?”

-The Bible Friend, (Sept 2003 Vol 100) p.5

How often we are so like the children of Israel! I used to think they were so silly not to trust God better after He had done so much for them. How little I saw my own inadequacies. I would make disparaging comments about what I could or could not do. Have you ever said: “No one would expect me to do that! I don’t have any experience.” Or what about “I’m shy, I can’t speak in front of a crowd!” Or maybe you might say, “I can’t lead that group, I do not know how.” Isn’t that similar to the children of Israel? You’ve heard the expression, “When you point a finger at others, you’re pointing three back at yourself!” That certainly fit me.

God wants us to focus on Him and not to compare ourselves with other people. If we believe His Word and trust Him, we know we can do whatever He requires of us. It’s all a matter of focusing on Him and letting Him use His power through us. When we have done this, we actually have changed our world!

God Was There

by Vada Robinson (1967)

I have walked life’s weary pathway

I have drank life’s bitter cup

But my God was there beside me

And my eyes were ever up.

Looking unto God and heaven

For the strength just for today

And when it grew the darkest,

He was there to show the way.

Always there when’ere I faltered

There to give His wounded hand

And His love has ever guided

Showing me the promised land.

Yes, my God was there in sorrow

Ever near in darkest woe

And His love has been sufficient

He will take me through, I know.

So I’ll follow where He leads me

Ever looking on His face

‘Till I meet with Him in heaven

And I see Him, by His grace.

I will meet with God and loved ones

Who have gone the way before

And we’ll sing in blest reunion

As we gather on life’s shore.

No more parting, no more sorrow

Only joy is all I see

When I meet my blessed Jesus

Of the shores of Galilee.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

The Power of Easter

by Charlie Grier

It’s Easter morning, bright and fair,

Flowers spring, here and there,

Welcome song birds trill the air,

Signs of life are everywhere –

Symbols of the power of Easter!

No pagan holiday, I pray,

Though some corrupt it in that way,

But glorious Resurrection Day,

For Christ arose and broke Death’s sway –

That was the power of Easter!

“It’s finished!” on the Cross, He cried!

He purchased, through His blood, a bride

Who’ll reign forever by His side

In bodies, like His, glorified

Because of the power of Easter!

Power to live in victory –

Not slaves to sin-wrought misery!

Christ died to set the captives free

To live for Him eternally –

This is the power of Easter!

Power to lend a helping hand

To lift one from the “sinking sand;”

To let him know you understand

And point him to the Promised Land –

This is the power of Easter

The Power that the Resurrection brings into our lives is tremendously illustrated by this beautiful story of a Romanian Captain who found Christ in the 1940’s. We do not understand oftentimes how dearly others pay for the immense privilege of knowing Jesus’ Resurrection Power in their lives. What a joy it is to serve a Risen Christ!

Jubilant Dance for Jesus

Russian Captain

Romania

1940’s

“’Christianity has become dramatic with us,’ wrote Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, a leader of the underground church in Communist Romania. ‘When Christians in free countries win a soul for Christ, the new believer may become a member of a quietly living church. But when those in captive nations win someone, we know that he may have to go to prison and that his children may become orphans. The joy of having brought someone to Christ is always mixed with this feeling that there is a price that must be paid.

“When I was still living behind the Iron Curtain, I had met a Russian captain. He loved God, he longed after God, but he had never seen a Bible. He had never attended religious services. He had no religious education, but he loved God without the slightest knowledge of Him.

“I read to him the Sermon on the mount and the parables of Jesus. After hearing them, he danced around the room in rapturous joy, proclaiming, ‘What a wonderful beauty! How could I live without knowing this Christ?’ It was the first time that I saw someone jubilating in Christ.

“Then I made a mistake. I read to him the passion and crucifixion of Christ, without having prepared him for this. He had not expected it. When he heard how Christ was beaten, how He was crucified, and that in the end He died, he fell in an armchair and began to weep bitterly. He had believed in a Savior and now his Savior was dead!

“I looked at him and was ashamed that I had called myself a Christian and a pastor, a teacher of others. I had never shared the sufferings of Christ as this Russian officer now shared them. Looking at him was, for me, like seeing Mary Magdalene weeping at the foot of the cross or at the empty tomb.

“Then I read to him the story of the resurrection. When he heard this wonderful news, that the Savior arose from the tomb, he slapped his knees, and shouted for joy: ‘He is alive! He is alive!” Again he danced around the room, overwhelmed with happiness!

“I said to him, ‘Let us pray!’

“He fell on his knees together with me. He did not know our holy phrases. His words of prayer were, ‘O God, what a fine chap You are! If I were You and You were me, I would never have forgiven You Your sins. But You are really a very nice chap! I love You with all my heart.’

“I think that all the angels in heaven stopped what they were doing to listen to this sublime prayer from this Russian officer. When this man received Christ, he knew he would immediately lose his position as an officer, that prison and perhaps death in jail would almost surely follow. He gladly paid the price. He was ready to lose everything.”

Jesus Freaks, (Albury Publishing, c.1995) p.202-204

“Though you have not seen him you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

Resurrection Power

by Marvine Scott

When I think of our Creator being crucified

It stirs my heart to wonder just why Jesus died

To save a stubborn people who are bend on sin

Who’s always serving self instead of Him!

He tells us in His Word that it’s because of Love.

It’s Love that brought our Savior here from up above.

His Father sent Him down but He chose to come –

His Love stretches out to include everyone.

If He simply died but did not rise again,

It would be a story to be told and then
God would judge humanity and send us to hell.

I’m glad that’s not the story that we have to tell.

Jesus conquerored death with a triumphant shout!

This, my friends, is what Easter’s all about.

He defeated death, sin and Satan, too!

I’m going with Him to Heaven. How about you?

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Looking Over

by A.B. Simpson, D.D.

Once of old on Hermon’s height,

Jesus stood one glorious night,

In transfiguration bright

Looking over;

Past the cross where He should die,

Past the grave where He should lie,

Over to His throne so high, –

Looking over…

…He could see the ransomed throng,

He could hear their rapturous song,

Rolling through the ages long,

Looking over;

He could see His glorious Bride,

Saved and seated at His side,

And His soul was satisfied

Looking over.

Let us look from Hermon’s height

Over all earth’s little night

And the sunlit hills of light,

Looking over;

And the joy that’s set before

Every grief will lift us o’er

Till we stand on yonder shore

Looking over.

When we look at the Cross of Christ, what do we see? We see terrible suffering, betrayal, scorn, unbelievable pain and enormous cost! But what did Christ see? He saw beyond the cross and saw US! We are the joy that was set before Him. We are the reason He endured such horror.

Let’s take a few moments and look at just Who was this Man? Jesus is God. Jesus was with the Father and He created the heavens and the earth the Bible tells us in John Chapter One. Jesus became man. Have you ever really thought about this mind-boggling fact? The Creator became one of His own creation! Jesus, as God, was never limited but He put on a human frame and became tired and hungry. He wept. He laughed. He felt all of our emotions (yet without sin). He even angrily chased the money-changers out of the Temple and declared emphatically that His Father’s house was to be a house of prayer – not merchandise.

Jesus, the Bible says, went through every trauma that we as humans go through, yet without sinning. How hard this must have been! Yet He was victorious and that is the reason we celebrate Easter.

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

Almost all of us have felt rejection which Jesus experienced. He experienced the pain and agony involved in rejection and betrayal. What about those who were so close to Him but yet rejected their Lord?

Simon (Peter) and Judas

by Kenneth W. Porter

How dare we look askance at these two men,

Toy with unspoken thoughts, “Were I there then…”

Venture to pity, blame, or mildly scoff?

We, who have struck not once with any sword,

Who have so many times betrayed our Lord,

Nor followed even at a great way off!

1,000 Quotable Poems (Random House c1937) p.106

When we go to this loving Savior in confident expectation because of what He did for us; if we let Him, He can help us to see beyond the pain of this life and see the glory He has in store for us. He can help us love one another as well.

The day will come when we stand before the Great Judge where He will ask on that day: “What did you do with My Son, Jesus?” Pilate faced a similar problem when our Savior stood before him 2000+ years ago.

What Will You Do With Jesus?

By A. B. Simpson, D.D.

Jesus is standing in Pilate’s Hall

Friendless, forsaken, betrayed by all;

Hearken, what meaneth the sudden call –

What will you do with Jesus?

Jesus is standing on trial still;

You can be false to Him if you will;

You can be faithful through good or ill –

What will you do with Jesus?

Will you evade Him as Pilate tried?

Or will you choose Him whate’er betide?

Vainly you struggle from Him to hide –

What will you do with Jesus?

Shall you, like Peter, your Lord deny?

Or shall you scorn from His foes to fly?

Daring for Jesus to live or die –

What will you do with Jesus?

Jesus, I give Thee my heart today;

Jesus, I’ll follow Thee all the way,

Gladly obeying Him, will you say –

This will I do with Jesus…

…What will He do with me?

When Pilate looked at Jesus and questioned Him in private, Pilate was disturbed by what he saw. He saw that Jesus was a righteous man – a good man. He knew that it was for jealousy that the Jews wanted Him crucified. Pilate’s wife come to him and begged him not have anything to do with Jesus because of a dream she had the night before. She tried to get him to stop but Pilate let the pressures of life persuade him to take the easy way out. Social pressure was simply too great. Is social pressure keeping us from Jesus?

When Pilate came out with Jesus, He said persuasively “Behold the man!” hoping to get them to stop. Then, he washed his hands of the blood of Jesus and gave them their way.

“Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” John 19:5