A to Z Reflections 2014 #atozchallenge

Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:3

New International Version (NIV)

The April Challenge Stats

         Though I consider my main blog to be Tossing It Out, this blog you are visiting now is the one I consider to be the one with the most important mission.   This blog is also the least visited of all my blogs.  During the A to Z Challenge my most visits came on day one with 35 views and 5 comments.  During most of April my views averaged at about 10 per post as opposed to my normal count of about 30 views on an average post.   My comments during most of April averaged at about 3 per post which is fairly comparable to the comments my posts here typically receive.

          To put the lower April pageview count into perspective, I was posting here seven days per week as opposed to only on Sundays as I do during most of the year.   That taken into consideration, my weekly visits and comments were considerably higher over all per week.  Still the counts here are very small.  I rarely promote this blog other than a few Twitter notices each Sunday.  That might account for increased page views during those periods.   I tweeted links to posts at A Few Words rarely during the April Challenge.

          Naturally I'm disappointed that I didn't receive more visits and comments, but I'm accustomed to this at this blog.    I am pleased to have participated and if I didn't reach many people with my messages, the personal edification that I receive researching the posts makes doing A to Z on this blog worthwhile.  If I reach only one person who will pursue the message further then my mission has been accomplished.

My Message During April

        My mission statement of my thematic intent for April was as follows:

         My theme for the 2014 Challenge will be From the Beginnings... Yes, the plural "Beginnings" is not an error. In history as in our own lives we see multiple eras or phases that entail new beginnings. The old passes and the new is born. Hopefully with new birth there is a change for the better or a lesson to be learned. If you are interested in learning more about a life change for the better, visit the above tab labeled "Take the Next Step"

         My hope was to stimulate thought in the believers who read my posts, but even more to pique some interest in any non-believers who might happen upon my site.   My typical approach on all of my posts at this blog is to open with a Bible passage from the Old Testament--usually one from Psalms, offer my thoughts on a particular topic related to that passage, and then close with a New Testament passage that is related to the subject.  This was what I did during the April Challenge.

A Request to You

         During April I only added about six new followers to this blog.  If you are not yet following and would be willing to add this blog to the list of those you do follow, please click on the "Join This Site" button at the right in the sidebar.  Then I would hope you might continue to stop by for my usual Sunday messages and leave a comment with your encouragement, questions, or observations.   It's always nice to see one's efforts rewarded with a few readers.   I hope that you might become one of those readers.

         Please share this site with those who might be interested or receptive to what I have to say here.  I am not a clergy person or anyone with a scholarly background in theology.  I am just a student of the teachings of the Bible and offer my interpretations as I see them.  I may be wrong sometimes and I welcome discussion on those points when readers see flaws in what I am saying.  My intent always is to say the truth as I understand the truth.

           I hope to see you come back to read and share in the future.   I thank you for taking the time now to read this post.

           May God's blessings be upon you and may you continue to grow in your understanding of what is true.
          

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

New International Version (NIV)

Zoar #atozchallenge

Lot flees from Sodom (Wiki)

The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar.

Genesis 19:23

New King James Version (NKJV)

       When Lot and his family fled Sodom, the angel told them that they must escape the cities of the plain and go to the mountains in order to escape the judgement of the destruction of the cities.  Instead though, Lot negotiated to allow them to take refuge in the small town of Zoar--one of the cities of the plain that was slated for destruction. 

           It is interesting to note that the arrival at Zoar of Lot's family coincided with the rising of the sun.  They had escaped through the darkness in order to reach safety and when they reached that safe place they were blessed with light.  

           It's likely that Zoar was just as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah, but God's grace extended the coverage of protection to keep Lot's family safe.   If we are presently in darkness our Zoar will not be an evil place of darkness, but a place of light and hope.   The Zoar ruled by the Son of God Jesus Christ is a kingdom of salvation.   

           For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:13-14

New International Version (NIV)

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• Moving Forward
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Youth #atozchallenge

"Make them known unto thy children and thy children's children." Deuteronomy 4:9. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

English Standard Version (ESV)

           Child-rearing is a great responsibility.   Not all parents are successful and the consequences are often unfortunate.   Exposing children to Biblical precepts starting at an early age is important in shaping their later years.  Reading Bible based stories and, more importantly, reading directly from the Bible provides a foundation for upright moral behavior.  From the beginning of life, children can be guided onto a path that they will be likely to follow into adulthood.

            Taking children to church is also helpful.  They enjoy the songs and the worship experience.  Seeing others praising God and communing together as a unified body sets a good example for them and helps them become aware of the community of the faithful.   The Bible study classes can be educational and fun if the church has such programs.  Also most churches have other activities for children that provide wholesome fun and good company.

             Love at home is the most important part of raising mentally and spiritually healthy children.   However don't neglect a healthy social life that includes God and godly people.

Parents, don’t be hard on your children.  Raise them properly.  Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

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X Is Not An Unknown Factor for God #atozchallenge

X FACTOR (Photo credit: eisenbahner)

Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1

New International Version (NIV)

         Traditionally an illiterate person has been allowed to sign their name with a simple "X".  The "X" was not the person's name, but a replacement for the name they were unable to read or write.  During the Christmas season we often will see the name/title of the Christ replaced with an "X".  There are several reasons for this, some innocently done and some with devious intent.  Generally most of us know what the "X" stands for and there is arguably a long tradition of using the "X" to designate Christ.   This use of "X" is more often used as an abbreviation of sorts and not a replacement of the name.   This is a somewhat minor issue over which to be concerned.

          When "X" becomes the unknown or replaceable factor then Christians should resist.  From the beginning of history people have looked for substitutes for God.   Humans have a worldly equation for what will bring them happiness and in many cases they substitute God with an unknown factor which is what they think will provide them what they are looking for to make their lives better.

           The replacement in their equations can be a person, money, or material things.  They may replace God with work, education, or the pursuit of pleasure.   All of these and other like things are fine as parts of our lives, but they should not be what we place all of our hope and belief upon.  Worldly things are notorious for letting us down.

              There is no replacement for God as the number one factor in the equation of eternal life.  God has a human name in Jesus Christ.   We might sign with an "X" but we must say the name of Jesus.   There is no other way to attain salvation but through Jesus Christ.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12

New International Version (NIV)

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Word #atozchallenge

Your Word (Photo credit: rachel_titiriga)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

King James Version (KJV)

          If you think back to the first chapter of Genesis you might recall that the first creation pronouncement of God was "Let there be Light."  (Genesis 1:3).  The comparison of light to the Word and to Jesus is a common theme throughout the Bible.  When we contemplate on the metaphor of the Word being a "lamp" and "a light unto my path" the meaning is very clear.

          The Bible is a book of illumination and guidance.  Through careful study of the Word of God many concepts and teachings become more lucid to our understanding.  Prayer, meditation, and the reading of the Word is a powerful combination in attaining a greater proximity to God the Father.

          When life is thought of as a journey on a path through time, it becomes easier to see the vast history of eternity and how we are all connected by the Word and the promise and hope that can be found within that Word.    The Bible is God's voice speaking to us--His Word.   

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:1-5

New International Version (NIV)

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Unbelief #atozchallenge

Utterly Alone (Photo credit: Michelle Brea)

The fool says in his heart,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
    there is no one who does good.

Psalm 14:1

New International Version (NIV)

         We are not to judge the unbelievers, but to love them and pray for them.  Since the earliest days of history as we see recorded in the Bible humans have had a tendency to fall away from the One True God of Creation in order to worship false gods or no god.  They have that right to believe as they wish.  Their rebellion against God the Father will seal their fates in the end if that is what they wish to adhere.

          And before we condemn their sin remember that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).   We in belief are not better than they are.  We are all God's children and equal in his eyes.    God wants the unbelievers to come to Him and to love Him, but he will not exert his force to make them his.   

           We may have a right to unbelief, but we are wrong in doing so.   Jesus can disrupt relationships between those who differ regarding what they believe and don't believe, but Jesus can also heal those relationships when we ask for healing.

           Pray for the unbelievers and love them just as you would love those who believe the same as you believe.

 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 1:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

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Tree #atozchallenge

English: Gustav Klimt: The Tree of Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.  The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

        There are thirty-seven different kinds of trees mentioned in the Bible.  Specific types of wood were called for in building things like Noah's ark, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Great Temple in Jerusalem.  Trees play many roles in Biblical history and are often referred to metaphorically.  Jesus Christ was crucified on a "tree" while Judas hung himself from an actual tree.

        Trees are symbols of strength and stature.  Certain individuals and we as humans are sometimes compared to trees.   Trees have long lives, can be found in many places, and provide protection and comfort.    The wood from the trees can be shaped into useful items or used for building structures, ships, or furniture.   Trees are tremendously versatile and useful.

        Another point of interest is that in the beginning of creation God placed a "Tree of Life" in the Garden of Eden.  In the last chapter of the Bible we are told that in Heaven the Garden of Eden will be restored and we will once again have the Tree of Life.

         Trees are all around us.  If every time we saw a tree we thought about Jesus, we'd be thinking about Jesus a lot.       


Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life,bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

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Salt #atozchallenge

Salt (Photo credit: AloneAlbatross)

Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.

Leviticus 2:13

New International Version (NIV)

         Thinking on the topic of salt I was wondering if the oceans were composed of saltwater at the time of Creation.   The saline composition of the ocean and other saltwater bodies are due to the collection of minerals as the runoff of water passes over the land on its way to its final destination.  Could it be that the oceans were originally bodies of freshwater until the rains came and leached the soil of the minerals that become salt?   

        Salt is one of the essential ingredients to the survival of humans and animals.  Food flavor is enhanced greatly by the addition of salt.   Throughout the centuries salt has been used for food preservation, medicinal applications, and many other uses.   Salt was considered so valuable in earlier times that it was used as a medium for payment and barter.  The Latin word for salt is where we get the English word salary.

        God even called for a "Covenant of Salt" which was the addition of salt to the sacrifices.  Salt has always been and remains one of the most important resources of humankind.   Would you want to live in a world with no salt?

         Food without salt lacks flavor and in some sense value.  Medical experts have recognized certain harmful effects of too much salt in our diet and look for substitutes.  This was probably not much of a problem in the past.   There are other dietary issues at hand in today's society.  Too much salt is one of those problematic issues.   No matter how we look at it though, the body needs some salt.

         And once again we see the use of metaphor in the Bible.   When we come to the New Testament we find the value of saltiness applied to the followers of Jesus Christ.   Salt has great value and the spokespeople for Christ should have that same value as salt.

 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot..."

Matthew 5:13

New International Version (NIV)

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Rain #atozchallenge

Landscape with Noah's Thank Offering (painting circa 1803 by Joseph Anton Koch) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”  So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.  God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

Genesis 1:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

          In the beginning there was no rain.   What is indicated in Genesis is that there was water on or in the Earth and water retained in a "vault" above the Earth.   A paradisiacal environment would preclude any destructive forces such as the forces that could be included in rain.   If we picture a greenhouse we get an idea of what the earthly paradise might have been like.

Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth  and no plant had yet sprung up,  for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground.

Genesis 2:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

          Another bit of evidence of the no rain in paradise theory comes at the end of the cycle of creation.  A sort of irrigation system is described.  Pictured from a modern perspective this system of watering the Earth is remarkable.  This is a way that some watering is now done in agricultural settings.   We also note the God had not yet sent rain upon the Earth.

 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.  And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.

Genesis 7:11-12

New International Version (NIV)

        At this point we actually hear about the first occurrence of rain in the Bible.  Some scholars maintain that the incident as described in Noah's time would not have been the first rain, but there is no absolute evidence one way or another.  My conclusion would be that the "vault" which held waters above the Earth was broken, allowing the waters to be unleashed from the sky.  This conclusion is inferred by the statement that the "floodgates of the heavens were opened".   Additionally a major diluvial catastrophic event would account for much concerning massive erosion and fossil bearing sedimentary layers.

        This is all speculation based on my understanding of the Biblical account and my own reasoning regarding scientific findings.  Others agree with this idea while still variant theories exist.   

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous..."

Matthew 5:43-45

New International Version (NIV)

      The phenomena of rain is cited throughout the Bible to illustrate many points.  After all, we depend on rain for many things.   Without rain we suffer drought.  Rain refreshes and renews.  Rain can also be a destructive force.   Though rain can bring suffering, we have been promised by God that rain will never be used as a worldwide divine judgement.

        Perhaps if we see the Great Flood as a cleansing of the Earth from the sin of those days, we might see a metaphorical baptizing of our planet in this event.   The next destruction will not be a cleansing from rain.  In the words of John the Baptist regarding the coming of Jesus: 

Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:10-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

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