The Enjoyment Of Life

My two sons were enjoying one of the simple things in life---skipping rocks on the the surface of the water.

"So I commend the enjoyment of life."

Ecclesiastes 8:15a (NIV)

Search And Reach.

This squirrel at a campsite was seeking the ground for something.

It is God's foremost desire for each one of us to seek Him and even grope for Him, so that we may find Him. God is near. He is not far, but we must search and reach out to Him in this dark world, in order to turn on the light switch.

"And He made from one man every nation of mankind

to live on all the face of the earth,

having determined their appointed times 

and the boundaries of their habitation,

that they would seek God, 

if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him,

though He is not far from each one of us."

Acts 17:26-27 (NASB)

Teach Me, Show Me, Let Me Hear And Smell

The trail along the North Saskatchewan River in Devon was very scenic and the smells were heavenly because the Alberta wild roses were in full bloom. Whenever I am outdoors, I sense strongly God's presence in His creation and Scripture verses always come to mind.

"Teach me Your ways, O Lord,

that I may live according to your truth!

Grand me purity of heart,

so that I may honour You."

Psalm 86:11 (NLT)

'Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow."

Psalm 25:4 (NLT)

"Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting in You.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to You."
Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

"Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance

rising up to God."

2 Corinthians 2:15a (NLT)

"But let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!"

Amos 5:24 (NIV)

"You take care of the earth and water it,

making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water."

Psalm 65:9 (NLT)

The Bedraggled Beaver

Brian, two of our sons and I hiked along the North Saskatchewan River in Devon. When the trail passed a campground, I met a little Aboriginal boy and girl sitting outside of their tent. When the little girl saw me with my camera, she coyly said, "I know where there is a beaver."

"Really", I said, "Where?" She then pointed a little ways down the trail, so I excitedly asked her to come with me to show me exactly where. She and her brother did. It was the first time I have ever seen a beaver in the wilds.

Here are some pictures.

The beaver had a noticeable crack in its tail.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1 (NLT)

Watch Out!

Jesus warns us ahead of time that there will be "many" false Christians who will deceive "many" people, even the elect. They will say, "God's presence is here", when He is not! and they will also perform "great" signs and wonders, but these great signs and wonders are not from God. The power comes from elsewhere---Satan and His demons. These false Christians are not governed by God's love and compassion, but by their greed for money, power and prestige. 

"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you.

For many will come in My Name, claiming,
'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!'

or, 'There He is!' do not believe it.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear

and perform great signs and wonders to deceive,
 if possible, even the elect.

See. I have told you ahead of time.

So if anyone tells you, 'There He is, out in the wilderness,'
do not go out;

or, 'Here He is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.

For as lightning that comes from the east
is visible even in the west,

so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Matthew 24:4-5,11, 23-27 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is coming back one day and we must not waste our time and money supporting these false pastors, teachers, miracle workers, or prophets. Seek God's wisdom and watch out for the Bible stresses there are many!

Let My Teaching Fall Like Rain

God's Word is described in the Bible as dew, showers, and abundant rain descending on new grass and tender plants.

"Let My teaching fall like rain

and My words descend like dew,

like showers on new grass,

like abundant rain on tender plants."

Deuteronomy 32:2 (NIV)

When we feel dry, lost, sad, discouraged or lonely, go to God's Word and let His teaching fall like rain!

Plants Springing Up Everywhere

Snow in Summer plants produced hundreds of pristine white flowers against their woolly silver leaves. They are one of my favourite plants in my yard because both the foliage and the flowers are beautiful.

God's righteousness in those who accept His Son Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.

"The sovereign Lord will show His justice

to the nations of the world.

Everyone will praise Him!

His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,

with plants springing up everywhere."

Isaiah 61:11 (NIV)