THE TREES OF THE FIELD

The colors of life are in the fall
where God’s bright truths are shown to all.
The trees of the field will clap their hands
and spread God’s love throughout the lands.
 
The warmest brown leaves will tell it straight,
“All have sinned and tend to hate.”
Red shiny leaves sing of love
coming from God who reigns above.
 
Brightest orange leaves can make all see:
“Christ bore all iniquity.”
And pure yellow leaves give us a smile
to be with Him in just a while.
 
The colors of fall are rich to see
the Painter of Eternity!
The trees of the field, forever true,

display God’s love for me and you.

 

For ye shall go out with joy,
and be led forth with peace:
the mountains and the hills
shall break forth before you into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12

 

THE TREES OF THE FIELD 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 

What a love from Jesus Christ, God’s Son, God’s anointed! By it, we have freedom from the bondage of sin. By it, we, the faithful, have the indwelling Holy Spirit to commune with us and teach us. The whole Bible proclaims His love to us, from Genesis to Revelation.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:13

Adam and Eve experienced a perfect creation, a perfect autumn. The good ground, however, became cursed and produced thorns and thistles as a result of their disobedience. But there will be a return to a thorn-less ground and thistle-free land. Jesus is preparing it for those who love Him. Paradise is the place where fir and myrtle trees will grow instead of the briers. In Heaven and for the LORD’s renown, eternal goodness thrives for those who are covered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

What makes the trees and mountains mentioned in Isaiah 55 respond so thunderously? The reason for their joy is the acceptance of God’s invitation to salvation. Happiness is yielding seed from what was sown. Contentment is being nourished from the bread chosen to eat and satisfied from the water selected to drink. With our decision to have faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, we rejoice at the acceptance of Jesus’ words He spoke from the cross ‘It is finished’. God’s salvation offered, God’s remedy for our sin, ‘It is finished’ is what Jesus said on the cross before He died, bearing our sin, and then rose again on the third day. The decision to believe in God’s Word makes us born again.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3
 
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:12-13

The Lord Jesus is rich to those who call on Him. He can hear our prayer petition and is able to answer, heal, and provide for the believing heart. For the non-believing heart, there is nothing. There will be no vision, no allowance to view the kingdom of God. Whoever does not call upon the name of the Lord shall not be saved.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come to mind.
Isaiah 65:17
 
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 65:25

There are amazing descriptions of the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven from God in Revelation 21 too—the city of pure gold and the wall made of jasper, among other precious stones. Living in a sin-free environment is worth today’s toils and persecutions against the Christian faith. The span of our lifetime is small compared to eternity. God divinely inspires across time as He purposes. I encourage you to read Isaiah 65:17-25 for more glimpses of Heaven. The born-again have a home being prepared for them by Jesus.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 17:15

By the edge of the woods, I see the beautiful autumn colors of the maple trees and purple flowers in the field. May we call upon our Heavenly Father in prayer every day, every season for help in not justifying the wicked or condemning the just. May you cross into Heaven with joy and be led forth into His peaceful kingdom. May His mercy lead you to live a life trusting Him and to honor Him with your self-control.

THE FRUIT OF THE TREE

It’s Autumn and the harvest time
when the apple trees are bearing
sweet fruit that’s worth a mile-long hike,
and the afternoon for sharing.
 
We will know the apples trees we seek
by the goodness they are yielding,
by the bounty they have rich in store,
and the fragrance all so pleasing.
 
But the trees that have no tasty fruit
and are pleasant not for eyeing,
offer branches that are mostly bare,
and some look as though they’re dying!
 
In the rosy light, we’ll choose the best,
and our baskets we’ll be filling;
the love of Jesus in our hearts
will, with grace, be over-spilling!

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

THE FRUIT OF THE TREE

Fragrant Fruit

Autumn is underway here in the woods with its distinct fragrances—apples, rain, cool mornings, cups of coffee, and roasting from the oven, which sat mostly dormant during the hot summer months. The Creator of seasons is in control. Knowing that helps us live with an even temperance or self-control.

We read in the Bible that God was pleased with the aroma of sacrifice.

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 8: 20-22

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:18

Then took Mary a pound of ointment
of spikenard, very costly,
and anointed the feet of Jesus,
and wiped his feet with her hair:
and the house was filled with the
odour of the ointment.
John 12:3

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.

Ephesians 5:1-2 

As we think on these verses, we’re reminded that the love extended to us from God should be reason enough to love others. God sent His Son as an offering for our sins, being obedient unto death on the cross. Jesus made purification for our sins by laying down His life for us. He went unwavering, even knowing not everyone would choose to believe.

They that trust in their wealth,
and boast themselves in the multitude
of their riches; None of them can by
any means redeem his brother,
nor give to God a ransom for him:
(For the redemption of their soul is precious,
and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should
still live for ever, and not see corruption.
Psalm 49: 6-9

No payment is enough except that which was made by Jesus Christ. The Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to loosen the seals in Revelation 5.

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

Matthew 3:8

As the season turns, we’re reminded that the Bible teaches us to turn to Him. Follow Jesus who loves us. Obey his commands. We must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow. Denying one’s self involves sacrifice.

And I gave her space to repent
of her fornication; and she repented not.
Revelation 2:21

Our Creator knows who repents and who doesn’t. Those who repent gain eternal life. The Holy Spirit enters into the welcoming heart producing fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Pray for:

F   ragrant love.
R   idiculous joy.
A   bundant peace.
G   rand patience.
R   eal kindness.
A   luring goodness.
N   on-stop faithfulness.
C   ompassionate gentleness.
E   ven-keel self-control.

Ask that you would have these traits over-flowing like a basket of apples tipped over and spilled out. Pray that God would turn your hurt into ridiculous joy! Ask God to give abundant peace to your spouse who is heartsick over his family. Pray that God would bless your enemy through your real kindness to him. Ask God to help you have grand patience in a trying year like this one. Pray that your children maintain even-keel self-control through these troubled times. God knows what we need. Will we ask? Will we keep asking? Will we wait on Him?

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for
as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts
knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints
according to the will of God. 
Romans 8:26-27

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 16:32 

On the woodland trail, there is a wild apple orchard where fallen apples are crushed under foot. The smell permeates the air. May the fragrance you love be the same God loves. Pray to sustain a faithful life that demonstrates self-control.

The Long Skip Home update: I am reviewing my proof copy and hope to publish very soon! Please pray that this debut middle grade novel will encourage readers to have faith in Jesus.

FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up,
and the poplars, all so grandy,
along the road are saying, “Turn!
Your way is not too dandy!”
 
Their silvery leaves are showing me,
as the sun falls in, and merry,
that the way I go is not that good,
and I’d best let someone carry—
 
Carry me to where the birches dance,
and the ferns, on a wind a-borning,
do swirl and twirl, as I listen well,
to their end-of-summer warning—
 
Warning of the way that I think’s right,
which is not, to be contrary,
for there are commandments to obey,
and they’re anything but airy!

 

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12

 

 

FOREST WINDS

The September winds are kicking up, here in my neck of the woods. A yellow hue is on the trees and some leaves are already orange and red. The crisper days of Autumn have begun here in Veery Glade.

While walking on the faithful trail, have you noticed a lone fern twirling in a windy swirl as if it were waving while other ferns remain motionless?

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come; he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13

The winds of understanding bring light to the Word of God. The Bible is the standard by which to live. God, the Holy Spirit, breathes wisdom into the minds of those born again. He points the faithful down the path to hike. We submit to His authority because we know He knows best. Faithful prayer is effective in communicating with a loving Heavenly Father who has amazing power to help us maintain our self-control.

Know ye not,
that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death,
or of obedience unto righteousness?
But God be thanked, that ye were the
servants of sin, but ye have obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine which
was delivered you. Being then made free
from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:16-18

Free from sin! Wonderful news! Freedom from the bondage of sin is BEST! Obedience equals life. Every day, pray for strength and opportunity to be obedient to God’s Word. Store up for yourself treasures in Heaven!

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1: 18-21

That twirling, waving fern reminds us there are warnings in God’s Word. When people cease to glorify God, they become vain in their own imaginations. A lack of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings of steadfastness results in foolery. No excuse will sway God’s decision for justice. For wrath. For vengeance.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

But if. We must own up to our sin, realizing personal efforts towards justification fall short. Ideas and traditions not relying on Christ always lead to death. But if we confess, we are free from sin. FORGIVEN.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who bore all sin on the cross, is able to forgive all unrighteousness! No one else can forgive a small bit of sin.

I trust you know, dear forest dwellers, that we all have sinned and deserve death. We will stand on trial before Heaven’s court. Without the only representation before God, which is made by Jesus Christ, sinners before God will be condemned because God cannot look at sin. Evil-doers not washed will not be allowed into God’s kingdom. The sinner will be sent to Hell. But those who point to Jesus as their lawyer, who died for their sins, staying on the cross, displaying out-of-this-world temperance, will gain eternal life.

News Flash! U-turns are accepted today! The prodigal son in Luke 15 made poor choices and walked wayward. The way seemed right at the time. But one day, maybe a windy day, the prodigal son came to his senses and turned around, returning to his loving father who forgave him.

Pray for loved ones to turn and get off the path that leads to death. Ask for strength and wisdom for today. Thank the LORD for His goodness in providing a Redeemer. Only Jesus Christ can redeem us to the days of the Garden of Eden.

Know ye not that the unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, 
nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: But ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Our faith in God’s meek Lamb, Jesus Christ, equals being washed, sanctified and justified. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life live forever. Live to be there!

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15

Because of Jesus, we strive to obey His commands.

Because of Jesus, we pray, ‘Thy will be done.’

Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

Psalm 143:1

There must be glorious forests in Heaven covered with ferns on the woodland floor waiting for us to walk among them with our Redeemer. May forest winds guide you to them and may you feel the Spirit’s leading toward self-control.

I am very excited to be releasing my forthcoming book THE LONG SKIP HOME very soon. Watch for details! Thank you! 

 

AUGUST SONNET

Raise voices like the singing crickets make

in August, when they start to stridulate.

In summer heat, and for our season’s sake,

match all the buzz cicadas resonate.

Crash cymbals through dark troubles, quick and sharp.

With louder tymbals, drum out jubilee.

Beat sistrums with the angel’s ringing harp

and tap a tune with Heaven’s tympani.

But, I know every tiny abdomen

will, one day, be a chamber passed away.

Yet for my merry soul, a glad ‘amen’

sings out the promise of eternal’s day.

So long as Christ lets voices amplify.

So long as hearts are raised to glorify.

And David and all the house of Israel

played before the LORD on all manner

of instruments made of fir wood, even

on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels,

and on cornets, and on cymbals. 

2 Samuel 6:5

AUGUST SONNET

The drawn-out season of summer lingers here in my neck of the woods. Let singing crickets and buzzing cicadas remind you to make your requests known and to pray thankful praises for the specific things God has done. Raise your heart to glorify!

And Hannah prayed, and said,

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,

mine horn is exalted in the LORD:

my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;

because I rejoice in thy salvation. 

There is none holy as the LORD:

for there is none beside thee:

neither is there any rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:1-2

Praying specifically brings specific joy. Remember Hannah? She lifted praises to God for granting her specific prayer request. It’s a good prayer habit to bring specific praises before God and then prayer requests. How often do we go right to asking for more help without acknowledging what God has already done for us? Take time to recognize God’s provision before presenting additional requests.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

I Samuel 2:3-4

As Hannah continued her prayer as recorded here in 1st Samuel, she expressed that thing we know God doesn’t like—pride. She states that actions are weighed by God. She knew someone’s boasting would be their downfall. She knew those that stumble but still trust God are strengthened. There is something to even-keel temperance, even when weak. In our weakness, God shines!

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

1 Samuel 2:5

In bitterness of soul, Hannah had prayed and made a vow to God. God granted her prayer request to be able to have a baby and she gave her baby to God as she vowed. God turned things around for Hannah from impossible to possible! Those who were full could end up hiring themselves out in order to eat and those who were hungry could end up full. Stay firm in the Lord.

Once barren, Hannah, now overjoyed, went on to give birth to more children while Peninnah, the other wife with many children and who had provoked Hannah, grew feeble. God turned things topsy-turvy because of a prayer request!

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:6-7

Hannah continued her prayer, making acknowledgments gained only by realizing our all-powerful God. Today, we sense God’s presence as He dwells within us, the faithful. God, the Holy Spirit, enables us to understand what we didn’t understand before. And He gives us self-control.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

1 Samuel 2:8-9

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. In our time, we know this too. It’s up to our generation to seek and find, to draw near, to believe, to become children of God. Prayer life should be noisy and active. Requests and praises go together like the sounds of crickets and cicadas in the hot summer month of August.

Hannah’s prayer ends with this declaring verse:

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 2:10

The boy God gave Hannah would become Samuel who would anoint David as king and who is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, God’s anointed. We are blessed in our generation to be able to see God’s Word across time. When our almighty Creator will judge the earth, be covered by the blood of the Lamb.

From her heart, Hannah prayed both earnest requests and joyful praises. We can learn much from this smart, prayer-warrior lady.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience,. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.

Titus 2:1-3

By prayer, trust God for help with having sound doctrine, including maintaining self-control.

BLACKBERRIES

Blackberries ripen, full and sweet,

to make for me an August treat.

Their goodness calls me, “Come and dine!”,

so up I climb to make them mine.

Safe underneath the ash and beech,

the berries grow within my reach.

I pluck them quickly for my pail

and eat my fill along the trail.

Blackberries splendid, good and free,

are like the graces given me.

God’s fruit is for the picking ones,

and with it, love and mercy comes.

O taste and see that the LORD is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 34:8

BLACKBERRIES

Picking blackberries can be therapeutic on an August evening up behind Veery Glade. Frozen away, they will make nice additions to an oven-baked cobbler during winter and remind us of the goodness of summer.

Psalm 34, written by the psalmist David, begins with extolling the LORD. Our Creator desires us to draw near to Him. Praying praise focuses our attention on Creator God who can deliver us from our problems.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

Psalm 34: 1-2

As we collect fruit in our pails, we are thankful for God’s goodness to us. In a world where some people mock God, we know these people only deceive themselves. Scripture tells us God cannot be mocked.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me,

and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

I trust, faithful reader, that you know we have a hearing God. And made in His image, we are additional proof that God has ears! David knew this. To not pray is to say God can’t hear. That’s exactly what the devil wants people to think. Satan is against God’s creation and any idea of a fellowship with Creator God, who made Adam and Eve and strolled with them in the Garden of Eden, talking with them.

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 34:5-7

King David knew a lot can happen from seeking the LORD. Saved out of all troubles? An angel tenting nearby? Yeah. We know God is powerful. He sends powerful angels to protect His own.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Psalm 34:10

When David tended his father’s sheep, he knew about predators. Christians remain persecuted for their faith. God has not missed a single jab and will have His vengeance at the time He arranges. Seek God now in prayer before it’s too late. All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. All who fear the LORD will not have any want. The persons made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will see Heaven.

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Psalm 34: 12-16    (and 1 Peter 3: 10-12)

Some live only for today. What is it to gain today’s worldly goods but lose your eternal soul? Taste and see that the LORD is good for all eternity. Be warned! The above verse rings true. God will also cut off the remembrance of evil doers from the earth.

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;

and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous:

but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:18-19

While picking fruit, it is good to remember God can deliver us from all afflictions. Band aids for scratches from berry briars can be purchased at the store but there isn’t anything in the store for a broken heart. God can heal the broken-hearted. Jesus saves the one with a contrite spirit. Even with all the thickets we have to crawl through, the Holy Spirit can guide us. God is the Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him through His Son, Jesus. Through thick and thin, keep living for the reward He gives.

With good temperance, pray in the blackberry patch. Ask God where the good path is and then walk in it. Pick the good practice and stick to it. Commit to prayer. Pick the best berries and drop them in your pail. Jesus Christ said to follow Him. Don’t follow the world and its nasty ways. If you’re used to going your own way, it will be difficult to follow Jesus’ way at first. Thankfully, the Savior is patient. Every morning is a new opportunity to live for Jesus.

King David, who must have learned the value of self-control, ends Psalm 34 with a promise from God:

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants:

and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psalm 34:22

Our Creator creates.

Our Redeemer redeems.

Our Rewarder rewards.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14

May you share the goodness of God’s promises with self-control.

WHERE THE LEAVES DANCE

A soft breeze, a gentle sigh,

I’ll be where the leaves dance.

I’ll look up through at skies of blue

and fall within a trance.

In relaxed state, I’ll contemplate

and hear the wood thrush echoing.

His gorgeous tune releases me,

a distant place is beckoning.

How could God make these woods so fine?

All worries are asunder.

I’ll close my eyes and take it in,

this quiet place of wonder.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

WHERE THE LEAVES DANCE

As we lean back in our outdoor chairs and look up through the branches of maple trees here in Veery Glade, our hearts are filled with the peace given only by Jesus. In gratitude, we remember to pray for better self-control, that ninth fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we have difficulties, we ask for deliverance. It’s not about what we can’t do. It’s what we can do. Abraham, Elijah, Hannah, Esther and others praised God and pleaded with God in prayer. Prayer warriors lived before us and they live among us today.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

John 3:8

Where the leaves dance, remember Christ’s temperance. By the Spirit, grow in good temperance. Because of Jesus’ love shed abroad in our hearts, love others and forgive them. There is help for today’s problems. There is reason for joy. There is reason to be gracious as Christ has been gracious to us.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

Resting here in Veery Glade, meditate on the words of Jesus Christ. God’s enabling Holy Spirit enters into the person of faith, the person who makes the decision to believe in Jesus and that God’s Word is true. The Spirit is a deposit within the heart of the believer of the inheritance yet to be received. (Ephesians 1:13-14)  He can shape us into being more controlling of our thoughts and actions. He works on us—we works-in-progress—to be more like Him.

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:1-2

Live to sit under the tree that yields. We have great joy for the peace Christ gives, which is not the same peace that the world gives. Like a beautiful pearl, the place Jesus is preparing for us lacks nothing. Like the rarest blue diamond, Heaven sparkles with kindness, joy, and temperance. Nothing that defiles can sneak into Heaven. No one who works abominations will be able to squeeze through a crack in the foundation of Heaven because cracks don’t exist, not in the foundation of the One who knows how to make foundations very well. (That would be Creator, Almighty God, as you know!)

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 21:27

Contrary to some beliefs that Hell is not real, Hell is a real place and people go there every day among the weeping and gnashing of teeth as God’s Word says. It is because some people have fallen out of reading the Word of God and believing it.

Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Proverbs 24:19-20

God’s all-powerful Word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When He announces evil will be destroyed, we know He will follow through with His announcement. When He declares the candle of wicked people will be put out, we know His Word will come to pass. His Word is full of promises, for the good, or for the ruin, of souls. We make the choice. So I encourage you, the reader, to make the right choice if you haven’t already.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:5

Looking up through the trees, the wind reminds us that entrance into the kingdom of God is only by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. If everyone gained access into Heaven no matter what they believed, there would have been no reason for God to have sent His Son who willingly died on the cross for our sins. His shed blood alone has the only power to make our sins as white as snow! As in the day of the Passover, blood on the doorposts of our hearts has the power to prevent the destroyer from destroying.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 3: 6-7

The wind separates the wheat grain from the chaff, the good from the bad. The Holy Spirit gives the admittance ticket into Heaven. The risen Jesus Christ—God’s Anointed and the King of kings—knows the sheep from the goats and has been given all authority to make the separation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Therefore, since we have been made right

in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God

because of what Jesus Christ our Lord

has done for us.

Romans 5:1

Fellow forest dwellers, we know Jesus is God’s remedy for all of life’s problems. Earnestly pray for what weighs heavy on your heart. Pray again today for the salvation of lost loved ones. Keep a prayerful vigil through these dark days for reliance on God’s Word. Be a prayer warrior today like many before us.

The leaves dancing in the wind remind us to maintain our self-control. Rest in Jesus Christ who gives strength to those who put their trust in Him. The joy of knowing God’s Son equals being born of the Spirit, which leads to the beautiful promise of everlasting life. God’s promises always come true.

…where the wind lists,

where the Spirit resides,

where the tree yields.

May you be encouraged to practice the ninth attribute—self-control.

 

Peaceful Rock

I headed for a place I know,

not wanting any clock,

where my burdened ears can hear the flow,

resting well on Peaceful Rock.

By the brook, I’ll sit and close my eyes,

where the canopy is thick,

and contentment there I’ll realize,

as I hear the water skip.

I will sit for many hours there,

or at least what seems to be,

and I’ll hear the water sing His care,

of the love He has for me.

And my troubles will go down the way,

where the ravens tend to flock,

yet the perfect peace of God will stay,

trusting well on Peaceful Rock.

Come unto me, all ye that labour 

and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

PEACEFUL ROCK

The world’s calamities circle round. Personal and family problems abound. Government issues soar. It is true what Jesus said— that there will always be trouble in the world. How can we maintain our self-control? 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; have overcome the world.

John 16:33

It is true that Jesus has overcome the world. Be of good cheer. Wow! Even in tribulation, we are encouraged. In Christ, there is peace and the help to maintain good temperance. In Him, victory is gained. And the government shall be upon His shoulders.

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

David sang the above words when God delivered him from the hand of Saul. We might not be running from an angry king with a buckler on our arm but difficulties chase us nonetheless. Calling on the LORD in prayer is the answer David chose. Praying is what David did and what we should do, too. 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

Do you know to whom, other than David, that God said He would be a shield? He’s found in Genesis 15 when God made a covenant with this man.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

And, do you know to whom God said the following in Exodus 33?

And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.

Exodus 33:21-22

Abraham and Moses. It was Abraham who was told by God that He, God, would be his shield in Genesis 15. And Moses in Exodus 33 was told by God to stand on a rock nearby while He, God, passed by. Isaiah, too, would speak of God's power. Praying people of faith know God is the rock on which they can base their lives. God is that same shield for us today. He is that same presence in control when we feel all is lost. He is that same capable Rock.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Matthew 21: 42-44

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Cornerstone. He is the foundation of a solid house. Without Him, a house will be destroyed by the weak foundation it was built on. It is our choice what kind of foundation we desire under our house. I’m sure you know that the wise man built his house upon the Rock!

Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:11-12

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Isaiah 32:2

I hope you find Peaceful Rock down by the brook where the sound of flowing water washes away troubles. There is protection in the cleft of the Rock, hidden under the hand of God. Upon this tried stone, one can pray, trust, be at peace and practice the ninth fruit of the Holy Spirit … temperance, also known as self-control.