05 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 05 July 2014

Very long day.
Dear Wife is trying to catch up on things and people she had not seen in more than 20 years.  We had to wait until warmer weather to do much of it.  So she's been trying to play catch up yet still greatly constrained by her medical condition.  So it's always an adventure.
We were invited to a picnic in the afternoon.  It seems that her sister and her husband, and her nephew and his wife, have decided that they want to be motorcyclists.  And so they are.  They wear "colors" of a sort, and the guys tend to wear bandanas over the hair and have beards and all that.  They're not really the old "1%-er" types that used to run around and raise Cain and all, though they look a lot like it.  Most have real jobs, a couple are firefighters or EMT's, and such.  We went.  I spent much of the time talking to one of the charter members, he's a programmer.  They had their wives, at last the current ones, and many brought their kids, some of whom were babies, others is their early teens.  Everybody ate a lot.  We left before the drinking started.  We know better.
Off to pick up a friend's son.  Nick just graduated from high school.  Dad was working.  We had free tickets to a local baseball game.  This is sub-minor-league class baseball.  Tickets were free, though parking was not.  It was OK.  I don't expect to see any of the players in the Major Leagues ever, and would be surprised if any of them make it up to AAA leagues, but I guess it could happen.  Park wasn't too bad.  And, unlike the area around the park of the previous Minor League team we were near, the Biscuits, you didn't think you'd need to shoot your way out of the area.  We had fun, though the home team lost, again.  Dropped of Nick, went home.  Just got home a short while ago, haven't really eaten since around 3 pm, didn't really have the cash to eat at the park.
So Dear Wife is collapsing into bed and I'm about to join her.  Alarm should be loud enough to wake me in the morning but she may not be up to it.

=========================
Old Testament reading chapters 31 and 32 of Job


1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
2
For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3
Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
4
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
5
If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6
Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.
7
If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
8
Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
9
If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;
10
Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
11
For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
12
For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
13
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
14
What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
15
Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
16
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17
Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18
(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)
19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
22
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
23
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
25
If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
26
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
27
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
28
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
29
If I rejoice at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
30
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
31
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
32
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
33
If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
34
Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
35
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
36
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
37
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
38
If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
39
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
40
Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.


1
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
3
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10
Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
12
Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14
Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
19
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.



====================

New Testament passage verses 1-23 in chapter 13 of the Acts.

Acts 13:1-23
1
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
5
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
6
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7
Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
10
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
13
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
17
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
18
And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
19
And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
20
And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21
And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
22
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
23
Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

04 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 04 July 2014 celebrated in America as Independence Day

the fireworks, the official ones, are about to begin.  We aren't going off to see them.  We may, perhaps, be able to view some of the higher-flying ones from  our yard.  But we have been "enjoying" the free-enterprise ones all day, and some of our neighbors are quite involved in providing a show.  We fondly hope that no one gets injured.  And we also hope that no one gets hurt in the Drunk Driving Olympics Tournament.  This being one of those 3-day weekends, some people have been preparing for that for days, and some may be just a bit over-trained. 
We went off this afternoon, Dear Wife and I, to visit some of her friends long missed.    Then got back in car and went off to another such gathering.  Friends of hers from back in her school days.  One is in bad shape, advanced bladder cancer with a poor prognosis.  She enjoyed it.  We left when they started the preparations for a night of heavy alcohol abuse.  That sort of thing is very much a part of the culture of this area.  It may account for some of the area's problems, but it is nonetheless a fiercely defended part of the area's cultural heritage.  If you can call it that.  So we spoke of other duties and took off.
For my friends around the country who are involved in the automotive industry, this whole week is traditionally a period with no production going.  That doesn't mean everyone is off, it means that the maintenance and Plant Engineering people work around the clock, largely, taking advantage of the down time to do major projects and also to do some preps for the start of production for the new model year which will be taking place in about a month or so.  The 2015 models will start production, normally, in late August or so. 
And this is also a time to reflect upon the state of our nation and of our world.  Wars and rumors of war.  Famine, pestilence, and death.  Trouble on all sides and it appears to be getting worse, and that quickly.  But I have read the back of the Book, and I know Who is over it all.

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The Old Testament reading is chapters 29 and 30 of the book of Job.  Job is still trying to understand what has happened to him.  The matter defies simplistic analysis, and his friends have been little help.  At best.

1
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2
Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
3
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
5
When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
6
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
7
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
8
The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
9
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
10
The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
11
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
13
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
15
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
17
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
18
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
19
My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
20
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
21
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
22
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
23
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
25
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.


1
But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
2
Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished?
3
For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.
4
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
5
They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;)
6
To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
7
Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.
8
They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
9
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
10
They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.
11
Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me.
12
Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
13
They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.
14
They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.
15
Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
16
And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
17
My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
18
By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat.
19
He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.
20
I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
21
Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.
22
Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.
23
For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.
24
Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction.
25
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
26
When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
27
My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me.
28
I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation.
29
I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
30
My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
31
My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.






=================================

The New Testament reading is chapter 12 of the book of the Acts.
Herod is trying to "manage" the situation, the challenge that the very existence of these believers, is posing for him.  More martyrs.  Doesn't turn out well for him personally, and the faith grows.  The accusation that the believers are turning the world upside down is in fact quite correct.  We're still supposed to be doing that, I think, but I see little sign of that in our world. 

1
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
17
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
18
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
20
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
21
And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

03 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 03 July, 2014

another day at the Happy Farm.  I've been instructd that I should not refer to this as the Funny Farm, so I won't do so.  Happy Farm is, so far, permitted.

Up this morning and take Dear Wife to Physical Therapy.  She's in quite a bit of pain, which is normal for her.  Don't like saying that, but it is so, and likely to be so for the foreseeable future.  I believe in miracles, having seen some, but I also know that she was once told she'd be dead within 5 years.  That was 10 years ago.  So we've already seen a miracle.
Then off to the pharmacy.  Got the bottle with the new med she needed, one she'd been taking a few years ago.  At which point her then-doctor in Alabama ordered her to stop  taking it.  Now the new doctor orders a return to it, as a treatment for her Sjogren's Syndrome.  Not a fun condition.  But then we came to discover that one of her other meds, one she takes once per week, now has a prescription that is deemed "too old", so a new prescription must be written.  Good luck getting that done the day before a holiday 3-day-weekend.  So she will call the doctor Monday, to get a new prescription written and sent to the pharmacy, in order to get a life-saving medicine.  Ahh, the inscrutable ways that our masters oversee the smallest details of our lives.  
I'd planned to go to the DMV office, another 15 miles or so in the opposite direction, but Dear Wife wasn't up to it and neither was I.
Niece and husband are "going camping" as of later tonight, meaning they haul a camper trailer and a whole lot of stuff to a campgrounds about 7 miles from here, and pretend they are roughing it.  Until Monday evening or so.  So we'll be taking care of their dog. 

===========================================

The Old Testament reading today is chapters 26, 27, and 28 in the book of Job.  Still more struggling with the unknown.


1
But Job answered and said,
2
How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
3
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
4
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
5
Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
6
Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
7
He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
8
He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
9
He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.
10
He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
11
The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
12
He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
13
By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
14
Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?


1
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2
As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;
3
All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
5
God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
7
Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.
8
For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?
9
Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
11
I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.
12
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?
13
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.
14
If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.
15
Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.
16
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
17
He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
18
He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.
19
The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not.
20
Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.
21
The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.
22
For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
23
Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.


1
Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
2
Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.
3
He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
4
The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
5
As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
6
The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.
7
There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
8
The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
9
He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
10
He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing.
11
He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.
12
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
13
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
14
The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
15
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
16
It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
17
The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
18
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
19
The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
20
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
21
Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
22
Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
23
God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
24
For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;
25
To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.
26
When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
27
Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.
28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.



==========================

The New Testament reading is chapter 11 in the book of the Acts.

The new state of affairs, the presence of Gentiles within the believers, is having some controversy, but it is being resolved properly.  Not easy for people to have a complete turnaround like that.  We call it the new birth for a reason.


1
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
3
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
4
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
5
I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
6
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
7
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
12
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
13
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
17
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
21
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
27
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

02 July 2014

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 02 July 2014

had a nice exchange with someone who checks the blog out frequently.  Sent him a FaceBook request, which he followed up on.  We've never actually met, but we've traded e-mails and such off and on for several years.  A couple years ago, I thought I might have a job not too far from his current location, which would have been nice.  We'd both worked at times in the same industry.  Didn't happen, so the momentary inconvenience of packets of electrons is what we're left with.  Not as good as in person, but more responsive than hand-written letter sent by whomever might be passing by that place. 
Dear Wife was off to Physical Therapy again this morning.  We slept in, bad, and I woke up about an hour before we were supposed to be a 20-25 minute drive away.  Not a great way to begin the day, trust me.  But we made it. With a little bit to spare.
Everyone has a few pet peeves, things that aggravate them more than they should.  One of mine is traffic lights and road layout.  We live in an unincorporated area, and the Therapy joint is in the town whose border is about 3 miles away.  I have lost track of how many red lights there are.  Too many, and very badly arranged.  The roads themselves are in wretched condition, partly from poor construction and partly from neglected maintenance.  And partly because some are, for a variety of reasons, carrying loads far beyond their real capacity.  It is nothing unusual for us to stop at every.single.light on the way to and from the Therapy center.  Some of which were planned when traffic flow and patterns were far different than is now the case.  Some of which are appropriate at some times of the day but wildly wrong the rest of the time.  And, mostly, done strictly on timers.  So one might well sit for an extended period at a light that has NO cross traffic.  At all.  And then, finally, advance to the next light, only to have it turn red in your face, and again, no cross traffic.  The fruits of Central Planning.  There is an intersection in the very heart of this town that must take a right turn.  Of course, the ijits that set all this have deemed it must be a "no turn on red" intersection, though the vast majority of the traffic going the same direction as us, has to make that right turn.  A rather tight one at that.  And there are trucks that must navigate that turn.  A dump truck has little problem.  A 40-foot semi is probably OK.  The 53-footers we now see, have a BIG problem.  That trailer size has been around for a while, but the DOT-type nitwits haven't bestirred themselves to address the matter.  Your tax dollars at work.  Or asleep, as the case may be.  Again, a pet peeve.  Not the most enormous matter on earth, but as aggravating as a bit of gravel in your shoe.  The gravel you can, and probably will, remove without having to ask anyone's permission.  Stupidly done traffic signals, well, that's another matter.  We're celebrating in a few days the country's independence from oppressive government.  Perhaps those who feel empowered to order the rest of us around, might reflect that there are more cays available on the calendar.
 ========================================

The Old Testament reading today is chapters 23, 24, and 25 in the book of Job.

1
Then Job answered and said,
2
Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
4
I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5
I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
6
Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
7
There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13
But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14
For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
16
For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.


1
Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?
2
Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.
3
They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
4
They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
5
Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.
6
They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked.
7
They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold.
8
They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
9
They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.
10
They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry;
11
Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.
12
Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly to them.
13
They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.
14
The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.
15
The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.
16
In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.
17
For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
18
He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.
19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.
20
The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.
21
He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
22
He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life.
23
Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.
24
They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.
25
And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?


1
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
2
Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
3
Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?
4
How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
5
Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.
6
How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?




=============================

The New Testament reading is verses 24-48 of chapter 10 in the book of hte Acts.  This is A Big Deal.  We have become accustomed to Christians who have no trace of Jewish blood.  Indeed, Dear Wife, who has some Jewish ancestry via her father's father, sometimes draws funny looks from others as we have moved from town to town over the last few decades, and sought where our next church home should be.  But at the time of this passage, the expectation was that the believers would be Jewish, as Jesus was, and as all the apostles were.  Here is where that change begins.  And it was not without controversy.  But the Lord found a way to make His wishes known.

24
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.