Wise and Harmless

 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. ~ Matthew 10:16 NKJV

I've picked blackberries since I was a small child. It's worth the scratches for the jam and blackberry cobbler. Every season someone will admonish me to watch out for snakes, even neighbors driving by will stop and say, "Watch out for snakes." Your experience may be different, but I've never seen a snake in a blackberry patch. I've seen a snake skin hanging in a sapling but never a live snake. So my wandering mind began to wonder as I picked as to just why in all the brush and pine needles, poison oak and briars have I never seen a snake. It is the perfect habitat. 

I thought; I'm not posing a threat gently easing into the berry patch. I pick the berries on the outside then step gently a little at a time to the next sticky cane. Then pick and step again. I'm not rushing in like a wild bull stomping and crushing. If there is a snake, he's likely slithering out the other direction as I'm creeping in from the front side. I gather every ripe berry I can reach, turn and go back out the same way I went in gingerly picking my way through the briars that have closed in behind me. 

I think that's the way Jesus wants our witnessing to be. Gentle, one step at a time, getting to know the person, not charging into their space with accusations of sin that will send them to hell if they don't repent this minute. Charging in will cause them to throw up a defense and you might be "bitten". 

James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." How do we resist? Easing into the devil's territory. Gently witnessing with kindness and sympathy. You know, we're sinners too. Your story can have a profound effect on others when given in a harmless dove-like manner. And be wise, know when it's time to turn and ease out. You may have the opportunity to return to that "berry patch", that conversation on another day. 

Heavenly Father, help us to love others well. Help us show them we care about their lives, their circumstances, as well as their souls. Help us witness the way you would witness, as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

My dad always told us he picked enough blackberries for twenty-five cents a gallon to buy his shotgun shells for the winter. I'm sure he saved some for Grandma's blackberry cobbler. 

Blackberries sell for far more than twenty-five cents a gallon nowadays, but I'm not sure I'd pick them to sell. I enjoy making jam for the winter and cobblers for Sunday dinner. Both are easier to make than most people think. 

For Jam, just have Mom buy a bag of sugar and a box of pectin (Surejell). Follow the directions for making jam. You can use canning jars or recycled glass jars with lids that fit. The jam doesn't need to be pressure-canned. If your mom doesn't have a water bath canner, place a few table knives in the bottom of a large pot so the jars don't touch the bottom. Fill the pot with water to cover the jars and bring to a boil. Boiling for five minutes should keep your jam through the winter months. 

For a cobbler, add a little sugar and sprinkle a tablespoon of cornstarch or a 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum over the berries. Bring to a boil and pour into a pie dish. Make a little dough and place by spoonfuls on top of the berries. Bake at the same temperature as biscuits for the same amount of time. Bisquik is an easy way to make the topping. 

Even if you just pick a few berries to eat out of hand, be sure to "Watch out for snakes!" Just thought I'd add that in for good measure. 

Is All Lost?

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ~II Chronicles 7:14

What do you know about the story of the Pilgrims? I was taught they lived in the Netherlands for a time to escape religious persecution until their children began to be more Dutch than English. I heard about the Speedwell that leaked causing them to return to England and load everything on the Mayflower. I even knew about the Mayflower being blown off course but, not until my children were in school did I begin to learn some of the most miraculous happenings. 

In the midst of a storm more than halfway across the Atlantic, the main crossbeam supporting the mast cracked. The sailors scrambled to prop it up but nothing worked. The Pilgrims began to pray. Mr. Brewster remembered the great iron screw of his printing press (Marshall, Peter; The Light and the Glory. pp118,119). A great iron screw for a printing press? Why would Pilgrims need such a thing? Mr. Brewster brought a printing press to print Bibles, likely copies of the 1599 Geneva Bible. The great iron screw did the job of holding the crossbeam together to get the Mayflower on across the waters. And so begins the voyage to hide Christ's church in the wilderness protected from the persecutions of Europe.  

A long hard winter followed the landing of the Mayflower but the Indians who died of disease left a store of corn. This small stockpile of corn sustained the Pilgrims until spring planting. But they knew nothing of planting in this new world. They knew nothing of hunting and fishing in the vast wilderness. One day an Indian walked into the Pilgrim's village with "Welcome". Welcome? No screams or raised tomahawk? No unknown language? In perfect English he greeted the Pilgrims with "Welcome". (Squanto by Eric Metaxes). Though half the passengers of the Mayflower had died that winter, still God was preserving a people to bring the gospel to the new world and establish the laws that would be the founding document of the US Contistution. That document was the Mayflower Compact. 

Throughout the history of the United States, the hand of God is obvious in times of war and peace. One of the main reasons could be the call to prayer. Washington called the nation to prayer and so did Lincoln.  But since the Supreme Court misconstrued the Constitution to mean freedom from religion instead of freedom of religion, we've been on a downhill slide that goes faster every day. Is all lost? 

II Chronicles 7:14 tells us that there is a way out. Not by the device of man but by the power of God. Read the passage again. 

We must humble ourselves, realize we are not in control. 

We must pray and seek God's face. It doesn't take a preacher to pray, just willing people who talk to God with all sincerity. 

We must turn from our wicked ways. What is that? The 10 Commandments say we shall have no other gods before the Lord God. What do we do in place of worship? When was the last time we read our Bibles or attended church? Is our language riddled with profanity? It's not just a habit. 

The rest of the verse says, turn and God will listen and heal our land. What needs healing? 

Heavenly Father, our land seems to be almost in collapse yet you have given us the way of escape. Just as you provided and protected the Pilgrims working miracle after miracle for them, you will do the same for us when we turn from our wicked ways and turn our hearts to you. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Dad's Important Role

                           

  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 

~Romans 1:20 NKJV

Are you concerned about what your children are taught in school? Not just in public schools but in any school. We can't be there all day every day. So what can we do to help our children learn the values that will help them become Godly men and women?

We do have the weekends or some days when we are home. Let's explore ways we can help our children know the ways of God. The first thing we can do is go with them to a church where God's word is taught. But what else? 

Our scripture for today says that since the creation of the world, the invisible attributes of God can be clearly seen in His creation. When was the last time your family cut off all the technology and went outside? Have you spread a blanket and eaten a picnic under a tree in the yard? Have you laid there on the blanket and watched the stars? Have you listened to the birds and crickets and cicadas? Have you noticed the smell of honeysuckles, roses, and other flowers blooming? 

I discovered a wonderful book written for children of a variety of ages about William Bartram. His father was His Royal Majesty King George III's Botanist in the Americas. William, known as Billy, was always with his dad, exploring the countryside for plants and seeds unique to the Americas. His dad shipped the seeds back to Europe to study there. William began to keep a journal when he was eight. He drew pictures of leaves and labeled them with their attributes. His dad encouraged him to be as accurate as possible in his drawings so others could use his drawings in research. As he grew older, he traveled with his father up through the Catskill Mountains to Lake Ontario, then down to the coastal areas of NC, SC, GA, and Florida. At the end of his father's last trip, William stayed to continue the work his father was no longer able to do. 

At the end of William Bartram's work, he had become a famous botanist, the father of PA ornithology, and ethnographer of the Native Americans of the Southeast. He and his father even discovered a tree in Florida that is now extinct in its native area but is grown in botanical gardens because of the work of the Bartrams. 

So how does all this relate to us and our families? William Bartram came from a family who taught him that nature teaches we live in a divinely created universe. He would eavesdrop on his dad and Benjamin Franklin discussing the formation of mountains, the flow of the oceans, and the composition of stars. Had his father not included him in his work, William would not have been interested in such discussions or in continuing the explorations his father began. 

How can we keep our children close so they desire to know the God who created the universe? 

• Explore nature in our backyards, on short hikes, playing in the creeks and parks
• Find nature-oriented teaching that is Christian-based. Suggestion: Wonderfilleddays.com
• Vacation where truth is taught. Suggestions: The Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter

You may not be able to homeschool your children but you can explore with them when you are home. 

Heavenly Father, help us actively engage with our children in exploring your creation so that they might know the Creator and Savior You are. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Anoint My Ear

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8

Many years ago we had puppet shows in Vacation Bible School. Ready Rabbit would help us sing songs flopping his ears and bouncing across the puppet stage. One of my favorites was O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See. Each verse named a different body part eyes, ears, hands, feet. No matter how old I get, those words still ring true especially at this time of year when so many churches are having VBS. 

This week I was directed to a verse in Exodus 29:20 where Moses was told to anoint the right ear, thumb, and big toe of Aaron, the high priest, and his sons with the blood of the sacrificed ram. It was to remind them that they had a special anointing to be careful of the things they heard, the things they did and their "walk" or behavior was to honor God. 

In Revelation 1:5,6 says we are loved by Jesus who washed us with His own blood and made us kings and priests. Wow! Have you realized you are a king and a priest in the kingdom of God? When we accept the sacrifice of Jesus and repent of our sins, He saves us, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and makes us new creatures. We are anointed by His blood! We have a special job just as Aaron and his sons. 

The picture of someone whispering into an ear reminds me of how the things I hear influence the way I think. The song says, "O be careful little ears what you hear." Just like a computer, what goes in is what comes out. What am I allowing in my ears, the ears of my children, and what is coming out for the ears of others? 

Heavenly Father, remind me to only listen to those things that You whisper in my ear rather than the things the world whispers or yells. Help me to be aware the words I speak influence the thoughts and hearts of those around me. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Do you have a summer journal of the special things you see and hear in nature? I love to go outside and listen to the birds and the squirrels chattering and the wind blowing through the trees. At night I love to hear the crickets and the tree frogs. I like to draw and paint things that are special to me, things God has created to give me joy and hope and purpose. 

I'm thinking about making a list of those things in Philipians 4:8 (the verse at the top of this blog) then making a note or drawing to remind me of things that are true, and honest, just and pure, lovely, and of a good report. 

I may just start with the nest of wrens on my back porch. I hear their chatter as they talk to their chicks, and bring them food. I hear their little ones chirping for their parents to return. Now where did I put that sketch pad?

My Grandma's "Plumgranny" tree

 

My "plumgranny" tree is blooming!

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the Lord commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:24-26

Grandma had two trees along her back walk, a chinaberry tree and a "plumgranny tree." The Chinaberry tree was for climbing. It had nice low spreading limbs we could climb without worrying about falling out and breaking something. The "plumgranny tree" wasn't for climbing. It was for eating. 

You've never eaten a "plumgranny?" It's sour and sweet with lots of tiny seeds just right for spitting. That's all there is, seeds and juice. Just put your fingers in the crown, that's the blossom end and pull the tough skin apart. Sections of bright juicy seeds will squirt juice all over your hands and clothes. 

I heard that! Someone said "They're not "plumgrannies". They're pomegranates." I know that but I didn't know until I was plum grown. Pomegranates are one of the seven species of the Bible (Deuteronomy 8:8) They are native to Iran and India but have naturalized throughout the Mediterranean. Pomegranates are associated with fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom. They also have many health benefits. The whole plant from bark to flower to fruit is edible. 

Tradition says there are 613 seeds in the fruit the same as the 613 commandments of the Talmud. Though the actual number of seeds varies greatly, there can be quite a bit of symbolism associated with the fruit. God commanded that representations of the fruit be sown between the bells on the priest's robe. There is no flesh in the fruit, only seeds and juice. When we leave flesh behind, there is no more self in our actions. For a seed to produce more fruit it must die. To be of service to Christ we must die to ourselves and live unto Him. The red juice surrounds the seed and stains all it touches. So the blood of Christ must cover the seed planted in the hearts of others and the blood stain of Jesus left to water it so that others come to know Him as Savior. 

The juice - tart and sweet. I wish I still had the picture of my grandchildren eating their first pomegranates. Following Christ is not all sweetness, but the end results are eternal blessings.

Heavenly Father, help me remember to leave the thoughts and actions of the flesh behind and always be vigilant in planting and watering the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of others. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Do you know the seven species of the Bible?

Read Deuteronomy 8:8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

Have you eaten all these foods? In the fall Judaism celebrates the new year. On the second day, they introduce a new fruit. Often that fruit is a pomegranate. 

Why not introduce yourself to a new species during the seven weeks of summer? 

Week 1 - Explore your neighborhood or vacation spot for a mill or store that provides fresh ground grains.  Help mom bake a loaf of bread from fresh ground wheat. 

Week 2 - Explore a new breakfast food. Barley makes great muffins. I found a good recipe on the package of barley I bought at the grocery store. 

Week 3 - We all love a handful of grapes but have you made grape jelly? 

Week 4 - The figs will begin to come in between June and August. I love to pick them straight off the tree on a hot summer day. They always taste cool and refreshing, much like a peach. 

Week 5- Pomegranates may not be available until September but the juice is readily available in most grocery stores. Be sure to try to whole fruit once they come in.

Week 6 - Drag a piece of crusty bread through a plate of olive oil. It's as good as butter.

Week 7 - Explore the farmers' market for local honey. The taste is wonderful and the health benefits far outweigh the store-bought brands. 

I'm wondering why God made these foods and recommended them to the Israelites. Got any ideas to share?