As driving through the park, the scum on the water jumped out at me, there was very little free flowing water that did not have scum in front of it, on both sides of it, and behind it. The scum also had caught debris that was stuck in motion, leaving very little life a flowing.
L-d what is your message of all this stifling scum?
As I continued crusting out of town, He started downloading to me.
“What is happing in nature is happening in My Believers, if not staying in My Presence.
Water has a central place in the practices and beliefs of many religions for two main reasons. Firstly, water cleanses. Water washes away impurities and pollutants, it can make an object look as good as new and wipe away any signs of previous defilement.
Why are My Believers allowing the gathering places to become more like the world than standing separate like I had asked?
My church has allowed the developing of surface scum to get mixed in and become generally available to the skimmer. They say ‘do not scare the baby believers’ when I say to be a sign and wonder and teach them My Word. It is not about numbers sitting in your pews but about Disciples (students) that I can eventually send out for the advancement of My kingdom.
Why are churches going into business of their own? Where did I write that I wanted that?
They say it is for this good reason or that good reason. People, did I not tell you that the day will be coming were the anti-christ will be saying the very same hing!
Was not My church for the perfecting of the saints?
Maybe having a book store to help them find the resources to get to know Me better or at least a library to lend to those that had no means of obtaining them.
Scum is choking out the steadfast that are being held back! I have seen many many buildings using My name and they have lost their first love, why are you growing luck-warm? Did you not hear what I said about luck-warm?
I have heard the old timers that were filled and excited about Me say, they were asked to hold back until the babies grow up, the teens and children have more life in them but as they reach the time to sit with the adults they too mix in and let their fire burn out.
They are more concern with their flesh than with removing the scum that has been clinging on and choking them, break loose and be free to worship Me with everything with in you. Stop gathering more than you can feed, and I expect you to feed My sheep as well as My lambs.
That My child is why you have been weeping and interceding for My cause, I know you feel like your hitting your head against a wall but little by little you will break through or brush the dust off the bottom of your feet and move to the next camp, for I have many camps that need to return back to the basics. Notice what happen to the churchs mentioned in Revelation and be aware!”
Given to a lady pastor:
I think it also shows us how quickly the living water in us gets overtaken with the carnality of our flesh when we aren't returning regularly to the source of the fresh....our time with the Lord!
The scum in the pond didn't happen over night but because it wasn't dealt with and cleaned out in it's beginning stages it exploded and now very little fresh is left.
Same with us....the little hurt, the little offense, the little sin are there....we don't deal with it, allow the Lord to clean it up and the next thing we know we have a huge problem on our hands.
The "fresh" in us is hard to see or to get to because it's being chocked out by the scum!
Preparation
Amos 3:6-7 …shall there be evil in a city,…. Surely the L-rd G-D will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.
There are a lot of national disasters going on for the last couple of years causing much destruction and leaving many homeless. It was never the governments desire to take care of people but it was meant to be the church’s responsibility to take care of its own. And we have many slackers out there, the Scriptures says “if you don’t work you don’t eat”, that is not because of the economy but the people that work the system saying; “why should I work if I make more staying at home?”
Prov. 19:15 Slothfulness castes into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
The church must step forward even through this economy for Prov. 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the L-RD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. Bless others and G-d will bless you!
G-d did say that pure religion was helping the widows and taking care of the orphans, have you seen a fund set aside for widows and orphans?
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before G-d and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
1 Tim. 5:3-4 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before G-d.
G-d is saying it is the family’s responsibility to take care of their own first.
In Acts 6:1 …their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
V. 2 ….It is not reason that we should leave the word of G-d, and serve tables.
V. 4 …we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
There was a daily dispersion for widows over sixty years old back then.
1 Tim. 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old….
V. 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Five types of widows:
1. The widow indeed.
2. The widow who need care.
3. The young widow.
4. The old widow.
5. The sinful widow.
Six disqualifier’s of a witness.
1. Violates any Commandments of the Torah.
2. Raises his hand against another.
3. Swears falsely or violates an oath.
4. Damages another property intentionally.
5. Involved in taking interest on a loan
6. An informer who causes a believer’s money taken.
Do not cast your money to the wind but investigate, know them, check out the circumstances.
Independence for all is important, as much as possible, but too many depend on the system then when the system breaks down as it is doing now, your left standing alone.
Start storing your own seeds, grow your own food and know were you can get fresh water to drink.
Have money set aside like maybe $300. in small bills and a lot of changes incase of an emergency.
Get a can of wasp spray to protect your family from intruders.
Remember you are never alone if you are a Believer:
Ps. 34:7 The angel of the L-RD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
Remember to trust in the L-rd Isa. 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the L-RD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the L-RD.
Prov. 3: 5-6 Trust in the L-RD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Ps. 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.
There are a lot of national disasters going on for the last couple of years causing much destruction and leaving many homeless. It was never the governments desire to take care of people but it was meant to be the church’s responsibility to take care of its own. And we have many slackers out there, the Scriptures says “if you don’t work you don’t eat”, that is not because of the economy but the people that work the system saying; “why should I work if I make more staying at home?”
Prov. 19:15 Slothfulness castes into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
The church must step forward even through this economy for Prov. 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the L-RD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. Bless others and G-d will bless you!
G-d did say that pure religion was helping the widows and taking care of the orphans, have you seen a fund set aside for widows and orphans?
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before G-d and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
1 Tim. 5:3-4 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before G-d.
G-d is saying it is the family’s responsibility to take care of their own first.
In Acts 6:1 …their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
V. 2 ….It is not reason that we should leave the word of G-d, and serve tables.
V. 4 …we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
There was a daily dispersion for widows over sixty years old back then.
1 Tim. 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old….
V. 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Five types of widows:
1. The widow indeed.
2. The widow who need care.
3. The young widow.
4. The old widow.
5. The sinful widow.
Six disqualifier’s of a witness.
1. Violates any Commandments of the Torah.
2. Raises his hand against another.
3. Swears falsely or violates an oath.
4. Damages another property intentionally.
5. Involved in taking interest on a loan
6. An informer who causes a believer’s money taken.
Do not cast your money to the wind but investigate, know them, check out the circumstances.
Independence for all is important, as much as possible, but too many depend on the system then when the system breaks down as it is doing now, your left standing alone.
Start storing your own seeds, grow your own food and know were you can get fresh water to drink.
Have money set aside like maybe $300. in small bills and a lot of changes incase of an emergency.
Get a can of wasp spray to protect your family from intruders.
Remember you are never alone if you are a Believer:
Ps. 34:7 The angel of the L-RD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
Remember to trust in the L-rd Isa. 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the L-RD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the L-RD.
Prov. 3: 5-6 Trust in the L-RD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Ps. 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.
Carless of our Souls
G-d's professing people did not know or consider that they owed their lives and comforts to G-d's fatherly care and kindness. How many are very careless in the affairs of their souls! Not considering what we do know in religion does us as much harm, as ignorance of what we should know. The wickedness was universal. There is a comparison taken from a sick and diseased body. The distemper threatens to be mortal. From the sole of the foot even to the head; from the meanest peasant to the greatest peer, there is no soundness, no good principle, no religion, for that is the health of the soul. Nothing but guilt and corruption; the sad effects of Adam's fall.
This world declares the total depravity of human nature. While sin remains unrepeated, nothing is done toward healing these wounds, and preventing fatal effects. Jerusalem is exposed and unprotected; America is turning her back on G-d land. But the L-rd has a small remnant of pious servants at Jerusalem and abroad. It is of the L-rd's mercies that we are not consumed. The evil nature is in every one of us; only Y’Shua and His sanctifying Spirit can restore us to spiritual health.
Many, who will readily part with their sacrifices, will not be persuaded to part with their sins. They relied on the mere form as a service deserving a reward. The most costly devotions of wicked people, without thorough reformation of heart and life, cannot be acceptable to G-d. He not only does not accept them, but He abhorred them. All this shows that sin is very hateful to G-d. If we allow ourselves in secret sin, or forbidden indulgences; if we reject the salvation of the Messiah our very prayers will become abomination. We should not only feel sorrow for the sin committed, but break off the practice. We must be doing, not stand idle. We must be doing the good of the L-rd our G-d requires. It is plain that the sacrifices of the Law could not atone, even for outward national crimes. But, blessed be G-d, there is a Fountain opened, in which sinners of every age and rank may be cleansed. Though our sins have been as scarlet and crimson, a deep dye, a double dye, first in the wool of original corruption, and afterwards in the many threads of actual transgression; though we have often dipped into sin, by many backslidings; yet pardoning mercy will take out the stain, . They should have all the happiness and comfort they could desire. Life and death, good and evil, are set before us. O L-rd, incline all of us to live to Your glory.
Neither holy cities nor royal ones are faithful to their trust, if religion does not dwell in them. Dross may shine like silver, and the wine that is mixed with water may still have the color of wine. Those have a great deal to answer for, who do not help the oppressed, but oppress them. Men may do much by outward restraints; but only G-d works effectually by the influences of His Spirit, as a Spirit of Judgment. Sin is the worst captivity, the worst slavery. The redemption of the spiritual Zion, by the righteousness and death of Y’Shua, and by His powerful grace, most fully accord with what is here meant. Utter ruin is threatened. The Jews should become as a tree when blasted by heat; as a garden without water, which in those hot countries would soon be burned up. Thus shall they be that trust in idols, or in an arm of flesh. Even the strong man shall be as tow; not only soon broken, and pulled to pieces, but easily catching fire. When the sinner has made himself as tow and stubble, and G-d makes Himself as a consuming fire, what can prevent the utter ruin of the sinner?
It is good for people that have been saved from utter ruin to look back and see how near they were to it, just upon the brink of it, to see how much they owed to a few good men that stood in the gap, and that that was owing to a good G-d, who left them these good men. It is of the L-rd’s mercies that we are not consumed.
Stop being careless in the affairs of your soul and intercede for G-d’s chosen people and land.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!
This world declares the total depravity of human nature. While sin remains unrepeated, nothing is done toward healing these wounds, and preventing fatal effects. Jerusalem is exposed and unprotected; America is turning her back on G-d land. But the L-rd has a small remnant of pious servants at Jerusalem and abroad. It is of the L-rd's mercies that we are not consumed. The evil nature is in every one of us; only Y’Shua and His sanctifying Spirit can restore us to spiritual health.
Many, who will readily part with their sacrifices, will not be persuaded to part with their sins. They relied on the mere form as a service deserving a reward. The most costly devotions of wicked people, without thorough reformation of heart and life, cannot be acceptable to G-d. He not only does not accept them, but He abhorred them. All this shows that sin is very hateful to G-d. If we allow ourselves in secret sin, or forbidden indulgences; if we reject the salvation of the Messiah our very prayers will become abomination. We should not only feel sorrow for the sin committed, but break off the practice. We must be doing, not stand idle. We must be doing the good of the L-rd our G-d requires. It is plain that the sacrifices of the Law could not atone, even for outward national crimes. But, blessed be G-d, there is a Fountain opened, in which sinners of every age and rank may be cleansed. Though our sins have been as scarlet and crimson, a deep dye, a double dye, first in the wool of original corruption, and afterwards in the many threads of actual transgression; though we have often dipped into sin, by many backslidings; yet pardoning mercy will take out the stain, . They should have all the happiness and comfort they could desire. Life and death, good and evil, are set before us. O L-rd, incline all of us to live to Your glory.
Neither holy cities nor royal ones are faithful to their trust, if religion does not dwell in them. Dross may shine like silver, and the wine that is mixed with water may still have the color of wine. Those have a great deal to answer for, who do not help the oppressed, but oppress them. Men may do much by outward restraints; but only G-d works effectually by the influences of His Spirit, as a Spirit of Judgment. Sin is the worst captivity, the worst slavery. The redemption of the spiritual Zion, by the righteousness and death of Y’Shua, and by His powerful grace, most fully accord with what is here meant. Utter ruin is threatened. The Jews should become as a tree when blasted by heat; as a garden without water, which in those hot countries would soon be burned up. Thus shall they be that trust in idols, or in an arm of flesh. Even the strong man shall be as tow; not only soon broken, and pulled to pieces, but easily catching fire. When the sinner has made himself as tow and stubble, and G-d makes Himself as a consuming fire, what can prevent the utter ruin of the sinner?
It is good for people that have been saved from utter ruin to look back and see how near they were to it, just upon the brink of it, to see how much they owed to a few good men that stood in the gap, and that that was owing to a good G-d, who left them these good men. It is of the L-rd’s mercies that we are not consumed.
Stop being careless in the affairs of your soul and intercede for G-d’s chosen people and land.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!
Escape Goat
Ok, I am off on a rabbit trail to find the rest of the story that Pastor spoke on, amazing how different takes can be taken from the same message.
“Why was Aaron not punished?”
Num. 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses…
Miriam is first mentioned, because she was first in the transgression, and so was only punished; Aaron was drawn into the sin by her, and he acknowledged his fault, (after the fact in verse 11) and was forgiven: it must be a great trial to Moses, not only to be spoken against by the people, as he often was, but by his older brother and sister.
Sounds familiar, Adam was standing right next to Eve in the garden, so women should be punished because man is drawn into by them? Who is buying that line?
It appears that jealousy of the power and influence of Moses was the real cause of their complaint.
The occasion of this seditious outbreak on the part of Miriam and Aaron against Moses was the great change made in the government by the adoption of the seventy rulers in 11:16.
V. 9 And the anger of the L-RD was kindled against them … (Miriam and Aaron)
This malady in its most malignant form (Ex. 4:6; 2 Kgs. 5:27) as its color, combined with its sudden appearance, proved, was inflicted as a divine judgment; and she was made the victim, either because of being the chief instigator and leader of the sedition or because the leprosy on Aaron would have interrupted or dishonored the holy service.
V. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Miriam was smote immediately with a leprosy by the L-rd, as the hand of Moses was in a miraculous way, (Ex. 4:6) ; and as Gehazi was, who was smitten of G-d in like manner, (2 Kgs. 5:27) ; in an ordinary and gradual leprosy, when it was all white, the man was clean, (Lev. 13:13); but in an extraordinary one, and which was immediately from G-d, and at once, in this case it was a sign it was incurable. Miriam only, and not Aaron, was smitten with a leprosy; is it not likely that he should be thus defiled and dishonored, being the priest of the L-rd, Aaron is spared. Had he been smitten with the leprosy, his sacred character must have greatly suffered, and perhaps the priesthood itself has fallen into contempt. How many priests and preachers who deserved to be exposed to reproach and infamy, have been spared for the sake of the holy character they bore, that the ministry might not be blamed! But the just G-d will visit their transgressions in some other way, if they do not deeply deplore them and find mercy through Messiah. Nothing tends to discredit the work of G-d so much as the transgressions and miscarriages of those who minister in holy things.
V. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
He that but just now joined with his sister in speaking against Moses is here forced for himself and his sister to make a penitent address to him. Aaron owns they had sinned, but suggests, and so he would have it understood, that it was not through malice, and purposely and presumptuously, but through and ignorance, inadvertency and weakness, and hoped it would be forgiven.
On the humble and penitential submission of Aaron, Moses interceded for both the offenders, especially for Miriam, who was restored; not, however, till she had been made, by her exclusion, a public example in verse 14-15.
G-d would put a difference between those that mislead and those that are misled. Aaron's office, though it saved him not from G-d's displeasure, yet helped to secure him from this token of His displeasure, which would not only have suspended him for the present from officiating, when (there being no priests but himself and his two sons) he could ill be spared, but it would have rendered him and his office mean, and would have been a lasting blot upon his family. Aaron as priest was to be the judge of the leprosy, and his performing that part of his office upon this occasion, when he looked upon his sister Miriam, and behold she was leprous, was a sufficient degradation to him.
He was struck through her side, and could not pronounce her leprous without blushing and trembling, knowing himself to be equally loathsome.
This judgment upon Miriam is improvable by us as a warning to take heed of putting any affront and becoming the escape goat.
If they were thus chastised for speaking against Moses, what will become of those that sin against the Messiah?
If Moses, that received so much honor from G-d, yet received so many slights and affronts from men, shall any of us think such trials either strange or hard, and be either provoked or discouraged by them?
Does not the Good Book say “Tough not My anointed”. Now G-d’s anointed does not always refer the preachers – so I would walk very carefully if I was you.
Striving to be greatest is a sin (jealousy) which easily besets disciples themselves, and it is exceedingly sinful. Even those that are well preferred are seldom pleased if others be better preferred.
Those that excel are commonly envied.
Mercy takes place and Miriam the prophetess is put under such marks of humiliation for one hasty word spoken against Moses, what may we expect for our murmurings?
Someone always has to be the escape goat, blame always trickles down to the lowest denominator.
See how people debase and diminish themselves by sin, stain their glory, and lay their honor in the dust.
The removal of G-d’s presence from us is the saddest token of His displeasure. And He never departs, till we by our sin and folly drive Him from us.
“Why was Aaron not punished?”
Num. 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses…
Miriam is first mentioned, because she was first in the transgression, and so was only punished; Aaron was drawn into the sin by her, and he acknowledged his fault, (after the fact in verse 11) and was forgiven: it must be a great trial to Moses, not only to be spoken against by the people, as he often was, but by his older brother and sister.
Sounds familiar, Adam was standing right next to Eve in the garden, so women should be punished because man is drawn into by them? Who is buying that line?
It appears that jealousy of the power and influence of Moses was the real cause of their complaint.
The occasion of this seditious outbreak on the part of Miriam and Aaron against Moses was the great change made in the government by the adoption of the seventy rulers in 11:16.
V. 9 And the anger of the L-RD was kindled against them … (Miriam and Aaron)
This malady in its most malignant form (Ex. 4:6; 2 Kgs. 5:27) as its color, combined with its sudden appearance, proved, was inflicted as a divine judgment; and she was made the victim, either because of being the chief instigator and leader of the sedition or because the leprosy on Aaron would have interrupted or dishonored the holy service.
V. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Miriam was smote immediately with a leprosy by the L-rd, as the hand of Moses was in a miraculous way, (Ex. 4:6) ; and as Gehazi was, who was smitten of G-d in like manner, (2 Kgs. 5:27) ; in an ordinary and gradual leprosy, when it was all white, the man was clean, (Lev. 13:13); but in an extraordinary one, and which was immediately from G-d, and at once, in this case it was a sign it was incurable. Miriam only, and not Aaron, was smitten with a leprosy; is it not likely that he should be thus defiled and dishonored, being the priest of the L-rd, Aaron is spared. Had he been smitten with the leprosy, his sacred character must have greatly suffered, and perhaps the priesthood itself has fallen into contempt. How many priests and preachers who deserved to be exposed to reproach and infamy, have been spared for the sake of the holy character they bore, that the ministry might not be blamed! But the just G-d will visit their transgressions in some other way, if they do not deeply deplore them and find mercy through Messiah. Nothing tends to discredit the work of G-d so much as the transgressions and miscarriages of those who minister in holy things.
V. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
He that but just now joined with his sister in speaking against Moses is here forced for himself and his sister to make a penitent address to him. Aaron owns they had sinned, but suggests, and so he would have it understood, that it was not through malice, and purposely and presumptuously, but through and ignorance, inadvertency and weakness, and hoped it would be forgiven.
On the humble and penitential submission of Aaron, Moses interceded for both the offenders, especially for Miriam, who was restored; not, however, till she had been made, by her exclusion, a public example in verse 14-15.
G-d would put a difference between those that mislead and those that are misled. Aaron's office, though it saved him not from G-d's displeasure, yet helped to secure him from this token of His displeasure, which would not only have suspended him for the present from officiating, when (there being no priests but himself and his two sons) he could ill be spared, but it would have rendered him and his office mean, and would have been a lasting blot upon his family. Aaron as priest was to be the judge of the leprosy, and his performing that part of his office upon this occasion, when he looked upon his sister Miriam, and behold she was leprous, was a sufficient degradation to him.
He was struck through her side, and could not pronounce her leprous without blushing and trembling, knowing himself to be equally loathsome.
This judgment upon Miriam is improvable by us as a warning to take heed of putting any affront and becoming the escape goat.
If they were thus chastised for speaking against Moses, what will become of those that sin against the Messiah?
If Moses, that received so much honor from G-d, yet received so many slights and affronts from men, shall any of us think such trials either strange or hard, and be either provoked or discouraged by them?
Does not the Good Book say “Tough not My anointed”. Now G-d’s anointed does not always refer the preachers – so I would walk very carefully if I was you.
Striving to be greatest is a sin (jealousy) which easily besets disciples themselves, and it is exceedingly sinful. Even those that are well preferred are seldom pleased if others be better preferred.
Those that excel are commonly envied.
Mercy takes place and Miriam the prophetess is put under such marks of humiliation for one hasty word spoken against Moses, what may we expect for our murmurings?
Someone always has to be the escape goat, blame always trickles down to the lowest denominator.
See how people debase and diminish themselves by sin, stain their glory, and lay their honor in the dust.
The removal of G-d’s presence from us is the saddest token of His displeasure. And He never departs, till we by our sin and folly drive Him from us.
Lilies A Floating
As I started out my morning sitting by the pond, conversing with my Maker, I noticed the beautiful white lilies laying open to their full capacity being surrounded with large green leaves of growth.It is a delusion of them standing still in one spot for the unseen currant is moving them ever so slightly to prevent them from getting placement and stale.
The white pure looking petals have a bright golden center of sunshine and they are placed sporadically around the pond, it is like G-d places us – not all in one bunch but here and there to shine for Him and so others can see His glory shining through us.
Little pink flowers and tall shaded of green reads surrounding the whole bouquet – what a gorgeous assortment for a wedding, I thought. Nature at its best!
The world has seemed to vanish in this place – leaving such calmness, peace and sterility. No striving to be better than --, or being equal as--, or running in place and going no where fast. There is a unity of oneness here, everything going back to the basics of what life is all about.
Could this be what it will feel like in the Millennium reign? It is hard to imagine the adversary could get into such a place but the Good Book says he can and he will. Liken on to the movies monsters can jump out of the quite settings at any minute. The Book warns us to be ready in season & out of season, to be forever watching, waiting, and warning. Do not grow lax in your discernment for all that smells good – taste good- or feels good could be a delusion.
The Father has liken us onto sheep and sheep are very stupid animals!! They pick one leader and will follow them to their graves, they don’t seem to have a brain of their own. Maybe that is why Timothy said to study to show thyself approved onto G-d, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. If all believers did that and not leave it up to one person, the world would not be in such disarray for people would see truth for themselves and grow in ever ending intimacy with the Creator.
Is that why G-d talks about the elect?
Not everyone will be the bride, some will be the bride’s maids, and some will be the wedding guest. How will it be chosen you ask? Well I think a bride will have grown to maturity and intimacy with the Groom. The maids have started growing but didn’t quite finish the process, and the guest are saved and made it though the door and that is all they wanted. I guess it isn’t so bad which position you get, I am personally going to kiss the ground for making it that far. It is better to be through the gate way of heaven than to be standing in front of a closed door ---- don’t forget to keep your oil lamp full!
Have you heard the warning cry and washed your gown? Or have you become placement and at a stand still?
“Oh beautiful, righteous one of Mine, let My light shine through you!
Can you not see all the mature growth I have placed around you, tap into them.
I have also placed many shades of protection around you well you bath in My loveliness.
Stand straight and tall for I have made you and claimed you for my own!
Do not let every wind that passes through blow you off your course.
I have given you My Word, wouldn’t you take the time to become intimate with Me?
I so long to spend time with you, come lift Me up and I will lift you up.
Stop being so harsh on yourselves for you were made in My image and I call you My precious, beautiful, little lamb – look to Me for I am your one and only Shepard that will never leave you nor lead you astray.
Focus only on Me and not on the circumstances surrounding you, hear only My voice.” Abba
Respect & honor - Elderly People
12 dues to elderly people, according to Scripture in Ecc. 12:
First, Then the sun and the light of it, the moon and the stars, and the light which they borrow from it, will be darkened. They look dim to elderly people, in consequence of the decay of their sight; their countenance is clouded, and the beauty and luster of it are eclipsed; their brain powers and faculties, which are as lights in the soul, are weakened; their understanding and memory fail them, and their apprehension is not so quick nor their fancy so lively as it has been; the days of their amusement are over (light is often put for joy and prosperity) and they have not the pleasure either of the chat of the day or the rest of the night, for both the sun and the moon are darkened to them.
Secondly, Then the clouds return after the rain; as, when the weather is disposed to wet, no sooner has one cloud blown over than another succeeds it, so it is with elderly people, when they have got free from one pain or ailment, they are seized with another, so that their distempers are like a continual dropping in a very rainy day. The end of one trouble is, in this world, but the beginning of another, and deep calls unto deep. Elderly people are often afflicted with defluxions of rheum, like soaking rain, after which still more clouds return, feeding the humor, so that it is continually grievous, and therein the body, as it were, melts away.
Thirdly, Then the keepers of the house tremble. The head, which is as the watch-tower, shakes, and the arms and hands, which are ready for the preservation of the body, shake too, and grow feeble, upon every sudden approach and attack of danger. That energy of the animal spirits which used to be applied for self-defense fails and cannot do its office; elderly people are easily dispirited and discouraged.
Fourthly, Then the strong men shall bow themselves; the legs and thighs, which used to support the body, and bear its weight, bend, and cannot serve for traveling as they have done, but are soon tired. Elderly men that have been in their time strong men become weak and stoop for age, Zec. 8:4. G-d takes no pleasure in the legs of a man (Ps. 147:10), for their strength will soon fail; but in the Father there is everlasting strength; He has everlasting arms.
Fifthly, Then the grinders cease because they are few; the teeth, with which we grind our meat and prepare it for mixture, cease to do their part, because they are few. They are rotted and broken, and perhaps have been drawn because they ached. Some elderly people have lost all their teeth, and others have but few left; and this infirmity is the more considerable because the meat, not being well chewed, for want of teeth, is not well digested, which has as much influence as any thing upon the other decays of age.
Sixthly, Those that look out of the windows are darkened; the eyes wax dim, as Isaac’s (Gen. 27:1), and Ahijah’s, 1 Ki. 14:4. Moses was a rare instance of one who, when 120 years elderly, had good eye-sight, but ordinarily the sight decays in elderly people as soon as any thing, and it is a mercy to them that art helps nature with spectacles. We have need to improve our sight well while we have it, because the light of the eyes may be gone before the light of life.
Seventhly, The doors are shut in the streets. Elderly people keep within doors, and care not for going abroad to entertainments. The lips, the doors of the mouth, are shut in eating, because the teeth are gone and the sound of the grinding with them is low, so that they have not that command of their meat in their mouths which they used to have; they cannot digest their meat, and therefore little grist is brought to the mill.
Eighthly, Elderly people rise up at the voice of the bird. They have no sound sleep as young people have, but a little thing disturbs them, even the chirping of a bird; they cannot rest for coughing, and therefore rise up at cock-crowing, as soon as any body is stirring; or they are apt to be jealous, and nervous, and full of care, which breaks their sleep and makes them rise early; or they are apt to be superstitious, and rise up as in a fright, at those voices of birds, as of ravens, or screech-owls, which soothsayers call threatening.
Ninthly, With them all the daughters of music are brought low. They have neither voice nor ear, can neither sing themselves nor take any pleasure, as Solomon had done in the days of his youth, in singing men, and singing women, and musical instruments, ch. 2:8. Elderly people grow hard of hearing, and unapt to distinguish sounds and voices.
Tenthly, They are afraid of that which is high, afraid to go to the top of any high place, either because, for want of breath, they cannot reach it, or, their heads being scatterbrained or their legs failing them, they dare not venture to it, or they frighten themselves with fancying that which is high will fall upon them. Fear is in the way; they can neither ride nor walk with their former gate, but are afraid of every thing that lies in their way, lest it throws them down.
Eleventh, The almond-tree flourishes. The elderly man’s hair has grown white, so that his head looks like an almond-tree in the blossom. The almond-tree blossoms before any other tree, and therefore fitly shows what haste elderly age makes in seizing upon men; it prevents their expectations and comes faster upon them than they thought of. Gray hairs are here and there upon them (hoary head, Prov. 16:31), and they perceive it not.
Twelfth, The grasshopper is a burden and desire fails. Elderly men can bear nothing; the lightest thing sits heavily upon them, both on their bodies and on their minds, a little thing sinks and breaks them. Perhaps the grasshopper was some food that was looked upon to be very light of digestion (John Baptist’s meat was locusts), but even that lies heavily upon an elderly man’s stomach, and therefore desire fails, he has no appetite to his meat, neither shall he regard the desire of woman, as that king, Dan. 11:37. Elderly men become mindless and listless, and the pleasures of sense are to them tasteless and sapless.
Some elderly people bear up better than others under the decays of age, but, more or less, the days of elderly age are and will be evil days and of little pleasure. Great care therefore should be taken to pay respect and honour to elderly people; tears are a tribute due to the dead. Then shall the silver cord, by which soul and body were wonderfully fastened together, be loosed, that sacred knot untied, and those elderly friends be forced to part; the body, that clod of clay, returns to its own earth. In consideration of the judgment to come, and the strictness of that judgment, it highly concerns us now to be very strict in our walking with G-d that we may give up our account with joy.
First, Then the sun and the light of it, the moon and the stars, and the light which they borrow from it, will be darkened. They look dim to elderly people, in consequence of the decay of their sight; their countenance is clouded, and the beauty and luster of it are eclipsed; their brain powers and faculties, which are as lights in the soul, are weakened; their understanding and memory fail them, and their apprehension is not so quick nor their fancy so lively as it has been; the days of their amusement are over (light is often put for joy and prosperity) and they have not the pleasure either of the chat of the day or the rest of the night, for both the sun and the moon are darkened to them.
Secondly, Then the clouds return after the rain; as, when the weather is disposed to wet, no sooner has one cloud blown over than another succeeds it, so it is with elderly people, when they have got free from one pain or ailment, they are seized with another, so that their distempers are like a continual dropping in a very rainy day. The end of one trouble is, in this world, but the beginning of another, and deep calls unto deep. Elderly people are often afflicted with defluxions of rheum, like soaking rain, after which still more clouds return, feeding the humor, so that it is continually grievous, and therein the body, as it were, melts away.
Thirdly, Then the keepers of the house tremble. The head, which is as the watch-tower, shakes, and the arms and hands, which are ready for the preservation of the body, shake too, and grow feeble, upon every sudden approach and attack of danger. That energy of the animal spirits which used to be applied for self-defense fails and cannot do its office; elderly people are easily dispirited and discouraged.
Fourthly, Then the strong men shall bow themselves; the legs and thighs, which used to support the body, and bear its weight, bend, and cannot serve for traveling as they have done, but are soon tired. Elderly men that have been in their time strong men become weak and stoop for age, Zec. 8:4. G-d takes no pleasure in the legs of a man (Ps. 147:10), for their strength will soon fail; but in the Father there is everlasting strength; He has everlasting arms.
Fifthly, Then the grinders cease because they are few; the teeth, with which we grind our meat and prepare it for mixture, cease to do their part, because they are few. They are rotted and broken, and perhaps have been drawn because they ached. Some elderly people have lost all their teeth, and others have but few left; and this infirmity is the more considerable because the meat, not being well chewed, for want of teeth, is not well digested, which has as much influence as any thing upon the other decays of age.
Sixthly, Those that look out of the windows are darkened; the eyes wax dim, as Isaac’s (Gen. 27:1), and Ahijah’s, 1 Ki. 14:4. Moses was a rare instance of one who, when 120 years elderly, had good eye-sight, but ordinarily the sight decays in elderly people as soon as any thing, and it is a mercy to them that art helps nature with spectacles. We have need to improve our sight well while we have it, because the light of the eyes may be gone before the light of life.
Seventhly, The doors are shut in the streets. Elderly people keep within doors, and care not for going abroad to entertainments. The lips, the doors of the mouth, are shut in eating, because the teeth are gone and the sound of the grinding with them is low, so that they have not that command of their meat in their mouths which they used to have; they cannot digest their meat, and therefore little grist is brought to the mill.
Eighthly, Elderly people rise up at the voice of the bird. They have no sound sleep as young people have, but a little thing disturbs them, even the chirping of a bird; they cannot rest for coughing, and therefore rise up at cock-crowing, as soon as any body is stirring; or they are apt to be jealous, and nervous, and full of care, which breaks their sleep and makes them rise early; or they are apt to be superstitious, and rise up as in a fright, at those voices of birds, as of ravens, or screech-owls, which soothsayers call threatening.
Ninthly, With them all the daughters of music are brought low. They have neither voice nor ear, can neither sing themselves nor take any pleasure, as Solomon had done in the days of his youth, in singing men, and singing women, and musical instruments, ch. 2:8. Elderly people grow hard of hearing, and unapt to distinguish sounds and voices.
Tenthly, They are afraid of that which is high, afraid to go to the top of any high place, either because, for want of breath, they cannot reach it, or, their heads being scatterbrained or their legs failing them, they dare not venture to it, or they frighten themselves with fancying that which is high will fall upon them. Fear is in the way; they can neither ride nor walk with their former gate, but are afraid of every thing that lies in their way, lest it throws them down.
Eleventh, The almond-tree flourishes. The elderly man’s hair has grown white, so that his head looks like an almond-tree in the blossom. The almond-tree blossoms before any other tree, and therefore fitly shows what haste elderly age makes in seizing upon men; it prevents their expectations and comes faster upon them than they thought of. Gray hairs are here and there upon them (hoary head, Prov. 16:31), and they perceive it not.
Twelfth, The grasshopper is a burden and desire fails. Elderly men can bear nothing; the lightest thing sits heavily upon them, both on their bodies and on their minds, a little thing sinks and breaks them. Perhaps the grasshopper was some food that was looked upon to be very light of digestion (John Baptist’s meat was locusts), but even that lies heavily upon an elderly man’s stomach, and therefore desire fails, he has no appetite to his meat, neither shall he regard the desire of woman, as that king, Dan. 11:37. Elderly men become mindless and listless, and the pleasures of sense are to them tasteless and sapless.
Some elderly people bear up better than others under the decays of age, but, more or less, the days of elderly age are and will be evil days and of little pleasure. Great care therefore should be taken to pay respect and honour to elderly people; tears are a tribute due to the dead. Then shall the silver cord, by which soul and body were wonderfully fastened together, be loosed, that sacred knot untied, and those elderly friends be forced to part; the body, that clod of clay, returns to its own earth. In consideration of the judgment to come, and the strictness of that judgment, it highly concerns us now to be very strict in our walking with G-d that we may give up our account with joy.
Challenge Western Worldview
[Ecc. 12:12] And further, by these, my son, be admonished….
In the liturgical tradition of Judaism, the book of Ecclesiastes is read as a part of the religious observance of Sukkot, the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. Sukkoth is a feast of joy, celebrated a the close of the harvest season (Deut. 16:13-15). It is a time set aside to give thanks to G-d for the abundance that the community has gathered in from the land.
But by tradition it is also a time to remember when there were no crops and no harvest, when the people of G-d wandered in the wilderness, living in flimsy and temporary shelters (Sukkot).
It is at this festival of thanksgiving and joy that the words of Qohelet are read as a reminder to those who are in the midst of their abundance that all of these material blessings are fleeting – they are as transitory as a breath of wind. Like life, they are gifts of G-d to be used and enjoyed but not hoarded.
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Is the end of the matter and anyone reading the collected sayings of the wise should now be able to conclude that the wholeness of humankind is based on the reverence for G-d. The reward for humility and fear of G-d is riches and honor and life and those that keep the commandments cannot count on receiving their just deserts in their present life under the sun.
The message of Ecclesiastes is that the course of life to be pursued is a G-d centered life.
The pleasures of life are not intrinsically fulfilling and cannot offer lasting satisfaction, but they can be enjoyed as gifts from G-d. Life offers good times and bad and follows no pattern such as that proposed by the retribution principle. But all comes from the hand of G-d. Adversity may not be enjoyable, but it can help make us the people of faith we ought to be.
It is helpful to keep in mind that wisdom literature often tries to convey how to think rather than what to think. Example is to enjoy life for what it is: a gift from the hand of G-d. If G-d is in the center of one’s worldview, the pursuits of life can be put in their proper place, not offering meaning for life, but offering enjoyment.
We are not in control of the ‘times’ of life, and many of the times of life can be difficult. Stability can only be found in a G-d centered approach. G-d has imposed these limitations on us, but has put ‘eternity in our hearts’ so that we might seek him out. The application of the worldview to the situations of life is not difficult to apply, but how does it stand up when adversity comes on the daily, routine frustrations that are all too frequently our common lot?
We must learn to accept both prosperity and adversity as coming from the divine hand. Adversity serves a useful purpose in shaping us as individuals and particularly as people of faith. We need to adjust our expectations of this world for we are accountable for how we live and for the decisions we make.
Time and chance are too great a factor in this life so we need to convey something about G-d rather than offer guarantees in life. Qohelet built his case without any presupposition about revelation.
He made no reference to the Law or the Prophets, and nothing was said about Israel’s place in
G-d’s plan or the Covenant. His approach was philosophical and based on experience and wisdom in the attempt to address a wider audience. His primary purpose was to establish that life ‘under the sun’ cannot offer fulfillment and to offer an alternate worldview.
The philosophy expressed is not simply ‘enjoy life,’ but “enjoy life and fear G-d.”
This book offers as clear a challenge to our contemporary Western Worldview and that enjoyment of life comes not in the quest for personal fulfillment, but in the recognition that everything comes from the hand of the Father.
In the liturgical tradition of Judaism, the book of Ecclesiastes is read as a part of the religious observance of Sukkot, the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. Sukkoth is a feast of joy, celebrated a the close of the harvest season (Deut. 16:13-15). It is a time set aside to give thanks to G-d for the abundance that the community has gathered in from the land.
But by tradition it is also a time to remember when there were no crops and no harvest, when the people of G-d wandered in the wilderness, living in flimsy and temporary shelters (Sukkot).
It is at this festival of thanksgiving and joy that the words of Qohelet are read as a reminder to those who are in the midst of their abundance that all of these material blessings are fleeting – they are as transitory as a breath of wind. Like life, they are gifts of G-d to be used and enjoyed but not hoarded.
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Is the end of the matter and anyone reading the collected sayings of the wise should now be able to conclude that the wholeness of humankind is based on the reverence for G-d. The reward for humility and fear of G-d is riches and honor and life and those that keep the commandments cannot count on receiving their just deserts in their present life under the sun.
The message of Ecclesiastes is that the course of life to be pursued is a G-d centered life.
The pleasures of life are not intrinsically fulfilling and cannot offer lasting satisfaction, but they can be enjoyed as gifts from G-d. Life offers good times and bad and follows no pattern such as that proposed by the retribution principle. But all comes from the hand of G-d. Adversity may not be enjoyable, but it can help make us the people of faith we ought to be.
It is helpful to keep in mind that wisdom literature often tries to convey how to think rather than what to think. Example is to enjoy life for what it is: a gift from the hand of G-d. If G-d is in the center of one’s worldview, the pursuits of life can be put in their proper place, not offering meaning for life, but offering enjoyment.
We are not in control of the ‘times’ of life, and many of the times of life can be difficult. Stability can only be found in a G-d centered approach. G-d has imposed these limitations on us, but has put ‘eternity in our hearts’ so that we might seek him out. The application of the worldview to the situations of life is not difficult to apply, but how does it stand up when adversity comes on the daily, routine frustrations that are all too frequently our common lot?
We must learn to accept both prosperity and adversity as coming from the divine hand. Adversity serves a useful purpose in shaping us as individuals and particularly as people of faith. We need to adjust our expectations of this world for we are accountable for how we live and for the decisions we make.
Time and chance are too great a factor in this life so we need to convey something about G-d rather than offer guarantees in life. Qohelet built his case without any presupposition about revelation.
He made no reference to the Law or the Prophets, and nothing was said about Israel’s place in
G-d’s plan or the Covenant. His approach was philosophical and based on experience and wisdom in the attempt to address a wider audience. His primary purpose was to establish that life ‘under the sun’ cannot offer fulfillment and to offer an alternate worldview.
The philosophy expressed is not simply ‘enjoy life,’ but “enjoy life and fear G-d.”
This book offers as clear a challenge to our contemporary Western Worldview and that enjoyment of life comes not in the quest for personal fulfillment, but in the recognition that everything comes from the hand of the Father.
Cast your bread upon the waters
Ecc. 11. You do not know what the future will bring and what you sow you shall reap, Galatians 6:7.
You must give bread, the necessary supports of life, not only give good words but good things, Isa. 58:7. and it must be your bread, that which is honestly got; it is no charity, but injury, to give that which is none of our own to give; first do justly, and then love mercy.
Waters, in Scripture, are put for multitudes (Rev. 16:5). We read of the harvest of the river, Isa. 23:3, “… the harvest of the river is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.”
Freely and liberally bestow it upon the waters; upon those poor creatures, on whom it may seem to be as utterly lost, as the seed which a man casts into the sea or river. Sending it a voyage; send it as a venture, as merchants that trade by sea.
Trust it upon the waters; it shall not sink, and it will returned to you in hundred folded. It shall certainly be restored to you, either by G-d or men, the return may be slow, but it is sure, and will be so much the more plentiful. Our reward for well-doing is very certain, you think you have given your good word with it and are likely never to hear of it again, yet you shall find it after many days in a plentiful harvest your venture in a rich return. It is not lost, but well laid out, and well laid up; it brings in full interest in the present gifts of G-d's providence, and graces and comforts of His Spirit; and the principal is sure, laid up in heaven, for it is lent to the L-rd. Whatever you have imparted you still possess; these riches remain with you through all the vicissitudes of life. You shall find it, perhaps not quickly, but after many days; the return may be slow, but it is sure and will be so much the more plentiful. Long voyages make the best returns.
Human beings do not know what good or bad things may happen on earth so be free and liberal in works of charity. Give a good measure (Lk. 6:38); be generous in giving, for those that were given much are expected much in return. Excuse not yourself with the good you have done from the good you have further to do, but hold on, and mend. In hard times, when the number of the problems increases, let your charity and love be proportionally enlarged for G-d is rich in mercy to all, to us, though unworthy; He gives liberally, and upbraids not with former gifts, and we must be merciful as our heavenly Father is.
You know not what evil shall be upon the earth so our opportunity for well-doing is very uncertain: which may deprive you of your estate, and put you out of a capacity to do good, and therefore, while you have wherewithal, be liberal with it, improve the present season, before the frost comes.
We have reason to expect evil upon the earth, for we are born to trouble; what the evil may be we know not, but that we may be ready for it, whatever it is, it is our wisdom, in the day of prosperity, to be in good, to be doing good.
Great calamities may come whereby you may be brought to poverty, and so disabled from doing good. We could say hard times may come when we may want ourselves; whereas we should therefore the rather be charitable, that, when evil days come, we may have the comfort of having done good while we were able; we would then hope to find mercy both with G-d and man, and therefore should now show mercy. If by charity we trust G-d with what we have, we put it into good hands against bad times.
Our inescapable ignorance about the future is a valid reason for inaction. If you wait until you think you know what is going to happen you will never get anything done. If we stand thus magnifying every little difficulty and making the worst of it, starting objections and fancying hardship and danger where there is none, we shall never go on, much less go through with our work, nor make any thing of it. Those that will be deterred and driven off by small and seeming difficulties from great and real duties will never bring any thing to pass in religion, for there will always arise some wind, some cloud or other, at least in our imagination, to discourage us. Winds and clouds are in G-d's hands, are designed to try us, and our Christianity obliges us to endure hardness.
You need to go ahead and do whatever needs to be done; realizing that you do not know which of the things you do will have positive results and which do not. Religion will cost self-denial, but the want of it infinitely more (Lk. 14:28), one must count the cost of self indulgence. If we should do whatever our hearts and our minds desire – without forgetting, however, that G-d will eventually judge us for what we do. G-d wants us to enjoy the good things in life while, on the other hand, continuing to uphold the idea that G-d will eventually evaluate how well we have used our time, under the sun.
In the final analysis we have no security other than the grace of G-d.
This is applicable to spiritual charity, our pious endeavors for the good of the souls of others; let us continue them, for, though we have long labored in vain, we may at length see the success of them.
Life is sweet, and therefore we have needed to double a guard upon ourselves, lest we love it too well.
Life is a swiftly passing sweetness, which ought to be savored and enjoyed for the brief moment it last for we have but hours of joy for months of sorrow. For there will be many days of darkness, death is at no great distance; you have but a short time to do good. Acquire a heavenly disposition while here; for there will be no change after this life. If you die in the love of G-d, and in the love of man, in that state will you be found in the Day of Judgment. Death refines nothing, purifies nothing, kills no sin, and helps to no glory. Let your continual bent and inclination be to G-d, to holiness, to charity, to mercy, and to heaven: then, fall when you may, you will fall well.
Eternity alone is permanent; live for eternity.
You must give bread, the necessary supports of life, not only give good words but good things, Isa. 58:7. and it must be your bread, that which is honestly got; it is no charity, but injury, to give that which is none of our own to give; first do justly, and then love mercy.
Waters, in Scripture, are put for multitudes (Rev. 16:5). We read of the harvest of the river, Isa. 23:3, “… the harvest of the river is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.”
Freely and liberally bestow it upon the waters; upon those poor creatures, on whom it may seem to be as utterly lost, as the seed which a man casts into the sea or river. Sending it a voyage; send it as a venture, as merchants that trade by sea.
Trust it upon the waters; it shall not sink, and it will returned to you in hundred folded. It shall certainly be restored to you, either by G-d or men, the return may be slow, but it is sure, and will be so much the more plentiful. Our reward for well-doing is very certain, you think you have given your good word with it and are likely never to hear of it again, yet you shall find it after many days in a plentiful harvest your venture in a rich return. It is not lost, but well laid out, and well laid up; it brings in full interest in the present gifts of G-d's providence, and graces and comforts of His Spirit; and the principal is sure, laid up in heaven, for it is lent to the L-rd. Whatever you have imparted you still possess; these riches remain with you through all the vicissitudes of life. You shall find it, perhaps not quickly, but after many days; the return may be slow, but it is sure and will be so much the more plentiful. Long voyages make the best returns.
Human beings do not know what good or bad things may happen on earth so be free and liberal in works of charity. Give a good measure (Lk. 6:38); be generous in giving, for those that were given much are expected much in return. Excuse not yourself with the good you have done from the good you have further to do, but hold on, and mend. In hard times, when the number of the problems increases, let your charity and love be proportionally enlarged for G-d is rich in mercy to all, to us, though unworthy; He gives liberally, and upbraids not with former gifts, and we must be merciful as our heavenly Father is.
You know not what evil shall be upon the earth so our opportunity for well-doing is very uncertain: which may deprive you of your estate, and put you out of a capacity to do good, and therefore, while you have wherewithal, be liberal with it, improve the present season, before the frost comes.
We have reason to expect evil upon the earth, for we are born to trouble; what the evil may be we know not, but that we may be ready for it, whatever it is, it is our wisdom, in the day of prosperity, to be in good, to be doing good.
Great calamities may come whereby you may be brought to poverty, and so disabled from doing good. We could say hard times may come when we may want ourselves; whereas we should therefore the rather be charitable, that, when evil days come, we may have the comfort of having done good while we were able; we would then hope to find mercy both with G-d and man, and therefore should now show mercy. If by charity we trust G-d with what we have, we put it into good hands against bad times.
Our inescapable ignorance about the future is a valid reason for inaction. If you wait until you think you know what is going to happen you will never get anything done. If we stand thus magnifying every little difficulty and making the worst of it, starting objections and fancying hardship and danger where there is none, we shall never go on, much less go through with our work, nor make any thing of it. Those that will be deterred and driven off by small and seeming difficulties from great and real duties will never bring any thing to pass in religion, for there will always arise some wind, some cloud or other, at least in our imagination, to discourage us. Winds and clouds are in G-d's hands, are designed to try us, and our Christianity obliges us to endure hardness.
You need to go ahead and do whatever needs to be done; realizing that you do not know which of the things you do will have positive results and which do not. Religion will cost self-denial, but the want of it infinitely more (Lk. 14:28), one must count the cost of self indulgence. If we should do whatever our hearts and our minds desire – without forgetting, however, that G-d will eventually judge us for what we do. G-d wants us to enjoy the good things in life while, on the other hand, continuing to uphold the idea that G-d will eventually evaluate how well we have used our time, under the sun.
In the final analysis we have no security other than the grace of G-d.
This is applicable to spiritual charity, our pious endeavors for the good of the souls of others; let us continue them, for, though we have long labored in vain, we may at length see the success of them.
Life is sweet, and therefore we have needed to double a guard upon ourselves, lest we love it too well.
Life is a swiftly passing sweetness, which ought to be savored and enjoyed for the brief moment it last for we have but hours of joy for months of sorrow. For there will be many days of darkness, death is at no great distance; you have but a short time to do good. Acquire a heavenly disposition while here; for there will be no change after this life. If you die in the love of G-d, and in the love of man, in that state will you be found in the Day of Judgment. Death refines nothing, purifies nothing, kills no sin, and helps to no glory. Let your continual bent and inclination be to G-d, to holiness, to charity, to mercy, and to heaven: then, fall when you may, you will fall well.
Eternity alone is permanent; live for eternity.
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