From The Backwoods

Morning & Evening - December 7

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:51:53 PST

Morning & Evening
By Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"Base things of the world hath God chosen." - 1 Corinthians 1:28

Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners 
then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the 
picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to 
yon jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy 
over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night, and 
there are sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who 
have betrayed a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners 
there. Go across the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon 
which is reeking human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you 
will, you need not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common
 enough; you may find them in every lane and street of every city, and 
town, and village, and hamlet. It is for such that Jesus died. If you 
will select me the grossest specimen of humanity, if he be but born of 
woman, I will have hope of him yet, because Jesus Christ is come to seek 
and to save sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be 
made the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the 
crown-royal. Worthless dross he transforms into pure gold. Redeeming 
love has set apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the 
Saviour's passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the 
vile to sit at the table of mercy, and therefore let none
 despair.

Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus' tearful eyes, by that love 
streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong 
love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by 
the bowels of the Saviour's compassion, we conjure you turn not away as 
though it were nothing to you; but believe on him and you shall be 
saved. Trust your soul with him and he will bring you to his Father's 
right hand in glory everlasting.

Evening

"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 
- 1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to 
save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have 
men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our 
Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then 
let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great 
day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? 
Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior 
objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin 
of man's natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; 
he saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them,
 but of saving from the wrath to come. To compass their salvation, he 
gave himself up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to 
warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were 
importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming 
passion, his ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, 
toiling for his race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the 
gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted 
his will in things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, 
he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one 
all-important business with him. If he might save some he would
 be content. This was the crown for which he strove, the sole and 
sufficient reward of all his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have 
you and I lived to win souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with 
the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, 
cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to 
Christ, if we seek not his honour in the salvation of men? O that the 
Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the 
souls of men.

Morning & Evening - December 6

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:06:53 PST

Morning & Evening
By Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"As is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." - 1 
Corinthians 15:48

The head and members are of one nature, and not like that monstrous 
image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The head was of fine gold, 
but the belly and thighs were of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet, 
part of iron and part of clay. Christ's mystical body is no absurd 
combination of opposites; the members were mortal, and therefore Jesus 
died; the glorified head is immortal, and therefore the body is immortal 
too, for thus the record stands, "Because I live, ye shall live also." 
As is our loving Head, such is the body, and every member in particular. 
A chosen Head and chosen members; an accepted Head, and accepted 
members; a living Head, and living members. If the head be pure
 gold, all the parts of the body are of pure gold also. Thus is there a 
double union of nature as a basis for the closest communion. Pause here, 
devout reader, and see if thou canst without ecstatic amazement, 
contemplate the infinite condescension of the Son of God in thus 
exalting thy wretchedness into blessed union with his glory. Thou art so 
mean that in remembrance of thy mortality, thou mayest say to 
corruption, "Thou art my father," and to the worm, "Thou art my sister"; 
and yet in Christ thou art so honoured that thou canst say to the 
Almighty, "Abba, Father," and to the Incarnate God, "Thou art my brother 
and my husband." Surely if relationships to ancient and noble families 
make
 men think highly of themselves, we have whereof to glory over the heads 
of them all. Let the poorest and most despised believer lay hold upon 
this privilege; let not a senseless indolence make him negligent to 
trace his pedigree, and let him suffer no foolish attachment to present 
vanities to occupy his thoughts to the exclusion of this glorious, this 
heavenly honour of union with Christ.

Evening

"Girt about the paps with a golden girdle." - Revelation 1:13

"One like unto the Son of Man" appeared to John in Patmos, and the 
beloved disciple marked that he wore a girdle of gold. A girdle, for 
Jesus never was ungirt while upon earth, but stood always ready for 
service, and now before the eternal throne he stays not His holy 
ministry, but as a priest is girt about with "the curious girdle of the 
ephod." Well it is for us that he has not ceased to fulfil his offices 
of love for us, since this is one of our choicest safeguards that he 
ever liveth to make intercession for us. Jesus is never an idler; his 
garments are never loose as though his offices were ended; he diligently 
carries on the cause of his people. A golden girdle, to manifest the
 superiority of his service, the royalty of his person, the dignity of 
his state, the glory of his reward. No longer does he cry out of the 
dust, but he pleads with authority, a King as well as a Priest. Safe 
enough is our cause in the hands of our enthroned Melchizedek.

Our Lord presents all his people with an example. We must never unbind 
our girdles. This is not the time for lying down at ease, it is the 
season of service and warfare. We need to bind the girdle of truth more 
and more tightly around our loins. It is a golden girdle, and so will be 
our richest ornament, and we greatly need it, for a heart that is not 
well braced up with the truth as it is in Jesus, and with the fidelity 
which is wrought of the Spirit, will be easily entangled with the things 
of this life, and tripped up by the snares of temptation. It is in vain 
that we possess the Scriptures unless we bind them around us like a 
girdle, surrounding our entire nature, keeping each part of
 our character in order, and giving compactness to our whole man. If in 
heaven Jesus unbinds not the girdle, much less may we upon earth. Stand, 
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.

Morning & Evening - December 5

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:47:55 PST

Morning & Evening
By Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"Ask, and it shall be given you." - Matthew 7:7

We know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is
served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the
traveller may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital,
and there is the dole of bread for him. Jesus Christ so loveth sinners
that he has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is
hungry, he has but to knock and have his wants supplied. Nay, he has
done better; he has attached to this Hospital of the Cross a bath; and
whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be
washed. The fountain is always full, always efficacious. No sinner ever
went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins
which were scarlet and crimson have all disappeared, and the sinner has
been whiter than snow. As if this were not enough, there is attached to
this Hospital of the Cross a wardrobe, and a sinner making application
simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot; and if he wishes
to be a soldier, he may not merely have a garment for ordinary wear, but
armour which shall cover him from the sole of his foot to the crown of
his head. If he asks for a sword, he shall have that given to him, and a
shield too. Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall
have spending-money so long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal
heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the
joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy's door, O
my soul, knock hard this morning, and ask large things of thy generous
Lord. Leave not the throne of grace till all thy wants have been spread
before the Lord, and until by faith thou hast a comfortable prospect
that they shall be all supplied. No bashfulness need retard when Jesus
invites. No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No
cold-heartedness should restrain when such blessings are to be obtained.

Evening

"And the Lord shewed me four carpenters." - Zechariah 1:20

In the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terrible
horns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down the
strongest and the mightiest; and the prophet asked, "What are these?"
The answer was, "These are the horns which have scattered Israel." He
saw before him a representation of those powers which had oppressed the
church of God. There were four horns; for the church is attacked from
all quarters. Well might the prophet have felt dismayed; but on a sudden
there appeared before him four carpenters. He asked, "What shall these
do?" These are the men whom God hath found to break those horns in
pieces. God will always find men for his work, and he will find them
at the right time. The prophet did not see the carpenters first, when
there was nothing to do, but first the "horns," and then the
"carpenters." Moreover, the Lord finds enough men. He did not find three
carpenters, but four; there were four horns, and there must be four
workmen. God finds the right men; not four men with pens to write; not
four architects to draw plans; but four carpenters to do rough work.
Rest assured, you who tremble for the ark of God, that when the "horns"
grow troublesome, the "carpenters" will be found. You need not fret
concerning the weakness of the church of God at any moment; there may be
growing up in obscurity the valiant reformer who will shake the nations:
Chrysostoms may come forth from our Ragged Schools, and Augustines from
the thickest darkness of London's poverty. The Lord knows where to find
his servants. He hath in ambush a multitude of mighty men, and at his
word they shall start up to the battle; "for the battle is the Lord's,"
and he shall get to himself the victory. Let us abide faithful to
Christ, and he, in the right time, will raise up for us a defence,
whether it be in the day of our personal need, or in the season of peril
to his Church.

Morning & Evening - December 4

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:46:01 PST

Morning & Evening
By Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"I have much people in this city." - Acts 18:10

This should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has
among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and
drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to
them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life
to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of
predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints
before the eternal throne. They are Christ's property, and yet perhaps
they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus
Christ purchased them he will have them. God is not unfaithful to forget
the price which his Son has paid. He will not suffer his
substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of
thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they
must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the
quickening Word of God.

Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the
throne. "Neither pray I for these alone," saith the great Intercessor,
"but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Poor,
ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus
prays for them. Their names are on his breastplate, and ere long they
must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the
throne of grace. "The time of figs is not yet." The predestinated moment
has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have
his own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when he cometh
forth with fulness of power--they must become the willing
servants of the living God. "My people shall be willing in the day of
my power." "He shall justify many." "He shall see of the travail of his
soul." "I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide
the spoil with the strong."

Evening

"Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to 
wit, the redemption of our body." - Romans 8:23

This groaning is universal among the saints: to a greater or less extent
we all feel it. It is not the groan of murmuring or complaint: it is
rather the note of desire than of distress. Having received an earnest,
we desire the whole of our portion; we are sighing that our entire
manhood, in its trinity of spirit, soul, and body, may be set free from
the last vestige of the fall; we long to put off corruption, weakness,
and dishonour, and to wrap ourselves in incorruption, in immortality, in
glory, in the spiritual body which the Lord Jesus will bestow upon his
people. We long for the manifestation of our adoption as the children of
God. "We groan," but it is "within ourselves." It is not
the hypocrite's groan, by which he would make men believe that he is a
saint because he is wretched. Our sighs are sacred things, too hallowed
for us to tell abroad. We keep our longings to our Lord alone. Then the
apostle says we are "waiting," by which we learn that we are not to be
petulant, like Jonah or Elijah, when they said, "Let me die"; nor are we
to whimper and sigh for the end of life because we are tired of work,
nor wish to escape from our present sufferings till the will of the Lord
is done. We are to groan for glorification, but we are to wait patiently
for it, knowing that what the Lord appoints is best. Waiting implies
being ready. We are to stand at the door expecting the
Beloved to open it and take us away to himself. This "groaning" is a
test. You may judge of a man by what he groans after. Some men groan
after wealth--they worship Mammon; some groan continually under the
troubles of life--they are merely impatient; but the man who sighs after
God, who is uneasy till he is made like Christ, that is the blessed man.
May God help us to groan for the coming of the Lord, and the
resurrection which he will bring to us.

Morning & Evening - December 3

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:45:20 PST

"Morning and Evening" by Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"There is no spot in thee." - Song of Solomon 4:7

Having pronounced his Church positively full of beauty, our Lord 
confirms his praise by a precious negative, "There is no spot in thee." 
As if the thought occurred to the Bridegroom that the carping world 
would insinuate that he had only mentioned her comely parts, and had 
purposely omitted those features which were deformed or defiled, he sums 
up all by declaring her universally and entirely fair, and utterly 
devoid of stain. A spot may soon be removed, and is the very least thing 
that can disfigure beauty, but even from this little blemish the 
believer is delivered in his Lord's sight. If he had said there is no 
hideous scar, no horrible deformity, no deadly ulcer, we might even then 
have marveled; but when he testifies that she is free from the slightest 
spot, all these other forms of defilement are included, and the depth of 
wonder is increased. If he had but promised to remove all spots 
by-and-by, we should have had eternal reason for joy; but when he speaks 
of it as already done, who can restrain the most intense emotions of 
satisfaction and delight? O my soul, here is marrow and fatness for 
thee; eat thy full, and be satisfied with royal dainties.

Christ Jesus has no quarrel with his spouse. She often wanders from him, 
and grieves his Holy Spirit, but he does not allow her faults to affect 
his love. He sometimes chides, but it is always in the tenderest manner, 
with the kindest intentions: it is "my love" even then. There is no 
remembrance of our follies, he does not cherish ill thoughts of us, but 
he pardons and loves as well after the offense as before it. It is well 
for us it is so, for if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are, how 
could he commune with us? Many a time a believer will put himself out of 
humour with the Lord for some slight turn in providence, but our 
precious Husband knows our silly hearts too well to take
 any offense at our ill manners.

Evening

"The Lord mighty in battle." - Psalm 24:8

Well may our God be glorious in the eyes of his people, seeing that he 
has wrought such wonders for them, in them, and by them. For them, the 
Lord Jesus upon Calvary routed every foe, breaking all the weapons of 
the enemy in pieces by his finished work of satisfactory obedience; by 
his triumphant resurrection and ascension he completely overturned the 
hopes of hell, leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies 
openly, triumphing over them by his cross. Every arrow of guilt which 
Satan might have shot at us is broken, for who can lay anything to the 
charge of God's elect? Vain are the sharp swords of infernal malice, and 
the perpetual battles of the serpent's seed, for in the
 midst of the church the lame take the prey, and the feeblest warriors 
are crowned.

The saved may well adore their Lord for his conquests in them, since the 
arrows of their natural hatred are snapped, and the weapons of their 
rebellion broken. What victories has grace won in our evil hearts! How 
glorious is Jesus when the will is subdued, and sin dethroned! As for 
our remaining corruptions, they shall sustain an equally sure defeat, 
and every temptation, and doubt, and fear, shall be utterly destroyed. 
In the Salem of our peaceful hearts, the name of Jesus is great beyond 
compare: he has won our love, and he shall wear it. Even thus securely 
may we look for victories by us. We are more than conquerors through him 
that loved us. We shall cast down the powers of darkness
 which are in the world, by our faith, and zeal, and holiness; we shall 
win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert 
nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us. This 
evening let the Christian warrior chant the war song, and prepare for 
to-morrow's fight. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the 
world.

Morning & Evening - December 2

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:50:16 PST

Morning & Evening
By Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"Thou art all fair, my love." - Song of Solomon 4:7

The Lord's admiration of his Church is very wonderful, and his 
description of her beauty is very glowing. She is not merely fair, but 
"all fair." He views her in himself, washed in his sin-atoning blood and 
clothed in his meritorious righteousness, and he considers her to be 
full of comeliness and beauty. No wonder that such is the case, since it 
is but his own perfect excellency that he admires; for the holiness, 
glory, and perfection of his Church are his own glorious garments on the 
back of his own well-beloved spouse. She is not simply pure, or 
well-proportioned; she is positively lovely and fair! She has actual 
merit! Her deformities of sin are removed; but more, she has through her
 Lord obtained a meritorious righteousness by which an actual beauty is 
conferred upon her. Believers have a positive righteousness given to 
them when they become "accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Nor is the 
Church barely lovely, she is superlatively so. Her Lord styles her "Thou 
fairest among women." She has a real worth and excellence which cannot 
be rivalled by all the nobility and royalty of the world. If Jesus could 
exchange his elect bride for all the queens and empresses of earth, or 
even for the angels in heaven, he would not, for he puts her first and 
foremost--"fairest among women." Like the moon she far outshines the 
stars. Nor is this an opinion which he is ashamed of, for
 he invites all men to hear it. He sets a "behold" before it, a special 
note of exclamation, inviting and arresting attention. "Behold, thou art 
fair, my love; behold, thou art fair" (Song of Sol. 4:1). His opinion he 
publishes abroad even now, and one day from the throne of his glory he 
will avow the truth of it before the assembled universe. "Come, ye 
blessed of my Father" (Matt. 25:34), will be his solemn affirmation of 
the loveliness of his elect.

Evening

"Behold, all is vanity." - Ecclesiastes 1:14

Nothing can satisfy the entire man but the Lord's love and the Lord's 
own self. Saints have tried to anchor in other roadsteads, but they have 
been driven out of such fatal refuges. Solomon, the wisest of men, was 
permitted to make experiments for us all, and to do for us what we must 
not dare to do for ourselves. Here is his testimony in his own words: 
"So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in 
Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes 
desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for 
my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my 
labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had
 wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all 
was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the 
sun." "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." What! the whole of it vanity? 
O favoured monarch, is there nothing in all thy wealth? Nothing in that 
wide dominion reaching from the river even to the sea? Nothing in 
Palmyra's glorious palaces? Nothing in the house of the forest of 
Lebanon? In all thy music and dancing, and wine and luxury, is there 
nothing? "Nothing," he says, "but weariness of spirit." This was his 
verdict when he had trodden the whole round of pleasure. To embrace our 
Lord Jesus, to dwell in his love, and be fully assured of union with
 him--this is all in all. Dear reader, you need not try other forms of 
life in order to see whether they are better than the Christian's: if 
you roam the world around, you will see no sights like a sight of the 
Saviour's face; if you could have all the comforts of life, if you lost 
your Saviour, you would be wretched; but if you win Christ, then should 
you rot in a dungeon, you would find it a paradise; should you live in 
obscurity, or die with famine, you will yet be satisfied with favour and 
full of the goodness of the Lord.

Morning & Evening - December 1

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:47:53 PST

Sorry this is a day late.

From Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

Morning

"Thou hast made summer and winter." - Psalm 74:17

My soul begin this wintry month with thy God. The cold snows and the
piercing winds all remind thee that he keeps his covenant with day and
night, and tend to assure thee that he will also keep that glorious
covenant which he has made with thee in the person of Christ Jesus. He
who is true to his Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor
sin-polluted world, will not prove unfaithful in his dealings with his
own well-beloved Son.

Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be
upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this
comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of
adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scattereth the hoarfrost
like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: he casteth forth
his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it
all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and
therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness,
poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord's sending, and come
to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a
bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the
soil. O that such good results would always follow our winters of
affliction!

How we prize the fire just now! how pleasant is its cheerful glow! Let
us in the same manner prize our Lord, who is the constant source of
warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to him,
and in him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the
warm garments of his promises, and go forth to labours which befit the
season, for it were ill to be as the sluggard who will not plough by
reason of the cold; for he shall beg in summer and have nothing.



Evening

"O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his 
wonderful works to the children of men." - Psalm 107:8

If we complained less, and praised more, we should be happier, and God
would be more glorified. Let us daily praise God for common
mercies--common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that
when deprived of them we are ready to perish. Let us bless God for the
eyes with which we behold the sun, for the health and strength to walk
abroad, for the bread we eat, for the raiment we wear. Let us praise him
that we are not cast out among the hopeless, or confined amongst the
guilty; let us thank him for liberty, for friends, for family
associations and comforts; let us praise him, in fact, for everything
which we receive from his bounteous hand, for we deserve little, and yet
are most plenteously endowed. But, beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in
our songs of praise should be of redeeming love. God's redeeming acts
towards his chosen are forever the favourite themes of their praise. If
we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of
thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions,
uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We
have been led to the cross of Christ--our shackles of guilt have been
broken off; we are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and
can antedate the period when we shall be presented before the throne
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Even now by faith we
wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with the fair linen which
is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly give thanks
to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent? Awake,
awake, ye inheritors of glory, and lead your captivity captive, as ye
cry with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless his holy name." Let the new month begin with new songs.

AKC Reg Bloodhound Puppies - Current Litter

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:33:26 PDT

We have a litter of AKC registered Bloodhound puppies that will be available in approximately 5weeks. There are 3 males and 2 females. Puppies will be wormed and have at least one set of shots before going to their new homes.

If you are interested in learning more about these puppies please subscribe to this blog or email us.

More information and pictures will be posted soon.

Why Are All These Bad Things Happening?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:51:28 PDT

Earthquakes. Tornadoes. Tsunamis. Volcanoes Erupting. Why is God letting this all happen? Why are they all happening so close together? Is there a lesson in all of this? Yes the lesson of love.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Do we still know how to love? We say it all the time "Love you man", "You know I love you", etc. But do we really mean it? Do we really know what love is? Are we prepared to REALLY love??

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Honestly I think we as a society have shut down. We don't really LOVE anymore.

We aren't patient. Fast food. Movies on demand. Want to buy a pair of shoes but don't want to wait until the store is open? Don't worry buy it online. Drive through oil changes. So why is it any surprise that we aren't patient with each other?

We envy all the time. Our whole culture is built on envy. Commercials everywhere - tv, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, the internet. Now there are even commercials IN the grocery store on the end caps. Ugh.

We are a very boastful and proud people. I could go on and on. We don't really love each other anymore. We don't know HOW to love anymore. What is the best way to learn how to do something? Hands on experience. You can be told over and over how to love but until you are put in a position to put it to use you really don't know how to love. And I mean really love!

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:9-13

God has given us multiple chances to love people. I think we are missing the mark. We don't reach out like we used to. God's people have been burned so many times by people taking advantage of the "system" that they are pulling back and not reaching out like they used to. Have I been burned? Yes. But I must cling to the good. I must continue on and remember that someday that people will come face to face with the Lord and answer for their actions. I must keep a hold of that zeal that I started out with and not let it go.

So why are more and more things happening and so close together? I think to teach us how to love again. And when we reach out and really love, we show people the heart of Christ. In turn then sharing His redeeming love with them. Thus growing the family of God.

"All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory." 2 Corinthians 4:15

Mission Project for YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:15:43 PDT

I have recently come across a free sample offered by Wal-Mart. It is a free sample of Parent's Choice Premium Infant Formula. I would challenge you to request this sample and donate it to your local pregnancy crisis center. This is a totally free offer. You pay nothing.

To receive this free sample click - Free Sample of Parent's Choice Premium Infant Formula.

Receive your sample in about 4 weeks. Donate to local pregnancy crisis center. Get your friends, neighbors, church family involved and be a blessing.

Church Giveaways?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:23:45 PDT

I saw a report on TV about a church that gave away millions in prizes on Easter Sunday to get people to come to the services. Then our local Christian radio station DJ asked for feedback in regards to this campaign, as talked about in this article - "Millions in prizes at Corpus Christi church this Easter"

Here are my thoughts on this article and subject.

From the article: “The church has only heard complaints over the campaign from fellow Christians.”

Well duh. Of course the lost are not going to complain. They are still of this world. We as Christians are told in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are to be in the world but not act like it. We are also reminded not to long for worldly possessions in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Thus saying that we as Christians SHOULD complain about “campaigns” like this. Also if you have a bunch of fellow Christians complaining about something you are doing ~ you really need to take a close, soul searching, come to the alter meeting with God about what you are getting ready to do.

You want to reach the lost? Then do what Jesus did in Luke 9:10-17~ meet their immediate needs. Giving away cars, guitars, TVs, etc doesn't meet people's immediate needs.

What are people's immediate needs these days? Providing food for the family, paying the electric bill, help with their mortgage, school supplies to name a few. Why not give away vouchers to the local grocery stores? A voucher to pay 3 months of a family's electric bill? A voucher to pay 2 months on a mortgage? Make the ultimate prize paying off someone's mortgage or if they don't have a mortgage, make an equivalent payment on their electric or groceries? Meet people's immediate needs.

This “campaign” was an embarrassment to Christ's bride. I truly pray that people where reached but I am not one who feels the end justifies the means. God can still use us even in our failures, I believe this is one of those moments.

Developing Fruit

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:29:00 PST

Last night Pastor Randy spoke on the Vine & Branches and the process of developing fruit. It really resonated with me. I get frustrated with myself when I fall short of the mark in the areas of spiritual fruit. Mainly patience and self control. Then he pointed out how long it takes from the time the shoot is planted for a grape vine to produce good fruit - 8 years. So I take a deep breath and realize how right that all is. That our fruit trees can't just think - produce a peach and a peach appears. It takes time to grow, then blossom and then the fruit comes in. This message came at just the right time for me. Isn't God awesome? I hope this helps you too.

Passages referenced by Pastor:
John 15:1-8
Galatians 5:22
2Peter 1:8
Hebrews 12:11

Do You Have Dog or Cat Theology?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:23:26 PST

The other day on the way to town I heard someone give a "food for thought" message. I wish I could remember who it was to be able to give him proper credit but his message really stuck with me and I wanted to share it.

When you think of your relationship with God do you have "dog theology" or "cat theology"?

Dog Theology: You provide shelter for me, feed me, love me and take care of me. YOU must be God.

Cat Theology: You provide shelter for me, feed me, love me and take care of me. I must be god.

I hope this blesses you as much as it blessed me.

Hummingbirds & Feeding Them

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:47:27 PDT

Hummingbird season is upon us again! My husband and I saw our first hummingbird today. So we quickly came in and mixed up some food for them and put out two of our feeders.

Hummingbirds are fun to watch and feed. The pictures you see here are from previous years here at our house. As the numbers of hummingbirds grow we put more feeders out for them. They have gotten so used to us that we are able to sit just a few feet from the feeder and watch them. Something else we do for them is that sometimes we will set our hose sprayer on mist and just spray up into the sky and they will dive through the mist for a drink of water. I encourage everyone to put up at least one hummingbird feeder.

Here is the mixture we use:

4 parts water
1 part white sugar

We do not use food coloring. It isn't needed (as you can see by the pictures) and not really sure how safe that colorant is for the birds.

I hope you get a chance to enjoy the amazing little birds!

The Resurrection, Appearances & Restoration of Peter

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:28:57 PDT

I apologize that I was not able to get this posted until after Easter Sunday. But I am sure this will still be a blessing and given in God's timing. The following passage is a combination of the four gospels. I did this to try and show how a time line for understanding. Please rest assured that I am not trying to add or take away anything from the Holy Bible. I have not posted the Ascension here because the Bible tells us that happened 40 days after Christ rose (Acts 1:3). So that will be a separate post 40 days from Easter Sunday - Thursday, May 21.

(John 21:1-18) Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

(Matthew 28:11-15)While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place

And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

(Luke 24:13-35) That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma'us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(John 20:19-21:19 )On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe'ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan'a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb'edee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

The Trial, The Crucifixion & Burial

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:43:19 PDT

We keep time the way the Romans did, not the way the Jewish people did. The Jews kept time from the twelve hours between sunrise and sunset and then the twelve hours between sunset and sunrise. So when in Mark he says it was the third hour when they crucified Jesus (Mark15:25), that would be about 9 o'clock in the morning for us. Thus in the following reading of Luke you will see that it grew dark at about the sixth hour that would be about 3 o'clock. Also remember that the Sabbath would begin on Friday at sunset. So Joseph arranged to get Jesus' body during Thursday evening/early Friday morning and the women saw them bury Jesus. The women then had only a few hours to get ready for the Sabbath that evening. I pray this helps line things out for you as you read this familiar passage of scripture.

Mark 15:1
And as soon as it was morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate.

Luke 23:2-56
And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king." And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no crime in this man." But they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place." When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length; but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then, arraying him in gorgeous apparel, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him; neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will therefore chastise him and release him."

But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barab'bas" -- a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city, and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus; but they shouted out, "Crucify, crucify him!" A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no crime deserving death; I will therefore chastise him and release him." But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyre'ne, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.

And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, "Certainly this man was innocent!" And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things.

Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathe'a. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid; then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

The Supper, The Garden, The Betrayal & The Denial

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:13:30 PDT

The feast of Unleavened Bread is also known as the Passover. The Passover begins at sunset Wednesday, April 8, 2009. For more information go to hebcal.com

Matthew 26:17-19, 26:26-75
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain one, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples.'" And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the passover.

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." Peter declared to him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsem'ane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go yonder and pray."

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb'edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done." And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him." And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.

Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Ca'iaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered

But Peter followed him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'" And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes, and said, "He has uttered blasphemy. Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death." Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?" Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a maid came up to him, and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean."

But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." And when he went out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." And again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the cock crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:15:03 PDT

Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16
26.1 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 26.2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of man will be delivered up to be crucified." 26.3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Ca'iaphas, 26.4 and took counsel together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 26.5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult among the people."

26.14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 26.15 and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 26.16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:1-2, 10-11
14.1 It was now two days before the Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth, and kill him; 14.2for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people."

14.10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 14.11And when they heard it they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Luke 22:1-6
22.1 Now the feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 22.2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death; for they feared the people. 22.3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve; 22.4 he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 22.5 And they were glad, and engaged to give him money. 22.6 So he agreed, and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Cleansing the Temple Complex

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:56:25 PDT

Matthew 21:12-17
21.12 And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons

21.13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you make it a den of robbers." 21.14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 21.15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant; 21.16 and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast brought perfect praise'?" 21.17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Mark 11:15-19
11.15And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; 11.16and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. 11.17And he taught, and said to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 11.18And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. 11.19And when evening came they went out of the city.

Luke 19:45-48
19.45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 19.46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer'; but you have made it a den of robbers." 19.47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him; 19.48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon his words.

John 2:14-17
2.14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. 2.15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 2.16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." 2.17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for thy house will consume me."

Entry Into Jerusalem

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:39:08 PDT

Matthew 21:1-9
21.1 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Beth'phage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 21.2 saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 21.3 If any one says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." 21.4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 21.5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of an ass." 21.6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 21.7 they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. 21.8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 21.9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Mark 11:1-10
11.1And when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Beth'phage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 11.2and said to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it. 11.3If any one says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.'" 11.4And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door out in the open street; and they untied it. 11.5And those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" 11.6And they told them what Jesus had said; and they let them go. 11.7And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it. 11.8And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. 11.9And those who went before and those who followed cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 11.10Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!"

Luke 19:28-38
19.28 And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 19.29 When he drew near to Beth'phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 19.30 saying, "Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. 19.31 If any one asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' you shall say this, 'The Lord has need of it.'" 19.32 So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. 19.33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 19.34 And they said, "The Lord has need of it." 19.35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. 19.36 And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. 19.37 As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 19.38 saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

John 12:12-19
12.12 The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 12.13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" 12.14 And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, 12.15 "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" 12.16 His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. 12.17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Laz'arus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. 12.18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 12.19 The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him."

Book Review: "Nurture" by Lisa Bevere

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:34:32 PDT

We have been reading this book in one of our women's small groups at church. This is a very thought provoking book. I personally feel it will take multiple readings to get everything that Lisa has to share with me.

Lisa has touched some points that have bothered me for a long time. The main one being - "Why don't women who are peers (the same age) connect and develop friendships?" This has rolled around in my head for years - why are we so untrusting and catty to one another yet seem to be able to make friends with women older and younger than us? She speaks about this and how we can change this and reach out to each other.

I would recommend this book to women of every age. Lisa speaks to the daughters, mothers and grandmothers. It truly is a book for all. There is also a work book that you can get to reach a little deeper. Please indulge me as I close with a quote from Lisa Bevere's Nurture:

Sisters, we need to start clapping for one another!

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:35:31 PDT

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

You have prepared praise from the
mouths of children and nursing infants

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Hosanna!
Blessed is He who come in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Look! I am coming quickly and My reward is with me
to repay each person according to what he has done
Yes I am coming quickly

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Matthew 21:16;Mark 11:9-10; Luke 19:38; Revelation 22:12, 20

Getting Those Seeds Started

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:19:22 PST

Now that you know "When to get those seeds started" - let's look at how to get them started!

How to start seeds is almost like following a recipe.

1 packet of seeds
1 Jiffy pot greenhouse (this is what I like to use, can be re-used each year)
1 package of Jiffy Pot Peat Pellet refills (if green house didn't come w/pellets)
1 south facing window (or fluorescent work light w/full spectrum bulbs)
1 piece of cardboard w/foil (if using south facing window)
water

Get your peat pellets placed into your greenhouse flat; Make sure the little net opening is facing up
Slowly pour room temperature water into the greenhouse flat, wait and allow peat pellets to soak up water; Pour off excess water
Take a pencil and poke a hole in expanded pellet at depth recommended on your seed packet
Drop a seed into each hole.
Take tip of pencil and gently cover seed with the peat from the sides of the hole.
Cover greenhouse flat with the lid and place in a place where air temperature is 50-69F
Check flat daily, as soon as you see seedlings place flat in south facing window or under full spectrum fluorescent lights. A) If the flat is in a south facing window place a piece of cardboard covered in foil behind the flat to reflect the light on both sides of the seedlings. B) If using fluorescent lights place lights no more than 3-4" away from the foliage.
Seedlings need 12-14 hours of sunlight a day.
Don't let the peat pots dry out. Keep moist but not soggy. Use room temperature water. Check daily.

The next step, before transplanting outside, is called "hardening." I will cover this in a future blog. Keep reading and enjoy your garden!!

What Is Lent All About?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:49:00 PST

Today is Fat Tuesday and tomorrow starts Lent. So why do people give things up for Lent? What is this "season" all about?

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and is the 40 days before Easter. People use this time to reflect, do some soul searching and fast or give something up to prepare for Easter. But this still poses the question of why do people do this? Well let us take a look at the Bible. -

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. - Matthew 4:1-2

Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. - Mark 1:12-13

Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. - Luke 4:1-2

So the basic, long and the short of it - is that Lent is the remembrance of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness before beginning His three year ministry. You may have the same feeling as I did that there is something more to this simple observance. I think there is.

40
Noah - Rained for 40 days, 40 nights (Genesis 7:4 & 12)
Moses - After sealing the Covenant goes up on the mountain 40 days & 40 nights to receive the 10 commandments (Exodus 24:12-18)
Joshua, Caleb & the Scouts - scouted out Canaan for 40 days (Numbers 13:25)
Israelites - Wander in the desert 40 years
Jesus - temptation before starting the ministry (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2)

See a pattern? Before doing a great work or movement there was a time of cleansing, fasting, repentance, reflection or scouting. This pattern moves around the number 40. Can God move before 40 days, weeks, years, etc is up? Yes. But I believe this is to show us that there needs to be a time set aside on our part to prepare for God to move. Even Jesus set aside that time to prepare and overcome in the wilderness.

I would be remiss not to add that Jesus appeared, performed miracles and preached to the people for 40 days after He rose from the dead before ascending into Heaven. (Acts 1:3) And what happened soon after that? The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.

So as you look at this time of Lent, look at it more than just a time to give something up. Look at it as a time to prepare your heart and life for a great movement of God.

When To Get Those Seeds Started

noreply@blogger.com (From The Backwoods) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:26:39 PST

It is only February but now is the time to start thinking about your garden if you plan on starting your own seeds. When planning you need to know the answer to these questions:

What plants are you starting from seed that can be started inside then transplanted?

How many weeks before the frost free date does the package recommend?

What zone are you in?

When are you going to put your garden in the ground?

What plants are you starting from seed that can be started inside then transplanted? The typical garden fare that can be started inside are - tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, seed onions, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, eggplant and zucchini. This is not an all inclusive list - this is just a list of the seeds that I start and am familiar.

It is a trial and error with some seeds on how easy they are to transplant. Some cucumber or zucchini packages may not tell you to start indoors but I have not had problems transplanting them plus if you go to the local farmers market you will find people selling cucumber and zucchini plants to put out - so I would say you are safe.

How many weeks before the frost free date does the package recommend? On the back of most seed packages it tells you how many weeks before putting out they recommend starting inside. Here is a what I try to do when starting my seeds. :

Tomato - 6-8 weeks
Pepper - 8-10 weeks
Cabbage - 4-6 weeks
Cucumbers - 4-5 weeks
Seed onions - 8-10 weeks (Sweet Spanish Yellow Utah Jumbo)
Broccoli - 5-7 weeks
Cauliflower - 5-7 weeks
Spinach - 6-8 weeks
Eggplant - 8-10 weeks
Zucchini - 4-5 weeks

What zone are you in? When are you going to put your garden in the ground? These two questions really go together. Depending on what zone you are in really helps make your decision on when to plant your garden. Wondering what zone you are in? Tip: A majority of Missouri and Illinois are Zone 5. Very southern areas of Missouri and Illinois are in Zone 6. Iowa lands in Zones 4 & 5. Check out the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Then you need to look at when your last frost is expected.

Last Expected Frost Dates by Zone
Zone 1: June1 - June 30
Zone 2: May 1 - May 31
Zone 3: May 1 - May 31
Zone 4: May 1 - May 31
Zone 5: March 30 - April 30
Zone 6: March 30 - April 30
Zone 7: March 30 - April 30
Zone 8: February 28 - March 30
Zone 9: January 30 - February 28

I realize these are wide dates and some areas are prone to get frost sometimes after that last date. Personally I do like to look at the Old Farmer's Almanac. I pick one up every year. It is very helpful and informative.

You need to look at everything and decide when you want to put your seedlings in the ground. Then depending on what seeds you want to start count backwards from that date the amount of weeks recommended. Don't panic if it is still cold or calling for frost when you are ready to put your seeds in the ground. If you need to put it off a few days or week - it will be okay. Or if you want to brave it, get heavy clear plastic and some PVC and put covers over your rows until the danger is past.

This year the Almanac is saying April 13 as the last day of frost for Jefferson City, Missouri. So if someone were to go by that as their planting date they would need to start their seeds that say "start 8 weeks before last frost" no later than February 16. So you see - it really isn't to early to be getting your seeds started! Enjoy!!

Future blogs: How To Start Your Seeds; Preparing your seedlings for transplanting and frost covers.