Judges 3 – 5 and Some Leatherwork

Judges 3 – 5

We see in chapter 3 that the Lord left certain nations in the land in order to:

1. Test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan
2. Teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle
3. See whether the Israelites would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses

Unfortunately, Israel did exactly what they were not supposed to do, not only intermarrying, but also serving the Canaanites gods.

Now the cycle begins:

• Israel does evil in the Lord’s sight
• They worship other gods
• The Lord turns them over to serve a nation such as King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim
• The Spirit of the Lord comes upon a rescuer
• The Lord gives the rescuer victory
• There is once again peace in the land until the judge/leader/rescuer dies

In the third chapter, Othniel is raised up to rescue the people. He was Caleb’s nephew who won the right to marry Caleb’s daughter Acsah. He beat King C (you don’t think I’m going to type that long name out again, do you?) and the Lord gave him victory. Israel is at peace for 40 years.

Once again, though, they do evil and King Eglon of Moab with the help of the Ammonites and the Amalekites defeat Israel. Israel serves them for eighteen years. Left-handed Ehud from the tribe of Benjamin is the next judge raised up. While delivering tribute money to King Eglon, he uses deceit and a double-edged dagger to kill Eglon and then leads the Israelites to victory over the Moabites. The next period of peace lasts eighty years.

Shamgar, son of Anath was really handy with an ox goad, rescues Israel next.

But chapter 4 says that after Ehud’s death, Israel again did evil and was turned over to King Jabin of Hazor. Sisera,the commander of Jabin’s army, oppressed the Israelites or twenty years. Israel cried out for help and Deborah, who was judging Israel at the time, persuaded Barak to take 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali to attack Sisera. The Lord gives them victory and Sisera, coward that he was, escaped on foot. A woman named Jael deceives Sisera into thinking she will help him, but she finishes him off with a hammer and a tent peg. Israel becomes stronger and finally defeats King Jabin.

So far we have read about four judges: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah.

Tomorrow, it’s Judges 6 – 7.

Some Leatherwork

I made the following cell phone case for the park manager:

I think this is the third iteration. As you can see, I’ve lined it with pigskin:  

The following is a terrible picture, mostly because of the shadow that pretty much covers the bottom, but this is a wild rose I carved and stamped today for one of the pieces I’m working on.

 

I actually have all of the carving and stamping completed on this piece. Now I just have to color it. I’ll try to give you a better picture of this part of the design once I’ve colored it. The work is pretty time-consuming – it probably takes 24-48 hours from start to finish to make one, not counting the six hours it takes to lace it. BUT, I’m having a ball doing it.

Until next time…

Judges 1 – 2 and Mirror, Mirror

Judges 1 – 2

The Israelites have some more work to do to rid the land of the Canaanites. The first tribe chosen to attack the enemy is the tribe of Judah. They make a deal with the tribe of Simeon. If they join with them to conquer their territory, Judah will help Simeon with theirs. They enjoy a great victory in the town of Bezek. King Adoni-bezek escapes, but they eventually capture him and cut off his thumbs and big toes. This was apparently a just punishment since he had once done the same to seventy kings.

Jerusalem was also captured and then some others. Caleb offers his daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher. His nephew Othniel wins her hand.

Judah helps Simeon fight against the Canaanites and they enjoy another victory, but why is there always a “however?” Judah failed to drive out the people living in the plains. In fact, we see several instances in this first chapter of Judges, where the words “failed to drive out” are used. Was this from a lack of will? God is mighty and could have driven these people out. Was it that they liked having control over the people or having slaves to do their bidding?

Since the Israelites had not done what they were supposed to do, God sends the angel of the Lord to let them know that because of their disobedience, He would no longer drive out the people living in their land. Instead, “they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.” This causes the people to weep loudly.

There’s a clear lesson in the second chapter that obedience is not inherited. After the generation that entered the Promised Land died, “another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.”

It is evident from this that the Israelites did not follow God’s instructions beginning in Deuteronomy 6:4 - “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

If they had been doing this, there is no way a generation could grow up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

And, we see that not only did they not acknowledge the Lord, they abandon Him to serve Baal and the Ashtoreth. Israel starts being defeated whenever they go into battle, because the Lord fights against them. Then the Lord raises up judges to rescue them. We’ll see the following repeated again and again through this book:

• The people sin and are defeated or suffer at the hands of their enemies.
• The people cry out to the Lord.
• He takes pity on them.
• He sends a judge to help them.
• When the judge dies, they return to their wicked ways.
• They behave worse than those who lived before them.
• They refuse to stop their evil practices and stubborn ways.

We find out at the end of chapter 2 that the Lord did this as a test, which the Israelites failed miserably.

Tomorrow, it’s Judges 3 – 5.

Mirror, Mirror

Since I was a little kid, sitting on my mother’s lap listening to her read to me, I have been a fan of fairy tales. They have just the right combination of good and evil, with good triumphing in the end. And I have really enjoyed the Disney portrayal of so many of the fairy tales I loved as a kid.

Today, I saw the movie Mirror, Mirror starring Julia Roberts as the evil queen, Nathan Lane as her butler, Mare Winningham as the baker lady, Lily Collins as Snow White and Armie Hammer as the Prince. The seven dwarfs were played by real dwarfs. While not as endearing as those in the Disney Snow White cartoon movie, they were endearing in their own way. Of course, the cartoon dwarfs had cute names. The dwarfs in this movie were called Half Pint, Grub, Grimm, Napoleon, Wolf, Butcher and Chuckles. They were also not miners whistling their way to work hard every day.

They were, however, just as loyal to Snow White as Sleepy, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Happy. Julia Roberts does a great job as the evil queen.

I really enjoyed this movie. It was enough like the original to be familiar, but enough different to make the story interesting and fresh.

Until next time…

Joshua 22 – 24 and The Dollar Bill

Joshua 22 – 24

Well, today we are studying the last three chapters of the book of Joshua. We are certainly making our way through God’s Word quite quickly.

The Jordan River separated the Israelites with Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the river. The warriors for those tribes had been fighting alongside the rest of their fellow Israelites with the understanding that once they were at rest, they could go back home. Joshua calls them together and praises their loyalty and obedience then says they may go home, back across the Jordan River. Apparently, they were going home with great wealth, wealth they had taken from their enemies. Joshua advises them to share that wealth with their relatives.

On their way home, they stop and build an altar at the edge of the land of Canaan just west of the Jordan. The tribes that were left behind saw this as a betrayal and were ready to go to war against them. They sent a delegation to confront them and soon discovered that the altar was a memorial so the Israelites on both sides of the Jordan would remember that those on the east side have a right to worship the Lord at his sanctuary. This came as a great relief to Phinehas (the son of Eleazar the priest) and the other leaders. The result was all the Israelites praised God and spoke no more of war.

Joshua is coming to the end of his days and he calls the elders, leaders, judges and officers of Israel together where he reminds them of what has happened. More importantly, perhaps, he reminds them that they are to follow the Book of Instructoin that Moses wrote, they are not to associate with the other people still remaining in the land, they are not to even mention the names of other gods and they are to cling tightly to the Lord their God as they have done until now.

What better advice could we get than to cling tightly to the Lord and to love Him?

He also warns them about what will happen if they do turn away. He then reviews their history and reminds them that they were not responsible for the victories they enjoyed.

“So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.” Joshua 24:14

Joshua makes a covenant with the people and sets up huge stone as a reminder and as a witness that it heard everything.

Joshua died at age 100 and was buried in the land he was allocated. There is even a reference to the burial of the bones of Joseph at Shechem in the parcel of ground Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor.

Eleazar, son of Aaron, also died and was buried in the country of Ephraim.

So far, Israel has done pretty well, under the leadership of two men of God: Moses and Joshua. A godly leader is so important as we will see in the next book we study.

Tomorrow, it’s Judges 1 – 2.

My cousin sent me the following in an e-mail:

Do your children know. Do you know?

Who Was Haym Solomon?

Read this fascinating history of the $1 bill –
all the way to the bottom to know about Haym Solomon.You may be in for quite a surprise!

On the rear of the One Dollar bill, you will see two circles.
Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States.The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved.

If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid.
Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This
country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the west or decided what we could do for Western Civilization. The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the Capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.

'IN GOD WE TRUST' is on this currency.

The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, 'God has
favored our undertaking.' The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.”

At the base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral for 1776.
(MDCCLXXVI)

If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully,
you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States .It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell,
Florida National Cemetery , and is the centerpiece of most heroes'
monuments. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States , and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two
reasons: First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is
smart enough to soar above it. Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England .

Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now
stand on its own.

At the top of that shield there is a white bar signifying
congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation.

In the Eagle's beak you will read, ' E PLURIBUS UNUM' meaning,
'from many - one.'

Above the Eagle, we have the thirteen stars, representing the
thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away.  Again, we were coming together as one.

Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive
branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.

An (untrue) old-fashioned belief says that the number 13 is an
unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will almost never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this:
America, which relies on God (not a number) to direct and lead,
boldly chose:
13 original colonies,
13 signers of the Declaration of Independence ,
13 stripes on our flag,
13 steps on the pyramid,
13 letters in 'Annuit Coeptis',
13 letters in ' E Pluribus Unum,'
13 stars above the eagle,
13 bars on that shield,
13 leaves on the olive branch,
13 fruits, and if you look closely,
13 arrows.

And finally, notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the
right-hand circle.

You will see that they are arranged as a Star of David. This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Haym
Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army. Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself, but he would like something for his people.The Star of David was the result. Few people know it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions ...then died a pauper. Haym Solomon gave $25 million
to save the Continental Army, money that was sorely needed to help realize America’s –our- freedom and independence from England .
Therein lies America ’s Judeo-Christian beginning.

Most American children do NOT know any of this.

They are not taught because their history teachers do NOT know
this. [They were not taught!]

On America ’s Freedom:
Too many veterans gave up too much to let the meaning fade.
Many veterans came home to an America that did not care.
Too many veterans never came home at all.
They served, they died for you … for me.

I hope you will share this page with many-so they can learn
about the UNITED STATES DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for.
America is at a critical juncture.

Let's do whatever we can to save her while never, ever forgetting:
It is God in whom we put our trust!

Until next time…

Joshua 19 – 21

Chapter 19 continues a description of the allotment of land to the tribes that had not received anything yet. Did you notice that the tribe of Simeon was given land originally allotted to the tribe of Judah, because the land was too large for Judah.

The last tribe to receive an allotment was Dan. We see that Dan had trouble taking possession of what they were allotted so they attacked the town of Laish, captured it and killed the people who lived there. Renaming the town Dan, they settled there.

Even Joshua received an allocation of land because the Lord said he could have any town he wanted. This land was picked out by Joshua, but all of the other allocations were made by sacred lot.

I’m sure George Zimmerman, who is accused of killing Treyvon Martin, would approve of the designation of cities of refuge. He could sure use one now – a place to go, safe from relatives seeking revenge for the person killed until he could be tried.

The Levites were also granted towns and land where they could live and pasture their livestock. These areas were designated by clan – some for the Kohathites, some for the Gershonites, and some for the Merarites. Did you notice that within these allocations, mention was made of the land given to Caleb son of Jephunneh?

Joshua 21:45 concludes in this way: “Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 22 – 24 and then we will begin to study the book of Judges.

Until next time…

Joshua 16 – 18 and Christmas Presents

These three chapters continue with the allocation of land, some of which had not even been mapped out yet.

Did you notice that the tribe of Ephraim was unable to drive the Canaanites out of Gezer, but were able to force them to be slaves? The tribe of Manasseh was also unable to drive out the Canaanites, but eventually forced them to be slaves.

I was glad to see that the agreement with the five daughters of Zelophehad was honored. They were given a grant of land along with their uncles, as the Lord had commanded.

In chapter 18, we find that seven of the tribes had not yet received their allotment. Three men from each of the seven tribes formed a group who went out to explore the land and map it. Joshua said he would cast sacred lots to assign the land to each tribe and, when they returned, he did.

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 19 – 21.

Christmas Presents

Today, I finished the first of 18 Christmas presents I will be making for family and friends. I’m really pleased at how it turned out and would tell you what it is and show you a picture, but don’t want to give away the surprise. It was quite an undertaking since I didn’t use a pattern for the article or a pattern for the image; I just created the object from bulk leather and drew a design to put on it. It took 4 – 5 hours to lace it.

All of the parts I need, except one have been measured and cut out. It’s just a matter of making the design, copying it to the leather, carving the design, stamping it, dyeing or coloring it, and assembling it. I’m trying to make unique designs or a combination of a unique design and a pattern, rather than just using patterns.

Just think: I only have to do this seventeen more times.

Until next time…

Joshua 12-15 and The Hunger Games

Joshua 12-15

Chapter 12 provides a summary of the kings defeated on both the east and west sides of the Jordan River. And remember: many of these defeats were not dealt to kings fighting by themselves but to alliances of kings who thought by banding together, they could defeat the Lord of Hosts. However, the Israelites had not yet encountered and conquered everyone, but since God promises Joshua, who was growing old by this time, that He Himself will drive these people out of the land ahead of the Israelites, Joshua was to include the lands belonging to the as yet undefeated as part of the land given to the people. Chapters 13 and 14 begin the description of how the lands were divided.

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 16 – 18.

The Hunger Games Movie

Today, I went to see The Hunger Games movie. I haven’t read the books yet (I think there are three in the series), but will probably read them now. The movie was fast-moving and intriguing.

The author has a terrific imagination. The movie was exciting, very moving, and a good lesson on the dangers of a government that get too big. When a government gets too big, personal liberty is almost non-existent. If you are paying attention at all, you can see that happen in this country. Obamacare and the mandate to buy health insurance is one example. The government’s intrusion into our lives, including what we eat, how we are to think, and what we are allowed to do with our own property – to name just a few – is almost mind-boggling. We see the rule of law set aside almost every day in favor of preferential treatment of a few cronies of those in power. We see our Congress ceding its powers to the Executive branch and the Justice Department anything but just. If you get a chance, go see it.

A firend sent me a link to the neatest video about a robin and four eggs. Check out the video here:

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9479342&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

Until next time…

Joshua 9 – 11

Joshua 9-11

Shortly after Moses went back up on Mount Sinai after he confronted the people about the worship of the golden calf, God told him (Exodus 34:12), “Be very careful never to make a treaty with the people who live in the land where you are going. If you do, you will follow their evil ways and be trapped.” The people of Gibeon used deception to save themselves. The other kings of the area banded together to fight against the Israelites.

The Gibeonites, who were part of the Hivites the Israelites were supposed to destroy, pretended that they were from a “very distant country.” Joshua knew he couldn’t make a pact with anyone who lived nearby and told these guys so. They convinced him they were telling the truth and he made a treaty with them. In just three days, he finds our about the deception, but did not attack the towns of the Gibeonites because the Israelite leaders had made a vow to them in the name of the Lord. Instead, they made them woodcutters and water carriers, keeping them in close contact with the community. It seems to me it would have been better for the Israelites to drive them from the area, to exile them from the Promised Land.

Pretty soon, five Amorite kings get together to attack Gibeon. They call on the Israelites for help and the Israelites defeat the five kings and their armies. Joshua calls for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and it did. According to Joshua 10:13, “ So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel defeated its enemies.”

Joshua and the Israelite army captured a number of places and defeated the southern armies in a single campaign because the Lord was fighting for his people. Shortly after that, he defeated the northern armies too. Joshua 11:23 sums it up well: “So Joshua took control of the entire land, just as the Lord had instructed Moses…”

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 12-15.

Until next time…

Joshua 5-8

We learn that during the forty years the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, none of those born after the Exodus had been circumcised. Joshua remedies that by circumcising all of the males. Of course, they did not go immediately into battle. Healing had to take place.

The manna stopped being available as soon as the people were able to harvest their grain from the land they entered.

Did you find it puzzling that the commander of the Lord’s army would not identify himself as either friend or foe, but told Joshua he was the commander of the Lord’s army? Joshua couldn’t see the Lord’s army so we have no way of knowing what it looked like or how big it was. I expect Joshua was encouraged by the commander’s presence, don’t you?

We know from the spies that Jericho is a walled city and we read in chapter 6 that the gates were shut tightly. Let’s face it: the people of Jericho had heard the stories of how God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt and how the Israelites had beaten Og and Sihon.

The plan to take Jericho was simple:

• Seven priests were to walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn which they would blow continually
• The fighting men followed the priests with the ark with no one talking, although some of them marched in front of the priests
• This was to be done for six days.
• On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times with the priests blowing the horns they carried
• When the people heard the priests give one long blast of the hrons, all of the people were to shout as loud as they could
• When the walls fell down, everything in Jericho was to be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord
• Only Rahab and those in her house were to be spared

The walls fell down. The silver, gold, bronze, and iron objects were sacred to the Lord and were to be brought into his treasury. Everything else and everyone except Rahab and those in her house were utterly destroyed. Joshua placed a curse on Jericho. His reputation spread.

Unfortunately, there was a fly in the ointment whose name was Achan. His actions cost the lives of 36 Israelite warriors when the people attacked Ai. Joshua soon found out why they were defeated – a warrior had stolen some of the Lord’s treasure. The drama of finding the evildoer must have made quite an impression on the people. You can’t hide from God; He sees everything. He saw the things Achan had stolen.

What a harsh punishment was allotted to Achan: not only was he stoned, but his whole family, after which they were burned.

After that, Ai was not long for this world. The army of Israel, 30,000 in all, went up and possessed the land through stealth. This time, though, the Israelites were allowed to keep the plunder – the livestock and the treasures of the town.

Once again, Joshua has the people divide into two groups, one in front of Mount Gerizim and the other in front of Mount Ebal. All of the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instructions were read to the people by Joshua. There was no excuse for anyone not to know what was expected of them.

What a sight it must have been: hundreds of thousands of people divided between the two mountains listening intently to Joshua read.

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 9-11.

Until next time…

Joshua 1-4 and My New Faucet

Joshua 1-4

Just think, as of yesterday, you have read the entire Pentateuch, the book of Job and a couple of Psalms. Today, we will see Joshua as the leader. Moses has died and God buried him, probably so people wouldn’t make a shrine of his grave. God reminded Joshua of the way to be successful: “obey all the instructions Moses gave you” and “Study the Book of Instruction continually,” which included meditating on it day and night.

Do you think we can infer that Joshua at least looked a little scared? After all, three times in the first nine verses, God tells Joshua to, “Be strong and courageous.” And even the people tell Joshua (in the last verse of chapter 1), “Be strong and courageous.” Of course, they prefaced it with the words, “we will obey you as we obeyed Moses,” so it might have been understandable if he looked a little scared.

On the other hand, those words might have just been encouragement. After all, in three days they were going to cross the Jordan to take possession of the land.

In chapter 2, we are introduced to another of the four women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Christ (see Matthew 1:5): Rahab, a prostitute. Like Tamar, she was not Jewish, but God uses her mightily.

Joshua secretly sends two spies to scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan, including Jericho. The two men spend the night at Rahab’s house, but someone tells the king of Jericho about them. When asked where they are, Rahab admits they were there, but fails to tell the king’s men that she had hidden them in the roof. After the king’s men leave, the gates of Jericho are shut so they cannot go out that way.

All of the evidence points to the fact that Rahab was a believer. She knew about the miraculous way Israel had been liberated from Egypt and about what had happened to Sihon and Og. She even says, “For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth beneath. The two Israelites make a pact with Rahab – she and anyone inside her house will be safe when they attack Jericho, but she must leave a scarlet rope hanging from her window.

I’m sure Joshua was encouraged about the report the two spies made, especially that the people of the land were terrified of the Israelites. I’m sure he was also pleased that the Lord told him he would begin to make him a great leader in the eyes of all the people. Another miracle is in the making: the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant a few steps into the Jordan River and the water stops flowing. The fact that it was harvest time and the river was overflowing its banks only made it more of a miracle. All of the people cross the river on dry ground.

Twelve men are selected to carry twelve stones across the Jordan from the place in the Jordan where the priests holding the Ark of the Covenant stopped. This was to be a memorial of their crossing. Twelve stones were also taken from the Jericho side of the Jordan and put in the river where the priests stood. Wouldn’t it be great if someone were to find these two sets of stones? This was such a memorable day for the Israelites, it’s hard to believe they have lost the place where these stones are.

The Lord certainly accomplished his purpose, because on that day, the Lord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They revered him as much as Moses.

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 5-8.

My New Faucet

My kitchen faucet has been leaking for a while. Today, I had had enough so I called A & A Mobile RV Service. They came right out and installed a new faucet, this time a single lever faucet – no more burned hands.

I also learned a new technique for my leatherwork called the basketweave. I practices it today on this scrap of leather. Can you see why it’s called the basketweave?

This scrap of leather has no useful purpose, but I’ll probably keep it around to remind me how to do this basketweave.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 32 – 34 and Psalm 91

Deuteronomy 32 and Psalm 91 are very similar. Both emphasize the goodness, strength, faithfulness, provision, and mercy of the Lord. The picture Moses paints of an eagle hovering over her young, spreading his wings to take them up is beautiful and really describes how God watches out for us. His words were also a prediction that Israel would foolishly not follow what the Lord said.

The Lord tells Moses it is time for him to die, to join his ancestors. As you know, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock at Meribah instead of just speaking to it. In Deuteronomy 32:51, God tells Moses that this was a betrayal. Even though Moses could not enter the land, the Lord made it possible for him to see the land from a distance. It says clearly that “the Lord showed him the whole land.”

In chapter 33, Moses blesses each of the tribes by name.

In the final chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses goes up to Mount Nebo and climbs Pisgah Peak. After he sees the land, he dies there and the Lord buries him. The people mourn him for thirty days. Joshua takes over, but I love the tenth verse of chapter 34: “There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, who the Lord knew face to face.

Tomorrow, it’s Joshua 1-4. (Is the song Joshua fit the battle of Jericho running through your head yet?)

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 30 – 31 and A Real Cut-Up

Deuteronomy 30 – 31

Moses was certainly a forward thinking man. He envisioned a time when the people would be living among the nations in exile. He knew the mercy and trustworthiness of the Lord and that, if the people obeyed the Lord’s commands after they were forced out of the land, God would gather back those He had scattered.

Moses also realized that what he was telling the people was not too difficult for them to understand. It was not beyond their reach. It all came down to a choice: a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. The key to their life was to love the Lord, obey Him and commit themselves firmly to Him.

Moses, who could not cross the Jordan River nor enter the Promised Land, shared with the people that Joshua would be their leader. He tells the people and then Joshua specifically to “be strong and courageous.” He then wrote out all of the instructions in a book and gave it to the priests. They were to place it beside the Ark of the Covenant. Every seven years, at the Festival of Shelters, they were to read the book containing the instructions to all the people.

God then predicts that the people will stray, but still He asks Moses to write down the words of a song and teach it to the people “so it may serve as a witness for me against them.”

Tomorrow, we will read the song of Moses and finish the book of Deuteronomy as we study Deuteronomy 32 – 34 and Psalm 91.

A Real Cut-Up

I may have mentioned that I will be making gifts for Christmas for family and friends out of leather. Yesterday, I bought 2 sides of leather (a total of 53+ square feet. Today, I cut up one side and will probably finish the other side after posting this.

Knowing that I had so much leather to cut, I purchased what is called a Head Knife or Round Knife. It is made out of Damascus steel and is very sharp.

Since this knife did not come with any kind of case, I decided to make one. I cut it out and laced it up. It works fairly well, but I would probably make it a little different if I had it to do over.

Doesn’t the knife look sharp? It’s very intimidating.

Here it is all snug as a bug in a rug:

From point to point, the knife is about 4 1/2 inches wide.

I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having with this stuff.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 28 – 29 and Gasoline

Deuteronomy 28 – 29

These two chapters could easily be called the “blessings vs curses” chapters. Moses doesn’t just tell the people that if they obey, they will be blessed and if they do not obey, they will be cursed. He almost poetically describes in unbelievable detail exactly what will happen either way.

For example, if they obey, their towns and fields will be blessed, their children and crops will be blessed, the offspring of their herds and flocks witll be blessed, their fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed, and “wherever you go and whatever you do will be blessed.” Further, if they obey, the Lord will make them the head and not the tail and they would always be on top and never at the bottom. How could it get better than this? BUT, if they do not obey, the opposite will be true. How could it get worse than that?

Tomorrow, it’s Deuteronomy 30 – 31.

Gasoline

I went down to Brandon today and couldn’t believe the price of gasoline – in most stations, it was $3.859 per gallon. I was lucky(?) and filled up for $3.689 at the Truckstops of America in Seffner, but the total I paid was $69.00. In a way, I’m lucky though since I hadn’t got gas since 3/3 – 17 days ago. Obviously, I haven’t been driving much, at least not like I used to.

I think tomorrow I might go se Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax. I haven’t been to the movies in quite a while.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 24 – 27

The rules for the Promised Land continue. Which one did you find interesting? I thought the one about a newly married man not being drafted for at least a year. He had to be free to spend that first year at home so he could bring happiness to his wife.

In many of these rules, God was looking out for the poor, the orphans and the widows – people who could not take care of themselves. God provided sustenance, not with a handout, but they could go into the fields and into the vineyards and glean food that the farmers were supposed to leave for them.

Much of chapter 25 covers what to do about a lot of interpersonal problems. If you were the brother of a man who died and left his wife childless, how would you have liked to have your family referred to as “the family of the man whose sandal was pulled off?” This hearkens back to the story of Judah and Tamar. Tamar was married to Judah’s firstborn, Er. He was wicked and died before producing progeny. His brother, Onan, then married Tamar, but refused to give her a child so the Lord took his life, too. Judah did not allow his third son, Shelah, to marry her, fearing Shelah would die also. Tamar, one of the four women mentioned in accounts of the line of Christ, pretended to be a prostitute and got pregnant by Judah.

Almost in an aside, Moses tells them to remember the way the Amalekites attacked them when they came from Egypt and to destroy them and their memory wherever they found them.

During the harvest offering, when the people were bringing the firstfruits of their crop, they were given clear instructions of what to say as they brought it – more helps in remembering what the Lord had done for them.

I think this is the first we have seen the rule about the special tithe of their crops to the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows that they were to give every third year. In fact, I don’t really remember reading this before, but I must have. This was a way for them to acknowledge God’s goodness and to ask for a blessing.

In chapter 27, Moses talks about Mount Ebal and how, after the people crossed the Jordan River, they were supposed set up remembrance stones and coat them with plaster, upon which they would write this whole body of instructions. They were also to build an altar from uncut stones and offer sacrifices and celebrate their coming into the land.

Can you picture the people being divided by tribe with Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin standing on Mount Gerizim and Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali on Mount Ebal? The Levites were to pronounce specific curses and the people were to say, “Amen.” There would be no doubt that anyone didn’t know about the curses.

Tomorrow, it’s Deuteronomy 28 – 29.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 21 – 23 and Custom Holster

Deuteronomy 21 – 23

Moses continues to discuss how the Israelites are supposed to comport themselves in the Promised Land. Some of the practices probably seem strange and barbaric to you, but this was a different time and God was trying to give His people a way to obey.

It is interesting how they dealt with things when a murder went unsolved. It was important that they be absolved of the guilt of the murdered person’s blood and that the community be cleansed from the guilt of murder.

God watched out for women also, making rules to protect a captured woman whom an Israelite married. He also protected the firstborn, regardless of how the father felt about the mother of the child.

A rather harsh punishment was meted out to rebellious sons – stoning. The reason was given: “In this way, you will purge this evil from among you, and all Israel will hear about it and be afraid” -- Deut 21:21. It is clear that evil exists and that it is like a disease; it spreads if left unchecked.

I imagine the restrictions for illegitimate persons really discouraged illegitimacy. Not being admitted to the assembly would have been a severe punishment – and for ten generations. Wow!

Did you notice the rules about bathroom functions? The people had to designate an area outside the camp. This would protect them from a lot of disease.

I never noticed before how slaves who escape their masters were allowed to take refuge and could not to be returned to their masters.

Fellow Israelites were not be charged interest if they borrowed money or food or anything else.

An Israelite could go into a neighbor’s vineyard and eat grapes or into a neighbor’s field and eat grain, but could not take any with them.

I hope you are finding these regulations as interesting as I am, but aren’t you glad you don’t have to live under these rules?

Tomorrow, it’s Deuteronomy 24 – 27.

Custom Holster

Today, I finished my first custom holster, one I made a pattern for, cut the leather, carved and tooled, and assembled. I had made a holster before, from a purchased pattern, but it’s not the same.

Did I make mistakes? Oh, yeah. The first one: I cut the holster for a left-hander, even though I had marked the pattern left and right. I guess I was so excited to be cutting it out that I didn’t pay attention. I didn’t do as good a job of cutting it out as I should have. Part of that problem is the lighting – I couldn’t see the line very well.

I’ve already turned the pattern over and cut a right-hand holster, stamped it, carved  it, and dyed it. I need to get some other paints, since I want to add a little color to the eagle that’s flying across it. Probably, I’ll finish it next week.

Here’s picture of the first custom holster I made:

This is so much fun and I am getting lots of practice.

By the way, if you haven’t seen the following video, please take the time to watch. It’s amazing.

http://www.ted.com/talks/vijay_kumar_robots_that_fly_and_cooperate.html

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 17 – 20 and Hilarious Video

Deuteronomy 17 – 20

On the news, we occasionally hear of some Muslim woman or child being stoned to death, her crime: being raped. This seems totally unfair and barbaric, not only the stoning, but the injustice of the victim being the one punished.

In Deuteronomy 17, we find that a person who did evil in the sight of the Lord and who violated the covenant, was to be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death. However, this could not be done on the word of only one witness; it required there be at least two or more witnesses to the crime and the witnesses were required to throw the first stones. Why did God institute such laws? According to Deut. 17:7, it was to purge the evil from among you.”

I have to admit this puzzles me, but I think everything God did was for the good of His people. The practices of the people in the Promised Land were abhorrent and very evil, and it is easy to convince oneself that evil is okay – after all, “everybody else is doing it.”

Moses even foresaw the people would eventually want a king and he urges them to select a man the Lord chooses, a fellow Israelite and not a foreigner. When he became king, he was to copy the law on a scroll in the presence of the priests, keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. By doing this, he would:

1. Learn to fear the Lord by obeying all the terms of the instructions and decrees
2. Prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above the citizens
3. Prevent him from turning away from the commands in the smallest way
4. Ensure his descendants will reign for many generations

Deuteronomy 18 paints a vivid picture of the common practices of the nations that were living in the Promised Land. They:

1. Sacrificed their children as burnt offerings
2. Practiced fortunetelling
3. Used sorcery
4. Interpreted omens
5. Engaged in witchcraft
6. Cast spells
7. Functioned as mediums or psychics
8. Called forth the spirits of the dead

Moses also gives guidelines about how they would know whether or not a prophet is from the Lord. Basically, if his prediction does not come true, he is not from the Lord. In fact, a true prophet will never be wrong.

Justice was very important in this society. God instituted the cities of refuge, required more than one witness to convict of a crime, but also demanded a guilty person pay: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

God’s instructions on the total destruction of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites were also very clear. They were to destroy every living thing. Deuteronomy 20:18 tells why: “This will prevent the people of the land from teaching you to imitate their detestable customs in the worship of their gods, which would cause you to sin deeply against the Lord your God.”

Tomorrow, it’s Deuteronomy 21 – 23.

Hilarious Video 

If you are up there in years, you will appreciate this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6oHBG3ABUJU&vq=medium

Last night, I had trouble sleeping. At 2 this morning, I was standing in my kitchen cutting strawberries to pu in my dehydrator.  A little over 2 quarts fills it up and I bought three quarts for $5, so I have some berries to eat. I finally got to sleep around 5, got up for a little while at 6:40, then went back to bed and slept until 9:30. As of now (5:35 in the afternoon), I am beat.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 14 – 16 and My Pepper Plants

Deuteronomy 14 – 16

Moses goes into a lot more detail about how the people of God shold behave since they have been set apart as holy to the Lord. I bet they were glad that they should not cut themselves in mourning for the dead, though I’m not sure how they might have felt about shaving above their foreheads – seems they would have liked that also.

One way that set these people apart from other nations is related to what they were allowed to eat. Basically, they could eat any animal that has completely split hooves and chews the cud. In view of how sick people used to get from eating pigs, I think these restrictions were for their own good, but imagine not being able to eat bacon!

For marine animals, they could eat whatever had both fins and scales. The birds they could not eat were individually listed. They also had rules about what insects could be eaten. I would not have had to worry about that because I do not intend to eat insects.

The fact that they could not eat anything that died a natural death is understandable – what might they have died of, but the fact that they were allowed to give such things to foreigners or sell it to strangers is hard to understand.

Orthodox Jews today still have two sets of dishes – one for dairy and the other for meat. I remember being at a conference in the Catskills where the resort was run by Orthodox Jews. I wondered at that time why I couldn’t have grated cheese on my spaghetti with meat sauce.

Tithing was important to this people. And when you think about it, tithing is really an act of faith, putting your money where your mouth is, so to speak. When you give the first fruits of your income to God, you honor His name and you acknowledge that He is the provider of whatever you have.

I bet a lot of you are wishing our banks operated like the Israelites were supposed to: cancel all debts at the end of every seventh year. Of course, this only was true for the Israelites, not for any foreigners living among them. Right along with this was the release of any Israelites who had sold themselves into slavery. Every seventh year, those slaves were to be set free.

Very different from today, is it not?

Moses again discusses the festivals the Israelites were to keep. This not only gave them a little down time, but also reminded them of what God had done for them, how great He is, and how much He loved His people.

Tomorrow, it’s Deuteronomy 17 – 20.

My Pepper Plants

Check out my Jalapeno pepper plant:

It actually has at least 6 bloosoms on it, but these two were most visible. There are little hints of blossoms on my yellow bell pepper plant also. I love my garden.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 11 – 13

Moses repeatedly urges the Israelites to talk about their experiences with their children, because they didn’t see what happened when he brought the people out of Egypt. They didn’t see the Red Sea parted and the people crossing on dry land. They didn’t see the Egyptians covered by the Red Sea water as they tried to follow. They didn’t see how the Lord cared for them in the wilderness on the way and so much more. They didn’t see these mighty deedsm of the Lord. If they don’t share the Lord’s greatness with their children, how are they to know?

This is instructive to anyone who has children. Talk openly about the Lord’s goodness and His loving kindness. Constantly remind each other of the Lord’s commands and His blessings.

The Lord wanted to contrast the difference in whether they would receive blessings or curses so much that after they took possession of the land of Canaan, they were to pronounce the blessing at Mount Gerizim and the curse at Mount Ebal. This would make it clear that they recognized obedience brought the blessing, but disobedience brought the curse.

Moses tells them their way of worship would undergo a change. They couldn’t sacrifice their burnt offerings anywhere they liked. They could only do so at the place the Lord would choose within their tribal territories.

Moses keeps repeating that they must be careful to obey all the commands he gives the, but also that they must not add or subtract anything from them.

In chapter 13, he gives a lot of examples of ways they might be tempted to worship other gods. In short, he tells them not to fall for it. Worship only the Lord their God and do what pleases Him.

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 14 – 16.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 8 – 10 and Wet T-Shirt Contest

Deuteronomy 8 – 10

Moses continues his review of what happened since the Lord brought the people out of Egypt. He wants them to know that they are not being given the Promised Land because they are so good, but because those they will displace are so wicked. In fact, Moses reviews all of the times the Israelites strayed. He names the deeds and the places where this wickedness on their part was apparent.

He spoke of the second set of stone tablets and the Ark of the Covenant, where these tablets were stored.

Moses’ words in Deut. 10:12-13 are so poignant: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him and love him and serve him with all you hear and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”

The words “for your own good” are so true. If Israel or any nation were to follow those Ten Commandments, everyone would be much better off.

Moses tells the people to change their hearts and stop being stubborn, that God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He watches out for orphans and widows and foreigners in their midst.

He then lays out a list of good things that will happen if they are obedient. Then, he lays out a list of bad things that will happen if they are disobedient. He points out that we show love to the Lord by walking in His ways.

A blessing or a curse -- that is what Moses set before them.

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 11 – 13.

Wet T-Shirt Contest – Winner!

Did you hear that Encyclopedia Britannica has ended its print editions after 244 years of printing the famous encyclopedia.

Also, did you see this picture of the flag that was flying outside the Democrat headquarters? Who does he think he is?

It has since been taken down. You can read all about it at:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/american-flag-with-obamas-face-enrages-veterans-in-florida/

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 5 – 7

Moses reminds the people that the Lord made a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, a covenant not with their ancestors, but with all who were alive as he spoke.

He reviews with them the Ten Commandments, which were predicated on the fact that the Lord rescued them from the land of Egypt where they were slaves.

1. They must not have any other god but the Lord.

2. They must not make for themselves an idol or image. The must not bow down and worship those idols or images, because the Lord is a jealous God, who lays the sins of the parents upon their children even in the third and fourth generations of those who reject Him,, but lavishes love for a thousand generations on those who love Him and keep His commands.

3. They must not misuse the name of the Lord.

4. They were to observe the Sabbath day.

5. They were to honor their father and their mother – the first commandment with promise: they would live a long, full life in the land the Lord their God is giving them.

6. They must not murder.

7. They must not commit adultery.

8. They must not steal.

9. They must not testify falsely against their neighbor.

10. They must not covet.

Whenever I hear the Ten Commandments, I am reminded of Jesus’ words. He summarized them into two:

1. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and soul and mind.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Moses mentions several times how important it is to obey all the commands the Lord gave them and to stay on the path He commanded them to follow.

Chapter 6 contains another one of my favorite passages of scripture. Beginning with verse 4 (the Shema), Moses gives them a path to follow that will help them remember what the Lord expects of them:

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your sould, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Isn’t that beautiful? Not only were they to talk about the Lord and His commands as they went about their daily activity, but they were also to tie them to their hands, wear them on their forehead and write them on their doorposts and gates.

The phylacteries, small boxes with parchment containing parts of the Torah, are worn by many Orthodox Jews today. The doors of the Orthodox contains what is known as the Mezuzah. It is a parchment containing parts of the Torah in a protective case and is hung on the doorpost. Orthodox Jews will touch it whenever they enter the home.

God was really looking out for the Israelites when He gave them these ways to remember Him.

And, the portion describing the land of Canaan is almost poetic. See verses 10-11 – in short, they would enjoy cities they did not build, goods they did not produce, cisterns they did not dig, vineyards and olive trees they did not plant.

Of course, all of this was only if they did not worship other gods. When they entered the land, they were to destroy the people completely, not make treaties with them, not intermarry with them, not allow their pagan altars to stand. They were a holy people and God expected them to act that way.

Just as God was willing and eager to bless them, so He was willing to punish them. Unfortunately, we will discover that the Israelites didn’t live up to the promise of blessing.

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 8 – 10.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 3 – 4 and Fried Mac and Cheese

Deuteronomy 3 – 4

In Deuteronomy 3, Moses continues his review of events that had led up to the point where they were at that time. His words to Joshua really summarized how he looked at what the Lord could and would do: “You have seen for yourself everything the Lord your God has done to the two kings (Og and SIhon). He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you.”

When Moses was first told he would not be entering the Promised Land, there was no record of how he felt about this, but in this chapter, his real feelings are evident. He “pleads” with the Lord to allow him to cross the Jordan to see the “wonderful land on the other side,” but the Lord told him not to speak about it any more. Did you note the way he sort of blamed it on the Israelites? Deut 3:26 “But the Lord was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me.” This must have really bothered him because he repeats in Deut 4:21.

Moses was a great leader who really cared about those he led. Deuteronomy 4 could be considered the chapter on obedience. The future of God’s people was very heavy on his heart. He urged them to obey that they might live and enter and occupy the land the Lord gave them. Their success depended on their obedience.

He was concerned that they might add or subtract from the commands the Lord gave them. God’s commandments were very clear andif the Israelites obeyed them, Moses points out that if they obey, they will “display wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations.” He speaks of other nations being in awe of the Israelites: Deut. 4:8 says “And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today.”

Moses warns the people not to forget what they had seen and to be sure that they pass them on to the children and grandchildren. He also warns them to be careful not to create idols of any6 shape or form – “The Lord your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God.”

Their well-being depended on their actions. If they obeyed, all would be well. If not, they could expect to have the same things happen to them that happened to those who worshipped Baal. They would be driven out of the land.

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 5 – 7.

Fried Mac and Cheese

On Saturday, I made meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. I always make too much Macaroni and cheese. Yesterday, I warmed up some mac and cheese by adding some milk and microwaving. Today, I put a little oil in a skillet and fried mac and cheese. I toasted a portion of a baguette, put the fried goodness on the bread, added a little vinegar and ate it. It was delicious. I may have some more tomorrow since I still have a lot left.

Until next time…

Deuteronomy 1 – 2 and Outback Goodness

Deuteronomy 1 – 2

Moses is addressing the people of Israel on the other side of the Jordan from the Promised Land. He reviews what has happened since they left Egypt and how an eleven-day journey could take forty years. In Numbers 13, the Lord told Moses to send scouts, but here Moses says “you all came to me and said, ‘First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us.’” Moses says he thought it was a good idea and did so.

Question: Did God tell Moses or did Moses take the people’s suggestion?

It would appear that there is a contradiction, but it’s possible God told Moses by using the suggestions and agreement of the Israelites.

Moses reviews the results of the scouts’ report and the fear and lack of trust that led to a forty-year wandering in the wilderness. He did not pull any punches when talking about the people’s disobedience.

In chapter 2, there is further review of their wanderings, including how God kept his word to the Edomites (descendants of Esau). We learn that by the time thirty-eight years have passed, all the men old enough to fight at the time of the scouting, had passed away. God promised to make people throught the earth terrified of them: “When they hear reports about you, they will tremble with dread and fear.”

One might ask why Moses felt it necessary to review all that had happened since they left Egypt. How soon people forget! We need to review the blessings God has given us, not gripe and complain about the challenges. God inhabits the praises of His people. Let’s praise Him for all He has done for us.

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 3 – 4.

Outback Goodness

Tonight, I took Richard to Outback Steakhouse for his birthday (his birthday is March 4th). He had  Surf & Turf and I had the Outback Special Steak. We both had the most wonderful dessert: Sydney’s Sinful Sundae. It was absolutely luscious: vanilla ice cream coated with toasted coconut, covered with chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and accompanied by fresh strawberries. Yum! Yum!

Until next time…

Numbers 35 – 36 and Prayer Request

Numbers 35 – 36

In Exodus 21, when discussing the penalty of killing someone, God told Moses he would appoint a place of refuge where the slayer could run for safety if the killing was done accidentally. In Numbers 35, after discussing the towns that would be allotted to the Levites, God told Moses to set up cities of refuge “to which people can flee if they have killed someone accidentally. Of course, it had to be proven that the murder was accidental. Murderers were only put to death if there was evidence presented by more than one witness. The Lord made it clear that ransom payments were not to be accepted from someone fled to a city of refuge.

It should be stressed that if a person did commit murder and it was not an accident, that person had to be put to death. Failure to do so would result in the defilement of the land.

In the last chapter of Numbers, the Lord passes on further instructions about women who inherit property: they had to marry someone from their own tribe, because “No grant of land may pass from one tribe to another; each tribe of Israel must keep its allotted portion of land.”

Tomorrow, its Deuteronomy 1 – 2.

Prayer Request

My neighbor Richard, who recently bought the house next to my cousin Richard, was taken away by ambulance today. I have no idea what was wrong with him, but I’m sure he and his family would appreciate your prayers.

Until next time…

Numbers 33 – 34

How careful the Lord was to have Moses write down the route the Israelites followed from Egypt through the wilderness and the wandering into the Promised Land. It might not sound like such a task unless you consider that they traveled FORTY years. Yet, while we know they traveled for forty years, no record was made of how long they camped at the individual places.

What really impressed me were the instructions the Lord gave Moses about driving out ALL the people living in the land of Canaan. ALL of their carved and molten images and pagan shrines were to be destroyed. The land was distributed and divided by sacred lot, with larger portions of land going to the larger tribes.

Verses 55 and 56 include a prediction: “But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. And I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.

Those are very descriptive words. Have you ever had a splinter in your eye? You can’t think of another thing and it’s extremely painful.

God was very clear about what land belonged to the Israelites. Too bad our UN and the Arabs don’t realize the truth.

Tomorrow, it’s the last two chapters of Numbers: 35 – 36. Only one more book and we will be done with the Pentateuch. Before the month of March is done, we will have read all of the way through Joshua. Wow!

Until next time.

Numbers 31 – 32, Bill Cosby, and Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds

Numbers 31 – 32

At this point, the Israelites are camped beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho. Moses is told by the Lord that revenge must be taken against the Midianites because they are the ones who led the Israelites into idolatry. He also tells Moses that after this is done, he will die and join his ancestors.

Did it seem odd to you that the 12,000 armed men of Israel were led into battle by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest? If you recall, Phinehas is the one who killed the Israelite and the Midianite woman he brought into his tent. Not only do they go into battle, but they also carry the “holy objects of the sanctuary” with them as well as the trumpets. They are victorious against what must have been a much larger force: they kill all the men of Midian, including the five kings. In addition, they also kill Balaam. However, they do not kill the women and children. They bring them back to camp as well as the cattle and flocks and all the wealth.

Moses is furious with the leaders of the army and you can see why. They didn’t kill the women even though they are the ones that led the Israelites astray. It must have been horrifying and gruesome to have to kill the helpless women and boys after they brought them back to camp and seems somewhat harsh, but God wanted His people to be uncorrupted by them.

The plunder they brought back was incredible. The men who fought divided up half of the plunder after the Lord’s share. The Lord also assigned a share to the people. The Midianites must have had a huge population; 32,000 girls were spared being killed because they were virgins. Imagine 675,000 sheep and goats, 72,000 cattle and 61,000 donkeys. This really added to the wealth of the people of Israel.

The miracle: not one of Israel’s warriors was killed in battle. The generals and captains of the army were so grateful for this that they gave to the Lord about 420 pounds of gold from plunder they had personally captured.

The people of Israel are in position to cross the Jordan River and begin conquering the land of Canaan, but two of the tribes (Gad and Reuben), who owned a lot of livestock, liked the area where they were camped. They sought Moses’ approval to have this land assigned to them.

Moses got the wrong impression. He thought that meant those two tribes would not help them take the rest of the land, but they just wanted to set up walled cities for their families and pens for their livestock and would then go with their fellow Israelites into battle. So, Gad and Reuben were given this land. Half the tribe of Manasseh, though there is no indication that they requested it, was also assigned land on that side of the Jordan.

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 33 – 34.

Bill Cosby "I'm 83 and Tired"

"I'm 83 and Tired" Worth reading.....
This should be required reading for every man, woman and child in Jamaica, the UK , United States of America , Canada , Australia and New Zealand and to all the world...

"I'm 83 and I'm Tired"

I'm 83. Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death or "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia , New Zealand , UK , America and Canada , while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance..

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's be-deck them selves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 83.. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and their children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.

Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds

Today, I went to AMC and saw Tyler Perries Good Deeds. It was an excellent movie and, for once, Tyler Perry did not play multiple characters. I was delighted to see Phylicia Rashad co-starring, as well as Gabrielle Union and Eddie Cibrian. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly.

Until next time…

Numbers 28 – 30 and Laundry Day

Numbers 28 – 30

Numbers 28 and 29 reiterates the offerings the people of Israel were to present to the Lord: daily offerings, Sabbath Day offerings, monthly offerings, Passover offerings, Festival of Harvest offerings, Festival of Trumpets offerings, Day of Atonement offerings, and Festival of Shelters offerings. All of these offerings gave the Israelites a very physical way to worship the Lord. Each time they offered their sacrifices, they acknowledged the Lord and His care and provision for them. But what of their hearts? People have an amazing ability to go through the motions.

The thirtieth chapter goes into a little more detail about vows made to the Lord, especially by women. Essentially, if you make a vow to the Lord, you must do exactly what you say you will do, although there are some provisions for daughters and wives that would make it possible for the woman to not fulfill her vow.

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 31 – 32.

Laundry Day

Today, I went to my cousin’s and did my laundry. Someone had to be at his house to meet the air conditioner man because Richard had to go to the doctor in St. Petersburg. I was nominated.

I was glad to get that done.

Heard from my sister-in-law that my brother-in-law, who was recently assaulted by a rogue log, had to have his gall bladder out. Fortunately, they didn’t have to cut him wide open.. I know he would appreciate your prayers.

Until next time…

Numbers 26 – 27 and My Island Is All Put Together

Numbers 26 – 27

You can see why this book is called the book of Numbers. Once again, the Lord has Moses and Eleazar (son of Aaron) count and record the names of all the men twenty and older who are able to go to war. In this case, however, the forty years have passed and none of those counted this time included those who had been listed before, because none of those survived except Caleb and Joshua.

The following lists the numbers from the last time, then the number of this latest count (The previous total was 603,550 men; this time there were a few less: 601,730):

• Reuben -- 46,500 – now, 43,730
• Simeon -- 59,300 – now, 22,000
• Judah – 74,600 – now, 76,500
• Issachar – 54,400 – now, 64,300
• Zebulun – 57,400 – now, 60,500
• Ephraim, son of Joseph – 40,500 – now, 32,500
• Manasseh, son of Joseph – 32,200 – now, 52,700
• Benjamin – 35,400 – now, 45,600
• Dan – 62,700 – now, 64,400
• Asher – 41,500 – now, 53,400
• Gad – 45,650 – now, 40,500
• Naphtali – 53,400 – now, 45,400

God also had Moses count the Levites. Previously, the one-month-old or older numbered 22,300, but now there are 23,000.

In many cultures around the world, women are treated as property. The Israelites were somewhat different. When Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh died without any male heir, his three daughters were given the property that would have been assigned to him. The rules set up for disposal of property seem very fair and equitable.

Moses is told by God that his time has come to an end and gives him the opportunity to go up on one of the mountains to see the land God gave to the people of Israel. It seems as if Moses was always thinking of the people of Israel instead of himself. He asks God to give them someone to guide them and lead them into battle.

Joshua, who had been a companion of Moses and a steady follower of the Lord, is appointed. He will get his direction from the Lord through Eleazar the priest who will use the Urim to determine God’s will. What an honor for Joshua and how sad that Moses does not get to enter the Promised Land.

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 28 – 30.

My Completed Island

Yesterday, I got the 4 drawers in my island assembled. I woke up at 5 this morning and completed putting it together. It is awesome as you can see by the pictures.

As you can see, it has:

• three small drawers
• 1 large drawer
• cabinets on both sides of the drawers
• a paper towel holder
• a shelf
• a wonderfully large counter to work on

What isn’t pictured very well here is a regular towel holder under the side shelf and a counter extension with a gate leg to support it when opened.

Sure, it takes up space, but it is on four casters and moves very easily. The front casters lock, but I doubt I’ll use that feature. If I have to bring in the slider, it should fit between the refrigerator and stove. I can also move it there whenever I need more space to walk through the camper. It’s even just a bit higher than my kitchen counter which will make it easier when I’m using the counter space.

I’m so excited to have this extra storage space available and look forward to preparing the gourmet meals I used to – wait a minute… I never did that. Hmmm. Maybe, I didn’t think this through very well. heh heh heh

Until next time…

Numbers 23 – 25 and My Island Arrives

Numbers 23 – 25

Balak was persistent and he must have really believed in Balaam’s power to curse or bless, despite the fact that Balaam told him he could only do as the Lord told him. Three times, he builds seven altars and sacrifices seven young bulls and seven rams, hoping that Balaam will curse Israel and bless the Moabites. It doesn’t work.

Don’t you wonder about what Balaam was thinking? From Numbers 24:1, we know he used divination, but the Spirit of God came upon him the third time. Once again, he blessed Israel. He also talked about how God brought Israel out of Egypt and how he devours all nations that oppose him. What really ticks off Balak, however, is when he says (in verse 9), “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.”

After Balak sends him away, Balak talks about “a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.” Do you suppose this is a reference to Jesus? It sure sounds like it.

While the Israelites were camped near the Moabites, some of the men “defiled themselves” with Moabite women. This led to worshiping other gods, and not just any god, but Baal. What were they thinking?

God orders Moses to execute those who were involved in this. The men were quite blatant about their sin. One of them took a Midianite woman into his tent right in front of Moses and the people. Aaron’s grandson, Phinehas, without being told to, took his spear and killed the man and the Midianite woman. This stopped a plague that had already killed 24,000 people. God ordered Moses to destroy the Midianites.

If you will recall, Moses married the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, and Moses asked his brother-in-law, Hobab, (a Midianite) to travel with them. The messengers sent to Balak were elders from Moab and Midian. We’ll see the Israelites plagued by the Midianites in the future.

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 26 – 27.

My Island Arrives

Last week, I ordered a kitchen island from Home Depot. I arrived today via UPS. I currently have it unpacked from the boxes amd inventoried. Parts of it are all round my living room, kitchen, and dining room (yes, I know they are all one room). I’m hoping to gain a lot more storage space and counter space. It is huge.

I had breakfast with my brother Jeff and his friend Jerry at Cracker Barrel this morning. They were on their way home from visiting friends here in Florida.

Until next time…

Numbers 21 – 22 and My New Kindle Fire Cover

Numbers 21 – 22

Did ever a people have its ups and downs like Israel?

After their victory over the Canaanites, the people, impatient with the long journey, began to speak against God and Moses. God sends poisonous snakes among the people and many died after being bitten. Once again, the people call out to Moses, admit their sin and ask him to pray for them. God tells Moses to put a bronze snake on a pole. This did not stop people being bitten, but if they looked at the bronze snake, they did not die from the bite.

God provides them with water and the people sing about the water.

To shorten the journey, Moses asks King Sihon if they may pass through his land. The King not only refuses to let them through his territory, he also brings his whole army and attacks them. Israel defeats them soundly and then just as soundly defeats King Og and his people.

In the days before cell phones and other electronic means of communication, you would think it would take a while for word to spread about such happenings. Not so. The Moabite (remember: Moab was one of Lot’s sons by his daughter) king, Balak, was aware that the Israelites were traveling the plains of Moab and saw how many there were. He knew what they had done to the Amorites and was very afraid. He sends for Balaam to curse the people so he (Balak) can conquer them. Balaam apparently had a reputation for being able to bless and curse people.

We know God spoke to Balaam and told him not to curse the Israelites, because they had been blessed by God. Balaam sends Balak’s messengers back, but Balak did not take “no” for an answer. He sends more messengers with an offer of more money. Balaam speaks to God again and He gives permission for Balaam to go with them, but not to do anything He does not tell him to do. On his way to see Balak, we have the incident with the donkey.

God knows the intentions of our heart and I think he knew how proud Balaam was that Balak, the king, had sent for him. He wanted to accept the money offered. As Peter says in 2 Peter 2:15, “They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.” Jude (verse 11) talks about Balaam deceiving people for money.

As we will see in the next few chapters, Balaam does not walk away unscathed.

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 23 – 25.

My New Kindle Fire Cover

Today, I finished a case for my Kindle Fire. I made it out of leather and it took several hours to lace it up – much longer than it took to carve and stamp it. When it was all done, I decided I would make a different case for it. I knew my cousin’s friend Roger had just gotten a Kindle Fire so I asked Richard to see if Roger wanted it.

The one I  made was from a kit and I would like one that will hold , not only the Kindle itself, but also the charger and maybe some headphones.

Here is what it looked like:

$4.25 Gasoline

Today, I saw a station where the price for regular unleaded was $4.25. The station usually is a lot higher than others – today was no exception. I hope it is not a portent of things to come.

Until next time…

Numbers 18 – 20

Chapter 18 reiterates what God had told Moses about the priests and Levites and further explains that All of the consecrated offerings brought by the people are given to the priests and their sons as their permanent share. They were allotted the portion of the most holy offerings that is not burned in the fire. As summarized in verse 14: “Everything in Israel that is specially set apart for the Lord also belongs to you.”

The priests were not to receive any allotment of land or property. Imagine – God said, “I am your share and your allotment.” The Levites, on the other hand, to compensate for their not getting an allotment of land, were to be given the tithes from the entire land of Israel. And a tithe of the tithes was to be given to Aaron the priest.

One thing they had to remember though was not to treat the holy gifts of the people as if they were common.

Did you notice the recipe for creating the water for purification? It involves a perfect red heifer, a stick of cedar, a branch of hyssop, some scarlet yarn and fire. According to The Temple Institute, there have already been nine red heifers. The tenth will be accomplished by the Messiah. You can read more about this at: http://www.templeinstitute.org/red_heifer/red_heifer_contents.htm

or hear a rabbi talk about it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBXaIBuRO3I .

Both are very interesting.

According to chapter 19, this red heifer was not sacrificed at the Tabernacle, but had to be taken outside of the camp to be slaughtered. Its blood was sprinkled by the priest toward the front of the Tabernacle and then the whole thing had to be burned together with the afore-mentioned items.

I think one of the saddest stories told in the Old Testament is found in Numbers 20, and not because it recounts the death of Miriam. It’s the first month of the year, the Israelites are camped at Kadesh, and once again, there is no water. Had the people learned their lesson? No, they griped and complained to Moses and Aaron, who sought the Lord. He told them to gather the people and speak to a certain rock. Water would gush forth.

Moses did as he was told, except he didn’t just speak to the rock, he struck it – not once, but twice. We aren’t told why he did it. He might have been angry – he did shout at the people -- and used his staff to vent a little of that anger. The Lord said it showed Moses and Aaron did not trust God enough to demonstrate His holiness to the people. In any case, it was because of this incident that Moses was not allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land.

Do you remember Edom? It was another name for Jacob’s brother, Esau. His descendants, headed by the king of Edom, would not let the Israelites pass through their land. They had to turn around.

Shortly after, Aaron dies and Eleazar takes his place. “All Israel mourned for him thirty days.”

Tomorrow, it’s Numbers 21 – 22.