march 30 they poked out his eardrums

    They poked out his eardrums.  I read the native Americans who killed General George Custer opened his ears so he could hear in the afterlife.  Afterlife.  Does it really exist?  We must accept by faith it’s existence or nonexistence because we haven’t experienced it.  There are some who believe they experienced afterlife.  Some give pleasant accounts and others report a horrible hell. Who is correct?  For people of faith we see the visible and invisible things around us and know there must be a Creator.  Romans 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:What do we see that is invisible?  We see the consistency of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.  If the sun were to rise in the south tomorrow morning and set in the north I can guarantee you the whole world would be alarmed.  We see the consistency of the seasons. Sunshine and rain.  Harvest of grain.  We see the stability of the earth to stay 94.191 million miles away from the sun.  Any closer and we would burn to death.  Any further and we would freeze to death.  We see the earth spinning at roughly 1000 miles per hour.  Any slower and we would float away into space and any faster we couldn’t lift our feet from the ground.  The earth is tilted at about 23.5 degrees.  This prevents it from wobbling like a football out of control.  How can these invisible things be?  I believe because our loving Creator designed it.  That loving Creator is Jesus.  Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. The consistency of the things mentioned are regulated by Jesus Himself. Jesus tells us to listen with our ears. Matthew 11:15  He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. You will read that command 8 times in the Gospels.  In the Revelation Jesus tells us twice to hear the Spirit. Revelation 2:7  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; Revelation 2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; Are you listening to God? Ezekiel 12:2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. We dwell in the midst of a rebellious house.  I am listening to God.  Are you?  

 Fire wear you out old timers?  Two volunteer firefighters in their late seventies were sitting down catching their breath when a young volunteer passed by and asked them that question.  What he implied was you guys can’t keep us with us younger ones.  Sit down and watch us do the work.  Of course, the main work had already been done.  Experienced minds had tackled the fire and orchestrated its death.  There is a time to fight and there is a time to rest.  The danger had passed. Sitting by and letting the unexperienced try to solve a serious problem was not an option.  These seasoned veterans needed to rest but not until the danger was past.  And the truth be known these two volunteers were fighting fires long before this youngster was even born.  It is easy to let pride make those around us resent us.  Be careful what you say.  Your words reveal what is in your heart. Matthew 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” When you are on the same team why would one person put down the effort of another?  The car must have a working engine but an engine with no transmission just sits there and roars.  Enough roaring.  Be considerate of others.  Be humble.  Yes, we get agitated at those who make fun of us but perhaps sometime in past years we did the same thing.  Look for the good in others.  We all need constructive criticism from time to time.  Accept it graciously.  Ignore the insults of the unlearned. Give correction with humility.  Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Pride will come back to bite you.  Guard your heart.  Guard your words.  1 Peter 4:11  “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  If you are going to speak, make sure your words are honorable.  Once said words cannot be taken back.  Mark Twain said, “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”  The Bible puts it this way, Proverbs 17:28  “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”  Guard what you say.  Build up, not tear down.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” If it’s not worth saying, don’t say it.