Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “Sound the trumpet in Zion! Call a fast and gather all the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring everyone - the elders, the children, even the babies.” (Joel 2:15-16a, Living Bible)

What calls you to worship services? Bells, drums, a gong, a shofar, trumpet or loud voice? Chances are, in our time, None of the Above.
All are time-honored ways of communicating with the faithful or alerting the community. Imagine a time when there are no clocks, no telephones -either cell or Plain Old Telephone Service. No radio or TV to reach the multitudes. What do you do?
Make a loud noise! Sound the trumpet. Ring a bell. Bong a gong, or beat a drum. Shout from the roof tops1, if that is what it takes to spread the word.
The Christian communities long depended upon tintinnabulation -
To the swinging and the ringing
Of the bells, bells, bells -
Of the bells, bells, bells, bells,
Bells, bells, bells -
To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells! (Edgar Allen Poe: The Bells - c1845)
A church bell was rung either to signify the hour or the time for worshippers to go to church, perhaps to attend a wedding, funeral, or other service. Before mass communication they were the only way to gather a village together, so they served for secular functions also.
The bells peal joyfully on wedding days and on the great feast days of the Church. They toll mournfully as the departed receive the Church’s last blessing.
By the end of the eighth century, bells and belfries were seen as an integral part of every church. By medieval canon law, cathedrals were required to have at least five bells, a parish church to have two or three and small chapels to have one.2
The Shofar is one of the earliest instruments used in Jewish music. Usually made from a rams horn, a shofar can also be made from the horns of other animals, including those of a goat or sheep. It is the one musical instrument that has not changed in over 5,000 years. The blast of a shofar emanating from the thick cloud on Mount Sinai made the Israelites tremble in awe (Exodus 19:16-19). Many texts use the word “trumpet” for both the shofar (ram’s horn) and the familiar trumpet instrument. Each had its special significance. The 'trumpets' described in Numbers 10 are a different instrument, described by the Hebrew word 'trumpet' not the word for shofar.
The shofar was blown to start the battle of Jericho, “and the walls came tumbling down.” (Joshua 6:4-5) The ‘trumpets’ were to be blown loud and long on the Day of Atonement to proclaim the Jubilee year. "Then you shall transmit a blast on the horn; in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, the day of Yom Kippur, you shall have the horn sounded throughout the land ... And proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." ((Leviticus. 25:9-10a).)
In our times its liturgical use is restricted to New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). 3
In Joel’s Day, it was “Blow the trumpet in zion, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the people sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders.” Today - “Tell a friend or neighbor - don’t count on horns or bells to draw them in.

1 The Islamic Call to Prayer -The muezzin, a man appointed to call to prayer, climbs the mineret of the mosque, and he calls in all directions, "Hasten to prayer."
http://www.balaams-ass.com/alhaj/calltoprayer.htm
2 Why Do Church Towers Ring Bells? http://www.ehow.com/facts_5873166_do-church-towers-ring-bells_.html#ixzz17HfulUWU
3 http://www.holidays.net/highholydays/shofar.htm
(Go to page: Scroll down and listen to examples of shofar)

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek your servant, For I do not forget your commandments. Psalm 119:176, NKJV

The diner inquired, “What is this in my soup?” The waiter cautioned, “Shhh! Everyone will be wanting one.”
It is not by accident that we are bombarded by images of other people using and enjoying something, nor all of the eye-catching displays and goodies located at the check-out counter. We are creatures of impulse and imitation. Monkey see, monkey do! Hey! Try it; you will like it. All we, like sheep, follow the leader.
Jesus made a parabolic reference to the man who sought out one lost sheep, leaving the ninety and nine until he found the stray. I can attest to another scenario: one sheep going astray will entice the other ninety and nine to follow. How many times, Lord, how many? We have the sheep all lined up, moving to a different location, when one old dingbat bolts back from whence they came, the place from which we labored to remove them.
Chances are, all the rest of the ninety and nine will turn, look, and choose the path the other has taken. Patience, Lord, patience!
Forget about will power; we need a lot of ‘won’t’ power to resist impulse. Not only birds, but sheep and people flock to where others of a like kind are found. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder - fonder of those enjoying the golf course, the guy mowing his lawn, the crowds hitting the mall.
Sheep, bird or worshipper, we are more attracted to, and inclined to join, that which we can see rather than that which we can not see. It is not without reason that the Psalmist seems to live as an alien in the land (Psalm 119:19.) Skim through this Psalm, looking for the distracting pressures from the sheep gone astray. (Yes, it is long, but there are some real gems to be found here.) Note the references to the arrogant, the insolent who wander from the commandments, their scorn and contempt for those who have kept the decrees of God.
Note also that the psalmist fixes his eyes on the commandments of the Lord, turns his eyes from looking at vanities, and remembers the Name of the Lord day and night. God’s Word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. (vs. 105) The cure for absence is presence - walking in the presence of God, day and night.
The casual worshipper spends an hour or two a week in “God’s house.” Absence! Miss one service, and you chip away even more at the ties that bind you to His precepts. Don’t just ‘visit’ God weekly (or weakly!) - immerse yourself in the omni-presence of God at all times;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. . . . Lemmel
April 15, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Paul wrote: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I Corinthians 13:12, NIV

It was one of those "Aha!" moments. I happened to glance up and note my reflection in the window, mirroring my every move as I sat eating my breakfast on a dark, wintery morning. I thought, "What a perfect example of Paul's allegory of "Seeing through a glass darkly" in the 'Love Chapter' of his letter to the Corinthians." (Chapter 13, King James version.)
I knew what lay outside, on the other side of the window, but I could see nothing, because the contrast between my lighted table and the night outside transformed the window glass into a mirror, albeit an imperfect one.
So that's what Paul was talking about! We are unable to see the heavenly kingdom from the light of this life, seeing only an imperfect image of ourselves, because of the contrast of what is, and what is to be.
If I sit long enough, watch and wait long enough, the dawning will come. First, I will start to see a glimmer of red, presaging the advent of the dawn. I will begin to note the outlines of the trees in the woods, ghostly shapes only, backlit by the rising sun.
Soon, the image of the garage will take shape, although just a dark, blank area at first. Soon, I know, my image in the glass will fade, and the scene of God's great kingdom will fill my view in all its radiant splendor.
It was there all along; there was just such a contrast between the two worlds that the larger, more permanent one, was invisible.
By the time I sat down for my noon meal, the once hidden had been made plain. I could readily see the roughness of the bark on the trees, the branches moving slightly in the breeze. Squirrels use it for both a home and a gym, scurrying about, seeking their own lunch. Birds visit the feeders, placed there for the purpose of both providing them with food and us humans with visual enjoyment. Now the mirror effect is reversed; we can watch them, while they can not see us.
There is a vital, everlasting truth here. When we see ourselves only, though as in a glass, darkly, we focus on the image that we do see, not on the image of the world on the other side. Even though we leave the table and the window, in essence, we continue to focus on "our" world, and not God's world.
Sometimes we need reminders of what lies on the "other side." Regular times for meditation, for worship, Bible reading, and contemplation, bring us back for the 'meal' at the 'window,' to reveal God in all of His Glory.
January 7, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Community
* Scripture: Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. (Proverbs 25:20, NKJV)

Mind your manners! Have we lost common courtesy and consideration of others in what is often described as the "Me!" and "Now!" generations? Many people think so, and observation seems to bear out that the practice of good manners has certainly changed over recent years.
It is impossible to have a community without communication. Communication is the key element in an "interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location," according to my dictionary.
While we may hold many things in common in our respective communities, such as language and custom, the 'glue' that holds it all together is courtesy, or manners.
Proper manners are based on social conduct or rules of conduct as shown in the prevalent customs. Courtesy is marked by respect for and consideration of others. We would do well to follow what is called the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do to you.
The Apostle Paul noted that there is a time to "rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)
The scripture passage from Proverbs speaks to proper manners, to courtesy and respect in the presence of one who has a "heavy heart." . The Living Bible translates the passage this way; "Being happy-go-lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds."
There is indeed a time and purpose for everything under heaven, as observed by the author of Ecclesiastes (Chapter 3.) There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. The person who understands the appropriate differences, and acts accordingly, is practicing good manners.
Some seem to have a knack of "rubbing people the wrong way," or "ruffling feathers." Do they not know, or simply don't care, of the effect their actions or words have on other people? A contentious person stirs up strife. Tit for tat, and we want to hit back - in word or deed. It takes a strong person, well rooted in good manners and blessed with understanding, to resist the urge to retaliate. Rather, we should try to get along with other people, to live in peace rather than strife.
True religion is more than worship, which is the root of good relationships. Jesus taught many things about good relationships, including loving God and your neighbor. Paul wrote about living as parts of one body (1 Corinthians 12) and of faith, hope, and love (Chapter 13, the Love Chapter.)
No matter the time, no matter the place, the "greatest of these is love."
August 13, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Thieves
* Scripture: God spoke; Moses wrote, "Thou shalt not steal." Deuteronomy 5:17

Would you believe it?! He had the audacity to call me a thief. It was my tree, and my fruit. I planted it, I cared for it - so what right did he have to call me a thief? Actually, there was plenty of fruit for both of us. Well, maybe blue jays have a limited vocabulary. As far as that bird was concerned, though, it was his territory, and the Lord put the fruit on it for his benefit as well as mine.
Fair enough. Besides, "Thief" is only our approximation of a a bluejay's call. It might just mean "Hey, good buddy" in bird talk. Thinking about the word 'thief' did make me curious about thieves in the Bible, though.
It is obvious that thievery was not an acceptable practice at least as far back as the Exodus. "Thou shalt not steal!" You can not get more explicit than that, can you? Well, maybe. Let's take a look.
In a sense, all of the other commandments hinge on stealing. The First Commandment, of course, states that "You shall not have any other gods before Me." What does that have to do with theft? By worshipping idols, by having other gods (lower case 'g') you are taking the honor and worship that rightfully belongs only to God! Think about it!
Taking the name of God in vain, misusing that Good Name, corrupting it, robs God of the dignity and respect that His Good Name deserves.
The Lord God Himself rested on the seventh day. Are we so desperate that we will attempt to steal even time that the Lord has set aside? That time is intended to enrich our lives, so are we stealing from both God AND ourselves by taking away the worship and rest we are loosing? Not to mention that 'rest' from work for our son, daughter, male servant, female servant, ox, donkey, cattle or even the stranger "within our gates." They deserve that rest - so said the Lord Himself. Are you stealing from them?
We are to honor our parents. That topic is worthy of many a sermon and writing, yet we hear report after report of abuse of parents and senior citizens. Outright taking of possessions is obvious, but theft of honor and respect is doubly odious. This is the 'commandment with a promise': "that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you."
Adultery is an especially messy business. It involves breaking a pledge given in good trust, often leading to a life time of disillusionment and ill will for innocent victims who have lost one of the most precious gifts of God - the loving family unit. Much is written in the Laws concerning sexual relations: start with Leviticus Chapter 18 for more insight.
Surely coveting is not stealing. Well, by definition, to covet is to "wish for enviously, to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another." At what point do wishes become actions? Inordinate desire (covetness) robs the heart of well-being, possibly leading to "evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false-witness, blasphemies." (Mt. 15:19)
Jesus also said, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her (covet) has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:28, see Adultery)
Thieves are prominent in Paul's list of unrighteous practices: "nor thieves, nor coveteous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (See 1 Corinthians Chapter 6)
What hope, then, is there? The Holy Spirit walks along side us, to guide and enable our 'walk.'
We always have the option of repentance, even to the last moment (although that is risky) as evidenced by the thieves at the crucifixion of our Lord. One repented, and was forgiven at that very moment.
And finally, as in sports, the best offense is a good defense: Guard yourselves from the wiles of the devil by worship, prayer, and meditation.
July 2, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NKJV)

Most farm animals seem to know when it is feeding time, calling out in anticipation of the feast. Each species has its own dialect, it seems, which I interrupt as, “Let’s eat -Now!”
There comes a moment, though, that is special, something that is calming to my soul. Once fed, they obey the old admonishment, “Don’t talk with your mouth full.” A hush fills the barn; the only sound heard is that of chewing or pecking, depending upon the structure of the eating apparatus. An almost magic time. A moment to pause, reflect, and marvel at this aspect of God’s creation.
Ah, the mouth. As noted by James, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.” I agree with James, as he added, “My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:10)
The mouth/tongue is the source of lying, idolatry, unfaithfulness, cursing, pride, evil, lies, vanity foolishness and flattery. I’m sure gossip is covered in that group somewhere. “Yakity-Yak!”
Some people (like little children) are “all ears.” Gossip is best handled by letting it go in one ear and out the other. Let it go. But, sometimes - all too often - it goes in both ears and out the mouth. A talkity person may be called a “motor mouth.”
I have heard advice given to the overly-mouthy person, something like, “Put a sock in it!” The psalmist phrased it this way: “ I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle . . .” (Psalm 39:1) Another piece of appropriate advice - Be sure the mind is running before throwing the mouth in gear. Speech prior to knowledge is like, “Open mouth, insert foot.” The remedy? “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) Or, in the Living Bible translation,”Keep your mouth closed and you’ll stay out of trouble.”
A common problem in our society is the prevalence of “potty mouth:” foul, filthy language. You will often find it in company with anger, wrath, malice, and blasphemy, according to Paul. (Colossians 3:8) We are to shun “profane” and vain babblings (2 Tim. 2:16).
Our mouths and our ears interact so closely that it is difficult to listen when the mouth is running. In worship, as in that moment of meditation in the barn at feeding time, we need to pause, listen, reflect, and marvel at God’s creation. There is a time to “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
The best way to help another is by listening, not by ‘mouthing off.’ Listening is necessary if we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
Your speech, those words coming out of your mouth, defines who you are. Does it matter? Hear these word of Jesus about -Words. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:34-37)

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: The Psalmist wrote, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalms 8:1, NIV

As I sat in the doctor’s office recently, my attention was drawn to a beam of sunlight streaming through a gap in the venetian blind. The morning sun painted a band of brilliant light downward across the northern wall, then made a ninety degree angle at the wall opposite the window, making an awesome pointer for a celestial clock. As I watched, the beam slowly moved, as I knew it would. Downward, ever downward, it crept past the doorstop, which provided a convenient reference point.
Sitting near the otherwise shaded window, I could also feel the heat gradually warming the glass and radiating through the blind. The building would occasionally “murmur” as the materials expanded from the sun's potent rays, though the source of that light and heat energy was ninety-three million miles away.
It had moved several inches by the time the doctor came in. I noted the position of the sunbeam again as I prepared to leave; it now pointed at the baseboard near the floor. How true, the words of the Teacher, “The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.” (Ecc. 1:5)
The newly created earth was formless and empty, according to Genesis, and darkness was over the waters. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. It is interesting that God did not create the “two great lights” until later. Read Genesis Chapter 1 and see whether you think the “greater light” that governed the day is the sun, and the “lesser light” that governed the night is the moon. (Genesis 1:16) If so, the source of the light on the first day must have been from God Himself. What do you think?
I turn often to the 8th Psalm, and read

“When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set into place,
what is man, that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that care for him?

Psalm 74:16 also affirms the creator God;

“The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.”

Many peoples over time have worshiped the sun. Not so the followers of Jehovah God; rather, we must worship the creator, and not anything created. Revue Exodus 20, especially verse4:
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”
The Bible records that the sun once delayed going down for a full day as recorded in Joshua 10:13. See if you can find other Biblical miracles concerning the sun.
Enjoy the day that the Lord has made, and the night too! He did it for you.
October 12, 2003