Pastor’s Desk January 14th

Scripture Passage:  “He waters the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”  Psalms 104:14-15
 
Dear Friends,
 
     God does all things well.  We often forget there is a fine line in the ecosystem of the world between feast and famine.  Of all things, water is one of the most precious commodities we have.  We have been blessed with an over- abundance of rain recently, so we often fail to appreciate what it means to have a continuing source of water.  Two years ago, we were in Israel at this time.  It rained almost every day and we began to grumble a little when we had to put on rain coats and open umbrellas.  Our guide reminded us that every drop of water has to be stored so that in the dry season they will have water available.   From that point on, we ceased to grumble and gave God thanks for his special blessing.  I know for my farmer and rancher friends muddy fields present a unique challenge.  It is hard to catch ground dry enough for soil preparation and feeding cattle becomes more of a trek through the mud bog rather than the barn yard.  The same water that is making things muddy now, will be the same water that makes everything green in the spring.  Thank you Lord for our water.
     Our wonderful Creator takes that water and sunlight and causes plants to grow which will feed animals and humans alike.  I find it interesting that in the beginning God made us all herbivores.  It was only after man’s fall and then the flood that God caused mankind and certain animals to become omnivores and consumers of meat.  (Genesis 9:3)  The same plants that cause animals to grow supply us with vegetables and herbs to give us variety and spice in our daily diets.  God said this was for the service of man so that he might bring forth food out of the earth.   The plants supply food for animals, as well as humans, which in turn supplies us with meat to supplement our meals.  Thank you God for everything that grows and lives in your garden that we call earth.
 
     Wine, oil, and bread were basics in the life of the people in biblical days.  The wine came from grapes and was a source of nourishment and enjoyment.  There were no soft drinks, teas or coffees available.  Many years later after international travel took place did these show up and even then only on the tables of kings and the wealthy.  Grape juice, watered down non- alcoholic wine, and alcoholic wine were available and enjoyed by nobility and laity alike.  Drunkenness was not acceptable, but the consumption of all these in moderation was encouraged for the gladness of heart.  Oil came from crushed olives which produced seasoning and grease to cook with.  There is the fruit of green and black olives which we enjoy as delicacies as well oil mixed with herbs that we use to dip bread in.  There are even salad dressings that have olive oil as one of its main ingredients. This did not begin with the chefs around the world, but as a basic staple in the diet of the Hebrews. Finally the bread came from the grains that were grown in the arid regions of Israel and Palestine.  I loved the bread in Israel which came from wheat, barley and rye.  It was a little crunchy compared to the soft bread we eat in America, but was very tasty and wonderful when dipped in the oil and herbs.  Thank you Lord, for the fruit of the vine which gladdens the heart of man, the oil that makes his face shine, and the bread that strengthens his body.  Your provisions are generous and sufficient and a visible reminder of our loving Father. We also thank the Lord for his provision of the Holy Spirit which has always been symbolized by wine, oil, and water in Scripture.  He has not left us alone, but rather provided everything we need to live in victory.
 
     We also thank him for the Word of God which has been symbolized by bread in Scripture.  The Word of God feeds my soul and nourishes my spirit.  I find the more I feast on it the stronger I become and the happier I live.  Even the fruits of nature have spiritual truth woven into them by God.  Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.
 
In Christ,
Pastor Johnny

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