An UMBRELLA story

 

1 Kings 18:41

King James Version

41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, 

Get thee up, eat and drink; 

for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

It was raining today, and I needed an umbrella.

Forgot my brain, and umbrella at home.

And we do have a tropical storm.

So, decided to look around for the cheapest.

But cheapest is not necessarily cutest.

The cute China ones before were 50 pesos*.

There were many plain, but colorful folding ones, to choose from.

But that's a long time ago.

Now, the cheapest is three times that.

I couldn't believe the abundance of dull umbrellas.

Tolerable print on top.

Shiny black underneath, yuck!

Why were they all like that now?

That felt like an oil slick coming over me.

Sure, it's fully "automatic".

But dull.

I wore my baseball cap, till I could fine one I liked.

Finally got to probably the ninth store.

Sorry, I do have my quirks.

There's the designer "gene" in me.

And a "child" let loose.

But if heaven let loose, I'll get the dull one just to get home.

Thing is, it was just steady, tolerable rain.

Wouldn't hurt to look for more choices.

I did have the time.

Ninth store had the usual adult umbrellas.

Oh, but what's that PRETTY pink one peering at me?

Come to momma!

I examined its basic elements.

Opened it, like Zorro brandishing his sword.

Automatic, too!

And what's this?

A whistle?

What about that plastic thing on top?

Oh wow, a retractable plastic case!

Meant to keep your umbrella material intact.

Before opening the umbrella, do remember to push the plastic case downward.

Reminded me of a Batman movie, wherein his car was enfolded in armor -- cool!

If you think it's a weird umbrella, well it's for a kid.

Someone knew a kid would enjoy it.

Little did he know, a crazy adult would want one, too!

If you don't mind the "Princess" images on it, just get it.

And the price!

Wow, even cheaper than the dull ones.

It was light, colorful, minimalist, and most of all fun!

Not only that, it was pretty strong, too!

If you've ever been to the Philippines, and about to go to shops, or groceries, your umbrella could easily be swallowed by all the other dull ones when you check it in.

But a pretty pink one, with a whistle?

No way can't you not find it!

It sticks out like a pink thumb.

Of course, I got it.

That made me hop, and skip, to the grocery.

It's big enough for my head, and shoulders.

But tiny enough not to tear at incoming umbrellas.

If you've got heart, you'll get this one.

If you've got a childlike heart, you'll love it.

There are ways to brave the rain.

Why not have fun as you go about it?

It's now my official umbrella.

Easy to carry; lovely to use.

I even look forward to the rains.

Kids' stuff are the coolest!

*Philippine peso

As of this writing, it's 57.98 pesos to the US dollar.

-- Source: xe

Related material:

Having a CHEERFUL heart

Photos by author

Satan has a SERIOUS learning DISABILITY

 2 Timothy 3:7

King James Version

7 Ever learning, 

and never able to come 

to the knowledge of the truth.

One would think he's smart.

The once beautiful cherub.

But no, he was too proud.

That was his downfall.

As is the downfall of all men.

And all women.

Pride, vanity, ego.

PVE.

Sure, Satan knows Scripture.

But he keeps trying to get around it.

Making sure he confuses us.

Twisting it to conform to his devious intentions.

Remember the FIRST incident?

Genesis 3:1-5

King James Version

3 Now the serpent was more subtil 

than any beast of the field 

which the Lord God had made. 

And he said unto the woman, 

Yea, hath God said, 

Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, 

We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree 

which is in the midst of the garden, 

God hath said, 

Ye shall not eat of it, 

neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, 

Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, 

then your eyes shall be opened, 

and ye shall be as gods, 

knowing good and evil.

Well, you know what happened afterwards.

No wonder, JESUS warns, and admonishes sinners:

John 8:44-45

King James Version

44 Ye are of your father the devil, 

and the lusts of your father ye will do. 

He was a murderer from the beginning, 

and abode not in the truth, 

because there is no truth in him. 

When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: 

for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, 

ye believe me not.

Satan even had the nerve to "tempt" JESUS.

Taking advantage of the fact JESUS was deeply hungered.

The LORD had fasted 40 days, and 40 nights.

Thinking the LORD greatly weakened, he pounces:

Matthew 4:3-4

King James Version

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, 

If thou be the Son of God, 

command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, 

It is written, 

Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that proceedeth 

out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:5-7

King James Version

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, 

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him, 

If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: 

for it is written, He shall give his angels 

charge concerning thee: 

and in their hands they shall bear thee up, 

lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him, 

It is written again, 

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Matthew 4:8-11

King James Version

8 Again, the devil taketh him up 

into an exceeding high mountain, 

and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, 

and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him, 

All these things will I give thee, 

if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, 

Get thee hence, Satan: 

for it is written, 

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 

and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him, 

and, behold, 

angels came 

and ministered unto him.

What Satan didn't know is that it was all by GOD's design:

Matthew 4:1

King James Version

4 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit 

into the wilderness 

to be tempted of the devil.

Such is the enemy's delusion of power.

He is not privy to GOD's plan.

Which has always been SALVATION.

Satan may know Scripture.

But he doesn't have the heart for it.

Such is his pride.

Tempting the SON of GOD.

Tempting the LORD of ALL.

What was Satan thinking?

Tempting Scripture Himself?

Even I, a five-year-fresh born again, could have admonished this ancient, willful enemy,

"Doncha EVEN think about it!"

Satan forgot a HUGE number of things.

Or perhaps, in his delusion, he remains in DENIAL.

He refuses to acknowledge the following striking examples.

Which stuck to my head right away.

Making me realize the power of GOD's GLORY.

Consider the LEGIONS of angels JESUS could have called upon:

Matthew 26:53

King James Version

53 Thinkest thou 

that I cannot now pray to my Father, 

and he shall presently give me 

more than twelve legions of angels?

Did you say, more than 12 legions of angels??!!

At the moment before His crucifixion?

Yes, dears.

At the LORD's immediate disposal.

Should He have wanted to.

Wow, really boggles my mind.

That's all a childlike heart needs to know.

How many angels sit at the LORD's feet.

Waiting for His command.

I tremble at my LORD's power.

To have an idea, here's what a Roman legion looks like:

"The size of a typical legion varied throughout the history of ancient Rome, with complements ranging from 4,200 legionaries and 300 equites (drawn from the wealthier classes – in early Rome all troops provided their own equipment) in the Republic,[1] to 5,500 in the Imperial period, when most legions were led by a Roman Imperial Legate."

-- Wikipedia

Now, I wonder what GOD's heavenly legion would be like.

But here are a couple of concrete examples.

Showing the power GOD gives ONE angel alone.

What ONE angel can do to a human army:

2 Kings 19:35

King James Version

35 And it came to pass that night, 

that the angel of the Lord went out, 

and smote in the camp of the Assyrians 

an hundred fourscore and five thousand: 

and when they arose early in the morning, 

behold, they were all dead corpses.

What ONE angel can do to Satan:

Revelation 20:1-3

King James Version

20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, 

having the key of the bottomless pit 

and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, 

that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, 

and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, 

and shut him up, 

and set a seal upon him, 

that he should deceive the nations no more, 

till the thousand years should be fulfilled: 

and after that he must be loosed a little season.

And that's only part of it.

"All power" was given unto JESUS.

Matthew 28:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus came 

and spake unto them, 

saying, 

All power is given unto me 

in heaven and in earth.

GOD put "all things under" JESUS' feet.

Ephesians 1:19-23

King James Version

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power 

to us-ward who believe, 

according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, 

when he raised him from the dead, 

and set him at his own right hand 

in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, 

and might, and dominion, 

and every name that is named, 

not only in this world, 

but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, 

and gave him to be the head 

over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, 

the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

JESUS is head of all "principality and power".

Colossians 2:10

King James Version

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality 

and power:

He holds the keys to "hell and of death".

Revelation 1:18

King James Version

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; 

and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; 

and have the keys of hell and of death.

We have no idea the complete works of JESUS.

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things 

which Jesus did, the which, 

if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself 

could not contain the books 

that should be written. 

Amen.

As we say in our local language, "Tapos na ang boksing!"

Figuratively meaning, "The fight is finished!"

Well, JESUS did finish the fight.

By this very statement:

John 19:28-30

King James Version

28 After this, Jesus knowing 

that all things were now accomplished, 

that the scripture might be fulfilled, 

saith, I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: 

and they filled a spunge with vinegar, 

and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, 

he said, It is finished: 

and he bowed his head, 

and gave up the ghost.

By this very act:

Hebrews 2:14 

King James Version

14 Forasmuch then as the children 

are partakers of flesh and blood, 

he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him 

that had the power of death, 

that is, the devil;

A childlike heart is wowed by GOD's power.

An evil heart resents GOD's power.

Which kind of heart do you have?

What part of JESUS doesn't Satan get?

EVERYTHING.

P.S. 

This article must have greatly peeved Satan.

He put all kinds of blocks to my writing.

Again, mostly technical issues.

Erratic wi-fi connection.

Still, this article goes to "press".

It's here for you to read now.

GOD's will be done!

Source: Clipart Library

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JESUS and Satan

Satan's SECRET weapon

This BLOG couldn't be stopped

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

On ANGELS

ART from SPIRIT

 

Exodus 35:31

King James Version

31 And he hath filled him 

with the spirit of God, 

in wisdom, 

in understanding, 

and in knowledge, 

and in all manner of workmanship;

Those two pieces I found on the floor this morning.

They fell off my mom's old sewing machine cabinet.

These were so fine, and delicate, I had to be gentle with it.

Others would have thrown it away.

Maybe my mom would have glued it back.

But I saw differently.

SPIRIT gave me the idea to create artwork with it.

The items were clear:

A "cross" and two "L"

Having a childlike heart, I imagined many things.

The symbolic, and spiritual, representations of these things.

SPIRIT knew I would.

That's why He let the pieces fall to the floor.

To my great delight, of course.

The cross is CHRIST.

The two Ls stand for LOVE, and my name.

I'm sitting on the bigger "L".

We look towards the cross.

The red background stands for the BLOOD of CHRIST.

Which washes us from our sins, and all filthiness.

Where others want to live in the "lap of luxury", I'm different.

As born again, I live on the "LAP of GOD's LOVE".

As a daughter would sit on her FATHER's lap.

Happy, content, safe, and secure.

The two "Ls" also stand for "LOVE" and "LIGHT".

You see, being childlike gets you to explore possibilities.

If you're not born again, your vision will be limited.

Being born again means you connect daily life with Scripture.

You connect EVERYTHING with the WORD of GOD.

It's the only way you can understand life.

Scripture gives true meaning to your life.

It gives depth to everything in your life.

There is no boredom when GOD makes you born again.

GOD will keep you busy in His service.

GOD will keep you delighted as you work.

GOD will guide you all the time.

What could be a better existence than that?

The way is clear.

The methods are clear.

The goals are clear.

The future is clear.

It's all JESUS.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

You need to be childlike with JESUS.

A child sees beauty in most everything.

Most everything intrigues him.

Others may scoff at your simplicity.

But JESUS likes simplicity.

He is simplicity.

Satan likes complexity.

He likes getting you confused.

JESUS commands we be like children.

Pure, trusting, expectant.

As such, we must protect that child in each one of us.

JESUS said so:

Matthew 18:1-7

King James Version

18 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, 

saying, 

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, 

and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive 

one such little child in my name 

receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones 

which believe in me, 

it were better for him that a millstone 

were hanged about his neck, 

and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! 

for it must needs be that offences come; 

but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

3-part series:

ART from SPIRIT

Photo by author

Our DANCE class

 

Psalm 149:3-4

King James Version

3 Let them praise his name in the dance: 

let them sing praises unto him 

with the timbrel and harp.

4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: 

he will beautify the meek with salvation.

WELCOME to our dance "class"!

Wherein we dance for the LORD.

We dance to thank Him for the life given us.

We dance for His glory.

We move, in appreciation of the abilities He gave us.

That we're able to move at all.

That we have childlike hearts in our soul.

That we're not robot-like, but child-like.

We dance, not for money, but for GOD.

We dance for the pure joy of it.

Not checking if we have the right gear.

Not concerned if we're "trending".

Not showing off on social media.

Not trying to outdo each other.

Not trying to seduce.

We dance for GOD.

We dance for each other.

We dance for self.

We all have a SONG in our hearts.

We all have a rhythm GOD gave us.

That's the beat of the drum given us.

Perfectly attuned for GOD's purpose.

That song, and rhythm, is not only for dance.

It's the song and rhythm, for your life, and work.

It's the beat, pace, and pulse GOD gave you.

Surely, you feel that in your heart.

Children hear a song, and they dance.

They don't care if their moves are right.

Although adults tend to teach them their moves.

Would be better if you just watch your child move.

And see the beat, pace, and pulse GOD gave them.

I'm all for preserving the "song" GOD gave each one of us.

Originally.

That's the KEY word.

As it is, we are creating many wounded children.

Because we are wounded adults.

Let's not do that to the children.

They trust us.

Let's not do that to each other.

Respect GOD' gift in each one.

Let's not project ourselves onto others.

Better we focus on the beat, pace, and pulse GOD gave us.

That we may live, love, and work as GOD would have us.

You watch.

It will be a different world.

Especially if GOD makes you born again.

You will be taught by SPIRIT.

You will know JESUS' commands.

You will love GOD, above all.

Once born again, nothing is for self anymore.

There will be no greed, pride, vanity, lust, or desire for power.

Everything will be for GOD.

Everything will be for others.

You take the back seat, as GOD takes the front seat.

He's got a throne, you know.

JESUS stands beside Him.

At GOD's right hand.

And all of us?

We worship at Their feet.

For, without GOD, we wouldn't exist.

Without JESUS, we wouldn't know what pleases GOD.

Without SPIRIT, we wouldn't have a chance to dance.

SPIRIT gives us that ability to dance.

Job 33:4

King James Version

4 The spirit of God hath made me, 

and the breath of the Almighty 

hath given me life.

Such is our dance "class".

It's a class beyond worldly definitions.

It's allowing the child in us to move, as GOD created us to move.

Our bodies are the TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT.

How could anyone, then, ever think of defiling that body?

How could anyone ever manipulate our gifts?

How could anyone ever corrupt any child?

Our bodies are for GOD.

1 Corinthians 6:13

King James Version

13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: 

but God shall destroy both it and them. 

Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; 

and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:15

King James Version

15 Know ye not that your bodies 

are the members of Christ? 

shall I then take the members of Christ, 

and make them the members of an harlot? 

God forbid.

1 Corinthians 6:18

King James Version

18 Flee fornication. 

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; 

but he that committeth fornication 

sinneth against his own body.

1 Corinthians 6:19

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:20

King James Version

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, which are God's.

We dance for GOD.

That's the intention of our dance "classes".

That all "dance" honors His Son, JESUS.

Who gave us LIFE, LOVE, and LIGHT.

Who is the WAY to all righteousness.

Who prayed for GOD's SPIRIT to be in us.

That we may remember His teachings.

Which honors GOD alone.

JESUS is the Song we dance with.

Related material:

The SONG in your HEART

SPIRIT of GOD

SPIRIT in us

HAPPY s.a.d.

Image: Clipart Library

PURE in HEART

 

Matthew 21:16

King James Version

16 And said unto him, 

Hearest thou what these say? 

And Jesus saith unto them, 

Yea; have ye never read, 

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings 

thou hast perfected praise?

Lovely, lovely day!

THREE articles in one day.

All delightful to work on.

From a dream, an article:

"Dreaming of GRASSHOPPERS"

From that article, another article:

"THINGS are CLEAR"

Going back to that dream article, this article you're reading now:

"PURE in HEART"

Three articles in barely a day.

Some days, SPIRIT makes me write up to eight.

But today, was quite fun.

Only because I finally found answers to many questions.

One, that nagged me for months.

This kind of simple joys happen when you're born again.

You know when SPIRIT leads you to something.

We're like a couple of sleuths.

A team.

Or, at least, He allows me to be a "sleuth".

The MOST FUN TEAM ever!

He knows I won't stop, till I've found answers.

And followed, and completed, His lead.

Thus, He gives me TONS of ideas.

LOTS of clues.

PERSISTENT prompts.

And DELIGHTFUL answers.

Who am I to resist such fun work?

If you're like me, you'd enjoy working with SPIRIT.

You can't have enough of Scripture.

Just when you think you know something, SPIRIT gives you more.

And you just keep marveling at the richness of GOD's WORD.

How everything must be cherished, and meditated upon.

Everything is precious in Scripture.

Make time to know GOD's story.

He made me rest yesterday, a Saturday.

But today, wow, THREE beautiful articles to share with you!

That's why I love being childlike with JESUS.

No matter how ancient I am, my heart remains young.

Never jaded, never morose, never depressed.

Or, at least, since GOD made me born again 52 months ago.

As of yesterday.

If I'm precise, it's because I want to keep track of my progress.

I want to tell you my story as born again.

Remembering every detail.

Because it's really fun!

I mean, how else are stories woven?

Except through detail?

Also, a childlike heart tends to ask TONS of questions.

We only stop when we hear a "TING!"

And we know we've been supplied the answer.

In GOD's world, the answers have always been there.

It's up to the childlike human to find it.

Surely, GOD enjoys witnessing us discover His treasures.

What is a child, but a persistent creature?

What is a child, but a curious one?

What is a child, but a happy kid?

Never lose that trait in you.

The world may be jaded, but don't be.

Be the pearl that GOD made you.

JESUS did say:

Matthew 7:6

King James Version

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, 

neither cast ye your pearls before swine, 

lest they trample them under their feet, 

and turn again and rend you.

That's how I thought we're like "pearls".

We give out pearls, from GOD.

Only a born again, with a childlike heart, can really, truly, wholly appreciate GOD.

Precisely why JESUS says:

Matthew 5:8

King James Version

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: 

for they shall see God.

Matthew 18:3

King James Version

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4

King James Version

4 Whosoever therefore 

shall humble himself as this little child, 

the same is greatest 

in the kingdom of heaven.

There's nothing like being born again.

There's nothing like being childlike.

There's nothing like JESUS.

Amen.

Related material:

KINGDOM of HEAVEN

Image: Darkmoon Art on Pixabay