The Suffering Emancipator

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”

—Hebrews 5:8, 9

This is our Savior...  Not one that shirked responsibility, but one that learned obedience the same exact way that we need to learn...  Through suffering!

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

—Hebrews 12:11

And not only that, but the scriptures say that:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 

—Hebrews 4:15, 16

Keep Pressing ON!!!!  Jesus knows what you are going through!

The Promises of God

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 

—1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Heavenly Sunlight!

California is SO nice!!!! Don't you think so too?
-Ry

One little lizard is sitting on a tree.... Can you see me??? :-)

My Grandpa... He looks great for being over 80!

My dad and grandpa talking:

Rebecca, enjoying the sunshine.

Granddad was blessing my dad! :-) Just kidding!

The neighbor's flowers...

Heavenly sunlight! For us from Wisconsin, this is a real treat!

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:1-4  (KJV)

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” 

–(Hebrews 2:17, 18)

Sure, I must fight, if I would win, increase my courage, Lord, I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.

Gain from Loss...

“There is no gain but by a loss,

You cannot save but by a cross

The grain of wheat to multiply

Must fall into the ground and die

Wherever you ripe fields behold,

Waving to God their sheaves of gold,

Be sure some grain of wheat has died,

Some soul has there been crucified;

Someone has wrestled, wept, and prayed,

And fought hells legions undismayed”

Hebrews 2:1-4

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

—Hebrews 2:1-4

Amos 4:12

"Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." —Amos 4:12