THE SWALLOWS OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Posted on by BETH

The Swallows of San Juan Capistrano

Not far from San Diego, where my parents shifted from the Texas plains to sunny California during WW2 because my daddy had to go for training at the Naval base there, a mission point known as San Juan Capistrano nested in the nearby hills.

A legend had grown out of the centuries long migrations of swallows who consistently returned to the Mission from Argentina.  What spirit was stirred in their little breasts to make that trip twice a year?

The famous cliff swallows of San Juan Capistrano that leave town every year in a swirling mass near the Day of San Juan (October 23), are returning from their winter vacation spot 6,000 miles south in Goya, Corrientes, Argentina.

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INVISIBLE

Posted on by BETH

INVISIBLE

As you can see the word invisible is used five different times in four different books of the New Testament.  It does not appear at all in the Old Testament.  If we take another related term “unseen,” we come up with a few more examples.

“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:” (Rom. 1:20).

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” (Col. 1:15).

“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:” (Col. 1:16).

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Titus 1:17).

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27).

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STUDIES IN PHILEMON

Posted on by BETH

Which points in this short epistle seem to stand out the most for you?

I have appreciated the book of Philemon for the kindness and love shown in it. It could well be a model for any letter or email message to any other brother or sister in the church. If a letter is worth writing, it is worth planning and considering the possible impact it may have on the reader.

Paul began with these few sections:

  • Greeting and Encouragement–vss. 1-3
  • Philemon’s love and faith–vss. 4-7
  • Paul’s plea for Onisimus – vss. 8-22
  • Final greetings–vss. 23-25

Although there are many ideas to discuss, three things stand out for me.

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YOU LIED!

Posted on by BETH

YOU LIED!
Eileen Light

This morning, when I checked on my friend, he told me a story about a young man who approached him about clearing brush and debris from the culverts on his ranch so the creek where his cows drink could flow freely. We had about 13 inches of rain, heavy rain two weeks ago, and trees, brush, and even a brand new tire washed up into the culverts. They negotiated the pay by the hour.

When the young man finished, he gave the amount of hours it took to complete the job; he lied. As it sometimes happens, my friend, who can see from his house across the highway, happened to look from his dining room window and knew exactly when the young man arrived at his gate for work. When the young man came to his house for his pay, he lied about the hours it took him to complete his task. My friend then told him he saw the time he arrived, and was it not his wife’s car at the gate? He had to confess; it was the truth.

 

My friend paid that which was due to the young man, but in the absence of honesty and integrity with a false weight and balance, the young man will never return again to work for him.

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