AN ANGUISH SO GREAT

MISSING - November 30, 2018

AN ANGUISH SO GREAT

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Mark 14:12-17
Killing the Passover lamb was customary on the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The disciples asked Jesus, "Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?" He sent two of his disciples and told them, "Go into the city. You will meet a man carrying a jug of water. Follow him. When he goes into a house, tell the owner that the teacher asks, 'Where is my room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' He will take you upstairs and show you a large room. The room will be completely furnished. Get everything ready for us there." The disciples left. They went into the city and found everything as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus arrived with the twelve apostles.

"You will meet a man carrying a jug of water." With these words Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city to find a place to prepare the Passover feast. A man carrying water would most likely be a servant bringing water to ritually clean the space in which the feast could be prepared. At this late day for preparation it would most likely be a room for rent to the many coming to Jerusalem for the holy days.

Several questions come to my mind here. First among them is, why go to a stranger's house for the feast of unleavened bread? He had friends and followers in Jerusalem (Mark 11:8-10*) why not feast with them? Perhaps it was because he knew that his enemies would be watching those places and didn't want to further endanger them. Maybe it was because he desired to spend this holy day with his closest friends.

We just recently celebrated Thanksgiving and most of us gathered with those closest to us. It is a very human thing to do. And Jesus was very human at this point in time. He knew that very shortly he would be beaten nearly too death an then would be publicly executed in a horrendous manner. In Matthew 26:38-39 we read as he confessed to his friends, "My anguish is so great that I feel as if I'm dying. Wait here, and stay awake with me." After walking a little farther, he quickly bowed with his face to the ground and prayed, "Father, if it's possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine." Is it any wonder that he desired to eat this meal with them? He said in Luke 22:15, "I've had a deep desire to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." And he then instituted what we now call Holy Communion.

Remember the next time you partake of the grape and the grain how much this meal meant to him want was about to die for us.

*Mark 11:8-10
Many spread their coats on the road. Others cut leafy branches in the fields and spread them on the road. Those who went ahead and those who followed him were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is our ancestor David's kingdom that is coming! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER -PART 6

MUSINGS - November 27, 2018

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 6

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Mark 13:3b-4
Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him (Jesus) privately, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?"

Mark 13:24-27
"Now, after the misery of those days, the sun will turn dark, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the universe will be shaken. "Then people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out his angels, and from every direction under the sky, they will gather those whom God has chosen.

Matter, antimatter, dark matter, quantum mechanics, string theory, unified theory, gravity, light, and all the physical properties that humans have worked so hard to understand will be shaken. Everything that we think we know about our world and universy will become null and void. The One True Power, God, while intervene as he hasn't since creation. people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power. This is when Jesus will call his own from everywhere and everywhen. This is not the beginning of the end. This is the end of the beginning.

Jesus said in Mark 13:23
Be on your guard! I have told you everything before it happens. Be prepared for that transformational moment when history ceases and everything is made new. By "be prepared" I don't mean have food and water stored in an underground bunker. I mean prepare your soul. Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly. (2 Timothy 2:15)

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 26 Monday

2018 November 26 Monday in Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, and Leander Texas

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The day started with a brisk 35° and topped out at 54°.

Ella and I both worked today. It was extremely slow day. I thought perhaps the mall doors were locked and no one could get in. Grin.

After work we stopped at H.E.B. where Ella had a five o'clock appointment at the RediClinic. and while she was in the exam room I bought some V8 Fusion to take with our lunches.

We them back tracked to Cedar Park to pick up her new prescription.

Then back to Liberty Hill for some Chicken Express and home.

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 5

MUSINGS - November 26, 2018

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 5

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Mark 13:3b-4
Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him (Jesus) privately, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?"

Mark 13:21-23
"At that time don't believe anyone who tells you, 'Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!' False messiahs and false prophets will appear. They will work miraculous signs and do wonderful things to deceive, if possible, those whom God has chosen. Be on your guard! I have told you everything before it happens.

Jesus cautions his followers to Be on your guard! The false messiahs that I know of in my time on this Earth seem to me to be easier to spot than the false prophets. Jim Jones , David Koresh, Charles Manson, Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, L. Ron Hubbard, and Sun Myung Moon. Are just a few that come to mind. I'm sure there are many more lesser known "messiahs" out there it seems a quick way to gain power and wealth. As a matter of fact the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard is wired as saying, “If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion.” Though these other cut leaders never said it publicly, I'm sure it was a big motivatingq factor.

As I said I think that modern day prophets are harder to spot. The bookshelves in any bookstore are filled with Prophets. And the only true way to judge a prophet it's after their predictions come true. And if there predictions are for the end time, well at the true end time the predictions no l longer matter.

Again I say, immerse yourself in the Bible and be on guard. Those who deceive the people of God will receive a terrible punishment ... but so will those who are lead astray.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 4

MUSINGS - November 25, 2018

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 4

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Mark 13:3b-4
Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him (Jesus) privately, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?"

Mark 13:14-20
"When you see the disgusting thing that will cause destruction standing where it should not (let the reader take note), those of you in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those who are on the roof should not come down to get anything out of their houses. Those who are in the field should not turn back to get their coats. "How horrible it will be for the women who are pregnant or who are nursing babies in those days. Pray that it will not be in winter. It will be a time of misery that has not happened from the beginning of God's creation until now, and will certainly never happen again. If the Lord does not reduce that time, no one will be saved. But those days will be reduced because of those whom God has chosen.

These now are signs of the end times. When you see the disgusting thing that will cause destruction standing where it should not. I'm not a prophet nor a great theologian but I see that where stood the Temple in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, the current site Al-Aqsa Mosque, that to me could be fulfillment of this prophesy. The final Temple was destroyed by the Romans within forty some years s after Christmas predicted it. That effectively destroyed the Jewish nation until 14 May 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, declared "the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel, to be known as the State of Israel. By then the mosque, which was built between 1168 and 1174, had been on the site of the Temple for 774 years.

As I said many others have tried to understand this prophesy and interpreted it many different ways. However, whatever else is true we have Christ's word that those days will be reduced because of those whom God has chosen. We read in Ephesians 1:4-6
Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence. Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory.

We know that the end will not come until the Gosple has reached everyone (Mark 13:10) so it is our duty, as those chosen by God, to shorten the time by sharing it with everyone.

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2018 November 24 Saturday

2018 November 24 Saturday in Cedar Park Texas

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42° to 73°

I am trying a new app that converts photos to paintings. I like the way this one turned out.

Rather than being her Christmas wish list, this girl brought a present for me.

To Santa from Edie

After work we went to the outlet mall in Round Rock. It was a madhouse in the parking lot. People were parking in the drive, complete blocking it to traffic. I dropped Ella off at the entrance. I circled around and around until a space opened up.

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The clouds added extra layers of beauty to the evening sky.

We tried to go to Hobo Junction for supper but they were closed. We tried to go to Dahlia's for supper but it was booked for a private party. We ended up at0ⁿ Subway. Not what I wanted for supper, but it was good.

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 3

MUSINGS - November 23, 2018

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 3

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Mark 13:3b-4
Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him (Jesus) privately, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?"

Mark 13:11-13
When they take you away to hand you over to the authorities, don't worry ahead of time about what you will say. Instead, say whatever is given to you to say when the time comes. Indeed, you are not the one who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit will. "Brother will hand over brother to death; a father will hand over his child. Children will rebel against their parents and kill them. Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. But the person who endures to the end will be saved.

Some of what Jesus foresees sounds like the nightly news. And yet it isn't new news. These horrible things have gone on since Cane killed Able. Christ's followers have been persecuted since he called the twelve apostles to follow him. In some parts of our world people are literally dieing for processing their faith. In America the mistreatment of Christians is more subtle but our rights to express our Christian beliefs are slowly eroding. The good news is But the person who endures to the end will be saved.

The apostle Paul wrote to the
Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:11-13) as a matter of fact, read all of chapter 6 as a lesson in how to ensure until the end.

Immerse yourself in the word.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 23 Black Friday

2018 November 23 Black Friday in Cedar Park Texas

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45° and cloudy and it somehow reached 72° this afternoon.

Waiting to go to the Santa set.

We left home earlier morning because we had to go back to Arik's house to retrieve Ella's shirt. She did laundry at their house yesterday and ended up leaving her work shirt on the dryer.

As a result, we were able to get the work and dressed in our work attire by 8:50. The set didn't open until 10. Which have Ella more time to play her games and other things on her phone. It also left me time for my writing.

I believe that I previously mentioned that I (Santa) received a couple of letters written in French.

Since they included a return address with their letters, I have written a letter, (in French) to mail to them after Christmas.

Also while waiting, I worked on polishing the sermon that I've written for December 30th. The working title is After Christmas Sale.

Here is our lunch for the day.

And this is where we stopped for our supper.

On the way home I pulled off the road to take this photo. Do you think it was worth the stop?

The highlight of my day (and it was a great day) was an early teenage little blond girl who just happens to have autism. She came running to me at full speed. I bend down with my arms wide, expecting a hug. Well I got the hug but she also leaped astraddle of me. In all my life (71+ years) I've never had a hug as tight and strong as that. It was more of a wrestling hold than a hug. She stole my heart today.

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER- PART 2

MUSINGS - November 23, 2018

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THE LONG ANSWER - PART 2
Mark 13:4
"Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?"

Mark 13:7-10
"When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be alarmed! These things must happen, but they don't mean that the end has come. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These are only the beginning pains of the end. "Be on your guard! People will hand you over to the Jewish courts and whip you in their synagogues. You will stand in front of governors and kings to testify to them because of me. But first, the Good News must be spread to all nations.

Jesus said, wars, earthquakes, and famines are not signs of end times. They have been happening nearly from the beginning of time. Christ's followers have been and will continue to be persecuted. These again are not signs of the end times but part of the human condition since the fall from Grace in the garden of Eden.

The good news is that the Gosple will be spread to every nation before the end comes. By God's continuing grace everyone will have the opportunity to hear the Good News.
As of October 2017 the full Bible has been translated into 670 languages, the New Testament alone into 1,521 languages and Bible portions or stories into 1,121 other languages. And we still have not reached the entirety of humanity.

Are you doing your part in spreading the Good news to those to those around you?

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 22 Thursday

2018 November 22 Thursday Thanksgiving in Liberty Hill, Cedar Park and Austin

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45° and partly cloudy at the start of the day which quickly turned to mostly cloudy.

The first photo while the early morning sun was quite low.

The second photo taken about an our later shows how the clouds took over the sky.

Since it is Thanksgiving we didn't work today. Arik and Jenny invited us to dinner at their house. Heather and Austin are with his relatives today. Adam, Leigha, and kids are on vacation in Colorado.

They was plenty of food.

Games were played and visiting

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 1

MUSINGS - November 22, 2018

THE LONG ANSWER - PART 1

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Mark 13:1-6
As Jesus was going out of the temple courtyard, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look at these huge stones and these beautiful buildings!" Jesus said to him, "Do you see these large buildings? Not one of these stones will be left on top of another. Each one will be torn down." As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the temple buildings, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end?" Jesus answered them, "Be careful not to let anyone deceive you. Many will come using my name. They will say, 'I am he,' and they will deceive many people.

Mark behind this narrative with Jesus prophesying the destruction of the temple. The disciples then asked, "When?" The answer is not a simple date And time. His answer goes on from Mark 13:5 to 13:37. Today we are going to address the destruction of the temple.

The Romans Destroy the Temple

at Jerusalem, 70 AD

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In the year 66 AD the Jews of Judea rebelled against their Roman masters. In response, the Emperor Nero dispatched an army under the generalship of Vespasian to restore order. By the year 68, resistance in the northern part of the province had been eradicated and the Romans turned their full attention to the subjugation of Jerusalem. stronghold. By the year 70, the attackers had breached Jerusalem's outer walls and began a systematic ransacking of the city. The assault culminated in the burning and destruction of the Temple approximately 35 years after Jesus predicted it. This is confirmation of his ability to foresee the future. His word is true.

Tune in tomorrow for part two of the Long Answer.

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2018 November 21 Wednesday

2018 November 21 Wednesday Ella's birthday in Cedar Park Texas

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We both worked again today and it was steadily busy without having too long of a waiting line either waiting to see Santa or the receive their photos.

After work we stopped at IHOP to celebrate Ella's birthday with pancakes and French toast.

From there it was a short stop at Wally world for a couple of items and the refuel the truck.

Upon reaching home Ella went quickly to bed while I worked on making a cherry cobbler for tomorrow. It took considerably long to bake than I anticipated.

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

FAITH OR FATALISM

MUSINGS - November 21, 2018

FAITH OR FATALISM

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Mark 12:41-44
As Jesus sat facing the temple offering box, he watched how much money people put into it. Many rich people put in large amounts. A poor widow dropped in two small coins, worth less than a cent. He called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor widow has given more than all the others. All of them have given what they could spare. But she, in her poverty, has given everything she had to live on."

For years I have heard sermons on the great faith this woman had. Only I'm not sure that faith was what drove her motives.

Jesus observed this woman putting in the last of her money and his only comment was that she had given everything that she had to live on.

I find it interesting that he didn't say something like, " Her faith will be richly rewarded." Indeed his only comment was that she had given more than the others. He said nothing at all the praise her faith for doing this nor did he condemn her for her foolishness in giving everything she had to the temple.

So I'm left wondering why she did what she did. Was she giving up? Did she realize that these two coins weren't going to sustain her so she might as well give them away. Was it fatalism that drove her actions like the widow in 1Kings 17:12 who told Elijah, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD your God lives, I didn't bake any bread. I have one handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I'm gathering wood. I'm going to prepare something for myself and my son so that we can eat it and then die." She was resigned to die. That is not seem act of faith.

On the other hand perhaps the woman with the two coins really believed Malachi 3:10 which said,
"Bring one-tenth of your income into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way," says the LORD of Armies. "See if I won't open the windows of heaven for you and flood you with blessings. Perhaps all those sermons were correct and this woman's faith was greater than all the rest. And by the way, the woman who fed Elijah was rewarded,
The jar of flour never became empty, and the jug always contained olive oil, as the LORD had promised through Elijah. (1 Kings 17:16)

How is your faith?

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2018 November 20 Tuesday

2018 November 20 Tuesday in Cedar Park

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35° and chilly start that got to 58°.

Once again both Ella and I worked today.

On the way home we stopped at Walmart so that Ella could buy insoles for her shoes. Her feet were really bothering her. She had to stand almost the entire six hour shift. Plus she's still battling the cold or allergy that sends her into fits of coughing.

Traffic at the Santa site has really picked up over the last couple of days. Many kids are out of school for the Thanksgiving break. I get to visit with a lot of interesting children and their parents. It would be nice if I could log them all in my journal but there just isn't enough time ... or memory.

God bless you and g'nite.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 18 Sunday

2018 November 18 Sunday in Liberty Hill

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The day started at 41° with child winds. At noon it was 45°. The next three days will have a down turn in temps. It's not supposed to drop below freezing but closer enough.

Choir was really small today. Ella didn't sing. Her coughing is letting up and her speaking voice is almost back to normal. I'm judging from the small turnout for first service that the cold and flu season is upon us. Or maybe it's just because it is so dark and dreary.

Neither of us worked today we will also have next Sunday off. That will be the last day of for me (other than Thanksgiving) until Christmas day.

After worship we went home and just hung out.

God bless and G'nite!

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

FINALLY!

MUSINGS - November 19, 2018

FINALLY!

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Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes went to Jesus during the argument with the Sadducees. He saw how well Jesus answered them, so he asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of them all?" Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." The scribe said to Jesus, "Teacher, that was well said! You've told the truth that there is only one God and no other besides him! To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself is more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus heard how wisely the man answered, he told the man, "You're not too far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask him another question.

Jus1areligious leaders are all arrogant, self-important, and foolish, this scribe comes to Jesus. He comes with no tricky questions. He does not offer empty flattery. He was on the sidelines when Jesus was confronted by the Sadducees.* He saw how wisely Jesus had seen through their intentions. Now he comes with sincere respect and asks his question, knowing that Jesus will give a truthful, well thought-out answer. And he is not disappointed. He asked, Which commandment is the most important of them all?"

Jesus instead, of picking one of the comments, summarized them all. Jesus was impressed by this scribe and told him, You're not too far from the kingdom of God."

I'm sorry that Mark's narrative ended there. I'd like to know if this scribe took the next step. Did he recognized Jesus as the Messiah? Did he become a follower? Or did he remain not to far, so close but not yet there?

What a wonderful place to be ... not far from the Kingdom. What a terrible place to be if he stopped there. I'm reminded of the the hymn Almost Persuaded. One verse is so terrifying to me:
Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail—
“Almost—but lost!”

It was that hymn that led me to take that final step. I had been standing just outside the kingdom, looking in, but afraid to take that final step. I was afraid to let go of my self-will and accept God's will

If you find yourself not too far from the Kingdom, I encourage and urge you to move forward. Take that last step! Place your life in the hands of the one who created you** and loved you as no other can.***

*Mark 12:18-27

**Psalm 139:13-16

***John 3:16

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KITS, CATS, SACKS, WIVES

MUSINGS - November 18, 2018

KITS, CATS, SACKS, WIVES

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Mark 12:18-27
Some Sadducees, who say that people will never come back to life, came to Jesus. They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother should marry his widow and have children for his brother.' There were seven brothers. The first got married and died without having children. The second married her and died without having children. So did the third. None of the seven brothers had any children. Last of all, the woman died. When the dead come back to life, whose wife will she be? The seven brothers had married her." Jesus said to them, "Aren't you mistaken because you don't know the Scriptures or God's power? When the dead come back to life, they don't marry. Rather, they are like the angels in heaven. Haven't you read in the book of Moses that the dead come back to life? It's in the passage about the bush, where God said, 'I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' He's not the God of the dead but of the living. You're badly mistaken!"

As I was going to St. Ives,
I met a man with seven wives, Each wife had seven sacks, Each sack had seven cats, Each cat had seven kits: Kits, cats, sacks, and wives, How many were there going to St. Ives?

This nursery rhyme riddle has been around for a very long time but people are still fooled by the misdirection of it. It sounds like it is a math problem with the number of kits, cats, sacks, and wives. However, the answer is in the first line, "As I was going to St. Ives." Only one person was going to St. Ives.

The Sadducees attempted to trick the Lord using a similar method. They tried to bury their true intent in a long drawn out example with seven brothers who each consecutively married the same woman. The true question was not about marriage it was about resurrection. But Jesus was not fooled and answered their true question by explaining what they had missed in Moses's teachings.

In yesterday's Musings we had the story of the Pharisees trying to entrap Jesus and how they failed. One of the points of doctrine that the Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed on was life after death. Pharisees believed in it and the Sadducees did not. So their test was designed not only to entrap Jesus but also to confirm their belief that death was final.

Once again be careful of those who wish to debate with you about your beliefs. Ask yourself why they are asking the question. Are they seeking the truth or are they just trying to justify their beliefs? Be wise. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidence.

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2018 November 17 Saturday

2018 November 17 Saturday in Cedar Park and Leander,Texas

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45° start and warmed to 69°.

Both Ella and I worked today. It was a short day, just ten to two.

Because it was a short day we went out for a late lunch at Great Wall. I was looking for a Chinese buffet. They are not a buffet but the good was good and reasonably priced.

Also because it was a short day we took out clothes to the laundromat.

We had an amazing sunset as we were leaving the laundromat.

And then the moon was amazing tonight.

God bless and G'nite!

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TRUTHFUL LIES

MUSINGS - November 17, 2018

TRUTHFUL LIES

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Mark 12:13-17
The leaders sent some of the Pharisees and some of Herod's followers to Jesus. They wanted to trap him into saying the wrong thing. When they came to him, they said, "Teacher, we know that you tell the truth. You don't favor individuals because of who they are. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to the emperor or not? Should we pay taxes or not?" Jesus recognized their hypocrisy, so he asked them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a coin so that I can look at it." They brought a coin. He said to them, "Whose face and name is this?" They told him, "The emperor's." Jesus said to them, "Give the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and give God what belongs to God." They were surprised at his reply.

Here is a riddle for you, when is the truth not the truth? When it is not believed. These leaders came to Jesus faining belief when they said, "you teach the way of God truthfully." Though it was true, it was a lie in their hearts. Jesus heard their words but he also knew their hearts.

They wanted to trap him. But he saw their intent and turned it around on them. He told them a truth that they had not expected.

Beware those who flatter you, as they may have evil intentions. Jesus warmed his followers, "I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as snakes but as innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16) So beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 16 Friday

2018 November 16 Friday in Cedar Park Texas

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The day started above freezing at 38° and reached 66°. It's not supposed to dip below 40° tonight.

Ella had the day off and spent most of it in bed trying to kick her cold.

Santa had a young child of about 3 (?) Who did not want to be picked up by anyone, not Santa, not the set manager, and not his mother. He wasn't afraid of Santa but we couldn't get him to stand still and face the camera. If you tried to turn him around he'd shrug it off and move away. We did finally get photo though.

At the end of my set, a tall blond Asian woman in spike heels and a skimpy Santa themed outfit of short shorts and halter top came in. She sat on my lap and struck several posses that reminded me of old pinup girls. Then she brought in her own photographer (which they're not supposed to do) and struck posses around the set. At least she did buy a photo package. I'm telling you this in case my photo ends up on some questionable website

VFW Fish fry tonight in Liberty Hill. I hurried home after work to get Ella and then back into town to eat cornmeal coated fish, fries, pinto beans, hush puppies, and coleslaw. I didn't eat the slaw because it contained onions and I didn't want to try out my eppy pen.

God bless and G'nite!

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

YOUR CHOICE

MUSINGS - November 16, 2018

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YOUR CHOICE

Mark 12:1-12
Then, using this illustration, Jesus spoke to them (the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders*). He said, "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, made a vat for the winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to vineyard workers and went on a trip. "At the right time he sent a servant to the workers to collect from them a share of the grapes from the vineyard. The workers took the servant, beat him, and sent him back with nothing. So the man sent another servant to them. They hit the servant on the head and treated him shamefully. The man sent another, and they killed that servant. Then he sent many other servants. Some of these they beat, and others they killed. "He had one more person to send. That person was his son, whom he loved. Finally, he sent his son to them. He thought, 'They will respect my son.' "But those workers said to one another, 'This is the heir. Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. "What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the workers and give the vineyard to others. Have you never read the Scripture passage: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it is amazing for us to see'?" They wanted to arrest him but were afraid of the crowd. They knew that he had directed this illustration at them. So they left him alone and went away.

These were learned men who were familiar with the scriptures. When Jesus began his illustration with, "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it," the immediately knew that the planter was God and the vineyard was Israel.* They knew that the servants were the prophets of the LORD. And they knew that Jesus was claiming to be the son in this story. Which meant he was claiming to be the son of God. They also knew that Jesus was casting them in the role of the murderous renters (the priests could not own any land.***)

They were very angry with Jesus for casting them in the role of the villains. But they were enraged by his claim to be the rightful owner of the land, the Messiah, the anointed King of Israel. And it was, in their eyes, blasphemy for him to lay claim to be the son of God. And it would have been blasphemy if it were not true. And the crime of blasphemy carried the punishment of death.****

Jesus left them only two choices: believe he was who he claimed to be or kill him.

Each of us must also choose: believe it deny. Your choice.

*Mark 11:27

**Isaiah 5:1-7

***Deuteronomy 10:9

****Leviticus 24:13–16.

2018 November 15 Thursday

2018 November 15 Thursday in Cedar Park Texas

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28° and clear sky to begin with. It warmed up considerably today. It reached 65° and then the clouds moved in.

Once again Santa got plenty of hugs but few photos were purchased. I head a pair of middle age women come for a photo. And later three young women from the Starbucks shop came for pictures with Santa.

This event is coming soon to Lakeline mall. This is my favorite time of the season. I do enjoy working with these children no matter their age

Two shots of the sky on our way home today.

To quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

God bless and G'nite!

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 14 Wednesday

2018 November 14 Wednesday in Cedar Park Texas

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Today began at 21° but water to 51° in the early afternoon. By the time I arrived home from work it was 49° and sunny

My Santa boot's tops tend to droop when I'm not wearing them. Then it's harder to put them back on. However if I insert two large plastic cups, they don't develope that droop.

Today I had a young child who got onto the set only as far as the camera. He then got down on the floor, covered his eyes, and buried his head against the carpet. No amount of coaxing or threatening from its parents would get him to move. So Santa got down on the floor with him and copied his pose. He looked up saw what I was doing and got up on his knees and started crawling around. His mother came through the set and he followed her. So she would lead him back past me so that the photographer could get a picture of the two of us on our hands and knees on the floor. Eventually I was able to get him up on the chair, but he was crying. However in one of the photographs it looked like he was smiling, even though he was crying. So it's all a matter of timing. The parents bought the package with all of the digital photos downloadable.

This afternoon I saw a grandfatherly gentleman with a pre toddler in the baby cartage. I went out of the set to talk with him. He told me that they were from Russia and that there were older siblings so the would return for photographs. I reminded him that, though I deliver presents on December 6th in Russia, I would be bringing them early on December 25th in America. I then said, "Sasibo I do svidaniya," (thank you and goodbye) Which is all the Russian I know.

That was the highlights of my day.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

3018 November 13 Tuesday

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2018 November 13 Tuesday in Cedar Park Texas

29° that feels like 18° because of the wind. Overcast clouds kept it from warning much. It reached a high of forty. The forecast for tonight is 19° by morning.

Last night I covered the water hydrant and wrapped the water filter with insulation. The supply house is heated so it is not wrapped. I let the water drip a little overnight just in case. I also filled some containers with water. For drinking, cooking, and flushing. Washing can be done with wet wipes as needed.

However, none of that was needed. But it is supposed to drop below freezing every night for the next couple of nights.

I was able to get in a little exercise, walking around the balcony above the Santa set before anyone came to let me into the dressing room.

Both of us work at the mall today.

It was a slow day. Only a few kids stopped to talk with Santa. And fewer yet had photos taken.

The above photo is not me. That's Charlie my lookalike stand-in.

By the end of the day Ella was hardly able to talk. She was also coughing and sneezing. She doesn't work tomorrow and will probably stay in bed the whole day. Please pray for her.

God bless and g’nite y’all.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

GOD FIRST, SELF LAST

MUSINGS - November 03, 2018

GOD FIRST, SELF LAST

Mark 9:42-50
"These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck. "So if your hand causes you to lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life disabled than to have two hands and go to hell, to the fire that cannot be put out. If your foot causes you to lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. If your eye causes you to lose your faith, tear it out! It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. In hell worms that eat the body never die, and the fire is never put out. Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good. But if salt loses its taste, how will you restore its flavor? Have salt within you, and live in peace with one another."

Jesus gives many parables about the kingdom of God. This is a rare passage where he speaks about hell. He tells his listeners that it would be better to live life maimed than to go to hell where worms that eat the body never die, and the fire is never put out.

I've said it before and I'll repeat myself here. I don't believe that Jesus is being literal here. I believe that he is giving figurative examples of giving up the things that cause us to sin. I believe this because our eyes, hands, and feet do not cause us to sin. Sin is, at its most basic a choice to choose our own desires over the will of God.

No matter how much we desire the object of our sin we must remove it from our life. Anything that we love more than God must be abandoned. In Luke 14:26 Jesus said, "If people come to me and are not ready to abandon their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as their own lives, they cannot be my disciples."

I was a boy scout and was taught the Boy Scout Way: God, country, other people, and self. On our list of priorities God must be first and we must be last.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

LAW VERSES REDEMPTION

MUSINGS - November 04, 2018

LAW VERSES REDEMPTION

Mark 10:1-12
Jesus left there and went into the territory of Judea along the other side of the Jordan River. Crowds gathered around him again, and he taught them as he usually did. Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, "Can a husband divorce his wife?" Jesus answered them, "What command did Moses give you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to give his wife a written notice to divorce her." Jesus said to them, "He wrote this command for you because you're heartless. But God made them male and female in the beginning, at creation. That's why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one. So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don't let anyone separate what God has joined together." When they were in a house, the disciples asked him about this. He answered them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman is committing adultery. If a wife divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery."

Jesus continued in his travels teaching and healing. He had returned to this area of Judea where he had previously attracted crowds of listeners. Once again the crowds have come to him. And once again the religious authorities have come to argue with him. They come with a question do designed to be a share to trap him.

They could have posed a question about any of the finer points of the law of Moses, because they came not looking for an answer but for a way to dispute him. Which ever way he answers they hope to trap him by his words. They asked, "Can a husband divorce his wife?" Jesus, however, doesn't answer their questions until they have answered his. They answer tells him how they interpret the law. Rather than argue with them, he agreed that the law does indeed allow for divorce under certain circumstances. But he expands on that by saying that God's perfect will is that marriage be until by death they are seriated. The law was given because of the hardness of humanities heart. Without the law of divorce, the only way to be rid of an unfaithful spouse would be to have them stoned to death. "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife or with his neighbor's wife, both he and the woman must be put to death for their adultery (Leviticus 20:10)

Jesus did not refute the law but said only that it was because of man's sinful nature that the law was given at all. The apostle Paul writes to the church in Galatia, "No one receives God's approval by obeying the law's standards since, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith." Laws have nothing to do with faith, but, "Whoever obeys laws will live because of the laws he obeys." Christ paid the price to free us from the curse that God's laws bring by becoming cursed instead of us. Scripture says, "Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed." Christ paid the price so that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to all the people of the world through Jesus Christ and we would receive the promised Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:11-14)

The law can only exposed our sins and condemn us. Jesus took that condemnation upon himself and saves us from all our sin through faith

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 02 Friday

2018 November 02 Friday in Liberty Hill, Bertram, Burnet, and Marble Falls, Texas

We arrived at the church around 9:30. Our Grandies group saves aluminum cans and people donate cans to us also. Several times a year we take them to Marble Falls for recycling. I should explain that Texas has no deposit and no return on soft drink Cans. The recyclers pay by the pound for the aluminum. We made $35.

However that is skipping ahead on the story. We had loaded Rudolf the red nosed pickup bed as full as it would go and still put the cover in place.

The cover is in two prices with each piece debited by four screws with wingnuts. Knowing that each of this screws would need to be removed at the recycling center, I decided that two each wires be enough

We hadn't gone far before I realized that Rudolf was running on empty. I went to the nearest station and filled up. 25.336 gallons in a 25 gallon tank. I told you we were running on empty. Thank God that I noticed it when I did.

Because of the side trip to the gas station I changed the route we took. We had gone through Bertram when one of the plywood covers blew off of the truck. Obviously I was wrong that it didn't need all of these screws holding it down. I pulled off to the side of the road and retrieved the cover and put it back in place with all of the screws.

After getting our cash at the recycling plant, we joined the rest of the grandies group at the Blue Bonnet cafe for lunch and pie.

After leaving the cafe we had time to return home before going to the VA Clinic in Cedar Park.

I was given a clean bill of health and a hug by my doctor. She also made me promise to walk a mile every day. She placed an order with the VA pharmacy for something that would help with the pain in my knees and the neuropathy in my feet.

After returning home, I worked some on building a deck.

God bless and g'nite y'all.

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And my sermons blog http://ThomasEWilliams.blogspot.com/?m=1l

All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

2018 November 01 Thursday

2018 November 01 Thursday in Liberty Hill, Texas

45° overnight under starry skies. I woke around three and turned done heart on.

Lunch and canasta at the Over The Hill Gang. I

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And my sermons blog http://ThomasEWilliams.blogspot.com/?m=1l

All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

GOD FIRST, SELF LAST

MUSINGS - November 03, 2018

GOD FIRST, SELF LAST

Mark 9:42-50
"These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck. "So if your hand causes you to lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life disabled than to have two hands and go to hell, to the fire that cannot be put out. If your foot causes you to lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. If your eye causes you to lose your faith, tear it out! It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. In hell worms that eat the body never die, and the fire is never put out. Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good. But if salt loses its taste, how will you restore its flavor? Have salt within you, and live in peace with one another."

Jesus gives many parables about the kingdom of God. This is a rare passage where he speaks about hell. He tells his listeners that it would be better to live life maimed than to go to hell where worms that eat the body never die, and the fire is never put out.

I've said it before and I'll repeat myself here. I don't believe that Jesus is being literal here. I believe that he is giving figurative examples of giving up the things that cause us to sin. I believe this because our eyes, hands, and feet do not cause us to sin. Sin is, at its most basic a choice to choose our own desires over the will of God.

No matter how much we desire the object of our sin we must remove it from our life. Anything that we love more than God must be abandoned. In Luke 14:26 Jesus said, "If people come to me and are not ready to abandon their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as their own lives, they cannot be my disciples."

I was a boy scout and was taught the Boy Scout Way: God, country, other people, and self. On our list of priorities God must be first and we must be last.

Visit my daily blog. it https://RVingFulltimeWithTomAndElla.com/

And my sermons blog http://ThomasEWilliams.blogspot.com/?m=1

All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

SMALL ACTS, BIG REWARDS

MUSINGS - November 02, 2018

SMALL ACTS, BIG REWARDS

Mark 9:41
I can guarantee this truth: Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."

Until today I've always thought that this teaching was oddly placed in Mark's narrative. It is sandwiched between the disciples trying to stop someone else from casting out demons in Jesus's name and teachings about escaping hell. However, as I consider it today, I see that it is related to the former teaching where Jesus tells the disciples, "Whoever isn't against us is for us." Both the grander (in human thinking) act of casting out demons, and the giving of a drink of water, will earn rewards, if done in Jesus's name.

I remember a man I knew many years ago. He had several brothers who were missionaries to foreign lands. He owned and operated a small printing company. His brothers had the grander (in human thinking) acts of discipleship. However, I heard him once say, "I also serve by keeping their stuff." While his brothers were away, he would store their household belongings until they returned. They all earned their reward.

Those who do these "small" acts of kindness will indeed hear the Master say, "Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)

Matthew 25:31-46 really expands on this idea of relatively small acts of kindness earning great rewards.

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All content (except quotations) © 2018 Thomas E. Williams

NOT COOKIECUTTER CHRISTIANS

MUSINGS - November 01, 2018

NOT COOKIECUTTER CHRISTIANS

Mark 9:38-40
John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone forcing demons out of a person by using the power and authority of your name. We tried to stop him because he was not one of us." Jesus said, "Don't stop him! No one who works a miracle in my name can turn around and speak evil of me. Whoever isn't against us is for us.

"He was not one of us." Us or them? Them or us? Someone not of the twelve apostles was using the power of Jesus name.

John was, in affect, saying, "The 12 of us have the Jesus brand exclusively copyrighted and trademarked. How dare someone cast out demons in the name of Jesus? He didn't pay the franchise fee."

My salvation didn't give me exclusive rights and privileges. My salvation journey was different than yours. I know this because God didn't make Cookiecutter Christians. God came to us as individuals and through his grace granted us pardon for our sins. Then he laid out individual paths and individual jobs for us.*

God's grace is inclusive not exclusive. Jesus died for all of humanity. There is no Them. We are all Us. My path and my gifts may differ from yours but we serve the same God. Remember, "Whoever isn't against us is for us."

*Read 1 Corinthians chapter 12

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