Points To Ponder 09/30/2005

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Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.

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Phil 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) - When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was ____________ because of them, and the women exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?" "Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me _________, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me."

So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. (Ruth 1: 18-22-NIV)

NOTE: The name Naomi asked to be called by means “bitter”.

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The aspen lined road to the "Heart" tree at Russell Gulch, Colorado I will explain that more in the days to come.

Points To Ponder 09/29/2005

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I am so amazed that God has altered me that I can never despair of anybody.” - Oswald Chambers

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) - At this Orpah and Ruth wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her. "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you ___ I will ___, and where you _____ I will _____. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:14-17)

NOTE: We have two women at a crossroads in their lives…one goes back to her old life and the other steps out in faith and changes the course of history. As we will see Ruth is one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ. In His humanity Christ had Ruth’s blood flowing through his veins….But we are getting ahead of the story………….

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We just got back from four wheeling in Colorado looking at the fall leaves. This picture is of an old mine at the town of Russell Gulch, Colorado (the town can be seen in the background). This town is where Vicki lived when I met her.
 

Points To Ponder 09/28/2005

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"Every man is made to reach out beyond his grasp.” - Oswald chambers

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) - (Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law) Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more ___________ for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out ___________ me!" (Ruth 1:12-13)

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Goat at the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Olathe, Kansas. Appears that the bush on the other side of the fence is always greener!
 

Points To Ponder 09/27/2005

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“Christians can be miserably dissatisfied if they accept Christ’s salvation yet reject the fullness of a daily relationship that satisfies.” - Beth Moore

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your ___________ home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband." Then she kissed them and they wept aloud and said to her, "We will go back with you to ________ people." (Ruth 1:8-10 NIV)

NOTE: Both daughters-in-law started the journey with Naomi….both had good intentions….but…….

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More old farm equipment at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, Olathe, Kansas.
 

Points To Ponder 09/26/2005

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“Remember that it is easier to stay out of temptation than to get out of it.” - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her two daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.

With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of ________. (Ruth 1:6-7 NIV)

NOTE: Chilion took Orpah as his wife. Orpah means “deer or fawn”. It could indicate that she was the athletic type. Mahlon married Ruth. The name Ruth has many meanings. Several are beauty, personality, and friend. So we can probably assume she was very pretty, intelligent and loyal.

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Points To Ponder 09/25/2005

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“One of our chief purposes on this planet is to know God intimately and with reverent familiarity”. - Beth Moore

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BIBLE QUIZ: (We have finished the Book of Acts so let’s head back to the Old Testament for a season)

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(Old Testament/Book of Ruth) In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.

The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name _______, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to ________ and lived there. (Ruth 1:1-2 NIV)

NOTE: Mahlon means “unhealthy” and Chilion means “puny”. So in other words they had two sickly boys.

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 28:30ff.

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Old farm equipment at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, Olathe, Kansas.
 

Old hand water pump at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, Olathe, Kansas.

Old railroad water tank at Sergeants, Colorado.
 

Moth or a butterfly at Shawnee Mission Park, Kansas?
 

Alta Lake (near Telluride, Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/24/2005

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“If you will give God all your distasteful, unpleasant experiences, He will blend them together for good.” - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans…………………………..And when he had said many words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt _____ whole years in his own rented house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

How many years did Paul dwell in his own rented house at Rome?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 28:15ff.

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Points To Ponder 09/23/2005

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You cannot keep the birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in you hair.” - Martin Luther

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard:………………..

What type of a prison cell was Paul confined to in Rome?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 28:10ff.

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Points To Ponder 09/22/2005

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If it goes without saying, then don't say it.

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And the natives also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied {us} with all we needed. And at the end of _________ months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the _________ ____________ for its figurehead. And after we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. And from there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome.

How long were Paul and the others stranded on the island of Malta before they again set sail? What was the figurehead on the ship on which they then sailed?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 28:4ff.

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Another view of a log cabin on the way to the Mary Murphy Mine (near St. Elmo, Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/21/2005

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“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” - Hellen Keller

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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BIBLE QUIZ: (New Testament/Book of Acts) And when the natives saw the venomous snake hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, justice has not allowed him to live. However, Paul shook off the snake into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was _____________; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

What was the name of the chief man of the island? Who was sick at his house? What happened to the sick person??

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 28:1ff.

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Log cabin on the way to the Mary Murphy Mine (near St. Elmo, Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/20/2005

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“Spiritual maturity is never an end in itself. We grow up in order to give out - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us great kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a viper came out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the natives saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet justice has not allowed him to live.

What happened to Paul after the viper (snake) bit him?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 27:39ff.

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Boarding House at the Mary Murphy Mine (near St. Elmo, Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/19/2005

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“Your character is essentially the sum of your habits.” - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping……………….(NIV)

What kept Paul from being killed by the soldiers?

BONUS QUESTION: What was the name of the island that Paul and the others found refuge on?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 27:27ff.

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Flowers at the Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Lenexa, Kansas.
 

Points To Ponder 09/18/2005

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Progress has less to do with speed and more to do with direction.

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship, and had let down the {ship's} boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these stay in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off……….

What did Paul encourage those on board ship to do next?

BONUS QUESTION: How many people were on the ship with Paul?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 27:1ff.

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Points To Ponder 09/17/2005

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Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us……………..

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul………………(so they set out)……..

And we being exceedingly tossed by a great storm, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have listened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the _________ night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

How long were Paul and his companions in the storm before they finally drew near to land?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 25:23ff.

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Rose at the Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, Kansas. 

Here is a photo of a 12" x 12" HO scale model railroad scene I just finished for a magazine article on building trees. I painted the backdrop, built the bridge and all the scenery. The cabin is a 3D cutout of a photo of a real building at the ghost town of Animas Forks, Colorado.

Points To Ponder 09/16/2005

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Your circumstances are temporary, but your character will last forever.” - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And on the next day, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth………………And as he spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning has made you mad.

But Paul said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe in the prophets? I know that you believe. Then Agrippa said unto Paul,………….

What was King Agrippa’s comment to Paul?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 25:7ff.

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Sheep grazing in the Colorado high country.
 

Points To Ponder 09/15/2005

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Whatever your lot in life is, build on it.

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?" Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to _________!"

After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to________. To __________ you will go!" A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.

Fill in the blanks……….who did Paul appeal to?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 25:1ff.

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One last shot of the cabin at the Missouri Mine (located in Hall Valley close to the Webster Pass area in Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/14/2005

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Ninety percent of the friction of daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice.

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong." After spending ______ or______ days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.

Who was Festus and how many days did he stay in Caesarea?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 24:22ff.

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A cabin at the Missouri Mine (located in Hall Valley close to the Webster Pass area in Colorado).
 

Points To Ponder 09/13/2005

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“Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.” - Os Guinness

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a __________, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius ________, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 24:16ff.

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A thunderstorm has just passed over us in this view of a cabin at the Missouri Mine (located in Hall Valley close to the Webster Pass area).
 

Points To Ponder 09/12/2005

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“The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together”. - Robert C. Dodds

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. "After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people _______ for the poor and to _________ ___________. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin-- unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 24:10ff.

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Time for a change of pace, so let's head back to the Rocky Mountains for a few days. Here is a picture us coming down the road (if you can call it a road!) from the Missouri Mine which is located in Hall Valley (Webster Pass area). My son Mike took this photo.

Points To Ponder 09/11/2005

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“We are only followers of Christ when in fact we follow Christ.” - Os Guinness

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: "I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

What does it mean to be a follower of the Way?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 24:1ff.

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Flower and butterfly at the Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, Kansas.
 

Points To Ponder 09/10/2005

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“While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: heaven or hell. Your relationship to God on earth will determine your relationship to him in eternity.” - Rick Warren

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with a certain attorney {named} Tertullus; and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. And after {Paul} had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying {to the governor} "Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, we acknowledge {this} in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. "But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. "For we have found this man………………..

What were the charges against they brought against Paul?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 23:33ff.

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Flower at Shawnee Mission Park, Kansas. I believe it is called a red hot poker?
 

Points To Ponder 09/09/2005

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“In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy him.” - C.S. Lewis

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts)When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter from the commander to the governor Felix and handed Paul over to him. Governor Felix read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.

Five days later the high priest _____________ went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a __________ named ____________, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.

Who went to Caesarea to bring charges against Paul?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 23ff.

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Flower at the Deanna Rose Farmstead, Olathe, Kansas.
 

Points To Ponder 09/08/2005

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“When a husband comes to Christ 90% of his family will come to Christ. If just the wife comes to Christ then the number drops to about 45%” - David Jeremiah

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) "So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for Paul who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you." Therefore the commander let the young man go, instructing him, "Tell no one that you have notified me of these things." And he called to him two of the centurions, and said, "Get ____ hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with __________ horsemen and _____ hundred spearmen." They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him …………………..

The commander took great care in being sure that Paul was transported safely to _________ _____ ______________?

BONUS POINT: What was the commander’s name? ________________

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 23ff.

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Flower and butterfly at the Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, Kansas.
 

Points To Ponder 09/07/2005

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“All God’s giants were weak people.” - Hudson Taylor

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BIBLE QUIZ:

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(New Testament/Book of Acts) And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here."

How was it that Paul was not killed by this conspiracy?

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For the answer to the quiz from yesterday see Acts chapter 22:30ff

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Flower at the Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, Kansas.