I Am Returned

"Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain."  Zechariah 8:3

To the Bible student, whether basic or advanced, it's no secret that the Kingdom of the Messiah is yet future to us.  We don't know how many more years the world will continue before Christ returns.  We just know that this event is coming.

Yet, in this verse found in the Book of Zechariah, God speaks of His return as though it has taken place already.

The LORD'S return is so certain that God used the past tense.  

Our minds are drawn to the Book of Ezekiel's prophecy.  There, Ezekiel has just described the grand dimensions and the glorious beauty of the Millennial Temple, when he stops and sees something far more glorious than any building of wood and stone.  He sees the glory of the God of Israel returning.

"Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."  Ezekiel 43:1-2

The Lord's presence will someday return to the land of Israel.  In that day following the Great Tribulation when every Jew has turned to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the holy presence of the Almighty will take up residence in the future temple of His glory.

From there, He'll rule the nations with a rod of iron, and every person living will have the privilege of hearing the Law of God taught from the mouth of the Messiah Himself.

"He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."   Isaiah 42:4

All of this is so sure that God simply says, I am returned.  Are you ready for the Kingdom?  Have you made Jesus the Messiah your Savior through simple faith in His blood?  If not, you can ... today.  Don't wait.  

"Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever ... ."  Ezekiel 43:7

Preparing for Success

When the alarm goes off at 4:45AM, it's easy to roll over and say, "Think I'll skip the workout today."

Right now, our routine involves getting up at 4:45 and spending time with the Lord in Bible study and prayer, then doing a workout before continuing on with the day.

Having a morning routine can be challenging for some, especially if you're not really a morning person.

Planning for success can help you.  Set up the workout space the night before.

You're more likely to follow through on the commitment if you know that the workout space is prepared and "calling you."

You've heard of meal-prepping.  This is workout prepping.  Too many people set themselves up for failure.  They don't have good food on hand and ready when it's needed, so they resort to junk.

They don't have a dedicated time and space for spending time with God, so they don't.

They don't prepare their exercise routine in advance, so they don't do it.

Preparation is your friend.

A Day at the Orchard

Saturday, we decided to check out one of the local orchards around Bowling Green.

It was a lovely day, and the apple orchard was situated on the top of a hill just outside of town.

Sandra had fun browsing the little shop inside the barn.  We didn't buy anything, but she had a good time window-shopping.

I did get us an apple cider slushy to share.  It was pretty good 😋 Fall isn't far away, and soon we'll be hitting up the fall festivals in our area!  We can't wait for cooler weather!

October!!! My favorite month of the year!

Why I Love Resistance Bands

Not everyone has the space or the money for a full set of dumbbells, but almost anyone can afford two resistance bands for $10 each.  Also, storing them is a breeze.

They are also safer than weights.  Using them is easier, and injuring yourself is harder because they only exert tension when you are in position and ready to use them.

They are also great for travelling.  When I go on a trip for pleasure or business, I include a set of resistance bands.  They come in different thicknesses which makes them easier or harder to pull.

I've included a few pictures on how to use loop-style resistance bands.  These pictures show just three upper body moves; however, there are dozens of upper and lower body moves that can be done using these style of bands.  The bands in the picture are one complete loop.  Some bands are a single strap-design with handles at each end.  They are good too, but I like the loop-style best.

I like doing rows with a band after doing pushups because it works the back after working the chest.  You can make the row harder by moving your feet farther apart or by using a thicker band.

You can also use them for curls in the same way that you would use a dumbbell.

Can't bench press weights or dumbbells because you don't have them?  No problem!  You can do the same movement with a resistance band.  If you want a really good chest workout, flip around and do a pushup with the band in the position shown above! 💪

Strength training is crucial, especially as we age.  Bone density goes down with age, but strength training can restore and slow the loss.  Also, we lose muscle mass as we age.  This results in shuffling, falling, poor posture, etc.  Strength training can help keep us moving and independent as we get older.  

Life isn't a guarantee, and God may decide to take my health regardless of the effort that I put into it; however, we should take care of what He has given us so that we can serve and care for others.

Anniversary and Wedding

The past week found us in upper state NY celebrating both our anniversary and our nephew's wedding.

God has given me and Sandra 21 years together on the 17th of this month.  Since we were headed to a nephew's wedding, we decided to make the trip serve two purposes. 

We were able to rent a "chapel" as our room for the few days that we were there.  It was very nice and very reasonable.

The hosts had decorated the outside with lights, chairs and a hammock!

Sandra and I have NEVER used a hammock before this trip.  We like them!

The weather was actually quite nice.  The mornings were around 60F, and the evenings were cool and comfortable.

Sandra didn't want to pose for this picture, so she slapped on a goofy smile 😋  At least she wasn't covering her face like she usually does!  The inside of the chapel was paneled over with bare wood that had been whitewashed.  

Our nephew found a sweet girl who is now a welcome member of the family!  We loved getting to know Elysia and catching up with Austin as well as with our many other nieces and nephews.

Actually, only one nephew was missing, everyone else was there which is saying something, considering how many there are!!

On Sunday, we spent the day in Indiana with Sandra's parents and younger brother who is a pastor.  We enjoyed being in church with them all and helping with the assisted living ministry afterwards.

The trip was great, but we are glad to be home and back into our routines. 😊

I Don't Want to be an Oppressor

"Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous."  Proverbs 3:31, 32

It's easy to read this verse and to think to myself, "I'm not an oppressor."  God says, "...Choose none of his ways."  

What are the "ways" of an oppressor?  Well ...

An oppressor thinks about himself, not others.  He's covetous and discontented with what God provides.  An oppressor manipulates others to get his own way.

He can be a spiritual and emotional abuser, one who plays mind games with people in an effort to dominate them for some sinful satisfaction.  Ever know someone like this?  Have you ever done this?

I'll be honest; I have.  God says, such actions are the ways of an oppressor, and those actions and attitudes are an abomination in God's eyes.  They are a stench in His holy nostrils.

My point is, oppressors take on many shapes and sizes.  It's easy to spot the oppressor who physically harms people, the kid who beats up on the younger one and takes his lunch money ... so to speak.

But there are oppressors that aren't so easy to spot.  We all have the potential to oppress someone.

Maybe we do it by withholding something that we know another needs in order to "punish" them because we are mad at them.

Maybe we manipulate someone's emotions to get them to do what we want instead of what is best for them.

Perhaps it's as simple as being selfish, not willing to look past my own needs and wants in order to meet another's.

Yes, the oppressor comes in all forms.  His ways are carnal, selfish, and a stench in God's nose.

Let's not be oppressors.  Let's not choose any of his ways, and if you know someone who oppresses you through his or her emotions, then maybe it's time to find a new friend.

Making Better Choices Each Day

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."  

Galatians 6:8

As a Christian, I can't lose my salvation, but I sure can harm my fellowship with the Lord by letting my old nature do and say what it wants.

I'd rather not be bitter, resentful, ungrateful, fearful, discontented... .

I'd rather not live each day being influenced by the world instead of influencing those around me for Christ.

I'd rather not let my mouth say what it wants to, let my eyes look where they want to, let my hands do what they want to.

Letting the Spirit of Christ win each day is a much better option.  I'd rather forgive, be grateful, be content, be joyful, be separated from the world's influences.

The Spirit of Christ will never disappoint me.  I'll never say to myself, "Why did I let the Lord have His way in that?"  Being filled with the Spirit never disappoints, but I have often regretted letting the old me have his way.

Healthy Choices while Travelling

Making healthy or healthier choices while travelling isn't always easy, but I'm getting better at it.

I had a business trip last week that took me to Senatobia, MS.  Their not much into "healthy" down there, but I did find some things that worked.

The hotel had a breakfast that offered oatmeal.  I had taken my natural peanut butter, so this worked well for adding to the oatmeal.  I also had some brown rice cakes that served to hold more peanut butter.  These are easier to travel with than a loaf of GF bread.

One evening was Chick-Fil-A, because, well, I just love Chick-Fil-A 😉.  Their Market Salad comes with spring greens, chicken breast, apples, blueberries, blue cheese crumbles and a vinaigrette dressing.  Add some additional chicken nuggets for more protein, and you have a fairly healthy travel option.

This was my favorite find.  It's a Mediterranean Warm Bowl at Panera Bread.  It comes with brown rice, quinoa, chicken breast, olives, hummus, Greek yogurt dressing and choice of chips, baguette or apple.  I chose a to get an iced latte on the side.  I was having cold coffee withdrawals!  

My business trip revolved around training for my job.  The John Deere training center was at a community college, so each day, we ate at the cafeteria.  Most of what they served wasn't GF or healthy, but I did find a spinach salad everyday which was a blessing.  In the picture above, I was able to get roasted chicken to go with the salad.  You have to get creative sometimes and think outside the box.

Ok, so this may have been my unhealthiest choice 😔, but it sure was delicious!!  Actually, it's not as bad as it looks.  I found a fresh-fired pizza place and got a cauliflower crust pizza with mozzarella, veggies, olives, ham and some pepperoni.  

I'm glad to be home and back to Sandra's nutritious and delicious meals.  I'm also grateful that the Lord enabled me to find good food while away.

A Wonderful Birthday

My birthday fell on a Wednesday this year, so Sandra made me a special birthday lunch.

We are both fond of Asian food, so what could be better than some General Tso gluten free chicken, brown rice and stir fried green beans?

She topped it all off with my favorite pumpkin pie. 

Afterwards, we went to retrieve a free birthday coffee from a coffee shop in town.  

Many thanks to my dear wife for making the day a wonderful birthday!!

Yeshua the Messiah: The Servant, The Branch, and The Stone

"Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree."

                                                                        Zechariah 3:8-10

Joshua and his fellow-priests were types of better things to come.  The phrase men wondered at, literally means men of a wonder (sign of future things).  These men and their offices pictured greater things to come.

The LORD promised to bring His Servant, the Branch.  This is none other than Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah.  We find His title of Servant mentioned by Isaiah (42:1), and we find His title the Branch mentioned twice by the prophet Jeremiah (23:5, 33:15).  The Jewish priesthood was temporary (Hebrews 10).  Even the high priest of Israel needed to offer sacrifices for his sins, because he, though God's chosen man, was still just a man (Hebrews 7:27); however, God's Great High Priest, is both God and Man.  To Zechariah and his brothers, the Messiah's first advent was in the future.  To us, it is recorded as having been accomplished, and to both Zechariah and us, the Lord's second coming is a glorious hope for which all of God's redeemed await.

God promised Zechariah that upon this magnificent Stone would be seven eyes.  According to chapter 4, verse 10, these eyes are the divine eyes of the Almighty.  Perhaps God is saying that the Father's eyes would be upon the work of the Messiah just as His eyes were upon the building of the temple in Zechariah's day, but I think the meaning is more significant.  I believe that God is telling us that the same eyes of divinity that characterize the LORD of hosts will also characterize His chosen Stone, thus making this Stone equal with God (I Peter 2:4-6, John 5:18).

Notice how verse 8 finishes.  God promised to remove the iniquity of Israel in one day.  The crucifixion of Christ accomplished redemption's work in one day.  Just before Christ willingly gave up His own life, He cried out, "It is finished!"  That day, He was buried, and 3 days later, He arose from the dead, thus accomplishing redemption for ALL who will believe.  "But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God ... For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."  (Hebrews 10:12, 14)

As of now, most of the Jewish nation persists in unbelief of the Messiah, but a day is coming when all of that will change.  At the end of the Tribulation period, at the return of Christ, the Jews that are left will see Him whom they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him in repentance of their unbelief.  As Paul said, "...And so all Israel shall be saved."  (Romans 11:26).

In one day, God will save the Jewish nation.  How much better are these things than the temporary and faulty priesthood of Zechariah's day?  For us who have placed our faith in the Great High Priest, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)."  (Hebrews 10:21-23)

Saturday Strength

Normally, I would take Saturday off other than a walk with Sandra, but today I decided to mix it up with a bodyweight strength session.

The weather started out extremely rainy, so Sandra and I grabbed an umbrella and got a 2 mile walk in.

Afterwards, I did a 30 minute session of Work for 1 minute and Rest for 1 minute.  One minute may sound like a long rest session, but with the combination of moves, I was getting burned out quickly.  Here's the workout ...

Pushups

Squats

Pullups/Chinups

One-legged Squats (Bulgarian Split Squats)

Situps/Crunches

Give it a try.  All you need is your bodyweight.  It doesn't get more convenient or doable than that 💪💦.