The Wacky World of Rosie

Co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck: “How do you explain that, you know,
there is video footage of planes flying into the World Trade Center
and, and Osama bin Laden was caught on video boasting about these
attacks-”
Co-host Rosie O’Donnell: “Okay, Elisabeth, you have to stop. You
have to stop. You can’t just blather on about your opinion because
this is my show.”
Hasselbeck: “But how do you explain-”
O’Donnell: “Elisabeth, you are very young and you are very wrong.
Don’t fear the terrorists. George Bush is a far greater threat to our
lives than Osama bin Laden, who is a devoted husband and father.”
— Exchange on ABC’s The View, April 1.

Yes, you read that right. Osama the loving husband and father? Whats next, will she want to nominate  bin Laden for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Once again one of Televisions loudest and most disgusting personalities has flipped her wig. Well, as far as I’m concerned she never really was on planet earth anyway. But I must be careful. We don’t say anything around her that she doesn’t agree with or like. She just can’t handle that.

However, by the same token she can and does say anything that suits her fancy, this we know only too well. Donald Trump, who I of course am not a big fan of, did make a good point when he said that Rosie O’Donnell was…uh oh, this just in;

“On Tuesday’s Good Morning America, the ABC program featured
a segment on the feud between View co-host Rosie O’Donnell and
FNC anchor Bill O’Reilly. Although reporter Taina Hernandez did
highlight some of O’Donnell’s more extreme statements, the
segment mostly portrayed the back-and-forth as simply a
celebrity squabble as GMA left out any reference to O’Donnell’s
on-air touting last week of 9/11 conspiracy theories: “I do believe
the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe
that it defies physics for the World Trade Center Tower Seven, building
seven, which collapsed in on itself, it is impossible for a building to
fall the way it fell without explosives being involved.”

I‘ve got to ask the question, how in the world does this big mouth uncouth tyrant get away with all of her silly verbal escapades? Oh yes Miss O’Donnell, steel melts by fire. I used to work in a, “steel mill,” and I can tell you first hand that steel does indeed melt, and it does so with fire. I have scars on my body to prove it. Working as a welder and fabricator I can also tell you first hand about different metals and the results of what heat actually does to                fabricating beams and the like.

Steel  actually melts at about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.  But in the case of the WTC, 1000 degree’s Fahrenheit would sufficiently cause a break down of the composition of the structure.       This intense heat would indeed be enough to cause the buildings to collapse.

Now then, if you noticed, or notice now by viewing pictures or the recordings of the frightening scenes of the first few minutes that the towers were crashed into, you will see that the planes crashed well below the top floors. The heat weakened the      steel within the structure and caused a composition breakdown in the whole area in which the planes    crashed. That is it in a nut shell. Once the top floors fell, the rest was physics, which by the way you Rosie know nothing about!

In short, what you have and what we witnessed was something akin to dominoes. Each floor would give way from extreme weight and force from the heavy load coming down upon each floor.

But now we have an expert blabbing about some       kind of conspiracy that worked to make sure the WTC’s fell completely. Believe me, if there were TNT charges going off within the WTC buildings, there would be clear and plain evidence of it.

But now, on to the rest of the story, (borrowing a line from Paul Harvey). To be perfectly honest, I feel sorry for Rosie and those of her ilk. She never     seems happy. She constantly wants to start                  arguments with those who seem to threaten her and her way of life or, are simply not in her corner on her beliefs. Could it be that she is very much aware of the sinfulness in her life and that is causing her to be so bitter?

It is very obvious she is lacking something in her world. I think I know what that something is. Jesus! Her sinful life is her downfall as with all of those in the world who cannot find peace. It is plain that      Rosie has no peace in her heart. All her money will perish with her unless she repents and obeys the Lord’s gospel. Jesus said;
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (John14: 27,28)
Jesus uttered these words to His apostles before His death, burial, and resurrection. They were however meant for all of His children that have believed and obeyed from the heart His gospel that the apostles soon spread throughout the known world. During this time the apostle Paul said;

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:7)

I pray not only for Rosie, but for the world, that they may come to know perfect peace and harmony in the Lord.

Gary “Ansol” 

Lost On Galapogos

“Live Science,” staff writer,” Kar Than,” posted an article dated November 2nd, 2005 called, “Darwin’s natural Selection Still At Work In Humans.” In the very first paragraph this person states that, “The evolutionary process that Charles Darwin discovered almost 150 years ago, responsible for transforming dinosaurs into birds and allowing the walking ancestors of whales to take to the seas, is still quietly at work in humans today.”There is a very big problem with this thinking. First of all it is impossible to validate these statements as fact.

Number one, Charles Darwin did not discover anything other than animals or, “variety,” within a species. Oh yes, survival of the fittest is indeed a reality. However, if one species of, “finches,” devise a way to survive and another does not, this is not by any stretch of the imagination, “evolution.”

Number two, we cannot observe this evolutionary process declared above in a laboratory under controlled circumstances or otherwise. It is irresponsible to make scientific claims as the above without empirical proof! I mean is it not science that has made the rules that govern their vocation? I’m afraid they tend to bend their own rules when faced with problems in their reasonings and deductions.

Number three, we can see with our own eyes that there were Jurassic, “birds,” that lived along side of the huge dinosaurs. Why in the world would anyone think that a dinosaur evolved into a bird? Oh yes, they have found the so called, “missing link.” They have discovered what they call the first bird directly linked to the dinosaur bird??? Please! If you want something to be true bad enough, you can create the evidence to make it appear so. Not exactly science is it?

Number four. A land dwelling animal took to the sea and became a whale? And we Christians are called silly and superstitious? This is ridiculus. It sure takes a wild imagination to come up with this sort of logic. They teach this stuff to your children folks.

I hope you are deeply involved in your children’s school affairs. Make sure that they know the truth of how life began. It may not be as wild and fanciful as the teaching of evolution, but at least they will be able to know that something cannot come from nothing; unless it is created by God. Have your son or daughter ask their science teachers if they can indeed make something from nothing! Can’t be done. Tell them to ask their science teacher to blow something up and see how much order they will get from chaos. This is what science teaches with their, “Big Bang theory.” They say that the universe began with a big explosion. Just look at the beautiful earth. Do you honestly believe this order came from disorder?

Anyway, this person goes on to explain that human genes are undergoing rapid evolution. What this writer calls evolution would be better called changes. Changes are not evolutionary. The mind is getting smarter as man goes on. Mankind is learning at a breakneck pace. But after all is said and done, we are still, “humans.” I wonder pray tell what we will evolve into next? Answer, nothing! We will still be the species we have always been when God created us, humans.

There are dogs, and cats, and horses, and fish. There are types of dogs, and cats, and horses and fish. When all is said and done dogs will always be dogs and cats will always be cats. And by golly, finches will always be birds!

To simply sum up the facts, there are, “variations,” within most all species, with the obvious exception of human beings. Monkeys are not and never have been, human.

Theories are nice to entertain, but like all stories of fiction they are better left on the shelves of libraries listed under fiction.
Gary “Ansol”

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Was Paul An Anti-Feminist?

Note: All scripture from the MKJV unless otherwise noted.

I remember a few years back that a young lady that lived next door to me had a garage sale. Well, I spied a guitar sitting upright against a chair and thought I’d mozy on over and take a look. Well I ended up with the guitar along with a book and a comment that I didn’t expect. On one of the tables she had there was a book. The name of the book was, “The Life of The Apostle Paul.” Well, I asked her how much she wanted for it and she said about 50 cents as I recall. And as she was giving me the book she said, “I think Paul was a little too, “sexist,” for me.” Now, I knew she attended church somewhere because every Sunday she would arrive home a little after me. And I knew that she had to be somewhat religious.

I had heard similar remarks as that one before, but I am just as amazed each and every time I hear something like that. People do not understand the principle of the building of Christ’s church, nor the authority that each and every apostle was invested with in the building of it. Many folks do not know what was involved. The how’s, the what’s or the where’s! This is beyond my comprehension. Again, I don’t know the denomination that she attended, but it does not matter. People are for the most part Bible illiterate. This should not be. To not understand what the facts are relating to the establishment of Christ’s church is to have no knowledge of the facts regarding many things, the salvation of the world being right at the top of the list.

Anyway, this is not uncommon at all I guess, but it sure needs to be addressed. I will try to be as brief as possible as to why this kind of remark about Paul and this type of thinking is invalid and illogical Biblically;
And the disciples said to Him, Why do You speak to them in parables? He answered and said to them, Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away even that which he has.Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not; nor do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, “By hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive; for this people’s heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them. (Matthew 13:10-17)

Here among other things, we have a hint of the events that were shortly to come to pass. Jesus tells His disciples, [the twelve] that He is preparing them for a great event that was to take place in the near future. He reminds them that these things were spoken of in the book of Isaiah that had to be fulfilled. (Matthew 13:14)

Jesus has told Peter and the rest of the apostles that they were to be very important cogs in the spreading of the gospel, the kingdom and the church which is one and the same; And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give the keys of the kingdom of Heaven to you. And whatever you may bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven, and whatever you may loose on earth shall occur, having been loosed in Heaven. (Matthew 16: 18,19)
Although they did not understand what was being said to them at this time, it is easy to see that Jesus was about to give them the greatest power this side of heaven. They were to be ambassadors for Jesus when He was no longer with them.

The mystery was about to become known. The plan of God from the foundation of the world was near. The 12 did not know this. They were not expected to know. It was not necessary that they know just yet. Thomas asks a touching question of Jesus in John 14:5; “Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way?
Now here’s where we start to understand the way of the church and kingdom these disciples were anxious to be a part of. Remember, they, along with the rest of the Jewish community, were expecting a literal earthly kingdom in which Jesus would reign and sit upon David’s literal throne and rule from Jerusalem. But instead He let’s them know that he will be leaving but have no fear, because they will be taken care of in their mission;
“And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.” (John 14: 13-18)

Jesus further reveals the truth to His disciples after His resurrection;
“And He opened their mind to understand the Scriptures. And He said to them, So it is written, and so it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be proclaimed in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My father on you. But you sit in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24: 45-49)

Now they must have understood much more. I would imagine that one of the things Christ said might stand out from the rest; “I have spoken these things to you, being present with you. But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.” (John 14:25,26)

We are starting to see that these apostles were about to embark on the journey of their lives. We read earlier of what’s sometimes called, “The Limited Commission,” that Jesus had sent his disciples on in the 10th chapter of Matthew. This was actually preparation for the Great Commission that they would launch following Jesus’ ascension. We are not actually told that, but it is very likely true. They were to go only to the house of Israel and not the Samaritans. This goes along with prophecy as well. Salvation was to begin at Jerusalem first although this was not the beginning of the church. Before the church was built, Israelites were baptized unto repentance of sins only. They were not baptized into Christ. We see this with the reading of Acts in just a moment. There are several verses to ponder first.
“Afterward He appeared to the Eleven (Judas was no longer with them) as they reclined. And He reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. And miraculous signs will follow to those believing these things: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will be well. Then indeed, after speaking to them, the Lord was taken up into Heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And going out, they proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word by miraculous signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:14-20)

There is no talking in parables to His disciples now at this time. The time has come. He makes them ready for their mission by straight and to the point words.

“And He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms about Me. And He opened their mind to understand the Scriptures. And He said to them, So it is written, and so it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be proclaimed in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My father on you. But you sit in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high. And He led them out as far as Bethany. And lifting up His hands, He blessed them.
And it happened as He blessed them, He withdrew from them and was carried up into Heaven.
And worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24: 44-53)

We read in the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit did indeed fall upon them and thus began the church or kingdom on Pentecost in Jerusalem. At this time as I stated earlier the baptism into Christ began, Acts 2. Who can deny their authority? Which brings us to the apostle Paul.

One of the qualifications of being an apostle is the witnessing of the resurrected Christ; “And last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of time. For I am the least of the apostles and am not sufficient to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace which was toward me has not been without fruit, but I labored more abundantly than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” (I Corinthians 15: 9,10) Paul met this qualification. Apostles could perform miracles, Paul was endowed with the Holy Spirit and indeed performed miracles; Please see, (Acts 14: 8-10).

Jesus told Ananias that Paul was, “a chosen vessel unto Him, and that he was to “bear Jesus’ name among nations and kings and the sons of Israel.” (KJV)

Paul stated that he had as much authority as the other apostles; “For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” ( 2 Corinthians 11:5)

After reading of Paul who could deny his apostleship? His acts and his Epistles are unmatched. So here is the big 64 thousand dollar question. Was Paul inspired of Jesus in order to set forth the commandments of the church? If so, his words are to be heeded and not frowned upon, because they are really the words of Christ Himself! Just as the other Apostles had authority given by Jesus through the Holy Spirit, so too did Paul. Now I say that to discard his commands is sin. To disobey Paul is to disobey the Christ who sent him.

Some women are put off by the fact that Paul states a woman should not speak in church, which we find in 1 Timothy 2. Lets look at what he says; I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (1 Timothy 2: 9-15)

How can a woman think that she can be an authority figure in church? Where is her authority to be found? It is not found in the Bible. I am not sexist, but I am a realist and I know how to read. Paul says women are to keep silence in the church, I believe it. Paul commanded this not because he was a sexist, as a matter of fact, if you study the Bible you will see that Paul was a gentleman who loved women as much as men. But the fact is, he loved all souls!

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Real “Peace” of Mind

If I were not a Christian, I think I would like to be a big shot Hollywood type. Maybe a Producer, or a Director, or a Screen Play writer. By far though I think I would want to be a high profile movie or music star. Then I could wow all my subordinates, (that means regular folk) not only with my artistic talents, but with my special gifts of higher knowledge and enlightenment that seems to go with it all as well. Just think, I could impress the media who in turn would spread the word far and wide of my special powers and superior intelligence. Automatically fame places one over and above normal lower IQ people such as Doctors, various Scientists, Politicians, Theologists and so on, don’t you know?

Maybe I would be a talk show host. I could invite professionals to my show to verbally attack them in front of millions of viewers. What fun! They would deserve that for being so dumb by coming on my show. Right off the bat I got em! Or I would be a sweetie in front of the camera and turn into Godzilla when the camera is off. You know, treat those regular people with the disrespect they deserve for not being as smart, talented or rich like me.

I could say and do anything that suits my fancy. And do you know why? Because I could, that’s why! And if it’s something really bad, all I would have to do is apologize afterwards and you are not only forgiven, but you have gained from all the publicity. Yeah, I’d actually be more famous then before. I could really show my butt, or, “breast,” if I were a girl, and be rewarded immensely for it. Doesn’t get any better than that you know.

Maybe I would give a long lip-lock on stage with another big male star. That’ll get me noticed! Or, have a scene on stage and in the spotlight in which I mock and disrespect Jesus Christ. People seem to like that don’t they? Irreverence has been the in thing for many years. Maybe sing songs full of filth and use the most vile language I could think of. If I were a rapper, I would see just how far I could go in my rapping and in real life. I would talk about women like dogs and brag about my gangsta street life. I might even get in a gun battle or two along the way. What fun!

I could go to all the, “pat- on- the back,” award shows for this that and the other thing. You know the stars like to be adored. I would dress up to the Nines and have my picture taken again and again and again. Maybe be on the cover of Star magazine or what ever. What a life!

But then, after a while, I would get mad at all the throngs of people clamoring for my autograph. I would start to abhor the paparazzi that I so wanted before I became a god, and have my bodyguards stuff their camera’s in tight places because hey, I don’t have to put up with that, even though that’s what I wanted in the beginning! Yes I wanted to be a star for sure. I just wouldn’t have known how dumb the regular working stiffs that love me are though.

Of course I would have to go to one of the third world countries and adopt a child once or twice. That’s always good PR. Folks would see just how thoughtful, loving and caring I am. Even though there are plenty of babies right here in the good ole US of A that could use a good home? I use that term loosely of course. Because to be raised in the environment of Rockers, Rappers, or Hollywooders is not exactly my idea of the greatest home life.

Look around you. Check out the so called stars out there with their smiles and glitter. They go down faster than a rock thrown in a lake. Count the many stars that have died from drugs. Look at the alcoholics among them. Happy on top? Nah, don’t think so. Do these high achievers truly have peace and happiness? No, and I’ll tell you why. Peace and happiness does not come from fame or money.

Phi 4:7 “And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Here is the true peace and understanding. It is found in Christ Jesus who is the Living Sacrifice once and for all who will believe in His name. For those who would obey the Gospel, there is found an inner tranquility that is almost unexplainable in human terms. It is a feeling of splendor that has no equal and is priceless. No amount of money can buy it. But it’s hard for the rich and famous to see and understand this. They think what they now have is their reward. And you know what? They are right. What they have right now at this time is indeed their reward. 1Co 2:14 Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

These folks who think they are all to end all are dead as they walk. They have no Godly spirit and so they think that they are wise and that they stand before the world as gods themselves. They like to make the world think that they are Godly people though. They wear their golden crosses around their necks as though they have some form of spirituality although it is nothing but show. They have no idea of the nature of God and they know not Jesus.
Rom 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

We as Christians who partake in this evil are just as guilty as those of whom I speak. Are you giving them your money by way of movies and Cd’s? Do you watch them on TV? Spend money on the products that promote these so called stars. Is this your entertainment? Is this your true love?
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Please think on these things.
In Christ,
Gary “Ansol” Hinson

I Must Be About My Fathers Business

We know practically nothing of Jesus’ early life. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel almost cheated that we don’t have more information to read of from His early years. And then, I remember that this is just how God wants it to be. If it wasn’t just as God would have it, more would have been included about Him in the sacred pages of the Bible. And so I must be satisfied with that. Besides, we also know that His ministry was what was most important in His short life anyway. However, we are blessed with one gem of information from when Jesus was the young and tender age of 12 years old that Luke has included in his Gospel.

We find in Luke 2:39,40, that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and the Bible say’s that He was, “Growing strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.” It goes on to tell us of the journey Jesus and His family took that year to Jerusalum for the feast of Passover. The male children were required to attend the temple before God at 12 years of age, and so we see Jesus fulfilling that command at this time.

They most likely would have stayed in Jerusalum seven days as most dedicated and religious Jews did. Isn’t that something? Today I see people dash out of church services as soon as the last amen is spoken. I have even been guilty of this myself at times! Shouldn’t we want to gather with and be with the saints? We find that in the Book of Acts the early church gathered and remained together for long periods of time worshipping God, praying, singing psalms, reading the Word and edifying one another. There was no other place that they would want to be! They were also aware that Jesus could return at any time, and they wanted to be ready. Are we always looking for His return? Are we always ready? Food for thought I guess.

We are told that it would have taken a whole day to watch the caravan of Nazareth go by because it was so long. The men and women traveled separately, the children with their mothers. It must have been quite a sight to behold. And it was not just the inhabitants of Nazareth, but all people who could travel from every town far and wide! It’s hard to imagine so many people in Jersusalem for the most Holy of relgious days, the feast of the Passover. You have to wonder where they slept and how did they eat. They got by however, not letting anything stand in the way of their love for God.

Although Joseph and Mary would be considered poor, they and others still managed to attend the feast of Passover in Jerusalem each and every year, Luke 2:41. There is a great lesson just in this fact. We should be as devout spiritually as they obviously were. Not only were they being faithful to God, but they were setting the right example for their children as well by using what little they had to please the Lord every year. They must have had to save money every year for this event. Money managment is very important as we see here, and we can take a lesson with that fact as well.

We can just about know for certain that Jesus had been to Jerusalem 11 times with His parents, Joseph and Mary before this occasion. We can only imagine Jesus’ excitement at the thought of being able to sit with the elders and scribes and even be allowed to interact with them with questions about the Law and God. He was most likely very anxious to tell them many things that were on His mind, even though they would not at this time know and understand just who it was they were speaking with. Contrary to movies and popular opinion I do believe Jesus was well aware of who He was and what His mission would be. I can just picture the faces of the ruling class of the Temple as Jesus spoke.

Luke 2:43 tells us that they had, “fulfilled the’re days,” in Jerusalem they were returning home and somehow realized Jesus was not among them. What a shock they must have felt. If you are a parent and you have lost track of your child for any lenght of time you know that feeling. Your stomach sinks and your mind races frantically. You have to find your baby at all cost, and so you run hither and yonder. Such an awful feeling that is hard to relate to others.

Maybe Joseph thought He was with Mary, and maybe Mary thought He was with Joseph. Maybe they both thought that He was with relatives or friends. At any rate after a days journey, some how they came to the knowlege that Jesus was not in the caravan that was headed home at all! They searched and decided to backtrack to Jerusalem as stated in verse 45 . And lo and behold they found Him.

Verse 46 tells us they found Him in the Temple still asking questions and hearing them. Oh, the relief! Their deperation was over. I can just almost feel them colapse with comfort. Verse 48 says that Joseph and Mary were astonished. They were most likely thinking, how could He have done this thing? I sense a feeling of anger from them. The language to us would be, “son, how could you have done this to us? Didn’t you care that we were worried? Mary did not ask Jesus what He was doing, she asked where were you? Jesus reminded her of His purpose and said, “how is it that you sought me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Fathers house?

Mary and Joseph just didn’t get it. They lost sight of the fact that Jesus had a mission while on this earth. However, the last 2 verses’ are tender to me. Although Mary understood not, it says she kept what had happened and what Jesus said in her heart. Such is the essence of a mother indeed. What love and devotion only a mother can exude. Her love was the love only a mother can give.

The last verse closes that chapter with the words, “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” In favor with God and men! My how fast things do change, for we know this favor with men would not last. I have a feeling the rulers of the Temple were beholding a future leader to be among them and to share in their wayward Paraseical attitudes. Boy, were they in for a shock!

What lesson is within this great story for us? Many lessons. We should train up our children in the scriptures. Maybe set aside appointed times at which we study as a family, together listening and asking questions as we teach our young ones. They are smarter than we sometimes think.

Be devoted to God and make sure we set the right example in our attendance in church functions. But remember, we       should not act as though we are religious nuts like the movies and Television often loves to portray. More harm than good can come from this. I believe God wants us to conduct            ourselves in such a manner as to display a much more            enriched life so as others would want to follow our example.

And so once again with my motto I say to all, God bless and   please search the scriptures daily to learn the truth with a mind to see if what you are being told is true, Acts 17:11.

Gary “Ansol”