Nothing Could Stop Them

Acts 5:12-20 KJV

Walking, And Leaping, And Praising God

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 

                                                                                (Acts 3:1-11 KJV)

Lame at birth; now healed, he held onto and followed Peter and John into the temple praising God. The man had only asked for help to exist and received so much more. He received a life in which he would no longer have to beg and be looked down upon. He could walk! And, had so much more reason to praise God.

Miracles happen in our lives all of the time. If we would only look back on our lives and see how the hand of God has touched us in so many wonderful ways.

It may sound cliche; but, sometimes it is most worthwhile to "count our blessings." If and when we do we will surely praise God for the life He has given us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

                                                                                      (Eph 3:14-21 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

SISU

Sorry, no photos of funnel clouds from me. I was not there.

God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

                                             Psalm 46:1-3 NIV

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a very unique place to live. The people are very unique. They are often called Yoopers. The majority of the Yoopers have SISU, a Finnish term for grit or courage. This summer Houghton County and areas surrounding was hit by some devastating storms and flooding. Roads, bridges, and even homes were totally wiped out. There was no getting in or out of some areas. To my knowledge they received no Federal Assistance. The people worked together to get their communities back together.

Last night, I saw pictures of funnel clouds almost touching the ground in both Baraga and Houghton Counties on Facebook. There were no warning sirens. There did not seem to be any panic. People got out of their vehicles or stepped outside their homes to take pictures. I heard of no one taking cover. The comments that were made were like: "We're good," "Don't worry," "Yup, we were watching it, too." LOL - that would be Yooper SISU: don't find cover; just stand on the porch and watch the tornados. Apparently they did not touch down because I haven't been able to find anything on the news that said they did so far this morning. In fact, I can't find anything on the news about them at all. 

I am not sure what causes people to stand on the porch and watch funnel clouds. I am not sure why I would; but, I am pretty sure I would be among those standing in the wind and rain to watch the weather. It would not be the first time. Maybe, it's not the wisest thing to do. But; then again, maybe, it's due to total faith in the fact that no matter what happens all who believe have eternal life. 

God is our refuge and strength and we will not fear. 

God's Peace be with you; may your day be blessed - Pr. J