Monday Musings: Pondering on the Word

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

It is important to read the word of God, the Bible, daily and to ponder what it says. It is also important to be sure you do not take it out of context, and it is helpful to discuss Scripture with someone who has studied it in depth and is older and wiser in the Word of God than you are.

I enjoy digging into the word of God, and I am blessed to have a very wise Sunday School teacher who served as a pastor many years, ministered to men in prison and in drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministries. He teaches a book of the Bible, verse by verse, and in an hour long Sunday School class, we often only get through 3-5 verses because of how deep he leads us to study, pointing out other verses in other books of the Bible that confirm the verses we are looking at. In addition, he digs into the history from which the verses come and teaches us that history.

Today, I want to look at Scripture that deals with driving out demons. There are quite a few Bible verses where Jesus drove demons out of people. However, in today’s world, there are some people who claim they can and do drive demons out of people. Is there Biblical scripture that confirms that?

There are only two places where I find anything about people, other than Jesus, driving out demons:

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them, “Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about? ” And he tried to see him. (Luke 9:1-9 NIV)

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, you go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depth.

“He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10: 1-20)

These things happened during Jesus’ ministry on earth, before his death and resurrection.

Some churches still believe that people can have the power to cast out demons. However, looking at the two scriptures above, Jesus gave that power, first to his twelve disciples, and then to seventy-two of his followers. These are the only places in scripture where Jesus did this and both times, the ability was given to a limited number of people.

Now, look at the following scripture, especially the second paragraph that talks about prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles:

This is Jesus speaking: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps’ clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannnot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matthew 7:15-23 NIV)

Our Sunday School teacher pointed out that Jesus did give certain commands to certain people or groups of people that also apply to us, such as, the commands he shared with the rich, young ruler in (Matthew 19:17-19 NIV):

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones? the man inquired. Jesus replied, “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.

And in (Matthew 22:35-38 NIV) when one of the Pharisees, an expert in the law, tested Jesus by asking the question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all you soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

These commands that he gave are meant for us as well, as is the Great Commission, which can be found in Matthew 28:16-20, for there is nowhere in Scripture that tells us we will be punished for doing these things. Unlike Matthew 7:15-23 (above), which clearly tells us we must not do the things this Scripture speaks about, such as driving out demons or Christ will deny us.

Places, Plants, & Animals: Great Cafe in my Favorite Local Town

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Cafe Arabella is a great little cafe in Lititz, Pennsylvania. They offer a wide variety of drinks, as well as delicious breakfast and lunch items. They offer healthy dishes made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible.

They have a sign on one wall with information about the name “Arabella”. Here is what it says:

ARABELLA Loveable 1) Origin: a female personal name. a Medieval Scottish variant of Annabella. from Norman-French Amabel. from Latin amabillis “loveable”. 2) Historic: a name made famous by Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615), a major claimant to the English throne in the succession of Queen Elizabeth I (Arabella’s first cousin, James IV of Scotland would ultimately assume the title of King); due to the political atmosphere of the day. Arabella’s marriage choices were denied for fear that such an alliance might strengthen her claim (she was English-born with considerable royal blood and possessed a classical education befitting a monarch; when Arabella secretly wed Lord Beauchamp (another claimant), the outraged king separated the newlyweds and imprisoned her in the Tower of London where she would ultimately find her fate; cursed by her own royal blood, Arabella is remembered by history as England’s would-be Queen; 3)Usage: use of this name is found since the Middle Ages (mainly in Scotland), spreading beyond by the 18th century.

STRONG THE DEEP THINKER INTUITIVE

ENCHANTING IMAGINATIVE IDEALISTIC

INDEPENDENT WISE UNCONVENTIONAL

This has become a favorite go-to place for lunch for a friend and me. We’ve been here twice so far. Both times I’ve had a different menu item and have found the food and drinks very much to my liking. My friend and I plan to continue visiting Cafe Arabella frequently.

Cafe Arabella also has a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. I have seen groups of friends, families with young children, and men and women of all ages spending time in this cafe where the staff is always friendly. The cafe is also always clean and well kept.

Thursday’s Thoughts, Questions, and Comments About Writing

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Photo by Thomas Despeyroux on Unsplash

Today I want to talk about dragons. Why do most authors depict dragons as evil, firebreathing creatures?

The above photo is a picture, taken by Thomas Despeyroux, of a very large dragon lantern during a Chinese New Year celebration. Dragons are very popular in Chinese mythology and folklore and have been for a very long time. The word dragon comes from the Ancient Greek word “draconta” which means “to watch”. In Chinese, the word for dragon is “loong” or “long”.

The dragon is a positive image in Chinese culture. It symbolizes things like wisdom, prosperity, protection, health, and authority. The dragon heads, in Chinese culture, are depicted as the heads of camels or other animals and are helpful — not dangerous creatures.

The Chinese dragon does not breathe fire, but, instead, breathes clouds or other water-related substances.

(The above information about Chinese dragons was taken from an article here. Click “here” to go to the article to find out much more about the dragons in the Chinese culture.)

The photo below is a photo of a Bearded Dragon, which is a type of lizard. Many people have Bearded Dragons as pets because they are docile, friendly, and able to adapt to captivity. They do not breathe fire. They enjoy eating leafy vegetables and insects. After reading about them, I think I’d like to have a pet Bearded Dragon. (This information was taken from an article about Bearded Dragons as pets here. Again, click on “here” to read the full article this information was taken from.)

The photo below is a picture of a Komodo Dragon. These dragons, too, are real and still found in certain places in the world–Komodo Island and a few of the Lesser Sunda islands of Indonesia. They can also be found in some zoos. The Komodo Dragon is the largest in the lizard species. It is a member of the Monitor Lizard family. Komodo Dragons do not breathe fire either.

The Komodo Dragon grows to 10 feet in total length and a weight of 300 lbs. Carrion is their main diet item, although they have been known to occasionally attack and kill human beings. They will also wait along game trails to ambush pigs, deer, and cattle. They rarely need to capture live prey since their venomous bite delivers toxins that inhibit blood clotting.

(The above information was taken from an article found here. Click the word “here” to be redirected to the article, to find out more about Komodo Dragons.

Photo from Adopt a Komodo Dragon | Symbolic Adoptions from WWF

So, of the known dragons that are part of the Chinese Culture and those still living today, none of them breathe fire. The living dragon species were created by God. So, let’s take a moment to look at dragons as one of God’s many creations.

All over the world, people have spun tales of dragons. They have been described as a serpent-like creature. It’s been said they had wings and that they did not have wings. As we’ve already mentioned, it’s been said that many could breathe fire, and many were said to be able to fly.

So, how do we know what’s true and what isn’t? Well, Bodie Hodge and Laura Welch edited and compiled a wonderful book after studying, researching, and separating possible fact from obvious fiction. They published a wonderful book in 2011, called Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs, and here is just a little of what they found and shared in the book:

There were reports of so-called “dragons” in many places and cultures. Based on the many descriptions, it is unlikely that the word “dragon” refers to one particular creature. However, they were terrifying to behold, and they were real. Men spoke and wrote extensively about their encounters with these creatures. Cultural artifacts attest to the importance and power that these creatures were attributed with.

Pictures have been found on ancient structures that depict creatures scientists have labeled and named as different types of dinosaurs. Also, the Chinese zodiac, which as a 12-year cycle, has an animal featured for each of the 12 years of the cycle, and every one of the animals can be found living today, except the dragon. It is likely, the Chinese dragon is a depiction of a dinosaur.

The book, Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs is a fascinating read, and on page 6 of the book, there is a report, from The Tombstone Epitaph, April 26, 1890 edition of Tombstone, Arizona, of two men who discovered and killed “a strange winged monster” on the Huachuca Desert. There is also a small booklet on the page that gives other “Eyewitness Accounts and Encounters”, one of which is from an essay by John of Damascus, who was a learned scholar and early church leader. John’s essay was translated in the late 1990s, and in it, John describes the difference between dragons as real creatures, named originally by Adam, and the non-real fantastical descriptions of dragons changing their forms that are clearly fiction. John advised people to consult the Biblical text, which reveals the true history and nature of animals from Creation and the qualities that each bear. To read more about John of Damascus and his essay, click here. I also encourage you to purchase and read the fascinating book, Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs.

In closing, I would like to encourage all authors and writers who write fantasy and include dragons in your books, to reconsider always making them “evil” creatures.

The Harper Chronicles: “I Will Not Speak on Camera!”

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“Hi, it’s me, Harper. I hope all of you are having a good day.”

“When I get bored while Mom is working, I start talking to her — softly at first, then louder. She has tried several times to video tape me when I’m talking to her. However, every time she points that camera at me, I clam up. She takes tons of photos of me, why does she think she has to have video of me when I’m talking to her?”

Tuesday’s Tea Time

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I thought it would be quite appropriate to share a quote about tea by an author today, since I an also an author who enjoys tea.

May I suggest you read some good poetry today and enjoy a cup of hot tea or a glass of iced tea, whichever fits your mood and your preference or depends upon your weather. In case you don’t have a poetry book nearby, here is a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson for you.

Success

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

An Author Interview of Kelly F. Barr by Jodie Wolfe

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Today, I want to share an interview that Author, Jodie Wolfe did with me to help promote Love by Pony Express. I hope you learn something you didn’t know, about Love by Pony Express, the upcoming books that will be part of the “Stars Into Horses” series, or about me.

Simply click here to go to Jodie’s interview post. Then, come back here and leave a comment or question for me in the comments section.

Jodie Wolfe, Author of Burrton Springs Brides Series

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Just two days until Convincing Lou releases tomorrow, August 16th! Here’s the back cover blurb:

Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems.

Caleb Dawson agrees to one final job as a deputy US Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminials. What he isn’t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’s determined to undermine his every step.

Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together?

In honor of its upcoming release, here are new questions I asked for a fresh new interview with the author, Jodie Wolfe:

Q. What was your favorite chapter book as an elementary age child?

A. Definitely the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Q. What was your favorite book as a teenager?

A. It’s too hard to narrow it down to a particular book, but probably the Trixie Beldon series.

Q. What is your current favorite book?

A. That’s difficult to say. Two favorites that come to mind are: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer and A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell.

Q. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

A. When I was in grade school and started writing stories about my dog.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A. It depends on which stage of the writing/marketing process I’m working on. Recently, I’ve been working on finishing the rough draft of a new book while also marketing for a book release. I try to juggle all that, plus social media posts and taking care of our home too. A lot of times, the home suffers if I’m in the midst of deadlines.

Q. Has your writing been influenced by any other author? If so, which author, and how did that author influence your writing?

A. The two biggest ones would have been Janette Oke and Lori Wick. Their writing style spoke to me and probably influenced the way I write too.

Q. So far, all of your books have been set in the Old West. Are you planning more books set in the Old West, or will you move to a different setting?

A. I actually have a book I wrote that’s set in a lighthouse on the east coast. At some point, I’ll go back and edit it and see about getting it published and write two more in that series. For now, I’ll be taking a detour for a while and will be writing about southcentral PA. Eventually, I plan to write a series set in Texas too.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about writing Historical Fiction?

A. I love the time period — particularly the 19th century. I love researching and learning new things that I can include in stories.

Q. Do you think you’ll ever write another genre? If so, what genre would you like to try?

A. I have dabbled in children’s books — but those have only been for my six grandchildren. I also have written Bible studies, but as of now, they aren’t published.

Q. Now that the Burrton Springs Brides Series is finished, what’s next for you?

A. This isn’t finalized yet, but here’s the working copy of the back cover blurb to Abigail’s Pursuit, which is the book I just finished writing. It still needs to go through the editing process, but I’m excited about my ‘Time to Come Home’ Series that will be set in Shippensburg, PA.

Abigail’s Pursuit working back cover blurb:

Abigail Stewart is on the verge of losing everything she holds dear to her heart. When the man who is responsible for the death of her brother offers to help, she, at first, refuses. How can she work with her enemy? What’s to stop him from betraying her?

Wounded during the Civil War, Daniel Thompson must come to grips with making amends and fulfilling his friend’s dying request. He longs to find the family who told him to return, with hopes of seeking forgiveness. Can two wounded hearts find their way back home?

Jodie Wolfe’s Bio:

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semifinalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking. Learn more at http://www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodie.wolfe.1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/Bo1EAWOHXO/ref=dp byline cont ebooks 1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links:

https://qr.pbgrp.link/convlou

Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe

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I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of Convincing Lou to review for its upcoming release on August 16th — just eight days from today! Here is my honest review:

Convincing Lou is part of Jodie Wolfe’s “Burrton Spring Brides” series. It is a Christian Historical Romance story, and its main theme is “trusting God”. Both main characters in Convincing Lou go through situations that teach them the importance of trusting God.

Ellie Lou is a widow who is in danger of losing her home, and she jumps at any chance to do something to save it. This gets her into some dangerous predicaments.

Jodie Wolfe knows how to keep her readers turning pages. Convincing Lou is filled with danger, suspense, and a couple daring rescues. It also includes a sweet romance. Before you know it, you’ll be reading past your bedtime. I certainly enjoyed Convincing Lou, and it did have me up past my bedtime a couple nights. It was definitely hard to put down.

If you haven’t read any of the Burrton Spring Brides series, I highly recommend you grab your copy of Convincing Lou as soon as you can. Even though it’s not the first book of the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I’m sure after reading Convincing Lou, you’ll want to go back and read the other books in the series.

Monday Musings: Books, Movies, Music, Faith/Scripture — “Secret Ambition”

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I’ve been listening to Christian music for many, many years ago. I have many favorite songs and artists and have seen quite a few in concert. But, I would have to say this is my all time favorite Christian song. It is sung by Michael W. Smith, who has had some wonderful songs with powerful lyrics.

I love “Secret Ambition” because it is the story of Jesus, and Jesus is what Christianity is all about. Jesus is the source and foundation of my faith. To know that Jesus loved me enough to die to save me from my sins and that He loves me even now, and to know that whenever I am going through a difficult time or facing a challenging circumstance, I can call out to Him any time of the day or night, and He hears me, and He listens. He has answered many of my prayers over the years and I know I can trust Him.

Songs like “Secret Ambition” lift my spirits and help me to praise the Lord and feel close to Him. I hope you will take the time to click the button and read the words as Michael W. Smith sings them and that they will inspire you to turn to Jesus too.

Places, Plants, & Animals

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I am so blessed to live in an area where so many of the surrounding towns have a rich history. Last Friday evening, a friend of mine and I planned to go to one of these towns and have dinner at a coffee shop and then visit a book shop that opened not too long ago.

Unfortunately, the coffee shop was closed. Apparently, they changed their hours and didn’t update the changes on their website. When my friend checked the website, it said the coffee shop was open until 7. We got their around 4:30 and they were closed. I simply pulled out my phone and did a search and found a very nice restaurant that is open to the public, but is part of a very pretty retirement community. We had a delightful dinner there.

Afterward, we went to The Curious Quill Book Shoppe — see the sign in the above photo.

Below is a photo of the nice patio furniture the book shoppe has out front. I can envision myself sitting there on a nice early autumn day with a drink and a good book.

Above is the entry to the book shoppe, and below is the display for their “Christmas in July” theme, which is in the main room — the first room you enter after walking through the door.

Above is a lovely tree, made by the owner’s daughter, decorating a corner of the children’s room. The cute little stools beneath the tree remind me of mushrooms or toadstools, and they sit upon a green rug, giving an outdoor feel to the corner.

Below is a bookshelf with a nice variety of children’s books. Also in that room, there is a book shelf holding some very interesting games for sale.

Above is the book I purchased at The Curious Quill Book Shoppe. It is a hardcover book by an author, whose books I enjoy reading ever since seeing the movie, “Tuesdays with Morrie”. By the way, I own that Mitch Albom book and several others as well.

Below is the bookmark I purchased. I could not resist because the words on it fit me to a tee.

I look forward to returning to this bookstore soon. You can follow The Curious Quill Book Shoppe on Facebook.