Firstly today, some images from the past.

One through three are historic architecture.

Next a bit of ice over a stream. Coming soon to many of us.

Utah Splendor

From Mt. Evans, Colorado at 14,000 feet with a storm coming.

I was testing Velvia medium format (6x7cm) film on this this trip.

The images I show today are an almost equal split between old digitals, and really old film photos.

Wetland sunset. A beautiful end to a beautiful day.

Life exists above 12,000 ft. These are of the alpine race of Water Pipits.

A Meercat. A captive zoo animal.

White-tailed doe enjoying some water soaked plants for breakfast.

Female Great-horned Owl and owlet.

Yellow-belly Marmot youngsters, play fighting.

Pica above 14,000 feet. The plant you see in this critter’s mouth will be cached for the winter and will help keep other stored plants fresh, as it is a natural preservative. Even at these super high altitudes and bitter cold temps, the Picas do not hibernate.

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One Christian’s Opinions

Today’s article contains my opinions and mine only. That is always risky. I cannot blame anything on anybody else. It is always easier to share the opinions of others and blame them for anything readers may not like.

Here we go!

I can’t imagine what it is like to be a true believing, biblically educated, professional Bible teacher/preacher. Be they a pastor or not.

Whether that person is the fire and brimstone type, or the docile and tender sort, there will always be someone judging them by their style. More so than even the content of their sermon.

The frustration of being a true Bible believing Christian teacher/preacher, must be at times beyond our imagination. It’s easier to tell people what they want to hear than it is the truth. The relationship the teacher/preacher has with almightily God, is what will carry them through.

I can live with either the gentlest sweetest preacher, or the light a fire in them preacher, when they tell the truth. The Biblical truth.

Preaching should not be about being liked, although some of the great ones certainly are.

I will next make a controversial statement. There is some lying from some pulpits that goes on. Not everywhere by any means, but it happens.

That is my opinion, based on my observations.

Some preachers will alter the truth because they are in a denominational church which requires them to keep the entire group or denomination on the same track. In unison if you will.

In other words, they teach the company line.

If a gentle preacher is not willing to “lay it out there”, and impart how we get to Heaven or how we go to hell, or if the “fire and brimstone” one is not honest about the love of God, and how He has prepared a way to Heaven for all of us that genuinely accept the Savior, they are of little use in this battle to help bring people to heaven by Salvation.

Often the truth is inbetween the edges.

The secret of course, is to put God and His Word first, then try as hard as can be done to impart Biblical truth in an understandable way. Then pray.

Prayer and especially being able to hear God through prayer, takes practice.
I was once selfish in my prayers, and fooslish in my understanding of such. I believe, God teaches us deeper, the more we pray.

I am comfortable saying that God (Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit) wants a personal, one on one relationship with us. Churches can facilitate that, or hinder it.

I did not say that group prayer is not both important, or fruitful. Still we need a personal relationship with Him.

There’s a time for gentle love, and a time to fight the good fight.
Do not allow Christian “identifiers” to drag you down to their level. Fight back. Be proud of what you believe and are committed to.

Some of us will come to the Lord, others will find it more difficult than they thought, and therefore quit.

Never, ever quit! No matter your age, no matter you sinfulness, do not quit. I am an expert in my knowlege of that. I was once a quitter.

When you find those who are both knowledgeable and honest, don’t let them get away. They are worth their weight in gold!

The late Adrian Rodgers was one of the best at bridging the gap of styles. No nonsense, hard core, Biblical truth preached with conviction and without compromise of any sort. He did not preach church truths, he preached God’s truth via the Bible. He also did so with not only conviction, but with a gentile love. He proved one person can have both.

He of course knew the Word of God inside out, and upside down. I could only wish to do that.

Being a Christian is not complicated, but it does take some knowledge and some sacrifice. Also, an undying love and trust of God.

When you hear from others that it’s simple as pie, and they tell you just say you accept Christ and you are good to go, run. Half the Gospel is missing from that message. They are dumbing it down. We were given the entire Gospel for a reason. Just hearing what we want to hear is fatal. Oft times, we are taught the entire truth, but then we opt for our own, easier version.

When you hear those who preach about a long laundry list of of manmade rules for Salvation, run fast again.

While many people want to find out how easy salvation is, others insist on hearing how impossible it is.

Salvation is neither easy or impossible.

Knowledge of the Bible, a desire to first and foremost please God, and a willingness to lose one’s sinful ways, can deliver us to the Lord.

Be careful of who you listen to, including me. I am certainly no preacher. God will richly bless all those who sincerely seek Jesus. It is the cleansing blood of Jesus which will deliver us.

Okay Wayne, what makes you such a great knower of everything Christian?

If I ever write something on these pages, that says I am a great Christian, or that I know everything about Christianity, please hit the delete button.

I mean that.

I do however folllow good teachers. I also stop following those who prove themselves to be ill-informed or dishonest. I use the test of time, and the common sense that God gave me. I sometimes keep teachers, and sometimes I say goodbye. I pray about it. If God chooses to not fulfill my prayer, I understand that. He is God. He actually knows better than I do!

With all that said, God’s truth will win out if we let it.

It is innate, that mankind (all of us) will either not go far enough or we will take it too far. That’s true in all of life but it is nowhere more true than with Christianity. The simple will be made to be difficult, and the complex will be said to be easy.

I hope some of you are still with me because I want to make this next part clear to everybody.

There are some great and Godly teachers/preachers in this world. I speak of people who can aid mankind as we now move into this next, scary time for our planet.

There are also many, many superb churches of all sizes. Churches that are about God and your salvation, and are willing and able to carry you or me into each and every phase we will encounter. They may be a minority, but they welcome the job ahead.

Well there you are, I have managed to write something that will anger believers and nonbelievers alike. I always prayed that I could bring them together and I finally have done that.

God Bless & smile,
Wayne