http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&disp=comments en-UK hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c13658 2007-04-23T06:36:30Z Kate [Visitor] What I see is simple, even in the midst of all this humanity, God's glory shines. God reaches out to every eye to bear witness to His love, the rays of the sun he Created touch us. Christ comes to meet with us no matter who or where we are. His power out shines our attempts to claim we don't know He exists, we didn't know better, we didn't think anyone cared, we don't realize that everything we do MAKES A DIFFERENCE in God's eyes. There is black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, (yin yang, karma, blah blah blah)... ...and then there is grace. There is black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, (yin yang, karma, blah blah blah)...

...and then there is grace.]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c13091 2007-04-03T09:25:57Z Larry Baker [Visitor] I see the machinery of life. I see that every bulding must contain some element that gives life to the larger body. Every employee in every building contributes to a product or service which supports the bigger world. First glance gives the impression of how small I am, but when you think of it, all componants of society are small.The factory worker is a small cog in the big machine, but without him, no end product to benefit the population. I think that we can look here and see that the body of Christ has even more members than Paul mentions in the Bible. The complexity and balance of a city is the result of a "bigger picture", of which all Christians participate, in a small cubicle or a wide open area. Within the walls of this city, you may find a thousand christians talking to their co-workers about the kingdom of God. ]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c4914 2006-11-17T13:58:09Z Walter [Visitor] I see a city whose inhabitants need evagelism and discipleship. http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c3159 2006-07-26T03:14:51Z jeffrey hosman [Visitor] The 2nd thing i heard was The Lord Saying...( after i read all the many other wonderful comments which i had not done up to that point ).. I heard The Lord saying... "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Math 23:37 nkjv. Thank you for providing this opportunity to comment, Chris. It's a GREAT Idea! Thanks to all contributors so far...all great comments I think! jjeffrey1@adelphia.net
I heard The Lord saying...

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones
those who are sent to her!
How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.
Math 23:37 nkjv.

Thank you for providing this opportunity to comment, Chris.

It's a GREAT Idea!

Thanks to all contributors so far...all great comments I think!

jjeffrey1@adelphia.net

]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c3158 2006-07-26T02:58:06Z jeffrey hosman [Visitor] When i first looked at this image it was as if i heard The Lord Saying.... "When it is evening you say 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red' and in the morning 'It will be foul weather today for the sky is red and threatening '. Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. " Math 16:2&3
"When it is evening you say 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red' and in the morning 'It will be foul weather today for the sky is red and threatening '.
Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. "
Math 16:2&3]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c2652 2006-05-15T02:06:22Z David E. Gregory [Visitor] I see what I would rather not see, i.e. a big city. I live in the country, and I would greatly prefer to see the sky over the country. On the other hand I know of some folk who live in the big city and their God is just as close to them as my God (the same God) is to me. I am (or have been) very survivalist minded, meaning learing how to be self-sufficient, and I am learning somewhat painfully that it is all a mirage. There is no such thing as [absolute] self-sufficiency, nor did God intend there to be. The city is dependent on the country for growing food, and to a large degree, at least, the country is dependent on the city and the business enterprises that are more easily put together in the city for the mass transportation of the country's food nationwide. There is another aspect that I see, because I have been in construction most of my life. All of those buildings, without exception, existed in someone's mind before they ever existed in brick and mortar and steel. All of them started on an architects drawing board, and the contracts were let out to dozens of contractors before there was so much as a shovel full of dirt turned over. So in reality all of those buildings represent the genius that God put into man that is part of the unimaginably brilliant and complex image of the Creator God himself. And, of course, while most men don't see it (they are blinded by the sheer 'glory' of the physical building just as the pharisees of old were blinded by the 'glory' of the temple) God is building his own building, but it isn't in the buildings you see here. And yet, even those who (in my opinion) have the misfortune of being stuck in the big city have the same privilege of looking UP, and seeing the same glory of the sky (almost, because there is less smog in the country)as those in the coutry. And if there is faith, then God honors that faith no matter where he finds it. I worked in the World Trade Center for six months when it was under construction in 1971, and while it was an experience, no amount of money (aside from the distinct calling of God) would compel me to go back there, entirely apart from the tragedy of 9/11. Sincerely, David E. Gregory Belgrade, Maine
There is another aspect that I see, because I have been in construction most of my life. All of those buildings, without exception, existed in someone's mind before they ever existed in brick and mortar and steel. All of them started on an architects drawing board, and the contracts were let out to dozens of contractors before there was so much as a shovel full of dirt turned over. So in reality all of those buildings represent the genius that God put into man that is part of the unimaginably brilliant and complex image of the Creator God himself.

And, of course, while most men don't see it (they are blinded by the sheer 'glory' of the physical building just as the pharisees of old were blinded by the 'glory' of the temple) God is building his own building, but it isn't in the buildings you see here.

And yet, even those who (in my opinion) have the misfortune of being stuck in the big city have the same privilege of looking UP, and seeing the same glory of the sky (almost, because there is less smog in the country)as those in the coutry. And if there is faith, then God honors that faith no matter where he finds it.

I worked in the World Trade Center for six months when it was under construction in 1971, and while it was an experience, no amount of money (aside from the distinct calling of God) would compel me to go back there, entirely apart from the tragedy of 9/11.

Sincerely,
David E. Gregory
Belgrade, Maine]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c732 2006-02-13T19:10:05Z joshua kelly [Visitor] I see what has become of mans doings here on earth. Not to say all is bad. But, my first thought is it looks like low-income housing or possibly vacant and inhabited by homeless folk. It makes me thankful we have a hope of a place not made with human hands to reside in eternally. Oppresive picture even with the sunset. What have we become? A culture subject to so much failure and also success at the cost of many lives being pushed to the lower part of society. But the ones making money in this area would ofcourse disagree. http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c687 2006-02-04T04:59:36Z Sue [Visitor] I look at it as a sunrise, there are many people asleep in those buildings, they are missing the beauty that God sending our way. But also picture a lot of people awake, watching and marveling at the beauty God is sending their way, and they thank Him http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c672 2006-01-31T00:48:51Z Shirley Miranda [Visitor] The creative God is displayed through the creativity of man as seen is great architure. However, when placed next to the Creators artwork, it pales in comparison. His glory can not be outdone. http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c224 2006-01-04T18:59:49Z S. R. [Visitor] The first scripture that came to mind (which seems odd) was "...open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." And also, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field..." And in this context, the glory of the sunset reminds me of the scripture, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field." Normally, these scriptures would be applied if the picture were of a wheat field, but could we say that perhaps if we were to broaden what we see, and see with the Lord's eyes, i.e. having the mind of Christ, that we will see His desire?
And in this context, the glory of the sunset reminds me of the scripture, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field."

Normally, these scriptures would be applied if the picture were of a wheat field, but could we say that perhaps if we were to broaden what we see, and see with the Lord's eyes, i.e. having the mind of Christ, that we will see His desire?]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c217 2005-12-30T11:31:34Z Robert Gillard [Visitor] It's funny but didn't I read somewhere that God hates cities. After the flood, folks started builing cities and trusting in the walls to save them. These days cities divide people, get people mad, all cooped up together like rats in a cage. I remember some guy did experiments where he put lotsa rats, all jammed together, in a cage. they got mean and anti-social real quick. Sounds like a city... But that sky!! Look up your redemption draweth nigh. The Son (sun) of Righteousness has risen on you. A sky like that is best viewed from a desert. A dry and weary land where no water is. Thus have I beheld thee in the sanctuary. I've seen skies like that from my desert places and my heart leaps within me. http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c182 2005-11-30T02:33:49Z jimp [Visitor] Couldn't tell IF that was sun rising or sun setting.... don't matter for "from the rising of the Son to the going down of the same - the Lord's name is to be praised!~ and prasing Him is easy - in light of the cities that man's hands have framed - that pix w/ sun -reminds me and encourages to be ever vigilant - those cities we don't look for = we hold out for the city who's builder and marker is God! \O/ JimP Good shot, Great reminder, ChrisJ
and prasing Him is easy - in light of the cities that man's hands have framed - that pix w/ sun -reminds me and encourages to be ever vigilant - those cities we don't look for = we hold out for the city who's builder and marker is God! \O/

JimP

Good shot, Great reminder, ChrisJ]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c136 2005-10-20T12:21:50Z Chris [Member] Thanks for your comments, that's two very different thoughts so far, I think it shows how powerfully the universe displays the nature of the Almighty to those who have eyes to see. I'm sure there's much more about him that could be mined from this image. Anyone else care to contribute?
I'm sure there's much more about him that could be mined from this image. Anyone else care to contribute?]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c135 2005-10-19T22:41:42Z Kay Harvey [Visitor] The picture reminds me of the end of my daily labor to go home and retreat from the world of busyness, and rest with Him. Kay http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_do_you_see_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c134 2005-10-14T10:20:21Z Steph [Member] The commerce, machines, contructions of "man" cover the earth. The extent of the social constructions of human beings is so vast, it is often difficult to see the simple, raw beauty that God created when he spoke the world into existence. Alas! So many will look upon the social construction of reality and say "where is God?" Others will hang their heads low in disappointment and bemoan the loss of the Father's original imprint of LIFE upon the globe. We, however, have the opportunity to "raise our eyes to the hills" and remember from "whence comes our help!" Every day the sun rises over the earth and the glory of the Lord is available to behold. If we would but search for Him as Song of Solomon's maiden searches for her lover, we would find Him. Look, over there, coming up out of the valley, "my Lover stands radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand!" I see a similar picture of Christ when I view the above photo. He is steadfast, ready and wise, ever-beautiful, unchanged by human ideas or culture. He is the Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today, and always. What a glorious reminder in that photo Chris. The "sun" remains and is always the diligent counter to anything that fails or corrupts here on earth. So much happiness and joy in life overflows or diminishes; it's all in what we choose to behold, isn't it?
We, however, have the opportunity to "raise our eyes to the hills" and remember from "whence comes our help!" Every day the sun rises over the earth and the glory of the Lord is available to behold. If we would but search for Him as Song of Solomon's maiden searches for her lover, we would find Him. Look, over there, coming up out of the valley, "my Lover stands radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand!"

I see a similar picture of Christ when I view the above photo. He is steadfast, ready and wise, ever-beautiful, unchanged by human ideas or culture. He is the Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today, and always.

What a glorious reminder in that photo Chris. The "sun" remains and is always the diligent counter to anything that fails or corrupts here on earth. So much happiness and joy in life overflows or diminishes; it's all in what we choose to behold, isn't it?

]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=walking_in_the_light&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c55 2005-05-08T18:55:27Z Kay Harvey [Visitor] I get everyones koinonialife mail but not long after I registered yahoo began saying my address was not registered though I saw it was and after much confusion I settled for listening, not responding. I was new at the computer and in fear I'd mess up receiving, I left it alone. I read you alot after I finish others for the same reason you told us accidently, what you thought of Jay. I don't have many people left here to the richness of Him that comes from a long walk with Him that is of a similar trail as mine. I notice you notice nature,His awesome thoughts which at 5 years old made me want to find how to talk to Him. My mom didn't know, she said if I did'nt doubt and I realized I did so I left Him in the sky till 15 and He fixed her mistake. I have known Him 36 years now and have a big garden to go escape with Him in. It is spring here in Florence Alabama USA and my roses and amaryilles, and daylillies are comming out, reminders of His awesome thoughts. I thank the Lord for Him in you. In Christ, Kay Harvey http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=title_3&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c43 2005-01-01T03:31:56Z Terry Craig [Visitor] Hi! Did you take the photo? I LOVE it. Other than what you wrote, I know that moles can't "see" what they're doing in the dark of the soil. They have to feel their way around. While I'm not endorsing a life led by "feelings," I DO know that faith is pushing on even when we can't see the thing God promises. We don't have moles here in South Florida as far as I know. We do, however, have crabs that burrow all over in some neighborhoods, filling the lawns with holes and soft spots, just like moles! Years ago we lived in a neighborhood with them and they drove our neighbor--who wanted a picture-perfect lawn--crazy. There's probably a parallel there as well, as life is messy sometimes. As much as we want to cultivate and control it (especially when others are watcing!)... we need to realize we aren't the masters of it. . . we are partakers of it, in all it's unexpected turns.
Did you take the photo? I LOVE it.

Other than what you wrote, I know that moles can't "see" what they're doing in the dark of the soil. They have to feel their way around. While I'm not endorsing a life led by "feelings," I DO know that faith is pushing on even when we can't see the thing God promises.

We don't have moles here in South Florida as far as I know. We do, however, have crabs that burrow all over in some neighborhoods, filling the lawns with holes and soft spots, just like moles! Years ago we lived in a neighborhood with them and they drove our neighbor--who wanted a picture-perfect lawn--crazy. There's probably a parallel there as well, as life is messy sometimes. As much as we want to cultivate and control it (especially when others are watcing!)... we need to realize we aren't the masters of it. . . we are partakers of it, in all it's unexpected turns.]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=walking_in_the_light&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c38 2004-10-23T11:20:33Z Steph [Member] I keep coming back to this first photo. There is such a sense of peace on it, and in it. It's edifying just to look at the photograph; I wonder how much more enriching it would be to be stomping up the bank, feeling the cool air of the river on my face? Isn't it wonderful to enjoy God's great majesty of this creation? Thank you for taking the time to post it. Not everyone gets to live so near a river and enjoy the natural beauty there. SB
It's edifying just to look at the photograph; I wonder how much more enriching it would be to be stomping up the bank, feeling the cool air of the river on my face?

Isn't it wonderful to enjoy God's great majesty of this creation?

Thank you for taking the time to post it. Not everyone gets to live so near a river and enjoy the natural beauty there.

SB]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=walking_in_the_light&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c37 2004-10-21T13:04:42Z Steph [Member] What a peaceful scene. I'd like to bring a thermos of tea and go for a walk there. Thanks for the photos! Keep 'em coming!
I'd like to bring a thermos of tea and go for a walk there.

Thanks for the photos! Keep 'em coming!
]]> http://koinonia.org.il/blogs/b2e/blogs/index.php?blog=8&title=what_kind_of_dog_would_i_make&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c33 2004-10-14T11:27:11Z Steph [Member] Having "his heart," not our own, is a phrase that is resonating with me, Chris. How does that happen? I think that some of it has to do with the 30, 60, and 100 fold story in the New Testament. A 30 fold return on investment is pretty darn good.... but it's not "all" there is to be had. If we want his heart, we've got to give 100% of ours, with no holes barred. Unfortunately, the forces of our human nature and society's constraints around us are 100% opposite to that. Everything seems to work against that work of maturity and complete surrender. Isn't that why we need each other? To help each other press on to the upward goal, the *prize* ..... which is "his" heart. Thanks a terrific blog. S.
I think that some of it has to do with the 30, 60, and 100 fold story in the New Testament. A 30 fold return on investment is pretty darn good.... but it's not "all" there is to be had.

If we want his heart, we've got to give 100% of ours, with no holes barred. Unfortunately, the forces of our human nature and society's constraints around us are 100% opposite to that. Everything seems to work against that work of maturity and complete surrender.

Isn't that why we need each other? To help each other press on to the upward goal, the *prize* .....

which is "his" heart.
Thanks a terrific blog.
S.]]>