Our Pilgrimage -- #41 - Ten Virgins

I had another amazing time with my heavenly Father today!

I usually start out each walk asking my Father to speak to me and show me what He has for me that day.

Today wasn't much different, but this time I focused on a paraphrase of a blessing I got from my Father a while back.  The prayer/blessing goes like this:

May God give you:

• -   Ears to hear and eyes to see what He wants you to know
• -   A heart and a mind to feel and perceive what He wants you to be
• -   Hands and feet to do what He commands

In my prayer this morning I particularly ask God to not just see and hear cool stuff, but to know HIM!

Then, the first interesting thing happened.  Almost immediately after uttering the prayer, a swarm of flies attacked me.  I spent about a minute swatting them and then realized it was a partial answer to my prayer.  So, I said out loud to God, "You funny man!"  Almost immediately after saying that, the flies disappeared.  I then ask God to give me the interpretation of what happened.  So far, He hasn't.

However, then, the second amazing thing happened.  I was walking facing traffic on a narrow two lane county road.  I heard a vehicle coming up behind me in the other lane.  Since the road was so narrow, I kept an eye on him.  Once the driver came alongside me, he asked me if I needed a ride.  I told him “Thanks, but I am walking across Texas.”  He replied, “Oh, okay”, then drove away.  He got about 50 yards ahead of me, then hit the brakes and backed up to me.  He then asked, "You are doing what? Why?”  I told him that I was doing it to encourage people to get ready for Jesus' return.  His reply was, "Wow!  I was just thinking about God.”  He then told me that he was the virgin bride.  Then, with me standing in the middle of the road and him blocking traffic, we briefly discussed the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. 4 But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 ‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.
11 Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’
12 But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’

13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. 

-- Matthew 25.1-13 (BSB)

I freely admit, that I don't understand all the ins and out of this parable.  However, there are a few things that seem obvious:

1. There were ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom
2. Five of the ten were wise and the other five were not.
3. Those who were ready went in with the bridegroom
4. Once the door was shut, all opportunities are lost
5. We are commanded to "keep watch"
6. The most important observation ... having a personal relationship with Jesus is key to having our lamps full of oil!

The sun is setting!
Night is coming!
Are you ready for Jesus' return?
Are you keeping watch?

---

Walking deets:

• Continued north bound on US 281 to about a mile north of Hico, TX
• This walk: Dist: 12.68 km; Time: 3+03; Steps: 14,547
• Total: Dist: 489.76 km; Time: 110+46; Steps: 589,591
• Miles from home = 194
• Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 150
• Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 165
• Miles to Canada = 1393

Social Media Links:

• http://www.tenminas.net
• www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #40 - Horses, Dogs & Cattle

 

I had amazing experiences with critters today.  

As Denise was dropping me off, the sun was about to rise and there were some horses at a distance in the field across the highway.  Denise remarked that it would have been a good photo to get the horses in with the sunrise.  However, based on our position, they were too far south of us to get them and the sun in the same photo.  After she drove off, I started heading north on US281.  As is my habit, I attempted to interact with the animals.  So, I whistled at the horses.  To my surprise, two of them came running toward me.  I decided to cross the highway to get closer.  Then, two other horses started walking my way.  As we got closer to each other, all of a sudden, they decided I was not who they expected.  They didn't run away, but just stood their ground and watched as I started walking north again.

Almost immediately, I had in my head the spiritual significance of what just happened.  To seal the deal, God kept adding to the story!

A little while later, I passed a house with a fence.  I heard some dogs barking and then saw two running toward me.  Again, I started whistling at them and talking to them.  First one, then the other stopped barking and started wagging their tails.  

A couple of hours later, I had two of the strangest encounters with animals I have had on this pilgrimage.  Both encounters were similar.

I came upon a small herd of cattle and I started whistling at them.  In the past, (with one VERY notable exception) all they ever did was stare at me.  

In the first cattle encounter, as I whistled, a few of them initially started running toward me, then turned and started walking north parallel to the highway.  Very soon, the entire herd was keeping pace with me and looking over at me every few seconds. When we reached the end of the property, I noticed there was a small feeding barn.  All of the cattle gathered at the barn.  I guess they thought I was bringing second-breakfast.  Boy were they disappointed!

As I mentioned, the second cattle encounter was similar to the first.  However, this time, the herd was larger and most of them were laying down near a small tank.  Again, I started whistling.  First one, then more and more got up and headed toward their barn.  They weren't running like they were afraid, but rather like they were heading to their second-breakfast.

I had no idea the cattle would do what they did.

Earlier in this post, I mentioned that I almost immediately saw the spiritual significance to what I had experienced.

Jesus had several teachings about false prophets:

15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.  --Matthew 7.15-20 (BSB)

9 Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, 11 and many false prophets will arise and mislead many.  --Matthew 24.9-11 (BSB)

23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you in advance.  --Matthew 24.23-25 (BSB)

Paul told Timothy:

3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  --2 Timothy 4.3-4 (BSB)

Peter said:

1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. 3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.  --2 Peter 2.1-3 (BSB)

In the events that happened to me today, it definitely seemed that when the horses heard my whistle, they initially started to "follow" me.  However, they quickly and correctly discerned that I was not one to be trusted and stopped in their tracks.

On the other hand, the dogs abdicated their job as watchmen and became friendly with me.

Even worse, the cattle gladly followed me hoping for a handout.

Jesus taught about all this:

1 “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”  --John 10.1-5 (BSB)

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.  --John 10.11-13

Contact me if you want help with these questions:

• Do you know and can you recognize the Shepherd's voice?
• Are you like the hired hand who abandons the sheep and runs away when threatened, or are you like the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep?
• When persecution comes, will you be able to stand your ground, or will you fall away and betray and hate one another?
• Do you know anyone who has already turned away from sound doctrine and is following teachers who tell them what they want to hear?

---

Walking deets:

• - Continued north bound on US 281 to about 5 miles south of Hico, TX
• - This walk: Dist: 15.26 km; Time: 3+17; Steps: 18,220
• - Total: Dist: 477.08 km; Time: 107+43; Steps: 575,044
• - Miles from home = 188
• - Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 157
• - Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 173
• - Miles to Canada = 1401

Social Media Links:

• - http://www.tenminas.net
• - www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• - www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• - twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• - www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #39 - Faith Part 1

This is the first of what I think will be a series on Faith.  In this post, I am only going to ask questions.  In future posts, I'll discuss my thoughts.  In the mean time, I'd encourage you to do a Bible study on Faith.  If you need help, let me know.

Questions

• What is faith?
• Faith in what or whom?
• What is the difference between faith and:
• belief?
• hope?
• Where do we get faith?
• How do we get more faith?
• Can we earn faith?  If so, from whom?
• Can we conjure up faith?
• What if any connection is there between faith and:
• righteousness?
• perseverance?
• my identity in Christ?
• trust?
• obedience?
• being ready for Jesus' return?
• Is lack of faith a sin?

Are you ready for His return?  

Contact me if you want help getting ready.

---

Walking deets:

• - Continued north bound on US 281 to about 6 miles north of Hamilton, TX
• - This walk: Dist: 15.08 km; Time: 3+17; Steps: 17,855
• - Total: Dist: 461.82 km; Time: 104+26; Steps: 556,824
• - Miles from home = 173
• - Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 166
• - Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 182
• - Miles to Canada = 1409

Social Media Links:

• - http://www.tenminas.net
• - www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• - www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• - twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• - www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #38 - Jesus' Assessment of the Church in Thyatira

This post is a continuation of the series discussing Jesus' assessment of the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.

The previous posts in this series were:

• - 2021.07.29 - Our Pilgrimage #28 - Biblical Assessment of the Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3
• - 2021.08.03 - Our Pilgrimage #29 - Letter to the Church in Ephesus
• - 2021.08.04 - Our Pilgrimage #30 - Letter to the Church in Smyrna
• - 2021.08.05 - Our Pilgrimage #31 - Letter to the Church in Pergamum

---

Jesus' Assessment of the Church in Thyatira - Revelation 2.18-29

1. Authority Of The Assessor

• Jesus – These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze [2.18]

2. An acknowledgment of some good things

• I know your deeds—your love, your faith, your service, your perseverance—and your latter deeds are greater than your first [2.19]
• To the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold to Jezebel's teaching and have not learned the so-called deep things of Satan: I will place no further burden upon you [2.24]

3. A condemnation of some negative things

• You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols [2.20]

4. A plan of action

• Hold fast to what you have until I come [2.25]
• He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches [2.29]

5. A consequence for failing to complete the plan of action

• Those who commit adultery with Jezebel will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds [2.22]
• I will strike Jezebel's children dead [2.23]
• I will repay each of you according to your deeds [2.23]

6. A promise / reward

• To the one who is victorious and continues in My work until the end [2.26-28]
• I will give authority over the nations.  He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery —just as I have received authority from My Father
• I will give him the morning star

7. Other Noteworthy Observations

• None

---

Questions for you

• How would you assess your church?
• How would you assess the American church as a whole?
• How do you think Jesus would assess your church or the American church as a whole?
• How is your faith in the promises of God?  

Contact me if you want help getting ready.

---

Walking deets:

• Continued north bound on US 281 to about 3 miles south of Hamilton, TX
• This walk: Dist: 15.29 km; Time: 3+25; Steps: 18,888
• Total: Dist: 446.74 km; Time: 101+09; Steps: 538,969
• Miles from home = 170
• Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 174
• Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 190
• Miles to Canada = 1418

Social Media Links:

• http://www.tenminas.net
• www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #37 - Time with My Father

One of the best things about doing all this walking is getting to hang out with my heavenly Father.  I was alone with Him for 3-hours, 33-minutes and 33-seconds today!

During the summer in San Antonio, I often water the yard by hand, just so I have some private time with my Father.

Many of us believe that we we have to do-do-do for God. However, Jesus had a different view of things:

28 Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” John 6.28-29 (BSB)

Jesus even commended Mary for sitting at His feet listening to Him rather than focus on preparing meals, etc.

38 As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”    41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. 42 But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10.38-42 (BSB)

A while back, I was studying the seven letters to the seven churches and came across a passage that initially caused me some disappointment.  (BTW, this was several years before I did the assessment study.  Hopefully soon, I'll finish posting my observations for the remaining four churches.)  

But I digress ...

In the letter to the Church in Philadelphia, Revelation 3.7-13, Jesus says to the one who overcomes, 

"The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it."  Revelation 3.12a (BSB)

For some time, this verse bothered me.  I was thinking that if I was an overcomer, then I would be "STUCK" in the temple for all eternity!  I wanted to be an explorer!

To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before! 

As I meditated on this passage, it finally hit me.  What could be better than to spend all eternity in close proximity to the creator of everything?!!!

I look forward to every time I water the yard and every time I do a walk, so I can spend at least a little time with my Father, the creator.  More than any other think I can think of, I am excited about spending eternity getting to know Him!

How much time did you spend with your Heavenly Father today?

Are you ready for Jesus return and spend eternity with Him?  Contact me if you want help getting ready.

Walking deets:

• Continued north bound on US 281 to about 4 miles N of Evant, TX
• This walk: Dist: 15.62 km; Time: 3+34; Steps: 18,430
• Total: Dist: 431.45 km; Time: 97+44; Steps: 520,081
• Miles from home = 161
• Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 184
• Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 177
• Miles to Canada = 1405

Social Media Links:

• http://www.tenminas.net
• www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #36 - Flee to the Mountains

I have walked over 1/2 million steps since I started this pilgrimage on 2021.04.26!

I encountered more hills and steeper hills on this hike, than previous ones.  According to one of the apps I use, OsmAnd, the steepest grade was 14% and the maximum elevation change was 239 feet.  Compared to some of the trails I have done in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, this was nothing.  But it did provide fodder for a blog.

Over the last few days, there have been news stories about people in Afghanistan fleeing the Taliban into the mountains.  I am guessing that their "hike" was not as enjoyable as mine.  I am also guessing that the mountains in Afghanistan to which they are fleeing are closer to the Cascades in the NW US than the hills in central Texas.

The two photos included with this blog are of the same hill, but from different points of view and different perspectives; much like comparing my hike today with those fleeing in Afghanistan or those in the great tribulation.

In His discussion of the end-time, Jesus describes a situation like that going on in Afghanistan.  

"So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." [Matthew 24.15-16 (BSB)]

However, Jesus goes on to say:

How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. [Matthew 24.19-22 (BSB)]

So, although the situation in Afghanistan is horrible, the great tribulation will be much worse!

There is a lot I don't understand about the Bible's teaching on the end-times.  I am looking for some people to join me in studying the book of Revelation via Zoom.  FYI, I am not looking for a teacher or a commentary.  I want to dig into the Bible with a group of peers. Let me know if this interests you.

Walking deets:

• Continued north bound on US 281 to about 4.5 miles south of Evant, TX
• This walk: Dist: 15.34 km; Time: 3+31; Steps: 18,608
• Total: Dist: 415.83 km; Time: 94+10; Steps: 501,651
• Miles from home = 160
• Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 192
• Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 208
• Miles to Canada = 1436

Social Media Links:

• http://www.tenminas.net
• www.facebook.com/10MinaMan
• www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott
• twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork
• www.instagram.com/ten_minas

Our Pilgrimage -- #35 - Fire Ants and Oneness in the Bride of Christ

I was fascinated when I noticed a bunch of ants consuming what appeared to be a grasshopper and took the attached video.

First and foremost, I am NOT an entomologist nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express recently. (Post a comment or DM me if you don't understand the Holiday Inn Express thing.)  Based on Google Lens, I think the ants are Red Imported Fire Ants.  Assuming that is true, Wikipedia has some fun facts about them:

    1. They sting over 14 million people in the US each year and have caused more than 80 recorded deaths.

    2. They are viewed as a notorious pest, causing billions of dollars in damages annually and impacting wildlife.

You might be thinking that you have some personal experience with them and you don't want a reminder.  Someday, I might share my camping story involving fire ants.  But today,  I want to focus on something else.

Despite their nasty reputation, I learned something from the fire ants in the video.  They were all working in unity as one for a common purpose; providing food for the colony.

Recently, Denise and I were discussing oneness in the bride of Christ with some friends.  One of the questions we considered: what would it look like for the church to be one and to work together in unity?

I do my best to turn to the Bible for answers in every aspect of life.  So ...

The Bible gives us some clues about what it looks like to "BE" the bride of Christ.

"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13.34-35 (BSB)]

"I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." [John 17.20-21 (BSB)]

Near the end of the Bible, John wrote:

Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. [Revelation 19.7 (BSB)]

What's it going to take for Jesus' bride to make herself ready?

Paul gave us a clue:

And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. [Ephesians 4.11-13 (BSB)]

Finally, Jesus gave us a rude awakening:

Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.  [Matthew 24.9-13 (BSB)]

Are you ready for His return?  

Do you need help getting ready?

Walking deets:

Continued north bound on US 281 to just south of Adamsville, TX

This walk: Dist: 13.11 km; Time: 2+54; Steps: 15,885

Total: Dist: 400.19 km; Time: 90+39; Steps: 483,043

Miles from home = 143

Miles to Wichita Falls, TX = 201

Miles to Texas / Oklahoma border = 217

Miles to Canada = 1445

Social Media Links:

www.tenminas.net 

www.facebook.com/10MinaMan 

www.linkedin.com/in/budabbott 

twitter.com/TenMinasNetwork 

www.instagram.com/ten_minas