Lightkeeper's Journal

The Moon in the Bible

 

Waning Gibbous Moon at 83.5% of full

July 17, 2022

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

Genesis 1:14-16

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven

to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs,

and for seasons, and for days, and years:

And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven

to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

And God made two great lights;

the greater light to rule the day,

and the lesser light to rule the night:

He made the stars also.

 

According to the website, Bible Gateway, the word moon(s) in the Bible is mentioned 62 times in the King James Version.  The word moon was mentioned for the first time in the Book of Genesis.  A part of creation, the moon was given to us by God to rule the night and light up the sky.   When we live our entire life as King David did, in relationship to a Holy God, we will see God's hand in everything that we do, in every blessing that we receive and in everything that surrounds us.  We will recognize that His glorious creation is beautiful... on land, at sea or in the sky.  We will become vessels of thanksgiving. 

Below is a link from Bible Gateway of the scriptures that have the word moon(s) in the Bible.  The word moon will be highlighted.

Bible Gateway - Moon(s) in the Bible 62 times

 

Psalm 8:3-5

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,

the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,

and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

 

Waning Gibbous Moon at 91.4% of full

July 16, 2022

 

1 Corinthians 15:40-41

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial:

but the glory of the celestial is one,

and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

There is one glory of the sun,

and another glory of the moon,

and another glory of the stars:

for one star differeth from another star in glory.

 

Waxing Gibbous Moon at 99.2% of full

July 13, 2022

 

Psalm 72:5-7

 They shall fear Thee as long as the sun and moon endure,

throughout all generations.

 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass:

as showers that water the earth.

In His days shall the righteous flourish;

and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

 

All scriptures are King James Version

Copyright 2022, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved. 

 

Just Preach the Word

 

A beautiful stained glass window in the Ailey Baptist Church Social Hall

Ailey, Georgia

 

Photography by Norma Beaird

Poem by Curtis Beaird

 

Just preach the Word.

 

Jesus did the heavy lifting on the cross.

Then, He whipped the worst --- the grave and hell. 

Then, “Up from the grave, He arose." 

Not only to set the fearful free,

but to empower His followers with the only power worthy of the name power,

the Holy Spirit. 

 

Now, He sits, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, at the right hand of God Almighty. 

From His throne, He will come to judge the quick and the dead. 

"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." 

 

No further explanation required. 

The risen, resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is the only lesson worthy of teaching. 

Announce the victory. 

Start the celebration. 

 

Come, Lord Jesus. 

 

 

Copyright 2019, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

We Have Traded

 

 

Photography by Norma Beaird

Poem by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

We have traded...

 

Compassion for indifference

Freedom for tyranny

Production for complacency

Energy for apathy

Prudence for carelessness.

 

Faith for magic

Integrity for popularity

Modesty for exhibitionism

Humility for arrogance

Knowledge for propaganda.

 

Education for indoctrination

Science for spectacle

Vision for confusion

Truth for impulse

Anticipation for fear.

 

Creativity for conformity

Awareness for distraction

Imagination for boredom

Excellence for mediocrity

Generosity for selfishness.

 

Wisdom for folly

Honesty for duplicity

Reverence for skepticism

Sincerity for deception

Righteousness for wickedness.

 

 

Are we happy? 

  

2 Thessalonians 2: 1 - 17  

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

King James Version

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

A Harvest of Blessings

 

Spectacular cloud formations over a cotton field in rural Georgia

 

Photography and Article by Norma Beaird

 

We were driving down a long country road with beautiful cotton fields, green pastures, ponds, pine trees, cattle and their buddies, the Cattle Egrets.  The clouds were particularly fascinating over the perfect rows of planted cotton.  Gazing at the vibrant blue skies and green fields becomes an important teaching experience, especially when you think about the physical and spiritual aspects of fields and farms.  

The Bible constantly refers to planting and harvesting; sowing and reaping.  Whenever I see a cotton or wheat field, I am reminded of verses in the Bible about sowing and reaping, such as:  

Galatians 6: 7 - 9

⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

These three verses in Galatians are a reminder to everyone of the importance of love, generosity, kindness, patience and honesty.  It is important to love people, to treat them with generosity and kindness, to be patient with those who have different opinions and to be honest in our business transactions.  It is important to lead a life of holiness before God.  

We must not sow to the flesh for the sake of greed, power or material gain.  Sowing the seeds of honesty, generosity and holiness will reap a harvest of blessings.  Love, kindness and patience will influence friends and confuse an enemy.  Corruption and dishonesty, hate and selfishness will result in a spiritual crop failure.  

2 Corinthians 9:6

⁶ But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Whenever I see crops harvested in the fall, at times I am reminded of a spiritual harvest of souls.   The Bible reminds us that their are lost souls who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who need to know the peace of forgiveness and the freedom from sin.  Planting the seeds of the Gospel will yield changed people, transformed through the redemptive power of God's unconditional love.

God's grace is sufficient for every care and every burden that we may bear.  May we be continually reminded of the love of God and His desire for those who are lost and hurting to find the serenity of salvation.  May we find faith and hope in the promises of God's Word.  

Luke 10: 1 - 12 

1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He himself would come.

² Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest.

³ Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

⁴ Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

⁵ And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

⁶ And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

⁷ And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

⁸ And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

⁹ And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

¹⁰ But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

¹¹ Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

¹² But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

 

Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers

"You Reap What You Sow"

 

 

 

 All scriptures are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

 

Georgia Bird Species Update #2

 

L to R:  Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch & American Goldfinch 

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

 

We continue to add to the list of birds on our Georgia Bird Species List.  Here is our original list that we continue to update to as we discover more and more birds.

The Exciting Discovery of the Georgia Bird Species - May 2013

We added an update on this blog post with Purple Martins, a Barn Swallow, an Eastern Towhee and a Herring Gull.

Georgia Bird Species Update - July 2013

Today, we had the privilege of seeing a rare to uncommon winter resident of Georgia. It's the beautiful Fox Sparrow.  

According to Birds of Georgia by Parrish, Beaton & Kennedy:

The Fox Sparrow is an uncommon winter resident statewide; rare to uncommon in the southern Coastal Plain and the Coast from October to April.  

We captured these pictures of the Fox Sparrow on a gray , rainy day in Georgia!

 

We will continue to update our blog and photography journal with the fabulous Georgia bird species.  We're looking forward to a new year of avian adventures!  We are also looking forward to the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 14 - 17, 2014.  It was the GBBC 2012 that started this delightful and educational avian journey for us.  

We also want to add to our original list of great resources on birds.  Listed below are some very helpful books and guides that we have added to our library.

All of the books are highly recommended for bird watching in Georgia and in North America.  The books give physical descriptions of the bird species, to include habitat, behavior, feeding and migration patterns.  In addition, artistic and photographic illustrations are included in these informative resources.  

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America - Jonathan Alderfer and Paul Hess

National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America - Edward S. Brinkley

Georgia Bird Watching: A Year-Round Guide - Bill Thompson III and the staff of Bird Watcher's Digest                                                                                                                                       

Woodpeckers of North America - Frances Backhouse                                                                                       

As always, this year we will continue to write about and photograph birds and nature in the context of the Christian faith.  God created the lovely birds, the gorgeous sunsets and the cotton clouds; consequently, experiencing the joy of nature is both physical and spiritual.  The Bible mentions birds and nature in the Old and New Testaments.  We give praise to God for the incredible world that He has created for us. 

I Corinthians 15: 39 - 41 

³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 

⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

 

 

Copyright 2013, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Happy New Year

 

Male Northern Cardinal

 

Philippians 3:14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

 

Great Egret catching a fish

 

Male House Finch

 

Great Blue Heron

 

  

Copyright 2014, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.

Celebrating Two Years of Lightkeeper's Journal - We Give Praise to God!

Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird

Article by Norma Beaird

Today, we celebrate two years as Lightkeeper's Journal.  We want to thank everyone who has visited our blog and photo gallery.  May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. We hope our writing journal and nature photos have, at some point, brightened your day. Instead of writing a long article regarding our two-year celebration, we want to give praise to the Lord for His many blessings.  We offer thanksgiving to God through sharing an inspirational chapter in the Old Testament Book of Psalms.

 

Today, things look a little more bleak in this nation than they did two years ago.  A lot of hard-working folks have lost their jobs and politicians are destroying this country through destructive legislation.  Financial corruption and substance abuse are at an all-time high.  The health care industry seems to be falling apart.  Immorality, unethical behavior and promiscuity have unfortunately increased.  Consequently, many people are very concerned; and even worried, about the future.  However, the Bible gives us hope and we share that hope with you in Psalm 118. 

 

Many people log onto our website to read our poems and it makes our heart leap with joy, having faith that we have offered encouragement in a tough old world.  We love poetry. The most poetic book of the Bible is the Book of Psalms and we want to share with you a beautiful Psalm to encourage, inspire and dispel the fear that the world inflicts on people today. 

The Lord is good; He is faithful and His truth endures.

 

Blessings to you on this beautiful day!  

Psalm 118

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever.

² Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

³ Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

⁴ Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

⁵ I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

⁶ The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

⁷ The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

⁸ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

⁹ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

¹⁰ All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

¹¹ They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

¹² They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

¹³ Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.

¹⁴ The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

¹⁵ The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

¹⁶ The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

¹⁷ I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

¹⁸ The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

²⁰ This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

²¹ I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

²² The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

²³ This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

²⁴ This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

²⁶ Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

²⁷ God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

²⁸ Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

²⁹ O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

 

 

Copyright 2013, Curtis and Norma Beaird.  All rights reserved.  

Clouds and their Creator

 

 

 

Article and Photography by Curtis Beaird

 

I love clouds.  I learned their basic names in seventh grade science.  There were low clouds called cumulus, flat on the bottom and fluffy on the top.  The middle clouds, the big, tall and boiling cumulo-nimbus.  The upper clouds that looked like thin wisps of white streaks high in the sky called cirro–stratus.   I liked them all.    

From the slight puffs of free-floating white to the rain-filled lightning-streaked thunderstorm, clouds have always been a fascination to me.  Their quiet presence floating free in a blue sky......  Their ever changing forms and shapes as they drift on a breeze or hustle by riding a high wind..... They all fire my imagination.   I always wondered why? 

I found the answer in the Bible. 

From Genesis to Revelation, clouds are important to their Creator.   It was a simple cloud that formed the backdrop for the rainbow that would remind everyone who saw it of God’s covenant.  Clouds and rainbows translate into the promise of God’s care.

A cloud was critical to the Hebrews in making their Exodus from Egypt.   Even in their wandering, they would find a guide.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud…...”

Exodus 13:21

 Then, when Israel “looked toward the wilderness.…..the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.”  Exodus 16:10. 

Whatever clouds might mean, to me, they remind me of the presence of God.

Clouds were important to the unfolding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Once again, God chose a cloud to both signify His presence and to announce Jesus as his “beloved Son”,  Mark 9:7.   At that same moment, instructions were given to three of his disciples, “……listen to him.”

Following his death and resurrection, Jesus describes the future of his disciples as “witnesses” of Him from Jerusalem “to the uttermost part of the earth".  Then......

"while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

Acts 1:8 - 9.

In the last book, a disciple named John has the last word.  “Behold” he says, offering everyone an invitation not only to listen, but to also look and see.  

“…….He (Jesus) cometh with clouds …”   Revelation 1:7  

 “ I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”   

Revelation 1:8