SHEPHERDS and ANGELS

SHEPHERDS FIELD 

"And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid."

"But the angel said to them,
'Listen!  Do not fear.  For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign to you; You will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

"Suddenly there was with the angel a company of heavenly host praising God and saying, 
'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward men."

"When the angels went away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said to each other, 
'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

STONE MANGER

"So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger.  When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word which was told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them."

"But Mary kept all things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."  Luke 2:8-20  (Modern English Version)

SAUL's RAGE

After Stephen preached, 

"Now when they heard this they began gnashing their teeth at him.  Acts 7:54 NASB
the angry mob dragged him out of the city to the LION's GATE (Saint Stephen's Gate)

"When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.   They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the LORD and said, 

"Lord Jesus receive my spirit!"  

Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 

"LORD, do not hold this sin against them!"  Having said this, he fell asleep."  Acts 7:58-60 NASB

Saul's rage began persecuting Christians  

"Saul was of the official witnesses at the killing of Stephen.  A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and all the believers except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria.  (Some godly people came and buried Stephen with loud weeping.)  Saul was going everywhere to devastate the church.  He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into jail."  Acts 8:1-3 NLT

The believers fled from Jerusalem

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.  And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did."  Acts 8:4-6 NKJV

Saul's Mission to Damascus

"Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the LORD, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem."  Acts 9:1-2 NKJV

SAULS's RAGE traveling 136 miles in 6 days!

"As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,  "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"  He said, "Who are You, LORD?"   The LORD said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  It is hard for you to kick against the goads."  Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what will You have me do?  The LORD said to him,  "Rise up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.  Saul rose up from the ground.  And when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing.  So they led him by the hand and brough him into Damascus.  For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank."  Acts 8:3-9 MEV

Ananias a disciple of Jesus had a vision

"And the LORD said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him, so that he might regain his sight." Acts 9:11-12 NASB

Ananias fears Saul

"But LORD," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!  And we hear that he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest every believer in Damascus."  But the LORD said, "Go and do what I say.  For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as the people of Israel.  And I will show him how much he must suffer for me."  Acts 9:13-15 NLT

Ananias visits Saul

"And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the LORD Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."  Acts 9:16-17 NKJV

Saul is healed by God

"Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again.  And he rose up and was baptized.  When he had eaten, he was strengthened."  Acts 9:18-19 MEV

Let God heal you of your anger and rage.

Learn to forgive.

HIKE WITH JESUS TO EMMAUS

"But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared."  Luke 24:1 NLT

The modern city of Emmaus is 20 miles away, but the ancient village was only 7 miles from Jerusalem.

"That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles out of Jerusalem."  Luke 24:13 NLT

"As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened.  Suddenly, Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them."  Luke 24:14-15 NLT

"But there eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.  And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?"  And they stood still, looking sad."  Luke 24:16-17 NAS

One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him,  "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?"  Luke 24:18 NAS

"And He said to them,  "What things?"
"And they said to Him,  "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him."
"But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.  Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened."  Luke 24:19 -21 NKJV

If Saturday is the second day since these things happened and Friday the first day since these things happened; was the Crucifixion on Thursday?

"Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrive at the tomb early, astonished us.  When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.  And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."   Luke 24:22-24 NKJV

"And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?"  Luke 24:25-26 NASB

"Then Jesus quoted passages from the writing of Moses and all the prophets, explaining what all the scriptures said about himself."  Luke 24:27 NLT

"By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey.  Jesus would have gone on, but they begged him to stay the night with them, since it was getting late."
So he went home with them.  As they sat down to eat, he took a small loaf of bread, asked God's blessing on it, broke it, then gave it to them.  Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.  And at that moment he disappeared!"   Luke 24:28-31 NLT

"They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"  Luke 24:32 NASB

"They rose up and returned to Jerusalem at once.  And they found the eleven and those who were with them assembled together, saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"  Then they reported what had happened on the way, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread."  Luke 24:33-35 MEV

WHAT SIGN WAS GIVEN TO THE SHEPHERDS?

STONE MANGER IN BETHLEHEM

JESUS IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.  He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them."   John 10:11-12 NASB


JOSEPH AND MARY WENT TO BETHLEHEM, BECAUSE OF CAESAR'S CENSUS
Mary  "...she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  

Luke 2:7 NASB

SHEPHERD WERE KEEPING WATCH AT NIGHT
"And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened."  Luke 2:9 NASB  


GOOD NEWS
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10 NAS


SIGN TO THE SHEPHERDS
"This will be a sign for you:  you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."   Luke 2:12-14 NAS


THE SHEPHERDS SEARCHED
"So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this child.  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds."  Luke 2:16-18 NAS


Born this day in Bethlehem, the Savior, Messiah, Lord, and Good Shepherd.
"But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler of Israel..."  Micah 5:2 NASB

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd, and I know my own and my own know me..."   John 10:14 NASB

STANSBURY ISLAND ROAD

STANSBURY ISLAND

Enjoy riding your mountain bike on a Sunday down the road to the north side of the Island where you'll find a restroom, several kiosks and a hiking trail to the salt flats.  (There is a lot of traffic including semis on week days.)

There is private property on both sides of the road until you bike to the public land on the north side of the Island.

MILEAGE: 17 miles total

ELEVATION GAIN: 180'

DIRECTIONS: Take I-80 west toward Wendover, do not take the Tooele exit but continue on I-80 west to exit 84 (SR 138). 

After you exit take the Broken Arrow Salt road (dirt) and do not take the Grantsville road.  

You'll cross the railroad twice. 

Travel on the main dirt road 7.1 miles until you come upon a sign: "Stansbury Island Interpretive Trail."

GREAT SALT LAKE

Where you'll see a parking area marked with large boulders, turn right drive up a short dirt road.  Low clearance vehicles may want to park by the main road instead.

There is a trail that you can hike to the ridge and the east side of Stansbury Island too.  This trail is Advanced Technical for Mountain Biking.

Make sure you have thorn protection from Goatheads.

 GPS: 40°48'23.0"N 112°31'13.5"W

NO RESTROOM

GRAND CANYON BACKPACKING LIST

HIKING RIM TO RIM

 GOD HAS CREATED A GRAND WONDER!

BACKPACK:  Find a light weight backpack that fits your body and feels comfortable on your shoulders.

FOOT WEAR:  Wear hiking shoes that have toe protection, good traction, and protects the bottoms of your feet from sharp gravel.  Everyone needs to bring Bandaids or Moleskin for their feet.  Cut toenails before hiking to avoid black toenails.  Bring sandals to play in streams.  

HIKING POLES:  Everyone needs poles!  When you carry over 30lbs on your back, it is easy to fall over. 

 

TAKE BREAKS

CAMELBACK and WATER BOTTLE(s):  Make sure you carry enough water between water spigots.  A separate water bottle is good to mix powder electrolytes.   The water system may be down, be prepared to filter water from the stream.

SUN PROTECTION:  Apply sunscreen, wear UV protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, and long clothing.

BRING A LIGHT WEIGHT CAMERA

CAMERA:  Make sure you bring extra batteries, lens tissue, and SD cards. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

TRAIL SNACKS:  High energy foods, bars, trail mix, fruit, nuts, electrolytes gummies and salty foods. 

CAMPWARE:  Bring a one burner stove, small can of fuel, titanium pan with a lid, drinking cup/mug, bowl, and a spork.  To cut down on weight, some people share cans of fuel.

BREAKFAST:  Oatmeal in a zip lock bag or paper pouch.  Orange peels and Apple cores can be disposed of in a few compost restrooms in the Grand Canyon.

LUNCH:  Sandwich, fruit, trailmix etc.

DINNER:  Freeze dried food, or make your own meal.

NORTH KAIBAB TRAIL

FIRST AID:  Bandaids, moleskin, ankle wrap, roll bandage, Ibuprofen, pocket knife, toe nail clippers, and anything you might need.

RAIN JACKET:   You might enjoy getting wet, but it is always good to pack a rain jacket so you don't get hypothermia. You may need a rain cover for your backpack too.

GARBAGE BAG:  Most backpackers take out a large zip lock bag full of garbage. Remove all packaging from food items, and put the contents in labeled zip lock bags.  

TOILET:  Not everyone needs to carry a plastic shovel; but everyone needs to bring their own toliet paper.  Bring a zip lock bag, to carry out all tissue and baby wipes.  It is illegal to bury or burn.

TOILETRIES:  Small toothbrush, mini tooth paste, floss, soap, hand sanitizer, baby wipes,

TENT:  The smaller and lighter your tent, the more fun you'll have hiking.  A two men tent is great to share with someone and each person can carry half.   We do not recommend you sleeping on the ground, because of critters.

To protect your tent from damage, use a tarp, space blanket or footprint.

SLEEPING BAG:  Lightweight sleeping bag.

On the Rims it can drop to 30's at night, and at the bottom of the canyon, it may be so warm, you'll have to sleep on top of your bag.

Make sure you have clean clothes, wool socks, and knit hat (cold season) to sleep in.

Bring a therma rest or air mattress to help you stay warm at night.

COLORADO RIVER SILVER BRIDGE

CELL PHONES:  May not work below the Rim.  Emergency phones are placed at campgrounds, and rest houses along the corridor trails.

CLOTHING:  Wick dry clothing is light weight, dries fast, and doesn't hold odor like other fabrics.

MAPS:  One map, GPS or trail book is needed for each group hiking.    

IPODS:  Leave your music at home and experience the sounds of the Grand Canyon.

This is not a perfect list, you may need other items depending on the weather and time of your Grand Canyon visit.

THISTLES AND THE BIBLE

MUSK THISTLE

According to the Utah Weed Control Association there are 27 noxious weeds.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THORNS AND THISTLES?

Class A weeds have a relatively low population size within the State and are of highest priority being an Early Detection Rapid Response weed.

• Black Henbane
• Diffuse Knapweed
• Johnson grass
• Leafy Spurge
• Medusahead
• Oxeye Daisy
• Purple Loosestrife
• St. Johnswort
• Spotted Knapweed
• Sulfur Cinquefoil
• Yellow Starthistle
• Yellow Toadflax

Class B weeds have a moderate population throughout the State and generally are thought to be controllable in most areas.

• Bermudagrass
• Dalmatian Toadflax
• Dyer's Woad
• Hoary Cress
• Musk Thistle
• Perennial Pepperweed
• Poison Hemlock
• Russian Knapweed
• Squarrose Knapweed
• Scotch Thistle

Class C weeds are found extensively in the State and are thought to be beyond control. Statewide efforts would generally be towards containment of smaller infestations

• Canada Thistle
• Field Bindweed
• Houndstongue
• Quackgrass
• Saltcedar better known as the Tamarix

THORNS AND THISTLES ARE A RESULT OF MAN's FALL
"Then to Adam he said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it';  Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.  Both THORNS and THISTLES it shall grow for you; And you shall eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return."  Genesis 3:17-19 NAS

"For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.  For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields THORNS and THISTLES, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."  Hebrews 6:4-8 NAS

CONCLUSION:
Thorns, thistles and noxious weeds are a result of the fall of Adam and Eve.   

Most noxious weeds are difficult to control because of their deep roots, and abundance of seeds.   Noxious weeds take over grazing fields, drain water from streams and rivers, and even poison livestock.
From the bush Euphorbia milii, a crown of thorns was  made for Jesus Christ.