“WER NICHT AUF DEN FELSEN DER GOTTHEIT CHRISTI BAUT, WIRD ZERSCHELLEN; DIE KIRCHE ABER, AUF DIESEN FELSEN GEGRUENDET, WIRD DIE JAHRTAUSENDE UEBERDAUERN UND BESTEHEN, BIS DIE STERNE VOM HIMMEL FALLEN.” – Athanasius

“YOU CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR YOUR SALVATION, BUT YOU MUST DO SOMETHING TO MANIFEST IT, YOU MUST WORK OUT WHAT GOD HAS WORKED IN.” – Oswald Chambers

What are we aiming at?

“THE ONLY AIM OF THE LIFE IS THAT THE SON OF GOD MAY BE MANIFESTED, AND ALL DICTATION TO GOD VANISHES.” – Oswald Chambers

Myrtle rust is a deadly plant fungus.

Reading about myrtle rust three times – one article and two columns – in our local newspaper, reminded me of a long portion in the Bible

Originating in South America, myrtle rust (puccinia psidii) arrived in Australia in 2010. The disease has now reached New Zealand, KERIKERI to be exact, not very far from us.

When the infestation is there, it is there to stay it seems. It is difficult to eradicate and has not been successfully eradicated anywhere in the world.

A pohutukawa tree in Pukenui

What is threatened by the disease? All this is threatened: Pohutukawa, manuka, rata, feijoa – I like feijoa –  bottle brush and eucalyptus.

There is actually quite a lengthy portion in the Bible, that talks about the “Blessing of Obedience” and the “Curse of Disobedience.” We find that portion of Scripture in Deuteronomy chapter 28. Deuteronomy is book number five in the Bible. I am wondering if you have ever read  the blessings and the curses. If not please read them.

Deuteronomy 28:22 says:

“THE LORD WILL STRIKE YOU WITH WASTING DISEASE, WITH FEVER AND INFLAMMATION, WITH SCORCHING HEAT AND DROUGHT AND MILDEW, WHICH WILL PLAGUE YOU UNTIL YOU WILL PERISH.”

Containing myrtle rust may not be possible. That’s what the experts say.

A beautiful evening in Kaitaia

“BECAUSE YOU DID NOT SERVE THE LORD YOUR GOD JOYFULLY AND GLADLY IN THE TIME OF PROSPERITY, THEREFORE IN HUNGER AND THIRST, IN NAKEDNESS AND DIRE POVERTY, YOU WILL SERVE THE ENEMIES THE LORD SENDS AGAINST YOU.” – Deuteronomy 28:47,48

“HOW WE SPEND OUR DAYS IS, OF COURSE, HOW WE SPEND OUR LIVES.” – Annie Dillard

“HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE  I VISITED?” I asked myself when seeing the  following story today.

NEW ZEALAND: Is not only a country I have visited, but I live now in New Zealand.

Someone desired to visit all the countries there are without flying. He went to 201 countries. It took him 1,426 days and he travelled 250,000 km. I really would like to see his four filled passport books! The cost? NZ$17 an average per day.

I am still counting the countries I have visited. “NOT MANY,” is the answer.

What is your answer?

I have been told that this is a hibiscus fllower

“GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHO LOVE YOUR LAW, AND NOTHING CAN MAKE THEM STUMBLE.” – Psalm 119:165