An Old Smoked Wine Skin

Kaph
 

 ^{I shall wear myself out for your salvation, for your word is my hope. My eyes, too, are worn out waiting for your promise, when will you have pity on me? For I am like a smoked wine skin, but I do not forget four will.}

 The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Ps 119:81–83). New York: Doubleday.

 ^{Note: Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of the smoke from cook and camp fires. In some cases, skins of wine were deliberately hung in the smoke to give the wine a peculiar flavor. When skin bottles were long exposed to smoke, they became black, hard and shriveled - good for nothing. That is the sense of the figure of speech in our text verse.}

Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 325). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

Curious kind of statement to be made by the psalmist. It is most assuredly how many feel while waiting on the Lord. It is however an accurate assessment. We are not a patient people, especially when trials are upon us. The apostles understood this and exhibited restraint and patience in the face of hardships most of us can only imagine. They set aside their personal wants and desires to follow the Lord and do His will. What seems an eternity to us in this walk is inconsequential when the vastness of eternity is taken into account. There are even times when we feel like the wine skin and wonder what is next or when our prayer will be answered. I can attest to prayers not being answered for 50 or 60 years and even never. It can also be seen that prayer is answered on the spot. The apostles didn't just stand around and wait but did as the Lord willed. They took nothing for granted and obeyed all of the commandments to the letter as best they could. They understood the importance of not being static in serving the Lord. Each apostle served the Lord in whatever way they were called to do. They also understood that good works alone were not going to get them through the gates of heaven.That is not to say they are not noticed. Idle hands and minds are soon set to no good. The Lord did not come to replace the commandments but to shine a light on them and be a guide for us in them. Therein is the secret to His work and following Him.

I would like to include a little note here about the Shout Out section I present each week. I have not been able to access the maintenance page for my readers list for the past month or so. I know some of the blogs are not being used any more so if you visit and the posts are a year old or are inaccessible, please let me know and I will make note of it. If you are able to access them and like what you see be sure to leave some love for the artist. Comments are an encouragement worth its weight in gold.

Sheila is a diverse card creator in the subjects she covers. Her cards are from the simple to the fairly complex. I think you will find her style and interests enjoyable. Stop by her blog and give a look. I am sure she would be delighted to have you comment.

Jane is a very talented artist. Her coloring will cause you to pause and take a second and even a third look. If you scroll down and look at some of the work she does I think you will definitely follow her. This is one of those places I drool over when I visit. I leave a comment and clean up after myself. LOL. 

John is a very talented card maker. He is a bit sporadic with his posts but they are always worth the visit. His cards are extraordinary in that they are masculine without being overdone. If you are looking for ideas for masculine cards, he will most certainly provide that. 

I would like to share 3 images that were colored a few years ago. The first two are of butterflies and the third of a Victorian Lady. All three are from Digital Tuesday. Enjoy!!!

    

Sorry I didn't write down the colors used for this image. 

I hope you liked what you saw and read in the post today. There is no air conditioning in my office space only a fan. The air conditioners are for our bedroom and living room. It has been very oppressive in our area with temperatures in the low to upper 90's and humidity high enough to make it very uncomfortable. I will try to visit a few of you as I work my way through the list. I will eventually get to everyone. 

Remember that Jesus is in charge and to always Love The Details.