THANKFUL HEART

On route to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples went through a village and heard a group of Lepers cry out.  Most likely they were asking for provision; but God had something better for them.

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

LUKE 17:11-14   NIV

The only Leper that returned was a Samaritan, bowing before Jesus and thanking God.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.  

LUKE 17:15-16   NIV

Jesus asked the Samaritan, where are the other nine?

Is the only one to THANK GOD and praise him, a foreigner?

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

LUKE 17:17-19   NIV (New International Version)

RED ASPEN LEAVES

AUTUMN IN BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON

Quaking Aspen is the Utah State Tree 

Every year these Aspen trees turn brilliant red.

You can view these trees in Brighton, Utah, on the west side of the large ski parking area.

WASATCH WATERSHED REGULATIONS

WATERSHED SIGN AT LAKE MARY

Watershed Regulations

Please observe these restrictions within our watersheds. Help keep your drinking water clean.

• No camping within 200 feet of water (Helps protect fragile lake and stream shores and keeps pollutants out of water).
• Check the forest service for fire restrictions and regulations in the backcountry.
• No swimming or bathing in lakes and streams (Keeps bacteria and other contaminants out of water sources).
• Wading is only allowed for fishermen wearing waders.
• No washing of food or dishes in lakes or streams.
• No dogs, horses and domestic animals permitted. (Keeps bacteria out of water sources).  Exceptions: search and rescue dogs, service dogs and some land owners may get special permits. 
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Salt Lake County watersheds: 

• Bell Canyon Creek and tributaries
• Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Big Willow Creek and tributaries
• City Creek Canyon (northeast of the treatment plant)
• Deaf Smith Canyon Creek and tributaries
• Emigration Canyon (above Burrs Fork)
• Lambs Canyon
• Little Cottonwood Canyon (including the town of Alta)
• Little Willow Creek and tributaries
• Mountain Dell Canyon
• Parley’s Canyon
• South Fork of Dry Creek

Human waste must be buried 6" deep, and 200' away from any water source or trail.

WAS THE SIGN OF JONAH FULFILLED?

QUESTIONS OF THE BIBLE

"Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.  All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul,the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”  Matthew 12:22:24 NIV

The Pharisees heard about Jesus casting out demons and demanded that Jesus perform a sign.  
The Pharisees also wanted a sign from him in Jerusalem at Passover in  John 2:23-25.

"Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."  Matthew 12:38:40 NIV  (New International Version)

The sign of Jonah fulfillment began at 3pm when Jesus died on the cross and went to the heart of the earth.  There was a great earthquake shaking the Temple Mount, tearing the curtain to the Holy of Holies, and opening tombs of the saints.  This must have made a big impact on the unbelieving teachers and Pharisees.  This marked the beginning of the 3 days and 3 nights.  

Also, Peter talks about what Jesus did in the heart of the earth.  Read: I Peter 3:19.

"At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.  At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah.  One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.  At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead.  They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.   Matthew 27:45-56  NLT  (New Living Translation)

The Sign of Jonah was fulfilled early Sunday morning when an huge earthquake rattled the sleeping residents of Jerusalem.  The quake rolled away the stone and revealed an empty tomb. Jesus the Messiah was resurrected.  
This marks the end of the three days and three nights.  The people of Jerusalem counted any period of daytime or nighttime as one day or one night. 

"The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord’s angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.

The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross.  He isn’t here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying.  Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you.”

The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples.      Matthew 28:1-8 CEV  (Contemporary English Version)

Sunday, on the road to Emmaus we find an eye witnesses account of the three days.

"That same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a town named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking about everything that had happened.  Luke 24:13-14  NCV 

"The one named Cleopas answered, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know what just happened there?”

Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about?”

They said, “About Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet who said and did many powerful things before God and all the people.  Our leaders and the leading priests handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him.  But we were hoping that he would free Israel. Besides this, it is now the third day since this happened.  And today some women among us amazed us. Early this morning they went to the tomb,  but they did not find his body there. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels who said that Jesus was alive!  So some of our group went to the tomb, too. They found it just as the women said, but they did not see Jesus.”  Luke 24:18-24  NCV  (New Century Version)

If SUNDAY afternoon is the THIRD DAY since these things happened; then when was Jesus Crucified?

PC HILL

TRAILS OF ROUND VALLEY

PC HILL is a hiking only trail, away from the crowds.

1.3 miles out and back and 475' elevation gain.

You can find this trail off of HAT TRICK.

Dogs must be on leash in this agricultural area.  

UTAH BRUSHFOOTS

BUTTERFLIES OF THE WASATCH

Butterfly was found up Millcreek Canyon.

BANEBERRY

POISONOUS PLANTS OF MILLCREEK CANYON

BANEBERRY IS A POISONOUS PLANT.

THE BERRIES, ROOTS AND SAP ARE TOXIC.   

STUMP HOLLOW

LOGAN CANYON TRAILS

MOUNTAIN BIKERS AND HIKERS 

MAY ENJOY THIS NON MOTORIZED TRAIL

PARKING LOT: North east side of US 89 and State 243 (Beaver Mountain Ski Resort)

RESTROOM available north of parking area

TRAILHEAD: Across from US 89 ~ south side of road

MILEAGE: 5 miles each way

RATINGS: Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,280'

LIMBER PINE NATURE TRAIL

UINTA WASATCH CACHE 

NATIONAL FOREST

LIMBER PINE TRAIL

GPS: 41°55'30.5"N 111°28'18.2"W

LOCATE ON US 89 IN LOGAN CANYON

NEAR SUNRISE CAMPGROUND

ENJOY A GREAT FAMILY HIKE

TO ANCIENT LIMBER PINE TREES

BENCH

MILEAGE: 1.3 mile loop

ELEVATION GAIN: 80'

RESTROOM AVAILABLE

KID FRIENDLY TRAIL

NO MOUNTAIN BIKES   

HIKE TIME: 3/4 hour

VIEWING AREA

CLUSTER OF LIMBER PINES

LIMBER PINE 560 YEARS OLD

DAVID IN SAUL'S CAMP

MISSION POSSIBLE

YOUR MISSION SHOULD YOU ACCEPT, 
GO INTO THE CENTER OF THE ENEMIES CAMP, GUARDED BY 3,000 SOLDIERS, TAKE THE KING'S SPEAR AND WATER JUG AND LEAVE WITHOUT WAKING ANYBODY UP AND BEING NOTICED!

People living in Ziph reported to King Saul, that David was hiding on Hakilah Hill.  Saul sent 3,000 soldiers to the desert to search for David.

"The people of Ziph went to see Saul at Gibeah and said to him, “David is hiding on Hakilah Hill, across from Jeshimon.”

Saul gathered 3000 of the best soldiers in Israel and went down to the desert of Ziph to search for David there.  Saul set up his camp by the road at Hakilah Hill, across from Jeshimon.

David was out in the desert and saw that Saul had come out into the desert after him."  

1 SAMUEL 26:1-3  ERV

David watch Saul's army search for him, so David sent out his spies to find out where Saul was camping.  David observed Saul sleeping in the center of a circle of soldiers.

"So David sent out spies to know for certain that Saul had come after him again.  Then David went to where Saul had set up his camp. David saw where Saul and Abner were sleeping. (Abner son of Ner was the commander of Saul’s army.) Saul was sleeping in the center of a circle of men that surrounded him."   1 SAMUEL 26:4-5  ERV

David asked Ahimelech and Joab's brother, Abishai if they would like to go down to Saul's camp with him.  Abishai volunteers for this MISSION POSSIBLE.

"David talked to Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah. (Abishai was Joab’s brother.) He asked them, “Who would like to go down into the camp with me after Saul?” Abishai answered, “I’ll go with you.”        1 SAMUEL 26:6  ERV

David and Abishai quietly went into Saul's camp.  Abishai wanted to take Saul's spear and kill him.

"When night came, David and Abishai went into Saul’s camp. Saul was asleep in the middle of the circle of men. His spear was stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the other soldiers were asleep around Saul.  Abishai said to David, “Today God has given your enemy to you. Let me pin Saul to the ground with his spear. I’ll only do it once!”   1 SAMUEL 26:7-8  ERV

David rebuked Abishai, telling him to not kill Saul; but let the Lord punish Saul.  Quickly, pick up Saul's spear and water jug and let's go.

"But David said to Abishai, “Don’t kill Saul! Anyone who hurts the Lord’s chosen king must be punished.  As surely as the Lord lives, the Lord himself will punish Saul. Maybe Saul will die naturally or maybe he will be killed in battle.  But I pray that the Lord never lets me hurt the Lord’s chosen king. Now pick up the spear and water jug by Saul’s head and let’s go.”    1 SAMUEL 26:9-11  ERV

God had put Saul and his men into a deep sleep.  No one woke up and saw David and Abishai leaving camp.

"So David took the spear and water jug that were near Saul’s head, and then David and Abishai left Saul’s camp. No one knew what had happened. No one saw it. No one even woke up. Saul and all of his soldiers slept because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep."  1 SAMUEL 26:12  ERV  Easy to Read Version

David hiked up the other side to the summit of the hill.  David shouted to Abner, the commander of Saul's army.  David shouted, That someone came into the camp to kill Saul.  Why haven't you guarded your king?  You and your men should die for that.  Where is the king's spear and water jug, that were by Saul's head?

"David crossed over to the other side of the hill and stood on top of the mountain far from Saul’s camp. They were a long way away from each other. David shouted to the army and to Abner son of Ner, “Won’t you answer me, Abner?”

Abner answered, “Who is calling for the king? Who are you?”

"David said, “You’re the greatest man in Israel. Isn’t that true? Why didn’t you guard your master the king? Someone came into your camp to kill your master the king!  You have not done well. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men should die. You haven’t guarded your master, the Lord’s appointed king. Look! Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”  1 SAMUEL 26:13-16  NCV

Saul recognized David's voice and replied.  David is that you?   

 "Saul knew David’s voice. He said, “Is that your voice, David my son?”

David answered, “Yes, it is, my master and king.”  David also said, “Why are you chasing me, my master? What wrong have I done? What evil am I guilty of?  My master and king, listen to me. If the Lord made you angry with me, let him accept an offering. But if people did it, may the Lord curse them! They have made me leave the land the Lord gave me. They have told me, ‘Go and serve other gods.’  Now don’t let me die far away from the Lord’s presence. The king of Israel has come out looking for a flea! You’re just hunting a bird in the mountains!”  1 SAMUEL 26:17-20  NCV

King Saul asks David to return home and promises not to hurt him.

“I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Today you respected my life, so I will not try to hurt you. I have been very stupid and foolish.”  1 SAMUEL 26:21  NCV

David tells Saul to send up a youth to retrieve the spear and water jug.  

"David answered, “Here is your spear. Let one of your young men come here and get it.  The Lord rewards us for the things we do right and for our loyalty to him. The Lord handed you over to me today, but I wouldn’t harm the Lord’s appointed king.  As I respected your life today, may the Lord also respect my life and save me from all trouble.”  1 SAMUEL 26:22-24  NCV

Saul blessed David.

"Then Saul said to David, “You are blessed, my son David. You will do great things and succeed.”

So David went on his way, and Saul went back home."

1 SAMUEL 26:22-24  NCV  New Century Version

CONCLUSION

"... with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  MATTHEW 19:26 NKJV  (New King James Version)

FIRST OREGON TRAIL ~ BEAR LAKE

FIRST OREGON TRAIL BEAR LAKE

Located North of Garden City, US 89.

GPS: 41.975170, -111.402775

FIRST OREGON TRAIL

 

"The First covered wagons came into the Rocky MTs in 1830, they made their way as far west as Fort Washakie in Wyoming.

Efforts were made to find passable wagon trails through the mountains to the Pacific coast, which goal was finally reached.  At that time the entire northwest MT area was known as Oregon Country, and western travel was either to the Oregon or the Califonia regions.

While early maps give the probable location of the First Oregon Trail north of here, well marked wagon ruts and stories of Indians and settlers indicated the first wagon migration to Oregon followed the southwestern shores of Bear Lake, leaving this valley through a canyon to the northwest, then to the upper reaches of the Bear River.  

Additional color is given this belief, because this was the site of an important trappers rendezvous as early as 1827, and well marked trails were followed for many years in and out of this valley."

STINGING NETTLE AND THE BIBLE

The bottom of the leaves and the stem can sting, injecting histamine and other chemicals into your body.  After bare skin rubs against this plant, it feels like mosquito bites.  Natives have used this plant for medicine, food and drink.

"I passed by the field of the sluggard

And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,

And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;

  

Its surface was covered with nettles,

And its stone wall was broken down.

When I saw, I reflected upon it;

I looked, and received instruction.

“A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest,”

Then your poverty will come as a robber

And your want like an armed man."                   

Proverbs 24:30-34 New American Standard Bible