Matthew 13:31-32 ~ The Kingdom of Heaven is like

Cedars of Lebanon - used in The Temple in Jerusalem

Matthew 13:31-32

31 He put another parable before them, saying,

 “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Cedars of Lebanon - the effort to replant was from Queen Victoria

What does the Kingdom of Heaven look like to you?

A Profound Question.

Jesus spoke to us, the Kingdom of Heaven was like a large tree. And surely Jesus knew something of this parable. Genesis begins with the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden and Revelation continues to tell us of this tree in Heaven.

God greeted Abraham where he chose to dwell.

Genesis 18:1
And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.

Genesis 21:33
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

1 Kings 6
11 Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.”

14 So Solomon built the house and finished it. 15 He lined the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar. From the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood, and he covered the floor of the house with boards of cypress.

Several times we are told trees (an image of angels, flowers, and trees) were displayed.

32 He covered the two doors of olivewood with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. He overlaid them with gold and spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.

Jesus cares about the forest. And mentioned the birds gathered in the branches. Jesus refers to Himself as the branch.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Deuteronomy 22:6
“If you come across a bird's nest in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young.

Matthew 23:37a
How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings

Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

Yet God's love doesn't stop with Jesus caring for only part of His Word made manifest.

Matthew 10:31
"So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."

Luke 12
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.

30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.



Trees have seasons. Winter appears to be a time of sleep. The truth is, trees love to be fed during winter.


Psalm 131
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.

We all have seasons. There are several non-seasonal aspects of life.  He tells us gratitude,  prayer and Love.

Of course, God branches out from this non-seasonality to say how we are to seek Him first; And life is going to become abundant. Center Him, as Joshua did. Asking Him to forgive us when we don't stay upon the path that is blameless. We should walk with integrity of heart. Then we ask Him to help us not fall away. Then our heart is not perverse. This is when and how we seek God first. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Another non-seasonal - Jesus tells us, do not be anxious about our lives, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. He says your Father knows that you need them.

It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Put your treasure and heart with Jesus. One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. God's love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Jesus has been given the Holy Spirit to us.

Fear not. Jesus says. The Kingdom of Heaven is like -

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

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Psalm 86 ~ All nations thou has made shall come & bow down before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name.

Psalm 86

Incline thy ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save thy servant who trusts in thee.
Thou art my God; 3 be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to thee do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of thy servant,
for to thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, O Lord, art good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call on thee.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
hearken to my cry of supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on thee,
for thou dost answer me.

8 There is none like thee among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like thine.
9 All the nations thou hast made shall come
and bow down before thee, O Lord,
and shall glorify thy name.
10 For thou art great and doest wondrous things,
thou alone art God.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord,
that I may walk in thy truth;
unite my heart to fear thy name.
12 I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify thy name for ever.
13 For great is thy steadfast love toward me;
thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seek my life,
and they do not set thee before them.
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and take pity on me;
give thy strength to thy servant,
and save the son of thy handmaid.
17 Show me a sign of thy favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because thou, Lord, hast helped me and comforted me.


The Church is a sign of God's favor.

To be so long standing, is amazing. Remember Christ's Bride, the Church, is only marginally older than this magnificent Church, David Osios Thessaloniki, Greece. Built in the 4th or 5th century - this is just like the house Church written of in the Book of Acts. With the inviting front porch that draws the Church Family together to do things like have a Birthday Party for a young boy.

Wonderful and inspiring to see this Church still standing and being so vital. 

Father God this is the 28th Wedding Anniversary for Edward and me. Bless the work of our hands for our family and the people of faith. Bless the people who who have been so kind to us and the blessing of healing still working in our extended family. For more healing and the blessing of Love in the Holy Spirit, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Psalm 50 ~ He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people

Psalm 50

The Mighty One, God the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
before him is a devouring fire,
around him a mighty tempest.

4 He calls to the heavens above
and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

6 The heavens declare his righteousness,
for God himself is judge! Selah

7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, I will testify against you.
I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house
or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

16 But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,
and you keep company with adulterers.

19 “You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you slander your own mother's son.
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,
lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!

23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
to one who orders his way rightly
I will show the salvation of God!”

We let Him judge People.

Rick Warren had a wonderful message on this.

Honesty. Instead of giving Him bull. Not the apparent goodness of nicey. Who you are in the five pounds - of - who you are. You are a soul, wrapped by a body. People lose five inexplicable pounds from life to death.

• The Day of Blessing - the Day of Trouble - Come from our Father God.
• Start your prayers with the Lord's Prayer. Ask in the name of Jesus. That's His advice.
• You are asking - His Will Be Done.
•  Dig till you find out what your gratitude is. It's worth the effort
• Telling Him earnestly - there is a problem.
• Tell Him completely - this is what I want and why.
• Do His Word
• Tell Him you believe this day - IS Sufficient.
• Tell Him when your motives were not nice. Apologize. Tell Him when you fail. Apologize. Be Honest. Tell Him why. Ask for Help. Expect Help. Do not deliberately make messes for Him to clean up.
• Pray for the people who bless you. 
• Pray for the people you don't know, who bless you - Like the Sam's Clerk - Light of God filled her face and she spoke - "Believe HE Is Making This Day Sufficient!"
• Don't beat yourself up when your thoughts stray. Pull Him into your thoughts. He just might be having a conversation with you about your deepest heart needs. He says Come to me and I give you Rest. 
• Pray for the people who make you mad or hurt you. God says a man who loves the Lord eventually makes peace. Sometimes just for being polite enough to explain until common ground is made by God.
• Try not to harp on people. And be genuine.
• God said Be Light. Preach the Gospel, if you have to, use His Word. Jesus said it is written, He didn't pick up His Word and hammer.

Faith is that we Expect HIM to do what He tells us He will. Faith is diligent. Do not give up.

Having character. Having endurance. Being obedient to His Word.

• Jesus said be very patient and kind.
• When jealous or envious - tell Him. Ask for one similar. Be honest.
• Boastful or proud? Add salt. The Bible also suggests yeast - over the Top. Jesus used this humor.
• Haughty or selfish or rude. See the Lord's Prayer. Say that. Add your own conversation in.
• Love does not demand its own way. Reasonableness is - The Tree of Life puts out large branches, so  the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.
• It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. And will realistically discuss to determine solid ground. Only God is Omniscient.
• Rejoices whenever Truth wins
• You will be loyal to him no matter what the cost.The Gospels provide for Love oneself. Peace. And Return of Loyalty.
• Always believe in him, always expect the best of him. (Psalm 100 - for the Lord. Expect Him too)
• Always stand your ground in defending him. 
• Love goes on forever. (Even the divorced ones who Love still do. Pray there.) 
• Now we know so little, clearly God sees into our hearts right now. 
• Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
• There is One Who is Good.
• We love. Because He first Loved us.
• Jesus also said to us, we must always pray, and not give up.
• Three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is Love.

Father God, be with us as we do these prayers. Help us do this prayer as the Body of Christ. We ask help for bring forth children to Grow in their relationship to You, express love in our family, provide comfort and encouragement, and bless our spouse.  In Jesus. Amen.

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Psalm 143 ~ In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.

3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O Lord!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
I have fled to you I have covered
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!

11 For your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
for I am your servant.


James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

My faults this week - I have blogged late at night and not proof read because the day had other activities - I must proof-read the next day because in a tired mind, the jottings make complete sense. This week I've blogged with half a mind to use one of the 2,000 old posts. Please forgive me.

2 Chronicles 30:20
And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.

With a new plan, this should look more cohesive.

1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Prayers for cohesive editing are always appreciated.


1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.



Father GOD,
Let our prayers be plentiful like rain and our requests descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants - Renewal for this blogging editing.

Give us clear understanding each day,
and my inmost being will dwell with You.

We praise You God, for Your Word,
living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
penetrating even to soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
Give us right thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored, build our families;
Renew our days as of old - rejoicing in Religious Freedoms of Thought and Speech,
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved! Amen and Amen.

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Psalm 147 ~ The Lord builds up

Psalm 147

Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble;
he casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!

8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.

10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.

It's not always easy to know which leg to stand upon.

When you consider the Laws God gave to the people in the Exodus - you realize He expects more from us. Yet we forget, the people at one point wanted very badly to climb the mountain to see what only Moses and Jesus have seen in this life.

Perhaps if we had a Letter from God on this - sharing His Heart instead of merely Moses.

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

The disciple John was known to perpetually be loyal to Jesus - the Son of God - he correctly called Love.


1 John 4:11-15
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

1 John 3:11
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.


1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.



Father God, bless us to have opportunities to Encourage one another in the Word of God. To praise those who strive for Him. Let us always do as the father with faith, who asked for more faith - to correctly look at Jesus.  

Bless our families, those who care for us, and encourage us to do exactly what You would have us do. And rest in You, knowing Your will is accomplished by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus we pray, Amen.

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Exodus 22 ~ if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Exodus 22

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, 3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

5 “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard.

6 “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.

7 “If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. 9 For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

10 “If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep safe, and it dies or is injured or is driven away, without anyone seeing it, 11 an oath by the Lord shall be between them both to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. The owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution. 12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence. He shall not make restitution for what has been torn.

14 “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution. 15 If the owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, it came for its hiring fee.

Laws About Social Justice

16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall give the bride-price for her and make her his wife. 17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins.

18 “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.

19 “Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death.

20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction.

21 “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. 23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. 26 If ever you take your neighbor's cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, 27 for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

28 “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

29 “You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me. 30 You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep: seven days it shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.

31 “You shall be consecrated to me. Therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.

Psalm 140

6 I say to the Lord, You are my God;
give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord!
7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence.

You have to love the ones who want to whine about the Old Testament...

• It's all rules!!!

• God doesn't provide for the truly needy.

• They are just slaves - How Can HE Expect Them not to Be Afraid.

• Don't Complain - HE won't provide for you.

• Slaves - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

(Some people whine more creatively!!!)

Slaves. Slaves in the desert. As many camels as you can steal. If you take a camel - leave a clue. If you see two chickens, take one - leave an egg. That Egyptian gold - IS Gonna Run Out..

Instead of coping - The LORD gives Expectations.

God did not just lift them on gentle clouds from over the Red Sea and say let's meet the neighbors with Meet and Greet. 

And HE did not say - they are slaves - they cannot be expected to adapt. He did not hand them land and say go farm - HE said learn the way and go forward.

THIS IS A VERY TODAY MESSAGE.

Oh - Rodney Dangerfield - Respect. Elbows out. 
Joshua began to take over the Exodus, because it fell over.
God said wanted balance and said - not to the right, not to the left. 

Christians love to say "I'm Third." That has been a mantra for some people. If you truly look at the Word of GOD, He says love others as yourself. That is a balanced second place.


Now we could whine about GOD not providing the man with anything but a coat -

27 for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Even in the desert, push to shove, He expects His People to be Just, regardless of the circumstance.

I talk to all manner of people. People who run Exxon. The elderly. The poor. HE expects all of them to live by His Plan. We all have a choice in Life - work with HIM - work for HIM by avoiding His path. We all expect a different level of "life provides". Focus on Him first and see what He will bring. 

He says to challenge Him - He just never said plop down in front of the TV at night. If you are awake - you could be learning something, making something, phone calling encouragement. Sunday is for rest - not thou shalt veg in front of TV every day.

When we expect GOD to show up in our lives - lives change. Paul wrote of "seeing how it will go with me." The adventure of opening our hands in the morning and saying - Lord, what would you have me do today? 

And when we have asked - the sweet rest of -  HE promises - HE is not going to leave.

Father God, help us expect the best of ourselves. You expected mere nomadic slaves, freed in miraculous circumstances, to pick up their pallet and walk. Help us to avoid the comfy chair of complaining. Help us to give our best, encourage each other in Truth, and allow room for You. 

Help us Lord to help one another - in expectation - we will work together for Your good. Open our hands to You Lord GOD - saying I want to pick up my pallet -

Father God, You have said Words are important. Help our speech be gracious. Help us be straight forward in our conversations. Not misleading hearts as being overly harsh or overly whiney. 

Let us be discerning as we offer words to You and others.

Father GOD, we welcome You again. Dwell in our families, our children, our homes, ours places of work. 

We welcome you in our extended families. In our thoughts and prayers. Let us be a good place to dwell. 

We pray for restoration of the young in our Churches. In Church, let the Youth be so encouraged, that they will never want to stay away. 

We Pray Expectantly for Revival of our Federal Government, our States' governments, our Local Governments and for the Police protecting and serving. 
Especially Lord for those who have shown mercy.
Lord blessed are the Peacemakers.
Building families and fathers to their sons.

We pray for good health and restoration of health as we have all suffered with flu, fever, stomach flu, strep throat and sinus infection (as I have this year, one after another). And the return this week of sinus headache, we pray for healing.

Thank you, GOD, for HEB and the physicians assistant providing antibiotics and medications for sinus crud.

In the name of Jesus we pray.
AMEN and Thank You Father God.  

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