Mark 7 ~ do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders

Mark 7

Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”


14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 

 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”


24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 

But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.


31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 

 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

What's the First Response? Call Abba. Eyes on Him. Tell HIM how you really are and expect Him to want your best. And expect the Prodigal Father He is going to run to you when it's really a mess - and - even if you made the mess.

Jesus gives us the example of prayer many times and being quiet with God.

Father God, life surely requires prayer now. And I feel sad for the changes in my life and the times I've given pain.

Edward is ill. My mom is older. Family quarrels. Being asked to be better than I can possibly be. We pray for healing and restoration. To Jesus the Lord. Jesus, be our center.

Only the Gift Jesus gives us. Redemption from Jesus. That's the most important thing in the world. Loving God and bringing His Light forth.

Praise to God for Blessings Given. My son Cal has moved home to work from home. The joy of just looking at Cal. God Bless Kyle for unloading a truck. God prepare a path for Kyle. For friends who give comfort and conversation.

God's profound blessings of Cal giving Alexander the car the wonderful little red 1996 SC Lexus two door to his brother Alexander. Cal earned doing RA work in college. God's blessings on those two brothers who Love each other.  Alexander spending the family week with Cal packing his belongings, lifting, driving, getting home at 4 in the morning and helping again. Some.

For Xander chipping in to repair the red car. Thank You God to see Fruit of our lives. Thank You for bringing that. Good to see the heart of a Father enriched by his sons.

How can we understand the Works of God? 
We read the Works of God to understand the working of our lives.
We actually don't always understand. Because He is that Vast.



We Learn to Trust God.


Imagine going to the rooted and grounded Church of God in a small town. And you have to announce that you don't like their practices of cleanliness and piety.  And next, picture the proven medical fact this cleanliness keeps the generations alive to enjoy the innocence of the young - very refreshing. And the beauty of wisdom of the faithful aged.

And you just tell them - 'Forget that'.

Jesus was acting upon His own Authority to announce Kosher was finished. Made the faithful angry. Kosher was proven in the Bronze Age and before. Iron Age and after. We use aspects of Kosher today. To have survival in childbirth, relief from infection, removal of bacteria and increases the immunity system to upbuild the entire community.

And Jesus said "That done, it's only a man-made ritual now."

Jesus was saying He had strengthened the Body to rely upon God. Stripped of cleanliness? God would sustain them. Can you even imagine how this changed life-long habits? To not trust cleanliness of hands and to say God Protect me. Because that would be a frightening step.

The point for us, today, God knows what God is doing better than we do.
God understood what He was saying to Isaiah. Better than the Magi.
Jesus understood what He was saying to the Children of Israel.

This isn't murky. This is saying God wants us to seek the next step. And trust HIM that He is the Light of our path, pleasing Him by seeking out His will in our lives.




God as done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.

Thank you Father God for hearing and answering our prayers in Jesus. Amen.  

 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

Ephesians 6 ~ Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Does the hat really look like that?

Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

When God decided Moses was ready for a visit, He used a calling card - FIRE!

When Jesus decided HE was heading to Home Paradise - He sent a calling card - FIRE!

This life will give us trial by - - - - !


Hebrews 12
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Regular Fire finishes. You have to maintain just about everything in life. The Fire of God is not covered, hidden, dormant, subject to decay. Is Sovereign.

Jesus told us about HIS WORD. He said days may come.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.


Isaiah 55
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 12 "For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands."





Why do we have trouble between parents, in work, what does most trouble come from?

James 4
What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?

John said God is Love.

James said we are selfish.

 




What to do with Trouble?

Pray.

Sounds namby pamby?
Psalm 38
O Lord, all my longing is before you;
my sighing is not hidden from you.

Psalm 43
Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy

We want the Light and the Truth of God. That is Joy. 








Matthew 21:22
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Add that to the Lord's Prayer about believing His Will should be done - and you have Faith.

Do we have powerful allies?

Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

How close to God are we?

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Does God know we make messes and appear one way and do another? God called Aaron, who is like us. People.

Hebrews 10:19
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus

By the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.









Once I was in Geometry Class (with Scott Verplank of the PGA). I made a great grade because my High School Teacher read from the book. Then she closed the book and looked expectantly at us. The lesson generally took ten to fifteen minutes. And for the rest of the hour we complained as we tried to do homework. I found if I read the chapter ahead of time I knew how to explain to her what I didn't know and the lesson would continue another twenty minutes. And sometimes then someone else would have a question and she would repeat over and over "I don't understand your question." So Sometimes, I would jump in and provide what they meant and she would work a problem we set up.

The system worked for about 7/8ths of the year. Until I could understand simply from reading the book and her 15 minute discussions.

The Word of God works like that a little too. When you get to the point Your Really Grasp the Promises HE makes and the Ease of His WORD. The Burden is easy, if you will, the fire to understand and explain  - needs a teacher.

The equation is easy really.

We are promised Trouble. We shall receive in abundance.

Life is here to test our metal. Who we would be. Who we would be proud to be.

What pride we have directs us - where.

We are set in this vast rushing wind or water of Life.

There is a rudder in calm water and in white water.

Truth. Love. Joy. Given to us by a Father who calls us Home.











 


In White Water, you have to hang on to Truth. Because the Winds of Life will Howl.
God says merely by the preparation of reading His Word, we are assured of something unseen in our very present troubles.

Something Better. And when we go out of our way to make this - we are making a meaningful life.

This Chapter assures us, you get Trouble you didn't ask for. And there is a key to survival with love incorruptible.












God sees all of our thinking. All of that. And says - "I think I will save them all." Will we let HIM?


Father God, when anger raises up schemes, power and darkness. Be the Ray of Light we Know, Believe, Trust, Hope, and are Assured of. In the Name of Jesus we Trust. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

2 Samuel 10 ~ War No More

2 Samuel 10


After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the Ammonites.

But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 

When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”

6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, 
the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. 

And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.

9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 

The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 

So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.

15 But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head.

And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan and came to Helam. The Syrians arrayed themselves against David and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 700 chariots, and 40,000 horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their army, so that he died there. 

And when all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Syrians were afraid to save the Ammonites anymore.

James Taylor makes an interesting analogy today in the words about Truth.

People can be quick to point out a lie or accuse someone of back stabbing. This works with apparent goodness. Apparent goodness can be very showy. It's the mercy that speaks more quietly.

Wikipedia points to public speculation about the song "Fire and Ice". James Taylor has publicly explained "Fire and Ice" three times and his explanation was greeted with suspicion he lied. When you run the stories together - did we really want him to explain to a rock concert ...? Did he lie at the Madrid Concert? Doubt it. Taylor was explaining a sad song, with a humorous reference to recovery and truth.

James Taylor's full explanation went like this -
Taylor explained to host Scott Simon that the song was written in three parts: [A Work In Progress.]

The first part was indeed about Taylor's friend Suzanne, who died while Taylor was in London working on his first album after being signed to Apple Records. Friends at home, concerned that it might distract Taylor from his big break, kept the tragic news from him, and he only found out six months later.

The second part details Taylor's struggle to overcome drug addiction and depression.

The third part deals with coming to grips with fame and fortune, looking back at the road that got him there. It includes a reference to James Taylor and The Flying Machine, a band he briefly worked with before his big break with Paul McCartney, Peter Asher, and Apple Records.

Waiting for a Rush to Judgment

Jesus wasn't one to stand up on a rock and Say, "I'M THE SON OF GOD". Which leads people to discuss their feelings of His Supremacy in deep thoughts on soul deep issues without something very important -

Something Very Important

The Source

How can we debate Jesus is the Christ without knowing what the Word is? Our largest History of Jesus is the Word of God.

How can we discern what to trust and what to believe?

We are built to respond to God and truth. We are told to seek and to find. To see a sign of a miracle is Good. This encourages us. To stop is not to stop God. To refuse an invitation to Wonder isn't fatal.

Yet... why wouldn't we take our Wonder to the Word of God?


Look at Jeremiah 15, look at 2 Samuel 10 today.

Not one of mankind spikes the football and remains in Victory.

Look at the 2 Samuel 10. David has found Victory!!! He is KING. It's good to be King. Except. A war has started - because - David sent off hand condolences.

And Then. Bam! One unleashing of unkindness has started a whip cord backlash. And WAR erupts.

What we don't see King David of God do - he does Not say

1. "Well, I never really wanted to be King."
2. "I Quit."
3. "Nothing never good Ever happens to me."
4. "Why does Everything Always Go Wrong."
5. "Ruddy Ol God, Dammit."
6. "Let's dig out the old gods and try them."
7. "WHAT! PANIC!!!"
8. "IT"S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!"

David instead is going to do his best with what is at hand. And he is not going to sit sweating out the fact that what kicked this off was a kindness from a loving heart in the days of poor travel.

However, when you read the Psalms of David - you have reached the Source - and we JUST KNOW that David is going to pour out his heart to GOD. David is going to whine and complain and cry to - the Source. God.

And how does Father GOD react to the One who Relies upon GOD?

Oh. Look. God explained that - in the Source.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Let us pray together - 

Father God for Peace! Jesus Delivers us and is our strong defender. We will Trust in Jesus, blessed redeemer. The Holy ONE. When we have a "time" the One we look to is the Rock. The foundation of our Wonder and Joy. Father GOD You alone kept David rolling - I'm throwing myself in with You! Deliver me for the Holiness of Your Name.

Father God !

In times of peace - I say Jesus is God. When I am torn down by the tremendous of events life has the possibility to unleash - I know You will restore my soul. When I need a direction - I pray for You , Abba to lead me in the paths of righteousness for blessings.

When death arrives for a funeral or my own, I will only look to You. You are with me. 

In faith, I proclaim You anoint my head with oil. I will look to what is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- With You I Will Think about such things.

When I take time to remember what I have learned, what I have experienced, I will let my cup of gratitude overflow. You are teaching me. I Thank You. 

In Jesus, Goodness and Mercy will be the footprints I leave.  All the days of my life. 

Jesus, You Love me. Yes, Jesus loves me. I shall dwell in the House of the Lord. Forever.

In Jesus is our Alleluia! Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

<><

Psalm 32 ~ steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord

Psalm 32

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

We are blessed when we start out as children to be told about God's love making a path for us. A gratitude response to give better than we receive.

Life as adulthood starts out has some stiff new shoes. Will we be grateful or sore. Suddenly there is less appreciation for try and more appreciation for 'get this done well'. Do we hope for His help or do we look for an easier path. Sometimes wisdom is indeed teaching us take another route.

Do we accept our dues? Are these our dues? Do we need to contribute more?

Are we being honest in our prayer life? Too much about us? Comparing our ills and successes to the people around us?

Isaiah 43:15-17a

15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.”

16 Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings forth chariot and horse,
army and warrior

Do we take into account that perennial shame is not from Him? That sometimes the nature of pain is to take the avoidance and look for the solution. To grow.

Not so much to compare ourselves to others. But to delight in His Will for our lives and how far we have traveled in Him.

Because

We need to always say, ' I know I'm flawed to sinning.' To say. Sometimes, it's justified. Other times to say, that's not just of me. Always to say, "I need you Savior Jesus, Hero, Beloved One."

The Trumpet rarely sounds for Prayers answered. For Hope and Love streaming forth. Steadfast love surrounding us - isn't the Tiara of Tada - Steadfast love surrounding us is the love we give to the ones who need that Love.

Just when we think we have a handle on the Path.

The path changes.
Truthful honesty has a freedom.

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Hebrews 13
Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen

Ezekiel 43:2
And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.

Isaiah 6:3
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."


Revelation 4
And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”

9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”

Thank You Father you accept our prayers. And when You are called upon. You answer. In the name of Jesus we pray 'Please' for the ones we love. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †