Reading Scripture helps us know God's Love. Every Bible verse is written for you. Jesus Christ is all mankind's Light. John 1!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Psalm 126 ~ Restore our fortunes, Lord


Restoration, God is still ascending today! Even out of the very rubble of the Temple. The Biblical Ascents are left to us.



Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.



 


Love...is the Fire and Wind of the Holy Spirit in The Book of Acts. 

John 3:8
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Romans 12:9
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Matthew 22:37
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.


Loud...

A long long time ago
I can still remember how
That music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while

Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?

And a voice that came from you and me
Oh and while the king was looking down
The jester stole his thorny crown

But the man there said the music wouldn't play
And in the streets the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most-
the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost-
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died





In the Early Days of Christianity ~

When the word 'treason' came into the Latin vocabulary - people ran for their lives carrying Scripture to live another day. This was when the early Church was tested on forgiveness. A necessary component for any relationship.

As the people fleeing for their lives had a relationship with Father God - God was indeed with them. They used their life experiences to tell the new people about Father God. God probably provided the Acts 2 version of Language gifts as well,  repeating His miracles as He does so often.

And one of the chief complaints to people who didn't understand about God - they asked, "Why?" Why would we want to worship a God who gives His Son. How is this Victory when Love Hurts.

We hardly can answer this with the WONDERFUL Quotes God gives us on kind love. Love is patient, kind...

AND FORTUNATELY - Jesus answered this for us.

The Greek Jews knew Jesus was in some deep trouble. And they went to meet Jesus and Jesus answered by uncharacteristically saying He would not meet with them. John 12:21. Jesus was not going into His Life Sacrifice with patience, kindness, free from envy, pride, dishonor, self-seeking, angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, evil, no rejoicing, no real truth. Jesus was going to live out God's plan for Him.

Love wasn't always protecting and hoping during anguish Christians do not want to dwell upon.

Jesus as Innocence and Perfection was taking on humiliation, hardship, torture, denial, desertion, Mayo clinic doctors say heart attack to failure, suffocation and more than we can hardly bear to see this reenacted.

Jesus was telling us of
the depth of God's passion for all the world.
The way HE sees our pettiness, vindictiveness and rejoices in the way people will seek to love. The lengths people will go to comfort, help, encourage, uplift, sacrifice and honor one another. God sees people rise up every day. It's not always pretty and easy. God understands the depths of the fight.

God doesn't ask us to fight our way through challenges He has not done more. God shows us what we can understand in loosing a Child.

Ezekiel 38:19
In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
















He empowers, and creates.

Romans 5:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.


Hebrews 13
20 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, 21 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. 22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

God doesn't call us to smile peacefully in the storm. The disciples didn't - they Wailed in the boat with Jesus. However, as the disciples walked with Jesus, they didn't typically fall over in terror, even when they had a lot of questions to what they witnessed.

Jesus sat to give the Beatitudes. This is God who is comfortable with His Beloved.

God fully comprehends the way life can become so overwhelming. God is not speaking of a brisk run in the park when He tells us fight the good fight. Run our race to win.

We love Jesus who understands us fully when we wail at the storm. Jesus made the Path possible to live the next day; Jesus was with His Disciples as a day to Live. Jesus said take Today and find what is Good. And He said Give us This Day.

Psalm 126 isn't for the future. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Give us This Day.



♔ Lord Jesus Saves









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Sunday, September 21, 2014

Acts 24:10-21 ~ verify that




Marcus Antonius Felix



Acts 24:10-21


10 And when the governor (Felix) had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 

 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16

 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

!


Felix (Marcus Antonius Felix) already heard of the plot to kill Paul in the Acts 23. He was aware of the tensions between Paul, the Jews, and an substantial increase of people following the Way. For two years, Felix kept Paul as prisoner and spoke with him on many occasions. Felix was known to be corrupt and sought bribes, but Paul was clearly not offering bribes. Paul was now a missionary, tent-maker, and former aspiring Temple official with a good Temple education and good Temple name.



Felix is a historical figure with a a lot of sway - the heroes people were interested in before mass media were the politicians. They were all people talked of in their day and were famous. Felix's father was a Greek slave to Emperor Claudius and his 1st wife, Antonia Minor (daughter of Mark Antony / Marcus Antonius). His father was freed, Felix and his brother held fantastic Empire jobs for sons of a slave/freedman.
Felix was a rock star on jet pack ice skates. In his day.
Fame touched this man from all directions. Felix's first two wives were both named Drusilla and both were very exalted noble women politically.

Drusilla, wife 1, was a cousin to Emperor Claudius. Emperor Claudius' 4th wife was Felix's niece Aggripina Minor (who had a little nephew named Nero that Emperor Claudius became very fond of and adopted.)

Druscilla, wife 2, was the daughter of King of Judea Herod Agrippa. These are the faces that would have filled the grocery store glossy magazines, if that had existed. Instead they had coins. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, his second wife and child were about the only 'famous' people who died while visiting Pompeii. When Felix was hauled to Rome to face charges of bad government, he didn't have a lot to worry about - Felix's brother was the Emperor Nero's man.








The Scripture ideas and discussions between Acts 23 and Acts 25 are really pretty entertaining. False accusations near the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant does not reside), murder plots, nephew saves Paul by telling Centurion, Centurion pulls out the big Calvary to save Paul, they all know of the plot to kill Paul along the road to Jerusalem. Everyone pretends not to know. Felix asks Paul if he'd like to go to Jerusalem, while moving Paul to extensive guard to Herod's praetorian.

If you aren't interested, clean out your ears, wipe the sleep from your eyes - this isn't just adventure, but huge politics, the beginnings of Jesus Christ sweeping the continents without the benefit of mass media - people are interested in this Jesus of Nazareth. In 16 years, the Emperors of Rome are going to be very uncomfortable - doing and saying foolish things.

It is already starting here... the Temple is getting ready to lawyer up with High Priests, the Governor, Lysias the tribune, just to name a few. Delay of judgment to avoid being the enemy of some important factions.


22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.



24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.


Not just the big doings - look at the people involved. 'Paul - would you like to go to Jerusalem?' 'Why no, I believe I will go in the opposite direction.' The tremendous will of God is being accomplished just as easily as a conversation.





What was this Felix up to? Felix' history involves governing, a vague reference to putting down another Egyptian messiah claim. Felix feels Paul can help him to control the factions swirling around this Middle East situation. Paul has worn some powerful hats and Felix wants to know what Paul knows.

Felix has plans, Paul has plans, but God's plan is moving forward.


Two Years of conversations........It's interesting to remember Felix and the important question. Paul speaks of it immediately. What becomes of the people who have so much to do, so many opportunities, what is the real meaning? The question of 2,000 years ago is the question we ask ourselves of the people we would like to know the saving love and salvation Jesus Christ offers today.


Acts 26:28-29

And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Mammertine - these Are the chains.

Jesus also dealt with long-term problems of faith and belief with a lot of the truth and grace the Father bestowed upon His Son.


Mark 9:21-27
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.


Luke 18:1
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.


People who have experienced the Love of God in answered prayers and Miracles tell about their mercy received.  Katherine has a praying mother and dear friend - nightly they call and pray - we experienced their prayers before Hurricane Ike. Like Katherine, she received protection of answered prayers at work, we received a tornado that flung the trees outside our yard.  Thank you, Father God.

Our cousin named lady and her family received healing of multiple organs for their unborn and now born baby. Only Jesus.

We heard witness to a family who had a son drown and really die. The paramedics expected death. He has only a scar on his neck from the Trachea.

Jeremy was hit by a car and dragged 70 feet, he was on a bicycle. No organ failure, no brain damage.

Maggie and Steve's son had a massive accident and was brain damaged, put into rehab to learn to talk and hopefully walk. He is way past that now and has graduated from college with His Miracle. Only Jesus.

We had an Anglican Priest visit and he prayed for my son - who began a series of good changes since that day. We pray continued Holy Spirit blessings there.

The Acts kind of miracles have not ceased. Jesus Lives.

Father God. We give Great Alleluia Thanks to the people who mightily rely upon God in Jesus Christ to lead them. We are fallen and all need the Grace, You, Father God in Jesus give us in Your Gospel.  Jesus is perfection giving us His Life, we are Your blessed and grateful Children Father God.

We give You, Father, our hearts knowing the Kingdom of God is at hand. What is eternal, today, encircles us. Your Light continues to shine.

Strengthen, Rejoice, Give Joy, Guidance and Amazement! Perfect Jesus overcomes our sins, flaws and trespasses. We are the Easter People and Alleluia is our Song in Jesus Christ. Not to the right, not to the left, Jesus is our Lord. Let us Glory in His Vast Understandings and Tremendous Love. Amen.








♔ Lord Jesus Saves







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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Luke 8:4-15 ~ some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold




Luke 8:4-15

4 And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5

"A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6

And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8

And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold."

As he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.




Proverbs 9:2
Wisdom has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.


  




Have you ever noticed that each year Thanksgiving is different from the last? New people, places and situations.

Marriage is different one year to the next as well. Just because two people are married doesn't mean they are having the same year. I've been married 28 years. I've been well cared for some years and sorta ignored at times. Some years Edward is on fire, the world adores him. Other years he asks me a lot of advice. Some years I've been a drag.

Life has changes and we appreciate the season we are in.

This parable is about soil and seasons. Different crops. Gratitude for abundance and provision.

One of the reasons people of God want to listen to God is in this parable. God will grow you. And the desire to come to fruition will help you past the listed things in the parable: being walked upon, devoured by the passing comment, unappreciated, barbed, pushed out.

Not one person on the planet gets out of life without some correction, injustice and pain. God gets you back to the balance and make you believe this -




Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Job 15:14
What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Romans 8
These whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?


God does not act towards us without mercy.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

This year may be your year to be merciful. Next, you might be the one asking! God tells us in the Psalms, seasons change. Prayer says we can expect God. And the unexpected. Feel free to pray big prayers and have faith, hope and the greatest of these is Love.

When I can't decide, when I am low, when I feel the Wind of the Holy Spirit lift me - I say the Lord's Prayer. And then say "Beloved, let us love one another, Love is from God." Picture the heart of the loved one and say, "Jesus, please" and in His Hands. I've had about five people tell me when they pray the Lord's Prayer - they are lifted up. This doesn't occur all the time, sometimes we have to do the emotions and work the process. Growing up. We Are Blessed when we love. In our belief in God are lifted beyond the mundane to the meaningful.


Father God, we pray for peace. For our family. For jobs adding meaning to life. For God's vast blessings. For clear solutions pleasing to God, arriving as we pray. For Good Health. Joy. Learning God's lessons with joy and not the one led by the nose. And Gratitude to see family tomorrow and today. Seeing with pleasure the change in the seasons. For diligence and to have a positive outlook. For the upward building up of Jesus and Bible Believing Churches. We ask all the blessings God would bestow. Amen.








♔ Lord Jesus Saves
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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Matthew 26 ~ to His disciples




Matthew 26

 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Archeologists have found a 6,500 square foot house with dungeon or pit for prisoners, historical documents agree it is Caphaias' house (below) frequently used for meetings. Located on Mount Zion. Just outside the Old City. Mt Zion and the Mount of Olives are about 2,000 feet apart. 
 
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Caiaphas' Ossuary discovered in the family tombs in Israel in the 1960s. 

  An alabaster flask found in tombs in Israel. Persian era. Museum of Israel. 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

 
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

30 shekels from the days Jesus lived on earth

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
The Last Supper is found by following all of the Churches built upon the site known as the Upper Room, built above David's Tomb. Located in Mount Zion.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Olive trees are at least 2,000 years old in Mount of Olives
33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

HopePointe Church garden

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
 
42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”
Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus  painted by James Tissot
57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.

At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Peter's Denial, painted by Ron di Cianni

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.”

 And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.


Isaiah 53:3
 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Luke 18:31  
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled."  

Isaiah 49:7
This is what the LORD says--the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel--to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.




♔ Lord Jesus Saves










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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Psalm 111 ~ this generation

Current Solar Flares - Great are the Works of the Lord



Psalm 111:2-10


Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!



Luke 7:31-35
31 "To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.' 33

For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, `He has a demon.' 34 The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children."




Roman Catholic Network has the Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Song and Dances of the Prophets by St. Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Therefore, wisdom is justified by all her children.' 


“We have piped to you, and you have not danced.” Moses sang a song when he stopped the flow in the Red Sea for the crossing of the Jews (Exodus 15:1-18), and the same waves encircled the horses of the Egyptians and, falling back, drowned their riders. 

Isaiah sang a song of his beloved’s vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). 

The Hebrews sang a song when the soles of their feet grew moist at the touch of the bedewing flame, and while all burned within and without, the harmless fire caressed them alone and did not scorch (Daniel 3:19-25). 

Habakkuk also learned to assuage universal grief with a song and prophesied that the sweet passion of the Lord would happen for the faithful (Habakkuk 3:13).

The prophets sang songs with spiritual measures, resounding with prophecies of universal salvation. The prophets wept, softening the hard hearts of the Jews with sorrowful lamentations" (Isaiah 46:12)












What is Salvation? How does that occur? Jesus was telling about seeds. He never did finish the story to say if the land was tilled for the seeds to improve in the seasons. However the Psalms like 107 hint changes reveal hearts. Lord, Let Me Be One Of the Number! And you know, when you know that you know, you are a child of God Himself. Peace.


There is a good reason for Jesus not finishing the story.
Salvation just isn't to be taken lightly.

We look at St. Augustine as a saint with warts. We are all called as saints, surely we relate to the true story of Augustine with Verve! And we want to know about people we pray for in their salvation. Like TEENAGERS.

We need to consider the stages of Augustine's conversion. Not just from sin to grace but the steps he took within philosophy. Rejecting the Gospel as meaningless and the Old Testament as a God of ill humor. And becoming part of cult to a change in philosophy again. And again. Eventually meeting ill circumstance and Ambrose, who would encourage him to discussions of the Gospel. Augustine's mother prayed for him and the results were 50 years down the path.

We focus on Augustine as a sexual being. Shakespeare used the word Lightly to mean the trading of Sexual Favors. That's not entirely new this generation, yet we have seen the number of Sexually Transmitted Diseases increase from 3 to 28 and 3 can be lethal of those are quite serious unto death. Really. Diseases lead to Cancers. We pray for God to lead people to discern hearts better and wait for that person who will say I commit my life to love and care for you until you are Home with God. We pray for the Nation to connect more easily to the Person who would be for them in all seasons. In Jesus Amen.






Gently ridiculing people rarely keeps them motivated. They will determinedly move away from ridicule. We just don't see that as a tool Jesus employed. Jesus was willing, not to accept Sin, but to Love the Person. Reverend Ed Young tells of his neighbor coming out of the house shrilly screaming "Ed, you are GOING TO HELL! I've read my Bible and you need to get back to Church.!" Ed reports that he ran in the house. And was converted by his roommate Walter, saying, gently if you believe that God is knowable - then the Eternal Promise of that Love and Beauty is worth putting first. God equips us to do His Will for our lives.


Ambrose was the mentor of St. Augustine. St.Augustine was living his life very Lightly. And Salvation came to ... not the righteous, but a sinner. Ambrose loved Augustine and would have enjoyed being like Timothy to St. Paul. Like Mark to Peter. I once was told with love, the people of God are actually living with the people they worship with from here to eternity.





The Kingdom of Heaven IS AT HAND.

Today I was introduced to People who remind you of others. In appearance, in mannerisms, and the realization of knowing we are connected in God. I was taught this is a working of the Holy Spirit. He reminds us to pray for the people He places in our lives. One person who prayed with me reminded me of someone I like and has moved on. The prayer we prayed echoed the prayer I gave for her.

And today I was overcome reading about the woman with the alabaster flask. How Vast is God's love. And came home to find my college friend who is now a Priest had posted to FB the same verse. We are truly connected in His Spirit.

God is that vast to connect us with people many miles apart. Solar flairs have been proven to be part of the ionosphere connecting the electricity of lightning all over the world. God connects us for eternity. Redemption is so vast in God that Joel, Acts and Romans are millenniums apart and tell us when we Call on the Name of Jesus, we are saved.


God is so vast that our troubles and our blessings are not unknown to Him. We Trust God what we have today is from HIM and not an aberration.

All things work together for Good for those believing in the Lord. We believe so readily God is Good when we say sometimes His circle completes in Heaven. And they do. Yet surely we can say a God this Vast and Loving is capable of bringing solutions of Heaven to Earth.

Is God fussy? Jesus was known to be relaxed and at ease, sitting to teach, eating drinking. Jesus never was recorded jumping in front of people who sought Him Screaming, "What were you thinking!" Only Nicodemus received recompense for coming at night instead of openly.


I've been fortunate to be in a new Bible Study learning about answered prayer from the ministries of Judith and Francis MacNutt. They report prayer works when prayers are longer and specific. Reminding us that the Roman Empire was won with healings and answered prayers. Not pleading with God to answer prayers, but asking a Father for His loving care. His Will.

So let's pray. For our Nation to be guided in good solutions promoting us all to thrive. For our loved ones we want to know the love of Jesus, it's wonderful when our children and our loved ones walk knowing the Lord, and the Scriptures record the families that have ups and downs with faith. We pray for the health, all the good health God would give us. Grandmother Anita prayed we would drop whole into Father God's hand like a Camellia. Fruitful until God takes us Home. With mercy.

For the joy of new generations that will arrive in our families. We know this even when we do not see any evidence. For love in future in-laws. For a Family to be Loving and Whole.

I have a specific prayer about a speeding ticket for a loved one rather determined to be proved right. That peace would ensue quickly.

We open our hands to all the Blessings God would give and in the midst of "discussions" pray large prayers of tremendous blessings. And look expectantly to God for His answer and the fulfilling of His Word. In Jesus. Amen.







♔ Lord Jesus Saves













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About scripture-for-today.blogspot.com/

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He has saved all who call upon His name and rely on Him for His Grace. The Scriptures are living & active and are for understanding the Lord Almighty. Biblical readings are chosen from the Ecumenical Christian Church and the Nicene Council, 325 A.D., approved Apocrypha. People remember not just from reading, but by sight and orally- an image has been added as well as audio readings. God tends to link the passages together with fascinates - this blogger, Anne-Laurel Gardere

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This blog is pretty simple, but for a reason. This blog isn't about agenda or me, it is for the joy and love to found by reading the Scriptures. Ultimately, it is you and the Lord.

The Scriptures are Father God's letter to you. He wanted you to know more, to know He loves you.

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Email registry at bottom.! “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Men “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit carried men along, moving and guiding them as they wrote in their own words what God wanted them to say. The Bible is unique; comprised of 80 separate books, & written over a period of thousands of years by more than 40 writers with one Author, spanning the centuries, different states of peace & war & different situations in life. The Bible answers the question: of who is God, who is man & what can their relationship can be. Although the Bible was written on perishable material and copied by hand for many centuries, its accuracy is not in doubt, proven by Dead Sea Scrolls and papyrus from 2,000 years. The Bible has survived persecution & criticism to be read with great interest in each generation. The Bible gives witness to the greatness of the Creator. A loving Father concerned for all of his creation. With each verse of the bible witnessing to God is love and the multitude & vastness of His attributes. The Bible was written for you. <><

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New Posts by Subject Matter

Overcoming



The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter

Our God of All





Posts by Subject Matter





Blessings, Anne-Laurel





Who Jesus Is
1 Timothy 1:1-11 ~ God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope
Matthew 16:13-20 ~ who do people say the Son of Man is?

Good News for us to remember and Think Upon
Animals are found in Heaven ~ 6 Prophets See Animals in Heaven

Anger, Jealousy=Trouble




The Bible explains the Bible, Prophetically

Bible - in your hand, today

Bible Accuracy



Blessing







Blessing our Father God

Blessing - unaware

Boundaries

Brothers
Christmas - His Word Upholds the Universe - December 25th


Psalm 135 ~ who is in your midst
John 1:1-14, 16, 29-51 ~ He was in the world

Details - Putting it all together and discovering it is about God

Psalm 108 ~ In triumph I will parcel out Shechem

Determine your own path, just love Him

Judges 16 ~ like any other man
John 4:43-54 ~ Doing what Jesus says


Earthquake

Every Day, Still Today
Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow


Exodus - History












Heavenly Hosts
His Messengers of Light












Elements of Nature Displaying HIS Glory
Exodus 40:16-38 ~ In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.

I Decide What is Right and Wrong - God noticed this in the Garden of Eden from Eve

Individualism and Groups

It's the End of the World as We Know it, And I Feel Fine. (One of our most read posts.)
Grandpa - The Bible is Really the Life Story of People and
their Abba









Gates of Heaven


Gifts of God, all of us


Giving - God certainly is





























Glory


God sees His Creation as Good!!!


Gravity






















Good Friday

Gossip

Gratitude

Greatest

Grief, Forgiveness, Homecoming


Hated Emotion - Fear




































History - Is There History Showing Jesus was Alive - VERY EXTENSIVE HISTORY

Holiness


Holy Spirit ~ Manifestations

Homeward Bound, still a sojourner

Honey, Do this

Invitation
John 3:31-36 ~ that God is true

Israel - Destroyed Completely and Rebuilt. A sign of Jesus. Existing today.

Jesus clearly put a Foundation for His Resurrection to be Believed by the Multitudes of all of Israel and the Nations

Jesus and His Childhood Privacy
Nazareth - What Jesus did See Growing Up

John the Beloved Disciple


The Journey of Joseph


























Live It
Psalm 117 ~ Praise the Lord
Psalm 82 ~ rescue the weak and the needy
2 Samuel 4:1-12 ~ David answered
Hebrews 12 ~ Thankful
Psalm 31:3-8,17-21 ~ Thou hast redeemed me
Isaiah 40:1-11 ~ His reward is with Him
Matthew 13:31-32 ~ the birds of the air come and perch in its branches
Matthew 6:25-34 ~ your heavenly Father knows that you need
Luke 11:29-32 ~ Rise up
Psalm 126 ~ shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves
Luke 14:15-24 ~ there is still room
Joshua 1:1-9 ~ I am giving
Acts 5 ~ speak in the name of Jesus
John 1 ~ the Light shines
John 3:5-8 ~ born again
~ they went on from there and passed through Galilee
Judges 20 ~ Israel

Losing a Loved One - Passing ON

Revelation 21:22-27 ~ those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life

Not Being Tossed Back and Forth with Emotion
Ephesians 4 ~ speaking the truth in Love

Marriage
Romans 7:1-12 ~ bear fruit for God
1 Corinthians 7 ~ For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband
Genesis 37:12-24 ~ when Reuben
Psalm 143 ~ Your steadfast love
Psalm 86 ~ For great is your steadfast love

Media... taking it down the path
1 Corinthians 10 ~ Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God





Mercy, an Inseparable Component of Truth
Matthew 23:23-26 ~ clean
1 Samuel 12 ~ serve the Lord with all your heart
Matthew 22:34-40 ~ The great and first commandment. And a second is like it

Miscellaneous
Job 38 ~ Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Psalm 19 ~ the heavens declare the glory of God
2 Kings 5:1-15 ~ a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper
1 Chronicles 13 ~ the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom










Peace




Pharisee ~ Religion
Luke 11:42-46 ~ Woe to you Pharisees!


Pictorial Images of the 12 Tribes of Israel








Picture It


















Overcoming, with God's help!


Positive Attitude in Trouble




Prophets - the Law and the Old Men in Robes or People who Love the Lord. Flaws and Virtues. What They Sought in the Lord and What Drew Them to Him.



Praise



























Prayer

Psalm 91 ~ Prayer is always heard, God has an open door policy



Prayer Needs




Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words

Promises

Prosperity Gospel











Repeat and Repeat







Rest

Restore

Revelation 8:2
Seven Angels who stand before God

Revisionist History - Moses and Jeremiah said
there would be days like this
Deuteronomy 8
Jeremiah 23


Rock


SALVATION! What is needed?

Science - Blinded me - No - He Who Opens the Eyes of the Blind - With Science!!!

Second (3rd or 4th) Rate Seventh Level of Heaven

Seventh Level of Heaven







Shepherd

Smile!



Time Management





Life and Travels of Paul

Shroud

Transfiguration



True
The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter



Trust Him

Uncomfortable Scripture

Video Game Player

Visual







Who is like our God?

Willingly

Works and Grace
Mark 1:4-11 ~ You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased

Worry

Wrathful, Nasty Old God from the Old Testament

Yahweh




Years - Thousands of Them are Yesterday in His Sight


80 Books of the Bible
Holy Spirit Approved by the First Council Nicaea and St. Nicholas
Included by the Essenes in the Dead Sea Scrolls
Today included by the Catholic Church
God wants to save the world.
The Apocrypha has Purpose; other cultures blend here.





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