Luke 12:29-31 ~ your Father knows that you need these things

Luke 12:29-31

"Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

These Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane have seen two millenniums. Josephus records them being spared when Jerusalem became rubble in 70 A.D. These trees have probably seen more upheaval than peace. How will peace be obtained?

In the small things in life. A lamp is mended. A fan is repaired. Small acts of kindness giving the heart a chance to be grateful. A son returns home. A wash basin is restored.

You see, reconciliation is great, but living together, working together, serving each other - now that involves some interesting dynamics! Every one of us knows from experience that being reconciled is not the same as living together. The dynamics of living together takes on going work. It takes commitment to relationship, habits of healthy and fair communication, and especially keeping the relationship clean. All of us know that in living together, working together, little things can irritate, habits can unintentionally offend, communication in the negotiation of life can become harsh and undisciplined and we can end up regretting what we are saying and the relationship becomes defiled. Now this happens when people are compatible, the personalities fit well together. Just imagine the dynamics when sinful people try to get alone with a holy God who is a consuming fire. The wash basin, which was the next piece of furniture after the bronze altar of sacrifice had to do with the dynamics of keeping the relationship with God clean.

Exodus 30
17 Then the Lord said to Moses, 18 “Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. 20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made to the Lord by fire, 21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”

How will we sweep away what clutters us?

Jesus knew His disciples had come to a time of decision. Some wanted seats in Heaven. They had almost all left upon finding Jesus wanted them to eat His Body and Blood.

The things God asks of people are difficult. Only faith in God gets us by. Humans change, fade and wither. God wants us to develop our skill to see further than the immediate journey.

John 9:4
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."

Jesus said Give us the Day.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Paul explained this. Peter spoke of this.

John 13:9
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!

Isaiah said "Send me!"

So many people fear God will send them forth to scary places.
God is with us every day and all of time.

Matthew 8:27
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”

Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 8:26
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Acts 2:2
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

For millenniums, people have looked, prayed, trusted God with His guidance. Including the ancestry of Jesus.

Ruth 1:16-17
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 15:11-24 ~ I will set out

Luke 15:11-24

Jesus continued: 
“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’

So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses,
he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off,
 his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

We know Jesus healed usually immediately. And we know the woman who waited twelve years. We remember the man who was blind his entire life.

What about unconditional love and forgiveness?

The absolute truth is a lot of things are never given an apology.

God Requires this in our relationship with Him.

Mortals are vastly different. More like Jacob and living, coping, surviving his sons' plot to cover up selling Joseph.

God sees far into the heart and He records our lives, by name, before we are born in the Lamb's Book of Life. God gives us Jesus and we are Forgiven!

What about mortals not getting an apology and still being urged "FORGIVE" with enthusiasm. And this can be self-righteous. And almost a "shut up" mentality. And God's challenge to Grow Up and Love more.

I was told to forgive once. I felt ANGRY. And talked with my friend Allen. Allen said, with calm assurance, "You have forgiveness issues. And you have to forgive." I retorted, "You want me to Jump 12 feet up? Straight in the air?" "Yes, He does."

Let me tell you about that. Can't be done.

So see Luke 15. There is something important there.

1. So he divided his property between them.
2. set off for a distant country
3. squandered ~ After he had spent everything
4. I will set out and go back to my father
5. while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled

What do the 5 phrases have in common??? A time to ponder, to reflect, to sort, to heal.

NOT an immediate response.

God is going to make, with prayer and His help, a way to jump to that forgiveness.

God FORGIVES according to 1 Corinthians 13 - IMMEDIATELY - a Sincere Apology.

We should as well. Honestly doing what is within our ability.

"I will set out" - Father God, please forgive me my sins. I Really Need That! I want to forgive the other person. Let me, with the Help You have, in the Love You have for that person - to forgive.


And we just saw God the Father running to us - telling us about - time - is a process before forgiven sinks in (sometimes). Forgiveness in our depths..

1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Jesus waited for James, Joses, Jude and Simon to understand. God is Good. HE is the one Good one. He will allow time for the process. And love in the duration.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you

Father God,
Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.


Jesus the Lord.

Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved. Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Isaiah 55:2 ~ Listen carefully

Can we achieve Contentment in the face of Changes?

Maybe I'm illogical, but we sometimes really teeter on emotions.

Saying the Lord's Prayer, helps me A LOT.





Myth and Reality

Long Dusty Robes equal tranquility. Maybe we should phone the Anti-depressant makers and tell them.

Except the reality of Life - we need the Changes. Not to be bored. The Disciples sat on cutting edge. Not tranquility.



Seasons. God is growing us, most crops grow in four seasons. God is interesting that way.
When the Lord's Prayer doesn't center us - it's time to look at what we are learning, experiencing. Tear glands come in handy for honest restoration to the path forward.


Let's look at Contentment.

Continual Feast
"All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:15

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
Proverbs 17:22


What do we Expect? Working with single moms at the pregnancy assistance center, makes me realize love goes a long way.





"If they hear and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures."
Job 36:11

There is an adventure to Serving God. Rarely do you see a Minister who serves Him get stuck forever. Sure they experience hard things. Yet God will stir the Wind.

Paul said, "We are going to see how it goes with me."





Cal and I sat at lunch. He moved this week and moving is assessment, logistics, physically difficult - home arrival was 4 a.m. We were quiet. And finally I said, let's discuss two life styles.

I know a family and the father was a Korean Veteran. He got an engineering degree from the GI Bill. He told his three kids, I'm only going to pay for U of H. No Greeks. Get a part-time job. Live at home. More or less he told them work is a privilege and partying was out. His kids stayed in the area to care for his widow for 30 years. They have good jobs and many connections in the city. The three adult siblings have started a profitable after hours career. (In wine ! With no whining!)

Then you have the rest of us. We moved from Dallas and it took about two years to feel comfortable in another city. We sent our kids to college and Cal moved back to the Dallas area. His job sent their employees to work from home - rather than live in an apartment 24/7 Cal moved home to be with us. That's an adjustment. A lot of his friends are in other cities, like he has been. And I said, Cal, the adjustments in life teach us, we can "adjust".

Suddenly Life was more fun. Sincerity is part of Contentment. We were being quiet not exchanging some serious thoughts. Truth spoken created comfort.


"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance."
Isaiah 55:2




I was looking at a friend's pamphlet on Alzheimer's.

They presented two versions of the same story.

"Mom is so out of it. She looks vague and different. Doesn't know my name. She can't function in the world anymore. The institution is not her home."

"Mom is always smiling when I go to see her. She is holding hands with the lady next door. They told me, smiling like five year olds, that they are Best Friends for Years. They sometimes sing songs like school kids. Mom doesn't know my name, but she knows she is cared for and secure."







A Continual Feast is a treasure hunt. And requires sincerity.


Father God, help me to be in the sight of God chosen and precious, building up like living stones. Building up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.

Offering up spiritual thanks, putting my hands out for you, looking for Your Wind. Being acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Knowing it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Jesus is our Hope. Let's See how this will go with me!

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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+ Luke 23:33-35 ~ "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

Luke 23:33-35

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."

 

Let's be very serious. Is God re-inventing Himself in the New Testament?

Some people consider the God of the Old Testament to be Very Different from the New Testament. 


Instead of the reinvention of God, let's see Jesus and forgiveness. 

Because


Hear O Israel, the Lord Thy GOD is One.

Luke 18
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7
And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”


God is the Judge of faith and depth of soul. The Father who would put Himself on the Cross. A terrible thing.

Not us as we arm chair and give justice. With limited vision. We all Need His Compassion. Just not to treat that forgiveness as if it's like throw away plates.









 

Sincere Forgiveness came from the Innocent Son of God. 

Our goodness in forgiveness doesn't necessarily have an immediate payback.

1. They cast lots for what they could put their hands upon, to take further. 
They disregarded His forgiveness.
2. Others just looked on.
3. Rulers sneered.

What did God give us for a Real example of Forgiveness next?

1. The people saw the Dead walk.
2. 500 people saw Jesus alive and teaching.

A new Heaven and a new earth. And the new earth was formed as a progression of miracles and ripples. Death and the Troubles of Life were overcome.

Forgiveness has Boundaries.
Places where we don't have to bang our head over and over.
Forgiveness is a Deep, Clean Breathe.
Letting God have what we can't redo, can't renew, can't be more than human.

What?

We do not see Jesus stand in front of the Holy of Holies and make the Temple repair as HE stands to Proclaim Himself.

Jesus kept on Blazing His Path. For us. 

What?

Jesus does not appear in front of the Sanhedrin Council and destroy their Talmud records (we can read today in Scotland). The Sanhedrin Council cannot let go of the harm they did to God's Son and for years they discuss complete falsehoods to make themselves feel better. History records the real evidence. The Council takes their forgiveness and spin for themselves a way to keep doing the status quo. 

The rulers don't have enough remorse to have anything but excuses.  Old paths and circles. Old values, traditions.  Jesus provided forgiveness and we do not see evidence of any change.

Forgiveness was given.

The Status Quo of Power, died, in 70 A.D., the natural death Jesus would have had.

God was ending the powers that had ended His Son. A consequence to not opening a heart to forgiveness.  God didn't just go gooey.

 










 

What? Only the people who would crucify Jesus?   
Even those who loved Him.

Matthew 20
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left."

Jesus also told Peter.  Self before help. Peter moved into fear and betrayal. The cost of not being with the multitude of women and people who mourned Jesus on Good Friday brought a cost. They would give up their lives for Jesus. And this - they - chose to do.

Peter made a mistake to the Lamb of God, complete Innocence and Goodness.
Peter continued to Grow with Love towards Jesus. 
Jesus taught Peter not to walk on his own self-righteousness. 

 What? 
God was interweaving their failings to comfort us. We all fail. Those who walked with Jesus failed. God weaves all things to good for those who love Him and work to His purpose. Jesus promised many comforts to those who would continue in Him.







God tells us most about blessings when He says follow the Law.
The largest concentration of Blessings surround the Boundaries God gives us.
Jesus told us do unto others as the Law. Love ourselves, Love  others.

John, Luke, Timothy, Mark - the loved ones who stayed to help the dying - lived to be old.  THEY LOVED! Mark stayed and Peter declared him to be his son. Mark had failed Paul once before.

(Proving long life - God seeing His Creation as Good - God sees as a blessing!  Forget the good die young.)

What? The Bible isn't just a book of martyrs with long robes. 

 In this Life, God rewarded "Beloved, let us Love one another - Love is of God."

God provides Forgiveness and yet doesn't require lack of consequence or amnesia. Forgiveness is not a contortion.  This is a process. As the Father ran to the Prodigal Son, we read all through the paragraph - this has taken time. Luke 15. 

We forgive immediately as a start by saying, "I want to forgive, I will forgive, God help me each day as the Prodigal Father had time to forgive."


Jesus told us about this as well.


Matthew 7
"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit."


This is usually a good rule to be cautious. 
And is Scripture. God says Mercy is shown to the Merciful. A good point to remember in our discernment.

NOW. Jesus told Joshua in the Holy Spirit to be "Centered". Surely this heart is not centered in the Photo.  And yet we must be real and sincere in our Soul to Our Father who Loves us best.

Matthew 18
21 Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 

Jesus did not take vengeance. 
Yet, in the physical body - HE did not chose to attend the Sadduceen Council.

Rick Warren explained this Very Well in his brother-in-law's book "40 Days of Love". Divorced people forgive, they don't have to go back to abuse or being forsaken.

Our Father God wants the best for our upward Path. Peace.

1 Timothy 2:5
who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all.


1 Corinthians 7 15 
But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 


Peace is important.  Peace usually is not slid into, we have to work or fight for peace.  Nicey will fall apart like kleenex on a rainy day. Let the people who have ears, hear.  Work to communication with respect.

We did this Today in this household. We had heated and loud words, I was overlooked and I refused to be the back of the bus for no apparent reason. I refused to quit. My husband said,  'cool off time.'  We did.  I sent an email saying my point of view and why POLITE with a constant communication Heard - Was IMPORTANT. 

Because Peace is Work in Progress - Our communication was completed. Misunderstandings were explained. The one flaw was admitted and forgiveness was completely exchanged. Nicey without apology and communication would have left this unresolved.  This peace was loudly fought for. And had a referee to say - stop - pause. Think. Someone cared enough to say - I'm also involved.  Love found a path with Words. 

Like Jesus - Our Hero, Savior, Beloved - we will not have all apparent victories. 

Our steps hope to follow those who love Jesus. Peter, Paul, Timothy, Barnabas, Mark - they all had times to leave. Changes and relationships ended. Towns said no. 

No Portion of the Bible discussing this transient Life had Huge and Continual Spike the Football.

God would never require a Pedophile to be housed with the Child of Abuse. Jesus would not do that. Release being provoked to anger.

A Boundary - An Important Boundary? !!!

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."


Matthew 5:24
Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

To what can we compare the Joy of forgiveness?

John 16
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 

In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.






Philippians 2:2
Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.


Build up the Body of Christ in Love. We ask Jesus for the Encouragement and Miracles You provided to Daniel. Fathers return to sons and hearts encouraged to Love.  Family. Your Will be Done. Amen!!!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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