Romans 15:4-13 ~ Everything +

Romans 15:4-13

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:


“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”


10 Again, it says
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”


12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus sat in a boat to teach them

Ezra 8:21

Humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children

Abba, Father God,

Thank you for gathering together new and old friends. When we forgive each other, we broaden our horizons. When we gather together to know each other's cares and put the effort into fellowship - we enrich all the lives we touch. Thank You for the opportunity to fellowship with others who love You.


Father God, James wrote whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. And You told us the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. You, Father God, You are the Lord and our king - save us. In Your leadership and guidance, let the grace and truth through Jesus Christ keep us.


Thank You for the blessings that are sunshine on our backs, warming us. To know in this season of change we have You, Lord. To know You, Father God, will strengthen us in all good things to do His will. We Thank You we are touched by Love.


Bless us with all the blessings You would willingly provide and opportunities to do Your Will.

Comfort the lonely, calm the stressed, give hope to those who need that hope, strengthen what is wobbly, empower the good, subdue what is doubtful, light the path and help us to walk this with Your Love and Wisdom.

With joy and expectation, we call on You, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Come Lord Jesus. Because of You and Your Promises - We Will Overflow with Hope. 

In Jesus Amen.

Deuteronomy 28:6

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out

Genesis 24:42
Please grant success to the journey on which I have come

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

1 Kings 7:13-22 ~ pomegranates

1 Kings 7:13-22

13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.


15 He cast two pillars of bronze. Eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits measured its circumference. It was hollow, and its thickness was four fingers. The second pillar was the same.e 16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits. 17 There were lattices of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals on the tops of the pillars, a lattice for the one capital and a lattice for the other capital. 18 Likewise he made pomegranates in two rows around the one latticework to cover the capital that was on the top of the pillar, and he did the same with the other capital. 19 Now the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars in the vestibule were of lily-work, four cubits. 20 The capitals were on the two pillars and also above the rounded projection which was beside the latticework. There were two hundred pomegranates in two rows all around, and so with the other capital.

21He set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north
and called its name Boaz. 22 And on the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.

 Bethlehem

Pools Solomon built in Bethlehem. Josephus records them, and the site is actually debated.

Praying for:

Ephesians 5:8b-11
Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Pray for businesses that promote unholy lifestyles to be exposed and shut down and their owners to find Jesus Christ. Ask God to bring in business, commerce, education, and entertainment to the community that would honor Him and bless the people.



Hometowns are an interesting thing.

(God's Throne is surrounded by Emerald Green - His Favorite - so we use this color a lot! Like Baylor does.)

As I said, Hometowns are an interesting thing. David had so much time as child to consider all the Works of God told to David and National Joy in being the People of God. David was sentimental, he was crowned with his old donkey who had endured so much with him. Solomon surely carried the oral stories of David with him, Solomon was also crowned in the mighty Nation riding his donkey, just like his father. And then Solomon did something unusual (more unusual than being crowned from riding a donkey?)

Solomon hired a foreigner to do build the Temple. Moses did not. Certainly not.

Why would Solomon want a foreigner? And then go so far as to Biblically record this man - a foreigner?

Hiram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.

Hiram was not the only one who was foreign. Boaz was indeed a pillar of Bethlehem. A man extremely godly. A Pillar.

Who married into the family twice. Boaz was Naomi's kinsman. Boaz married Ruth, who was in danger merely for being loyal.

Enter the intriguing reasons why Solomon would want the Pillar to be named Boaz for his great, great grandfather. No songs were sung about Jesse, who was content to let Samuel call the sons anointed future, minus David. Now Boaz, this was entirely different. What would a mighty king bring to a semi-desert? 3 giant pools of water. Not just a donkey, a way a shepherd boy would never be concerned for the flock to be watered.

Possible? Probable? Surely giant ponds could be built many places. Very, very probable. Very yes, from a donkey rider namer of Pillars. Solomon was easing David's pain in life. Probably the only thing Solomon could do to help the people of the present and the shepherd boy his father had been.

What would Solomon have learned this Pillar had to deal with?
Solomon was rather good at solving pain in life - remember the 2 women and one baby.



The events were this Way:

Naomi says she is bitter. Mara. The events of life are always going to be mixed.
Naomi, the joyous grandmother, says she is in a bitter providence of God. However saying God is in charge, an important ingredient in the framework for finding Love, Joy, Peace. Solomon said the Hand of Blessing is the Hand of Woe. Solomon has listened well to the Living Parables in his own life.

What did Jesus do with mixed blessings?
What did Jesus do with this - He says we will always have Trouble in Life.

John's Gospel is orderly to John. The flow of events and their importance. John places the 3rd Chapter, very early, saying Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council and he came to Jesus at night. This is indeed a mixed blessing. Jesus dealt with this as authority, because Jesus is God. Jesus spoke saying, "Are you a teacher of Israel?" Jesus told Nicodemus, "Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

Jesus did not run out into the street proclaiming, just like Jesus' brothers
Jesus  tells the truth and waits, like the gentleman the Holy Spirit is. Allowing room for us to discover our feet, our talents, our purpose, our Jesus The Truth, the Son of God.

One of the purposes of life is to discover the Living Parables in our lives. The understanding of what our parents, grandparents and DNA - probably part of the Book of Life - tells in us.

I'd say the Purpose of Life is this:

Father God sets us on our voyage much like the way we send our children to College. Father God waits with Certain Knowledge and joy HE will run to us in our decision to come Home - to Father God.

Talents. What we do with our talents. Samuel Clemens was angered at the thought he owed God any of his Mark Twain thanks. We owe more than that. We owe God some optimism!

Jesus says if we believe what we pray for,
we should have some optimism.

You might say, well not all the news is good and argue some. Even people who face a terminal diagnosis, who have concerns, know that God is going to take care of them, when they believe Jesus is God.

Optimism:
WHAT WILL WE EXPECT from The Lord.
The Providence of the Lord is real.
Straighten up all our paths. Speak the Truth. Give Mercy.

And ask yourselves and tell Father God, what you plan to do with Happiness and the mercies He renews these mornings every day - with Gratitude.

Father God,
I thank You, we live where we may worship as we please. I thank You the soldiers who have fought for us to have freedoms are honored with the Cross Your Innocent Son bore to give me Life for His precious gift to me. And these people who worked for Him.

Glory to Jesus, who gave me life and my name. In Jesus we are chosen, special, precious. I thank my Father God for the innumerable blessings HE willingly and freely gives. I thank Father God I became wiser and had my 6 years of partial blindness removed in the time frame He gave me in this life allowing the wisdom of this surgery. I can see. Thank Jesus.

I thank Father God for the innumerable blessings of having illness recovery for two years , making me realize the joy of a firm foundation in Jesus. We take our health for granted and do not know all the ways He protects us.

I thank God for every opportunity He has given graciously. I thank God I am privileged to live near family. I thank Father God every morning I look out my window and see the variations of sky and light shining on the landscape. I thank Father God, I live in a rather Eden of a place.

I thank God I woke up to see the Light of mankind He has placed here. I pray we wake up and see those who use unkindness to propel themselves forward truly earn no blessing. I pray we realize with joy that Halloween (not my favorite and I don't participate) Candy is not poisonous.

I thank You Father GOD for the new reports of people across this land who witness saving help or sheer Grace - Thank God and Jesus with enthusiasm. I thank God for the news that reports the goodness in mankind.

I give Great Thanksgiving when I feel my day has difficulties - I pray the words of Jesus in The Lord's Prayer and I feel Joy provided. And when I do not, I realize You will help me.

I thank you

Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.


For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.a
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

Jesus will call our name in Heaven, I am covered by His Name and I will Live - Because
of His Vast and Beautiful Mercy and Love.

Thank You, Jesus, and help all of us who pray to live in more optimism expecting You to help. The Joy of the Lord is our Strength.


Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Psalm 121:7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.

Psalm 121:7

The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.



Scripture tells us all of mankind is flawed. Only one is Good. The Lord God. Jesus says those who won't proclaim Jesus are not for Jesus, but He also says those who proclaim Jesus are not against Jesus.

Scripture tells us there is a constant battle we see more of in The Book of Daniel. Daniel tells us the battle is arranged in terms of Angels are in charge of earthly areas. Saying as we pray for our area, our city, our state, we are giving God the idea - this is good place and we are Grateful - display Your Word more here, please. Balaam's donkey could have assistance - why shouldn't an area also be a group of people God loves. God certainly has always loved Israel.

God has His Plan going forth - and our gratitude is appreciate.


And why shouldn't we look with expectation of Good?

Matthew 13:43

3 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

What will we do with all these new clouds looking a lot like Angels? I have seen a very magnificent Angel standing in one place over Lake Texoma for at least two hours. And I felt some discomfort for the many times I looked, seeing a Huge Angel in the Clouds, 50 stories tall and three city blocks wide standing there - kindly. We asked each other, "What kind of Angel is that?" Probably an Archangel. And we did agree an Archangel. Which one? I said Gabriel and Bob said Michael. One day, we will know.

Scriptures say this is the human response to angels. Discomfort. Something the size of God. Do we approach the 'end' - the truth is we are en route to a destination.

A more important aspect about Angels, they have seen many very, very interesting things over the years and what they proclaim is "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty." For all of the repeat situations and times and attitudes, Angels are comforting as they Bless Jesus. Angels stand in the presence of God. And Angels are calm and good. The Glory of God the Almighty graces their wisdom. His Peace is their knowledge of God's Steadfast Love. An Angel does not worry they are only a shadow of God, God is Light.

Angels do not have a message differing from God. To be a Messenger of God Most High. Knowing God has all things in His Control. Jesus is the King of Kings. Forever. And Ever. Amen is God's Will accomplished pleasing to Jesus Lord God.



Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.


Revelation 10:1-6
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire

Matthew 4:11

And behold, angels came and were ministering to Jesus.

Abba,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Blessed are those who comfort Jesus. We are grateful for the Heavenly Host of Angels for Jesus' comfort. Thank You father for Your creation You call Good.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Thank You, Father, for the many, many times in life You comforted me. I give thanks to see the art telling us of Jesus being cared for so lovingly.

Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

Blessed is the Name of Jesus our Lord God. Amen.

John 8:58
"Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

Ezekiel 17:23 

On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest.

Matthew 13:32 

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, 

yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, 

so that the birds come and perch in its branches.

Hebrews 1:7

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

2 Samuel 5:24

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean the LORD has marched out before you

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Luke 2 ~ His Mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Luke 2

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.


39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.


41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

I betcha the minute you saw we would talk about the Real Mary, 
you started to tally up what you think and know of the Biblical Mary.

Well. Then. Let's talk about the Sadduceen Council records still available today during the time of Jesus' Ministry. 

And then again, based upon the scandalous things said about Mary, let's not. Jews judged by the mother - quite a Bit. And the one nice thing they said of Mary - she was of the line of David - her father's name was Heli.

This is actually a compliment to Mary.

Luke 3:22-24
22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, 
24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph.

Mary was quite the gal. The Sanhedrin Council said she was of the Line of David. 
  
Joseph was of the Line of David. Yet evidently, people thought well of the little lady who was hoisted fat and pregnant on an 80 mile donkey ride to a barn.

Jesus Meek and Mild? Where?

Mary Meek and Mild? Where?

Evidently Mary was suitably spoken and well of heart.

Luke 1
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

 

The Annunciation, Tanner

Zechariah, the mature priest is struck mute for his impudence. Mary asks how as well and carefully, boldly and wisely then says, "God's Will Be Done. I'm his servant." Joseph could stone her - which speaks to the fact Joseph wanted better for Mary, his betrothed - Mother of God.

Isaiah 7 tells of of Roman Occupation and the Economic Climate - Mary could anticipate -

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. 17 The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

(Syria was the Provence the country of Judah was assigned to be the suburb for - no one Wanted to go to the Kingdom of Judah to rule - this was considered the sticks.)

Flight Egypt Holy Family, Edwin Longsden

18 In that day the Lord will whistle for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. 19 They will all come and settle in the steep ravines and in the crevices in the rocks, on all the thornbushes and at all the water holes.

            (Hosea 11:1
             11 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

             Matthew 2:15
             And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which   was spoken of the Lord  
by the prophet, saying, 
Out of Egypt have I called my son.)


20 In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also.

(Alexander the Great ordered his soldiers to be clean - shaven - fearing beards would serve as handles for their enemies to grab and kill. "The beard does not make the sage." In Ancient Rome, Pliny wrote in "Kings of Rome and the Early Republic"- P. Ticinius was the first who brought a barber to Rome around 299 B.C.)

(On to the economic forecast = )

21 In that day, a person will keep alive a young cow and two goats. 22 And because of the abundance of the milk they give, there will be curds to eat. All who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. 23 In that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, there will be only briers and thorns. 24 Hunters will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. 25 As for all the hills once cultivated by the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run.

Now is a Great time to add in the historically accurate picture of Bethelem from the 19th Century -

And - This is a great time to add historical records of Herod killing infant boys in Nazareth say the slaughter was 20 babies. A small place. And Mary - "The Pregnant Out of Wedlock One" gets to return to the scene  - Where two Gospels record saying the blended family looked seamless. The Nazareth people say - perfectly blended.

Matthew 13:56
"Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us?"

Mary is recorded speaking to the Economic Environment - Purely "Politically Correctly"?

6 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.

Mary is told a sword is going to pierce here soul - but the young woman here is speaking of Fame. And Blessings. This isn't Meek. Yet what teenager, in a rural city, engaged to a very poor son of David isn't going to think this??? She is Honest. Scriptures are Real.

How does Mary feel about being occupied by Romans bring this incredible wealth with them?

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”


Mary has a few opinions.
And Oops - she left a young Jesus - Behind.

And when Jesus started creating a dangerous fuss...

Mary goes with James, Joseph, Simon and Judas and his sisters - to "Speak" with Jesus - Causing Jesus to say "Do God's Will!"

Mary isn't that much of a put-off - 

Jesus did stay for a few days with His Disciples in Nazareth - at the house Joseph would have been building when Gabriel did announce the arrival of Emmanuel.  Jesus stayed with Mary, with His Disciples, for the Wedding in Canaan.

 

Jesus, of course, found a permanent home for Mary with John. Jesus, knew, of course, His Brothers would travel to proclaim the Gospel. (You can look that one up!)

Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Jesus brought His Disciples home to see Mary after the Wedding in Cana. John 2.

God did not choose a perfect - all knowing - never make a mistake - Demi Goddess.  God chose the first Shepherd to Jesus to be Shepherded as He left.  He had proven even His Mother needed a Savior. God chose Mary who would push Jesus to make a Wedding right. Wanted to haul Him home. Distracted enough to loose Him on a Vacation. Opinionated in class and opportunity.  Rejoicing in an opportunity to leave the every day - to Fame. A Real Human Being.


Mary - the Mother of Jesus Christ - Son of God, rejoining His Mothers and Brothers - Doing the Will of God. 



Abba, Father God,

 The prayer life of David was real and messy. And very personal to the Heart of You, Father God. Let us pray for life to draw us closer to Love and to Your Heart. 

I lift all of our family with plans to gather this weekend and travel safety. And ask Your blessings of joy, guidance and protection to do Your Will with Love.

1 Corinthians 1:24
To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Ephesians 3:11
According to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:9
And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ

We ask for rain in the areas of Texas needing rain. For this State and our Nation, where we Trust in God. 

Following Your example, Father God, to pray with Hope and Expectation our cares matter to You. To know even in the wilderness, we matter to You. To have Your Blessing to seek more Heaven and God's Good Will on earth. To be blessing seekers and blessing finders. To lift up Elliott and Harby in healing and be so pleased Dee's back is so much better, with continued healing.

To bless those we have seen recently and to be blessings to the people You have given us. Joining our prayers with the communion of saints world wide. Jesus is God.

In Jesus Christ we will say so Be His Good Will 'Amen'.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †