Ephesians 6 ~ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Ephesians 6

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

5 Slaves, [bondservants] obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master [Lord] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

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

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

23 Peace be to the brothers [brothers and sisters], and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Love Incorruptible.

Archangel Gabriel, who stands before God, went to two people. One wanted a sign, the other said if God wants to shake up my world - He is God and I will go with Him. The mystery of the Gospel is God is really looking at hearts open to Him. Proverbs tells us God and our heart know each other quite well. God is going with the Earnest Heart to Him.

Ephesians 6 - reminds us there is a spiritual battle. Larger than we are. In God's hands. Our part as children of God is to act with kindness, to be sincere, to work hard at the work God gives us and to pray. To stay in our faith, to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

For His Incorruptible Love toward us. Father God.

Incorruptible - once you have been privileged to put on the armor of God - you never have to remove this. Jesus is Lord is a dart prayer acknowledging we are protected in Jesus Christ.  Calling His Name is a great and eternal call in Prayer. God says He is with us always.

God is our Father.

Difficult days. Times change. Life becomes very push and shove instead of a smooth, straight path of the Lord. Ephesians 6 recognizes this. Earnestly put your foot forward to help. To acknowledge this Word of God our LORD is a reward.

As a younger person, I put time into memorizing (a rare event for me) the garments described in Ephesians 6. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is just a prayer breathe away. It is nice to memorize a Scripture, but it isn't knowing these phrases protecting us from the spiritual battle. Sometimes, when I am hard pressed, I say to myself, I can do all things through Jesus Christ. Knowing it is a prayer, but God is the Almighty. Jesus really cares more about the intent of the soul. God Himself to your utmost self, He created you in His Love and will continue to be the Light.  God is Light. The battle is His.

Truth - Live in it
Righteousness - Walk the path of holiness God calls us to
Peace - Work towards it, read the mercy of God in the Scriptures
Faith - believing until you know God loves you and He is for you
Salvation - God didn't take the event lightly, neither should you. You were bought at a price.
The Sword of the Spirit - God's Word - if you don't know it, how will you stand in the faith God calls you toward. Hold on to God's Word.

(Read Scripture to understand God's intentions, His nature, but God answers and hears prayers by asking. Remember Jesus didn't quote Malachi 3:1, He said it, but He declared "it is written" to tell of John the Baptist. Jesus proclaimed God's intentions and Words. Yet, really we all learn in different manners and our brain classifies information differently and this is why we use images.)


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

A Texas Evangelist, Ron Luce, told of growing up in a very dysfunctional home, where his mother was verbally very abusive. He and his wife & children decided to just be glad to see her and invite her to their home. It wasn't one person taking it on, it was the family support of going two by two, of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out. Everyone just took some time to be kind. It changed their family. They told her they wanted to love her like God did. Glad to hear from her, to see her. Ignoring her abuse, but accepting her. When Ron Luce's mom accepted the Lord in her life, her life changed to become the loving woman they had put their love towards. That my friends, is an act of God. When Jesus gave ministry, He sent people out in two's. Because with God - we are a three corded chain - harder to break.


Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Jesus saw a new Heaven and a new earth. Jesus made Heaven about the Mercy of God in His overwhelming gift of His Love taking our sins and our diseases upon Him. Thank You, Jesus. For answered prayers, even in unseen answers.

Jesus boldly tells us to Love Him first. Look to Him. Then love ourselves. Love our neighbor. Especially the one who gives mercy! Jesus recommends us to remember the neighbor who gives mercy! Love has to be healthy. The beautiful and family friendly movie Cinderella came out. This is a God principle too. Fairy tales had a moral purpose - if she had known God called her to love herself as well as be His ambassador. God wants us to love. He does. In the path He gives us. Using the talents and gifts He provides. In ways that feed relationships to work to honor Him.

The Puritans were starving to death and they prayed for food. Lobster arrived covering the beach. They were told it was so ugly it had to be unanswered prayer. We have a pretty good idea in hindsight God provided richly. God asks us to have an attitude of expecting the Goodness of God for us.

God has mystery and He tells us to look for what is good.

Pray. God Listens and always has Great Mercy. Mercy is something He blesses.


Father God , please, may Your mercy continually guide us and
lift up our head to look to You as we do Your Will .

Father God, we ask you to bless us and keep us.
Father, let Your Face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
Father, Lift Your Countenance upon us and give us peace.
In the name of Jesus and for our people, we ask You to bless us.
Your Good and Gracious Will be done. Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 1 ~ “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

A Several Part History

Let's study what God has recorded about the woman He picked to be pregnant with God.

Was Mary a worrier?
It appears perhaps she was. Courage is not the absence of fear. Endurance with unfailing perseverance is courage.

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.


Mary has courage and pluck. Smart. God requires belief and effort and work in this life.
With a dad named Heli, she had a fight on her hands. Her parents are not recorded except by the Pharisees. She is called a descendant of David. In a society where women are unrecognized, Mary is considered. And the Pharisees slandered Mary and Her Son, to their own discredit.

14 generations - these people lived to be OLD. Like John the disciple. Fair thee well Billy Joel!

Mary is recorded to be pledged. Solemn promise and undertaking giving a word of honor. Assurance, oath, guarantee, something of charitable nature. Payment of a debt, liable of forfeiture for in-completion. Love, favor, loyalty. And in the midst of her honor, she is found to be pregnant with God. God does not hand a neon sign over her. Mary's halo is not evident.

In implication, her parents do not necessarily believe her. Although she is not stoned to death. And later her sister would support them at the foot of the cross of Jesus.

Luke 1
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”


Mark 13:11
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
This would be the Power of the Holy Spirit. Generally this would be quite loud. And the person is somewhat amazed the words poured forth from them and a little pleased and bewildered. No plan was ever formed in the brain to speak. Daniel experienced this blessing as he found favor with mankind. People in their sleep have spoken of what they could not know.

Mary really needed Elizabeth to assure her. Mary fully understands this is a message from God echoing and reassuring her the message Gabriel had given her. Her faith is bolstered!!! Message of God received with full faith.

Mary’s Song

46 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!


50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.

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.”

How do we know life was rough for Mary at home to do God's will?
Luke 1:56
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

We know from Scripture that the families lived about 70 miles apart, yet Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee's 16 miles three times a day.So her family was not showing her a lot of support. And still - upon mercy shown, her companion - Joseph - is given more Spiritual ability. This drew them closer. And they ived together being married but separate.









 

Part Two

Matthew 2:11
Mary is sitting beside Jesus, who is worshiped by the Magi. She proves she is far more able than King Herod and does not claim her authority, nor take away any worship from Her Son.

Her lack of demand for worship continues as Joseph dreams and directs their safety upon his decision to move them to Egypt.

Years later. Years indicate Joseph is still deciding their fate. Scriptures record that Joseph returns them to Nazareth.

Matthew 13:55
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
Years continue to show Joseph was not a whim of Mary's. And she is still considered.

Mary was surrounded by events so much larger than herself. An undertaking of the Holy Spirit.

Did Mary look like a stunning example of virtuous halo in her reactions? Can we find common ground with the Mother of God?

Jesus knew, as God His mother might be worshiped. As God would know this. And Jesus declared, "More blessed are those who DO the will of God." God is not for the worship of anything other than God. The Gospels open with Matthew telling more of Joseph than Mary.

And yet when John and James were interested in the seat right next to Jesus in Heaven for themselves, who would be more likely that the ones who tried to save Jesus from this death in Love and not just power for themselves?

Mary is betrothed and yet her priority is God. Luke sees more of the story unfolding around Mary as Elizabeth is her cousin making Zechariah more family.


This is what we know of the real woman - chosen of God
~ She was greatly troubled
~ Tried to discern
~ “Do not be afraid, Mary"
~ For nothing will be impossible with God.”And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
~And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

~He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

~ wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

~ Shepherds 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.

~ Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

~ and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

~ when his parents saw Him, they were astonished.

~ His mother said to him, “Son, why...

~ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

~ And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.


~ When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

~ 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.


To read God's written Word about Mary chosen to be pregnant with God is to see a real woman. She is not supernaturally fixed to be without fear.The Scriptures plainly say she is Not without wonder about what was going on around her. This wonder causes her to not always understand. An admission we all don't know what God has wrought. God's Way is not our way. The disciples mainly had awe, wonder and trepidation. God works with regular people with His Overwhelming Way and His Plan.

Mary wasn't always sure what God was doing - 

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

God was in relationship with Mary, the longer she knew God the more she knew to trust Him. Mary told Jesus get the show on the road for His Ministry. She knew He was ready.

God didn't expect Mary to be perfect, just as Jesus gave His brothers time, Jesus allowed Mary time to grow into their relationship too.  Much of their relationship is told in few words. The way God recorded them gives us the richness of them in the Words used.

This is a pattern of God's! He points the direction and makes a path and fully expects like a Parent sending a child off to college that we are equipped to go the distance. And just as Jesus went to see Mary after He was an adult for the Wedding in Cana - God as Father expects to welcome us to the 12 open Gates of Heaven - Running to Greet us.

Remember with me, God says He equips us to do this Plan! And provides a cherished Mother to point out to us to the concept, regular people Please Father God!!!

God Bless Us All!!! Because HE does! Amen.





Part Three

Good Friday was evident to Mary when she arrived with Jesus' brothers to reclaim him away from the trouble - seeking a way to save His life. Not like Peter for Glory, but as His Mother.

Matthew 12

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.a 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 4 9And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

This sounds harsh, and probably felt harsh to them at the time. When we look at this after the Victor over Death - we see Jesus spoke Prophetically.

Jesus owned a garment we are all aware of His seamless Chiton, a coat. Seamless, made carefully with a stitch called circular knitting.

The Scriptures tell us who supported Jesus financially. Which tells us even more about Jesus' seamless Chiton.

Luke 8

The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Yet, it's important to see that when Jesus was on the cross He witnessed prophetic fulfillment of His garment being cast lots for His Garment, under the Roman Governor's sign proclaiming Him King of the Jews.

John 19

Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be King of the Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Jesus thought of His Mother as that coat was prophetically fulfilled. There is no doubt Jesus emphatically knew the Word of God. And what Jesus saw as the garment was taken - He saw Mary.

Mary is recorded again.

Matthew 27:61

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Mary continued welcoming people to Jesus. Proving again Mary united people In the midst of crisis. When it would have far been easier to be in self mode.

Matthew 28:1
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Mary continues to be diligent. Perhaps Mary remembered her parents were embarrassed by her pregnancy and she was not going to be pushed back by infamy. Imagine how jarring her day had been, this time for Mary. Her Son was beaten and ruined for the blind seeing, the deaf hearing. Surely she felt completely slain by a sword to her heart. And rose to do for Him. This was probably so extreme that she physically struggled.

Many people would never survive seeing their Son reach fame for the blind seeing and the deaf hearing. Mayo Clinic doctor's report the manifestations of His suffering on the cross where emotional - the heart of Jesus was broken and died from the excruciating shame and horror of the event with the physical beating and the weight of the cross.
.
Acts 1:13-14

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The prophetic Words of Jesus came to be fulfilled. His Family was united. Mary is again placed with Scripture about casting lots. This time this is about hearts being revealed. As Simon during the Presentation of the Infant Jesus to the Temple had said. To bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.

Paul spoke of the uniting of the Family of Jesus - something for us today.

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Mary saw a division in her family. And in Jesus, she lived to see them united again. Jesus had been patient with Mary to grow with Him. Jesus continued to provide for Mary's family and expanding this family in His Victory over Death.

Paul in the Power of the Holy Spirit was good to record the Family of God expanding and going forth in Jesus Christ the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9

5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas ?


Early Church History records Mary went on to live to be old and in peace. Jesus provided for Mary. As Jesus provides for His Family today.

John 5:17

In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."



A day to God is millions of years, Peter wrote in the Power of the Holy Spirit. God tells us His desire is to save the World through Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Salvation and we are the Family of God. God is that Vast and that Loving.

Jesus is the God who said , "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wing."

Father God, You are Vast and Loving. Help us each day to bring Your Love to those we would ask You to Gather to You. Teach us, guide us, lead us, to be on Your Path. Protect us and give us Your wisdom. We ask this in the Name of Jesus - patient with His Mother, Brothers and His family for millenniums. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Matthew 11 ~ No one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him

Matthew 11

After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.

16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I will tell you a truth we have a hard time with.
Jesus caused the boat in John's Gospel to bend time and get to the shore.

John 6:21
Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Jesus said his burden to us is light and we can rest in Him.

 

 

Jesus said do not worry, it won't add a cubit to your life.

The truth is, if we worry less, we enjoy His gifts more.

Because if we trust Him, we can rest.


Numbers 23:19-20
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? 20 "Behold, I have received a command to bless; When He has blessed, then I cannot revoke it."


God the Father is this:
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.

Jesus is, of course, a messenger teaching us of Father God. His Son.

Our generation is blessed to see the archaeology of what Jesus told us of the collective truths about the cities and their faith. Chorazin never really did prosper, the city was cut off from trade and water. The term Korazim block is used to define a geomorphological feature set between the Hula Basin and the Sea of Galilee. It is an elevated pressure-ridge within the Dead Sea Transform (DST) which acted as a barrier towards the waters of the Mediterranean when these flooded the lower-laying part of the DST, between what are now the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea basins, during the Pliocene transgression. The Korazim block as well as the higher elevation of the Hula Basin meant that the latter did not receive any marine water during that process.

Chorizin was left high and dry with a stumbling block.

Bethsaida? One cannot decide from two cities. It was so ruined. Tyre forever ruined. Sydon. The same.

Capernaum where Jesus found the Centurion? Peter and Andrew? It flourished for a millennium until the ruins became so beguiling most pilgrims still want to see the wonderful places archaeology has found of the Adult Hometown of Jesus.

Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. We will come to you weary and burdened. We will rest in You. Your yoke is learned for you are gentle and humble in heart. We find rest for our souls. Your Way makes like easier and our burdens lighter. We pray for those who worry and are in suffering to know this Peace Jesus gives. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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1 John 4:7 ~ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, good, loyal, steady, true, dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty; unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; determined, intent, resolute; confirmed, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious, abiding, unflinching, unswerving, allegiant, changeless, constant, dependabl.

Enduring, firm, fixed, immovable, inexorable, never-failing, persevering, sure, unbending, unfaltering
unmovable, wholehearted

What did God do for Adam? Brought him a wife. Adam brought support to his wife in trouble.

What did did Abraham do for Isaac? Prayed for a wife. God did provide.

What did the men of the Old Testament do? Found a wife and established a life. Usually the men who came from polygamy lived in monogamy. And by the time Joseph married Mary, society had found favor with the David and his one lamb analogy.

Jesus worked to improve marriage.

His Gospels open reflecting many marriages to bring forth a destiny for themselves and children.

Usually people in all circumstances improve when they know the person they love and rely upon will work to be there for them. Bringing new meaning to the words "Love and Cherish."

Stanley Marcus famously said give gifts not that you want to give, but that they want to receive.

Some people want Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time and Physical Touch. And we need to know what is needed. To delete any would cause suffering.

Today we see people do not marry for fear the wedding would look skimpy or unloved. Jane Austin, one of the best and most able commentators of life, love and marriage knew better in her 1700's. A wedding could occur after the Church Service. The Wedding Party could be sandwiches, bbq or a Sunday Lunch. The consistent part was the idea the person you marry is your best friend. You are committed; their problems are your concern. Their goals your goals. The idea is to talk and to love. To commit the heart to stay in fair weather and in the waves life would give you.

Jesus spoke of a Narrow Path. Surely He meant, a life of meaning.  Ephesians 5:20-33

Faith, Hope and Love. Faith your words and actions reflect who you aspire to be and are. Hope God will bring blessings. Hope when times are challenging, what is good, noble, pure will be sought to upbuild again - work believing in blessings. Love. To be valued as we are. Love - to be forgiven. Love - to believe we can be more and look up. Love - to be held accountable. Love - to give deeply of yourself out side of your own interests. Love - what makes life worth living to see His mercies renew each day.


Father God, let me rely upon You to bring my life, heart and path to You. And believe You provide guidance, support, Love, Joy and Peace for me and those I love. For the places I work, worship and rejoice. We pray for our nation and those who love Jesus to be able to bring forth this Love for Jesus well. I ask daily in expectation of You. Thank You profoundly, for our blessings. Bless those, we pray, who are a blessing. Amen in Jesus.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †









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Deuteronomy 6:16-25 ~ He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in

"The Ten Commandments" Movie is well worth the time. Cecil B. Demille cast Charlton Heston for his Amazingly, remarkable visage comparison to Michelangelo's Moses.

Deuteronomy 6:16-25

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you. 

18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers 19 by thrusting out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has promised.

20 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 

22 And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. 23 And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. 

24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’



"Why is this night different from all others?" Has been asked for millenniums.

Why would the Lord God Almighty go to all this trouble? To be in relationship. To fellowship with us.

How can we be sure? The Creator of the Universe would again bring the Children of Israel back to their homeland from the second exodus occurring March 16, 597 B.C. How would we know the exact date of the second exodus? In London’s British Museum, there is a baked clay tablet (just under 3¼ inches) with cuneiform writing (wedge-shaped characters) recording important activities of King Nebuchadnezzar between the years 605-594 B.C. 91 times Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned in the Scriptures. King Nebuchadnezzar marched his army the capital city of Judah. On the second day of the month Addaru, [the capture of Jerusalem, dated precisely to March 16, 597 BC.] he captured Jerusalem and its king. He appointed a new ruler [Zedekiah— 2 Kings 24:17] and took heavy tribute and sent it to Babylon [2 Kings 24:13]. Another remarkable archaeological confirmation of biblical record in the last 60 years.

We live in a unique time in His story. Israel exists after 2,000 years. God, has again, brought Israel back from the dead.

His Story points, always, to Jesus Christ the Lord triumphant over death.

As many times as we have been saved by Him, we tend to act like the Children of Israel in the desert. One sign was not enough. Please keep telling us. And He does. Finally, after years of small innocent animals killed to show us the seriousness of sin, the sacrifice no one was pleased to have, was ceased. When did the sacrifice stop? Another amazing coincidence, 70 A.D., the lifespan of Jesus Christ living to his natural old age. Millenniums of sacrifice just ceased.

Jesus, as God, sought us and conquered death. Giving us the promise of relationship over perfection. The law points out we can never be as Holy as He would have us be. Jesus gives us brotherhood and adoption, saying My Father and yours.


What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded?

Zechariah 1:3
Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty.

He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in. We are redeemed from the desert. When we earnestly and sincerely say - My Father, I've been wrong. 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'

1 Timothy 2:8
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

When John opens His Gospel - we have seen His Glory!
He is telling us the overwhelming nature of Jesus!
Full of grace and truth.
For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace!

John sums up God our Father, Jesus gave us His Father and John called Him - LOVE.

Luke 15:20
“And rising, he came to his father, and while he was still distant, his father saw him and he was moved with compassion for him and he ran and fell on his neck and he kissed him.”

What is the work of Jesus Christ our Savior today?
Preaching good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted,proclaiming freedom for the captives, release from darkness, the blind receive sight, lame - walk, lepers - cured, deaf- hear, dead - raised. Jesus gives us life abundant. Always return to Him.

1 Timothy 6
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Father God, we return to You. Grant us Your mercy and Love. Be with us now and always. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Jeremiah 26:1-6 ~ the Lord says

Palace of David, where the courtyard unearthed the Servant of Jeremiah's Seal

Jeremiah 26:1-6

 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 

3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’”

Jeremiah, was telling about the holiness of God, in His judgement. At the time, they seemed like doomsayers. Their message, while truthful, was unwelcome. A popular set of circumstances in the Scriptures. Man always wants the messages of God to be hopeful. In the middle of all the pending circumstances - Jeremiah at first said - he was an island and therefore exempt. At that point the Lord told Jeremiah then he would share in the judgement of all the people. It was only when Jeremiah would be uncomfortable and be of help to others, that God was willing to promise Jeremiah protection.

To the people of Judah, the falling of a wall was a terrible thing. They took a lot of comfort from the wall around Jerusalem and around the Temple.

For us today, we have the luxury of looking forward to walls of lies being destroyed.

No one goes through life without experiencing a wall. Unemployment. Lack of change. Constant Change. Illness. End of friendship. Time spent apart from a loved one. - You name it - any circumstance that limits us and we feel it will not change soon or there is not much we can do about it.

God says to preach peace when no blessing is in sight is wrong. Yet the whole passage is about the righteousness of God. In adversity or blessing, the correct answer is to trust Him with our prayers, our hopes and to find blessings. He reigns.

Father God, let us always put our trust in You. When life is all we hope, let us praise You. When we have adversity, let us look to You. You reign.

 Help us to look to you in expectation and in hope. In gratitude in all circumstances. In Scriptures, You tell us not to be surprised and dismayed at fiery trials, You are there with us. And to always remember You chose to walk this life where wild winds sometimes howl.

Lord I understand about blessing and unblessing. I would hope always to bring forth blessing and pray for mercy for myself and others. To dwell in sincerity and be pleasing to You. In Jesus, Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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