Mark 6:14-29 ~ daughter of Herodias

Guido Reni's "Salome with the Head of John the Baptist", 1630-1635, Corsini Gallery, Rome. Please notice Salome's expression, not the victory of blood conquest, but that of a used child. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.

Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

15 Others said, "He is Elijah."

And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."

16 But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

21 Finally, the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.

The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." 23 And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."

24 She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?"
"The head of John the Baptist," she answered.

25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.

 29 On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Herod Antipas was known as a builder. Tiberius, the city was built to let Caesar know - Herod was his man. Herod Antipas lived on a stage, where he liked to create images; fittingly this ruin survives the best of all he built. This is a fitting image of Herod the image crafter.

Jesus called Herod a fox.

 A fox - typically live in small family groups, opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey. Jesus loved and forgave all of us. Jesus could see into our hearts and Jesus sees straight into Herod. Unless a fox is killing your livestock, it's a great pleasure to see a fox. Splendid apparel with a shrewd face. Jesus could appreciate Herod, even for his flaws. There are many ruins in Israel today - built by Herod - causing Visitors and Pilgrims to see this for the History this is.

Herod's agenda - push, pull, turn, destroy, harm and abuse for self glory.

The Justice of God - Rolling

There is a cost for this type of behavior. Herod Antipas did forfeit ....his whole kingdom; his small family group included Herodias' brother. Herodias' brother convinced Caesar, after 42 years, Herod Antipas was a failure. Herod Antipas and Herodias were cut off and exiled from Israel. 

Herod was indeed the fox Jesus knew him to be. Jesus understood Wisdom of His Word aptly spoken.

This coin of Herod Antipas was carefully created without images to please the Jewish Kingdom, the Bible does not want Kings on Coins. No Images.

We have to fight for the ability to believe. To say - "I have seen the work of God in my life, and I will believe God is present here today." I've also seen in the belief - like Joseph - accepting mercy towards Mary - in the work of belief - God becomes as apparent as the Road to Emmaus.

The Scriptures tell us - the disciples were always halves. Half belief this is God and God alone can do these amazing acts of Life. And then they believed the old life, the old every day, the old disappointments would prevail and this Awe and Wonder of the Lord God and His Majesty - would fade off and they should run for the hills. Just like the Children of Israel in the Exodus.

Herod played his halves and the halves went up against the middle.

Rather like the painting - Salome. Coins try to be good representations.

And Herodias' daughter? Not heard from again, with world significance - mentioned by Josephus. Except on Wikipedia - Salome. Coin of Salome (daughter of Herodias), queen of Chalcis and Armenia Minor. Seemed to do well. What if she'd asked for freedom for John or literacy programs? Because. There are many, many written messages on the walls of Peter's home.

What we do with our prayers is important too. We cannot hide from the LORD. Sometimes we don't feel like praying for someone, we do it anyway. Sometimes we want something we should not. What can we do but be honest with the LORD. We can always stand amazed at His Grace. Forgiveness.

Jesus -  John 21 - lived with so many coincidences and Acts of God the world couldn't contain all the impossibilities proving nothing is impossible with God.


Matthew 13:55

The List of Jesus' Brothers
James, Joses, Jude, and Simon as brothers of Jesus

And we know Simon Peter became central in the life of Jesus and His Church. Simeon blessed Jesus, Mary and Joseph when Jesus is presented as an infant in the Temple. And God filling those who seek find - God fills Jesus' need and gave Simon of Cyrene to carry the Cross of Jesus on Good Friday.



The name Salome appears in the Bible on Good Friday. Mary Salome was a follower of Jesus who appears briefly in the canonical gospels and in more detail in apocryphal writings. She is named by Mark as present at the crucifixion and as one of the women who found Jesus's tomb empty.

We wonder if Salome - felt sorry for her part in the death of someone all of Judea saw as Holy. God would know. One day we will know.

Abba, Our Holy Father,

We are asking You, Father God, bless the families of this Nation to continue to be blessed by You and rise up to have another Great Awakening of the Holy Spirit for Your Glory. We ask Your Holy Spirit to sweep Awakening to all Nations and Your Children.

Lord Jesus is willing - help us to be willing. In His precious name. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Amos 5 ~ Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream

Psalm 23 is so very well known for Grace. This Psalm is famously used at Funerals. The Balm of Gilead. This sweet concept goes so far deeper than sweet. This is a profound truth echoing from the present to the millenniums - comforted by Father God.

As David died, he was leaving what we all are building every single day. David was leaving his footprints.

We have taken a brain summary snapshot of David and Psalm 23. A well-taken dog path we travel again and again.

Forge new paths.

The Footsteps of all of David's Life were correcting to be leaving his own path to following the Path of Goodness and Mercy.

As David left life, he was showing the breakdown of his marriages in the formality of the goodbyes. He was interested in leaving military advice. And Chronicles closes out David's life with this astonishing news:

1 Chronicles 29

God chose my son Solomon to build the temple, but Solomon is young and has no experience. This is not just any building—this is the temple for the Lord God! 2 That’s why I have done my best to get everything Solomon will need to build it—gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, onyx, turquoise, colored gems, all kinds of precious stones, and marble.

3 Besides doing all that, I have promised to give part of my own gold and silver as a way of showing my love for God’s temple. 4 Almost one hundred twenty tons of my finest gold and over two hundred fifty tons of my silver will be used to decorate its walls 5 and to make the gold and silver objects. Now, who else will show their dedication to the Lord by giving gifts for building his temple?

David has displayed his life and we use his Holy Spirit given words for the Abundant Life leading to Life Forevermore.

David was doing hard work in life. Circumstances swept him and he was steering for the Path of Life. Deliberate choices would be made. Times of fear. Times of worry for his children. Times where he worried for the world surrounding him.

When we read about Goodness and Mercy following our life as a choice - David is saying God, Himself, the Almighty knows the trouble and temptations and circumstances where the Bible says be not surprised. Some of us will have calm stream lives and then encounter the next generation - the truth is we are all going to face the wild winds of life and rough water. Matthew 8 - Jesus calms the Real and Terrible Storm. We know the Disciples were in the boat facing this. The Disciples walked with Jesus and saw Him and displayed failures. We do not fail when we will decide Jesus is where we want to be.

Decisions we plan. Decisions forced upon us. Decisions we will wing like a Hurricane. Decisions made in nano time.

God always tells us the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Amos 5

Seek good, and not evil,

that you may live;

and so the Lord, the God of hosts, 

will be with you, as You have said.

15 Hate evil, and love good,

and establish justice in the gate;

it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,

will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph

24 Let justice roll down like waters,

and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.

Jeremiah 22:3

Thus saith the LORD

Execute ye judgment and righteousness, 
and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor:
and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow,
neither shed innocent blood in this place.



Romans 5:9
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood,
much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.



Abba, Our Heavenly Father,

Jesus has told us all things in His Word that you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

We will see everything by prayer and supplication, and we will with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God, boldly and with confidence as God Himself asks of us.

Because God trusts in you, know you are able to keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on the way, truth and Life Jesus tells us of everything.

We will always ask our Father because He cares for you.

If possible,
so far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all.

In peace, I will
both lie down and sleep;
for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Those who plan peace have joy.

When a man's ways please the Lord,
he makes
even his enemies to be at peace with him.


And let the peace of Christ
Rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called
to be one body.
And be thankful.

The Promises of God
truthfully hold
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Setting our mind on the Spirit is life and peace.




Giving thanks for the 3rd August in Texas seeing rain, clouds, Texas has even seen 60' - holding up the prayer to share the rain of Virginia.

Giving Thanks to Father God for the safe travel of my sons and Owen through 500 miles hiking the National Forests. Wow.


We ask Father God in His Glory
to sweep the lands with the Help and Comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Rooting and Establishing us in His Love.

Enfolding those we dearly Love.
Empowering the Nation trusting in Him.
Strengthening our employments to be placed on the Goodness of His Paths.
Rejoicing in the Nation embracing all ages, all colors, all for the Lord Jesus as He would have us to be.

May the Glory of God Holy Spirit bring Good News to all Nations trusting in Him. The Joy of the Lord is Strength. The Glory of God cover and uplift and embolden all His Children calling on Him today and tomorrow.

Jesus Christ is the Lord God Almighty.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

God would say

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?




We know what Father God wants from us.


Our Abba, Thank You for specifically telling us what You love us to do. Send Your Holy Spirit, please, when we are unable. Thank You for Your Good Will. And for those we love. We lift up all our concerns to You. Celebrating Your Victories Each Day.

Thank You for so many answered prayers. Watch over our family times and help us to continue to please You in the Name of Jesus, Our Righteousness, we rely. Christmas is for Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Hillsong Concert

Psalm 119:73-77

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. 

75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

Delight is a wonderful way to live and love.

What is the Law of God? Every Word of God. By His Word all exists. Solar Systems, planets, gravity, oxygen. The Light of the world. One planet of green and blue in the midst of space. The Word of God.

Solomon said we had best give our Father God our praise because all circumstance is of God. The hand of woe and the hand of blessing come from Him.

When I was 40 years old, I did just like my great-grandfather and my grandmother Anita - I had  Pneumonia. Because we live in the age of Tamiflu - I lived and didn't have a year in an iron lung. And in jubilation - we took the Youth Ministry for the boys to a friend's house to clean up their homestead site from construction. I was in such a happy mood I worked for 6 hours and seriously hurt my upper back. Learning to do back exercises and eventually the injury healed in years down the road.

I knew from prior scans I had a lower back problem and this had just never surfaced. So this year, I knew my lower back had a pinched nerve.

And I began to swim in the cold 55' to find relief. I started walking after resting. None of the signs matched back surgery, but I was in a lot, a lot of pain. From Mid-January flu to May 18th - Then I woke up with Sciatica - screaming pain of childbirth proportions. And the next day. I rested looked at physical therapy and went on vacation for two weeks with family and friends. Having some alcohol, some fun, some sun, some beach, some eating out and A LOT of EXERCISE and Prayer - I felt amazingly better. I resolved to diet.

And I came home and laxed back. Within another week Sciatica was back in full tilt. This time I could not sit, could not sleep, could not rest. Everywhere Hurt. What had hurt May 18 was not in compare with mid June. Sciatica is not for sissies. Your rear end has 3 Major Muscle Groups - in Sciatica - your rear end is tired of supporting your back and might elect to jump off your body. Screaming in the morning was now part of a crying scenario.

My brother fell and had Sciatica for a year. It has to do with ruptured disks and nerve endings being squashed. My older friend, Mary, from Needlepoint, had Sciatica for 2 months and at age 80 said she was ready to go Home to Jesus should He want her. Mary had Sciatica for 2 months - the usual amount of time. And then Mary found cancer and went Home to Jesus. Mary was prepared like Martha.

Sciatica is not for sissies. Physical therapy is a must. I talked to a friend who said to make sure I took Melatonin. The Dog has a pinched nerve and the Vet said loose weight. I am swimming daily and losing some weight. It hurts to talk about Sciatica because if you are afraid a muscle is going to seize up - it will. That's part of Sciatica.

So one Saturday morning in June - I was home alone, Edward was out playing Disc Golf and my sons were river rafting. The thought of that much movement and exercise - I started out swimming at 5 minutes and increased that every day to 50 minutes or an hour after resting. 3 days I had an incredible Sciatica attack. Day 3 of the second round and I was not able to sleep. This was... just Bad. And I began to seriously cry. I sobbed. Sort of screamed. And I prayed out loud.



We have a huge bathroom window filled in with glass blocks. Light was gently coming in the Bathroom window.

 I looked all the way up. I looked up like the face of Jesus was on the ceiling. Why? I have no idea why. I prayed out loud to my Jesus Who Loves me.

 I said I know You have plans for me for a Hope and Future but right now sports and river rafting sound like going to the moon and back. I can't sleep. I can't be nice to people. I can't say nice things to people. I don't think I can stand this suffering and I really, really, really Need Your Help. Father God, Jesus - I can't do any good work and I'm worried for my soul in this level of pain. I have people to take care of but the pain is eating my body, my worries, my brain is fixated on the pain, my soul hears the words I say in anger to the people around me. I just don't know - how to do this. Please, Please forgive me for my harsh words and know every cell, thought, pain and the unbearable pain. Please have Mercy on me, Your Child. I so really, really, really need Your Mercy. Please.

And suddenly - the switch of pain hit off. My entire body was pain free.

I knew serious Jesus Work had been done.

I was standing with my head all the way up and no pain was happening. All that Saturday I was completely pain free. Did it come back? The Miracle held in the same way the Children of Israel walked to safety. Saturday was pain free and soon I needed to do my exercises and my diet to obtain being pain free. But the spasms like giving birth and sleepless nights  of being unable to move or roll over without lifting up first - were gone. The pain went from extreme to gone and back to needing work to a 6 to 7. Not 10.

Sciatica can be acute and last a year. Usually it's 8 weeks. Mine with two flair ups is just now fading.

The hand of woe. The hand of blessing. Today I was listening to Christian Radio - the woman said I love the Lord. He helps me brush past the hurtful or confusing parts of my day and focus on what is Good. I have Joy and Love and bloom because the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

Life is really like this.
Taking the circumstances like an Easter egg hunt - finding the Joy.

When our fence fell down - I wanted to put up a white fence instead of the old rotten one. We did. A sweet friend, a good Christian said to me, "Oh life, where you have to spend $700 on a fence repair." There are times he is Exactly Right. Like car repair - mostly all you can do is be grateful. But this time I painted this fence, put up 3 wooden Gazebo Bird Feeders and feel like I have a slice of Mount Vernon of Martha and George Washington. We employed an out of work friend to put up the fence. My son learned fencing - he helped. I did all the paint work and the gazebo bird feeders - we can see from our breakfast area.

When God makes a  path to make the way better
 - to creatively add to the circumstances of life -
 when God makes that path open to make...

For a number of years I've told myself it was time to swim. To be strengthened. I've always walked 2 miles or 3 every day. Combining the two is very, very beneficial. My clothes are fitting. It feels good to see this. My knees are shining from swimming and seeing the benefits. Exfoliation.

I have Lipomas from being exposed in childhood to a little girl who died of Hepatitis. My liver makes benign cysts.  This swimming was a discipline - I really needed. My arm had had multiple benign cysts and this is making my arm stronger.

Big Problems - Larger God. We can find comfort in dwelling in God.

We believe God. And we have to believe all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and work according to His Purpose.

To do this - we have to see events around us with eyes of faith. Finding the blessings - like finding Easter Eggs.






Father God,

We will all have a day where our Time is planned to go Home.  Your Beloved being covered in the grace of Jesus Christ, Wonderful and Auspicious God.

Father God, warm and tender our hearts as Jesus did on the Emmaus Road. Help us to be to You, like Daniel, who knew God is God. Help us not to live as Grumpy.

Let us remember again,

God is Good and Your Goodness. Real Goodness. Life is strong and filled with real Hope of God. The Strength of God - Peter Knew Jesus is God and Jesus is Words of Life. Eternal Life.

Real gratitude - realize we could be parted forever from the people we truly love - and remember again - strive as communicators in our insignificant conversations.

Let us truly, and really appreciate, the people we have in our hearts, let us encourage and build them up. Knowing we want our Beloved to feel loved. To be appreciated. We want to walk the path God has given us to know we did our best. Today, today, today we pleased Jesus.


Our lives continue forever - and yet, the gift of time teaches us - Today is our life and we really want empowerment making the most and best of our God Given treasures He Gives to us today. Filling our tomorrow is filled with joy. Knowing His pleasure we worked for Wonderful Jesus. Father God embolden and empower - helping us - to be love and encouragement to the ones we Love and the people You have Given us.

Abba,  Thank You for Edward's health.

Thank You for my children. Living and alive in Heaven. Thank You for our home and the people You have Lovingly, Lovingly given me. I appreciate Your steadfast love so I don't run down the hallway and give a swift kick or verbal punch .I am grateful for the Forgiveness my people, from You, have given me. I am grateful Your mercies renew and Your Mercies are diligently given in my life.



Hosea 14 Repentance to Bring Blessing

We will never again say ‘Our gods’
to what our own hands have made,
for in you the fatherless find compassion.”
4 “I will heal their waywardness
and love them freely,
for my anger has turned away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he will blossom like a lily.

Like a cedar of Lebanon
he will send down his roots;
6 his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.


What is our Father God? Tender mercy and renewed Strength of hands and heart and tender Love.

Oh, the places He would go. You uphold Life by Your Word. A Beautiful Promise and Sure Truth. Life Forevermore in Jesus the Only Son of God. God is Truth.

Praying for Jackson, Wayne, my sons camping, ear health.

Jesus our Wonderful. Amen in Jesus Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Luke 21:36 ~ pray

Luke 21:36

Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy.




Things not in the Bible

"It's all good."

And "Eat, Drink and be Merry."

Ok, "Eat, Drink and be Merry" IS in the Bible.


Isaiah 22:13
And behold, joy and gladness!
Killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine.
“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”


Luke 12:19
19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 
Lazarus and the Rich Man.



Why would you tell an Angel, "Sure, Ok, as a virgin engaged to Joseph -  the match my father Heli has set all of his pride upon - son of David, son of Kings of Israel. Sure, fine, ok, I'll have an out of wedlock pregnancy where I could be stoned to death from being betrothed to the Joseph of that guy lineage."

Let's think about why Mary said, "Yes. " To God Himself.

Jesus told us. All about everything.

Luke 11:1
Jesus' Disciples rather 'abruptly' arrived and said to Jesus, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Manifest Word of God, Light of the World, Light of All Men, "Hey, John's disciples know how to tap in to God in prayer power - teach us." That's the message of summary version.

However - we have to give the Disciples credit. They didn't say with a tone, "Oh." The Tone would say - that's so yesterday - healing the blind, lame, sick and the "poor." They didn't smile like they found the conversation a little to the right of overly religious. The Disciples didn't say really miracles died off. That's why today we live "Days may come." The Apostles did not say, "Let's tone it down to impress the right people and say 'gotcha' not all prayer is answered and it's soooo nice to participate in the godly things without messing with things like 'Miracles." These men wouldn't say, "Looking at godly things every day is - so - 'really'. "

The Disciples - give more credit - didn't say, "Sure when you raise little children you give them "G" Rated. Then when they grow up and see divorce, then you "Date" the way people Date. And you don't bother with things like your son's girlfriend is in the hotel room next to you and it's, "all ok."
The Disciples did not cater to gay people and then act like it was a Mission Trip to speak of.

Ok, really, the Disciples didn't even say, "OH THEN... I prayed and he was healed and my halo is that good."

(If Jesus had had Disciples this cool, surely the Synagogues would not have asked Jesus to speak. And the Mary Magdalenes would never approach Jesus. Or the woman who cried for her daughter. Or the Jairus of the world. But the donkeys and few horses would look better. The blind would never have sought out Jesus or the leper. A thinner crowd to be sure.)

Instead, because We All Fall Short of The Glory of God - The Disciples fell into this:

Spiritual pride - until - their lives were at stake. I think we said 'Stake'.

"Maybe" they fell into Acts 8 - I have the goods - give me the Powah. Simon the magician offered silver. The Disciples according to the Bible said this:

Mark 10:28
Then Peter began to speak up. "We've given up everything to follow you," he said.

The Disciples tattled - "Jesus, that man over there used Your Good Name and he healed and that's a no-no." Jesus disagreed.

The Disciples felt free to discuss where Jesus should and shouldn't speak. "That Samaritan Woman - really? Oh c'mon we were just discussing 'her.'"

The Disciples said we need Jesus to call down fire on these sinners. Saying the Disciples felt at ease to pronounce Judgement on others. Being all that - in Spiritual say so.

The Disciples moved children out of the way - to better place the momentum of the Jesus Thing.

The Disciples wanted to move ahead of the other Disciples. Placement, Position and Power. And then the other Disciples displayed a gang mentality to shut "That" down.

John the Baptist asked Jesus if He really was all He said.

The Disciples didn't get up early enough to pray with Jesus and had to go and look for Him and say, "Hey, the crowd is looking for You, get it?" And they didn't stay awake at night to pray either.

(If Jesus had gone along with all these neat labels - Mathew and his thug white collar group - probably wouldn't have lasted long. )

What happened to Judas? The Scriptures tell us he loved money. The Scriptures tell us he wanted to manipulate Jesus. Maybe even as the Agent of Jesus to direct the show. Judas went to the government? Sort of - yes. Judas went to the Temple and Sanhedrin Council - where Judas wanted to "blend."

(Jesus help us -in our plans and placements.)

We know Mary was all that and never made mistakes. Remember this is "Hail Mary." Mary had endured having to run with haste when trouble came from her family. Mary was going to be Far More Sympathetic to Jesus going on The Path of God.

 Mary, having almost been stoned to death, would never rain on a Work of God including, "All where healed." Never say - "Sh, Jesus, Sh and get home."

Or - "Suuuuure. You aren't out of your mind, c'mon home. FAST."

And, "What do you mean you were sitting with the Big Men in the Temple, move out of that now, young man."

Or even "Pondered this in her heart."

Mark 9
23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”




(Father God as parents, we say thank You for the mistakes of Mary and Joseph. Really. Amen and Amen.)

When we say Jesus lived our lives. JESUS LIVED OUR LIVES.

Jesus did Not Pick to be born in a Palace. Jesus did not walk on water past the Disciples and Peter. Or even Mary.

How do things get this tangled up? We often wonder how the culture, the world has so many problems.

Jesus said this. Jesus has told us everything.

Hebrews 1

He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.

He said, "Lead us not into Temptation."

Jesus said this about God. In the Lord's Prayer.

We are too tempted to lean on Jesus and be who we are. We expect Waiter Jesus to see it our way and act like us.

When Mary told God Himself through Archangel Gabriel she'd risk death and all things for Him and for unborn Jesus - she met an Angel of the Lord. These Messengers Stand in The Presence of God. They have to say, "Fear Not." Mary knew all about her cousin Priest Zachariah. Mary knew God was owed the deference of His Glory. Mary took on the Way of God and then privately had messed down the road. Whew. Thank God for Mary. Real Scripture is really comforting.

"Lead us not into Temptation" 

Is not talking all about Scary Movies, Rock and Roll, Sex, Drugs and Alcohol. Not Fornication, not Adultery. Lead us not into Temptation is saying - look at who you are to Jesus Christ God's Son. Have humility. Obedience. Reverence. Loyalty. Love.

See what Jesus really Lived. And see Jesus said in John 14, 15 and 16 Jesus has Joy not the fabled life of the Messiah - in the mess of real life. Jesus being God then goes on in John 17 to pray for us. Because Jesus sees us. Jesus sees us with His compassion. Jesus sees us as sheep in need of a Loving, Good Shepherd.

"Lead us not into the Temptation" 

Of picking up our joystick, putting our game face on, put cruise control on - to let Jesus suffer us.

Luke 21:36

Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy.


When we get to Heaven the Knock, Knock principle is a shaky one. Knock, Knock God - I know Jesus. I know the Magic Name.

There is a really good reason Mary said Yes.

Matthew 25
‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me."

2 Peter 2:25

For ye were going astray as sheep,

 but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer 

of your souls.

Abba,

The Truth is we cannot do 3,000 pages of Scripture. We do not do what we ought and we do what we ought not. No human being in the Bible ever did all You wanted of them. We need Jesus. Jesus, we need Your Grace. We need Jesus not just to fulfill the iotas and dots of Scripture we need Jesus as our Shepherd. Daily.

Father God, with the Help of Father, Son and Holy Spirit I will not suffer You to lead me in vanity. I will not ask You to be my Waiter. You have said You are not human and our ways are not Your Way. We need Your Way, Your Life, Your Truth. We need Abundant Life to have the Joy, Faith and Hope to have all Your Fruit to live lives abiding in You.

Our Father
Who art in Heaven
Holy is Your Name.

Your Kingdom come
Your Will Be Done
on earth as in Heaven.

Give us this day
our daily Living Bread.

Please Forgive us our Sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us Not into Temptation.
Deliver us from evil.

For Thine is
The Kingdom
The Power
and the Glory.

Amen and Thank You for Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Psalm 57 ~ Your Glory over all the earth

Psalm 57

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

4 My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

We don't hear a lot about Haiti these days. What happened, what about the jobs. The able-bodied, work-oriented people of Haiti escape illegally into the Dominican Republic (Cotui, DR photoed above) and sent most of the money they make back to Haiti.

So, we would assume the Dominican Republic has wealth, jobs and hospitality to give the immigrants of Haiti. That would depend upon if we view $300 a month as abundance, a typical income. Cotuí,a city in the Dominican Republic, is one of the oldest cities of the New World.




And when a woman, Milagro, looked at her adopted city of Cotui (not on the water), she saw nothing but a bar where people stood around - and we are saying they stood outside of small place - all day waiting for a crop to come in every three or four months to add money to their family necessities.

Milagro wanted her city of a thousand to have "something." Religion is seen as being in touch with God and God forbid we should have to be 'perfect' to be Religious. The Community rode bikes and stood outside a bar all day. It's difficult to be 'perfect' in a community where they truly know one another very well.

CHANGE. Change is an interesting subject. One of the first missionaries we know is St. Patrick. He had no blueprints to follow when he finally returned to England from slavery in Ireland;  St. Patrick wanted to take the people away from hostage to evil god worship and hatred. And War. He had no blueprints, just the desire to make effective God relationships to change hearts.

Milagro wanted Change. 19% of the Dominican Republic graduates from High School. Most people have children following along in a cycle of poverty. Sometimes moving to the larger cities where slums are swept, kept clean, and nothing changes. She started having conversations with missionary organizations like Vision Trust and was denied. Turned down. She isn't a pastor, minister, and she was a flight risk.

Milagro wanted Change. She kept asking. Soon there was a Learning Center that Vision Trust now fosters in that community. A school. Still, there is the drop out rate due to many troubles in harsh life. She tried for ten years to have a schoolhouse. And it grows each year. Surprising them all, she'd been turned down a lot. And there is no manual in front of her, just a desire to bring Hope, Faith and Love to a community without very much.

But the men of the community were standing around the yard of a bar. And Milagro wanted more for them.  So for two years, she asked Vision Trust to pour concrete with a roof - a pavilion where they play Volleyball and other sports until they cannot see the ball and the day is done. No more bar.

And what about the Holy Spirit - there is some headway. People are little by little believing the Faith, Hope and Love of being given the care they needed. 10 years ago, men huddled in a bar area with just talk. Today their children are educated. They know how to share. Lollipops were given 10 years ago and the giver would be bombarded with grabbing and taking. Today, a circle forms, gifts are given and thank you's are given. People share what they receive. 

Confident the Lord will provide more. 






When you think about Missions.  


David Livingstone (1813-1873) brought the Light of Jesus Christ to Africa. He was very famous and very much a man who told the natives a good thundering Sinner. And he certainly did NOT provide them with Volleyball. He instead gave healthy doses of measles and cholera and as they lay dying he made sure they swallowed salvation. Nasty, horrible, Marching Saint of God. Horrid. Repugnant.

Now. that is effective Missionary work.

**** Except that's totally untrue.

 Instead, David Livingstone did this -

Livingstone on the other hand - traveled lightly. Livingstone was a proponent of trade and Christian missions to be established in central Africa. His motto was "Christianity, Commerce and Civilization."

Most of his journeys were with a few people, bartering for supplies along the way, with a couple of guns for protection. He preached a Christian message but did not force it on unwilling ears; he understood the ways of local chiefs and successfully negotiated passage through their territory, and was often hospitably received and aided, even by Mwata Kazembe.

Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Effective change - Milagro -.... her name is 'miracle'. This just wasn't going to work out. For five to ten -  years,  she was denied.

Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

And a Volleyball Court - "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand"

Paul wrote to His Churches for Decades - hoping the Light would still shine in the Darkness.

Where is the fruit?

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

More people are going to school than ever before.

The volunteers used to meet under the trees, now they have a shelter. 

The people who help the Haitians on a daily basis have more food on their own tables. 

Gifts given are shared. The joy on the faces is unmistakable. More people have a High School Degree and go out to bring back more to their community.

Nelson Paulino is the Director of Vision Trust, out of Colorado. He is a High School graduate of the Dominican Republic. He is seeing the difference they make in the lives of nineteen hundred students a year. He is one of them. Hiring Mark Cornelison, from The Woodlands, who is leaving a Youth Ministry Job because he is in love with the changes the Holy Spirit is bringing to this area. The men willing to say to their communities "I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not perfect. But I follow a Risen Lord."

Change is an amazing thing to watch. When we follow Jesus Christ, there really are not written guidelines beyond what Jesus said.

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

Change comes from Loving HIM before you love others as yourself. And love yourself as well.

Thank You Father God for... Milagro.  Vision Trust.Org is always grateful for the ways people of God help them, help others.

We bless You for Your Willing Love and Diligence to us.

Bless those we love and the people You have given us.

Help us to walk in Your paths and the good works You have provided for us to walk in. We always need You, Abba.

In the Blessing of Prayer around the world, we ask the Blessing of God - more Heaven on earth.

Father God, bless those who travel to feel well and know Your Comfort. Thank You.

In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †