Matthew 17:5-8 ~ when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only

 

1 Timothy 3

 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

    vindicated by the Spirit,

        seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

    believed on in the world,

        taken up in glory.

Transfiguration, Love, Fear, Heaven, Godliness, Victory

Are best understood by the Holy Spirit. 

The Transfiguration, completely overwhelming to the Disciples John and James and Peter, pairs with Moses and the first chapters of Revelation. The reaction of Peter differs completely from John in the Scriptures. God using their differences to warm hearts. Peter was to proclaim boldly.  John later explained the glimpse of Heaven. Our Father's Eternal Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

9 But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

    nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. 

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

When the Children of Israel encountered The Almighty, they begged not to hear something so overwhelming. 

Matthew 17:5-8

 5 He was still speaking when, 

behold, 

a bright cloud overshadowed them, 

and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, 

with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” 

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 

“Rise, and have no fear.” 

8 And when they lifted up their eyes, 

they saw no one but Jesus only.

The mystery of the Fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 16:6

By steadfast love and faithfulness 

iniquity is atoned for,

    and 

by the fear of the Lord 

one turns away from evil.

Genesis 32

25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, 

he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint

 as he wrestled with him. 

26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” 

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 

27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” 

And he said, “Jacob.” 

28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob,

 but Israel, 

for you have striven with God 

and with men, 

and have 

prevailed.” 

Matthew 25:21

21 His master said to him, 

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. 

You have been faithful over a little; 

I will set you over much. 

Enter into the joy of your Master.’

When we consider the wealth of knowing God. The Heart of God speaking with Abraham. The wealth of the Patriarchs. The Spiritual wealth of the Disciples in what they saw, heard, walked and felt. The inability of all men to earn the salvation of Jesus Christ. And we consider the layers of emotional, spiritual and material wealth. We see the incredible variation in the chosen Disciples. An inclusiveness of God. Not Jew or Greek, slave or free. Because God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, 

Light of mankind, 

Light of the world. 

Light of nations. 

Light of Heaven.

 Romans 10:9

 

Because, if you confess with your mouth 

that Jesus is Lord 

and believe in your heart 

that God raised Him from the dead, 

you will be saved.

Abba, Father

With the Holy Spirit alive and well. We fight the Good Fight.

The expectation of God.

In 2001, before 9/11

Americans said 90% believe in God.

And then in 2016,

81% believe in God.

Then we encountered

success in the largest Economy 

the world had seen.

Then we encountered

a worldwide Pandemic with

Italy dying, 25%,

Then the economy froze

and people stayed at home.

Bible reading hit the top of all

internet searches.

Historically, wars and

all sorts of hatred and bad behavior

happens after a Plague.

And now in 2023,

with so many historic records,

like inflation, bad news, divisions

and unheard of situations:

2023,

Gallup shows

74% believe in God.

You and I wait with expectation

for the next decade

to see

God provide for

ALL!

In Jesus, we ask

Dwell in us, Father

Send Your Holy Spirit as Helper

Dwell in those we love

and 

Help us to seek You first

And in Jesus,

we will finish well.

Jeremiah 30:10

'Fear not, O Jacob My servant,' declares the LORD, 

'And do not be dismayed, O Israel; 

For behold, 

I will save you from afar 

And your offspring from the land of their captivity. 

And Jacob will return and will be quiet and at ease, 

And no one will make him afraid."

Jeremiah 30:18

"Thus says the LORD, 

'Behold, 

I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob 

And have compassion on his dwelling places; 

And the city will be rebuilt on its ruin, 

And the palace will stand on its rightful place."

We will never, never, never give up the Calling of the Holy Spirit.

 To comfort those in need. 

To patiently wait in a traffic jam and miss Church.

And plan to look to our Father God expectantly with Joy for His Goodness. 

And provide security and protection for our children and grandchildren.

 Praying Jesus Love for those yet to be born. 

Blessings from Heaven to earth, in His Good Will.

Making our hearts, mind and soul where Jesus is proud of us.

 Today and tomorrow!

Our prayers. Our works. Our words. Our Hope. Our Future.

 Jesus be in these hopes for a plan.

Send Your Word, Please. 

You uphold the Universe With Your Word.

We pray with the weather for gentle rain. 

God bless.

We are the Easter people. God's New Covenant is Love for one another.

In the Name of Jesus. 

We Pray Amen with our Alleluia. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay GOD

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

John 1:35-42 ~ He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

Basilica of Saint Peter today.


Altar in the Vatican, during Christmas Mass. 80 feet below are the remains of Saint Peter.


Basilica of St. Peter from 331 until 17th century A.D. It was destroyed by a fire.

G is the representation of the foundation of the 4th century Church, the rest is beneath the foundation - as it would have appeared in the 4th century.
Overview of Peter's area. The undisturbed 4th century shrine for Paul's remains, built by Constantine.
Several excavated streets under the Vatican. Surrounded by tombs of the 2nd and 3rd century.

Peter's grave is 80 feet down, it took 10 years of amazing discoveries before they reached the Peter's area; most bodies clearly identified by name, art, poetry, mosaics, statuary. Pius knew they had rediscovered Peter's bones in the 2nd century grave, surrounded by the 4th century shrine built by Constantine.
Peter's bones were kept in a box. His bones were different than the others because they contained one man, wrapped in remains of purple cloth with gold thread, a tile saying "Peter is here" in Greek, was found in the box.

How the 4th century shrine appeared in 1949

c. 1966 the remains of Peter's house in Capernaum, Israel. Similar graffiti as Paul's tomb.
The slab that kept out moisture, thieves. Slab (a rock) helping to preserve Peter's body when the others around him were already dust.
The red wall with graffiti saying this is Peter, follower of Jesus Christ. Identical art found to Peter's home in Capernaum.
Original 2nd century tomb the 4th century tomb surrounded.

The discovered bones were found in the repository wall and later returned.
Darker bones are the remaining bones of Peter.
Photos of Peter's bones.


Peter's tomb today, located under the altar in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy.

John 1:35-42

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour [4 p.m.]. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” [which means Peter, Cephas and Peter are from the word for rock in Aramaic and Greek, respectively.]

What does a relatively large house in ancient Capernaum have in common with the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano? They are both the homes of Peter, who loved and followed Jesus Christ. Both the house in Capernaum and the 2nd century grave site have the same graffiti proclaiming this is Peter, follower of Jesus. Where is the 2nd century grave located? Beneath the Altar of the Vatican.

Peter knew his death was going to be crucifixion, Jesus told him.

John 21:17-19

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus knew where Peter would be buried, he took Peter to Caesarea to give him the prophesy:

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Peter's final resting place was rediscovered in the 1939 dig; began when Pope Pius XI died and there wasn't a good place to bury him. The workmen of Pope Pius XII discovered it wasn't going to just be pagan people underneath the floors of the Basilica. After 10 years of amazing discoveries, most bodies clearly identified by name, art, poetry, mosaics, statuary, Pius knew they had probably rediscover Peter's bones in the 2nd century grave surrounded by the 4th century shrine built by Constantine. Pius decided they would wait until the evidence looked completely irrefutable, they waited until December 23, 1950, when Pius told the world.

By 1964, conclusions the scientists decided were:

- An"elderly man" between sixty and seventy years, about five feet seven inches tall, of heavy build, a man of robust constitution. Missing the feet bones. The bones had lain - and for a considerable period of time - in a bare earth grave. (Peter had been martyred, buried as a criminal). All these bones, it appeared, at some time after dissolution of the flesh, had been taken from the earth and wrapped in a purplish, gold-threaded cloth. Enclosed was a plaque /tile with two Greek words "Petros Eni." Peter is here.  

- Many, many of the tombs had bodies that had already turned to dust, the bones of Peter were amazing in their completion. There was even water in the area, which had been a problem to the Basilica for centuries. A single, huge outcropping of rock had preserved the carefully cared for remains.

- Sumptuous marble housing erected by Constantine, in the 4th century, over the 2nd century tomb, was intended to preserve forever both the true original grave of Peter's remains. It has never been tampered or violated.

- Soil adhering to the bones in the repository proved they had originally been interred in the earth. Chemical analysis proved that this soil exactly matched the soil in the original grave under the monument.

- The bones, where as others in the vicinity contained a lot of different types of bones thrown together, these were the carefully preserved bones of one man, missing the feet. In the repository, they had been wrapped in cloth of royal purple, an indication of the unusually high dignity accorded. Threads of gold in the cloth reinforced this impression, since the combination of purple and gold was a fact well attested from antiquity as indicating imperial honors. The robe was older than 4th century.

- An inscription within the repository, in Greek, declared "Peter is buried in here." Other inscriptions on the outside the repository, in Latin invoked his name in prayer.

- 2nd century Graffiti on the tomb's red wall was very similar to the graffiti in Peter's Capernaum house.

- Pope Damasus, in the fourth century, seriously encountered the problem of cemetery vandalism growing out of religious bigotry, it was a violent age. The repository in the sturdy little wall guarded against intrusions by permanently enclosing the precious remains on all sides.

One of the main scientists working on the archaeological dig:
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/MG/TheTombofStPeter-1.htm
THE TOMB OF ST. PETER
by Margherita Guarducci
© 1960, Hawthorn Books


The Bones of St. Peter. The First Full Account of the Search for the Apostle's Body by John Evangelist Walsh. © 1982. http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/JW/TheBonesofStPeter-1.htm

It's interesting to see Peter's house (photograph above) is just the remains of a house. The Church - the Bride of Jesus Christ, has amazing depth and splendor.

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

So many amazing archaeological discoveries in the last 100 years. To name just a few: Dead Sea Scrolls, Lazarus' tomb in Spain, the entire Hittite Nation, the cities of Nineveh, Ur, Sodom and Gomorrah. Tile piece in Goliath's hometown with his name and David's name. The walls of Jericho. The walls of Babylon. The Capernaum Synagogue, with Zebedee's name (father of disciples James and John) on a pillar. Written record of King David. King David's Palace, found by description in the Bible for location. Many Steele ( antiquity plaques) found to confirm biblical fact written by other nations. Many, many artifacts in the Museum of Israel.

Blessed are You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Abba, Father,

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Thank You for Jesus.

To You, our Father, be the Glory

Our God is an Awesome God! 

Amen and Alleluia

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

2 Kings 4:18-36 ~ As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you

If you are thinking a Yellow Crepe Myrtle has been created, you should know Yellow Bells, or one of the 3 flower names is also, Esperanza, is mostly hardy, but will Freeze. And this gangly shrub trains into a tree in about 5 to 7 years to be substantial.

During the drought of late July and heat advisory in Texas, my yard is blooming due to the resilient Crepe Myrtle. I saw one of my large, favorite Crepe Myrtle trees at Lake Woodlands and Panther Creek, is really in sad shape, and realized we needed to talk about weariness and hope.

Yesterday, I didn't Post due to headache. I was sound asleep by 10 pm. Edward had a headache today. And so I looked for a Headache reference in Scriptures.

2 Kings 4:18-36

  

  

  18 When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. 

21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. 22 Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” 

23 And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” 

24 Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.

When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. 26 Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.” 

27 And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 

28 Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” 29 He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 Then the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. 

31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”

32 When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. 33 So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. 35 Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 

36 Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.”

2nd Kings 4 

The wealthy lady living in Shunem, Southeast of Nazareth, giving food and shelter to Elisha. She is another woman similar to Hannah. The Lord isn't necessarily saying wealth is all money. And her good deeds are not given up as common knowledge. Wealth is knowing the Lord, hospitality and gracious giving. The woman from Shunem is known later, in this 2nd Kings 4 Chapter, as the Shunammite. And is similar, in her privacy, exactly as the sisters of Jesus Christ.  We know that Jesus' great and grandnephews encountered and were known to the Bishop of Caesarea, Eusebius, and Emperor Constantine in the about 350 A.D in Nazareth. 

   

   

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, 

so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 

   

   

Genesis 33:10-12

10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, 

then accept my present from my hand. 

For I have seen your face, 

which is like seeing the face of God, 

and you have accepted me. 

   

11 Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, 

   because 

God 

has dealt graciously with me, 

   and because I have enough.” 

Thus he urged him, and he took it.   

   

   

 Genesis 43:29

And Joseph lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, 

his mother's son, and said, 

   “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? 

God be gracious to you, 

my son!”  

Just as Jacob was gracious in his blessings

of Josephs sons.

   

  

   Exodus 34

   

5 The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, 

and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. 

6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 

“The Lord, the Lord,

 a God merciful 

and gracious

Slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love

 and faithfulness, 

7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, 

forgiving iniquity 

and transgression and sin."

We are very fortunate not to be as ill as the lady's son. God's grace and Love. 

And today, we heard of the gracious healing of Nicko McBrain. You just gotta Love God's Name ability and the coincidences of the Lord. Nicko McBrain is the drummer for Iron Maiden. And he wanted to release a quote today about being healed from a stroke.  This stroke was severe and Nicko McBrain was concerned his career was over.  He wanted us to know, "By the Grace of God, I'm healing." That's really wonderful! God is good.

Matthew 11:26 

yes, Father, for such was your gracious will 

Abba, Father,

In Your Grace,

we live in an age

Social Media shows 

not just dysfunction,

but how 

different opinions

 can be over the 

simplest matter.

Making our time in history

so important

for Gracious words

and deeds.

We know since the Pandemic

so many people

are caring for stray animals,

hurt wild animals

and seriously asking the joy

and longevity of Your Creation.

Let's pray for the nations to heal.

Let's Pray for Jesus to Shine

His Love and Hope

into all the hearts of those we love

and know.

Let's pray God's love favor on ALL

and

the trees

and adopt the trees we have always

loved with gallons of

hand watering. 

And realize again

God is working.

So many miracles

and coincidences to

remember in our

prayer lives.

In Jesus, we ask

Dwell in us, Father

Send Your Holy Spirit as Helper

Dwell in those we love

and 

Help us to seek You first

And in Jesus,

we will finish well.

The Good News in Jesus

we are the truly noble

who know Jesus is Lord,

aspire to go forth

in His strength.

We pray

seriously 

to avoid fire

during this drought.

Ask your local government

to spray with

potable water.

While you are on the road: 

Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles; use ashtrays. 

With the conditions we have now, lit cigarettes do cause fires 

and can be disastrous in times of drought and high fire risk. 

When pulling off the side of the road, stay off of dry grass areas. 

Park vehicles so that the exhaust does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves or weeds. 

Adjust the safety chains on your trailers to ensure 

they don’t drag and create sparks that can cause roadside fires. 

At home: 

Avoid cooking outdoors during this drought season.

 If you do cook, never leave barbeque grills unattended. 

Place your grill on concrete or your driveway away from your home or any structures. 

If using charcoal or wood, make sure that 

the fire has been extinguished 

by soaking it with a garden hose 

before disposing of the coals. 

 During this time, do not burn household trash in barrels. 

Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for 

properly working spark arresters. 

Mow lawn at least 30-50 feet away from your house 

and 

water to create defensible space. 

Cut back or remove 

any dry and dead landscaping plants 

or bushes around your home.

 Clear leaves from your roof and gutters;

 rake them away from the sides of your home. 

Move anything that will burn far away from structures, 

items like firewood, compost piles, brush piles, etc

Notify the electric company when dead trees 

or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires. 

Fire Safety for you: 

Practice fire safety with your family. 

If you see suspicious fire or smoke, call 911.

 Clearly mark driveway entrances with address 

and street names.

Psalm 4:8 

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; 

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Thank You for the

calm Gulf of Mexico

and Florida Waters.

God is working.

Our God is working. His Son, 

Jesus is working.

And we say Amen in Jesus.

Psalm 96:11-13

 

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

 let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 

12 let the field exult, and everything in it! 

Then shall 

all the trees 

of the forest 

sing for joy

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Lord Jesus