Genesis 32 ~ Peniel

View of Israel from Mount Nebo. The view of the Holy Land. March 19, 2000, Pope John Paul II visited. Pope John Paul planted an olive tree beside the Byzantine chapel as a symbol of peace.

The serpentine cross sculpture (the Brazen Serpent Monument) created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. Symbolic of the bronze serpent from Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified (John 3:14).

Genesis 32

1 As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, “This is God’s camp!” So he named the place Mahanaim.

3 Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom. 4 He told them, “Give this message to my master Esau: ‘Humble greetings from your servant Jacob. Until now I have been living with Uncle Laban, 5 and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me.’”

6 After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, “We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!” 7 Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups. 8 He thought, “If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape.”

9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O Lord, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ 10 I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! 11 O Lord, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. 12 But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.’”

13 Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then he selected these gifts from his possessions to present to his brother, Esau: 14 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 15 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. 16 He divided these animals into herds and assigned each to different servants. Then he told his servants, “Go ahead of me with the animals, but keep some distance between the herds.”

17 He gave these instructions to the men leading the first group: “When my brother, Esau, meets you, he will ask, ‘Whose servants are you? Where are you going? Who owns these animals?’ 18 You must reply, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob, but they are a gift for his master Esau. Look, he is coming right behind us.’”

19 Jacob gave the same instructions to the second and third herdsmen and to all who followed behind the herds: “You must say the same thing to Esau when you meet him. 20 And be sure to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’”

Jacob thought, “I will try to appease him by sending gifts ahead of me. When I see him in person, perhaps he will be friendly to me.” 21 So the gifts were sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night in the camp.

22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”

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

27 “What is your name?” the man asked.

He replied, “Jacob.”

28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

29 “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.

30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” 31 The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip. 32 (Even today the people of Israel don’t eat the tendon near the hip socket because of what happened that night when the man strained the tendon of Jacob’s hip.)


Jacob is a thought provoking individual: fighting inside of Rebekah during gestation with Esau, a young man of cunning and deception, a man willing to leave his blind father and scheming mother behind to avoid the wrath of his brother, fleeing at once even though the family is preparing to go into mourning for his father Isaac’s death (does not happen for decades to come). Does Jacob rip off the family herds, silver, gold, heirlooms, fishing rods, tool set, best lamp, land, barns or water rights? No, this renowned biblical thief, schemer and biblical bad guy leaves with Isaac’s blessing that Esau had already forfeited willingly for a bowl of stew.

When our biblical bad guy leaves, he leaves: his family, safety, all his experiences and life-time memories, herd, land and all that Abraham and Sarah had worked, earned and been blessed with. Jabob leaves with a blessing and a walking stick.

Did God think that he had obtained the blessing with righteousness? NO!

Was Esau interested in the blessing? Not enough to give up a bowl of stew for. When Esau learned that Rebekah and Isaac are dissatisfied with his choice of local wife without any belief in the living God, he married again… to please them? He married Isaac’s older half-brother Ishmael’s daughter. Doubt the new choice was relished. Plus Isaac had one wife and Isaac married Rebekah. Esau was either not hit with many smart sticks or he just suited himself and wanders through life. Esau wasn't hoofing it in the wilderness and leaving the comfort of home, he stayed right there with the family herds, silver, gold, heirlooms, fishing rods, tool set, best lamp, land, barns & water rights & Mom & Dad. Why do we think Esau is the one who is wronged here? We see that the biblical viewpoint is that Esau was wronged by Jacob because Isaac intended to bless Esau. God says Esau was wronged.

((Interesting that this family is very interested in “my word is my bond”. Rebekah and Isaac are unique individuals in a time of multiple marriages. Rebekah schemes and sends one of their only two children for a life time of years, by telling the younger son not to stick to his father as he is dying. Isaac has decades of living still. He eventually sees Jacob again before he dies. But low and behold, he is still married and evidently forgiven Rebekah. Forgiveness must be good for the soul, Isaac lives to see his grown sons and grandchildren.

But back to “my word is my bond”, why wouldn't Isaac scream for Rebekah and say round up the two fighting twins? These idiots have some explaining to do to a dying Isaac. Why wasn't Isaac say, “Oops, we need a repeal?” That would have happened usually. Perhaps Isaac remembers the story of Esau giving his blessing away for a bowl of stew. Perhaps Isaac thinks Jacob is willing to fight for the blessing. Perhaps Isaac thinks that after a life-time of being married to Rebekah and Rebekah sees more in the younger son. Perhaps Isaac thinks about Esau and his married choice…s. Perhaps Isaac feels the Holy Spirit of God move in the choice. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…the real situation: Isaac does not change the blessing. It remains.))

Back to Jacob, he discovers from his father-in-law, Laban, how it feels to be schemed against. This notorious thief could have left knocked-up, scheming Leah at night. Jacob could have threatened Laban, tortured Laban or hurt the herd. He could have said give me Rachel tomorrow, or I leave, as soon as Leah was pregnant. But instead, he works out a straightforward, honest, binding proposal. Why? Could be that Jacob has learns how it feels to be cheated, could be some remorse. More than likely, it is not stupidity. We have seen Jacob get what he wants using all means and schemes. It isn’t entirely for true love of Rachael, because he is having a lot of sexual intercourse. This Jacob has had fidelity modeled to him in Rebekah and Isaac. If it was all chivalry, I don’t think Jacob would have had 12 sons. Well, Israel has 12 sons and God is happy.

So, Jacob wrestles with God. This isn’t new, he has been wrestling God for a long, long time. Stealing a blessing from a holy father. Working out a plan to have 12 sons while feeling cheated. Thinking, thinking, thinking. Did God tell him to take Esau a huge gift? No, that was Jacob. Did God tell Jacob to divide into two camps? No, that was Jacob. Did God tell Jacob to separate from his wives and children during the night? No, that was Jacob. Jacob is wrestling with God because it is important to have His blessing and even flee leaving everything behind, but Jacob doesn’t listen for God, the bible says he rarely prays. Jesus is written as being in prayer a lot. Jacob is like us, he thinks his way through, but isn’t necessarily looking to God or asking. But as Jacob flounders around thinking his way through, he makes the choices, but Jacob remembers to talk to God in prayer and tell the Lord he is trying.

Is Jacob a hero or a thief? Jacob is like us, he wants God on our terms. God’s terms are God’s terms, the bible is all about God’s way. God blesses Jacob over and over and over. Why? Israel is like us, he seeks God.

Matthew 6:7-15 ~ when you pray

Hebrews 13:17-21 ~ keep watch

Google photoshop image of Adam & Eve in the garden of paradise. The bible tells us that: The bright Morning Star." is Jesus - Revelation 22. This photoshop must be from the vantage point of The Bright Morning Star. The Garden of Eden was given to Adam as a gift, until sin removed him from the Garden. Man then toiled in creation for generations. Then Jesus was given to them.

Hebrews 13:17-21 17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Genesis 2: 15
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."



Genesis 3: 8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"

The Lord God knew where they were and why they were hiding, but it is our question for today: "Where are you?"

I Corinthians 15: 45
So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.

To clarify the above question "Where are you?" It means - are you a life giving spirit or Adam - just being a salmon swimming upstream - doing the same old thing?

This term 'last Adam' is to point out the similarities & differences between Adam and Jesus.
God created Adam as an immediate act, by His word.

Adam named God's creation and worked in it, but the Lord God in Jesus Christ is:

Colossians 1: 15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

This Biblical quote examines the question again...

Galations 1:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

We all work with each other, our fellow mankind (Adam). It is up to us to remember that whatever we do, we work for the Lord (Yahweh, I am, The God of God, Lord of Lords, Abba, Jesus the Christ, Son of God & the Holy Spirit) and we are accountable to Him.

Colossians 3:24:
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

… Thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21

…His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Might God,
…The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

… God hath made that same Jesus… both Lord & Christ Acts 2:36

…Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world! John 1:29

…they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, the song of The Lamb Revelation 15:3


…Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah Revelation 5:5


..and the Bright & Morning Star Revelation 22:16


..and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life 1 John 1:1


…we have and advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ The Righteous 1 John 2:1


…whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us. Luke 1:78


…Before Abraham, I Am. John 8:58


…And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. John 1: 34

…are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25


…We have found the Messiah which, is being interpreted, the Christ. John 1:41


…I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6


…through the knowledge of the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 2: 20

..a name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 19:16

…I am the Light of the World. John 8:12

…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world… John 1:9

…I am Alpha & Omega the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come

The Almighty Revelation 1:8

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.


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Galatians 2 ~ he used to

Jerusalem, Israel: Lithostrotos Museum, Pottery From Time Of Jesus Christ, First Century

Galatians 2

1 Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

6 As for those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance—those men added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. 8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

11 When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. 12 Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

15 "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

17 "If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"


Isaiah 45: 9
"Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker,
to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
'What are you making?'
Does your work say,
'He has no hands'?

Exodus 20: 16
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

John 17: 17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Romans 9: 19
One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

22 What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people;
and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one," 26 and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them,
'You are not my people,'
they will be called 'sons of the living God.'

2 Corinthians 4:2
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.


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Psalm 105 ~ To you I give the land

Psalms Chapter 105 (The New American Bible)

1
1 Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the peoples his deeds!
2
Sing praise, play music; proclaim all his wondrous deeds!
3
Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
4
Rely on the mighty LORD; constantly seek his face.
5
Recall the wondrous deeds he has done, his signs and his words of judgment,
6
You descendants of Abraham his servant, offspring of Jacob the chosen one!
7
The LORD is our God who rules the whole earth.
8
He remembers forever his covenant, the pact imposed for a thousand generations,
9
Which was made with Abraham, confirmed by oath to Isaac,
10
And ratified as binding for Jacob, an everlasting covenant for Israel:
11
"To you I give the land of Canaan, your own allotted heritage."
12
When they were few in number, a handful, and strangers there,
13
Wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another,
14
2 He let no one oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings:
15
" 3 Do not touch my anointed, to my prophets do no harm."
16
Then he called down a famine on the land, destroyed the grain that sustained them.
17
He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, sold as a slave.
18
They shackled his feet with chains; collared his neck in iron,
19
Till his prediction came to pass, and the word of the LORD proved him true.
20
The king sent and released him; the ruler of peoples set him free.
21
He made him lord over his palace, ruler over all his possessions,
22
To instruct his princes by his word, to teach his elders wisdom.
23
4 Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived in the land of Ham.
24
God greatly increased his people, made them too many for their foes.
25
He turned their hearts to hate his people, to treat his servants unfairly.
26
He sent his servant Moses, Aaron whom he had chosen.
27
5 They worked his signs in Egypt and wonders in the land of Ham.
28
He sent darkness and it grew dark, but they rebelled against his word.
29
He turned their waters into blood and killed all their fish.
30
Their land swarmed with frogs, even the chambers of their kings.
31
He spoke and there came swarms of flies, gnats through all their country.
32
For rain he gave them hail, flashes of lightning throughout their land.
33
He struck down their vines and fig trees, shattered the trees of their country.
34
He spoke and the locusts came, grass hoppers without number.
35
They devoured every plant in the land; they ravaged the crops of their fields.
36
He struck down every firstborn in the land, the first fruits of all their vigor.
37
He brought his people out, laden with silver and gold; no stragglers among the tribes.
38
Egypt rejoiced when they left, for panic had seized them.
39
He spread a cloud as a cover, and made a fire to light up the night.
40
They asked and he brought them quail; with bread from heaven he filled them.
41
He split the rock and water gushed forth; it flowed through the desert like a river.
42
For he remembered his sacred word to Abraham his servant.
43
He brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of triumph.
44
He gave them the lands of the nations, the wealth of the peoples to own,
45
That they might keep his laws and observe his teachings. Hallelujah!


The bible is clearly the most important evidence of the Exodus. Clearly, we cannot please our Heavenly Father without faith. Archaeology proves everyday that history is His story. For a further demonstration, God says His words are the truth. Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls go back for two millenniums showing that scripture does not change. Everyday the gospel fragments indicate that it was written in about 40 A.D. and written by the authors the gospel indicates.

The media does not frequently try to pull the evidence together supporting faith in the scriptures. Even when the evidence is very compelling:

Exodus archaeology is not announced loudly or repeated with frequency in the media. But evidence exists. It is important to remember that Egyptian culture removed the Pharaoh from his many children, the child who grew into Pharaoh frequently scraped buildings and monuments removing evidence of his father's accomplishments changing them to his own accomplishments and memorials.

One of the most fascinating Exodus archaeology artifacts is an eye-witness to the Exodus on the Egyptian side of the Exodus. This citizen is complaining about government officials dealing poorly with plague after plague. The document exists today because all references to the Pharaoh's name in charge were removed. Ipuwer Papyrus ~ An Egyptian Eyewitness to the Exodus ~ Just as the date of the Exodus is debated for centuries, the Ipuwer Papyrus is placed from 1600 B.C. to 1200 B.C. A man named Anastasi discovered the Papyrus in the area of Memphis, near the pyramids of Saqqara in Egypt. Resides now in a museum of Leiden in the Netherlands. Both the Exodus and Thera interpretations assume that the poem records a historical event, which is disputed by many Egyptologists. Ipuwer Papyrus

In his book Pharaohs and Kings: A Biblical Quest, David Rohl suggests that the tomb of Joseph himself is found (1995: 360-67).[6] The evidence seems to support this hypothesis. The Bible is very specific as to what became of Joseph's body. The bones of Joseph were removed and carried with the children of Israel in the Exodus. The statue of the tomb's recipient had a mushroom-shaped hairstyle, painted red, different skin color than that used for Egyptians. A throwstick, the Egyptian hieroglyph for a foreigner, was held against the right shoulder. The statue had been intentionally smashed and defaced.

In Ramses II's topographical list (ca.1275 BC) the place-name "Jacob-El" (#9) appears again (ANET 1969, 242; Simons 1937). The first appearance was in Thutmose III's list. This means that this city of Jacob has been around for two hundred years. Another interesting name that was found is yhw which is "Yahweh" in Hebrew (Horn 1953, 201; Giveon 1964, 244). In Ramses II's topographical list (ca.1275 BC) the place-name "Jacob-El" (#9) appears again (ANET 1969, 242; Simons 1937). The first appearance was in Thutmose III's list. This means that this city of Jacob has been around for two hundred years. Another interesting name that was found is yhw which is "Yahweh" in Hebrew (Horn 1953, 201; Giveon 1964, 244).

It seems abundantly clear from all these topographical lists the Hebrews were in Egypt at this time.

On a statue-base of Amenhotep III at Kom el Hetan which is the funerary temple of Amenhotep III there is a topographical list with the place-name Yspir (Series a:1; Kitchen 1965, 2). This is the same name translated "Joseph-El" in Thutmose III's Topographical list (ANET 1969, 242). After Yspir in both lists the place-name Rkd appears (Series a:2 in Amenhotep III's list, and #79 in Thutmose III's list; Simons 1937, 112). Rkd is the same place-name as Ruhizzi in the El Amarna letters (EA 53:36, 56; EA 5426; EA 56:26; EA 191:2; Rainey 1982, 354). The ruler of Ruhizzi is Arsawuya who seems to be located in northern Palestine or southern Syria (EA 53:36, 56; Moran, 125)

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. - Exodus 1:8

Satellite images have been reported to show the 40 years of travelling out of Egypt. Other non-biblical accounts are: Hectaeus, a Hellenist who came to Alexandria about 320 BCE, according to Jan Assmann. The Egyptian version begins with a ravaging plague in Egypt, interpreted by the priesthood as a divine punishment for the presence of aliens, whose rites and customs has infiltrated worship. They were expelled under their leader Moses. Lysimachos, 2nd century BCE, begins his story with a famine, that the priestly oracle ordered the Pharaoh to cleanse Egypt from impious settlers, a reference to the Jews who sought refuge from leprosy. The Pharaoh gave orders to drown the lepers, and expel the Hebrews, who gathered around Moses into the desert. Chaeremon, Alexandrian pedagogue and Nero's tutor, gives another version of the story, as expelling the Asiatic and purging Egypt of their associated lepers.

History is His story.

Psalm 8:2,5-9 ~ The works of Your hands

Years ago, we took our preschool sons to attend an outdoor garden exhibit of foreign customs around the world. It was a beautiful exhibit and both of my young sons were extremely impressed and interested. One booth said that the custom was stand in line and tell the wish to the wish taker in the booth and the wish would be granted. The sign said guaranteed. Unfortunately, our elder son could read and he immediately began to tell his brother and they both wanted to, as the British say, “queue up”. Equally unfortunate, the line was extremely long & the most popular exhibit. Using this time to defuse the disappointment seen from the other children leaving the booth and the booth operators explaining gleefully that guaranteed was actually a separate sentence than the wish making. The line began to be silent and unhappy, all the children sensing adult attention began to be silent as well. After unsuccessfully trying to coax the boys to another activity, the time was right to explain to our boys the difference between a wish and prayer. We had never considered the difference with the boys and they were young and wanted it fully explained.

Several times it was explained: a wish is something you want and try hard to imagine getting. A prayer asks God what you want in the name of Jesus and then we ask God to direct what we want to be what He thinks we need. Several times my sons asked questions. A wish doesn’t involve God, just what you want. A prayer asks God for help and then we ask Him to provide it if He sees fit. My older son decided, “Wish was better, (when would we get to the booth?”) I explained again, no, asking God will be better because then Father God hears you if you ask him. My son said, “Then you have a better chance?” I answered yes, definitely, but He gets to decide in the end. My son decided that prayer was better just as we stepped up to the booth. We had annoyed some people unintentionally and I heard one person mutter, “Good God!”

In the conversation to defuse the disappointment, I had never asked my bright, shining son what he was going to ask. He stepped up to the booth and said, “I am changing my wish to a prayer and I want a huge, very blue dragonfly, please.” Now even the gigglers in the booth looked concerned. The couple, leaving the booth in front of us, were in their 60’s, they gasped loudly in unison and wheeled about. The line became very still with expectancy. The woman, part of the couple, lowered herself to eye level with my son & said, “What color?” My son said, “Only blue, please.” The couple looked at one another, it was an odd look. The woman continued, “Alive or dead?” My son replied, “I didn’t think about that. Either. Do you have one?” The woman opened her handbag saying,” I just found this on the ground. Do you want it?” My son replied, “Yes, please. I really did want a blue one! Thank you!”

At this point, the line went wild. Friends and family were called to join the line and all of them began to explain that you had to change your wish into a prayer. Prayer and wish began to be explained through the whole line. As my family and the entire line still reeled, my 6 year old son began to be asked if Jesus was important in the asking. My son said he asked in his head for Jesus.

Several years later, we moved and we back up to a large pond. Our summers are now filled with dragonflies. My son kept that blue dragonfly until it was dust. My sons share a bathroom and they explained the blue rose wallpaper that came with the house was a sore subject with their boyhood guests. We changed it into sand and white stripes, stenciling huge dragonflies on to the stripes.

Psalm 8:2,5-9

2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.


5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [or than God]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!



December 2003 issue of National Geographic magazine: Dragonflies can fly forward and backward. Their unique eyes (with over 30,000 lenses) give them the ability to see 360 degrees around their body and they need this, because dragonflies can literally execute a hairpin turn at 100 kilometers per hour. At that speed a dragonfly can experience a G-force of about 25 times the gravity of earth. In comparison, the most gravity force that a human fighter pilot can sustain without blacking out is about nine Gs. Pilots black out under such pressures because all of their blood rushes from their head to their legs. But how does the dragonfly keep this from happening?

Surrounding the internal organs of the dragonfly, are special bags of fluid. When the dragonfly executes one of these hairpin turns, these bags of fluid place pressure upon its internal organs. This keeps the 'blood' in the dragonfly's brain from being forced into its lower organs. Because the dragonfly's 'blood' is not forced out of its brain, the oxygen in that 'blood' keeps the dragonfly "awake."

The genius design that is evident within the dragonfly tells the true tale. The dragonfly did not evolve; it was created, by a Power that knows a lot more about air travel than we do.

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Mark 1:14-20 ~ And followed Him

Maps of Israel through history.

A man risen in prominence in God’s Church was telling of his conversion to loving the Lord with his whole heart. In his later years, he was a well-connected businessman & found himself wandering in a foreign country near Israel on a business trip. The trip required many travel hours; to be fresh for his meeting, he landed very, very early on Sunday to cope with jet lag. Wandering through the quiet streets, he wondered why all of the success and aspects of success had not filled his life with contentment or fulfillment. He had never abandoned his faith, but neither had his church attendance or biblical readings filled his life with contentment or fulfillment. He felt as he had felt many times in his life, alone. As he walked, his feeling of being alone increased.

He came to a Church, it was the first stirrings of real companionship he had seen on his walk. He entered the church and he understood the readings, they were in a language he knew. He realized that all over the world, Christians would be attending church and reading the gospels, just as he was in the foreign country. He realized he was not alone, God had been with him all along, he had not given His Father his top priority.

Listen web link: http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Mark+1%3A14-20

Mark 1:14-20

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

The map of Israel expanding, decreasing, expanding in good times & bad, could also represent our lives. Jesus did not ask Simon (Peter, the rock), Andrew, James and John to be disciples or to join a new religion. Jesus did not spend time making them feel comfortable, asking about their lives. Jesus knew names and knew situations, Jesus already knew their heart and soul. He did not think the information significant enough to put in the scripture, just for us to know they were choosen. Jesus did not ask them to join a new religion. Jesus asked them to be in a relationship with him, the Son of God. Jesus promised them that the new relationship with Him, would change their lives.

The purpose of the daily liturgy is to read the Holy Scriptures. The Bible was written for you. Jesus invites you everyday to be in a relationship with Him.

Mark 12: 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no commandment greater than these."

32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Psalm 113 ~ Who is like the Lord our God

Christ the Good Shepherd painted by Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

Psalm 113

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!

4 The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

Matthew 11: 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 cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

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

The announcement from Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to tell you this good news of the birth of John the Baptist:

Luke 1: 11
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth [Or from his mother's womb].

16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

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Psalm 29 ~ The voice of God upon the waters

(Rhode Island) Daffodils photographed after a huge Nor’easter stuck around like a tedious dinner guest. A lot of the storms in life pass by with a lot of noise and the earth has been watered, ready for the season. Just as Elijah discovered that the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountain, after there was a the sound of a low whisper, the Lord making plans of hope for His people. 1 Kings 19:9-18

Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, "Glory!" The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Elijah, in the 19th chapter of 1 Kings, is afraid because he has challenged a corrupt religious authority of Baal ministers, the corrupt king & queen of Israel and God has triumphed mightily. Elijah hears the word of God and looks for the Lord to confirm His word again. The Lord is a merciful Father and He demonstrates His power to Elijah. Elijah has done what we all have done, put God in a box and asked for a demonstration that would please us. Elijah has a demonstration of the power of God again, while Elijah attempts to put his own information on God's signs, but God the Father again speaks His word to Elijah to reassure him that Elijah understood correctly and He brings a message of hope to all of His people.

Luke 5:12-16 ~ Were not all ten cleansed?

Photo taken from the movie “Ben Hur”. “Ben Hur” won Film of the Year at the Oscar’s, the British Oscar, Foreign Film Press Picture of the Year, New York Press Award, Foreign Press Association Picture of the Year, and 11 total Oscars. It was the only work of fiction to be blessed by a pope.

Lew Wallace: a lawyer, governor, Union general in the Civil War, American statesman, military commission in the trial of Lincoln assassination conspirators and author, best remembered for his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Recently, historian Victor Davis Hanson has argued that the novel was based heavily on the author Lew Wallace's own life, particularly his experiences at Shiloh and the damage it did to his reputation. There are some striking similarities: the book's main character, Judah Ben-Hur accidentally causes injury to a high-ranking commander, for which he and his family suffer no end of tribulations.

Trailer for the movie Ben Hur:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SOT0ofuscU

Luke 5:12-16

12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. [1] And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus [2] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Footnotes
[1] 5:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
[2] 5:13 Greek he

Once there was a conversation in my life with someone I love very much, who moved away from their faith. They had been raised in a Christian home and had participated in youth activities and bible studies. This loved one told me that the bible had been manipulated by the rulers and political forces in the world to shape and control the population. It was explained to me during this conversation that Jesus went to the lepers because the bible wanted to please the Union representatives of the Leper Union. It was a turning point in the conversation when the truth that there was no reward in being kind to the lepers. No one loved the lepers, they were the outcasts of society, removed from their homes and shunned by all. It is a testament that Jesus, the Son of God, loved all of mankind and spoke to the leper and used His healing power to heal the leper.

Luke 17: 11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy [a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Footnotes:
[a] Luke 17:12 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.

This is a video of the faith Ben Hur discovers as events of his life lead him to a relationship of belief and trust in Jesus Christ. This is the end of the movie and if you have never seen Ben Hur, you might want to skip this one it is a spoiler.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de3gV_XL9dU&feature=related

To be included in daily emails, please email holdenll@hotmail.com “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Men “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit carried men along, moving and guiding them as they wrote in their own words what God wanted them to say. The Bible is unique; comprised of 80 separate books, & written over a period of thousands of years by more than 40 writers with one Author, spanning the centuries, different states of peace & war & different situations in life. The Bible answers the question: of who is God, who is man & what can their relationship can be. Although the Bible was written on perishable material and copied by hand for many centuries, its accuracy is not in doubt, proven by Dead Sea Scrolls and papyrus from 2,000 years. The Bible has survived persecution & criticism to be read with great interest in each generation. The Bible gives witness to the greatness of the Creator. A loving Father concerned for all of his creation. With each verse of the bible witnessing to God is love and the multitude & vastness of His attributes. The Bible was written for you. <>< (We usually use the New International Version or English Standard Version) The purpose of the daily liturgy is to read the Holy Scriptures. The Bible was written for you. <><

1 John Chapter 4: 19 ~ Love

Hand of God giving life, painted by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni on the Sistene Chapel ceiling, begun 1477 and finished 1480.

1 John Chapter 4: 19

19 We love because He first loved us.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.


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Mark 6:45-51 ~ He meant to pass by them

Mark 6:45-51


45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded

The news reports, especially reports of disasters, have a high number of people using their brief fame to say they had prayed and God heard them. Thank God for the media that reports this prayer. It's always good to first inquire of the Lord as to whatever your problem is because there is no problem that He cannot solve.

Recently in the news, a house in Pennsylvania exploded when a car carrying 2 people hit the gas main in the house. The neighbor saw the collision and began to pray. The explosion was so immediate and violent, the neighbor didn't believe there would be survivors without God's help. The two people in the house and the two people in the car were saved.

2 Samuel 7:27
For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house.' Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you.

2 Kings 20:5
"Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD,

1 Chronicles 5:20
They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

1 Chronicles 17:16
[ David's Prayer ] Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

2 Chronicles 30:27
The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.

2 Chronicles 6:40
Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place.

2 Chronicles 33:19
And his prayer, and how God was moved by his entreaty, and all his sin and his faithlessness, and the sites on which he built high places and set up the Asherim and the images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the Chronicles of the Seers.

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Nehemiah 1:4
[ Nehemiah’s Prayer ] As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Psalm 32:6
Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.

Psalm 42:8
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 55:1
[ Cast Your Burden on the LORD ] A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!

Psalm 66:19
but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

Psalm 69:13
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

Isaiah 38:5
"Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.

Jonah 2:6b yet you brought up my life from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the LORD,
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.

Acts 10:31
and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.

Philippians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] I thank my God every time I remember you.

Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand.


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John 7:37-52 ~ Galilee

Painting of the Holy Family by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Yesterday's reading about the famous passage from Luke 11: 9 So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Before the ask, seek, knock verse, Jesus tells us of the effort put into ask, seek & knock. The Pharisee who mocks the Lord, doesn't put effort into asking, seeking or knocking to see how Jesus fits into plan hidden for ages. The Pharisees put effort into the trap to kill Jesus. But God overcomes that trouble and the world.

John 7:37-52

Listen – web link http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+7%3A37-52

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

The faithful have faith: [23] Nazareth . . . he shall be called a Nazorean: Jesus' residence in Nazareth was firmly established, and St. Matthew (Levy), the Jewish Gospel Writer, sees it in accordance with the plan of God. The town of Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament, and no such prophecy can be found there. The expression "through the prophets" due to Matthew seeing a connection between Nazareth, neser and nazir. Texts in which there are words similar to the name of that town. Some such Old Testament texts are Isaiah 11:1 where the Davidic king of the future is called "a bud" (neser) that shall blossom from the roots of Jesse, and Judges 13:5, 7 where Samson, the future deliverer of Israel from the Philistines, is called one who shall be consecrated (a nazir) to God.

Isaiah 9
1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Matthew 2:19-23 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Luke 1: 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem:

Luke 2: 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Matthew 2: 6, Also Micah 5:2 : “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Genesis 35:19
So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Ruth 1:1
[Naomi and Ruth] In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.

1 Samuel 16:18
One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him."

Flee to Egypt: Egypt was a traditional place of refuge for those fleeing from danger in Palestine (see 1 Kings 11:40; Jeremiah 26:21), but the main reason why Jesus is to be taken to Egypt is that he may relive the Exodus experience of Israel. Matthew 2: 15.

The adult Jesus:
Mark 2:1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.

Psalm 115 ~ their help and shield

Psalms
Chapter 115

1
1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name give glory because of your faithfulness and love.
2
2 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
3
Our God is in heaven; whatever God wills is done.
4
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5
They have mouths but do not speak, eyes but do not see.
6
They have ears but do not hear, noses but do not smell.
7
They have hands but do not feel, feet but do not walk, and no sound rises from their throats.
8
Their makers shall be like them, all who trust in them.
9
3 The house of Israel trusts in the LORD, who is their help and shield.
10
The house of Aaron trusts in the LORD, who is their help and shield.
11
Those who fear the LORD trust in the LORD, who is their help and shield.
12
The LORD remembers us and will bless us, will bless the house of Israel, will bless the house of Aaron,
13
Will bless those who fear the LORD, small and great alike.
14
May the LORD increase your number, you and your descendants.
15
May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
16
4 The heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth is given to us.
17
The dead do not praise the LORD, all those gone down into silence.
18
It is we who bless the LORD, both now and forever. Hallelujah!

Christmas card of the 3 Magi seeking and finding Jesus. Christianity is referred to as a religion, but instead it's a relationship and claims Jesus sent to us to give us eternal life:

Luke 11:5
Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'

7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.



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Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 ~ My Words will never pass away

Adoration from the Magi ~ Murillo

Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 (The Message)

Titus 2:11-14

11-14 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

Titus 3:4-7

3-7 It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath (baptism), and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

Mark 13: 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

Matthew 5: 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Hebrew religious and 'Hebraic Sacred Science' traditions hold that the text of the Torah was originally given to mankind in a single long string of 304,805 Hebrew characters. The spaces, punctuation, sentence, chapter and five-book structures were all added later to form the modern Pentateuch. This "Word" of the Creator was, according to this tradition, delivered to mankind in the form of a single 304,805 letter word. It is in this context that the Torah is uniquely, specifically and literally considered to be "The Word".

For this reason, Hebrew tradition dictates that Torah scribes must complete many years of training, much of which has to do with learning the proper meditative techniques, before being allowed to copy Torah scrolls. The tradition holds that not a single "jot or nor one iota" of the Torah must be added, changed or omitted from "The Word".

Believers in this tradition sometimes point to a purely literal interpretation of the first seventeen words of the Gospel of John from the New Testament as evidence for their belief.
Messianic Jews further believe that "the Word was made flesh" in a literal sense;

John 1: 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Since 1994, more recent views extend the analysis of biblical texts to include Old Testament texts outside the Torah and also to the New Testament. The traditional view of the codes further asserts that the "information" encoded in the Torah cannot be used to predict the future, and that at best the codes provide evidence of an all-knowing creator whose knowledge of the Universe and all of its possibilities spans both space and time.

Mark 13: 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 3:1-6 ~ the kingdom of heaven is near

St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (28 September 1571 – 18 July 1610). One of the more famous quotes from Caravaggio with an art patron of St. Paul and his horse painting. “Why have you put a horse in the middle, and Saint Paul on the ground?” “Because!” Replied the artist. “Is the horse God?” Caravaggio replied, “No, but he stands in God’s light!”

During the last 4 centuries, when patrons commissioned or purchased art, they wanted religious themes. The art varied wildly in quality, but it gave the artist the unique opportunity to read the scriptures, place their talent and determination into capturing the image and, hopefully, pray for Divine Guidance. The artist was always interested in capturing the most real or honest image. In prayer, God hopes we are diligent, constant, faithful and seek His Guidance.

Matthew 3:1-6

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "

4 John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

John 1: 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Psalms 98:1, 7-8, 9 ~ for He has done marvelous things

Glue Society photoshop recreation of the Exodus. Viewpoint of some angels, God's viewpoint through the people filled by the Holy Spirit is much more up close and personal. Given that God is Lord of All (Acts 10:36), we know He is everywhere.

Psalms 98:1, 7-8, 9

1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy;

9 let them sing before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.

What an amazing sound the children of Israel must have heard as they traveled through the Red Sea held back by God's hand.

Resound - verb (used without object) 1. to echo or ring with sound, as a place.
2. to make an echoing sound, or sound loudly, as a metallic object: A gong resounded.
3. to ring or be echoed, as sounds.
4. to be celebrated or notably important: His name resounds in the pages of history.
–verb (used with object)
5. to reecho (a sound).
6. to give forth or utter loudly.
7. to proclaim loudly (praise, etc).


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1 Kings 19:9-18 ~ Damascus

Maps, after the Exodus, after 40 years in the dessert and the 12 tribes conquered the land promised to Abraham, do not have Damascus in the boundaries of Israel. King David conquered many lands and Damascus is well within the boundaries of Israel.

Road to Damascus, Barada Valley. Damascus is located in present day Syria in the Syrian Dessert. This photo is of the Barada Valley. Damascus, also know as Dimashq, also ash-Shām, is the capital and largest city of Syria. It is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

1 Kings 19:9-18

9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. [1] 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Footnotes
[1] 19:12 Or a sound, a thin silence.

Elijah is a subject of a lot of speculation in the Old and New Testament. Just as God has told us many times in the Bible that He is God of the living. Elijah reappears alive in the New Testament alive with Jesus:

Matthew 17: 1

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Jesus explains that role of Elijah has been fulfilled by John the Baptist. Not reincarnation of Elijah, who is alive with God, but another man, John the Baptist, a man of the same strong, Holy Spirit. If it had been reincarnation, Jesus would have explained it as such instead of explaining that the role spiritually was filled by John the Baptist:

Matthew 3:1

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”

Matthew 17: 11

Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

People speculated about Jesus as Elijah. God does not use reincarnation, Jesus explains again:

Mark 8: 27

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."

29 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Present day Damascus, capital of Syria. It is important to remember:

Act 10: 34
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

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Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 ~ Search

Painted by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. Spanish painter; b. at Seville, 31 December, 1617; d. there 5 April, 1682. His family surname was Esteban; that of Murillo, which he assumed in accordance with an Andalusian custom, was his mother's.

Murillo was a great painter of sentiment. Like Rembrandt, he understood that the true language of the Gospel was the language of the people. Like him, he especially delighted in the merciful and tender aspects of the Gospel. It is a remarkable fact that these pictures, which represent the most transcendently spiritual action, are the most thoroughly feminine paintings in Spain. Most religious paintings do not have many women, except for Mary. Here are women, true and vital, with the most thoroughly external charms of their sex. In them the impulse of love rises to ecstasy, and without Murillo Spanish painting would be deprived of its most beautiful love poems.

One of the important aspects of love is the commitment of two people becoming one required in marriage vows: dedication, faith and sometimes victory. This building is in the process in the painting. God, as we have discussed earlier, is an accuser, an excuser, a chooser, a blesser and a blessing. We have in this image: God accusing them of not finding the joy in the day, God excusing them the lack of joy because they have such hardship, God choosing them to love each other and the Son of God even during the hardship, God being the blesser to allow them each other during the hardship,

God gives us and gives the Holy Family the blessing of knowing the greatest love story of all time. Jesus. For God so loved the world, that He Gave.

We are also blessed the gospel is readily available to us. But this is not a Sunday School Lesson we repeat by rote. Jesus knew and loved his earthly parents. Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Matthew 2:13-15

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 2:19-23

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”