Mark 7:31-37 ~ taking him aside from the crowd privately

The Ark made by the Temple Institute

The Temple Institute, in Jerusalem, Israel, has an ultimate goal seeing Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments. They have rebuilt the temple tools and the Ark of the Covenant with gold to be used in the third temple. Using the expression "lost" ark is not an accurate description for the Jewish people’s point of view - because it's not lost, but "Hidden," and hidden quite well.

The deaf man’s miracle, given to him by Jesus, causes biblical scholars to have a lot of speculation. It seems to have hidden meanings. One scholar says, biblically, the Holy Spirit is God’s hand to accomplish His purpose, so Jesus used His hand. Another says Jesus changed His usual method of healing showing God’s purpose is not to be dictated by men; the healing occurred because of His mercy. Jesus might have withdrawn from this particular crowd because He perceived they were overwhelmingly looking for a sign, even just for entertainment. We know, certainly, Jesus was not trying to escape hypocritical judgement by the Pharisees.

The deaf man would not hear Jesus speak to him before the healing. Most of the recorded miracles Jesus did, for specific individuals, He asked them to have faith. Jesus says to us over and over, we are in a deep relationship of love with Him. The man, formerly deaf and mute, wasn’t publicly healed, but privately, with signs he could understand.

Father God, thank You for Your mercy. Help us to understand and walk the path You planned for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 7:31-37

31-37 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

<><

Psalm 146 ~ Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God

This heavenly painting is by Wolf Kahn

When claiming the help of the God of Jacob, we’re reaching out to the most forgiving of Fathers. I remember when my boys were babies and people would tell horrible teenager stories, and I’d think, “Not my boys.” Well, my boys are people too, and I’m so proud of them, even with the scrapes we all have happen.

Jacob connived and plotted against his brother from birth. Stole the blessing, ran out on his dying father and ran away from home, brought so many people and animals back home later, Esau had to move away. Just what every parent hopes for.

God loves Jacob. He named him Israel after fighting with him! Gave him 12 sons and named tribes after him. Brought back a son, whom Israel had given up for dead. Took Israel to royal accommodations in Egypt, elevated all of his 12 sons, giving them the best of Egypt, all while healing the family with forgiveness. And gave Israel grandsons to adopt, as an act of kindness to be included in his blessing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God!


Psalm 146 - Listen

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!

<><

Hebrews 12:4-15 ~ the one He loves

Hebrews 12:4-15

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled


Romans 5: 2-5

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I have a great-aunt by marriage, Clarice. She lives in heaven now, but she was such a wonderful woman. Laughter, love and straight talk were a large part of Clarice’s life. My youngest great-uncle used to tease Clarice and say, “I have 12 brothers and sisters. 6 are Baptist and 6 are Christian.” Then, he’d look to Clarice, to her reaction. He enjoyed that old joke around her all the time.

Clarice wanted to have children, but her husband was chronically ill and they never conceived. He didn’t live to be old, but Clarice really did live to be old and she had a wonderful life filled with good choices. Clarice did not grow bitter, but blessed and busy. Clarice never lacked for children, she and Walton had a long hallway covered with photos of nieces and nephews. I believe Clarice was as close to a saint as I’ve ever met. She spoke her mind & her paths were straight. She was an irritant to the less well behaved cousins.

Clarice believed in disciple-ship as she took in a troubled nephew, so a young man who couldn’t obtain a high school diploma in the bigger city, could graduate from her small town with the help of the local principal and Clarice’s encouragement. He lived with her for a year. Many nieces and nephews went to college because they had an Aunt Clarice.

When one of the wealthy brother-in-laws became immersed in an East Texas shady charlatan using religion for money, the youngest brother-in-law went to get Clarice and get him out of there. Clarice, when asked, cried, “Why me?” She was assured she was the one to be relied upon to free the uncle. So, she and the youngest brother, went on a long car trip that very day and brought back the relieved uncle. :)

Because of Clarice, young women in the family had beautiful wedding receptions. Newlyweds were given new living room furniture. Sisters lived on the four corners of the same street and ran a dress shop together, owned and worked in by Clarice. As I go along in life, I am encouraged by her memory, her love for the Lord and the joy she gave and received.

I have one more favorite and precious memory of Aunt Clarice. She was ill and having hospice care for her. What was supposed to be weeks, turned into months as Aunt Clarice was in a coma. I sent her a letter for her next-door sisters to read to her - a thank you for the many kind things she'd done for my mother, uncle and family. I loved her. One night, no one had reported Aunt Clarice was any closer to dying, about 2 or 3 in the morning - I sat up in tears from sleep. I could feel Aunt Clarice's soul going to heaven - the joy she felt couldn't be compared to a wedding day or winning the lottery - the joy of discovering all of God's promises were true. Jesus Christ and His Kingdom were in front of her forever. The next morning, the call came Aunt Clarice had, in truth, passed on.

Blessed be You, Lord Jesus.

<><

Romans 13 ~ salvation is nearer now than when we first believed

Before I go for a walk, I like to read the scriptures – walking is a quiet time, usually my own thoughts for the day, but the scriptures help pull me out of my own thoughts, or routine, and focus on the Lord.

Romans 13 helps to begin the day: pushing aside anxious thoughts – this type of concern isn’t even a concern worth delving into, instead the kindness and love given to us - we should return in overflowing abundance. As we pray, we are clothed with the goodness of God, His love guides us and leads us in His path.


Romans 13

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.


8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.


<><

Luke 2:22-32 ~ blessed God

Simeon's Song of Praise, 1631, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn

Luke 2:22-32 (King James Version)

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."


Today is Candlemas in the church. This is the day when, traditionally, all the Church's candles for the year ahead are blessed. It’s a wonderful way for Simeon and us to remember recognizing the light of the world. As Simeon recognized Jesus, he took the baby into his arms and blessed God.

Two weeks ago, I received my first email from a Christian book store offering really spectacular savings on books. Because they were in the $1 range, I bought one written by Carole Lewis called ‘A Thankful Heart’. She lost her daughter and discovered that gratitude brings hope and healing into our lives. I thought it would help me, having lost a daughter at birth.

Today, my husband suggested I travel with him to Galveston as he saw a client. As I waited for him, I opened the book for the first time.

Amazing. As I opened the book In the first few pages of the book, I realized that the author lives in Galveston and I was reading the book in Galveston. One of the opening points of her book is from:

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Carole Lewis writes, “I promise you that an attitude of gratitude is not already part of who you are, God can change your heart. When we begin to thank God in the middle of our situations –no mater what we’re going through – our situations no longer appear hopeless, and we’ll begin to see change.

Our tribulations have a purpose, Scriptures says. God has an end product in mind for us, and God’s end product is like the finest oil or a nourishing drink. That’s what God wants for our lives. God has an amazing plan for us, and He uses the moments of our lives to fulfill His plan. God wants us to become like His Son, Jesus Christ.

God calls us to give thanks not only for our comforts but also for our afflictions. That means we’re to give thanks, even if our child died, even if we’ve been the victim of sexual molestation, or (as Corrie Ten Boom discovered in the concentration camp) if there are fleas in the barracks.

God is never a God of coldness or heartlessness. He doesn’t look at us when we’re going through troubling times and tell us simply to buck up or put on a smiley face on our most heartbreaking situations. Giving thanks always recognizes the greatness and compassion of a God who loves us so intently, so passionately, so wonderfully that words can barely express it. Giving thanks is part of God’s design: when we look closely at this design, we see something of the majesty of His Being and of His care and concern for us –even in the most trying times.”





<><

John 7:14-31 ~ we know where this Man comes from

The Essenes, discerning the corruption of the second temple, went into the desert, at Qumran, to preserve the scriptures, to write the Dead Sea Scrolls. They wrote what Jesus’ ministry would look like as God’s Son, 4Q521:

Seekers of the Lord, strengthen yourselves in His service!
All you hopeful in (your) heart, will you not find the Lord in this?
For the Lord will consider the pious (hasidim) and call the righteous by name.
Over the poor His spirit will hover and will renew the faithful with His power.
And He will glorify the pious on the throne of the eternal Kingdom.
He who liberates the captives, restores sight to the blind, straightens the b[ent]
And f[or] ever I will cleav[ve to the h]opeful and in His mercy . . .
And the fr[uit . . .] will not be delayed for anyone.
And the Lord will accomplish glorious things which have never been as [He . . .]
For He will heal the wounded, and revive the dead and bring good news
to the poor

Jesus had been in ministry for about 6 months. Jesus stayed away from Judea and was in the Galilee area avoiding the enmity of the religious leaders. Jesus’ brothers asked him to attend the feast of Tabernacles because they wanted his ministry to be publicly seen & approved of, also to clear up their own doubts. In the middle of the feast of Tabernacles, in September/October lasting 8 days, Jesus began to teach.

People who doubt Jesus and doubt the word of God, do it for the same reason the religious authorities doubted Jesus; they wanted to be disobedient to God. People who come to the Lord, after years of doubt, do not usually have more evidence than before, their hearts are changed.

John 7:14-31

14-24 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”


25-31 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”


<><

Mark 4:35-41 ~ they took Him with them

The Jesus Film Project is from Campus Crusade for Christ. 5 billion unchurched people have watched this 2 hour film telling the biblical story of Jesus. Billions more to go.

The photos below are from the film, showing the disciples:

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.

And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Christians are comfortable with statistics quoting the divorce rate of 50%, whether the person is christian or not. There is another statistic: 9% is the divorce rate when two people believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and their salvation was purchased at a price. Both these people, in the marriage, put God first in their lives. 50% is correct when people are comfortable saying their denomination and casually attending church, casually believing.

I am uncomfortable, other Christians are uncomfortable, and we don’t discuss frequently - their teenagers and young adult children's salvation. Having heard other Christians pray about this, I know it’s a parental christian concern of today. In my family, we have put God first in our lives (with a disclaimer saying we are far from perfect and wouldn’t have anyone sign us up as the model family). We can say with ease, our children see we love the Lord and seek His path. We are in the world, but not part of it. Being parents of teenagers, we hear them trying on extremely casual belief: believing Jesus saves, the bible is a suggestion written by men – not worthy of study & accepting other view points of salvation.

Once again, I am grateful to live in New Covenant times. The prophet Samuel accepted Israel’s viewpoint that his children did not walk in his ways, so did Eli. This passage is comforting to me because these disciples of Jesus were already in the Savior’s boat. Jesus didn’t turn to them and tell them to row their own boat in the storm. Jesus helped them. When the future is uncertain, I know that Jesus in charge. Salvation is from the Lord.

<><

1 John 2 ~ true light is shining

Here I am to Worship (Light of the World) by Tim Hughes

1 John 2 - Listen

1 -6 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

7 - 11 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

15 – 17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

18 - 25 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us —eternal life.

26 - 27 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

28 - 29 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

<><

Psalm 51 ~ You desire truth

Gregory Peck made a movie in 1951 called ‘David and Bathsheba’, a sweeping Hollywood romantic epic, but not biblical. While channel surfing one day, I saw a wonderful scene with King David, grabbing the Ark of the Covenant, crying out to God either David wanted to be forgiven for his sin or he wanted to die.

A wonderful and fantastic member of our family decided, in High School, to ride his motorcycle down the hallway. I asked him why he thought he could do it, he said, with a small smile, he thought if he went fast enough, no one would see his face.

David probably thought his sin was small before God, but the situation kept getting darker. David must have justified, if he moved swiftly enough, didn't sit and ponder the matter, he had enough brownie points with God. David: lived in a cave, gave up many years being chased incorrectly as an outlaw, did what God wanted, had the opportunity to kill King Saul, but didn’t kill Saul, was a national hero, had been told he was the apple of God’s eye and had been rewarded by God. If he didn’t get caught with a Bathsheba/Uriah scandal, God would probably look the other way. Especially, if David didn’t think on the matter too much himself.

The movie's fictitious earnestness, that David was willing to die for forgiveness, was interesting. God isn’t asking us to die. God really asks for genuine sorrow for wrongdoing. God is willing to forgive us. We just have to admit to ourselves, and God, what we thought might have been wrong was sin. Father God tells us no one is good but the Lord. And yet, we are adopted into his family by Jesus Christ. Jesus told sinners to go and sin no more. Jesus said in Luke 15:10

"there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Jesus wants us to remember he is the good shepherd, looking for the lost sheep.

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

<><

Psalm 42 ~ I will remember You

Several years ago, while going through the estate of a family member, we came across a beautiful, sealed little crystal bottle which once held water and, now, just remnants of sand with spots. This was a cherished souvenir of a trip to the holy land with Jordan River water.

Written in the Bronze Age (during the reign of David or Solomon), Psalm 42 describes a difficult time in life. Verse 6 remembers a trip seeing roaring water falls of the Jordan River. The Lord promises He is wisdom, He gives us common sense. Here, a suffering follower of God is seeking God and is renewed remembering God doesn’t abandon us. Emmanuel, God is with us.

Psalm 42

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

<><

Isaiah 18 ~ At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty

Ethiopian Processional Cross. Between 12" and 8". Once only carried by clergy, it’s meant to be carried in the hand or pocket and now called a walking cross. Ethiopian Walking Cross.


Isaiah 18

1 Woe to the land of whirring wings [a]
along the rivers of Cush, [b]
2 which sends envoys by sea
in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.

3 All you people of the world,
you who live on the earth,
when a banner is raised on the mountains,
you will see it,
and when a trumpet sounds,
you will hear it.

4 This is what the LORD says to me:
"I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."

5 For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone
and the flower becomes a ripening grape,
he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives,
and cut down and take away the spreading branches.

6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey
and to the wild animals;
the birds will feed on them all summer,
the wild animals all winter.

7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD Almighty.

Footnotes:
Isaiah 18:1 Or of locusts
Isaiah 18:1 That is, the upper Nile region

In Genesis 2, we are told the Gihon river begins the garden of Eden; it winds through the entire land of Cush. Biblically, Cush was the eldest son of Ham, brother of Canaan and the father of Nimrod, mentioned in the "Table of Nations" in the Hebrew Bible (Book of Genesis 10:6, I Chronicles 1:8).

Cush is considered to be Ethiopia. Ethiopia, archaeologically, is one of the oldest countries humanly populated on earth. Egypt was ruled by Ethiopia at one point and the territory was expanded, at one time, on Israel’s side of the Red Sea. Only oral history tells us that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia) had a son together. The Scriptures report the Queen of Sheba returned understanding God was greater than Solomon's wisdom. Her gifts, God given, would be for living her life in a renewed knowledge of God as the Almighty. Jesus records saying the Queen of Sheba will rise up in the end days as one walking in His paths, seeking His redemption and His Holiness. Ethiopian history, concurs, shows Semetic language during the bronze age.

Cush is told fighting against Israel - will be the country's destruction by Isaiah, Jeremiah.

Although Zephaniah may speak of the unique Ethiopian Orthodox Church. 3:10
From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.

Historically, reading between Isaiah chapter 17 -18, Isaiah is telling messengers from Cush, visiting in Judah, their homeland is involved in war since they left Cush.

Josephus, tells us historically, at the time of Jesus, the nation of Cush is considered to be the son of Ham and grandson of Noah: "For of the four sons of Ham, time has not at all hurt the name of Cush; for the Ethiopians, over whom he reigned, are even at this day, both by themselves and by all men in Asia, called Cushites." (Antiquities of the Jews 1.6).

Today, we can look at Isaiah 18 and see a time of trouble. The first verse is locusts to some biblical interpreters, the wings are war to others. This time is known and commented by the whole world. But God assures us, He is involved. He is the brightest light in good circumstance and He is the rest looked for when life is difficult. Even in adverse times, good things and good memories are made. God doesn’t ask us to curl up into a little ball. We are told in Isaiah, God asks us to use our gifts to His glory. Our country learned in the last century: when people give to each other, fear is conquered and hope returns.

<><

Isaiah 49 ~ know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer

Several people have asked me today about Isabelle. And that is good with me. I’ve learned a lot about stillborn children from different websites on grief recovery, the christian sites are the most interesting to me. They have the answers I need about God, about grief and understanding my life is separated from Isabelle now, but not forever.

The best website I’ve found is by Dr. Elizabeth Best from the University of Florida. Dr. Best has specialized in stillborn baby grief recovery for 30 years and she is a very christian woman.
http://www.forgottengrief.com/index.html

Mothers of stillborn babies take about 2 years to have the grief considerably reduced. Fathers recover more quickly. I am past the intense sorrow, but I really believe what I read about not repressing and I give my tear glands a good use everyday. The rest of my day, I am pretty cheerful. I use the sad moments to picture resting my head on God’s mighty heart. I remember what it says in the Psalms 34:

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

After about 20 minutes, I am comforted. My hope returns.

Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.

But when I look in the Scriptures for comfort from missing Isabelle, I am comforted, because the Lord’s promises to my daughter are promised to me as well. Right after Isabelle died, my husband was so sad and asked what such a little baby would do in heaven. I asked him if he thought that his dad, whom he so loved, got really good use out of his brain or his own knees. None of us in heaven use any of the old parts, the only part that is left is the soul. As I said to my oldest son in college today, it makes good sense to feed the part of us that is eternal. A soul is a terrible thing to waste.


Isaiah 49 (Revised Standard Version)

[1] Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.

[2] He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away.

[3] And he said to me, "You are my servant,Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

[4] But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God."

[5] And now the LORD says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength –

[6] he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

7] Thus says the LORD,the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful,the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."



[8] Thus says the LORD:"In a time of favor I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages;

[9] saying to the prisoners, `Come forth,' to those who are in darkness, `Appear.' They shall feed along the ways, on all bare heights shall be their pasture;

[10] they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall smite them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.

[11] And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be raised up.

[12] Lo, these shall come from afar,and lo, these from the north and from the west,and these from the land of Syene."

[13] Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.

[14] But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me."

[15] "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

[16] Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

[17] Your builders outstrip your destroyers, and those who laid you waste go forth from you.

[18] Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather, they come to you. As I live, says the LORD,you shall put them all on as an ornament, you shall bind them on as a bride does.

[19] "Surely your waste and your desolate places and your devastated land --surely now you will be too narrow for your inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up will be far away.

[20] The children born in the time of your bereavement will yet say in your ears:`The place is too narrow for me; make room for me to dwell in.'

[21] Then you will say in your heart:`Who has borne me these? I was bereaved and barren, exiled and put away ,but who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; whence then have these come?'"

[22] Thus says the Lord GOD:"Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.

[23] Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers.With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you, and lick the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame."

[24] Can the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?

[25] Surely, thus says the LORD:" Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.

[26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Isaiah 49 is a balm! It strikes me right where I am today. Jesus is the light for the nations. Revelation says nations, not just a big city, but nations will live in His kingdom.

Little Isabelle, not forgotten or pushed aside in the Lord’s huge kingdom. Isabelle called by God the Father, from the womb, from the body of her mother He named our daugher. And now the LORD says, who formed her from the womb to be His servant, honored in the eyes of the LORD, and her God has become her strength –

Who will care for Isabelle in heaven? The Lord says she is saved from a desolate heritage with the covenant given to little Isabelle in Jesus Christ. Her parents, the scriptures says are bereaved, but God says, “I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples.” The Lord promises to save our children. He who has pity on them shall lead them. Isabelle has foster fathers and nursing mothers who hold her closely and carry her on their shoulders. Isabelle lives in the paradise Jesus has told us about. Those who wait on the Lord, are not put to shame.

One fine day, the Lord will gather us to Him and we will rejoice to live in His presence and to know Isabelle again.

Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord,who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. [Selah]


<><

Hebrews 7:25 -8:6 ~ seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven

Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6

[25] Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
[26] For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

[27] He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
[28] Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.


Hebrews 8

[1] Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

[2] a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
[3] For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.
[4] Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.
[5] They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary; for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain."
[6] But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Paraphrasing Matthew Henry & adding commentary myself:

The believer's safety and happiness: our everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. We should desire a spirituality and holiness beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs. Jesus Christ is for us!

When Moses acted as intercessor, he knew of the coming of Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15,16,19 . But Moses was before the new covenant of Jesus and couldn’t rely upon Jesus’ saving grace. Moses was an intercessor for himself and the children of Israel, but he could sin and incur wrath. Moses was a good man, but his time placed him in the old covenant.

7:26-28 Jesus Christ is free from all habits or sin, no sin in his nature. Ghandi said once, “I like your Christ, it is the Christians I do not.” Christians have a sin nature and require a savior. Jesus did no violence, nor had any deceit in his mouth. He is undefiled. It is hard to keep ourselves pure, so as not to partake the guilt of other men's sins. No one is dismayed who come to God in the name of his beloved Son. He will deliver them in the time of trial and suffering, in the time of prosperity, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.

We approach God in and through Christ, depending upon Jesus’ merits and mediation. We are accepted in the Beloved! In all obedience and worship, we keep close to God's word, which is the only perfect standard.

The children of Israel during the time of Moses, were not as blessed as we are today in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we have all spiritual blessings, eternal life, promises revealed in the gospel and old testament, and are made sure through Christ. Today, we are part of the new covenant, a blessing of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that we have a High Priest that suits our helpless human condition!

In 1982 in college, my phone rang and a dear christian, a believer in Jesus Christ - one who studied the word of God - sought the Lord & told me, "he had a word of the Lord for me." In my life, I've had few people tell me they have a word of the Lord for me. He told me the Lord would give me a handicapped child. Believe me, I was angry and upset, my friend and I had words later in person. But he wanted me to know the Lord planned this in my life.

After Isabelle's death, I have thought about this quite a bit. I believe that I am a sinner and Jesus Christ answers for my sins. This life isn't heaven and we have seasons of pain. The Lord decided to bring Isabelle into our lives and have her open her eyes in heaven; I trust Him that this is a good thing. We did not see the miracles I hoped to see in this lifetime for Isabelle, but I trust in Him all His promises are given even to our tiny, beloved baby. Isabelle lives in heaven, in the love of Jesus Christ, and eternity is now. In 2007, I did not have a daughter, but now I do. May Isabelle's life, and mine, bless Him for His goodness.


<><

Psalm 111 ~ the Lord the beginning of wisdom

Psalm 111


1[a] Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.

3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.

8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When Isaiah encountered the Lord:

Isaiah 6:3-5

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

When Peter had a glimpse of the power of Jesus:

Luke 5:5-8
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"

And Moses:

Genesis 3:4-6
4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

And Moses said, "Here I am."

5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

1 John 4:18, 19
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.

As Paul Harvey says, “here is the rest of the story:”

From Psalm 67, the blessing Psalm, verse 7:
May God give us his blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

Isaiah 6:5,6

"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Luke 5:8-11
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Genesis 3:11,12
But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

Moses overcame his fear, and then his awe, & became comfortable enough with God to complain in Genesis 4:13-17:

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it."

<><

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 ~ they shall be my people

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 (New Revised Standard Version)


Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

"I will live in them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
Therefore come out from them,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch nothing unclean;
then I will welcome you,
and I will be your father,
and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.

<><

Genesis 45 ~ the best will be yours

Today our sermon spoke of the balance between loving God with our whole heart first, loving our neighbor as loving ourself. It's easy for the balance to be misplaced. When Jesus died giving us the opportunity to have His Holy Spirit, we are baptized and believe Jesus died for our sins to forgive us; we believe that Holy Spirit dwells in others around us. Joseph is a God given example of this balance.

Genesis 45 (The Message)

1 -2 Joseph couldn't hold himself in any longer, keeping up a front before all his attendants. He cried out, "Leave! Clear out—everyone leave!" So there was no one with Joseph when he identified himself to his brothers. But his sobbing was so violent that the Egyptians couldn't help but hear him. The news was soon reported to Pharaoh's palace.
3 Joseph spoke to his brothers: "I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?" But his brothers couldn't say a word. They were speechless—they couldn't believe what they were hearing and seeing.

4 -8 "Come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. "I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years—neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt.

9 -11 "Hurry back to my father. Tell him, 'Your son Joseph says: I'm master of all of Egypt. Come as fast as you can and join me here. I'll give you a place to live in Goshen where you'll be close to me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and anything else you can think of. I'll take care of you there completely. There are still five more years of famine ahead; I'll make sure all your needs are taken care of, you and everyone connected with you—you won't want for a thing.'

12 -13 "Look at me. You can see for yourselves, and my brother Benjamin can see for himself, that it's me, my own mouth, telling you all this. Tell my father all about the high position I hold in Egypt, tell him everything you've seen here, but don't take all day—hurry up and get my father down here."

14 -15 Then Joseph threw himself on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. He then kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Only then were his brothers able to talk with him.

16 The story was reported in Pharaoh's palace: "Joseph's brothers have come." It was good news to Pharaoh and all who worked with him.

17 -18 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'This is the plan: Load up your pack animals; go to Canaan, get your father and your families and bring them back here. I'll settle you on the best land in Egypt—you'll live off the fat of the land.'

19 -20 "Also tell them this: 'Here's what I want you to do: Take wagons from Egypt to carry your little ones and your wives and load up your father and come back. Don't worry about having to leave things behind; the best in all of Egypt will be yours.'"

21 -23 And they did just that, the sons of Israel. Joseph gave them the wagons that Pharaoh had promised and food for the trip. He outfitted all the brothers in brand-new clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and several suits of clothes. He sent his father these gifts: ten donkeys loaded with Egypt's best products and another ten donkeys loaded with grain and bread, provisions for his father's journey back.

24 Then he sent his brothers off. As they left he told them, "Take it easy on the journey; try to get along with each other."

25 -28 They left Egypt and went back to their father Jacob in Canaan. When they told him, "Joseph is still alive—and he's the ruler over the whole land of Egypt!" he went numb; he couldn't believe his ears. But the more they talked, telling him everything that Joseph had told them and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the blood started to flow again—their father Jacob's spirit revived. Israel said, "I've heard enough—my son Joseph is still alive. I've got to go and see him before I die."

<><

Judges 11 ~ let us pass, please

Shofar - the rams horn is blown to remember Isaac's life was spared when God saved him and sent a substitute ram. Genesis 22. One prolonged blast represents the final straightening out of man's soul - Jesus Christ our Savior.

Judges 11 (The Message)

1-3 Jephthah the Gileadite was one tough warrior. He was the son of a whore, but Gilead was his father. Meanwhile Gilead's legal wife had given him other sons, and when they grew up, his wife's sons threw Jephthah out. They told him: "You're not getting any of our family inheritance—you're the son of another woman." So Jephthah fled from his brothers and went to live in the land of Tob. Some riffraff joined him and went around with him.

4-6 Some time passed. And then the Ammonites started fighting Israel. With the Ammonites at war with them, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. They said to Jephthah: "Come. Be our general and we'll fight the Ammonites."

7 But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead: "But you hate me. You kicked me out of my family home. So why are you coming to me now? Because you are in trouble. Right?"

8 The elders of Gilead replied, "That's it exactly. We've come to you to get you to go with us and fight the Ammonites. You'll be the head of all of us, all the Gileadites."

9 Jephthah addressed the elders of Gilead, "So if you bring me back home to fight the Ammonites and God gives them to me, I'll be your head—is that right?"

10-11 They said, "God is witness between us; whatever you say, we'll do." Jephthah went along with the elders of Gilead. The people made him their top man and general. And Jephthah repeated what he had said before God at Mizpah.

12 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites with a message: "What's going on here that you have come into my country picking a fight?"

13 The king of the Ammonites told Jephthah's messengers: "Because Israel took my land when they came up out of Egypt—from the Arnon all the way to the Jabbok and to the Jordan. Give it back peaceably and I'll go."

14-27 Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites with the message: "Jephthah's word: Israel took no Moabite land and no Ammonite land. When they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the desert as far as the Red Sea, arriving at Kadesh. There Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom saying, 'Let us pass through your land, please.' But the king of Edom wouldn't let them. Israel also requested permission from the king of Moab, but he wouldn't let them cross either. They were stopped in their tracks at Kadesh. So they traveled across the desert and circled around the lands of Edom and Moab. They came out east of the land of Moab and set camp on the other side of the Arnon—they didn't set foot in Moabite territory, for Arnon was the Moabite border. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites at Heshbon the capital. Israel asked, 'Let us pass, please, through your land on the way to our country.' But Sihon didn't trust Israel to cut across his land; he got his entire army together, set up camp at Jahaz, and fought Israel. But God, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his troops to Israel. Israel defeated them. Israel took all the Amorite land, all Amorite land from Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan.

It was God, the God of Israel, who pushed out the Amorites in favor of Israel; so who do you think you are to try to take it over? Why don't you just be satisfied with what your god Chemosh gives you and we'll settle for what God, our God, gives us? Do you think you're going to come off better than Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab? Did he get anywhere in opposing Israel? Did he risk war? All this time—it's been three hundred years now!—that Israel has lived in Heshbon and its villages, in Aroer and its villages, and in all the towns along the Arnon, why didn't you try to snatch them away then? No, I haven't wronged you. But this is an evil thing that you are doing to me by starting a fight. Today God the Judge will decide between the People of Israel and the people of Ammon."

28 But the king of the Ammonites refused to listen to a word that Jephthah had sent him.

29-31 God's Spirit came upon Jephthah. He went across Gilead and Manasseh, went through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there approached the Ammonites. Jephthah made a vow before God: "If you give me a clear victory over the Ammonites, then I'll give to God whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in one piece from among the Ammonites—I'll offer it up in a sacrificial burnt offering."

32-33 Then Jephthah was off to fight the Ammonites. And God gave them to him. He beat them soundly, all the way from Aroer to the area around Minnith as far as Abel Keramim—twenty cities! A massacre! Ammonites brought to their knees by the People of Israel.

34-35 Jephthah came home to Mizpah. His daughter ran from the house to welcome him home—dancing to tambourines! She was his only child. He had no son or daughter except her. When he realized who it was, he ripped his clothes, saying, "Ah, dearest daughter—I'm dirt. I'm despicable. My heart is torn to shreds. I made a vow to God and I can't take it back!"

36 She said, "Dear father, if you made a vow to God, do to me what you vowed; God did his part and saved you from your Ammonite enemies."

37 And then she said to her father, "But let this one thing be done for me. Give me two months to wander through the hills and lament my virginity since I will never marry, I and my dear friends."

38-39 "Oh yes, go," he said. He sent her off for two months. She and her dear girlfriends went among the hills, lamenting that she would never marry. At the end of the two months, she came back to her father. He fulfilled the vow with her that he had made. She had never slept with a man.

39-40 It became a custom in Israel that for four days every year the young women of Israel went out to mourn for the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite.


Who would sign up to be God? To deal with people and their good intensions turned evil and unclear direction. Jephthah started out so well, forgive and forget - he’d help Israel out. Jephthah tells the Amorites they are mistaken and seeks a peaceful resolution. When peace failed, the Holy Spirit of God helps Jephthat to victory.

Did God tell Jephthat to sacrifice to Him in a different way than Moses instructed? No. God does not need us to bargain with Him. God wanted Jephthat to believe His promises. God is so vastly different than Baal and the other gods, He never wanted children to be sacrificed for prosperity or peace. God stopped Abraham, but Jephthah acted entirely of his own will. Jephthah’s leadership then faced civil war with the tribe of Ephraim and only continued 6 more years.

Israel suffered, explained in both Judges 17:6 and 21:25 as, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." The next 5 judges did not benefit Israel in true leadership. Israel did not cry out as a child was sacrificed, but instead commemorated the event. Moses and Joshua would have cried out to God to intervene to prevent child sacrifice.

Numbers 31:1, 2
Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: "This is what the LORD commands: When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

Deuteronomy 23: 23
Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

God stopped Abraham. Jephthah acted entirely of his own will. With Jephthah at the helm, Israel had civil war with Ephraim. The bible isn’t a Sunday school lesson painted by Norman Rockwell. God deals with us, our human nature, as our pastor says, “in our untidiness”, the chaos humans create.

Psalm 30:5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

<><

Psalm 14 ~ shout with joy & rejoice

Psalm 14

1 Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 The Lord looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
not a single one!

4 Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5 Terror will grip them,
for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the Lord will protect his people.

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When the Lord restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

A friend and I were debating the nature of man. As we discussed, we thought about the statement – ‘I don’t like people, I don’t trust them and I think they’d steal given the opportunity’. And I recalled when a wallet was left in front of Starbucks, next to a busy parking lot - we returned to find it perfectly intact and waiting for us. I remember the same Starbucks, several years later, calling saying a wallet had been left behind and it was intact. A dear one of mine, once spooked a woman making a deposit at the ATM machine. The woman felt afraid and, by accident, didn’t complete the transaction; instead leaving several hundred dollars in the open machine slot. The woman had to be followed to give her cash back! She was extremely happy - she'd heard too many stories about being alone at an ATM with a stranger and, gratefully, had her needed Christmas money for gifts.

All too often rudeness and unkindness is just busyness becoming self-centeredness. And sometimes it is just an ‘I’ve completely had it day’. And then we are victimized, like the commercial on TV, when the car is crashed into and no note is left, the feeling of bewilderment and betrayal. Deliberate cruelty is shocking and amazing.

Recently a young man told me about going to a party, where a young woman grabbed him by the crotch during a dance and yelled, “Right here and right now”. The shock & embarrassment of the man feeling ill, and on the spot, feeling not masculine & horrified. The crowd reacted with him, the front group was too shocked and too intimidated to speak up; someone from the back yelled, “Don’t do it, you’ll get a disease.” Feeling un-shocked enough to shake her off. The young man feeling ashamed, not masculine, months later, but coming to realize the incident was public sexual abuse. The incident generated a lot of compassion in the young man for abuse women face.

The motivation for the people who arranged Jesus' death was: power, fear, convenience, peace in the place of goodness, envy and hypocrisy. Some people in the crowd wanted Jesus to be crucified for entertainment and to test Him.

It's easier to sit and compare good and evil of man, but difficult realizing evil nature and quick silver change is in me. I will always need a compassionate savior. Jesus would agree with us the nature of man includes a large component of just plain corruption. But Jesus, like His Father, is unwilling to give us up to our nature; He was willing then, and today, to give all of us a chance.

Matthew 23:37-39 & Luke 13:34-35
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'

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.

<><

John 1:29-42 ~ Remain

John 1:29-42 ~ (New American Bible)

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."

John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God."

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter, rock).

Noah 8: 6-12
After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.

Noah’s place in God’s plan was listening and acting upon what he believed, helping God redeem the world from becoming corrupt. In the first part of chapter 8:

Genesis 8:
God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

God was sending redemption, only a taste of the redemption through Noah. In Noah’s day, the dove didn’t return, but in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit remains even today. Jesus told us how to spread the Holy Spirit and the love of God:

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Mark 16:15-16
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Luke 24:45-48
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

John 20:21
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

<><

Romans 4:1-12 ~ believe

Romans 4:1-12

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes [& trusts] in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

God tells us that He is Love. And to please Him we need faith. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Abraham didn’t pick and choose what was his truth, Abraham believed God to tell him. Abraham didn’t indulge in false guilt and didn’t wallow in self-righteousness. Abraham continued to believe God. Abraham continued to need forgiveness because he was human.

<><

<><