Luke 11:5-10 ~ Which of you who has a Friend will go to Him at midnight and say to Him

Luke 11:5-10


5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;

And he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence [or persistence] he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Compared this to the verse ~

1 John 5:14
And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 

Why sometimes does it seem our prayers are not answered even when God calls us His friend? David prayed for his infant to live. Elijah and Jonah prayed for death. Disciples James and John asked for higher rank in Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus prayed "this cup to be taken from me." Paul prayed for a thorn in the flesh to be taken away.

Yet All of the Them were willing to live God's plan.

The bottom line would be - how to have more prayers answered. But it isn't the bottom line. Our prayers are answered.

Be persistent.

Be expectant.

Listen. To what God's Word speaks within you.

What we usually pray to God is not that His will be done, but that He approves ours.
~Helga Bergold Gross

Gross but true.

One of the articles I read was about a man coming to his prayer group facilitator and saying he was going to quit. The needs of the group were overwhelming and nothing ever happened.

Don't we all get in a prayer rut? This group wasn't spiritually dead, they looked at the question to see - well, seems to be true, now what. They began to ask God, maybe this continuing difficulty IS put in our lives to grow from it. They prayed over arthritis and said, we don't like it. It doesn't seem to be going away - God give me strength to do what You would have me do.

Here is a quote from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, on tragedy: "The odd thing is that those who are most deeply involved … are most aware of two things: a kind of strength and vision just to go on; and a sense of the imperative for practical service and love. Somehow in all of this, God simply emerges for them as a faithful presence."

Some of the ways we don't ask God, in our asking, would be (taken from an article by Wayne Jacobsen, in blue):

The trivial: "Let's pray I can get over this cold" or "Give us a rain-free day for the church picnic." (I disagree here - the Scriptures say to pray for everything and then thank Him for His answers.)

The self-motivated: "My brother's unit just got called up to go to Iraq. Let's pray he won't have to go." While I can understand the emotion behind the request, it is still misplaced. If he's in the military, why shouldn't he go? God's purposes frequently include hardship and risk. Should we ask him to trump his purposes for our convenience? (Wayne Jacobsen goes on to say, pray the fear of his family and their peace. Pray for safety.)

The controlling: "Don't let my daughter move in with her boyfriend" As with Kris' request, I think we're spitting into the wind if we ask God to make other people act according to our will. He doesn't even force people to adhere to his will. Why should he make them act according to ours? (Pray for God to be known to the daughter, that she might want to live in His Love and let her actions reflect His holiness.)(Daniel Effectively prayed for hearts to be open to God's Will, His Heart.)

The manipulative: Not all prayer requests are directed at God. We're usually more diplomatic about it than Charissa, who was only four years old, but knew what she wanted. "Jesus, would you help Bob and Laurie learn how to spank their children, so their kids won't hit me when I come over?" I'll admit it worked for Charissa, but I don't think prayer was intended to send subtle (or not so subtle) messages to the faithful.

The blaming: A group in my former church was praying for an infertile woman. They thought she wasn't getting pregnant because her husband wasn't godly enough be a good father. So they asked God to change him. She blamed him and tried to manipulate him to change, and by the time she came to see me, she was incredibly frustrated. I told her I thought they'd missed the point. None of us qualify for God's gifts. If God waited until everyone was ready to have a baby, no one would ever give birth. (Being asked to pray for something we feel is too hard or not God's will. Remember the men willing to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus by cutting the roof apart.)

The mass-produced: I don't know why we think we have a better chance of getting prayers answered if more people are in on it. Like many of you, I receive prayer requests on the Internet begging me to pray for people I don't know, about needs I'm not involved in. God's answers to prayer are not based on a tally sheet. Prayer was designed for two or three faithful believers to focus on, agree, and fervently intercede, rather than enlisting large numbers of uninvolved people. (I do believe God loves to hear more people like the centurion who had people prevail for him to Jesus. But God knows us. One prayer is all it takes. Jesus heard Zacchaeus and Nathaniel . It isn't a popularity contest.)

I loved this article, even if I didn't agree with every part.

Our prayers are answered.

When we ask. Yes. No. Wait.

Jesus liked the conversation of being asked. He could see what a blind man wanted.

I know my great-aunt Hazel prayed for her only child to come home safely from World War I. And William was killed. I know God heard her prayers. Hazel talked about William a lot She really enjoyed remembering him. My mother told me Aunt Hazel talked of William more than my mom thought she should. Aunt Hazel had William's painting painted. And it went to another cousin, after Aunt Hazel passed on, who became ill and William's painting was thrown to be given away or thrown away. An uncle was asked if he wanted to travel 6 hours to look over everything being put out. There was William's portrait.

My uncle took it and asked our family in Franklinton, LA (where William lived) if there would be a good place for William's painting. And it was given to our cousin, who is the town librarian and she herself lost an infant son. When she passes on, William's painting will hang in the Franklinton, LA Library because William died defending his country.

That is effective prayer. Father God had a plan. Father God was asked for mercy, for safety. How do we know? Hazel lived her life remembering the blessing William was to her. Certainly, she wanted William with her, but she was able to take the blessing of having a son and be glad, grateful. The Fruit of that Spirit is also - my uncle happened to decide to drive the 6 hours to look at what was being put away. He petitioned the family and found someone who would treasure a lost son. A cousin who is a librarian, where William will be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice.

And then there is my mother's friend a psychologist loosing her vision from hereditary weak blood vessels and glaucoma. Determined God would give her a miracle. And He did. Recovered sight without medication or surgery.

A client in crisis at PACN told me that she prays and is constantly astonished each morning as Father God's mercies are renewed. She says she has prayed this way and particularly at night. She believes we rest and our souls are renewed.

Psalm 30
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

Mark 12:31
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

This expectant Christian woman says when you ask Father God to connect His soul to the loved one - you pray "Jesus, please." And you let yourself experience the love you feel for them. Sometimes pressing prayer requests are added earnestly, why this is worthy of His consideration. Love in prayer is important.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

25 Brothers, pray for us.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Exodus 3:1-6 ~ And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”

Saint Catherine's reveals Mt Sinah is habitable. See the city way in the distance.

Exodus 3

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 

And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Jesus had joy in His Life. Every day. God loves to heal. Moses had the same joy Paul displayed.

Philippians 2:23
I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.

Exodus 7:7 and Acts 7:30 record Moses as being about 80 years old. And still being interested in life. Surely this is not a meek attribute. A Prince of Egypt should not be meek.

Numbers 12:3
3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

What does God famously say about the meek?

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.


David, rather agrees with Jesus here.

Psalm 37:11
The meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Blessed are the merciful - BECAUSE - Didn't He say something about obtaining mercy?

Psalm 10:17
O Lord, thou wilt hear the desire of the meek; thou wilt strengthen their heart, thou wilt incline thy ear






 

Raise your hand if you think Christian Bale, using his Batman voice, in the December 2014 Movie Exodus: Gods and Kings is going to look - meek. Betcha - he will.

How is Moses of  "Lift-Up-Your-Hands-Moses" a meek man? Good question.

Maybe we should contact the Movies Makers and say - heck - you got the title wrong "Moses, Man of God, Meekness".

I've puzzled this most of my adult life. And Moses explains this. Moses is meek. God says so.

Numbers 12
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 

3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

4 And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.


What did Moses do next? To be meek -
13 And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her — please.”
God heard the prayer of Moses.


What is meek?

Mark 12:31
The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.

Philippians 2:20
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

AHA
The Joy of the Lord is my strength

Philippians 2:19-24
19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Acts 9:4
And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Now,  we Are saying the meek are the ones who Will Pray when someone is in distress. So... Moses slept with his fathers on Mt. Nebo, outside of the Promised Land. And yet... Moses prayed for the Children of Israel to receive the land. God brought that to pass. And again after the Babylons enslaved them. And again after almost 2,000 years. Now, that is some Excellent Prayer.


When we pray for others, A Day to God is millions of years, this is TODAY.
take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground
We are walking on the same holy ground with Him. We touch God when we pray.

Thank You Father GOD, You hear our Prayers! In the Highest Name of Jesus. Amen! 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Psalm 36 ~ How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

Psalm 36

Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.

Matthew 10
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

My family spent last June all over the Smithsonian and Arlington National Cemetery. We watched the changing of the guard about six or seven times. We found our great-grandmother's brother. Edward is pessimistic and says when we are gone, in a hundred years, we are largely forgotten. Yet if you listen to people, the stories of ages past have memories that hold dear today.

I can tell you about my dearly beloved uncle Artelles. My great-great uncle Artelles was named for his father Milton.

Milton was in the Confederate Army. At age 13. A bugle boy. Not the best job. Nope. Bugle boys tend to be shot for leading men. And what do you think was going on at home in Camden, Arkansas? Well, Jim Tom Elliott was busy running a railroad and a law practice. In a small town on the rise.

A fight was coming to town. The battle was the last significant fight the Confederate States won in the South. The Battle of Poison Spring took place on April 18, 1864, during the Arkansas phase of the Red River Campaign. And James Thomas Elliott's oldest son wanted to GO. Small towns. Big noises. Young men. And Milton was not going to take no for an answer. Another reason to get the boy out of town he was making a lot of noise -  Southern sympathy - The Union General Frederick Salomon occupied the home in 1864 during a stay in Camden. The family lived upstairs. Best not to anger the Union army.

Jim Tom Elliott's son survived.

He'd tousle my hair and say son take a good look around this is your hometown
This is your hometown
This is your hometown

In '65 tension was running high
There was a lot of fights between the black and white
There was nothing you could do
Two armies on a Saturday night in the back seat there was a gun
Words were passed in a shotgun blast
Troubled times had come to my hometown
My hometown
My hometown
My hometown

Now Main Street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores
Seems like there ain't nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back to your hometown
Your hometown

During Reconstruction, the U.S. Representative James M. Hinds in 1868 was assassinated by George A. Clark, a member of the Ku Klux Klan and the Secretary of the Democratic Committee of Monroe County, who was drunk at the time.

James Thomas Elliott chose to run for the empty seat in a turbulent historical time. He was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of James Hinds, and served from January 13, 1869, to March 3, 1869.

James Thomas Elliott was a Unionist Republican. He, oddly, was not reelected. Jim Tom became a Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Arkansas from October 2, 1865, serving until September 15, 1866. He established and edited the South Arkansas Journal in 1867. In this time period, the family lost 2 daughters, Belle and Emmaline Elliott to yellow fever on the same day. Later they would loose the younger son, who had been photographed by Mathew Brady during the housing of federal troops. Three of their four children died.

Milton became a ... pharmacist. And his wife wrote a book with the rest of Camden Ladies Historical Society called "A Garden of Memories" about the Civil War and the losses experienced.

Milton and his son Artelles did not seem to connect completely. Artelles professed interest in the Military and was sent to The Virginia Military Institute. There was ... some family discussion... about a loss of commission over a cigarette smoked during chapel. And yet, Col. Artelles Elliott was made a Colonel during WWI and had a very interesting college roommate named General George Patton. August of 1943, found Artelles serving as an aid to his college roommate. Artelles had nothing to comment on that.

Battle gets to people. Winston Churchill quoted this during the war - “It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.” Still, given what I know about Uncle Artelles, I do not think he would have voted for the slaps.

Some of us remember him as Artelles. Some of us refer to him as "Uncle Artie". I know that for my grandmother - she delighted when Artelles would visit. Activities stopped. My great-grandmother Munner would glow. Uncle Artelles brought one of the first German Shepherds to the family in World War II and at the time the breed was called "A Police Dog" - the dog was a huge hit and they named him - Cop. Artelles had stories of the Philippines, Europe. My great-grandmother had their mother living with them and she felt her family was complete when Artelles lived at home. And really he just visited.

To my father, Uncle Artelles was something like Captain America. And my great-grandfather would glow to greet his brother-in-law.

While we were on our trip to Washington D.C., my niece was most concerned with the concept of "every word proclaimed to the housetops" and I had to hug her and shrug.

God is Ancient of Days. Jesus is the visible image of God. Jesus said every word of God is worth living by.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

That universe will hold a lot of our words, all our days, to discuss when we all get to go to Heaven for a discussion with our Father God.

As you get older, you get the "rest of the story" - Uncle Artelles had some very unremarkable and rather ordinary sad things happen to him in life. And in the middle of the funny story, someone throws in the part you hadn't known before, and you ache. Feeling sad for the man who had brought such joy to his family. And not all the parts of the story would he want put in public. After you walk for two solid hours to get to his grave and locate it - you realize something new about Uncle Artelles.

He was part of something very fine. Artelles put his life on the line for decades for something he believed in. Not the right or the left. Right and wrong. And that cross on his grave - that symbol of a soul being covered by the Promises of God - his end arriving in a veteran's hospital - no.

God covers the grave of Colonel Milton Artelles Elliott. Shelters him from harm of stories Artelles only owes God. Reminds us that this Man Stood for Something Mighty Fine. Kept going when days were terrible. Lived out long days, living peace. And when Artelles meets His Maker, Jesus is going to remember Artelles gave his life for serving others.

A Tree has fruit. Let me tell you what fruit I see from Artelles life.

1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Matthew 22:39
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

1 Peter 4:8-9
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Hebrews 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

We left Arlington that day about six hours after we arrived. You realize what people have done for a Nation that cries Freedom. We were very proud of Uncle Artelles. The length of his service. The seriousness of what he had witnessed. The personal toll that took on him. And you realize a life that was held in such seriousness for duty - Artelles requires a merciful God. And we felt His pervasive peace.

I say this a lot and it's why I know Jesus is God. Jesus broke fish for thousands. He got his Hands in there. Jesus got dirt, probably, under his fingernails for a sinner. Jesus reached into the Sea of Galilee to pull out the self-righteous and that Sea never really sees a warmer day that 88'. That's some chilly water. Jesus gave new wine of the Holy Spirit. His first sign was wine at a Wedding. For His mom.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 7 :11- 17 ~And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

Luke 7


Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

Oh. yawn. Nain. One of those miracles. Something about a kid. And why get so excited about Lazarus - when this Nain thing was, yeah - that.

Suppose you are on a tour of Israel. Nain. Tuesday so - Nain. (Inane?)

Let's reason together. Who is there with Jesus in the great crowd?  Jesus is the Lamb of God in the wilderness. The people have left their flock to go and seek and find Jesus. These are the diligent.

Instead of a teaching, they are led on a walk. Now that can't have been much fun. They couldn't all walk beside Jesus. So the big old crowd is just ambling along.

Suddenly, they all can understand the horror of a widow losing a child. Especially if that child was going to be her old age support and joy. End of just a summer day walk.

And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

And they have sensory overload perception going on. Some of the crowd was from Nain and knew this was not a joke or a play.

These are the people who didn't know how to save Jesus at the time of His death. A Very Important Thing. When the reports come to them of the dead being seen walking in Jerusalem and THEIR JESUS was shamefully killed.They have an idea about resurrection.

They are going to rise up. Because. An important because. If you heard that your local area had the dead walking around - you would brush that off. And if more people told you - you might think zombies. Avoid THAT area.

Instead, the faithful have seen with their own eyes, the widow of Nain was blessed.

And there was no way Lazarus was a fake.  He had - an aroma.

Jesus is in the business of telling people how to contribute to their healing. Jesus Healed Death - with His Word. Jesus is constantly telling people - go show the Rabbi.  Keep this quiet - this was just you and Me. Avoid the village. Let me take you away from the crowd and explain in a way a deaf man can understand what happens.

Jesus gave this very public miracle to provide - Glam? No Jesus provided this miracle - that - when the time came - they would have a foothold on the path to "Believe Jesus."  And they were going to make so much NOISE, Roman Emperors were going to shake and tremble for the next 300 years.

Acts 2:6
And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

Acts 5:12 -15
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. [The Temple past the guards all of that.] 

None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 

And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes

Acts 8:6
And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.


Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

 





When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Acts 14 ~ they entered together

Acts 14


14 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

Paul Stoned at Lystra

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria

24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

I was fortunate to hear, last Sunday and this Sunday, Colossians 1 preached at HopePointe and Colossians 2  preached at Stonebridge today. When the Passage selected was Acts 14, I realized Colossians first and second chapters explain Acts 14 and decided Paul's own words were the most effective. So an interview of sorts. We are all the interviewer here.

Hello Saint Paul. For this interview, how would you like to be addressed. Your Holiness, Most Holy Father, Saint Paul?


I've always been called Paul. Paul, is fine, thanks.

You started out at the feet of Gamaliel. And were rising fast in God's Temple in Jerusalem.

Yes, Gamaliel always was a find Teacher. God placed Gamaliel. Once after Jesus died the Apostles were in a bit of a scrape with the Pharisees. They were enraged and wanted to kill them. But Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”

Well, speaking of 'taking care', how did you feel about Lystra? We have a letter from Rabbi Lyracathra, of Lystra saying the miracles done in the Name of Jesus are creating fear that Judaism is done. Paul, how did you feel taking on the ministry of Jesus when in The Book of Acts and not very far into the ministry, you are stoned and left for dead.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Why continue this great struggle, Paul?

I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

What happened to you at Lystra, Paul?

We were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Wow.

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

I'm not sure what to say to stoning, death and being raised up.

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value.

What is of value?

Your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.

Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before... in the word of the truth... the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood
...the grace of God in truth

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Thank you for your blessing, Paul. The love you have for me, speaks deeply within me.

Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And Jesus is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through HIM to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.







Paul, why do you choose to do your ministry?

I am filling up the Body of Christ. I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me. For you. To make the Word of God fully known. To reveal the mystery hidden for ages. Why the magi went to Herod's Palace to look for a King. The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.


You are saying, you are bringing us the opportunity to have Jesus Christ invited to dwell with in us?

God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in ...you, the hope of glory.

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that He powerfully works within me.

In the Power of His Holy Spirit, we are

Beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Thank you, Paul, for your love and efforts on behalf of the Body of Christ.

“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad."

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

The Tomb and the Chains from Paul's cell in Mamertine Prison.

St. Paul's Basilica Outside the Walls

Paul's Basilica somewhat looks like the Porch of Solomon where Paul started.

Link to seeing the Tomb, near the Vatican.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Matthew 9:9-13 ~ Jesus reclined at table

A meal with Jesus. Mark 2
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast."

Matthew 9:9-13


As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? 

But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew gave Jesus a feast in Matthew's own home. Calling his friends and the people he knew needed Jesus, not tip toeing around Jesus and being politically correct. Jesus did not just endure life. Jesus was known to pick up children, and eat and drink. Matthew was  Pleasing Jesus to have a party, celebrating life. Honoring Him. Jesus brought people JOY and Wonder. Loving them.

Give us this Day! And at the end of the day, rest, renew and restore in Jesus.

Jesus was on the path of  a huge sacrifice. And yet Jesus could sleep during a storm, enjoy a meal and be given a party. Jesus trusted God and His Word. We should as well.



Matthew 6:34
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Psalm 118:24
The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding


Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light."

Psalm 28
Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. 7The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. 8 The LORD is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed

John 2:10
and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

This was Jesus' Love:

Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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