Acts 24:10-21 ~ verify that

Marcus Antonius Felix

Acts 24:10-21

10 And when the governor (Felix) had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 

 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16

 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

!

Felix (Marcus Antonius Felix) already heard of the plot to kill Paul in the Acts 23. He was aware of the tensions between Paul, the Jews, and an substantial increase of people following the Way. For two years, Felix kept Paul as prisoner and spoke with him on many occasions. Felix was known to be corrupt and sought bribes, but Paul was clearly not offering bribes. Paul was now a missionary, tent-maker, and former aspiring Temple official with a good Temple education and good Temple name.

Felix is a historical figure with a a lot of sway - the heroes people were interested in before mass media were the politicians. They were all people talked of in their day and were famous. Felix's father was a Greek slave to Emperor Claudius and his 1st wife, Antonia Minor (daughter of Mark Antony / Marcus Antonius). His father was freed, Felix and his brother held fantastic Empire jobs for sons of a slave/freedman.

Felix was a rock star on jet pack ice skates. In his day.
Fame touched this man from all directions. Felix's first two wives were both named Drusilla and both were very exalted noble women politically.

Drusilla, wife 1, was a cousin to Emperor Claudius. Emperor Claudius' 4th wife was Felix's niece Aggripina Minor (who had a little nephew named Nero that Emperor Claudius became very fond of and adopted.)

Druscilla, wife 2, was the daughter of King of Judea Herod Agrippa. These are the faces that would have filled the grocery store glossy magazines, if that had existed. Instead they had coins. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, his second wife and child were about the only 'famous' people who died while visiting Pompeii. When Felix was hauled to Rome to face charges of bad government, he didn't have a lot to worry about - Felix's brother was the Emperor Nero's man.








The Scripture ideas and discussions between Acts 23 and Acts 25 are really pretty entertaining. False accusations near the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant does not reside), murder plots, nephew saves Paul by telling Centurion, Centurion pulls out the big Calvary to save Paul, they all know of the plot to kill Paul along the road to Jerusalem. Everyone pretends not to know. Felix asks Paul if he'd like to go to Jerusalem, while moving Paul to extensive guard to Herod's praetorian.

If you aren't interested, clean out your ears, wipe the sleep from your eyes - this isn't just adventure, but huge politics, the beginnings of Jesus Christ sweeping the continents without the benefit of mass media - people are interested in this Jesus of Nazareth. In 16 years, the Emperors of Rome are going to be very uncomfortable - doing and saying foolish things.

It is already starting here... the Temple is getting ready to lawyer up with High Priests, the Governor, Lysias the tribune, just to name a few. Delay of judgment to avoid being the enemy of some important factions.

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.



24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.


Not just the big doings - look at the people involved. 'Paul - would you like to go to Jerusalem?' 'Why no, I believe I will go in the opposite direction.' The tremendous will of God is being accomplished just as easily as a conversation.





What was this Felix up to? Felix' history involves governing, a vague reference to putting down another Egyptian messiah claim. Felix feels Paul can help him to control the factions swirling around this Middle East situation. Paul has worn some powerful hats and Felix wants to know what Paul knows.

Felix has plans, Paul has plans, but God's plan is moving forward.


Two Years of conversations........It's interesting to remember Felix and the important question. Paul speaks of it immediately. What becomes of the people who have so much to do, so many opportunities, what is the real meaning? The question of 2,000 years ago is the question we ask ourselves of the people we would like to know the saving love and salvation Jesus Christ offers today.


Acts 26:28-29
And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Mammertine - these Are the chains.

Jesus also dealt with long-term problems of faith and belief with a lot of the truth and grace the Father bestowed upon His Son.


Mark 9:21-27
²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.


Luke 18:1
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

People who have experienced the Love of God in answered prayers and Miracles tell about their mercy received.  Katherine has a praying mother and dear friend - nightly they call and pray - we experienced their prayers before Hurricane Ike. Like Katherine, she received protection of answered prayers at work, we received a tornado that flung the trees outside our yard.  Thank you, Father God.

Our cousin named lady and her family received healing of multiple organs for their unborn and now born baby. Only Jesus.

We heard witness to a family who had a son drown and really die. The paramedics expected death. He has only a scar on his neck from the Trachea.

Jeremy was hit by a car and dragged 70 feet, he was on a bicycle. No organ failure, no brain damage.

Maggie and Steve's son had a massive accident and was brain damaged, put into rehab to learn to talk and hopefully walk. He is way past that now and has graduated from college with His Miracle. Only Jesus.

We had an Anglican Priest visit and he prayed for my son - who began a series of good changes since that day. We pray continued Holy Spirit blessings there.

The Acts kind of miracles have not ceased. Jesus Lives.

Father God. We give Great Alleluia Thanks to the people who mightily rely upon God in Jesus Christ to lead them. We are fallen and all need the Grace, You, Father God in Jesus give us in Your Gospel.  Jesus is perfection giving us His Life, we are Your blessed and grateful Children Father God.

We give You, Father, our hearts knowing the Kingdom of God is at hand. What is eternal, today, encircles us. Your Light continues to shine.

Strengthen, Rejoice, Give Joy, Guidance and Amazement! Perfect Jesus overcomes our sins, flaws and trespasses. We are the Easter People and Alleluia is our Song in Jesus Christ. Not to the right, not to the left, Jesus is our Lord. Let us Glory in His Vast Understandings and Tremendous Love. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Luke 8:4-15 ~ some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold

Luke 8:4-15

4 And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5

"A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6

And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8

And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold."

As he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

Proverbs 9:2
Wisdom has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.

  




Have you ever noticed that each year Thanksgiving is different from the last? New people, places and situations.

Marriage is different one year to the next as well. Just because two people are married doesn't mean they are having the same year. I've been married 28 years. I've been well cared for some years and sorta ignored at times. Some years Edward is on fire, the world adores him. Other years he asks me a lot of advice. Some years I've been a drag.

Life has changes and we appreciate the season we are in.

This parable is about soil and seasons. Different crops. Gratitude for abundance and provision.

One of the reasons people of God want to listen to God is in this parable. God will grow you. And the desire to come to fruition will help you past the listed things in the parable: being walked upon, devoured by the passing comment, unappreciated, barbed, pushed out.

Not one person on the planet gets out of life without some correction, injustice and pain. God gets you back to the balance and make you believe this -

Psalm 40:5
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Job 15:14
What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Romans 8
These whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?


God does not act towards us without mercy.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

This year may be your year to be merciful. Next, you might be the one asking! God tells us in the Psalms, seasons change. Prayer says we can expect God. And the unexpected. Feel free to pray big prayers and have faith, hope and the greatest of these is Love.

When I can't decide, when I am low, when I feel the Wind of the Holy Spirit lift me - I say the Lord's Prayer. And then say "Beloved, let us love one another, Love is from God." Picture the heart of the loved one and say, "Jesus, please" and in His Hands. I've had about five people tell me when they pray the Lord's Prayer - they are lifted up. This doesn't occur all the time, sometimes we have to do the emotions and work the process. Growing up. We Are Blessed when we love. In our belief in God are lifted beyond the mundane to the meaningful.


Father God, we pray for peace. For our family. For jobs adding meaning to life. For God's vast blessings. For clear solutions pleasing to God, arriving as we pray. For Good Health. Joy. Learning God's lessons with joy and not the one led by the nose. And Gratitude to see family tomorrow and today. Seeing with pleasure the change in the seasons. For diligence and to have a positive outlook. For the upward building up of Jesus and Bible Believing Churches. We ask all the blessings God would bestow. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Matthew 26 ~ to His disciples

Matthew 26

 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Archeologists have found a 6,500 square foot house with dungeon or pit for prisoners, historical documents agree it is Caphaias' house (below) frequently used for meetings. Located on Mount Zion. Just outside the Old City. Mt Zion and the Mount of Olives are about 2,000 feet apart. 

 

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Caiaphas' Ossuary discovered in the family tombs in Israel in the 1960s. 

  An alabaster flask found in tombs in Israel. Persian era. Museum of Israel. 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

 

14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

30 shekels from the days Jesus lived on earth

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

The Last Supper is found by following all of the Churches built upon the site known as the Upper Room, built above David's Tomb. Located in Mount Zion.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Olive trees are at least 2,000 years old in Mount of Olives

33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

HopePointe Church garden

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

 

42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus  painted by James Tissot

57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.

At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Peter's Denial, painted by Ron di Cianni

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.”

 And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Isaiah 53:3
 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Luke 18:31  
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled."  

Isaiah 49:7
This is what the LORD says--the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel--to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Psalm 111 ~ this generation

Current Solar Flares - Great are the Works of the Lord

Psalm 111:2-10


Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
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,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!



Luke 7:31-35
31 "To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.' 33

For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, `He has a demon.' 34 The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children."




Roman Catholic Network has the Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Song and Dances of the Prophets by St. Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Therefore, wisdom is justified by all her children.' 

“We have piped to you, and you have not danced.” Moses sang a song when he stopped the flow in the Red Sea for the crossing of the Jews (Exodus 15:1-18), and the same waves encircled the horses of the Egyptians and, falling back, drowned their riders. 

Isaiah sang a song of his beloved’s vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). 

The Hebrews sang a song when the soles of their feet grew moist at the touch of the bedewing flame, and while all burned within and without, the harmless fire caressed them alone and did not scorch (Daniel 3:19-25). 

Habakkuk also learned to assuage universal grief with a song and prophesied that the sweet passion of the Lord would happen for the faithful (Habakkuk 3:13).

The prophets sang songs with spiritual measures, resounding with prophecies of universal salvation. The prophets wept, softening the hard hearts of the Jews with sorrowful lamentations" (Isaiah 46:12)

What is Salvation? How does that occur? Jesus was telling about seeds. He never did finish the story to say if the land was tilled for the seeds to improve in the seasons. However the Psalms like 107 hint changes reveal hearts. Lord, Let Me Be One Of the Number! And you know, when you know that you know, you are a child of God Himself. Peace.


There is a good reason for Jesus not finishing the story.
Salvation just isn't to be taken lightly.

We look at St. Augustine as a saint with warts. We are all called as saints, surely we relate to the true story of Augustine with Verve! And we want to know about people we pray for in their salvation. Like TEENAGERS.

We need to consider the stages of Augustine's conversion. Not just from sin to grace but the steps he took within philosophy. Rejecting the Gospel as meaningless and the Old Testament as a God of ill humor. And becoming part of cult to a change in philosophy again. And again. Eventually meeting ill circumstance and Ambrose, who would encourage him to discussions of the Gospel. Augustine's mother prayed for him and the results were 50 years down the path.

We focus on Augustine as a sexual being. Shakespeare used the word Lightly to mean the trading of Sexual Favors. That's not entirely new this generation, yet we have seen the number of Sexually Transmitted Diseases increase from 3 to 28 and 3 can be lethal of those are quite serious unto death. Really. Diseases lead to Cancers. We pray for God to lead people to discern hearts better and wait for that person who will say I commit my life to love and care for you until you are Home with God. We pray for the Nation to connect more easily to the Person who would be for them in all seasons. In Jesus Amen.

Gently ridiculing people rarely keeps them motivated. They will determinedly move away from ridicule. We just don't see that as a tool Jesus employed. Jesus was willing, not to accept Sin, but to Love the Person. Reverend Ed Young tells of his neighbor coming out of the house shrilly screaming "Ed, you are GOING TO HELL! I've read my Bible and you need to get back to Church.!" Ed reports that he ran in the house. And was converted by his roommate Walter, saying, gently if you believe that God is knowable - then the Eternal Promise of that Love and Beauty is worth putting first. God equips us to do His Will for our lives.


Ambrose was the mentor of St. Augustine. St.Augustine was living his life very Lightly. And Salvation came to ... not the righteous, but a sinner. Ambrose loved Augustine and would have enjoyed being like Timothy to St. Paul. Like Mark to Peter. I once was told with love, the people of God are actually living with the people they worship with from here to eternity.





The Kingdom of Heaven IS AT HAND.

Today I was introduced to People who remind you of others. In appearance, in mannerisms, and the realization of knowing we are connected in God. I was taught this is a working of the Holy Spirit. He reminds us to pray for the people He places in our lives. One person who prayed with me reminded me of someone I like and has moved on. The prayer we prayed echoed the prayer I gave for her.

And today I was overcome reading about the woman with the alabaster flask. How Vast is God's love. And came home to find my college friend who is now a Priest had posted to FB the same verse. We are truly connected in His Spirit.

God is that vast to connect us with people many miles apart. Solar flairs have been proven to be part of the ionosphere connecting the electricity of lightning all over the world. God connects us for eternity. Redemption is so vast in God that Joel, Acts and Romans are millenniums apart and tell us when we Call on the Name of Jesus, we are saved.

God is so vast that our troubles and our blessings are not unknown to Him. We Trust God what we have today is from HIM and not an aberration.

All things work together for Good for those believing in the Lord. We believe so readily God is Good when we say sometimes His circle completes in Heaven. And they do. Yet surely we can say a God this Vast and Loving is capable of bringing solutions of Heaven to Earth.

Is God fussy? Jesus was known to be relaxed and at ease, sitting to teach, eating drinking. Jesus never was recorded jumping in front of people who sought Him Screaming, "What were you thinking!" Only Nicodemus received recompense for coming at night instead of openly.


I've been fortunate to be in a new Bible Study learning about answered prayer from the ministries of Judith and Francis MacNutt. They report prayer works when prayers are longer and specific. Reminding us that the Roman Empire was won with healings and answered prayers. Not pleading with God to answer prayers, but asking a Father for His loving care. His Will.

So let's pray. For our Nation to be guided in good solutions promoting us all to thrive. For our loved ones we want to know the love of Jesus, it's wonderful when our children and our loved ones walk knowing the Lord, and the Scriptures record the families that have ups and downs with faith. We pray for the health, all the good health God would give us. Grandmother Anita prayed we would drop whole into Father God's hand like a Camellia. Fruitful until God takes us Home. With mercy.

For the joy of new generations that will arrive in our families. We know this even when we do not see any evidence. For love in future in-laws. For a Family to be Loving and Whole.

I have a specific prayer about a speeding ticket for a loved one rather determined to be proved right. That peace would ensue quickly.

We open our hands to all the Blessings God would give and in the midst of "discussions" pray large prayers of tremendous blessings. And look expectantly to God for His answer and the fulfilling of His Word. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Psalm 92 ~ It is good to give thanks to the LORD

Matthew 5:14

Psalm 92 (New American Bible)

1
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High,
2
To proclaim your love in the morning, your faithfulness in the night,
3
With the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre.


4
For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds; at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
5
How great are your works, LORD! How profound your purpose!
6
A senseless person cannot know this; a fool cannot comprehend.


7
Though the wicked flourish like grass and all sinners thrive, They are destined for eternal destruction;
8
for you, LORD, are forever on high.
9
Indeed your enemies, LORD, indeed your enemies shall perish; all sinners shall be scattered.


10
You have given me the strength of a wild bull; you have poured rich oil upon me.
11
My eyes look with glee on my wicked enemies; my ears delight in the fall of my foes.
12
The just shall flourish like the palm tree, shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.


13
2 Planted in the house of the LORD, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14
They shall bear fruit even in old age, always vigorous and sturdy,
15
As they proclaim: "The LORD is just; our rock, in whom there is no wrong."


Footnotes
1 [Psalm 92] A hymn of praise and thanks for God's faithful deeds (Psalm 92:2-5).

2 [14] Planted: the just are likened to trees growing in the sacred precincts of the temple, which is often seen as the source of life and fertility because of God's presence. Cf Psalm 36:9, 10; Ezekiel 47:1-12.


It's good to give Thanks.

Thank You Father God for these Blessings:

Thanks to a son who would get up with you at four a.m. because you need his Bendadryl for a killer sinus headache. Buy you lunch. Argue with you with sincerity. And speak in a foreign language when your husband mildly fusses at you for your sweat pants. Causing you all to laugh and the vwoom sveaks a vwoeign vanguage. For rent that helps from a son and brings a housekeeper.

For the blessing of companionship of Cal to his dad. For Edward for decades of love, work, provision, support and parenting. Thanks for the loud times - sometimes people hear better at a Louder Volume. Seeing his sympathy shine when life inevitably pours out crud. For sustained health.

For going to a new Bible Study at Church on Healing with Judith and Francis MacNutt. If you don't know the name, this is truly a healing ministry where my mother's friend Pat was healed by Jesus from two medical issues that lead to blindness. For the beautiful and warm sharing in the group that required some open hearts and forgiveness. Which is why the Church is two thousand years old.

For Friends who hug you and tell you words of Love. At least three times today. For getting to pray for two best friends of the family who are experiencing a death and the prayers for God's mercy. For hearing about John, Bro-in-Law, who gave up his evening to move furnishings around for their comfort at a time of great trial. For Bill's ever present humor and strength. For New Friends. For Diligent and Loyal Friends. For Diligent Friends who work hard at communication.

For Jesus. Who gives us the Word of God showing, proclaiming that HE believes in us, sustains us, lifts us, encourages us, asks us to be who we are, causes us to want a Higher Path. Jesus who is the One who says I've gone further for you than all others - fully knowing who you are. Jesus to whom nothing is hidden. Jesus who has seen millenniums and still overcomes. Jesus who strengthens the elderly to taking card tables providing comfort to the wife who is in the crisis she feared for years. (Thanks, Mom.) Jesus who bring us new opportunities. Jesus who brings to fruitful - past events. Jesus who gives Words of Comfort that take us into Eternity.

Jesus who tells us Gratitude is needed when we really want to say ow. Because we start to get tunnel vision instead of allowing Gratitude to Lift US going UPWARD. Jesus takes your day of self-pity and when you list out your gratitudes your realize - ommm you should have done that earlier. Jesus who says Remember Your Blessings. Forgive others - their lives are hidden. Jesus is Right. Jesus Loves. Thank God. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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