2 Chronicles 35:1-19 ~ The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35:1-19

Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple. 3 He said to the Levites, who instructed all Israel and who had been consecrated to the Lord: “Put the sacred ark in the temple that Solomon son of David king of Israel built. It is not to be carried about on your shoulders. Now serve the Lord your God and his people Israel.

 4 Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and by his son Solomon.

5 “Stand in the holy place with a group of Levites for each subdivision of the families of your fellow Israelites, the lay people. 6 Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves and prepare the lambs for your fellow Israelites, doing what the Lord commanded through Moses.”

7 Josiah provided for all the lay people who were there a total of thirty thousand lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, and also three thousand cattle—all from the king’s own possessions.

8 His officials also contributed voluntarily to the people and the priests and Levites.
Hilkiah, Zechariah and Jehiel, the officials in charge of God’s temple, gave the priests twenty-six hundred Passover offerings and three hundred cattle.

 9 Also Konaniah along with Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel and Jozabad, the leaders of the Levites, provided five thousand Passover offerings and five hundred head of cattle for the Levites.

10 The service was arranged and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions as the king had ordered.

11 The Passover lambs were slaughtered, and the priests splashed against the altar the blood handed to them, while the Levites skinned the animals. 12 They set aside the burnt offerings to give them to the subdivisions of the families of the people to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book of Moses. They did the same with the cattle. 13 They roasted the Passover animals over the fire as prescribed, and boiled the holy offerings in pots, caldrons and pans and served them quickly to all the people. 1

4 After this, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests.

15 The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king’s seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them.

16 So at that time the entire service of the Lord was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had ordered.

17 The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

18 The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. 19 This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign.

This Chapter is Astonishing.
This is THE BIBLE and the Scriptures are recording that the Word of God got so lost -
Love with me the accuracy of Scriptures to say they were lost.
 Josiah accidentally found there were indeed Scriptures - when he just kindly decided to clean up the sad and shabby gold plated Temple of God in Jerusalem.

Lo - and - BEHOLD - the Scripture was so fascinating to Josiah and the people of the Temple they had to scour around to find someone with some gleaming of prophetic power. And equally Astounding - this was a woman married to some man.

Josiah - gets completely and totally taken with the Glory, Power, Honor, Majesty, Love and History of God and His Word. Unknowing that Josiah is actually a prediction of God in this lost Scripture. God is just as taken about Josiah as Josiah, who, falls in love with God.

There is not one complete photo of the Chisholm trail - were fewer cattle, about 2,500, were driven and 100 pairs of boots a month were used.

Imagine going to a Party where 3,000 cattle are killed for that party. This is huge.

We would all hold our breathe to see how well Josiah would finish!

God is the same ~ yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Josiah forgets the WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE.

God has predicted Josiah is the last peace for Judah - GOD IS THRILLED WITH JUDAH AND JOSIAH.

Josiah thinks he is just one of the many people on the planet and he'd like some more glory. Josiah hides to combat the Peaceful Pharaoh of Egypt - and - wham - it's over.

Josiah goes Home to God - but treating God's Word with contempt for easy grace and war and self and glamour and self glory - Just Did Not Impress -

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

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

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


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


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


…Before Abraham, I Am. John 8:58


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


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


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

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

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

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

The Almighty Revelation 1:8

What could we compare this to? Notre Dame Cathedral.

An atheistic belief was established in France in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. It became a doctrine of the official government policy in 1792 when the First French Republic was declared and was called the Cult of Reason. The declared goal of the cult was the perfection of mankind solely through the human capacity of reason. Being an atheist cult, worship was given to the abstract ideal of Reason, as opposed to God.

Forced removal of all crosses and statues from graveyards. All church owned land was confiscated and return to the Republic. All church crosses and bells were destroyed. He instituted new festivities that would replace Christian ones. Priests would no longer swear oath to the Catholic Church, instead, they would swear oath to the new faith. Those who refused would face deportation, imprisonment or death. Death would sometimes come at the hands of angry mobs who oppose the Church. In summary, the Cult of Reason caused the wholesale de-christianization of France and occurred in a period of less than two years.

The statues of the biblical kings of Judah (erroneously thought to be French kings - OM - 2 Chronicles 34 ) were beheaded. Many heads were found in 1977 during an excavation nearby. Even the Church bells were ruined. Furniture was burned in the center of the Church. With this decree, the Notre Dame Cathedral, which became a warehouse for the storage of food. 

We've Always Had Separation of Church and State!

Om, no. Not exactly like today.

In its early days, the Capitol building was not strictly used for governmental functions. On Sundays, church services were regularly held there - a practice continued until 50 years ago. According to the U.S. Library of Congress exhibit Religion and the Founding of the American Republic: "It is no exaggeration to say that on Sundays in Washington during the administrations of 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson, (1801–1809) and of 4th President, James Madison, (1809–1817) the state became a church. Within a year of his inauguration, Jefferson began attending church services in the chamber of the House of Representatives. Madison followed Jefferson's example, although unlike Jefferson, who rode on horseback to church in the Capitol, Madison came in a coach and four. Worship services in the House were acceptable to Jefferson because they were nondiscriminatory and voluntary. Preachers of every Protestant denomination appeared. (Roman Catholic priests began officiating in 1826.)

A Presbyterian Church was housed in the Congress every Sunday until 50 years ago.

So would Josiah die in the New Testament? God purely does not see death as we do. When our days have ended in His Book of Life - we go Home. A doctor I work with, a Christian Doctor, says part of the Book of Life is coded in our DNA. Makes sense to me.

God is not cruel to call us Home. We are all going in the same direction. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus is the Lord.

We have a choice every day to be encouragers in the Faith of God to those people Father God has placed in our lives. Jesus is defined as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We are a Nation raised to Love the Goodness God Has Blessed this Land With. We can get very quiet, very angry, very confrontational or very afraid. Instead we can be Encouragers of Father God. Honoring one another.

Jesus tells us He is Living Water - an analogy we can all love in the summer months. Jesus rolls in as a satisfyer, a vision of Goodness - Water. Jesus refreshes. Jesus roars in. Jesus rolls in. Jesus nourishes. No matter if the land is thirsty, cracked, barren, if everything is wilted. Jesus is going to seek, seep, satiate, satisfy, renew, restore. Jesus is going to give the gift of LIFE.

Jesus is - God's Word. And in Giving God HIS Word living to others - we are bringing Living Water.

Father God, help us to hunger and thirst for Your Goodness. Let Your righteousness cover us. We ask your Mercy to fall upon us and bless us. We ask for Your Face to Shine upon us.

Help our words to make Your Way known in our lives. Establish Your Health among all Nations.

Father God, Let our praise be for Thee. Help all hearts remember Your Goodness with Gratitude. Jesus provides gladness, songs of joy, righteousness, We pray for Thee to govern the nations upon this earth.

Father God let Your provisions increase, God, You are Our Own God. We pray your blessing upon us, the ones we love, our Church Family, friends, neighbors, State and Nation. Help our Light Shine in You and to the World.

We give You great thanks for the rain and if You would continue this blessine we would say Amen In Jesus. Your Will be done.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 103 ~ Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Jesus The Lord

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 

Father God 
Earnest words ~ Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.
Vespers - The Evening Worship of Father God - Thank You for the Day and Keep us Always with You. 

Bless the Lord, for all His Benefits. Forgiveness, Healing, Redemption, Steadfast Love and Mercy. Works of Righteousness. Justice for the oppressed. Gracious. Renewal of Youth. As High as the Heavens are above the earth, so Great is His Steadfast Love. Our Father shows compassion to His Children. His Kingdom Rules Over All.

The plentiful waves of His blessings continue to pour over us.

Bless the Lord, O you, His angels.

Abba, Father, We thank You for hearing our Prayers. And For Your Good and Gracious Will. Thank You Father. For our Loved Ones, friends, Church, co-workers, neighbors. For our State. For our Nation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit in Jesus the Lord. Amen!

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Daniel 3: 19-30 ~ Praise to God

Daniel 3:19-30

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, O king."

25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

It's like Thunder and Lightning - the way Nebuchadnezzar loved that Image - was Frightening!

Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know persecution was coming? You bet. Daniel had said that Nebuchadnezzar was going to become insane. Jeremiah had said the end was coming and they had lived the destruction of their Temple, the end of the two countries Israel first and then Judah. And they had been enslaved for the 1,000 mile walk and they were, and all the people they knew - enslaved. So - the answer is definitely - they believed persecution to this extreme was coming - and they were BRAVE. They could probably even muster up the courage to say "God Bless You" when someone sneezed. And physically say, "Jesus will help you - I believe this and I will pray for you diligently. And now, if you'd like!"

 Climb Every Mountain! Search HIGH and LOW - Speak up America - !!! We are going to have to un-learn  Monty Python's "The Art of Not Being Seen"!

 Pirates Movie - Barbossa - "Dying is the day worth living for!"

 
We get to pick our destinies in self-fulfilling prophecy? Yes, to a certain extent we are given this FREE WILL - WILL OF GOD. Did you know that Hospice says a few very interesting facts that the people who minister to the dying record?

One - that people mostly these days thanks to belief in Jesus and baptism - go Home to Jesus' New Kingdom of Heaven. Not ol Sheol where the dead go. And it is plain and clear, we have had two people in our family go to Hell, screaming about fire and anguish. (Oh cough, cough, the man everyone said was reliving World War II never even visited World War II and truly was not the type to care about the fate of others from nightly tv reports.)

Two - People uniquely do not want to worry their loved ones with their passage. Death will occur when their loved ones go to the bathroom, finally sleep, or have to have a meal and leave the room. Grief - something America does not want to focus on. The grievers in America are alone a lot. As well as the newly divorced. Because the people going Home - vastly prefer not to grieve their loved ones with their departure to Home.

One Cardiologist recorded seeing the differences of his patients. Some in terrible pain of heart failure - Richard Pryor described so well with precision - see Heaven and Jesus and the Light and Pray Towards Home. Others start screaming about ...Hell. And the people, the Cardiologist wrote about in this autobiography, who survive don't really recall seeing Hell, but almost all the time told the good Doctor about their new commitment to Jesus Christ. And, dang, if I could recall that book I read in the 1980's - I'd surely tell you the name of that Biography. Dang.

This is the Day that the Lord Hath Made!
We WILL Rejoice and Be Glad in This!

Give us the Day, Lord!

Texas Senator Ted Cruz was asked about being Gay and what Ted focuses on. Ok. Ted spoke up. I AGREE! However, this is important - 89% of all communication is non-verbal.

Pirates :
Salaman: You're either with us or against us!

Philip: I'm not with you, neither am I against you!

Salaman: [to Jack] Can he do that?

Jack Sparrow: He's religious, I believe it's required. 


I betcha, I betcha, I betcha - you bet -
The pirates in this country believe, think and know that is the JOB of the Christians - to be Neutral - nope Jesus said "Be Salt! And Light~" (Like a good potato chip - you don't want just one!)

With 89% of all communication is non-verbal - HOW we speak up - is Cruz-shall.

If we get in someone's face and expect to be angry - the reaction is going to be???

Love -
If we Give the Overwhelming, Pervasive, Why, God Would Love You - Uniquely You - Response - you get - sometimes Tears. Of Joy. That the Father and Creator of ALL the Universe says HE LOVES YOU.

The Bible says we live by every Word of God -

Ephesians 3
in the heavenly places!

11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.


14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

GOD NAMED - YOU -
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God! (WOW)

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. 

To Quote Handel  ~Amennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.




Every Day !



Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.

The Psalms are lived to be understood.

When we actively look for reasons to Thank God and be Grateful - we see more of His Plan and His Love. We are restored, renewed to Love, Peace, Joy, Goodness.

Psalm 68:3
The righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy




Father God, in Jesus  we give you thanks that This is the Day! And You ARE still Working!

Help us to give Gratitude to rejoice in Your presence.  Help US SPEAK UP  - WITH LOVE. We will have joy and be happy seeing Your presence. We pray these blessings for ourselves, our loved ones, our friends, co-workers, Church, neighbors, State and Nation. Cover us in Jesus, we pray. We Thank You for the Rain in Jesus!  Amen.



P.S.  One of the reasons this photo of being in the thick of fire is interesting to me - the fire looks like lungs.  What we say that precedes out of us - is important. Expect Peace, plan peace, pray peace. Rome left being a Republic and became a Dictatorship through war.  Expect Jesus and Your Prayers to Make a Difference. Expect the Words of Jesus to Live. This is His Day and He and His Father Are Still Working!

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Joshua 1:6-8 ~ Be strong and courageous

When we go to Church - we see at the Center - the Cross. The Symbol Jesus has overcome death,  Jesus has Victory in overcoming the world - the Cost of God's Love for us. Personally and uniquely. This altar cloth is the people coming to Jesus The Lord.

Eyes on Jesus.

Joshua 1:6-8

"Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."

Jesus kept on explaining Scripture of Ages and fulfilling all Scripture.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

How did Jesus do this? Overcoming. Working through things. Like His own Brothers being a work in process. Jesus allowing for the Journey.

2 Timothy 1
This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

What did Jesus actually do to call mankind to Him in this life?

Galatians 5
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This is the definition of Jesus: The Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The news shows we are in climate of work, fear, anger and war. God is not worried.

The Victory of Jesus had the Temple over run with around 1.2 million people according to the numbers historically (Josephus) of what the Temple held when this was called "multitudes." The Victory continues as more that a third of the World believes Jesus is the Lord. This has gone up from a hundred years ago. And has been the Great Commission for 2,000 years. Christianity is the World's Largest Belief.  The wild winds of life might howl - Jesus Christ is God and God is in Control. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Whoooooop.

Lately, I have been SURPRISED.
Surprised at the tone of people in fear. This  Supreme Court decision is not shocking, at all. We follow in the steps of mankind. Historically. Greece did this and so did Rome. Nero (54-68 A.D.) participated in same sex weddings and so did a Roman Emperor in the 3rd century. The Roman Republic existed from 500 B.C until 27 B.C. when Rome became highly militarized with General Gaius Marius (107–27 BC) (The Step Grandfather of Julius Caesar.) Then existed in The Roman Empire until 476 A.D.

Was this the end of Christianity when the pendulum swung to the unusual marriage laws of Caesar Augustus in 14 B.C.? Absolutely... NOT.

Fear because of...


Bullies - what do you do with them? Well in 1st grade I encountered a HUGE 3rd grader who lived on a rather steep hill. I weighed about 45 lbs and he probably weighed 90 lbs. And he liked to run at me with his stomach puffed up and knock me over and then knock me over and then knock me over. One day as he ran at me and I was seriously worried that I would die from falling down the hill, which looked huge to me at 45 lbs. (But I survived the one in France when I was 30 lbs. God builds us up.)

One day as this kid ran at me - I saw. This was an overweight kid. In a dirty shirt. With pain on his face as he rushed me. With his belly button revealed in a shirt that was too small for him. And as he ran at me, he reminded me of one of my friends. And I said to him in a coo voice, "I see your belly button, oh, yes, I do." He came to a dead stop. And he was puzzled what to do. He said, "I'm going to knock you down that hill." And I said in the same voice, from out of no where, "Nope, you aren't, because I get back up." And he said watch me and he proceeded to slowly knock me down the hill. With his stomach. And I wrapped my arms around him and said, "I guess you needed a hug and we are going to roll down that hill together." And I held on to him. Enfolded him. And he said, after about three minutes, in this bewildered tone, "This is odd." I said I guess you needed a hug and you are very huggable.

And he asked, "Am I?" I said, "Yes, you are good to hold." And we stood there. For probably 15 minutes. And his friend came out from the next door and said,"What are you doing?" With his face very surprised. My huggable Friend said, "I'm trying to knock her down the hill and she is hugging me." I said, "He is huggable."

And his friend said, "Shake her off and let's run her down the hill." He said very, very softly. "I don't want to." And I said equally as softly, "If you shake me off I will hug you again." And he said, "What about him?" Still softly. "Well, he has to get his own hugs." Really. Was the reply.

AND... we were IN MOTION SUDDENLY. Fast -  Bounced off and I had hurt feelings and my friend was running at me. He had pushed off and backed up by jogging backwards. He was running full tilt at me with a laughing bully to cheer him on. I felt like crying and was now in fear for the fast changing climate. And He ran at me and said softly, "Catch me. Only me." And I did what I was told, more out of fear. And he hugged me. And said, "RUN!" And I did and now I had a Huge Bully and a small bully chasing me. And as I got to the end of the hill - down barreled my Large Friend. I had made it,  I was free of the hill! And I turned and saw my Large Friend headed my way. Both of us were so glad and He got another hug.

The next day it was time to go home about dinner time and there was my Large Ex-bully Friend. Waiting to knock me down the hill by himself. And we had about four hugs of dodge the hill. And we got to the end of his yard (end of the hill) and I said," I think instead of running fast down the hill I will stand here and enjoy the view." And he said, "Oh damn, no. The small bully will see us." I said, "Well you'll have to shake me off." "Oh, crud." So we stood there and he said, "Ok, time for you to go on home now, I won't chase you down the hill, I almost slipped!" (That comment made me rather angry as the glee faded - no kidding the hill was a a little steep.)

And the next day it was two bullies, but the game had changed. This time my Large Friend ran to make sure he got the hug and the little bully had no space to tackle. Smaller bully whined. My Larger Friend said, "Get your own hugs."

And one day soon, my friend Nori's mom said, "What is this about the child next door knocking you down the hill?" Oh bravo, perfect timing. I needed you two or three weeks ago. So NOW, she was determined to stand there in her fierce apron and watch me hug My large friend. Up goes the apron to her eyes. Oh wow, Adult help. Cry. Great.

The next day, Nori's mom said, "That was the loveliest thing I ever saw. His mom makes him leave the house from 8 a.m. until dark, he has little food and no supervision." When we gathered a hug watching crowd, the event began to be OVER.

T.D. Jakes was interviewed by a regular, major network and asked about how he saw the new integration with GLT laws. I am surprised we are all still so surprised and upset about this. This was going to happen. T.D. Jakes said, "We now completely have our culture defined for us. We are not in a Christian Culture."

I loved the interviewer for the respect given to T.D. Jakes, saying T.D. Jakes makes many things understandable and good to know in the love of Jesus Christ.

Know the truth and the truth will set you free.

John 3:8
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Acts 2:1-47
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

And...this about direction and Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Jesus traveled by wind, He caught the wind and went across the Galilean Sea 3 times a day to see - sinners. His People.

God says we were born to do His Work. Know the climate - know the 1, 2, 3, 4th Century of why God is important to our lives and we do not hunker down in the fear of the culture and instead we say "JESUS goes where He is needed and Jesus Will Help You."

What is the Good News of Jesus saves the living and the Widow's Only Son?  "GOD has come to help His People."

Know the direction of God. T.D. Jakes continued, "We know know we exist as a Nation to protect individual rights and Christians will seek our rights under the Constitution."

"Churches, people, and individuals will do well to remain looking to Jesus to provide the doors of the Church to be open to the people of God. All People. Some Churches will be moderate, some conservative, some liberal and all individuals and their needs will be met in different aspects and blessings of God's Nature."

"We look to the Bible Believing Churches of Jesus to provide our Way, Truth and Life."


T.D. Jakes went on to say, " We know the Christian Church is slipping and that we are loosing numbers. We need our Churches to be welcoming to God's People." We need to do this personally and individually.


The WORD of GOD says the Body of Christ has many parts. We need to bring the Love Jesus has for us Forth. We do this because we all sit at a round table of God, we have talents, gifts and Love to see this issue differently and focus on Jesus. Father Brian pointed out WHY we WANT TO BRING JESUS FORTH FOR HIS GRACE - Because we have Children we want to fully know the Love of Jesus Christ and HIS SALVATION.

Why would we bother to give the Love Jesus Has? Because HIS LOVE fills US. GOD LOVES US FIRST AND PERFECTLY then we are blessed just to give a little bit back.

We can take all of our problems - make them into a pineapple and try to swallow that in just one bite. But Glory to God - Jesus gives us work to do and we do this - we take the work life gives us, we do the work with prayer and problem solving ability and prayer and prayer, and then we overcome. And then we say "WE DID IT! TADA!" And that overcoming gives us Hope, Character, Endurance, and FAITH. And in that LOVE, God says, "See you did shake in the bake and I Helped...!" AND when we have overcome that - God says with you - We got just a little bit stronger.

That is the way Life creates Hope, Faith and Love. And the greatest of these is Love and we GO FORTH WITH GOD.  That altar covering is saying - All the People Go Forth to See Jesus.  We can put down our worries and Cares - For GOD IS GOING TO KEEP CARING ABOUT US. Eyes on Jesus. Amen in Jesus for our loved ones, our families, our friends, our co-workers, Church, neighbors, State and Nation. Jesus has Overcome and Will and Will And WILL. OH Father God, Texas prays for a good few days of soaking rain and cooler temperatures if You will.  Amen in Jesus.


 

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Mark 12 ~ all she had

Mark 12:41-44

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”



Psalm 91

1
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3
Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”



Jesus wasn't impressed very often in the Gospels. He was impressed by the Centurion's decision to live upon the Word of God. (Aren't we all still impressed with this Centurion and when we encounter this man - we cheer him on and delight that he delighted Jesus Christ eternally!) And our Jesus was impressed with the Canaanite woman's humility. Jesus was impressed with the gratitude and the trust of the widow giving her all.

Jesus never did praise someone for continuing to break the Laws of God. Jesus never said He owes us forgiveness and we should just write blank checks for God to cover with our careless living. He never applauded law breaking. Jesus asked a few people to follow Him and they had excuses. And as the rich young man turned away, Jesus loved him saying God finds a way - even to the seemingly impossible people. Jesus said He was the Way, Truth and Life.

Frequently Jesus would explain the Old Testament (as the Way, Truth and Life of God would do so!) and Jesus would explain how Jesus fulfills the Law or the Word of God. Jesus Lived this - going to the Samaritans, eating with those who say they Really need a Savior. Jesus expanded the meeting of Moses in the burning bush to say God explains He is God of the Living. Jesus lived His Father's Word even as He made the Word alive and with depth.


Jesus impressed the religious scribes and even the Temple Guard refused to take Jesus down. Jesus does all things Well. Even when mere mortals have to wait to see all things working to Good. And Today Jesus continues to do all things well. We who believe Jesus acts like God being God continue to have faith in Him - which in turn pleases the God John recognized as - God is Love.

The true nobility of God are defined in the Word of God - those who seek the Lord knowing the Lord God Father God is easily found. Knowing God delights when we trust in Father God. Knowing Father God will hear our prayers and answer them when we trust His Will for our lives. And in relationship with our Father - seek His Good Works God is so able to communicate to warm the Souls Loving and being Loved by Father God.


Father God - You are Love. We enfold Your Love around ourselves, our Loved Ones, our Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, Church, State and Nation. Asking You bless us all and we continue to trust in You - You are Love. In Jesus Christ, Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Mark 12:35-37 ~ The Messiah is the son of David

Mark 12:35-37

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’

37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
The large crowd listened to him with delight.

For many years people have debunked the divinity of Jesus Christ by saying the genealogy of Matthew 1 and Luke 3 do not match. The list from Luke 3 is not of the kings of Judah and Israel, still making Jesus the House of David.

We have shunned answering the question why these two gospel accounts have not matched. There is a very candid historical reason. The Sadducean Council records, the Council is chosen of Pharisees and Sadducees, and records Mary was the daughter of Heli - the account in Luke 3. The documents exist in Scotland and record all sorts of things not true or pertinent to the lives of Jesus and Mary. The reason they exist is that other Roman historical documents debunk the veracity of Jesus' trial. Why would we trust document proven untrue yet Historical?

Abner. The name of the commander of Saul’s army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s uncle. Abner ended the war of Saul's concubine's sons being proclaimed King. Giving David his complete victory. Abner was accused of a crime he did not commit by Saul's extended family and he gave the nod of the army to King David. It was the end of David's 22 years of believing without evidence that the Word of God concerning David, David's life work, was true.

The Bible says that when there are witnesses, we should heed the evidence, in truth seeking. Historical Documents say that Luke 3 is Mary's line of David from his son Nathan.

We all do the Will of God. If we work for God, we accomplish His Will. If we work against God, we accomplish His Will. David saw all manners of friendly, obstinate, helpful, mercinary bosses, killer kings, family that needed help, helping people who followed, lazy people who wanted David to do the work, people who only jumped on a winning band wagon - David found a place for all to be encouraged in God. Occasionally David placed one a part, but David reflection God - found a place at the table for all men willing to be God's men.


Father God, we Shout for Joy in all Your works and words. We will be glad in worshipping You. We will look for the songs singing Your praises.

Father You are GOD. You made us and not we ourselves. We are Your People and we are pleased to be the sheep of Your Pasture.

We enter all gates give to us by You with thanksgiving. We rejoice in your courts to Praise you.

Lord You are Good and Your Love endures forever. Your faithfulness is to all generations.
We cover the ones we love, our family, friends, neighbors, workers, and Church, State and Nation with the name of Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Ruth 3:1-18 ~ his heart was happy

Photo~ Threshing Floor for Grain Bethlehem and Threshing tools

Ruth 3:1-18

1 Then Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi said to her, "My daughter, should I not look for a home for you, so all will be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz of our family, with whose women servants you were? See, he is dividing the grain from the waste at his grain-floor tonight. 3 So wash yourself. Pour oil on yourself and wear your best clothes. Then go down to the grain-floor. But do not let the man know who you are until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, watch where he lies. Go in and take the covers off his feet and lie down. Then he will tell you what to do." 5 Ruth said to her, "I will do all that you say."

6 So Ruth went down to the grain floor and did all her mother-in-law had told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and his heart was happy, he went to lie down beside the grain. Then Ruth came in secret. She took the covers off his feet and lay down. 8 The man was surprised late in the night. He turned and saw that a woman was lying at his feet. 9 He said, "Who are you?" She answered, "I am Ruth, your woman servant. Spread your covering over me. For you are of our family." 10 And Boaz said, "May the Lord bring good to you, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than your first by not going after young men, with or without riches. 11 Now my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you whatever you ask. For all my people in the city know that you are a good woman. 12 It is true that I am of your family. But there is one closer than I. 13 Stay this night. In the morning, if he will have you for his own, let him take you. But if he does not want to have you, then I will take you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning."

14 So Ruth lay at his feet until morning. She got up before the people could see each other. For Boaz said, "Do not let it be known that the woman came to the grain-floor." 15 And he said, "Bring the coat you are wearing and hold it out." So she held it, and he loaded her with six jars full of grain. Then she went into the city. 16 When she came to her mother-in-law, Naomi said, "How did it go, my daughter?" And Ruth told her all that the man had done for her. 17 She said, "He gave me these six jars full of grain. For he said, 'Do not go to your mother-in-law with empty hands.' " 18 Naomi said, "Wait until you know what is going to happen, my daughter. For the man will not rest until the thing is decided upon today."

How would we relate this late at night event to the Gospels?

Jesus sent His Disciples two by two. Just like the 7 pairs of clean animals in Noah's Ark.
Just like the two prophets who spoke by the two lamps and the two olive trees in Revelation. Ruth is sent by Naomi. Luke 10.

Ruth does not rest there, she returns to Naomi. Luke 10.

Both women wait to see the will of God, acted upon by Boaz. Luke 10.

Who and why is he merciful to Ruth? Her merciful neighbor is Boaz. Luke 10.

Who has chosen a better portion - Ruth chose Naomi as godly and needing of her assistance, more than the gods of her father's house. Luke 10.

This is an unusual Bible Chapter. And in the honesty of Scripture, truth is discussed. Jesus chose people as his ancestry on both his mother and father's side. 

And in God - we see fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.


Father God,
You are not a man, that You should lie, Nor a son of man, that God should repent; Has God said, and God will do it. When You Father have spoken, and You will make it good.

When You command to bless, You have blessed, then You will not revoke it. God You are faithful. In all our lives, we will run to You to take hold of the Hope set before us and we will be greatly encouraged. God has caused His Spirit to dwell in us. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Lord Father God, You alone are God, and not a man - be the Holy One among us. We pray for Jackson, Fred, Edward, our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, Church, State and Nation. You alone are God. In Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †