Psaligm 147 ~ His Word runs swiftly

Psalm 147

1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 
3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4
He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 
5 Great is our Lord, 
and abundant in power; 
his understanding is beyond measure. 
6 The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. 


7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! 
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth; 
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry. 
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, 
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

11 But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. 

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your children within you. 
14 He makes peace in your borders; 
he fills you with the finest of the wheat. 
15 He sends out his command to the earth; 
his word runs swiftly. 

16 He gives snow like wool; 
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. 
17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? 
18 He sends out his word, and melts them;
 he makes his wind blow and the waters flow. 
19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel. 
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. 

March has come and gone like the Lion and Lamb March is known to be.

This Portion of the Word of God is balm. The soothing Good News Father God is charge. Today is going to be ok. Our Father has not brought you so far to drop you on your head. God has not abandoned you. God knows our cares and anxieties before they even occur. And God, of course, is part of us overcoming.

We have a choice. We can be Daniel, who believes God will triumph in all circumstances. We can be Peter who will stand, fall or swim to meet Jesus. Peter even goes forth when Peter thinks he has only a vision of the jail allowing him to leave. We can choose to let our storm gather anxiety, or we can make the larger prayer and decide to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Do the work Jesus has given us to do - Believe.

Mark 4

37  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”


Abba Father,
You are the Compass of North, South, East and West.
The Cross intersects mankind meeting God through the Lamb of God, Jesus.

In Jesus, we have a choice to stand on the firm foundation
and not to stay in the boat of storm and doubt.

We will forgo fleeting emotion like a shower and we will believe Jesus Christ.

And we will visualize Jesus calming the storm, helping Peter to stand on the impossible and be secure.

Giving thanks for God allowing us time and forbearance for our past flaws, sins and weaknesses.
And leaning upon God to help us to strive more ably. Getting on with our perseverance. Telling You,
Thank You, Father. We agree with the Words of Jesus, "Rise up."

We will picture rising up, standing with Jesus, telling Him we love Jesus. We will picture
our loved ones standing up. And we will rest with the Lord for His care and answers. Letting
God be our Father and providing His answers. 

Knowing our prayers touch others' prayers and seeing we form this prayer bond to Jesus Christ eternal. Giving thanks for Travis, who made the excellent point today our great artists, take what is sorrowful and make Joy, Love and Peace. Gratitude for healing to the God who sustains us, daily with His Word. And how wonderful to receive Wisdom in conversation as from the Lord. Jesus is the Light of the world and of mankind.

We will rise up in Jesus Christ. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 7:1-14 ~ And Jesus went with them

Luke 7:1-14

7 After he had finished all his sayings in
the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 

Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”

6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 

10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.


 
11 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. 13 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.”




The Holy Spirit is not new, In existence, and - working - in the Gospels. Genesis 1 tells us The Holy Spirit hovers over the waters of God's new earth. The explanation I like regarding the Holy Spirit is this: God the Father has made plans for us all, before we were born. The Son, Jesus, builds the path for those plans with His very Life and Blood, helping the Will of the Father. The Holy Spirit provides encouragement, guidance, wisdom, protection, and the will to strive and run the race of good works and the faith to persevere.

Jesus is traveling in groups in this Scripture. One more intimate, one larger. Jesus displays a nationalism to Israel. Don't we all tend to act this way. We exist in circles, or communities. we add to them, we regulate them, we have faith in these groups, we admonish these groups, we cheer these groups. We tend to them like a parent It is not reasonable to say Jesus did not have groups, communities, Synagogues, areas like Galilee and even Israel.

 Like we do, to a certain extent. If we ignore our groups - we say we don't care, we aren't interested, we do not create a ripple in their order. By not commenting: "Surely this is peaceful." And absolutely declares - what we have here, by our silence, is no effect. What the circle says - we are. We do not ask for Kindness, Mercy, Moral Value. We simply exist. Saying this is 'better'.

I went to a funeral once, where the person who had died was praised for being loyal to their group - right or wrong. Mercy is good. Being humble because ALL people sin - is worthy to know. But participating in wrong - is wrong. We need to walk the path and plan God has for us - asking Him to guide, lead, encourage, help, raise, forgive - for the Glory of God. Looking to the Word of God creating the Fire of the Holy Spirit to lead us in our soul and mind for words, prayers and action.

If we exist simply - this is good. However examine what simple really means. If we want to leave a Light Shining - we are going to have to engage in the Gospel proclaiming Fight the Good Fight.


Revelation 4:5
And out of the throne proceeded lightning and thunder and voices

Revelation 10:3
Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

Remember the Shining Water from His Throne:

Psalm 29
…2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders, The LORD is over many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful, The voice of the LORD is majestic.


What is the Voice of the Holy Spirit telling us, in what we see of the Fruit of the Spirit, about the circles of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—

10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

Jesus' people expect Him to want to help. Jesus' people expect Jesus to take action for good reason. Identical to the way we pray.





The Centurion is explained to ... Jesus - the God of Light and Life and Love - what man the Centurion could be expected to be. They are a little confused to not see Jesus as God. The circle the Centurion would improve - the Synagogue for the Nation.




Jesus is traveling the same path. He believes what the Father speaks will happen. He is willing to go to Nain with a huge group. Jesus is building an event of the dead son rising - the foundation of proof that the Nation might be saved. Jesus knows the circle will widen again - God wants to save the world through Jesus.







Our Abba,

Like Jabez, we pray to increase our opportunities. We pray the Work of our hands is pleasing to You for blessing. We pray the meditation of our heart and the words of our lips are pleasing to You. We pray even in quiet lives - today is meaningful in Your sight. What we do matters. Our prayers are like the centurion - what we love - leads us in paths that our Jesus Christ in us - Light of mankind - will make Your Glory smile and shine forth, making Your Will on earth like that of Heaven.

With renewed Faith, Hope and Love - we know with certainty and peace - our cares, our heart, our Steve, Paul, Edward, ears, our loved ones, the people you give us - are within Your Hand and Heart.

You are Jesus Christ. The Lord. Our prayers for the neighborhoods, communities, schools, Churches, work places are building up to our prayers for the Nation and then to the world. This is not too large for You, And in You we say the Amen, Lord Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Psalm 91 ~ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence

Psalm 91 (Hebe deine Augen Auf) composed by Felix Mendelssohn

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

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 look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”



A very Strong Psalm. Psalm 91 is a favored Psalm. Sung at the Holy Festivals for the Jews. Read at Compline for Christians. This Psalm is supposed to be read at bedtime. Because many people over the 3 millenniums have found anxious thoughts at night. The Strength of God's Word as a Mighty Fortress - this is to feel secure.

Today Houston's KSBJ - Bill Ingram told us about praying for a teenage girl for years. She was 15 and as she told her parents she had given her life to Jesus Christ, her parents told her to hush about ''that", they aren't interested in 'such things',  they were getting a divorce. Bill told her to remain strong in the Lord and hold on to Him. Be diligent. This was a call in prayer to the radio station. Bill Ingram put her on his prayer list - his shorter prayer list - for over a decade. 12 years later he was called to the phone as Melinda told him this had been a rough set of years. She had held on to Jesus in good times and the difficult years ahead. Her parents had been saved by Jesus and instead of divorcing went to Christian Counseling and had decided to remain married. Bill Ingram wept when she called in and he told her he had prayed daily for her for 12 years. Jesus hears our prayers and is filled with Works of Compassion.

A reminder, all those prayers, like my Grandmother Anita. praying for her adopted son. Forceps at his birth,  caused a baby boy to stay at an 80 IQ - growing up to be an angry adult who disliked Christians, would in his 7th decade of life suddenly read Rick Warren's book and go on to believe Jesus after debunking Jesus for many, many decades. My uncle went Home to meet Jesus and his dancing mother - my grandmother.

Our Prayers go to a Mighty Fortress - the Goodness of God Himself. Inhaled to be a sweet aroma to the Lord.

Our Prayers matter. Keep Praying. Keep Praying.




Father God,
We will pick up weary thoughts with renewed interest. Revitalized. Renewed.

Jesus - we remember, has solved many, many situations. God saved the People of Goshen, His Blood on the Door, created a Fortress.

David survived lions. So did Samson. Paul survived a snake in Malta. The lame man recovered from the Word of Jesus from Peter. Paul recovered his sight.

And in this truth of millenniums of God's Good Work in Miracles that defy all explanations, we rest our cares, our loved ones, the people You have given us. And Know - You hold and encircle this earth - with mercy - to hear and answer Prayer.

In Jesus, we live, move and have our dwelling. Lord Jesus. The Word of God upholds the Universe and is fully merciful, Loving and willing to hear our prayers and answer in His Plans. Diligence. The Word of God is fulfilled. Amen Jesus Lord.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 2 ~ He took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God

Luke 2

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”


25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[g] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.




We have been discussing holiness.

If we were to view this from the human perspective, Simeon appears to be the Holy one. And the infant Jesus is being blessed. A son of a mother the Sanhedrin Council would be informed, when the far flung David's lineage are having angels appear.

Simeon is being kind. Jesus said worship in Spirit and Truth. In Truth, Simeon is holy because he recognizes Simeon is the one in the being blessed category. And Simeon acknowledges this.




Abba, our Father,

We thank You for Your Goodness. Jesus is the Light of the World. Jesus is the Light of mankind and this is the priority. Jesus.

Jesus please for my loved ones and the people You have given me. And our prayers circle the globe. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Your Word says You have the earth and the fullness thereof. We give You Thanks to place our cares with You, Abba, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Amen

1 Peter 1:10-20 ~ “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Archeology fully supports the Book of Esther. King Xerxes of Persia. Pop Culture is ~ Wrong. These are archaeology King Xerxes, from his age.

1 Peter 1:10-20

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.



13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”


17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.

A surprise. If we are holy, we are to be not purveyors of Righteousness, but rather to serve. A leader is a servant.

We are not supposed to be come so accustomed to the Word of God, we are to be far from being complacent about salvation. When we read the Word of God, we should not be able to skip portions for head nodding.


Who else faced the end times? The Persian Empire were& ethnically Medes, Babylonians, or Parthians. Taking over where Alexander the Great, mentioned by Ezekiel, stopped. Ezekiel said Alexander would bow to the High Priest of God for being God's representative on earth after Alexander had made the island of Tyre joined to the mainland by a vast earth bridge, forever. Upon completion of the earthen bridge, Alexander would complete the journey by bowing to the Jewish High Priest, learning a Jew had told of Alexander's conquest of Tyre 300 years prior.

Also out of the culture, the Jews were in severe trouble who had decided to remain part of the Babylonian Culture instead of returning to Israel. The end of time was a hand. They needed someone who would believe God. Esther was precariously placed.

A 19th-century Christian pilgrim offered her own insight on the effectual significance of the tomb of Esther and the 2,700-year-old Persian Jewish community guarding this tomb : “Beside the tomb of Esther the lowly race she saved have kept loving watch through all the weary ages. More wonderful than any ancient monument are these Jews themselves, lineal descendants, in blood and faith, of the tribes of Israel.”

Some have circumstances of God compelling them.

Ester 4
14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Silver plate bearing the Name King Ahasuerus  465 -425 B.C. as the Iron Age Began. Empires crumbled as the Bronze Age ended.

King Ahasuerus Cuneiform 

Father God,
Forgive me for the times I have breezed over You Word. Thank You for the opportunity to bring the Word of God from my thoughts to these Posts.

Truthfully, there is not a day that goes by where I am not in awe of Your Glories. And I know I talk to You almost constantly. Thank You for the Grace of Jesus, allowing us, who believe Jesus, the access without fail, to come to You as we pray.

We remember You are God. And as Esther became Queen because King Ahasuerus had imbibed. And in the joy of remembering, You sweep all things to You; as Peter reminds us to be sober-minded. We acknowledge, we know God works through all people. The Glory of God does not say He came to save the well-behaved, the Glory of God exists to Love people who are loving. God wants to be available for all - to save the world. We surely know God wants us to be loving.

We require the Mercy of God when King Ahasuerus is remembered in videos, games and movies like "The 300" as being a creature of evil. And is forgotten for being young, human man, seeking to rule wisely. The Rescuer of the Jews. A hurt husband, a loving husband, a husband who would create a tomb for himself and his Esther, we could visit today. A witness to the power of Love in vastly different cultures. Even today where the tombs are found. We require the humility of not knowing what another life holds. The balance available in God's Word.

And we require the diligent searching of Scripture with earnest thoughts and eyes, ready to be renewed and not complacent. We require Jesus, a Savior.

For Your's is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. Jesus our bridge to His Plans for a Hope and a Future. Jesus, our God, we always need more than He could ever need us. We cover the ones we love and the people You have given us, hoping to Lift Your Countenance in Joy, as You cover us with the Name of Jesus. Help us each day. Amen.

  ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Mark 1 ~ Simon and those who were with him searched for Him

Mark 1

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”


4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 

7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.



14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.




21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 

27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 

28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.


29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.





32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.





35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 

38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.





40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 

41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 

43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 



45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.



Simon and those who were with him searched for Jesus.

Jesus does pray a lot and Scriptures record Elijah went out, like Jesus does to the lonely, desolate places.

Elijah in 1 Kings 19 is very expressive.

11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?


And we consider Jesus Christ. A strong Wind - Jesus calms. The storm upon the Sea of Galilee was this level - wind sheer and almost an earthquake from the way God created the Golan Heights. Jesus calms our storms.

Jesus was dead when Golgotha had rocks split in an earthquake geologists have found dating correctly to the age of Jesus alive. Jesus was not in the earthquake - His Father was.

Fire - the earth was created in water and fire will be the end of the earth. Jesus asked when He returned would He find faith.




Jesus is in the quiet places to pray - to find the voice of His Father.




I once encountered ice on a bridge and skidded to the rail. Scaring the driver behind me to death. All I had time for was yell, "Jesus Lord Christ!" Not even time for please. Just Extreme Urgency. My car abruptly stopped, I thought I had hit something. Only God can stop a car like that. The driver behind got out and yelled he had to look down because he thought I'd died going over the bridge.


Finding Jesus, as it was in the beginning, is now and always:

In Creation, Jesus says:

Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Love.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!



And how will we identify God Himself the Lord our God Father Almighty?

Love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.


And what is Strength?

Finding His Mercies renew each day. Anticipating the finding. Joy of the Lord is my strength.

What are the Fruits of the Spirit of God?
Nehemiah 8. A continual feast finding strength in God. God is Love. God is Joy. How will He bring this together for good for those who Love the Lord and Work for His Purpose?

Matthew 6:33
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.



Father God,

I am praying a huge frame work, steel frame work building around those I love. This is tall and open, able to protect. The foundation is fortified to carry this huge steel frame work. The strength and the foundation are God. The openness is God. This fortification belongs to the Lord God Almighty. This is the place of honor where Love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control will endure the storms of life.

And I place each person there saying as I have heard them say, "I love Jesus."

Our Father who is in Heaven,
Holy is Your Name, Jesus the Lord.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as in Heaven.

Give us this day. Our daily Living Bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others.

Lead us not into Temptation, deliver us from evil.
For as John witnessed, Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Your's.
Amen, Jesus is Lord and we ask in His Name.


May the Lord Bless us and Keep us
and make His Face Shine upon us and be gracious to us. Thank You.
Lift Your Face to Smile upon us.
And give us Peace,
Covering us in the Name of Jesus Christ God. Amen.



When Father God wanted to create Life, He spoke.
Light. And Jesus Christ Light of the world, light of mankind is our God.
Over the waters, is the Voice of God, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus laughed with delight to see the beauty God creates.
They delighted in mankind.

When the Children of Israel could go no further,
Father God created a path for them through the Red Sea.
Only with faith could they walk with waters heaped up on both sides.
They traveled with dry feet.
We give thanks for Your servants Moses and Joshua.
And as this Prayer encompasses Living Water, we pray for deserts to end
and faith increase.

Mankind cried out again against tyranny and oppression of their own making.
Jesus Christ Light of the World, Son of God was born of a Virgin
and obediently the Lamb of God, healing and loving, who knew no sin,
emerged from the Holy Water of Baptism
and God Spoke,
"This is My Beloved Son, Listen to Him."

And we want to be able to do as Jesus did.
To see Your Willingness each day and go there with faith.

Jesus, being God, knew to go to the Pool of Bethsaida
where He healed and ungrateful man from 38 years of illness.

Jesus did not quit. Jesus went on to the Town of Bethsaida,
where He healed with Living Water; sending the healed blind man
to the Pool of Siloam - Sent.

Because of Jesus' willingness, we know the man's name - Bartimaeus.

Jesus went further, going another mile for God. A man was healed
from brain injury blindness with Living Water. Jesus found he needed
more healing and Jesus took hold of him again. Healed.

Jesus used Living Water and healed the deaf man. Putting fingers in his
ears, Jesus cried "Be Opened." The man was healed.

Jesus walked on water, probably remembering Genesis, the Joy and Delight of creation and mankind.
Peter would walk with Jesus. He was not able. Jesus immediately made the path of Peter sturdy to get Peter to the ship.

There was a horrible storm of great magnitude. Jesus spoke to the wind and waves. They were calm. We want to be covered in Jesus. Always. Amen.

  ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 108 ~ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

Psalm 108

My heart is steadfast, O God!
I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2 Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
3 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered,
give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

7 God has promised in his holiness:
“With exultation I will divide up Shechem
and portion out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my scepter.
9 Moab is my washbasin;
upon Edom I cast my shoe;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Oh grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the salvation of man!
13 With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.

We lived for four years in Nice, France overlooking the Mediterranean. In the summer, the skies were beautifully blue, the sun set regally as purple with gold lights left from the town. Each summer day the terra cotta roofs were beautiful and the stucco buildings were snowy white surrounded by Palms and beautiful fruits and vegetables. The city looks the same after 50 years, probably even 150 years before and 150 years in the future.

And we lived for 4 years in Emporium, Pennsylvania where Lake Erie leaves ALL the snow meeting the end of the Appalachian Mountains. And for 9 months, the earth sleeps with grey tree trunks, snow or left over snow, grey skies - early end of the day about 4:30 p.m. as the mountains let the sun travel on. And in the summer, Edward once commented on a Pennsylvania forest saying he disliked earth photos trying to look like Heaven. And Pennsylvania forests with wood ferns, cascading Mountain Laurel and then, Wild Blueberries - do just that.

Life does this. Everything appears pretty grey. Oceans churn and look like ocean winter. Skies have clouds and cloudiness. Winds toss the ocean to be wild. And we know Spring has arrived and Summer will be here. Crowds will return, beaches will be packed with all ages.

Why we doubt anything different with seasons of life -  because we hold the events and the people dear to us - much more seriously.


Abba,

When the sun shines - You are in Charge.

When the skies are cloudy - You are in Charge.

We lift up the people we love. Even when they irritate us. And we still love them. And the people You have given us.

Knowing Good News - is far more important. Jesus Christ Loves us and hears our prayers. For Health, for provision, for jobs, for opportunities. And know our prayers go Far.

In Jesus. Amen.

  

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †