Romans 14:13-23 ~ Proceed from faith

Romans 14:13-23

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building.

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.


And


1 John 3
3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.





Mike Pickard's Blog says "This verse, about Abram's faith, helps us understand how God can use an imperfect man like Abram to bring about his good purposes. Abram is counted as “righteous,” not because he is worthy (he clearly is not) but because he has faith in God who declares him worthy.



How are we going to obtain God? Creator of All Things, Ancient of Days, Shepherd and Captain of our Souls. Father of the Righteous in Jesus Christ. Father of All. He has named the Heavens. The Heavenly Host are His.

We connect with God only because our Father lives to Love and have Mercy. Father God bends far down to hear our souls connect to heart and mind. With belief and sincerity - God is going to be part of us. And when we believe God - He is going to help us continue each day to have a meaningful life of Joy. To take what is difficult and make Love. To give mercy and dignity to those around us.

Consider what we know of each day of Jesus. Jesus could hear the willingness of His Father, and our Father, each day and Jesus traveled to do the Will of God. Jesus tells us when we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father.

If we do not hear the willingness of God and yet we are willing, God will do the impossible to make the willingness of Father God's Love come to us. Jesus went all over in the Willingness of God. And a few times Jesus told people to do things like go to the Pool of Siloam (Sent) (we want to be sent!) and stay out of the Village. Sounds like advice we'd all like to have from time to time. And when we didn't hear - God is going to sweep all things together for Good. As long as we Believe Him. Looking to see what is Good in Life.



We can't walk the same path as Father God of the Universe. God is Amazing and Astonishing. And Jesus demonstrated this path-walking, very thing, with Paul, reaching down immediately to help Paul walk securely with Jesus.

Jesus speaks to the Sea and the waters immediately cease. The Wind halts. And Jesus is recorded as bringing the boat immediately to shore in John 4.



When we Believe God is at work - we have given God the motivation to be at Work. God Himself commended His Beloved in the Great Chapter of Hebrews 11.

Because

Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.



Abba,

We love to remember Jesus as Grace upon Grace. From His fullness we have received.

We recall Jesus aided the father who professed his belief with far more compassion than His own Disciples who said "Teach us to pray."

Mark 9:23-24
23“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

We believe in Your Word's the prayer of a righteous man availeth much. We pray for those who have asked us to pray for them, body, mind and soul. The overwhelming Love and Power of Jesus give healing, Love and hope. Remembering Jesus told us and healing ministries agree - more prayer the better. Praying with expectation.

And with Joy and Verve - we pray for those we Love and thank God for their blessings. We pray for those who display courage in their patience wait for the solution. We bless those who lead with Courage and Mercy. We continue daily to pray for the prayers that have been asked of us. With great expectation and great Comfort the Holy Spirit provides the strength and joy of You - to do our lives.

Blessing Father God for the summer providing more time to visit family and be there. Asking blessings on the elderly for fortitude, health and clarity. Giving thanks for opportunities for ourselves and our Children. The blessings of Home and Hearth and Education. Seeing the new season of summer with Profound Joy.

Carrying these prayers up to our work, our needs, our communities, our Churches. Knowing God will bless us for far away prayers like praying for the national government and our elected officials. Asking God to bring Truth to the news, more Good News and balance. And refusing to be discouraged. Instead letting God have room to show He is God and God is not worried. Blessing Abba for covering us in the Name of Jesus.

Amen in Jesus for today and tomorrow!

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 2 ~ According to Your Word

We had a client for STI, and so I had a conversation with a man in his teens. His father had died in his late 40's and the late father had several families - raised none of his 9 kids - by many women. "Good Time Chuck." We think it's gone out of style to have lots and lots of children. Not to the men moving on fast.

The teen boy's goal in life - to be nothing like his father. He planned to be the first of "Good Time Chuck"'s family to go to college. But no one had really discussed his major or the likelihood of employment from the major. Smart young man, he asked for backup opinions on college majors and said he knew his High School College Admissions Counselor. I asked him if he was already here for an STI, why was he different than "his father". He used protection. I asked him if he knew that protection is sometimes implied and actually not in place. He said no way, no one wants kids in their teens. I told he we see clients every day who want children because they feel unloved. He sat stunned.

I asked him what it meant to him to be opposite his father. He said he was ashamed to say who his father was to the people who knew him or his father. "The father"  never tried to do anything other than please himself. And that appealed to women - a man who pleased himself. I asked him again, what did that mean to be his opposite. A college education. I asked him, since he appeared to be stuck, if that meant caring for the other's God would have him place permanently in his life. He said he would and did care for his mom because "Good Time Chuck" had left life difficult for her and her son.

I asked him if his father was married and he said twice, but that wouldn't explain the nine kids. I asked him if he intended to marry, he said yes after college. I asked him if he was going to say "no" to the temptations of a man women see holding a job and taking care of people. He said he hadn't thought of that since "Good Time Chuck" appealed to women as having a job and a way with people. He said he could see how women would want a provider, but he wouldn't want to do what had happened to his mom.

I asked him when he knew his father had nine children. He replied his mom had known "Good Time Chuck" had 2 or 3 kids, but not more. When he was born he was child number 5. I asked him what his father had said when his mom found out he was number 5. He said his dad was still 'hanging around' at that point and he said what he always said to avoid these things. What's that? "Oh baby..."

When had he found out his dad had 9 kids? When his mom forced him to go to his dad's funeral and he met his grandmother. He said his grandmother was very sad his dad had passed on from 'pleasing himself all the time', but most of the children refused to attend the funeral. His grandmother 'thought that was a shame.'  He didn't think he'd be contacting his grandmother again.

Romans 8.


This teenager said no one laid it all on the line with him. No one challenged him to do more. The truth is - we were where people lay it on the line and ask for more thought. But no one told him - life begins today. This is your life - today. Today you are building. Today you are making your life meaningful to God, to yourself, to your future self, to your loved ones - even to people unborn.

Listening to people when they really tell you their life - there are some people,,, according to this teen, "that you just put in the earth when they are gone, and you cover them up." And then there are those who taught you how to make food, make curtains, fix window blinds, clean a bathroom. Took you to Church. Learned how to mow a lawn with them. Wash a car. Got you to sing in the choir. Cared when life hurt. Made a path for you. Prayed for you.

This gives us quite a lesson on what to be grateful for.










Where are we going to get inspiration for this? What person in the Bible would echo this and tell us?

We are going with Joseph.

Luke 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.


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 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.

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.





We are all so sure Joseph was all in this ordeal. Joseph was chock full of mess handed to him. This passage tells us even when Jesus was a pre-teen, the circumstances were still overwhelming and unclear to them.

Yes, Joseph had had a dream after being merciful to Mary. Did he stay in this belief? This Dream was from God?!! Notice Mary is removed from her parents' house at a time for a 70 mile donkey ride where no one would say 'Great Plan'. Mary is being handed over by her family house at a very unpleasant time. Joseph is not the husband. Why did her parents say ok?

And women giving birth in odd places does happen. And the man doesn't always remain.



What did God do with the PRESSURE? What did the Body of Christ do?

The pressure was taken from them both with the arrival of Good News from 'Shepherds'.

The Body of Christ welcomed them into God's House for doing God's Plan. Gracious in spite of odd circumstances.

Mary went on to call this "treasures of her heart."



God was letting Joseph have the initiative for good. God was giving help for the initiative to remain. And still Joseph and Mary were walking with faith with Jesus right in their midst. We see they had 30 years of normal life. And Jesus in John 14, 15, and 16 reports their lives had Joy.

God was making unusual life have Joy. And having forgiveness. Romans 8. God's Plan for Jesus was for us to see how difficult life can be. And God would take our flaws, weaknesses and sins and make us holy covering us in Jesus. We can have hope for the future regardless of the mess of life.

Jesus is Love, faith and hope.


Father God, Our God, Our Father, Our Abba,

We receive the Holy Spirit to have courage. We will work on having less fear. We have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

We know will have suffered with Jesus in order that we may also be glorified with Jesus in Heaven.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And in this Great Love, we pray boldly and confidently resting on our Father. For our cares, for the needs and cares of those we love. For the people we pray for, God has given us. And our jobs, schools, city, state and Nation. Knowing God hears us and our prayers are pleasing and good for His Answers. We Thank You, Abba. In Jesus. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 1:1-18

1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob,
strike one

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
strike two
3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron,
strike three
Hezron the father of Ram,
4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
strike four

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of King David.
strike five - with the Prophet Samuel.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
strike six
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
strike seven
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
ok unstrike seven
Abijah the father of Asa,
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
strike seven

9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz,
strike eight - plans to melt down the Temple for a client state existence.
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
unstrike eight - Wow Hezekiah!

10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Strike 9 poor parenting Hezekiah

Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
Unstrike one for Josiah had to clean out to discover there was a set of Papyrus called the Bible.


11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
Strike 10 Josiah was prophetically warned and chose not to listen and died.

12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, 
Strike 11
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud,
15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.

This Family of Jesus - has definitely had it's licks.






I think the most shocking part is this:

Mary loaded on a donkey, headed 70 miles, 110 Kilometers - leaving her father's house.
Giving birth because "no room" but in a stable

- is

Mary of Heli. Heli's daughter. Not Joseph's wife.

God is God. God the Almighty. Alpha and Omega. Maker of Heaven and earth.

To the left of God's son.. donkeys and chickens and goats.

Beside Jesus - Mary - unwed.

Next to Mary - who is that man? Oh, that's the betrothed guy.


Hey.

why?



Romans 8.

Those who seek - find the answer.





Abba, Our Father, God Who Loves me and you,

What then shall we say to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

You did not spare Your own Son but gave Him up for us all,
You will graciously give us all things

Who are we to examine Mary, Mother of God? Shall we bring any charge against God's elect?

It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

When we pray these difficult things with You, Father God. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

You, who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


Those whom You foreknew, You also predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

We trust You, Father God, those whom You predestined You also called, and those whom You called You also justified, and those whom You justify, You will glorify.

Ancient of Days, Father of the Fatherless. Alpha and Omega. God Everlasting. Jesus Triumphant - for our cares, for our Loved Ones. Perfect God.

When all is a mess, when all are not Justifiable. When we feel sunken. When we feel lost. When no one can fix this. 

What Isaiah saw.

Isaiah 1
17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. 18"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. 19 "If you consent and obey, You will eat the good of the land."

Amen in Jesus.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 2:1-25 ~ And Suddenly

Luke 2:1-25

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.

He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb


Father God cares very much about the events surrounding unborn Jesus, the birth - more than the childhood of Jesus. So different than when we consider our own childhoods or those of our children.

All the announcing of God's Will has been much more told by - yes - the Holy Spirit. Making the birth of Jesus rather spectacular.

Holiness or human perspective, 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. Simeon wants Jesus to live His purpose. And is helping His Parents to accomplish the raising of Jesus.



Jesus encounters a similar name. Simon of Cyrene on Good Friday.


Matthew 27
31 After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him. 32 Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. 33And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull


Mark 15:21 
Simon "the father of Alexander and Rufus"

 It's been suggested Rufus mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:13 is the son of Simon of Cyrene.

A burial cave in the Kidron Valley discovered in 1941 by E. L. Sukenik, belonging to Cyrenian Jews and dating before AD 70, was found to have an ossuary inscribed twice in Greek "Alexander son of Simon." It cannot, however, be certain that this refers to the same person.



What would tie this together?
Simeon wanted Mary and Joseph to have reassurance in all things work together for God for those who Love the Lord and work according to His Purpose. Simon was not merely being polite - Simeon was providing a Godly path for many to travel. Furthering the Word and Work of the Holy Spirit.


Simon was forced to help Jesus. And we find out - only with faith - Jesus touched life of this man and his children began to walk with faith.

Works of God - point to God.

The difference with the Gospels telling of the preparation for God's child are different than your typical birth - huge events are planned with the Birth of God's Only Son. For the Purpose of Increasing God Himself. When God is pointing in a direction - He is pointing for the path to increase down to not just the people involved - but future generations to have this Faith, Hope and Love. The path looks narrow, and God carries this very, very far to the hills and highways of Heaven.




And because this is God's Holy Work - this is what we can know to be true.

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




Why is this important today? When we have to decide something - we can decide upon what our soul tells us God wants us to do. Reading the Word of God is reassuring. Father God tells us Himself - The Holy Spirit is Comfort.



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 †

John 1 ~ see Heaven open

John 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 

We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 

16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.






19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”


22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 Jesus is the Light of the World. Becoming True Light of True Light in Genesis 1.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”


37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 

41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).


43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

When Jesus ascended to the Father - letting us know where Jesus had gone - He had Chapters still to right. Heaven to Live in.

John 21
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written.

You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”


When we see Heaven - we will recognize that Heaven is a vastly different place - created by the same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Father God. Earth is Heaven through a dim mirror.

Jerusalem's Temple Mount is not significantly elevated. When we see the New Jerusalem, we will be looking up at city walls with 12 open Gates with each Gate having a door, open, of one magnificent Pearl. The walls will hold multitudes upon multitudes.

12 sons of Jacob - Jacob believed all sons should be blessed. Not one son. Jesus did not come to earth to keep boundaries - all the children of God - born of His will - will find Jesus here.

God's home is not the Temple. God is at Home in His Home. And we will find the hills and highways of Heaven lead us to Him by shining water.

And lest we forget this of salvation - Jesus had a physical body. This is not ghosts. This is real life. Where Heaven is described as feasts.

And where did Jesus say we could be when we begin to see this? I believe Jesus was saying we would be alive when we see Heaven open up.




Praise be to you, Lord,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Ephesians 6:10-24 ~ all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Ephesians 6:10-24

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14 Stand therefore,
having fastened on the belt of truth,
 and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible!

Jesus prayed over people - and - those people stayed on the side of a Jesus miracle. There is not one time in all of the Scriptures, someone going to God Himself, had to return later and say that wasn't good enough. Because to Jesus is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. Jesus was giving something Joshua taught us first. Jesus is Yeshua in Aramaic and is very similar to Joshua. Love Incorruptible. Joshua waited 40 years through his advice to Trust the Lord not being taken. Joshua shows us Love incorruptible. Jesus shows us Love incorruptible.


The word - incorruptible - is scarce in the Bible. So many pages of the 3,000 page Bible deal with people. And in this rare word - suddenly, we come across the Armor of God.



Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."


Salvation is an eternal gift of Jesus.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.





How will be bless God this Mother's Day? In a Jesus miracle many are blessed.


Abba, our Beloved Father,

Thank You for the gift of family. For Loving Family. Abba, we draw near to You in Confidence, calling on Jesus to give us access to Your' Home, Your Throne and put our arms around You. Drawn near to our Father.

Father with faith, and assurance, we will only draw on the armor of God one time. A prayer of faith. For our parents, for ourselves, for our children, for the children unborn, for the next generation in our family.

In Jesus we boldly,
14 Stand therefore,
having fastened on the belt of truth,
 and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

And in doing this we recall Luke's 7th Chapter, the first paragraph - Jesus is pleased we know when God says the Word to achieve something miraculous - miracles stay complete and fulfilled in the Word of Jesus.

We believe Father God in Jesus Christ and will ask and receive with faith. Our loved ones are placed for all times in the Love and security of the Armor of God.

We please You in believing our prayers availeth much in Jesus Christ. We are covered just like Numbers Chapter 6 in the Name of Jesus Forever. Thank You, Father.

In Jesus Christ Lord of All, Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †