Matthew 9:9-13 ~ Follow Jesus

Mark's First Chapter
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.

Matthew 9:9-13

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


10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew had cream in the bad heap jobs. Collecting money at one of the most moneyed times in history. The world would not see this revenue of the Roman Empire until 1400 A.D. This is a lot to give up for a street preacher. Yet John records all of Capernaum shows up for Jesus' first sermon because the town has seen Miracles done beyond belief or imagining. Mark 1 records Jesus opens His Ministry to mob scenes.


So many times we believe God endured this life, knowing what was to come. It was what Jesus came for - to call people and His sheer joy to call his friend Matthew. Jesus assures us in John 14, 15, 16 of His Joy in this life.

And how did Matthew return Jesus' call? Matthew gave Jesus a feast in his own home. Calling his friends and the people he knew needed Jesus, not tip toeing around Jesus and being politically correct. But the people he knew. Displeasing the employment crowd. Pleasing Jesus to be in a party, celebrating life. Honoring Him. Jesus brought people JOY and Wonder. Loving them.


Give us this Day!




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


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


This was Jesus' Love:


Luke 21:37
Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.








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

We can be shaken. Bad mood. Long traffic jam. Too much weather. Under the weather. Stray thought. Stray comment. Matthew certainly was shaking up his very well ordered world to jam with Jesus. Jesus keeps telling us


C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle:

“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!”

“And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

We might wobble, God's Kingdom is Secure. And on this Rock, we will rise up, rise up, rise up.

Echoes John Newton's "Amazing Grace":

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we first begun.

Because His Word for us, our hopes' secure.





Jesus told us He would build His Church, unseen, upon the Rock that Peter was verbally. The name Peter (Greek, Petros) means “rock” or “rock-man.” Both Matthew and Peter changed their lives completely when they had seen the Christ in the midst of His Ministry.

The other bones in the Roman Cemetery rotted away. However, Peter was placed under a rock ceiling. And 80 feet up is the Vatican altar.


Jesus is unshakeable. His Word prevails. The Word of God proves True. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Death is defeated. The Disciple Peter is accounted for. Not in the largest house in Capernaum. Peter's wonderful house's plaster walls tell the story of Peter's decision to follow Jesus. Peter is not located right next door to the Synagogue. Peter is found in the Willingness of God. In the plaster of his Roman tomb. 62 years old. Hebrews descent. A little bit plump. Feet removed from the skeleton. Peter was unwilling to be killed upright on a cross as Jesus had. Removed from the upside down cross by removal of feet from the body. Willing to be God's. Always.



Father God,

We give great thanks for Your mercy. Finding John lived to the 2nd century for John's willingness to stay beside Jesus all days. John depended upon You to be the Unshaken Kingdom.

We place into Your Loving Care our concerns, our Loved ones, the people You have given us. Knowing all prayers that are the full scope of Love for leaders, jobs, health and concerns will be in Your Protection.

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

This Bible Verse would require us to believe a few unbelievable things. And yet, we believe in Heaven. We believe in the Goodness of God. We believe all things are possible with God.


We believe Father God searches hearts.

Jeremiah 17:10
"I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds."



Compare two different Biblical Chapters.

The Prodigal Son has disappointed his father. The son has shown to the community, he is a son asking the father to sell off inheritance and move away. The father doesn't hear from the son, probably, as the son squanders the inheritance put up for him. And at the end of the story, as we read the son has come to his senses, we see the Prodigal son's Father runs to him.

And usually, we all sincerely hope Father God would be this glad to see us as we enter His Kingdom through 12, always open, single pearl, Gates of Heaven.


And consider these thoughts.



Luke 23:42-43
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The thief
came to his senses
and was rewarded with Heaven
on the day of his death.

Revelation 6

10 And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” 
11 Then each of them was given a white robe 
and told to rest a little while longer, 
until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.




If we believe, as King Solomon wrote in the power of the Holy Spirit, God Himself is the Hand of Blessing and the Hand of Woe. Plans belongs to God, then  - this is important. If we are killed (hurt, have injustice, dismay) - we do not need to cry out for God to avenge us. We do not need to cry out for Justice to God.  If God would let martyrs rest. And keep the martyrs from entering His Heaven the first day of death and not see His Paradise - but a thief being killed by capital punishment enters - - - we should believe God is actively involved with the details of our life. And have some patience and honesty with God and allow God to be God.



What do we want to appear in Life? Love.
And this is what God is looking for in us as we present our souls - our life's work - to Him.

Seems to me we get a choice in how well our Father is going to receive us. The Prodigal's Father RAN to him.


What is God looking for? A Loving, obedient Will. David was particularly known to be obedient and grateful. And you add that up - - - you see a picture forming about a soul. Something God sees well.

Genuine Love.



Father God,

Thank God the Disciples were allowed to be themselves in their emotions to Jesus. And in following Jesus with awe and wonder, found You are Good.

We will be honest and genuine in our prayers. We will seek Your Blessings. Allowing You to be God. And believing in Your Love Goodness, Wisdom and Capabilities.

The Joy of the Lord be our Strength. And He will carry us far.

We expect Your Blessings and Love for our cares, our Loved ones, the people You have given us. And we will rest knowing how involved and loving are Your ways, Your plans, Your future and the Hope You give us in Jesus Christ. 
Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Revelation 21:1-6 ~ Selah +

 

Revelation 21:1-6

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 

2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Psalm 87 

1On the holy mount stands the city he founded; 2 the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. 3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah 4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush — “This one was born there,” they say. 

5 And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her. 6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah 7 Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.”Selah

John 7:38 
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."



There are days that start out with 3 holes being drilled into your grand big toe nail.

And in the process of having help getting there, getting medical help, getting home, getting to rest. Getting chore help. Having Chocolate Chip cookies made for you. Having comfort. Giving Comfort. Receiving Comfort. That you realize Living the Good News is indeed the Joy of God and of yourself.

God is in His Heaven and all is right with the world.

Let us truly bless the Lord our Father with something He has not given us first.

Thanks be unto God our Father. And for His Son, Jesus our Christ. 

Let us have joy and gratitude.
 And remember the Gracious Goodness of Father God in all seasons of our lives.
 Amen Jesus Christ. Amen Abba. Amen Holy Spirit. 
Your Love covers Your Creation. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
 Alleluia.

 This is my Christmas Gift. A new bird feeder! Yesterday we had quite the rain storm. And as the storm went on, I noticed activity in the bird feeder. A family of Sparrows, being sheltered from the rain and fed by each other. Just sheer love and lovely!!!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Acts 9 ~ The Lord said to him in a vision

One of many synagogues in Syria. Jews dwelled in Syria in great numbers.

Acts 9

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?”

And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.



31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.




32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.

34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”

39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.”

And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

We expect The Acts of the Apostles to be fireworks. Wonders of God.  All packed in.

And why? Well ... God wanted that.

Why? Because suddenly Father God has changes occurring and not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.


Father God felt the Holy Spirit moving to inhabit all believers and He wanted projects completed. News acted upon. There were sometimes 3 visions or dreams in a week. The Spirit was on the move.




Now if we want more of God's Spirit?

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Great! Why isn't this presto magic? Because Jesus said Your will be done. And when this aligns, our will asks the Will of God. When our goodness is declared righteousness in belief. God aligns.


The Joy is finding what God, Father God, Himself, considers Glory.

John 14:13-14
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Acts 3:16
And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.





Peter took the time to write down his thoughts on answered prayer in the First Book of Peter, Chapter 4. Peter saw amazing astonishing Acts of God. Peter believed suffering causes us to turn away from sin. Helps us desire to have God's help. Peter's goal is we might live in the Spirit the way God does. Seeing this is the destination of all people.

David felt suffering would actually move Father God's compassion. Solomon said suffering was from God and to be examined. Job wanted to be righteous before God. God is so vast, all were correct. And don't we all love the prayer to be moved by God willingly and not as a horse has to be gathered. Intuitively, all these people of God understood God was moving them along. The New Testament tells us all of this Biblical advice is the Holy Spirit speaking into our hearts. The idea is to go - Home. To our Father. With Heart and Soul open and loving.


Our Abba!

We will be clear with You, for the sake of our hearts, our direction and our prayers. 

Blessed are those who believe You. In this belief, we are forgiven and declared righteous in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. We will give hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Being Good with our abilities, we have each received a Gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's astonishing variations of Grace.

Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength God supplies — in order that in every - thing - God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

To Jesus who works today. The blind see. The deaf hear. The ill are cured. Giving faith, hope and Love. Our Abba of Love and Encouragement - To You we lift up our lives, our hopes, for our cares, for the ones we love. The people You have given us. And in lifting up our deeds, our jobs, our chores, with prayer. We know - prayers circle our world. We know, today,  all lightning circles the earth entwined., even up to our sun. And in His Love, our prayers go to our Jesus, covering the earth.

We give thanks that as we pray, we cover ourselves, the people, animals, situations we love, our given people, unto all of the Creation - You, Father God, have gone to such lengths to call "Good" eleven times, like the Disciples, 11 times in Good Creation.

Edward, Cal, Steve, Paul, Sharon. Jackson. Ears and good health. Protection. Love Joy and the fulfilling of God's Word. Wisdom. Achieving with gratitude the knack You give us. Increasing what we "know" You give us to do. Gladly.

And to Jesus belongs glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Matthew 5:1-17 ~ Salt of the earth

Matthew 5:1-17

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.



2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

~  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

~  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

~  "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

~  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

~  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

~  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

~  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

~  "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

~  "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.


12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.



13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.


17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.


When we are young, we are filled with invincibility. And we add to our joy to have children. Studies say the hardest part in life is when we are truly responsible for the ones we love.

Colossians 3
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This is a deeper explanation of:

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Which blends in with the 1980s fascination of the 'enlarge my tent and give me no pain' blessing of Jabez.  When we are filled with wonder and look for the Blessings of God - we are going to see more positive influences around us.  When we remember God kept saying over and over "God sees life and creation as Good." We have to see God meant yesterday, today and tomorrow. God was telling us look for His blessings like 'Where is Waldo". And we will be pleasantly surprised.

It's doubtful Jabez had a life of no pain. The anointed of God and the blessed of God will have pain in this imperfect existence.  Jabez expected more of God and he continued on his life journey looking for the next Blessing. In this expectation, Jabez saw God. 

The documentation of Centenarians shows they anticipate God is going to be involved. See life events. many would call problems, and have an anticipation of wonder for the solution God is going to provide.

And we know this:

Jesus will still triumph.

Jesus is the destination. Jesus is the bridge. Jesus will be the healer for the grief stricken. The Father never forgets His Children.  Isaiah 49 assures us of this.

 A life to establish our choices - developing our souls. The eternal life is a choice.

In Jesus Christ -  Jesus assures us - there will be a Great Reunion. And parting will never be required again. The Love these people shared will endure. Jesus has overcome the enemy - death. The Victory is still with Jesus The Lord.

Imperfect - you bet. Jesus knows the ways of mankind - intimately and decides to SAVE THE WORLD.

Father God 

The strong Love for the Father - will create a new path.

Honesty and direct paths. His arms will continue to be open to those seeking Jesus. The hearts of those who Love You, will continue to hold out open hands to do the Work of Their Father - who has supreme Joy in healing. We pray for You to uphold their journey in healing. In the Highest Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

 

1 John 4:7-21 ~ whoever loves has been born of God and knows God

1 John 4:7-21

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

We love because he first loved us.

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Of course, you love your child. What is so surprising is going to your first teacher conference and suddenly you are struck - not everyone adores your child. This is a first time your child is not getting little gold stars.

How could they not adore your child??? This child is filled with curiosity, light, wonder, questions, listening, obeying, this is a CHILD after all. You are incredulous your child is not adored by the teacher your child adores.

Romans 8:1-39
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

In fact, you suddenly realize the teacher does not like teaching and feels overworked. And is quite unintelligent. Perhaps even needs more education in teaching. And they seem a bit too wrapped up in themselves. Suddenly you feel sorry for your child - having this unintelligent, complaining, self absorbed, uninformed teacher.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

And you suddenly realize, for the first time, your calling as a parent.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Ok, surely there are faults with the child. After all this child is human, right?

1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

The child, Your Child, is supposed to be a Child. What is Wrong with the educational system today?

Psalm 118:6
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Your very own child is a 'good heart', you will prevail in this and go home and help your child.

How will you tell your child about their favorite teacher???

Isaiah 43:4-5
Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

Ok, back to balance.  This is a kiddo you discipline, too.

James 3:17
Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Oh that. Well.

Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

James 3:2-10
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell


Now speak to the teacher about this - - -

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Balance, before you speak... consider...

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

... And... reply... deep breathe...about your child's honest virtue and humanity...

1 Peter 3:10
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile







Whew.

Wot?

There is obviously, 'a failure to communicate'.

Time to step back and think about how the post parent teacher conference is going to be explained at home.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

And of course on the ride home, you are suddenly realizing - this childhood perfection is going to have bumps and bruises. Ups and downs. It's not just that you are the parent - this is life. The golden glow of cruise control is fading.

Luke 21:36
But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Hosea 2:21
And in that day I will answer, declares the LORD, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth

This child is your responsibility for a long time to come.




Isaiah 40

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”


6A voice says, “Cry!”
And I said,c “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
7The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the LORD blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
8The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.




Our Abba,

This child is me. This child is us. This is the tender love a Parent, Mighty Ancient of Days, has for me and for you. Named before you were born. Pages of Life covering my life, written in Your Book of Life.

Such Great Love - You have sent Your Son for me.

In our everyday cares and in our Perils, You are our willing Father and refuge. Knowing Perils define us, expecting life to be life. And You, Father God, to help with expectancy.

You are for us. Understanding as we work out our lives, You have the plan and see the greater destiny and decision. Abba, You have been known to cry, "How often I have longed to gather you closely, tenderly, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you should be willing."

You, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations.
You will arise and have pity on Your Beloved;
it is the time to favor us.

The appointed time has come.
For Your messengers hold even our walls and boundaries and failings, dear.
Have pity on our frailties, even to dust.

We will Live and See Jesus as King.
Nations will fear the name of the LORD,
and all the kings of the earth will fear Your glory.

Because Your Joy is our Strength,
You, the LORD builds up Zion;
Our Redeemer Lives.
You appear in Your glory.

On the very bad, terrible, no good day
You regard the prayer of the destitute
and do not despise their prayer.

Let this be recorded for a generation to come!
so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

Our Abba, has looked down from his holy height;
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,

We Love because He has first Loved me! And this is the Reason Father God is providing a path to Life. Eternal Life. Providing us Love that we will fully and completely see - you are Loved.

And In Jesus Christ, our Alleluia shall be sung Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Psalm 139 ~ O Lord, You know it altogether

Psalm 139

A Psalm of David.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.


Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!



In the last several years, I had a conversation with someone who asked why God makes such a beautiful Psalm and suddenly there is talk of harm, evil, death and judgment. Real life. If you are having a child in the middle of war, you are very protective. This is about the realities of life. It's about having your first child and being fired for the whim of a new boss. This is real life.

When the Bible is talking about enemies, these fall in several categories. Things we do ourselves that harm our lives. 95% of life is our reaction to the wrong, which is 5% of life. Usually. We are talking about when you are having a sunny day and, suddenly, the situation is so intense and so dramatic. It's as if massive black birds attacked you. Then you know you have been part of Spiritual Warfare. And the Bible and Jesus Christ are the place to turn when life has taken a massive turn and you are bewildered and worried all of life will seem like this.

Who battles with us when this is the reality. No one can talk an employer into not having a whim. No one can stop an attack that is Spiritual. No one can stop your own reactions that harm your life. Only the Lord. Only Jesus.


And Jesus has a way of saying the front of life is Good like God is so delighted and makes many comments on life being good. Jesus is focusing our Spirit and Strength Like Philippians - seeing what is noble, pure and right and focusing on the beauty of Life. Re-directing our attention first to the Willingness of God. What God would have us see first.


Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.

Malachi 4:2
But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.






Father God,

Blessed be Your Name. We would follow You on the wings of morning. Your mercies renew.

as Your children fled from Romans - the children hearing of the Good News of Jesus Christ for the first time were in awe to learn that God would just "give." You have given to us by choosing Your Plan for us long before time began. You have given us a Hope and a Future for those who have called upon Your Son Jesus earnestly.

Night will be no more. We will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be our light, and Jesus will reign forever and ever. These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the Spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants - Jesus will be coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the Words of God. We thank You, God, you are the fulfillment of the Law.

Father God, even the darkness is not dark to You; You formed my inward parts and You knitted me together in my mother's womb. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven. Your eyes saw my unformed substance.

Your love had You write my name, in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Your Love is higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. This is the Fullness of You, Father God. Open the eyes of all people. We pray for unborn baby Jackson - his chin has now profoundly grown. We pray for his eye to form and his face and mouth to receive the blessing and joy of the healing of Jesus Christ the Lord, with earnestness.

I am still with you. Upon Your mercy and grace, in Jesus, we hold fast and ask Your favor upon us and the ones we Love. You have blessed us.

And I ask prayers for the big toe and left foot I have violently banged with a cooking pot. And my dog decided to leap from my foot as the starting spot. A family wedding this weekend. And a lot of pain. We lift up healing to Jesus Christ. Amen in Jesus.

We Thank You, Father, Your Book of Life is Hope and Future for us all. Life.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †