Isaiah 7 ~ Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel

We have an idea what Jesus looked like because the Shroud of Turin allows 3 D images. Jesus has even been forensically studied to see Jesus as a teen and as a child. No one has applied this to maternal images. Mary is always beloved as the Mother of God. Italy had a blockbuster television series in 2012 about Mary.


Do we know Mary? Does the Bible identify Mary? Do we really know when God planned to have Jesus arrive as our sole and soul Salvation?

Genesis tells us as Father God said, "Let there be Light." Jesus Christ Light of the World was Created. Father God delighted daily in Jesus and Jesus delighted in the master workmanship of all Creation, laughing with His Joy. Father God, said in Genesis, He would place the Holy Spirit over the waters. This meant everywhere because the water of the earth was very different in Creation. At this point, the Holy Spirit is still above and not within. God wants His People to be saved and the plan is made for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, therefore we are purchased for an exceedingly high price of God's Son.

Mary is part of the plan, she is announced in Isaiah 7 to King Ahaz, grandson to the long lived King Uzziah. This is 700 years before Mary and Jesus are born.

Isaiah 7

When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

And the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying, “Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it,” thus says the Lord God:

“‘It shall not stand,
and it shall not come to pass.
For the head of Syria is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is Rezin.
And within sixty-five years
Ephraim will be shattered from being a people.
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah.
If you are not firm in faith,
you will not be firm at all.’”

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 

But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 

And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

In that day the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines, and in the clefts of the rocks, and on all the thornbushes, and on all the pastures.

In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired beyond the River—with the king of Assyria—the head and the hair of the feet, and it will sweep away the beard also.

In that day a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep, and because of the abundance of milk that they give, he will eat curds, for everyone who is left in the land will eat curds and honey.

In that day every place where there used to be a thousand vines, worth a thousand shekels of silver, will become briers and thorns. With bow and arrows a man will come there, for all the land will be briers and thorns. And as for all the hills that used to be hoed with a hoe, you will not come there for fear of briers and thorns, but they will become a place where cattle are let loose and where sheep tread.





This is astonishingly to the point of the era of Jesus Christ. Apparently, God has an idea, being Creator of All Things, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of Days about His Plan. Life is pleasant, work is part of life, they will cultivate the land. Curds indicate diligent householder work. Razor hair cuts. We see trade is incredibly abundant for products that keep like honey and wine. And trouble is coming as part of this abundance.


Mary is introduced as a virgin, a moral woman, a moral mother, a hard working woman in her household. Luke begins with the Song of Mary on these thoughts.

What other words tell us of Mary?

In probability of family, Mary knew of Elizabeth and Zechariah and the visit of the angel with a son on the way. She knew of Zechariah being mute. And Gabriel arrives. One who stands in the presence of God. Mary was surrounded by events so much larger than herself. An undertaking of the Holy Spirit. Extreme Magnitude of God.

God has placed words for us to hold on to - to know Mary and understand this woman of Nazareth.
We can know Mary.

~ She was greatly troubled
~ Tried to discern
~ “Do not be afraid, Mary"

~ For nothing will be impossible with God.”And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

My soul magnifies the Lord.

This sounds like it's a positive. What if she had said God is so in my thoughts, I believe His Good News. He is indwelling and the Joy bursts from my Soul. Ok, one is concise and God understands, but the other explains, not an explosion, but an intensely, brilliant clarity.

This is good for us to know. Jesus tells us about the seeds parable - not the loss of salvation, but stages of the journey. At this point, Mary is clear on the Truth of the Good News. She is prepared.

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

Mary has Joy. She really does. And the peace that passes understanding. Mary is a perfect display of a human being coming in contact with what is far, far beyond mortal mankind. She is not a bad person, we are fully aware and we find she is going to progress and leave this joy. She has all kinds of emotions - why? To live. To grow. To make choices. To have conversations with God. For us to see mankind progresses and has questions and God does not leave His Love for us as we figure life out. Mary displays the seed parables because she is human and very, very loved by God. He allows life to wash over her and some questioning. Alleluia for Mary. And Alleluia for God.

~He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”


This applies to Israel, the nation, being His Child, Mary and to us. God will remember His mercy when we feel afraid, alone, upset, flummoxed. God is here. God's nature is Steadfast.








~ wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

No unwed mother, no mother of any child, wants her child in a barn. This had to really strike to the core of the promises meeting the reality of God's Plan. Hurt.

The shepherds arrive to tell of - we heard this - No. The Shepherds arrive to tell of Heavenly Host. Angelic Visitation never recorded before.

~ Shepherds 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.

~ Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.


Mary gives us an idea she is saying, "HOLD ON TO WHAT GOD TELLS YOU AND MAKE THIS SOMETHING YOU CAN GO BACK TO AND RELY UPON. HOLD ON TO WHAT GOD TELLS YOU."

Mary does something very positive about now. Mary is sitting beside Jesus, who is worshiped by the Magi. She proves she is far more able than King Herod and does not claim her authority, nor take away any worship from Her Son. Mary is content to be Jesus' Mother. Her lack of demand for worship continues as Joseph dreams and directs their safety upon his decision to move them to Egypt.










Mary shows up with Joseph to show God, indeed, Jesus is a first born male and Holy to the Lord. Word gets around. This started in the Temple with Zechariah and they are cousins.

Mary is pushed by forces too great for her. Way above her. Gabriel of God. God Himself. Even her parents. Joseph and then from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. The first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Mary is being swept along.

People of the Holy Spirit nourished and encouraged her. Simeon. And Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

~ and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”












~ and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Yes. We have to examine this. The Word is Living and Active. Hearts revealed. Mary has revealed her life to be very, very involved with events to change Heaven and earth. God is displaying her heart. She has shown us what it is to be a person of faith. She is going to try with God as things look grim. Mary has a lot of questions. And God Himself is going to make sure she is cared for all the days of her life. Jesus' last thoughts are for His Mother.

Mary is revealing what is like to be human before God.

~ when his parents saw Him, they were astonished.

~ His mother said to him, “Son, why...

~ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

~ And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Mary is indeed sure of What God Himself is Doing!!!

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Twice in the "GOSPELS", Jesus is referred to as being Joseph's son and blends in perfectly with all the other children of Mary and Joseph. You betcha Jesus is helping blend this rock Nazareth scandal back together. You betcha.

This is a pattern of God's! He points the direction and makes a path and fully expects like a Parent sending a child off to college that we are equipped to go the distance. And just as Jesus went to see Mary after He was an adult for the Wedding in Cana - God as Father expects to welcome us to the 12 open Gates of Heaven - Running to Greet us.

~ When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

~ 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Mary is calm and confident of God.

Mary has no clue what God is doing and she is not happy.

Mary charges in to rescue her son.

Matthew 12

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.a 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 4 9And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”


Kindly, Jesus did not say, "Get behind me Satan."  We are very clear Jesus understands His Mother is trying to rescue him. And Jesus is saying we keep the perspective Mary is fully human:

Blessed are the breasts that nourished you."

"More Blessed is the one doing the Will of God."








Jesus owned a garment we are all aware of His seamless Chiton, a coat. Seamless, made carefully with a stitch called circular knitting. Rare.

We can be sure Jesus was worthy of this goodness. And see that God has not left Mary out. Her children all come to understand the Light of the World has arrived and stayed with the Word of God. The events bring all of this full circle. Love.

Mary has done well. Her children know Jesus. Jesus waited for His Brothers. They have come fully with Jesus. Acts 1 and 2. Ephesians 3:20 ~ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Jesus has brought to mankind the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to all who believe in Jesus.<

Mary will spend her days with Love. Jesus has made sure.

And one Sunday afternoon John, the Beloved Disciple, will fall to his face because the Lord Jesus is giving John the glory to see the Kingdom of God. Jesus has paid John a very Heavenly visit. One we can be sure - Blesses God. And we say Amen.


Abba, You are our Father,

We invite Jesus to dwell within us and pray with us,

Our soul magnifies the Lord,
and our spirit rejoices in God our Savior,
for he has looked on the humble and the needs of all of mankind for salvation.
For behold, from now on all generations will call Mary blessed;
for You who are mighty have done great things for Mary, and for all who believe in Jesus Christ.
and holy is the Name of Jesus.

And Your mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
Your have shown strength with Your arm;
You have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
You have brought down the mighty from their thrones

You have filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich you have sent away empty.
You have helped Your Beloved Israel,
in remembrance of Your mercy,
as You spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”


You are the Most Magnificent God! Our Salvation is from Your Good Will.

We give You our cares. You comfort us dwelling within us. We ask this for our Loved Ones.
For the people, You have given us. For the Nation. Our employment. Our Churches. Our Schools.
We ask for all Your Protection, Love and Guidance.

In You we will Believe. Jesus is Lord. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 1 ~ “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:26-38 ~ Greetings!

Luke 1:35-45 ~ The Most High +

Ephesians 3:20 ~ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. Jesus has paid the price. He began a good work and has filled us with His Grace upon Grace.

Luke 1:26 ~ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren

Matthew 2:1-6 ~ he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him

Matthew 2:1-6

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”




For Millenniums even Moses wanted Jesus Messiah to arrive. Jesus, of course, knew this and said,"Blessed are your eyes that see and believe. More blessed are those who do not see and believe." We find in Isaiah 7, Isaiah told us the stability of Jesus' mother and Joseph - needs are met. Mary tells us they were cared for and still not part of the privileged. Joseph tells us in Matthew 2, at the end of the Chapter, he was considering living in Jerusalem itself.

House of High Priest, considered palatial

Temple Sign - warn of death to foreigners

Signs of the time. Herod is following the Law. His coin is not an image to worship. Herod is not following the Law - the Word of God, because Herod is not Davidic. And Herod is making the life of the Temple very, very cush for following Herod and Roman rule.

This would continue to wind down. Within a few years, Herod Philip II would feel the climate relax enough to put his image on a coin: which was their celebrity 'magazine' at the time. Image was now 'king'.

The signs are adding up. For Millenniums the Children of Israel had wanted Jesus to be Messiah and arrive. And now - God decides - where He and Jesus will arrive.

The Children of Israel were worried about a non-davidic king - the Messiah is now going to arrive. Boundaries are crossed.

Jesus is arriving born to a virgin who is unmarried. Boundaries are crossed.

Mary's Christmas Praise: Mary's Song, The Magnificat describes being the child of Heli, son of David through Nathan, not the kings - is made to feel unworthy and insignificant. So much so Heli is never recorded standing with his daughter. Boundaries are being crossed.

Jesus is going to arrive in the House of David. When Mary leaves her family to travel to a priest who would clearly understand. Boundaries are being crossed.

And the Son of God. King of Kings. Light of the World. Is placed in a barn with animals. In a trough with grass. Boundaries are being crossed.

James, the brother of Christ, in a unique place to understand would speak to why God would try such a lack of fruitful season for God.

James 1:20
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

The Story of God's Son is one completely of Faith and Hope.

Reaching to the ground level.

Bringing the Heavenly Host to what is impossible.

Hope for those not feeling grand or prosperous. Not feeling like life is their oyster.

And being God, Himself, we find the Jesus crowd encompasses women, formerly blind men, government tax men, The Herod Palace's Stewart's Wife, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.


1 Corinthians 1

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 

30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”


Would Jesus ever address this disparity? How one man born illegitimate, in poverty, in shame - put to death as a criminal - would Triumph.

Jesus could, would and did. Matthew, the government tax man would record the Words of God's Son:

Matthew 22
29b know the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

God of the Living.
The Word of God. See Matthew 2 about Bethlehem.
The Power of God.

John 1 tells us our place here:

John 1 for us today.

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.



Abba,
We who believe are most blessed. In the middle of Herod determined to put this down. In the middle of family upset. In the middle of being unmarried. In the middle of being put in a barn. God was still at work. As He is today.

Let us be blessed knowing our faith. The faith of the world praying to You. The comfort in knowing the faithful pray and You hear and cover their prayer. Prayers for peace. Prayers for loved ones. Prayers for needs met. Prayer for health. Prayers for warm hearts. Prayers for Love. Prayers for goodness.

We join with the believers of the world, praying Jesus upon our cares. Jesus upon our loved ones. Jesus upon prayers for health. Jesus upon prayers people God has given us. Jesus for our needs. Jesus upon our faith this is His Plan and we are met by God.

And in the name of Goodness, Jesus the Lord God, we rest knowing God holds our cares for ourselves, our culture, nation and the world. God is Good. Our prayers asked in Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Mark 6:14-29 ~ When Herod heard

Matthew 2 ~ When he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee

Luke 13:31-35 ~ perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 ~ Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!

Psalm 119:1-24 ~ Your commands

4QPs Dead Sea Scroll Psalm 119 .

Psalm 119:1-24

Gimel

17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.

18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.

20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.

21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.

22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.

23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Psalm 119 and Psalm 117 are polar opposites.

Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!


Psalm 119 is incredibly long.
And uses all of the Hebrew Alphabet.
The stairs were used as a tool used in teaching today - employing a clever teaching method. I'm sure this was something to behold. The singers ascended the stairs and the sun was in a direct line with the Temple in Jerusalem. Little did they know they were singing about Jesus coming as Messiah being the Light of the world.

Psalms are thoughts on the nature of God. His vast attributes and wonderful qualities.
Psalms are very useful in framing our own prayers.

And if you hear something self-righteous and discordant in Psalm 119, you might be looking for the Prodigal Son's older brother. This isn't necessarily so. Job kept saying he was righteous. And God was making the point no one is righteous except for God. Paul tells us he is a sinner, he just isn't quite sure what sin he was capable or doing that day. God, is, of course, correct none are righteous in His eyes.


And what did happen to the Older Brother who saw his gambling, bad crowd, greedy, run off, run around brother come home to receive such joy and love? What a good and gracious Father. He didn't snarl at the Older Brother to get away from raining on his parade. He didn't get hissed at to "Behave." The Older Brother did not get sent out to the flocks like Jesse did to our King David as a child.

The Older Brother is told that he is completely intricately wired, heart and soul. Connected in to all the Father has planned for this son. The Older Brother is graciously welcomed into the Celebration of Life for his brother. And told all is already belonging to the Older Brother.



This makes me glad for Jesus in the Power of the Holy Spirit, to have seen Abraham at the rock the Temple would be built upon. He would have seen David's amazement and awe to be part of God's plan here. He would have seen the materials gathered and planned by David. He would have seen Solomon forego vengeance. Jesus filled the Temple with His Glory. And Jesus witnessed all the times Psalm 119 was sung for His Glory.

Abba,

Jesus not only witnesses the past, but the future. His Deeds are not from yesterday, but Live Today. Our Hope for Tomorrow. Our Hope for Eternity.

We thank you and ask for more of Jesus dwelling in us. For our loved ones!!! Jesus for the culture, the nation and the world.!!! Jesus for the People He brings us!!!

We bless You for hearing our Prayers. And answering them in Your Good Will.

Jesus is the Lord of us all Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Jesus our Blessing!!! Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Romans 12 ~ Be genuine

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.






God praised the multi-talented and blessed Solomon for not asking for his enemies. Which was a new thing. The Blessing of Abraham said Abraham would possess Heaven and earth (for Abraham's faith and willingness to hear God and obey God). And continued into saying Abraham would find his enemies in his hand.

I like Solomon's idea. Let God take care of this. God is this big. More time for the Joy of Salvation Jesus Lives.

Romans 12 is a difficult chapter if you take this as a "To Do List". It's glorious. Don't get me wrong. But you have to step out of the caste system the United States is holding on to in some places. "One Opinion." And lately that is difficult. We live in a nation of freedom of religion and speech.

At the opposite end - we have difficulty coping with the soul who clings to us and goes on and on about this and that. We have the elderly who will discuss odd health requirements.

God says if we keep listening we hear their gifts and talents of God. God tells us not to avoid people. And warns that the mercy of the merciless (when I look out for myself or you look out for yourself) is cruel.


if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness

Prophetic gifts of Evangelism believe God is serious about the world. His mercy is vast.

Faithful people believe we need more people in God. The water is warm come in. The Faithful believe the Promises of God will be given by God. Abraham believed God and was considered righteous. Even when he did not own a foot of the Nation of Israel.

Service people believe we can all lend a hand working good for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Teaching people believe if the Bible is put in someone's hand, God is going to show Goodness to them.

People who extort, have to have a sense of humor. Or a good pair of running shoes to keep up as people do their own thing quickly. Or a solution.

People who contribute believe God is going to really provide Goodness. Time, talent and money.

Generosity for the Kingdom of God is Blessed with encouragement of God's Children.

Vim, vigor, zeal - mercy and cheerfulness.

This is the Way Truth and Life of Abundant Living in Jesus Christ.




We live Psalm 91. We believe God is going to keep us safe. Recently I watched a movie, 1831 A.D., people believed God had asked them to start a war. All died. God is usually asking for compassion and mercy and not war. God wants us to see His compassion and His mercy reach to all people asking Him. God says leave working for vengeance and work on being hospitable souls to one another. Overcoming what is wrong by seeing the good and working there.



Abba our Father,

To all in Christ Jesus, who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is His desire for our lives. God bends down to give to us.

Thank You. Abba, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. knowing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

In Jesus Christ, His Sacrifice, His Love, His Joy, His Word of Truth - we are convinced neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus please cover those we Love, those we pray for and for our ability to see Your daily willingness, do what pleases God and rejoice. Knowing God's pleasure in our believing God. God tells us the work of mankind is to believe. And God is always Sovereign.

God is Good. God is for us. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Psalm 91 ~ You will

The Holy Spirit leads in all things ~ Dr Darrell Johnson speaking at the BC Christian Ashram Retreat at TWU about 'Living & Serving from the Upper Room' (John 13 to 17)

Thank you Rev Ed Hird!

Psalm 91

Battles of the Old Testament are not in vogue. Really?

The Battles of the chosen people of God. We all face battles. Battles to keep work. Battles to find work. Battles within families. Battles with substance. Battles of eating and exercise. Battles of having and keeping Good Attitudes. The stories are not blood and gore without cause. The Bible is real.

We might eat meat from cellophane wrappers but all Empires come from government and environmental changes. People with changing needs and desires due to environment and circumstance factors. With God, we see the people are lifted up. Jesus knew borders when He went to Tyre and met the Phonetician woman. Humility seeks to see what God sees.

The Bible is listening to the conversation Abba is is having with an individual. The Holy Spirit records the conversation with Abba and ministers to us by recording this in the Bible. The Bible is written for you, God's Beloved Child.





 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.”


1 Samuel 17
4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.








3 For he will deliver you 
from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.

2 Chronicles 25
Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel. Joash replied," Why should you Provoke Trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?”

. 21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 23 And Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for 400 cubits, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 24 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God, in the care of Obed-edom. He seized also the treasuries of the king's house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria.








4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem.

6 He went out and made war against the Philistines and broke through the wall of Gath and the wall of Jabneh and the wall of Ashdod, and he built cities in the territory of Ashdod and elsewhere among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabians who lived in Gurbaal and against the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong.

9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the Angle, and fortified them. 10 And he built towers in the wilderness and cut out many cisterns, for he had large herds, both in the Shephelah and in the plain, and he had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.

Uzziah began to think of himself as all powerful in his last years. He died of pride. Fair warning about blessings and pride to us all. God is God alone. His Glory. His Plan. His Way. He began to think of himself as his own shield and buckler. Reminder to self to let God be God. God's Faithfulness.












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.



Numbers 31

Balaam the prophet, had been an insidious arrow; he worked against the Children of Israel for money. Balaam had tried to get around God telling him no. He had tried to demoralize and corrupt Israel with sin. God sent war to the nation trying to end Israel. All Israel had asked for was permission to have a road through Midian. Only a road and Balaam had tried for death.

They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. 9 And the people of Israel took captive the women of Midian and their little ones, and they took as plunder all their cattle, their flocks, and all their goods.








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.

1 Samuel 15
4 So Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand men on foot, and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 And Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. 6 Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart; go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.


The Battles of the chosen people of God. These people are saved for their actions of kindness. Humility to see where God is leading. Treating each other with mercy.











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.

2 Chronicles 20

2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— 11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.




27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. 29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.






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.


God has ALWAYS protected His Children. He has Never been God of Murder. Never is killing people a ceremony of worship for God. God is about saving His World and His Children. The Old Testament does not jump up and down about infanticide, and yet this is why God would not let His Holy Children marry into a culture of blood death for innocents for crop fertility and prosperity. God is all about the balance of life and justice.

Leviticus 18:21

21 You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 20:2-3

2 “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones."








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.

Lions were the twelve steps of Solomon. David had fought conquering lions during his shepherding days. When Solomon's throne fell, human attacks from Lions began. Paul was attacked by a serpent on the Island of Malta and lived. When a man loves the Lord, even his enemies are at peace with him.


2 Kings 3

9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them. 10 Then the king of Israel said, “Alas! The Lord has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 11 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.

13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you.

15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him. 

16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this dry stream bed full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that stream bed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand

Blessed be the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God who goes before us and behind us. His Love is as High as the clouds and sky. His mercies shine upon us and renew each day. He daily loads us with His Benefits.










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.”


Salvation is of God. This is only a work of God. Mankind does not Save. Salvation is a Gift of God bestowed at His Good Will and Pleasure. God will have mercy on those He chooses to have His Mercy. Blessed are those in His Favor. God's Mercy is so vast, He wants to save the World in Jesus Christ. No one can earn this Gift of God.

The Amazing Grace of God has been open to Alexander the Great through the Words of God in Ezekiel. Nebuchadnezzar saw the Salvation of God in Isaiah 13. Even Ahab recognizes the tenderness of God towards Ahab and is brought to his depth and core. Jesus never stopped healing as He was pressed to stop. Jesus does not quit on us. All who seek Jesus will find Jesus. God is not perpetually sought. The God Jesus explains runs to His Children and sees them arriving Home from far away. Genesis explains God as being both the tenderness of Mother and the authority of Father. God is wholly Holy.

We would ask this of God, to see the Joy Jesus tells us is His daily.

Genesis 12
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God Most High"


Blessed by Jesus our God!













Abba Father!

You are Good and we look to You for Your Will and say You bless us all who Love Jesus.

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.

With great comfort, we place all of our cares in Your Hand for Your guidance and mercy.
With God's Love we will have the Joy Jesus has He tells us of with His earnest Word.

And all of God's people say Amen for the Goodness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Alleluia.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Blessed be the Lord

What will we ever give to Father God, that Father God has not first given to us?

Our Thanks.

Psalm 124: 6
6 Blessed be the Lord


Psalm 113:2-4

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

1 Kings 1

46 Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47 Moreover, the king's servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed.

48 And David the king also said,

‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’”

1 Kings 8:10-18

10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 14 Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood.

15 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.’ 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart.




Psalm 41:13
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

Psalm 41:13
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

Psalm 89:52
Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.

Psalm 106:48
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the LORD!

Psalm 124:6
Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.

Genesis 14:20
And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." He gave him a tenth of all.

Job 1:21
He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD."


Psalm 113:2
Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forever.

2 Samuel 22:47
"The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation!

Psalm 18:46
The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation!

Psalm 144:1
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle

Psalm 16:7
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night!


Psalm 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.


Psalm 63:4
So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Genesis 24:48
"And I bowed low and worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had guided me in the right way to take the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son!"

Psalm 115:18
But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!


Father God,

Thank You for filling our lives with Blessings we never thought to ask for. For the Blessing to come. For the love of years past still warms and brightens. Love never ends. And as Billy Graham put the Light of Christ into the football stadiums showing God's Light shines millenniums later, we pray, today, our faith reflects Your Steadfast Love and Your Hope and Your Joy.

Asking in the Name of Jesus, to see Your willingness and go there. Reading the Word of God and seeing the blessings You give, for wisdom, of good attitudes, and skilled in all Your wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to do the work You give us to do.

Father, we bless You in Jesus' name for sharing Your blessings and gracious gifts. You are for each of us. Your mercies renew. Your Steadfast Love continues. Our God of Encouragement. Our God of Love. Daily You bless us. Open our eyes.

We ask today and tomorrow our Thanks for our loved ones coming into the Love, Joy and Comfort of Your Heart. We pray the comfort of all who have asked prayer. For all we have been given to pray for. And with the faithful, we pray the large prayers for our Nation under God. For the borders God has always crossed. His Word and His Work Eternal. For the faithful we know circle this earth with their prayers heard by our Father God of Love and Encouragement. His Word upholds all life. Thank You God, Your Word is Good. In Jesus we hope and rest and rejoice.

Amen Jesus is with us. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Matthew 5:33-37 ~ to the Lord

Matthew 5:33-37

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 

34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.


Deuteronomy 6:13
Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

Deuteronomy 10:20
You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.




The debate on taking an oath is memorable to most Christians. Notably the Old Testament expects God to be invoked in honesty.

"Most" of the Bible is built to make larger points. All of the Bible. The way paragraphs are put to other paragraphs is very important. This is the Bible. The Author is present as we read His Words.

Matthew Chapter Five. The need for sincerity in speech is placed by the explanation of Adultery and Lust. Jesus tells us we are doomed if we lust after someone and it's so bad that we should literally gouge out our eye or cut off our right hand. How many people have been recorded as Saints in the written history of mankind for gouging out what God has given them? None. The Saints of history do not remove body parts. The Saints of the Bible get recorded for millenniums of their flaws and sins.

The heart alone knows it's own joys and sorrows. Attitude from within. We continue to Adultery. If you are divorced, man, you just might have destroyed your soul. Wow, that's pretty difficult, especially for the people placed in impossible circumstance and situations.

What's needed? Grace. Mercy. God Himself. Jesus Christ.

Just as the Disciples were struck to the core to find a rich man is in danger of not having Salvation like a Camel through a needle's eye. We find all of our overt behavior throws us into the list of sins in Mark 7's list of internal sins (and external sins).

That is why today people vow and call upon Father God's name to make a vow or proclaim the truth.

We need to rely upon God when life gives us incredible turbulence.

Love can change hearts. If someone is divorced and looking for God and the person leading to God proclaims, "Oops, divorced? Well, Doomed Sinner." No one is going to receive the Joy and Love of the Living God. No one should be delivering the Judgement that person was incapable of announcing. What brings us to God and to our soul and to growth into His Kingdom? His Love. This is Redemption.

Prayer

Right now we have singles internally hemorrhaging from abrupt usage and departure of the "way we date today." Lives are potentially harmed for destroyed hearts. Swim with the sharks can cause death. And instead of addressing divorce recovery still in process during next marriage. Instead of addressing marriage help. Instead of asking, again, for people to wait to be married. Love goes incredible lengths for one another.

Instead, we seem to jump around screaming about Transgender. I'm 54 years old and in my life I've probably seen 20 transgender people. And I have never seen any adult sobbing outside a bathroom over gender identity. I bet you haven't dealt with this a whole lot in your life either.

What is this crazy behavior? It's because if we make the sex lives of others what we scream and obsess about, we don't have to face our own flaws. We don't have to deal with our own lives. If we dwell on what's far away and far off and make this our discussion and issue - we don't have to go home do our responsibilities. If I have to deal with my family things, then I don't have to worry about far away or your's. Gouge? Gouge out your own lives.  Work at the internal attitudes.

We change our culture, our own world, our community by dealing with our lives and the people we meet by being kind and courteous. By being polite and working through the difficulties. By living the Gospels. We can even thank the rude, the bullies, the tyrants, and even the dishonest. Zig Zigglar looked at it this way, "If someone tells you 'NO", you are free to move on and find the "YES"." Be grateful for all you have in life, even if it's a problematic rude person? Well, they saved you time.  And gave you an opportunity....

 We only get hung up by expecting something Jesus said we'd never get - a problem free life.

We provide a path of solutions. Doing this - we get to go home and go to sleep at night saying to God, "I did this for You today God, You are my Gipper." God says in Numbers 6, He lifts up His countenance and smiles. We have been gracious to God! What we do for the least of the people we will never see in life again - we have done for God.

Luke 6:36

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

And using the colors of God's Throne told to us in Revelation as this and His favorite colors:

Abba our Father!

To the Lord God we Lift up our People we Love.

To the Lord God we Lift up the People God has given us.

To the Lord God we Lift up our Cares for His Love.

To the Lord God we Lift up our Trust and Expectations.

To the Lord God we Lift up our Praise and Joy.

To the Lord God we Lift up our Praise for Love given and received.

To the Lord God we Lift up our Thanksgiving for Salvation in Jesus Christ.

To the Lord God we Lift Up our Lives for His Goodness in Giving us His Kingdom for Eternity.

JESUS IS GOD. THANK GOD. AMEN IN JESUS. Jesus lifts up the World to His Salvation and we give Jesus GLORY.
Amen!!!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †