Psalm ~ Journey with integrity

Psalm 101

1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.

2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

4 A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.

7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.

8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

Surely an interesting age we live in. Consider placing a Living Word in front of us, one we don't consider often enough, "Fiction". Entertainment is mostly fiction. Something the Middle Ages and up until the Age of Industry - fiction was considered to be not very enduring. Never in the life times of our great grandparents, grands, and parents - have we had so many leaving entertainment aka Television.

Podcasts are up. What's up here? Basic programming generalizations are being told, "No."

When we look at the news, we are still fed Republicans to the right, Democrats to the left. Winston Churchill believed strongly life is a perpetual tennis game. He moved to acquire political seats. He tested out areas to see what neighborhoods thought. I believe there is a very untapped misunderstanding in what Americans believe. George Gallop, Jr. looked to see the Holy Spirit reawaken in the USA. He gave speeches saying our polls generally are biased and sway to the poll taker. By inflection. By extremely careful study in the questions asked. George Gallop Sr. was a pioneer, his son was known to say the business had not been earnest. Before 'fake news' was talked about George Gallop, Jr. was concerned.

We are from families immigrating to find better. Evidently our family programming is turning off rote media programming.

If we have 'fake news', we also have 'real news'. And I have hope, as we rediscover the Spirit within us as Jesus, we have increased hopes for more Heaven on earth. This awakening comes all over the Nation. And is created by kindness and forgiveness. Yesterday I was listening to a podcast reporting re-locating for work - is becoming a thing far less considered. For the people very concerned with End Times, this goes against this prophetic flow Dramatically.

We are on the brink of new times again. Not just invention of new astonishing abilities in technologies.

We are on the brink of family again. Long ago, large companies kept down the workers (especially in New York City) with devices like rent and company stores. Men were working to death to have nothing. The Coal Mines did this. We have seen in the news technology companies build their stock up 30% with company labor diligence and announce with blasé reason to spin off 1/3 of the company to give stock speculators a gain. The result?

Two career families - have options. They say, "No."

Political truths are being re-examined. And in Boston - Good News is applauded. Martin Luther Jr.'s Dream is Very Much Alive. Polls tell us Americans move this way - and then the reality shows another thing.

Christian Radio has never been larger. Christian Movies - are increasingly about real truths and not Fiction. And are widely available. God is Opening Doors and Opening Hearts.

Trends we need to look at and pray over with due diligence. 1. The News. 2. Schools, families, police, neighborhoods provide a new tier level to Social Services to find and bring healing to the violently disturbed. Probably something monks knew well! Action and activities with listening participating in the decrease of violence of the walled fortress cities of the Middle Ages. Something like animal care, food or beverage production and the distribution. Something warm and not so clinical. 3. Diligence in research of signs shown and who had knowledge to find proper help and mercy for the violent. For their victims. 4. A Rapid and Continuous Decrease in knowing the names and the glamor of the violent. 5. The Families have a site to tell of the goodness of the attacked. A Christian way to pray for the families. Their continued journey in healing. This is news we would all like to have.

Our Histories do have times of increased violence and do have decreased violence - we need to examine History for good possibilities for Peace.



Father God,

We pray for joy for those with many trials in life. For those with extreme testing of life and attitudes we pray a steadfast program for full effect. Perfect and complete, lacking nothing for the those in severe need who would fall back into violence.

We pray for the wisdom of history, to ask God and the programs the Churches have had. We pray for this program. We pray this program for the poor and the poor of spirit, we pray a steadfast program of work, care and joy in the fulfillment. We pray for a good gift and perfect gift for a solution. Coming from You, Father. We pray for the implanted Word, the doers of the Word, the blessing of God upon this doing. Religion, God's love has provided this before. For the spiritual orphans and widows - helping all of the Body of Christ.

We pray for our Loved Ones to have the Joy of our Father. The people God has given us. The Increase of the Holy Spirit to the hope of the World. Remembering with Love the Blessings of Jesus and the embrace and kiss of Jesus upon us. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 11 ~ find rest for your souls

The Body of Christ defies boundaries. Borders. Class. Denomination. Language. Nationality.

Uniting the Body of Christ in Jesus. Jesus pulls us together in Love. Creating an orchestra. Making The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas our House too. One Body.

Matthew 11

1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

4 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you."

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."



If we push all aside and say in realization, "God has all things under His Feet." We realize the Words of God seek to find rest for our souls. We can overwork so many things. And not have rest. God desires us to know God is Love.



Father God,

When shocking events occur, we rest all of our burdens on You. Knowing the Battle is Won. The Glory and Victory are Your's. And when we rest these burdens with You, we rest in Your care. Your's is the Vast Victory. Your's is the Eternal Salvation.

We pray for our Nation and the world - to all of us be far from Harm. Johnnie Langendorff and Stephen Willeford. Willeford saw the gun battle outside the Sunderland Springs First Baptist Church, both men and made sure the battle did not continue. We bless the unnamed man with him, as well.

These people held fast to You in Love, and You will have them with You. Your people hurt, You will comfort.

,

We pray for an increase in the Holy Spirit. We pray for the arrow of violence to pass us all by.

In the Name of Jesus and His Power and Glory. Amen.




We know we have seen too much of this in recent years. This type of violence has occurred in Texas before. September 16, 1999 a shooting during a youth rally at Wedgwood Baptist Church with 7 dead. “This has the appearance of being a very troubled man who for whatever reason in his own mind sought to quiet whatever demons were bothering him.” FBI agent Bob Garrity told reporters in 1999. What Agent Garrity told reports held true as they discovered the shooter's problems. Yesterday, the local Sherriff interviewed by KSAT 12 said this shooter was a, "Gutless coward. One we have seen to much of the likes of him in these days."









Is it possible we can help? What can we do? We Will Help.

When we acknowledge God as the One in Charge, we remember Jesus told us to pray and not give up hope.

God is saying we can all help.


With God's Help we will find Grace and Peace.

We will ask Jesus to pray with us. We will pray with the emotion of love for those we pray for. We are going to remember the depth of our care. Not only for the people we Love. We are going to think of the sanctity of small town America. Our grass roots. We are going to remember the faith and the steadfastness of hope we have in Jesus, our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are going to remember how we and others we love have been so helped to sit in the pews of Church and Thank God for His Steadfast Love. We are going to be grateful for the people who worship with us. We are going to Thank God for the faith and labor of love and the steadfastness of Hope Jesus truly gives us. We are hopeless no more. Jesus has empowered us to Pray.

The Word of God is not just a word. The Word of God is Power in the Holy Spirit and has full conviction.

We will remember Johnnie Langendorff. Remember December of 2016 outside of Honolulu, Hawaii. Samoa Tokelau Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Banyan Street in Kalihi was saved by a Church Elder for grabbing the shooter's hand holding the gun. Knowing Todd Beemer and the Heroes of Flight 93. We know what kind of men you proved to be among us.

We know we want the Word of God to brim and spill over with Love and Peace. Yet in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, we will not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. We will be in expectation of God's goodness, with informed belief about those who sleep in death to rise with Christ Jesus.

Our faith in God, in Jesus Christ, has gone forth everywhere. We will be in Living Hope and Expectation. Serving the living and true God, waiting for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us. We are delivered from wrath, I believe by praying. We will pray for the violence to end.



Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.


Witnesses in Sunderland Springs, Texas say the shooter began by shooting the neighborhood outside of the Church. He then targeted people going into the First Baptist Church - upon seeing them take Sanctuary in the Church - he became evil and entered into God's House.

The Children of God, His Beloved, His Babies were Hurt. In the aftermath, the people, who by instinct, ran into the First Baptist Church of Sunderland Springs, Texas to help and were horrified to see the massive wounds and life taken. Some had to turn back, not knowing what to do. We know Father God bled with them.

Where was God, some will ask.

The Wrath of God was invoked and Justice was swift. The shooter's violent path ended with the fury, savagery of running.

The Lambs of God will be treasured and Live.
The Lambs of God will obtain Mercy, Solace, Care, Kindness and Love.
The diligence of steadfast process in Jesus.

Jesus has told us, "Today, you are with me in Paradise."



(However, we can only publish Posts when I remember to push the Publish Button on Monday. For good brain health all around, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Amen.+)

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Epheisians 1 ~ His holy people

Ephesians 1

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,


21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,
not only in the present age
but also in the one to come.

22 And God placed all things under his feet
and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body,
the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.




Numbers 6

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 '“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

The Power of God.
He is enlightening us in order to know the hope to which He has called you. God has placed all things under His feet. His incomparably great power for us who believe.

In the power of God:

By faith we understand the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

We have to believe in God's Word.

Noah did not see God, and Noah believed. And acted.

Abraham, did not see God, and he changed countries - going more than 1,000 miles. And he patiently waited for God. Until it was a joke, and Sarah laughed. God is so good - Sarah saw many good years. This is a Good God.

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph completely believed God was indeed blessing them. They lived in tents on land they did not own in great volume. Sarah's tomb land had to be purchased. And they believed themselves holding the Blessing of God and being capable to pass the Blessing on. Jacob believed so strongly he stole the birth right and ran as a thief, far, far away to be cheated. What did Jacob steal? Words?

Joseph was Vizier to Pharaoh - and he shows up in Tax Records and at the Base of the Pharaoh Statue. Instead of making plans for their future - Joseph - ex con - makes plans to go to a land they do not own - taking his bones from his Monument Tomb.

By faith Moses, walked back to Pharaoh's ability to have him killed. And kept going back. And kept going back. Daily dealing with people who did not believe God. For decades. And decades and decades and decades. (Let's all take a moment, think of our personal prayers answered and how we deal with this answered prayer!!!)

Consider the Wall of Jericho - archaeological TREASURE - this Happened. The people living in the desert for 40 years were willing to pray and march for 7 days and - wow - and to show up - do the work and continue on in the Treasure of God's Will and Word.

Consider the genealogy of Joseph. Prince of Israel. Descendants of David and the Kings of Israel well defined from the monarchy, past the Return of Babylon. Also recorded in the Babylonian cuneiform, the imprisoned King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar II. There are even the food orders placed for Joseph's 8th grandfather. And then this line is recorded in the Temple itself. Completely visible to the governing Sanhedrin Council.

Which brings us to Yeshua, Son of God. God did something very unique - He planned to use David's Beloved Family, his DNA to bring forth His Son. And just as Joshua was patient for 40 years - God was incredibly more patient. Genesis 49:10 is without a doubt a Prophecy of Jesus, Lion of the Tribe of Judah - King of Kings. God is much more far seeing than we are.

And in this unique quality -

We have a common thread of Life for all of us. Binding us all in God's Plan.

Jesus - known to His Father - knows where He will be placed - born into Life. Life is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. We are in decay. Jesus is placed with people who will decay.

Jesus is placed with a father who wants to divorce his mother. Jesus is placed with a mother who is subservient to a father who wants a divorce. Jesus is placed in a socially embarrassed family. Jesus is placed with a father who decides mercy and is willing to merely follow a "Dream" saying this is of God. Jesus and His family are now known in the Gospels - twice - as overcoming this. How are you going to do this in a small town??? This is a Work of God. Jesus is placed with loving siblings that are pure sunny side siblings? NO. Jesus is dealing with Siblings. Annoying, Heckling Siblings. We even know Jesus is telling James, "You really can ask God for Wisdom and GOD will give you this."

(How did Jesus really say this? Did He YELL and go purple in the face? Was Jesus weak at the time from fasting from dealing with James? Did He weep because "Finally" God had said yes to decades of prayer? Did Jesus laugh with relief because, Alleluia, James had finally asked for help? Did Jesus grit His teeth? Did Jesus have to cover up James eyes to say this - because this was so mighty???)

The point is - God did not Give Jesus the absolute 'perfect' family from Heaven. The siblings didn't show up on Good Friday. For most of us - this is a "Breaking Point". Instead Jesus is perfectly glad for them to join Acts 1 and pray all together with the Disciples (also accepted as imperfect) and His Mother. (They didn't just desert Jesus on Good Friday, Mary had a sister with her.)

Jesus has extreme work cut out for Him, even dealing with the extreme chosen people (His Holy People like Siblings and Disciples). Father God does not say that Faith is automatically Joy. God says FAITH IS THE WORK OF MANKIND.

How to obtain His Blessing - According to God the Father, Moses wrote the Pentateuch with the Holy Spirit (common 'knowledge' confirms this is the most boring portion of the Bible). But the diligence of every day live - where we dwell - where Father God wants to be. Our choices are our framework and choosing what God wants for us...Therefore, these is the choices we make sitting at traffic lights, on the phone and with our chosen people in every day conversation. This is the fabric of life. The detail. The thread of our goal.

Keep praying for all you know to be kept in this blessing. The Lord's Face shines on mercy bestowed and graciousness. The Lord turns His face to those who give earnest peace.

Bless those who allow mercy to be sown.

Jesus chose Brothers who made mistakes and bothered Him. Jesus chose them. Jesus sometimes told His Brothers to wait and sit outside. Jesus knew something about His Brothers and He expected their best to shine forth in time.


Jesus was teaching His beloved - God dwells within. Our souls - where people worship in truth. This begins within us, earnestly, living with Father God dwelling in our souls.

And Jesus left no doubt as to where He was going. Father God blessed all of those Jesus forgave with forgiveness. Peace arrived. The Brothers of Jesus wrote of Love. The disciples of God wrote of Love. Blessings arrived. Love earnestly. Love genuinely. Be patient. Love again.


God tells us the Great Problem Solver, "Love."

C.S. Lewis called this the "Deep Magic."

God who tells us this - is - "Ancient of Days."



Abba,

Love, Love, Love. Love, Love, Love, Love.

Live in me. See all of me, I open all of myself, very thought, cell and deed. Give me Your Amazing Grace. Let me Live in Your Love.

Fill the people I love so well with Your Love. Love, Love, Love. Jesus kisses each of them, seeing them as I see them.

Bless us with the Holy Spirit. And see us all loving the people God has given us. Covering the World with God of Love and the love we have for our loved ones and the people - You - Abba, Have Given.



With this Great Love, we ask Jesus. Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 103 ~ Bless His Holy Name! Jesus!

Jesus The Lord

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

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

6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

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

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

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

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

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

14 For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

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

and its place knows it no more.

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

and his righteousness to children's children,

18 to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his word,

obeying the voice of his word!

21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,

his ministers, who do his will!

22 Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 

Heaven - Will we worship like Joseph being of the Family of David - 1,000 years of Family. Will we worship like the Jewish Dispersion on Crete or Rome? Will we worship in the part of Heaven that is Middle Ages or Renaissance? Will we worship with Handel or Glenn Miller? Will we worship in a small wooden Church or with the Pipe Organs of Notre Dame? Will we have massive screens displaying the real life of Jesus Christ as Grace and Truth walking this life? Will we recognize all the instruments of the music?

How will we be garbed? Will we be in trousers or togas? We read Heaven is clothed in White.

Will the walls of our worship in Heaven be Jasper and precious stones? Will the walls be gold as the roads of Heaven and the Temple in Jerusalem? Will the walls be the Light of Christ?

Will we have choirs were we sing? Will the Angels only sing in the Heavenly Host Songs?

In Jesus - we will find the Way, Truth and Life.





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

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

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

Bless the Lord, O you, His angels.

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

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Luke 12:35-48 ~ Blessed are those

 

Luke 12:35-48

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 

39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 

45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 

48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.


Consider:

Philippians 4:11-13

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


It's hard to fine the balance. 

The balance is why Joshua kept on for 40 years.
God named His Son - Yeshua. 

God is for perseverance.  In dire circumstance and in routine.

The example of the Disciples and the last man to see Jesus - Paul:

We say too much. Pushed aside.

We are thrust out of the inner group. We are suckered in. Made much of. Rejoiced in and relied upon.

We are used. Respected.  Why not stay home - with all comfort and ease - safety?
Traveling when home is loved.

We are in circumstance wildly beyond expectation. In a slow lane of regular old, rut.

We are in endurance. We are thriving. We are in joyful expectation.

Told to be bold. Told to hush.


Why not quit when no one is pleased?
Because. Usually, Someone is pleased! 

When you want to please God.
The goal is not applause. God is pleased and pleased more completely. 
Pleasing God is putting the steam in your soul to go forth.

Just like the beginning of Jesus Christ's Church. For four centuries. Evil days happen. It is our godly desire not to fall away and fall back away from doing the Call of God.

Usually, when someone will speak up to put you down - you did something.
Something worthwhile. Even Winston Churchill said so. Scripture can be difficult. Life can be difficult.

Few people comment on the outrageous aspects of their lives.

Some days are difficult. Really difficult.

 Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home.

We are Loved Cherished Believed Strong

Children of God. 




 Revelation 1

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea." 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.

But he laid his right hand on me,
saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one.

I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.


Consider, we know the Historical timing of Patmos Island for John. Beloved, long living John. John defies the old age of Ecclesiastes. In fact, John is recorded in History going forth boldly with the Gospel. Sorting out Gnostic knowledge versus the Love God has for us all. Arguing the humanity - real humanness of Jesus Christ. Putting aside factions. And all of this is in the 2nd Century. John is praying and joyous when he sees Jesus. John is content.







And then we have the days, we know we are blessed. But everything on earth irritates us. And we know we are petty, but so annoyed. Determined to stay level. Struggling apparently succeeding to - - - maintain. All is well, but we feel like imploding. The marvelous ability to tell someone and feel back to the Compass of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Consider the unity of Jesus Himself in Revelation 1.

Names - God names us our name is important and still the 7 Churches are unnamed. Because they blend, accepted, embraces, held, loved into being the Body of Christ in Heaven. In God's Heaven, in God's Home, in God's House, in God's Heart - we become - His - Jesus' Beloved. Filled with God's Love - living past all the trials - leaning to the Love and Joy. For Eternity.

I had one of those mornings everything required triple time, triple find, triple broken, triple effort, triple bad attitude, triple 'gr' at all things, triple pick up the attitude go far EFFORT. If we are careful who we invite to our home - to spend the weekend - then why would we doubt God's need to see us grow up in all circumstances? Gotta grow up. In my mother's office for 31 years, they labeled these days, "Put on your adult underwear and grow up." God might be more gracious and say "Gird up your loins with Truth and put on the Breastplate of Righteousness." Note to self: breastplates of righteousness don't find &%$^ certain words helpful, self.












That is what is important. 

Each of us is unique, important and special to God. Gifted of the Lord. And in life, the just and the unjust get rained on and sunny days. We get to decide we are living a life worthwhile.  We can focus on the stain on our shirt or on the immeasurable grace Jesus gives us daily. God will listen. Love. And Care. Always.

 

Father God, 

Thank You for giving us the ability to see real care. And the drive in the Holy Spirit to endure with hope - tough times. The gratitude of good circumstance. In Jesus, we find the joy of each day, the sufficiency and the ability to complain in moderation and rejoice in optimism. We lift up our lives to you and the ones we love - to be the people You are pleased to dwell and live with. 

 And Jesus' Words remind us - this present sufferings will not compare to the Glory Jesus has gone ahead to prepare for us.

To be gracious to us and allow real emotions - is a path of God. Father God - help us to be sensitive to the needs of others.  Thank You Father God for the bravery of people who have counted the cost - and go forth in Jesus for millenniums. 

Jesus is always needed. Jesus is found easily!!! Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Song of Solomon 3:8 ~ Each man

Song of Solomon 3:8

"All of them are wielders of the sword, Expert in war; Each man has his sword at his side, Guarding against the terrors of the night."


One of my favorite Sermons was made by Fr. Stephen W Bierschenk. He said he heard so many confessions of people who wander off during a Sermon - mentally. And then they pray so badly for the same reason. Fr. Bierschenk smiled and said, "God says welcome back, the yoke is easy the burden is light, welcome!" God fully is with us. God is fully for us. A Father who Loves.

Wandering off in prayer is easier when you're WORRIED. And is this detrimental and terrible? Probably not. Who ya gonna call? When we worry in prayer, we are showing Father God our concerns. When we plan, plan. plan and hope this that is ok - many times we are in God's Good Plan, just not trusting Him to provide.

In those times He says, "No" - we can be assured we are not forgotten. Learning and Spiritual Growth, one way or another, is occurring. When my cousin, my Ward, Maxine was in the Dementia Unit for mulitiple strokes, her minister did her funeral on the 12 years of Maxine being in different stages of stroke recovery. The Funeral Sermon said, "God put His Holy Spirit over the Waters." Father God had a plan.


Is all worry bad? God says this can be true. When we present ourselves as we are to Father God, He knows when we have done our best. Finding Peace with what is and God, has a real and vital part of life. When we can find Scripture Living in us. We have found the Word of God providing the Peace of God. Is this always immediate? We have to be real to have the real answer. We have to be at the basics with God in His Holiness.

When we find the Peace of God in prayer and in Scripture - we have found God made Manifest.

Ephesians 6
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Song of Solomon 3:8
"All of them are wielders of the sword, Expert in war; Each man has his sword at his side, Guarding against the terrors of the night."

When Jesus is our foundation, we have built correctly.

The Rock. The Foundation.

2 Peter 5
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

What would be a spiritual sacrifice?

Thanksgiving is one. Seek the Lord with all your heart.
His Mercies Renew.

Only now and then Does God work with Billboards.


Psalm 50:23 New Living Translation
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God."
English Standard Version
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”


Seeking Thanksgiving is a spiritual sacrifice. Putting away malice. Building. Encouraging. Keeping Earnest. Being Real. Drawing up strength of God and Joy. Expect others around you to do well and be contributors. Encourage them. See the Good. Find Thanksgiving for others. Deliberately picking up Scripture and Prayer. Picking up the Sword of God's Word to swing at trouble. Finding the Word of God where His Word fits into the situation and makes Your soul quiet.

Seeking Thanksgiving. Giving Thanksgiving. Being a Blessing.


1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning David to death.
David sought the Lord God many times during the 22 years he was surrounded by discontented people. And then he didn't. And quickly, David looked to the Lord Father God and His Love and Mercy.

Psalm 131:2
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

1 Samuel 24:10
Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered

Luke 21:19
In your patience possess you your souls.



Abba,

We wish us a Merry Thankgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgiving
and a joyous filled soul.

We wish us a Merry Thanksgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgsiving,
We pray for the joyous soul for
the people we love.

We wish us a Merry Thanksgiving, we wish us a Merry Thankgsiving,
and the goodness of You, Father God,
to have Your Living Water pour in all
the dry places
and little crevices
to bring Merry Thanksgiving, to bring Merry Thanksgiving
and many more joyous filled souls.

And if we want more plum pudding verses
we will have to add them ourselves.

In the Tradition of Handel. Alllllllllllllllleluuuuuia.
Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

All Saint's Day

Luke 2:1-20

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


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

14
“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



Mary
St Rita
St Catherine
Mother Theresa
The pulls of having a mortgage, child care

If I had to opt to pull to see one of them, as an example, my personal choice would be Mary.

St. Augustine said we all want to be the Book of Acts and if we take the 5 or so people God has given us, and love them - and believe in them.  And Love them. We have pleased God.

Jesus was not greatly thrilled Mary would rush in to bring Him home. But she did. And God won. God Bless Jesus and God Bless Mary.

Mary didn't want to push her family out. She went where God put her with His Blessings.

God could have picked any one in the Scriptures to be the Foster Father of Jesus and Mother of Jesus. He picked a very flawed couple setting out in a poor circumstance, relatively alone. God could have picked anyone to be the brothers of Jesus. He picked flawed people. God Bless God for picking the Good News of picking these 'people'. We can all use the message God picks flawed people.

Sometimes in life, there is a decision to be made. And you just wonder which way is the right path. I can picture a very wise teenage Jesus standing in a Nazareth evening, by a doorway, saying with complete certainty to sibling baiter, His Brother James, "Just ask God for wisdom - He will give Wisdom."

And God does.

Can you imagine being James talking to teenage Jesus. Jesus gave James many things to ponder in his heart.


God could have chosen Joseph, Vizier to Pharaoh to parent Jesus.
God could have chosen Daniel, adviser to Pharaoh to parent Jesus.
God could have chosen David. And He (probably wisely given David's parental batting average) did not. However, God Loved and adored David and would work within David's strengths. Strengths God placed in David to do his life.

Imagine how many people God could have deliberately picked to raise Jesus. And Father God deliberately picked the pulls and pushes of real family. Really annoying each other 'deciding' when Jesus should appear. Really rushing in to hush Jesus in hot water. Really gathering for a wedding. And when dust settles. Deciding they loved each other and still making familial history to the eyewitness of Eusebius of Caesarea in the 3rd Century - for loyalty.

God - proving once again - God picks like God Himself - Wisely.



Abba, Our Father,

The LORD bless us and keep us;
the LORD make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us;
The LORD lift up His countenance, smile, upon us
and give us peace.

God shall put Jesus' name upon us,
and Abba will bless us.

In Jesus, Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †