Matthew 4:13-25 ~ A Light has dawned +

Capernaum

Matthew 4:13-25

13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Capernaum

Psalm 96


Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 13 Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Capernaum

Mechanics
Long Decisions
Present your soul

Yesterday I watched a television program "Longmire" about dealing with Dementia. Right now I know 7 people with Dementia.

The University of Pittsburgh study reveals exercise every day - we have a greater chance of removing Dementia. Dementia, no joke, exhibits itself like a tar pit. We believe aggression in careers and people 'situations' helps clean the path off. Power, power, power brings respect with fear; creating an easier life for the person employing their nasty ways to be more comfortable.

Of course, good people get Dementia and illness occurs. Of course. But if you eat a bucket of fried chicken, 9 gallons of ice cream, and cake for every meal you can count on Diabetes, stroke, blindness, heart attack, cancer and unhappiness.

Capernaum

The truth is this - if you go to school to be a mechanic or a doctor. People ask free advice, constantly.  Unless you are a Proctologist. Of course, this is annoying. We all get annoyed and we are all in the same boat of life. And I have seen written manuals giving advice to mechanics and doctors about making every, every cent. And ethics. Yes, really we are all in the same boat. A happier life? Being an #*^$&&**, but you never know the path less taken. And if you had the ability to look from on High - you'd find trouble with each path. If you pursue the path of helping, within boundaries of self - healthy love, you are going to find a more fulfilling soul and with the soul being nourished - you are able to go far farther. Ecclesiastes house is the Biblical story of age and decay. The Gospel of John and 1, 2, 3 John present us with hope to overcome the natural order of decay.

Lately, I have been pressed on a number of fronts to feel a mMean joke, pressure to be in servitude for no good cause, questionable advice given with the best of intentions, asked to judge who is more worthy, less dishonest and read between the lines for meaning.

This also places us in the same boat. We always have a pause of uncertainty when we face a decision or a 'situation.' We want to feel we walked away from all situations having handled them effectively, wisely and if we are really wise - with compassion. God values mercy over sacrifice.

The Bible assures us - Jesus did not walk away from all situations as the apparent Victor. The Book of Acts says not ever thing is a fast win-win.

I had a loved family member, long departed for Heaven, who was known to be very, very upstanding. She loved to chew people out. She was known to chew out a rancher at the State Fair of Texas once because he couldn't get his panicked horse out of the trailer. She stepped up, threw her cardigan over the horse's eyes, patted the horse and led him out of the trailer with eyes blindfolded. True story. And the man had been cussing out the horse in public. And we Love this family story. She never, ever, ever got Dementia, but she became lonely in old age for her willingness to be so right, chewing people out was her privilege.

Hence the next generations was too polite. There is a balance of moxy and mercy. The ability to say 'please' and 'thank you' actually has great effect to those who are hungry for a little respect in the world and to those who would never employ the words for fear of appearing weak. Strength exists in the ability to tell the truth. Strength exists in the mercy of not demanding our intestines to hang out. Who would the Archangel Michael owe respect to under God the Father? Well, interestingly enough, Enoch was never recovered in the Bible. Like Jesus. Like Moses. The Archangel Michael was sent to get Moses' body. Evidently Moses was unique to die and then be collected by the Lord. Satan decided not to let Michael have an easy time of collecting the body of Moses. Michael, who had Amazing Back Up, collected the body of Moses by being polite in the face of injustice.

Lately, I have heard many stories of Traffic. Intense time taken in traffic. We have to take the facts of our lives and find nourishment and ... prayer. I heard a quiet explosion in Church, about 35 years ago, of a man who said he did believe, but all his prayers bounce off and he was tired of hearing yada, yada, yada, yada, yada Prayer.

Seriously. A man had a quiet temper tantrum in a very large Church sitting behind me over Prayer. So I turned around and I said, "Do you really Believe Jesus is Who He said He is?" Grim-faced, the man said, "I Really Believe. Jesus is God of all things." I said do your parents live nearby? He replied they were across the Continent. I asked him if he called them. He grinned in the middle of the conversation and said, "That made sense."

Just like we trust God more if we are having serious fox hole problems or medical tests, we have to Trust God that our prayers are having an effect. We have to trust being communicative over 'situations' is good for all. Loving ourselves with health is good. And being polite is good. All the studies on prayer say there is a tremendous effect.

We have to trust, if we are a mechanic or a doctor in any situation, that good advice is good. We have to be able to say, "That's enough now." Doing the right thing - nourishes - your soul - your soul is the only part of you where you have real estate in eternity. Your brain is not going to survive death and go on. It's told to us our soul and our mind connect.

Luke 10

26“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.”


Maybe... You've read the Text before? Who said, "Love the Lord your God connecting, heart, soul, strength and mind?' Jesus had overwhelming, immense, astonishing, life changing = desire - to have conversation - with US. Jesus knew well and good we connect in our responses to negativity, in being uplifted, in being downtrodden, in ego, in overcoming - to explain where we attain and sustain our TRUTH.

When we place ourselves on Christ the Solid Rock I stand - Truth on the Rock of Jesus - the rest of the sinking sand is not so important!!!

As I wrote earlier, Lately, I have been pressed on a number of fronts to feel a mean joke, pressure to be in servitude for no good cause, questionable advice given with the best of intentions, asked to judge who is more worthy, less dishonest and read between the lines for meaning.


STOP. I don't have to accept the noise and the upset. I have to respond with kindness, mercy, wisdom and love myself. I don't have to accept 'the noise.' You don't either. The Battle is God's. We believe, we do our small part every day. We let God do God's Tremendous works and we have gratitude.


The Narrow Path. Where the noise leaves and the goodness of a still quiet voice is what is needed - filled with love.


Make your bottom line - Love. Jesus makes a Good Foundation.



Abba,

Help us to stay on Your Path. On Your Path we know Jesus is with us. We ask for ourselves and the ones we love. Guide us and lead us.
Empower and protect us. Encourage and sustain us. Let us have Your Joy within us. To place our Hope in You. To be glad for Your protection.

Bless our neighborhoods, jobs, Churches. Our nation and the people of faith around the World. Help us to know Jesus is our Good Foundation. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 1:1-17 ~ The book

Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,
7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Re Anhoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,
8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,
9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud,
15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.


My Step Grandfather was an Episcopalian Orthodox Priest for 50 years. He used to say the definition of hell was going in a small car, on a long vacation, with the ones you Love.

When we speak of Romans 5 we have this:

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.


Indeed, indeed, indeed I am being flippant.

And yet when you read Luke 3, we find the Talmud which is combined with the Sadducean Council Records tells us Luke 3 is Mary's genealogy. Joseph was the catch, being descended from the Kings of the Davidic Line and Mary's family descended through Solomon's younger brother, Nathan.

We find Jesus did give wisdom from God and the Nazareth family blended in. And yet, we learn nothing of the grandparents of the Holy family. Not very auspicious of the grandparents. When Kosher allowed them to have the possibility of long life. And we learn about Sibling Rivalry goading Jesus forth. And Sibling Loyalty under Mom's direction to get Jesus home in the midst of Trouble. And running away during Good Friday.

Acts 1 Happens and the family reunites. Ok, pretty standard typical fare - from our posts.

And yet... we discover by hanging in there. By being sincere and real. By giving mercy. By enduring - Families reunite.

The Gospels tell us don't go one mile - go two.

The Gospels tell us to encourage, to hope, to be diligent. The Gospels tell us to expect the best. Give the best. The Gospels are bold enough to say only accept the best.




Abba, our Father, Who is Almighty God Himself,

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The Gospels tell us to fill our mind and soul with Hope.

Let us also recall to Love ourselves. Not as best, not as first, but in wisdom Jesus said let the dead bury their dead. Jesus said there is Chaff in the world.

Jesus said to present Hope and expect God to warm hearts.

Jesus said turn the other cheek. He might have meant walk away from petty fights.

It is in being Sincere with what is possible, that we find ourselves transcending and finding God doing the Impossible when we ourselves present Mercy.

Abba, it is no coincidence we find the Holidays begin and the long daylight quits. We find Jesus is the Light of the World. And in our love for Jesus and His love for us, we find a lot of love for the Wonderful Holidays. Sincerity brings enjoyment, Peace, Love and Joy.

We find ourselves blessed of God this Thanksgiving and pray you find yourself as well.

May Jesus bless our Loved ones with His love. Blessings of the Christ for the People He has given us. The Love of Christ prevail and triumph finding Faith is greater than difficulty. Joy is renewing each day.

God's Blessings upon us, in Jesus we pray. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 5 ~ Jesus opened His Mouth and Taught

Jesus had 72 Disciples. Luke 10:1

Matthew 5

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


2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.






17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.


21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go.

First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

31 "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 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 take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.




43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?

Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Why would Matthew 5 say verse 2? "Jesus opened His mouth and taught"?


If you'd been Matthew - the high rising, Roman abiding, able to extort expert of money collection - you might be so astounded to be Levy who threw a party for Jesus knowing the people he would invite would be sinners. And given the beauty of The Sermon on the Mount and the following of multitudes - Jesus would know how to be the Life of the party.


Luke 10
23Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

My inclination would be Matthew wanted to record - Matthew heard the voice of Jesus Christ - Savior of Mankind. And not cause sadness for the generations to come.

When you look at the Creator, the Shepherd of our Souls, Jesus would not be afraid of mankind. Seeing further in space, in time, in millenniums, in events, in intuition, with more Love. Many times - if you are pressed or stressed - the Scripture will encompass the major points. Christians are not to Lord over the Gentiles. To walk with Grace and Truth. Jesus did this easily being Lord of All and seeing all one could ever see in each of us. And in not being afraid, we can believe God - lean to our Father - and build up all of us. Faith enables us not to take the short cuts - hurting our selves, our souls and the culture.

Speaking from experience, when we have regular old anxieties, becoming 'the same old event', we tend to become downtrodden. And in this boredom, this frustration, this mounting lack of faith called pain and sadness, we tend to slip slide away.

Matthew. He utterly was born again. Verse 48.  Matthew knew to hold on to Faith from being in the fire from the crucifixion. Levy Matthew rose again - because - the Forgiveness of Jesus. Not the Law. The Grace upon Grace of Jesus. The 12 Open Gates of Heaven. The always available to us in Jesus - our prayers - reaching Father God. Learning to be like Paul, we will "see how it goes with me." And lean into the adventure of believing ~

Romans 8:28 ~
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Now doubts will wriggle in if you do not firmly grasp the Truth of the Grace of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3

13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

See, hold, believe every Word of God holds true.
God gives us very important footholds not to let go of in Faith to prevent, ward of doubt and strengthen Faith.

Feeling faint hearted?


1. Work for mankind and faith ~

Look again. Work. Do the work of faith given to mankind. Work. Work. Work. This is not a magical, mysterious carpet ride. Like the Exodus where all things worked immediately out. Minus Moses 40 years in the desert of Midian learning the Shepherd of his soul, in his thoughts. Minus Joshua waiting 40 years for the Children of Israel to attain faith to enter the promised land. 40 years surrounded by doubters who had walked the Red Sea floor. Diligent work.


2. Therefore work all things for good is a ... process.

Just like the Prodigal Son is a Process. Just like the Exodus was a spectacular process. 80 plus years and the land was not fully claimed for the ever important Tribe of Judah until 500 years later David took the City of David - Jerusalem for the first time for the Tribe of Judah. Work. Process. This important difference is the meat of maturity in Christ Jesus.


3. Gasp. What if... what if I have no special significance in God's eyes. Regular Joe.

To be called to work the purpose of God is something spectacular. This is the ... narrow path. Matthew 22:14 14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen." The Bible - assures us, the wide highway is there. The narrow path is available for those who believe and will do the choice of being like Joseph who believed a mere dream. For being Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Joseph who merely believed they were blessed of God and sufficient to pass on His Amazing Blessings. These men lived in tents when others did not. And they lived believing themselves blessed and the reality of Faith proves them correct from Genesis to Hebrews 11 to the last page of the last chapter of the Word of God. The Word of God, the Will of God, assures us Faith is better and more True.


4. Why?

Why is this Work? Why? Because in the Garden of Eden mankind wanted to be God, and decide for themselves what was right and wrong. I'd bet, Father God said, "Show me. Show me your narrow path. Show me what you do with the acreage of eternity called, 'your soul.'" Mankind proves "we" are work even in the Exodus. Ohh. Awe and Wonder of God. And then ~ oh no, God will desert us! I'm hungry ~ therefore we can assume God will desert us this time. I'm thirsty ~ God will desert us this time. Small wonder this occurs in the Desert. No wonder Father God puts the Children of Israel under His Care. When the Desert has a Cloud by Day - eventually there is rain. When the Desert has a Pillar of Fire by Night - then there is comfort and comfort is not a wasteland Desert. Preparing the Children of God to enable them to do the Will of God. By pass Jericho - going the direction of God. He is a Good, Good Father.


5. The Upward Call of Jesus Christ.

David lived giving all of mankind the Grace to show the Upward Call of Jesus Christ. David - the inner secret of David - to Believe in the Compassion of God. Strive Forward. Again. The Reflection of Jesus Christ, Only Son and Savior of Almighty God, our Father.


6. Run the Race to Win.

Every Word, every single Word of God holds True.

Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

The key helping Word here is 'only'. Have the Purpose. Know the direction. Stay with the direction for one reason - Love.




Abba, our Father,

Today, may our God of Faith, Hope and Love fill us with all joy and peace as we believe in Jesus Christ Lord God.

Father, in the Power of Jesus' Name, pour out a Blessing. The Holy Spirit overflowing by the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Let us take our Spiritual acreage and convince with our deeds, life and word - showing our all seeing Father God, our words and works are full of Goodness of God. Brimming with His Love and able to fill up our soul to run to bring to our Father.

May the Words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, be pleasing and acceptable to You, Father God, bringing Jesus and the Holy Spirit's Love to live in me, the ones I love, increasing to the people You have given me. God of Creation, Loving Father, cover all over this world. The Joy of God covers us! We ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Exodus 33:14 ~ He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest"

Exodus 33:14
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”



When Joseph decided to give Mary mercy, he was able to rest. We do not know he did not rest during the conflict, we know he slept in the decision to be merciful. And in this mercy, God spoke to Joseph telling him this was of God. Joseph had a decision, would he believe the dream?

Joseph believed for life.

Joseph put all in faith. And returned from Egypt.

Hebrews 11:6

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

Amazing what Joseph did not see and yet believed.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Joseph is not recorded in meeting Gabriel, who stands in the Presence of God. Joseph probably met Zechariah.

1 Kings 20. We take it for granted. If you have a Godly thing happen - then you act honorably.  Everyone who meets God - does well - some. Ahab - we given all of God's help. He had Acts of God around him. He had prophecies helping him with armies - wars - battles. Twice. Ahab acted upon this with faith. And Ahab became... Ahab. Like Judas - he turned to his own directions.

Acts 1:25
Judas turned aside to go to his own interests.

Ahab wanted a woman. He wanted his own answers. He wanted glory. Ahab wanted a vineyard. Ahab wanted to punish God's Prophet having experienced Prophecy of God. Judas wanted power and position with the highest up - self glory. Judas wanted to punish God's Prophet, Jesus, called Messiah where the lame walked and the blind could see and the deaf could hear. Judas wanted his own answers. He wanted glory. Judas wanted some land.

Saul wanted his own answers. He wanted glory. Saul wanted to punish God's anointed. Having experienced the Prophecy of God. Saul is notorious for not sleeping and requiring David to play music to soothe Saul to sleep. 1 Samuel 16:23

Genesis 18:12
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?"

Joseph lived.

Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.

James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.




Abba, God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

We thank You for Your Grace and peace.

Thank you and continually for listening to our prayers.

For your Love and your endurance and Your Works, for giving us our Lord Jesus Christ.

For Your gospel is not simply words but also power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You have lived among Your People as Truth and Grace.

You are in the midst of us and here when we suffer. You work with the Fruits of the Spirit. Love, Joy and Peace. You are the Lord Most High, our Father. You are everywhere.

And in Your salvation, we place our cares, the ones we Love and their deepest cares and needs. We place the prayer requests of the people who pray with us. Knowing in faith, You hear our prayers. Covering us in the Holy Spirit, knowing the earth and all the fills it is Your's.

In Jesus we will rest because of Your Mercy. Blessed Be God who fulfills His Word in all of Your Goodness. Thank You, Abba. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Matthew 2:1-12 ~ overwhelmed with joy

Jezreel Valley ~ Nativity Trail

Matthew 2:1-12

~ (New Revised Standard Version)


In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


Isaiah 60

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.

5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.

6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.



Oh the Levels of the Word of God.

Historically. Factually. Abundantly. Radiantly. Yesterday. Today. And Tomorrow.






Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.





Isaiah is telling us of many, many things. Ahaz carefully leads the people to worship away from the Temple. To make a new traditions. Because Ahaz intends to save his own wonderful son Hezekiah. God is subtly announcing Hezekiah. A reign second only to Solomon and much more known for faith. Hezekiah and the people dug the tunnels in faith, we could see today. And the people of Hezekiah were asked to work for God and they Did.

Imagine how many more aspects, levels, emotions, stories Father God sees in every Word, every single Word of His.


Isaiah 7

The heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

3 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. 4 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. 5 Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying, 6 "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," 7 thus says the Lord GOD: "'It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass. 8 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. 9 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.'"


10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 "Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test." 13 And he said, "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.



Abba,

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.

Abba, live in us. Live in the people we Love. Guide us, lead us, let Your face, Shine upon us. We thank You for Your Graciousness. Lift Your Face, Smile, Give us the Peace You Know so well. Cover us in the Name of Jesus. Bless us we ask.

Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Romans 5 ~ Peace with God

Romans 5

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.




This passage points out a truth I've rarely thought of. Verse 13, many people in history, and alive today, who have never been told about the 10 Commandments are similar to the time before the Law. The 10 Commandments - all law is based upon these. Even today, people exist in ignorance of His law. So, interestingly, we have three steps during the millenniums of HIStory. Before the law, The Old Covenant and The New Covenant.

So, that works out neatly for the uninformed. No. Not really. When Jesus died on the cross for sinners, He did not just forgive the people standing on earth the day of His Sacrifice, He forgave all people.

Jesus is life, and His life IS the Light of mankind.

Jesus is Genesis. He is the beginning Word; Word with God, and the Word is God.

The Gospel, for it is the Power of God, is Salvation to Everyone who Believes.

For the righteousness of God is revealed faith for faith. Given faith, we grow in faith when we believe.

For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. This is from the first chapter of Romans.

Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 10:32
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven."

Those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness....
reign in life - through Jesus Christ. Now, that is an interesting promise.

Psalm 106:30,31
Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever.

Phinehas was a stand up kind of man.

In The New Covenant - grace reigns through righteousness - leading to eternal life.

2 Corinthians 7:10
For having sorrow in a godly way results in repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. But the sorrow of the world produces death.

The free gift is not like the trespass, grace reigns through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Jesus Christ the Lord calls us to be salt and light. Having flavor. Being joyful and bright. Lean not to the left of asceticism, nor the right of judgement. Thanks be to GOD, I do not have to judge, it is mine to point to Jesus Christ the Lord. He leads me in His paths of righteousness for His name's sake. I have been justified by faith, I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are saved by His life. 



 



Abba,

To YOU who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We will Behold, Abba, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Our Father God is like the sun shining in full strength.

Jesus says “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

We pray to a Powerful Father God. Knowing with God we Rise up. Knowing He is our security. And in this Love, we entrust the people we Love to Father God. We give to Him the people He gave us.

And in this Jesus' Love - we trust all of our lives, the nation, the world to Jesus.

Amen Father God for giving us Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 110 ~ He will Lift Up

Psalm 110

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.
7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.


Consider Huffington Post's Article:

RELIGION

Bible Video Game Will Tell The Story of King David’s Meteoric And Often Violent Rise To Power

EMANUEL MAIBERG Motherboard

Consider this:


The Fantasy Roleplaying Gamer's Bible 2nd Edition 2nd Edition
by Sean Patrick Fannon (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars

Yesterday I was in a Bible Study considering if Abraham understood the Giving God of the Old Testament. Abraham's flaw comes from deciding God cannot do all He has said and Abraham must contribute to the Plan. Abraham must do the Word of God and His Work by 'helping'.

If we role play David, will we consider Moses worked for 40 years as a Shepherd. Will we consider Joshua worked 40 years as an Administrator to Moses, not a bad job, in the Desert covered by Cloud and Pillar of Fire.

Father God has chosen serious, life hard-bitten men to be partnered in with God. We have few of Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and Mulan. Nary a Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida, nor a Princess Moana.

Add to this, the audacity of God to not wrap up these stories in an hour. How does God extend the play? New ways of death. New ways to be hurt and fail and be betrayed.  New ways to freeze, famine and fry. And consider - is the life of David going to be G or PG rated? The reality was the almost word for word movie "David" (with the erroneous promotion of Samuel as the 'politically bloodthirsty power') is PG-13. Why not contemplate David when the world is still contemplating David? In fact role playing with cultural views of David - is not a bad idea.

We see David is seen as Worthy. Brave. Enduring. All of these characteristics play well in the movies. Even incorrectly labelling Samuel as blood thirsty is movie intriguing.






David had some qualities that would take the supposedly 'cultural' values to the dog house.
David had concubines.
David ignored incestuous attacks.


Why would God ever employ this Neanderthal? (And we all could pause and say David has difficulties Really.)

3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.


David has something similar to Moses.
David believes God is Holy.

David is like Moses.
David is not a paid Shepherd.






David does not rise like Moses. Culturally - we all believe David rode the elevator and "Arrived." Instead, 3 kings are crowned after Saul finally dies. David wins when we see - surely David is not going to win. David is washed up. David is not going to see God's Word fulfilled.

Again and again and again David - does not rise up.
And ~
What does David believe? Again and again David takes this to His Father God with his complete heart and all his emotion. David is very, very audaciously real to a very real Living and Holy Almighty God. David believes he can hurl himself into a Holy, Holy God and find compassion.

And in the midst of this failure - very few people enter in to help David. David's heart and soul do not become a rattling raisin. David sorts out the companions who want to stone him. David sorts out the friends who later want to climb around him. David sorts out the people who want to now become part of David's Victorious Army. David does this like Jesus Christ. David says welcome my nation, my beloved of God. Welcome to being David's cherished people because God is Father to them. Welcome to David's Shepherding.





Consider the Career of Moses. Surrounded by Acts of God discussed 2,500 years with awe and wonder - Moses dealt over and over and over with people discarding their belief. God bolsters Moses directly, God bolsters Moses to be God's representative. Moses Believes. David Believes.







The New Testament tells us don't just swim with the Salmon. Have renewal of your mind. And in doing the representation of God - these men - Believe.

Role Play? Sure. Represent God. And in defending God and His Goodness - we see Gideon, Mary, Joshua, John the Baptist. John. Defend God. Is any Battle or any Quest or any Journey more worthy?

Not many of our 'every day" look like an Amazing Journey. Yet to God of Love willing to walk among us as Grace and Truth... Maybe your day to day journey looks very promising.


St. Augustine said our little lives are pleasing to God when we Love the People He has given us. St. Augustine knew he was living a quiet life. You are an eternal being. God is going to know you for many years to come. Not all the Highways of Heaven run n s e w. Father God sees you. Defend God. How? Love.




Abba, Abba,

You delighted to say, "Life is Good" and created the waters. Jesus chose to live by the waters, where the people came to him and He sat teaching beside the beautiful sun blessed Sea of Galilee.

Jesus knew, always the willingness of His Good Father, and our's. As Jesus journeyed, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. Not the loveliest profession or honest profession to His Israel. And Matthew answered Jesus' Words. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

Jesus would know our culture and our songs. As Jesus reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Jesus Defends us. Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Help us to soak in God's Grace as they did by the Beautiful Sea of Galilee. Bask in the Light, the Warmth of Jesus. The Miracle of Jesus feeding us with His Word continues. We are fed like the Multitudes fed by the Sea of Galilee. We are part of the Goodness of Jesus. We are all healed by Jesus. Help us with Love to Defend our Father God with Joy and the ability to speak of His Love.

And in Jesus Christ the Body of Christ without borders and without constraint - all say may Jesus be King of all. God of our souls. Our Shepherd Savior Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †