John 20:29 ~ Believe

John 20:29

More blessed are the eyes that have not seen, and yet believe.


The Gospels have personality. Each Gospel is indeed written by the Person who declares the authorship. Just as Papyrus 46, all 300 intact chapters of the New Testament were probably in existence during the life of John the Beloved Disciple.

Bishop Papias of Hierapolis interviewed John on Patmos Island and asked him what he thought of the other Gospels. John said he agreed with all of them and saw them as accurate.

The Gospels present Jesus in the way this person came to faith. The orderliness of the events make complete sense to the author of the Gospel in the Power of the Holy Spirit.





Spoiler Alerts.

Having a slight sinus infection, I spent today resting and watching Netflix super series "Last Kingdom." It's powerful. In fact, it's the perfect example of 72,000 ways not to be a Christian in the Middle of the Danes Invading in Rock and Roll gear. Evidently the Bible is right we do repeat! At least in fashion. Christian advocates - Best not to say to the wife in marital distress, "We will hope for the devil to get him." Best not to get your prophetic dreams entwined with the wrong face and make the knight look like the King. It tends to make vicious political upset. Thomas Becket has happened before.

Is this a timely time to watch the Movie Miniseries?
Probably - as this is the official day after Christmas ends - this is the way teens and twenties see the elderly Christians. It is interesting to see what outreach methods are successful. We will all certainly pray for one another - that our families do not look too much like the Danes...!!!

The Christians in this TV Series make you wonder Christianity ever survived. Instead of surviving to building the first hospitals, literacy, feeding the starving, creating enough safety to leave the forts. A few things like that. Proclaiming the Light of Jesus in all of mankind. Light of the world. Jesus.

However, somehow the writers know we are pulling for the Jesus believers and not Mjolnir's (sounds like Odin's) Hammer. In fact, God is being pulled for. In Christianity. The witch kills the child. We can cancel witchery. The Mjolnir Hammer people kill in the Most Appalling Ways Possible. This is the Rise of England and of Alfred the Great. Alfred is truly a man of learning and bravery. Learning what Christianity means to him. Failing. Picking up the faith again. Even Alfred the Great is looking for what we all are - "The Real Jesus, God of Love." Alfred the Great is finding Him.

Now this is Netflix, so it is R rated and things get messy. But a movie of 'historical content' has to make sense. We have to understand why Danes would want to become part of this religious fabric of 890 A.D. England. Where Christ is King. Battles are bloody, horrid and won with men realizing the God of All Gods has given these farmers battle over The Danish Terrible Murdering Pirates of the Real High Seas.

The Largest Dane, wearing his mother's own rib in his hair - has seen the Battle turn. He will not fight against the Kingdom where God is present. He is Baptized and blood thirsty killing becomes his past. Historically accurate.


Now of interest to Christians, the hoard of various Clergy is not leaving Alfred the Great. And Alfred the Great has grown into the wisdom God acts in many different people and they relate poorly to each other. The Clergy has realized - it is up to them to continually be persuasive that Jesus is indeed God. They have fallen from being the knights and generals and have become the encouragers of God. To see the people of God do the healing and Word of God continuing to upbuild the Nation, the civilization and each individual. We come to realize Traumatic Shock Syndrome is far from new. The series is offensive. And people of faith often look very ridiculous - and then you see the people of God - who put their lives into His Faith and do amazing deeds for the Lord.

It is eye opening to see the movie series has to accept a History including Jesus Christ's Church.

A faithful Christian, Alfred was scholarly and lenient man of a generous and reasonable nature who energized training and enhanced his kingdom’s lawful framework, military structure and his nations' personal satisfaction. This war tale is told from the side of a knight who grew up as a Dane slave. He is not a Christian, and watches all of this with a personal priest - who has adored him all his life - being assigned to him.

Makes having a sinus infection worthwhile - hopefully for one day.



God sends us all forth to bring more Light to the world around us.




Abba Father God,

How Blessed we are not to be invaded by butchers. Blessed to have wonderful peace.

Blessed to be the recipients of what our forefathers fought for in our Religious Freedoms.

Blessed what so many have fought for to advance our culture.

Blessings of God are finding the healing and Joy God provides. May we all continue to have and love and enjoy and give more of Your Love in the Holy Spirit.

These Blessings we pray for our Children, our Love Ones and as we celebrate the people who pray with love and faith we know our prayers go around the world God finds Good.

Jesus Bless us this day and always we pray,

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 116 4/17/16

Psalm 116

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.

10 I believed, even whena I spoke:
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”

12 What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!



Reprint 4.17.16

We live on the Gulf Coast. The weather reports are always inaccurate, because the wind of the vast ocean is unpredictable. So unpredictable the weather might say 100% chance of rain and we might not see rain for 3 weeks. The cities further inland do not have this struggle with weather forecasts.

We cannot say do not take your umbrella. However, we can say with gratitude, Lord God Almighty, Father, if You never do another thing for me, I thank You for Your Salvation provided to me in Jesus Christ the LORD.

Life does give us storms. Anger. Pondering in long nights of sleeplessness. Times when it seems the silence of God is unrelenting.

Yet we have a complete guarantee. God our Father hears us, and in this life, we will see prayers answered. Daily.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 116
I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Psalm 65:4
Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Psalm 4:3
Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.


Thank You, Father God, for all of the prayers You have heard of mine. For the Yes, the no, the wait, and the no way. 

Father God, Thank You so much for the disappearance of the tornado Sunday night just vanished during prayer in the Houston suburbs. So many people are saying they are having flooding. Alex is moping out his very elderly parent's house where he diligently cars for his brother in a wheelchair. Roofs have leaks. People are concerned for their businesses. The Tomball Schools are closed. Please help the people who pray to be more diligent in asking God for the impossible with confidence and answer the call to pray with Verve and Belief.

Thank you that the lump in my arm is leaving and my BP will lower. I will diligently do the work of getting rid of problem areas of  weight, caffeine and junky sugar foods.  We pray for Edward to walk into Heaven boldly on the day You have set for us all in Your Book of Life. For His brain to be fed by his soul through You. For his muscle pull to be healed. For good communication.

Thank You for Your Help and Mercy, in Jesus.    Your way for us all. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

Luke 6 ~ Blessed are you

Luke 6

20 And he lifted up his eyes
on his disciples, and said:

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. "Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

27 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 32 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
38 give, and it will be given to you.

Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

Build Your House on the Rock

46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 

We are building Christmas every day.

And soon will end the Christmas season - children are spending time in conversations with family - school hasn't started. The Biblical Magi have yet to appear. We are building something new for Jesus Christ and ourselves  - every day. Building on the Foundation of Jesus Christ.


Jesus has told us in the beginning of Building, we sit down to count the cost. And we will assess how we do as we go. Jesus has told us so many times we do better to travel with Jesus and not worry so very much. Our very lives will increase. If we trust God. God informs us in the Beatitudes - we will have trouble and difficulties. We don't necessarily pick the difficulties. And with Jesus, we hope we don't pick up difficulties to create hazard for our very selves and souls. Jesus is telling us - this is going to happen to us all - we can now stay in the rut or drive out. Drive out by acknowledging all of us will have some similar situations. And by being merciful beyond our merry comfort zone - we increase our lives - not looking solely at our naval.

Remember with me, Jesus sometimes just said it as it was! To cause a remembrance! Instead of always tip toeing around - Jesus could call it as He saw things. Really Jesus was and is refreshing. Are you a Teacher of Israel - we all want to be considered mature to Jesus - and He says then try a little bit more instead of going home and being comfortable. Jesus tells us to be born anew. How? Put some faith in God and move out beyond the naval. A few risks at kindness. A few more obligations. Some real joy - not being the one who finds grouse. Let the Horizon find goodness instead of the people who will - always - comment. Celestial Seasons not duck or grouse seasons.

Doing your best? Then allow yourself to know - you - very much - please God.

And in showing mercy beyond the sacrifice - you find grouse hunting isn't so appealing. When we aren't condemning - we are listening with kindness. When we are commented upon - find someone to comment kindly with in appealing to God ways.

A Child of God has a Judge. I read a Christian Biography of a man who had excelled in all things. And his wife annoyed him as he went to and from Wall Street, in his career among careers. He found a man who was peaceful and serene, among the fast falling in the heavy career hitters. And he was impressed with the zen, self reliance and calm. The man told him, he'd been a Christian for decades. He didn't need the comment - he well and good knew He pleased Father God.

This man's path from God was filled with rewards and perils. And the fruit tells us - this was His Path for this man:

And as they travelled the God Path together - the cold career calculator learned from the self reliant Christian - the calculator found his wife was his warm goodness given to him by God. When the other commenters were snide to climb his career right over him - his wife and his Christian friend correctly pointed out the truth was with God. Put down the grousing. Put down the pride. Put the comment in the right place. Fear folded up and handed to God. The comments - not needed - mercy and kindness were strength.

In truth, this man was learning Luke 6. Forgiveness. Mercy - Who has the opinion who really counts. Jesus. Giving the Celestial Mercy, then God bestows and is raising out of the day to day ewie gooie.

A daily way with Jesus - God of Love.

Finding the view from where God has given you. Being warm. Building where God has given you to find His Mercies Renew. His Blessings endure.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

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

5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- 10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.



Wide is the highway to plentiful benefits. With many a shaky turn. Eventually a leading to ennui and distrust of the repetition for reliability.

In fact, all age groups, all men and women, all rich and poor struggle with repetition every day. Our Christian Biography "Walking with Arthur" took place on the subway, each day to the same office, on the same street. For years.

Building anew. How would we build if we did not Believe God would help us? We would become repetitive Ralph. Albert Einstein said repetition is not going to yield - instead Olympians know repetition is to advance. God will go with us when we need diligence. Particularly, in diligence, we can find Bill Murray's "Groundhog Day."

In all Seasons of Building Anew -

Luke 6 - is also not dwelling upon what is in yourself. Luke 6 dwells on being a blessing to others. The view is upward and outward.

Psalm 91 - reverses the look into self past ego and says find peace within. God is here. God is dwelling in you.

Matthew 7

The View from the same Parable of Jesus across the meadow.


1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.


God told us to have wisdom. He didn't say wallpaper the husband, the friend, the parent, the child with grousing. Jesus said He is the Way the Truth the Life. He didn't say plug up the path for someone else to find the path.



7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Leave the Light on. Be someone willing to say and be diligent to pray for others. Show the path of the Light of God. If we are bearing the beauty of the Light of Christ - we will have less time to point out what others do. And the view of Life is better. And feels better to the Light bringer.

12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

By the time we are middle aged, we have seen some victorious souls provide living examples the Path to God is doable as they enter Heaven. We learn that the narrow path is Love. And were all meaning connects.


15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Jesus is the Good Tree. We are His vines and that fig tree had seen better days. We are most blessed to be the people of the Merciful New Covenant. We need this grace upon grace daily with verve. Help our fruit - Father God and of those who are our narrow path. We need Jesus. Not the river rock wear of culture in our creeks.


21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

With the help of God Himself in His Son, Jesus:

24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
We pray Jesus when the wild winds of life howl and understanding has not happened.

26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

Because we know the Name of God we call upon: Jesus Christ.

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.




Abba, Abba, Abba,

We call to bless us in Your Authority.

Heaven and earth are Your's. You are God of Love, Hope and Encouragement.

Fill us this Season and all Holy Seasons to continue in our soul with Your Holy Spirit.

Bless, Bless, Bless - we ask with Jesus - our cares to strengthen and encourage us. Renew us daily with Blessings we have the heart to see and Love. Bless, Bless, Bless those we Love. Strengthen them with Jesus. Bless all those who pray for the people You have given them. And in this prayer - with the Power of Jesus - we cover Your Good Creation.

Amen in Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †  

Hebrews 11:32-40, 12:1-2 ~ Looking to Jesus

Hebrews 11:32-40, 12:1-2

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets--

33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--38 of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.


Hebrews 12:1-2


1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.





Faith
conquered kingdoms
enforced Justice
obtained Promises
Stopped lions

Quenched the power of fire
escaped the sword
strong Out of weakness
mighty in war
armies to flight

Received the dead back
died

So where is the failure?

Not to run the race.We need to be  Looking at Jesus. Our Perfector.

Jesus has Joy.

The Word of God is always, always, always Fulfilled. In His Time.


One time, and I've written this before, I met my Great Aunt Clarice in a dream - as she was - it turned out - literally - going up High on the Hill into the Walls of Heaven. Is this new? Yes, I remembered as I spoke to Aunt Clarice, Jesus was standing behind Clarice and me and Jesus was contributing to the conversation. Aunt Clarice had had great hip arthritis in her life and she was asking Jesus to remove this from me. I remembered this in hip pain.

What I saw in the Walls has been recorded by other people. Fits Revelation.  The timing was actually the truth. I believe this. Jesus was there. So was Aunt Clarice.

New remembrances of times past. What we have - this day - is what Jesus wants us to have. And in seeing today - find His Joy and Hope and Future. Clarice at one point was screaming like she'd won the Lottery and in her extreme Joy proclaiming all of God's Word and His Promises are True.


The challenge of each year is new. The challenge draws up on our Foundation. We apply what we are doing - renewing each day. Taking our foundation and building on Jesus. Jesus our Rock. What renews? Do we all see something about His Mercies Renew? I think we tend to look more when we are unhappy. The Good of God making a Balance. We know we appreciate the sunshine after the rain has been here. And when we look - we find His Mercies Renew. This is so extremely beneficial. Eventually we could see this as a perpetual and good part of our new day beginning. This is the flight on Eagles' Wings. God never forgets to do something New. His Light on His path is going to allow us - to run the race - seeing God is in charge. Renewal is New.

A really interesting point - God tells us we renew. God tells us in God it's possible to be a New Creation.



Abba,

We see You in Your Word. We ask Your Blessings.


Psalm 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 119:16
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.


Abba, as we do our lives. We start by asking Your Blessings.

And this puts us in this day with a Great Start as Your Mercies Renew Daily. Each day we ask these blessings for our cares. Those we love. Remembering Your Greater Love flowing and pouring forth - unceasingly. Your Love does more than we could ask or even fathom. We rest in Your Abundant Love.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

And as we travel the great River of God's Love - we are resting and renewed.

His Love covering every part, every dry bone, His Love Unfailing. Sweeping across our cities and towns. Sweeping the Nation. Moving easily over the earth.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Our Alleluia in Jesus for the coming New Year. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †  

Mark 6 ~ Compassion

Mark 6

19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”

24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”

25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.

The people of Israel had cried out for a king.





A much cleaned up and re-engineered coin of Herod Antipas. 21 BC-39 AD.




And instead of the Davidic Line - received an usurper. Herod would create his own image on a coin - forbidden to be of this level of ego. Herod is King and can do all he wants as King. Instead Herod is busy keeping up with murderous Pilate as Governor. Keeping murderous promises. Pleasing his live in wife. Pleasing his niece. Pleasing alliances and guests. Work of worry - keeping firm hold on his power. Unable to freely speak to the ones he would speak with. It's great to be king?

We have a coin left of Herod Antipas. A tomb.

Jesus is King of Kings.

Scala Sancta the stairs of Herod's Palace where Jesus probably stood. The marble portion is the well known and not doubted stairs of Herod's Palace.

If we could see from the orbit - the Lights of those who believe Jesus in their soul. If we could see the Churches bringing forth Light. We would find the Light of Jesus Christ - alive and with Hope, Faith and Love. Today.

Jesus as King of Kings, God of God - freely has mercy and compassion on His Beloved people. Jesus unable to pass by His Disciples. His Love calls them to have no fear. Jesus travels with them. He changes His plans to participate with His People. Jesus calms even the wind. Herod probably drew no pleasure from his guests to kill John the Baptist. Jesus creates awe and astonishment in His abilities and Love.



One man works at his job to remain in favor with alliances who do not even please him.

The King of King strides even upon the Water with Love.  Light of Light.

One man is pleased with his image stamped on metal.

The King of Kings creates Light to shine eternally - within us for running the race to go to God - inviting us to stay for eternity. The Blessing of God tells us Jesus covers us and we are seen as His Beloved Child.



Abba,

You tell us in Psalm 139, our days are Blessed. We are named from God. We have our days written in Your Book of Life.

With Your Blessing and Your Favor, we have strength to do Your Plan. We have Joy to Hope in Your Path for us. We have Love to be fed and nourished in the most important aspect of us - Love - where Your Holy Spirit and our eternal essence dwells.

We pray this Love, Great Love, blesses those we Love. The People You have given us. We pray more Heaven upon earth. Blessing our families, schools, work places, homes, Churches and Nations. The Love You have for us seen in all our lives. Thank You for Your Word and Plan.

In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †  

Psalm 72 ~ He redeems their life +

Psalm 72

English Standard Version

1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!

2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!

3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! 7
In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!

12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day!

16 May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!

17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!

18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen! 20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Games people play at parties - 10,000 Questions.

Have you ever met someone famous? I've met about 11 Famous People. One of them is Reverend J.I. Packer in January 2008 in Dallas. He is actually the only famous Evangelical person I've met. (Other than an Archbishop - we very, very casually debated Divorce and growing up as children of a divorced mother in a Church Vestibule.)




And then there is serious, serious Life:

Rev. and Professor J.I. Packer was born in the Roaring Twenties in England. At the age of 92, is best known as General Editor of the English Standard Version, an Evangelical revision of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, and Theological Editor of the Study Bible version.

The Intent of the English Standard Version - following an "essentially literal" translation philosophy while taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages.

Today, Rev. Prof. J.I Packer is best known as advocate of ecumenicism. He was awarded the St. Cuthbert's Cross, June 2014 for his "unparalleled contribution to global Christianity." Packer has roots in Calvinism, and wants to unite Catholics and evangelicals. He was defrocked by the Episcopal Church (losing his pension) in his late, late, late 80s. This blogger collected a 100 signatures on an artist canvas and was one of the teeming numbers who encouraged Rev. Packer believing the Word of God is a reward of God Himself.

Rev. Prof. J.I. Packer was born in the U.K., was a student of Oxford Don C.S. Lewis (67 books with the Narnia Series) and is Canadian today.


We have many, many, many Bible translations today. Given the insistence of the Roman Emperors, for 309 years - beginning 16 years after the death and Life of Jesus - trying to eradicate the Bible in your hand today - our Bible is safely here today as a Wonder and Act of God Himself.

We have many Bible translations. Not many Bible translators have faced venerable careers as Clergy with Theology Tenure, to face becoming publicly debated with senectitude defrockment. It's extremely tragic to see such commendable work and find someone so dedicated to the service of Jesus and His Word - almost 90 years old - defrocked at retirement time for believing the Bible. This is a work of God and accompanied by signs of the world.  Rev. Prof. J.I. Packard was awarded the St. Cuthbert's Cross, June 2014 by Archbishop Duncan for his "unparalleled contribution to global Christianity" after being defrocked in the Episcopal Church.  Blessings of God for us all, today, we still have amazing and beautiful Christians believing the Bible as literal and holy.

With the Good News of God - Rev. Prof. J.I. Packer has endured and triumphed. Something all of Jesus' Beloved celebrate. And many, many fine books, such as "Never Beyond Hope: How God Touches and Uses Imperfect People with Carolyn Nystrom."




Keep on with God. Father God has a Way, Truth and Life. Bringing us through all seasons. The enduring, reliable, necessary Love of God our Father and Jesus Christ living in us as His Holy Spirit.


Abba,

In another Gifted Year of Life - we plan for Good News. Faith, Hope and Love.

We plan for difficulties and endurance to Hope, Faith and Love.

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before
the God of Daniel, for he is the living God,
enduring forever;
his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.


2 Thessalonians 1

In God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.


Romans 5

3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

The Blessing You have shown us. Trouble and still, in the Power of Jesus, overcoming. Enduring Hope. Enduring Faith. Enduring Love.

In the Blessing we would always ask in Jesus. An increase of the Holy Spirit in ourselves, the ones we Love, the people You have given us. The fulfillment of Your Word and the works You would have us walk in.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Amen and Amen and Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †