Acts 1 ~ The Kingdom to us

Acts 1

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach

2 Until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.

14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,

16 "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "'May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it'; and "'Let another take his office.'

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."

23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

We know this Scripture. As the Bible closes in Revelation - Jesus is alive and well Rejoicing to be with our Father. John - for his many, many years becoming more loving, more concerned we know God is For His Child - you.

John 14:28
"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I."

Jesus is having a Joy-Filled Day in Acts 1. He is going to see His Father, Joseph and - potentially - not many others Jesus knew during His Joy lifespan on earth. God is God.

And as The Lord of Lords, God of Gods, True God of True God departs from having suffered,,,
suffered,
suffered,
a heinous, torturous criminal death.
His chosen beloved want to know about comforts.

And Jesus replies as God. And does an incredible act the Pharaohs have 'claimed' for generations. The difference is - Jesus is God - and does this so the Disciples are very informed about Jesus Christ - His Love - His Abilities - His Location.



And then we understand with our heart about Father God saying:

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in
every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Jesus in John 21 - Jesus looks GOOD. And He is providing a beautiful setting for a beautiful breakfast. With Grumblers.


I hope we are convinced of the Willingness of our Good Father.

Ok, I agree, the angels in the Bible rarely are said to have Wings. However, our Gracious Father has His Angelic Messengers say "Fear Not." And as Jesus departs - God sends Two Angels. Abraham ranked 3 Angels - and we know Abraham thrilled God with his willingness to take on death, ruined life to save Lot and others Abraham didn't even know. Abraham, like Jesus, jumps to cook for the Angels.

The Disciples upon seeing the Two Angels:
These men who walked with Jesus in amazement and awe - do not whine.
These men who saw Elijah and Moses - are not given to asking favors.
These Disciples have even left Jesus when Communion and the Body of Christ is presented as His Ideal. Not this amazing time.
These men argue who is first, several times. Not this time.
And one of his favorites is told Get Behind me - Not this time.
These men who have seen the dead rise to life - go as directed by Jesus.
These beloved Disciples who have seen Jesus walk on water and stop the Sea of Galilee - do not ask for more information.

Edward jokes Peter and Paul were called to Antioch for vacations. We can look up humor in the Bible - I think we found - complete and total - God-Sized Humor. The Father prepares to receive His Triumphant Son. Jesus has done Wonders of the World. All the Bible attests towards Jesus Christ. Two Angels and "they return to Jerusalem."

For once - the Disciples are on track to doing what God wants speedily. We find "immediately" around Jesus constantly. And these are the Wonders and Grace of God. But now we are informed what it takes to have 11 men seeing the wonders of the world - move with righteous speed.

Let's Respond to our Living God Creator and our Father, "God is our Hope and Future. What God wants - I'm for. With Delight to see the Blessings and awe and Joy of Jesus. Jesus who invests in His Beloved - Lavishly. Our Jesus."

Acts 1 has amazing Number of God's Miraculous.

Jesus is Alive and Living as God. Teaching among them. Loving His Beloved. Rejoicing in the Relief of Victory.

Jesus promises more of the Holy Spirit if they do as He asks.

Jesus displays He is God of God leaving witnesses of His Ascension.

Our Father sends Two Angels.

The Disciples choose to Obey God.

Jesus has reunited His Family and Disciples.

Jesus has opened the mind of His Beloved to understand.

Josephus, the Historian of Roman Emperors found this to be astonishing - Jesus followers multiply.

And Acts 1 is a Miracle in and of God Himself.

When the Ipuwer Papyrus of 1250 B.C. is found - it exists because Pharaoh's name is removed. Instead, because God is our Father, He tells us with what rejoicing and impudence the Children of God have crawled all over Jesus, sat in His Lap, complained, poked at their brother John. Asked about political situations.

The Miracle of Acts 1 and John 21 - is prayer. Is Relationship. If God were going to bless you - wouldn't you want two angels to say. And you are on God's Path.

The Miracle of Acts 1 and John 21 - is the Willingness of Your Good Father to have 12 open Gates of Heaven. A 24 7 365 Availability for God's Heart and Ear in Continuous Conversation and Prayer.

The Disciples were - not -  very loving to bicker about John. Were not supremely kind to want all the information. The Bible tells us of people like that. Sinners. All are Sinners. And around Jesus - hearts are revealed.

Jesus tells us about Prayer - He has not called the Righteous - He has called the Sinners. The two people praying prayers - one the Righteous and one the Sinner. Jesus comes to earth - Joyously Lives our lives - and proclaims He is here because He has looked into the hearts of mankind - and Steadfastly Through the Generations - Has Loved you. And Loved me. And we can rely on Jesus, completely, for our beloved. For ourselves. For the People God has given us.

For the sad circumstances, life displays in front of us. We can put the wounded sparrows of life - directly into the hands of Jesus who would have His Disciples be who they are. Really.

How Powerful is God? If God wants to be the size of the Universe - then God is the size of the entire Universe. And if God is indeed the size of the Universe - we have fully comprehended why the Cloud of the Opening of David and Solomon's Temple was so astonishing to God's Children. And we fully and completely understand the Power and the Gentle, Tenderness of God. His Father and our's. The Amazingly appealing Truth and Love of our Jesus available Today.


Abba, Our Father:

Jesus is a God Sized Savior. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Alleluia Alleluia our God listens, hears and decides as God.

And in prayer for this virus with fever.

We will place our Trust in Jesus Christ. Amen So Be the Will of Our Good Father in Jesus.

1 Peter 4:12 ~ do not be surprised

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.



In 1953, three things happened.

The first is this - my paternal great-grandfather James Lawrence Wilson, father of my grandmother A. Elliott Wilson Anderson Young, largest landowner in Mississippi - owner of most of Bolivar County down Highway 1 (where Rosedale, Mississippi is - of the fame from Cream singing, "Going Down to Rosedale") was alive and his will stated to be shared by his four children.

There graves can be found off of Lincoln Avenue.

2. Pop - James Lawrence Wilson - died. And his cousin, Walter Sillers, presented to three of the siblings that Pop had died broke. Minus The Valley Bank Stock.

3. Two of the siblings died dead broke. One was my grandfather who had his car dealership sabotaged by the now wealthy land owner / car note backer - James Lawrence Wilson Jr. who died screaming in 1968 or 9 of hell and fire.



4. 1953 Suddenly all 4 siblings own 365 acres of land in Jackson Co MS. And My Grandmother paid the taxes from 1953 until her death and I have paid the taxes. The trees - this is tree farming land - were huge. Gigantic. One of the cousins called one day to say the trees have been taken twice. About $350,000 grand per owner. And she and others had elected to not share the monies with A. Elliott Wilson Anderson Young. (She was later removed as a land owner. How and why - dunno.) My family has not seen one dollar in tree Revenue.



In 1995, Edward and I went to the Court House in Rosedale and found the wills of my great-grandmother and Pop and found we had been swindled. After the things started happening - right after -  the lawyer  Griffith - kept our $4,000 in Bolivar Co and said we were up against Fortune 500 people. He smuggled the wills out of the folders. Then Edward's left shoes disappeared in our first home. Then a hunk of the silver spoons. Then we would return from swimming to find the Police Radio was on the kitchen counter and playing. We got an alarm system. Things quit happening - and an added bonus - all of Edward's left shoes returned. After the alarm was functioning. Clothing did disappear.

We moved to the second house. One day I was home alone in the tub and heard a tremendous 'Bang." Suddenly the dead bolted twin front doors had burst open hitting the wall with violent force. The neighbors reported our newly delivered mattress was carried to the side yard and the men whaled on the mattress for a good 15 minutes with jumping with violent force. The mattress appeared to be fine - and quickly disintegrated. We went on vacation - where the pattern was every vacation day - numerous items would go missing. Regardless of the destination. We returned home to find our 3 car carport was collapsed. Neighbors reported men jumped on the carport.

We were transferred to The Woodlands. And in 2005, all of Edward's left shoes were gone. We had told no one. Edward said it was merely coincidence. He had already had the barbiturate based anesthesia that would cause a terminal scar on his Parietal Lobe in 2003. Then every single hangar and every black shirt I owned disappeared. Edward told me I imagined the hunk of missing clothes from the rack. We went on vacation where items disappear every day.  The shirts all returned 3 months later without the hangars - placed on the rack itself.  The clothes taken from 1995 returned to The Woodlands house. 2 houses later. We returned home from vacation to find our kitchen, den and breakfast area were now permanently stained in the grout. Acid wash. No dent. Bleach for 5 days no dent. A perfect floor - now perfectly ruined.

5 years later our perfect floor was fixed when I realized the stain would come out with Shaving cream topped with bleach and allowed to dry. This is an extreme measure - it will tarnish things around the house. But the floor went back to the pre-vacation state of almost new.

2005, Edward began a new business. Every phone number who mildly had a sale for him was called Larry or Diane. For two years all orders had something terrible go wrong. We went broke. And had help from parents. Edward was changing. He was extremely sad. And continued to try to work. I worked with him and our son did too. Same results.

2008, We lost a child - who was stillborn at 30 weeks. A call came from a demented nurse at the hospital telling us we had caused all this and not been kind - the grandmothers couldn't get there fast enough for the birth - but this was our fault. It was a weird, weird 10 minute call from a demented hospital employee. I got off the phone. The Doctor's office asked us to report the person to the Hospital. I didn't  - we were in grief.

Life changed from sadness. My mother began to become less hidden in her sarcasm and insisted I get a divorce, move to her home, get a job selling Real Estate in Highland Park. She was promising riches. She was determined. And it was weird. Edward and I had never discussed divorce.



Then suddenly the disappearances increased again. Like the swimsuit needed for a pinched nerve. Like all bras on vacation. Left me weeping on the floor for an hour. Leaving the building for the store - some weird 6 foot man propositioned me. Edward appeared with my son and the man ran off. My facial scrub disappeared. Next the acne cream. Then Edward's phone charger - which always seems to disappear every vacation along with - this time too - one electric toothbrush - every time.

Who do I think it is - Cousins from Bolivar MS Wilson Cousins - who are unable to cope with their monetary blessings and are disturbed people. Inflicting incredible harm for the deaths in the family 3 - from hopeless bankruptcy.

When I returned home the needed bathing suit was not on the Vacation, not at home. Ankle Swim supports were searched for. Ordered more. And then this afternoon - after the order - returned to the exact spot where not seen for the last two days. Outside.



Miracles occur where evil treads continuously. The AC went out and on Monday wouldn't' cool the needed extra 5 degrees. That afternoon after prayer not to have to inflict the repair on a repair-able-friend - the AC started working perfectly.

The pool service = told us they had closed the skimmers - two knobs for low water. The pump sat running and cooking without adequate water for 3 days. We returned home to the pool - needed for pinched back nerve - filled with discolored water, dirt and yellow algae. I prayed over the pump - it barely began to push water. Edward went out without luck the next day. I went out and primed the pump again - nothing - prayed the Lord's Prayer - and suddenly the pump roared to life.



When does God rush in? Where He is Really Needed.

Ankle Bracelet - we pray for this and an orange jump suit. Or a very, very, very Large Settlement. Preferably Soon. In Jesus. Amen.

TODAY A NEW PAIR OF PANTS WERE FOUND WITH CHLORINE STRIPES ON THE PANT.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †

PLEASE MAKE THIS DISCUSSION LOUD



Jesus bless us with rest and renewal
Amen

Psalm 100 ~ Serve the Lord with Gladness

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, not we ourselves and we are his

we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.




When we put Scripture on Shirts, bumpers, photos and art, we have to stop and Capitalize the Words referring to God. Jesus told us He has humility and did the Father's Plan. As Easter approaches, I am again amazed at how willing God our Father is to have us near Him. He had Aaron throw blood around the Holy of Holies. Father God has an earnest and all-seeing understanding to the mess of humanity. John 21. I stand in perpetual awe Jesus is abandoned by the men who have seen what the Prophets and so very, very many longed to look. And His response is to make them breakfast. Where they promptly squabble and ask positions and favors and the taking of favors from others.

Solomon in all his Glory was praised for not wanting harm but blessing. Oh, the Glories of Spring Break and the work of being on a vacation with the ones you love. My Reverend Step-Grandfather would say, "Hell is going on vacation with the ones you love, in a small car."


Now let's step back and say - the Glory of Jesus. Not just anyone - Jesus Christ, our Messiah and Savior, making breakfast for errant people.


The Joy of getting up on Sundays and going to Church to praise God. For wellness. For people to love. For errant people. To experience the joy of messages many years old - Living - to experience and feel and be blessed by God our Father for His Lavish Love.

This week, I'd like your prayers, I have fever, rattling sinus, cough and intestines. A Virus. A small fever. And in this time, I am feeling some strong gratitude. This is just a virus. A passing thing. My back is on the mend and was painful. I've had allergies before and felt much more miserable. And headaches. Blessedly Free. Time to rest and see my backyard green up by the minute. The birds flying. The dog sitting happily next to my whooping cough. Ah, to live in the era of menthol cough drops. Doctor says 3 days - I am praying he is just exactly right. Rice is amazingly good when you are starved. And yogurt. I shun bananas, but today's banana is as good as banana bread.

I like Sermons and with this internet age, I am blessed to hear a Sermon any time I want one. Lent is a particularly good time to listen to Sermons. Sermons from the good believers I'm blessed to hear - are from the heart. And are like a good conversation around a table.


And as you listen to souls revealed - my heart is profoundly touched. My soul blessed. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Spring Break is not just little children. It's college and grad school. It's vacation while things are hopping. It's the solving of puzzles on how to connect. It's overcoming and overcoming and overcoming - Just Like the Gospels Jesus has given us. We can plod along or we can raise up our eyes deal with all the realities with vim and vigor and Jesus. We can Shine. Pivot - give, good measure running forward. Not indiscriminately, not unwisely. But with Love.

I heard a great and realistic Sermon on families and the joys and sorrows of being in family.
The Scriptures have this exact message with Paul and Peter getting good and glum. Mary is announced to have a baby and Matthew 2 tells us this is Said He will be a Nazarene - a strict look at diet and ways of God - named before Jesus arrived - of the town Jesus would live in. Nazareth. God has unique coincidences He calls a Plan. Remember with me - real life - real Scripture - Mary complained. The Bible is GOOD. And after Mary complained - she lived in Nazareth.


Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Two of my college roommates moved as children to live in Hawaii. You know some grandparents were jim-dandy-thrilled. They had to move home, Hawaii was just too routine. Too lush. Too much of the same. One of our favorite and godly late 20s and early 30s told us he really, really, really did not like his parents from about age 20 to 30. Yada yada yada, tell me how I'm different than you. Explain my life. And he is the Prodigal Son.

My father and his mother did not get along. She tried excessively and he enjoyed being plain snotty. Her life consisted of listening to us and trying to solve a problem. Daddy moved on after 25 years of good marriage. Grandmother did not. 3 of 4 of her great-grandchildren are named after her. Daddy said some very, very unbecoming things about Grandmother. He did not win the argument in the long run.


Look at Psalm 100.

Rejoice. Glory to God for teaching us where we are Blessed and being Blessing Finders.
There are plenty of people who make life better for their participation.
Sometimes, like my "Grandmother", they are unsung. My father was her only child.

God assures us this.
Again
Again
Again
Again
Again
Again.

Troubles will arrive. Overcoming is a process just like the incredible amount of physical time and seasons in the Prodigal's Son Return.

Our Glory arrives from our Promises from God. Himself. Our Father who abundantly, lavishly, unendingly is going to arrive and fix breakfast while we moan at the Face of God in Victory of the Eternal Kingdom where we Live - today.

Our identity is fixed. Our salvation in belief is Secure. Our eternity is not our knee, our foot, our brain. Our Eternity is present today in our temporary body. Your Soul is a gift to you from our Father God the Almighty. Eternal property - I'd hazard a guess is shaped like this:

Our willing hands work and we will see the Blessings of God Himself.

God's Mercies Renew each day. It's grand when this is the early morning - but sometimes we find this Wind of the Holy Spirit any time of Day. It wouldn't surprise me - knowing Jesus - to know this Upsweep of Mercy - is always available in Jesus.

God is a Father, Himself. He tells us in Ephesians - families live together.

Take firm hold of Your Faith.

Cover any problem you have with the Rock the people carried around in Exodus for water. A Giant Rock being carried around in the desert. Get happy. We are the Easter People and God has allowed us the Extreme Mercy of placing our Rock by prayer. And upon this Rock, I will climb to pray. The rock has stairs and is open for all. Jesus Christ Living Water and Rock of our Foundation. Waters perpetually flowing. God Abundantly being God Almighty Father God - doing more than we could ask or even - - - imagine. These waters do not turn off. Our Prayers are welcomed by our Father - and yet - Expressly Written - God is the Spirit who Answers and has the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory to answer prayers better than we know. The Spirit gives Life.

Enter into prayer with Joy. I need eyesight prayers in my 5th decade. And upon my Prayer Rock with Jesus I pray the prayer of Jesus and the mud and blindness cured. I pray Jesus saliva in eyes. I pray eyes. And Edward is inexplicably getting renewed eyesight. God does exactly what God wants to do. And Praise God. Seeing God our Father Bless is a Blessing.

I had a dream about Communion. And in this dream, I dreamed having taken the Cup of Christ Jesus, my Lipoma was gone. And yes, the dream was a gift of God. A miracle. In January, I thought I'm going to watch that channel called Freestyle - they always have a good movie. And I was surprised to find it was the 700 Club. A woman caregiving for her husband needed knee replacement and this was not in the budget, there was great pain. She watched the 700 Club and her knee was called out to be healed. And because of Jesus - was healed. That night the 700 Club called out from Jesus that sinus headaches were being healed. Mine was. And in allergy season - I've taken two sets of Aspirin that never worked before and it was just gone after a very few minutes. This is important because sinus meds dry out my eyes. Damaged by tennis ball and by steroids.


If this hits you a little hard, remember all the good news you know around you. All the times people needed and needs were met. God only sounds a trumpet every now and then. I've only had one healing miracle dream and I give thanks to God because I know I need His Mercy and His Grace.

Abba, Our Father,

We ask the Blessing of Jesus and Your Great Word and Will in our prayers.

Going to You in Your Heaven, we are praying
Oh so very much for good health and not illness and fever.

We are lifting up all who are having and have had Spring Break.
Recalling the Blessings of Family and our Blessing from Billy Graham's ministries.
We are Blessed Graham ministries even travel to Houston in Hurricanes to help Local and Ongoing Church Ministries.

We are Thanking You for Our Blessings.
Seeing them with determined freshness each day.
Rejoicing in the woolly Plan and Path.

And on this Path, we say - "Father, Guide us and Love us.
Father, encourage us and strengthen us.
Father, protect us and direct us.
Father, keep us firmly in Your Will and Joy. We want to be there.
Father, give us the Wisdom You told Your Brother James is available.
Father, always nudge us to do the Goodness and Willingness You have for us each day.
Father, help us to be Blessing Finders and Blessing enjoyers.
Father, help us to be Blessing Keepers and Solution Diligent Finders.

We earnestly ask Your Blessing upon us:
On our Loved ones - Jesus Christ Himself
On the cares of the Churches
On the cares of the Nation
Covering God-Sized - His Creation - His Blessing.
We ask for Peace and all gifts of the Holy Spirit.

And in having Jesus - we have His Strength!!!
Amen Amen Amen

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ~ Therefore encourage one another with these words

What can you say about Billy Graham.

The Truth is there is so much of Billy Graham = thanks only to Jesus Christ - I hope the Quilt of all of Billy Graham will never cease to be told. 99 years is too much to cover.

This last week we had more violence. It didn't reach the proportions and numbers to gain a lot of attention. Alabama high school student charged in classroom shooting - The Washington Post 2 days ago - A 17-year-old has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his classmate in an Alabama classroom, the latest episode of gun violence to unfold.

Woodlawn.

Alabama was called Bombingham. And Billy Graham stood in the Cotton Bowl of Dallas, Texas - turned off all the stadium lights and held up a candle. One candle in the completely darkened Cotton Bowl.

Representing The Unfailing, 

Undeniable, 

Unavoidable, 

Undefeated 

Love of Christ Jesus. 

The Light of God existing in the Holy Spirit today. 

Available for asking for Jesus Christ. 

Unextinguished.

The Victory of Jesus - The Light Shines.

Henry Eugene "Hank" Erwin Jr. went to speak about Jesus at Woodlawn High School (movie) on a day of high racial tension.
Birmingham was called "Boomingham" due to the 50 dynamite explosions that occurred in the city between 1947 and 1965. "Hank", an outsider, asks to speak to the Woodlawn football team and real change begins. Hank, who has been radically affected by the message of hope and love he experienced at a Billy Graham Christian revival meeting in Dallas, Texas, tells the players a "better way" is possible through following Jesus. More than 40 players, nearly the entire team, black and white, give their lives over to Jesus Christ and the spiritual change has a profound effect on the coach, the school and the community. "Woodlawn" is the true story of how faith in God saved a city torn apart by race.

An amazing change all over Alabama happened. This story unfolds in many lives and the lives of Tandy Gerelds, Tony Nathan and Senator Hank Erwin. Not to mention, Hank's sons Andrew and Jon Erwin who knew all their lives they wanted this story told.

This is the Spark in Billy Graham.

Alive today. Jesus.

Human beings all cope with being human. Billy Graham sometimes irked me. He used to talk about the Presidents of the USA. And this irked me. No politician in his right mind was going to come down on the wrong side of Billy Graham. I loved Billy, but I'd stand in front of the TV and mutter, "No, Billy, not the Presidents again. Oh, no."


And then one day. Aggies. I have a little story for you.

The phone rang and my mom worked for one of the best friends of Senator Prescott Bush. For 31 years my mother was the administrative assistant to Ebby Halliday in Dallas, Texas. All the President Bushes visited the office, particularly the youngest President Bush. My mom called and said Ebby was injured and would be unable to go to the Library Opening of President George Herbert Walker Bush. My mother and I were invited to go see the Library open in College Station, Texas A & M University, 1997, Year of Our Lord. Amen.

The Seats, Ebby said, would be quite 'good'. And we chortled all the way with the rest of the planet to drive into College Station that day. In fact, as they waved us into our parking section corresponding to the seats, we had to stop for Maria and Arnold Schwarzenegger. We chortled some more. And the seats were spectacular. If you had binoculars. The planet had arrived to see President Bush parachute in.

The sitting President was President Clinton. Who spent the day kicking his leg extremely vigorously and testing out a facial shade of Magenta Angry. All the Presidents (minus President Reagan who was very ill) were there. All the Presidents spoke of the Trust of the American People and the loyalty towards the Oval Office. In fact, when Billy Graham spoke he turned and spoke directly to President Clinton with strength and with dignity and mercy. I believe it was the only time the presidential leg did not kick and move at a high rate of agitated speed. And he had President Clinton's full attention. At the end of Billy Graham's talk, Clinton seemed to nod.

I finally appreciated Billy Graham and the Presidents. Truth. Dignity. Strength. No gloss. Mercy.

Look President Reagan is having a party for Billy. Bet it's a good one. Billy Graham said this, "I Just Love them. I'm not an Analyzer. My son analyzes everyone. I just Love them."

I found the sincerity and the earnestness and understood. I was never irked again.

We will all have something we Love about Billy Graham.

What I find I can't help but weep over - are the stories of Billy Graham - since he has passed to his New Address - from his children.

"My father has joined my mother in heaven. He went to sleep in his home in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and woke up in the arms of Jesus. While many around the world mourn his physical death, he is now celebrating the eternal life."

I wept soundly the first time I earnestly heard Billy Graham tell us he would die and change his address and not be dead. I think that was in the 1980s. But it still has the corresponding effect on me today.

I wept to hear of Billy Graham's daughter running to his arms like the Prodigal Son in need of a divorce. And his loving understanding.

I wept to hear of his daughter Anne's marriage trouble and recovery. I wept to hear of the teenage car wreck.

Over the years, I have laughed to hear of Franklin Graham as a child on the roof escaping the well-earned wrath of his mother, Ruth Graham. Ruth, being Ruth, climbed the second mile out on to that roof. I well understood and was so grateful to hear of normalcy. I learned for the rest of my life not to tie a rope swing in a tree for grandchildren because you will be in pain all your life. I was profoundly sorry for the pain of being a diligent grandparent.

Really, the family responses to a ministry that vast -  overwhelming - and Joyous - and Loved responses I have to Billy Graham.

Because Love is what Jesus Christ is. And this was the ministry of Billy Graham. Long may we all have these amazing memories of Billy Graham.



Abba Father,

The blessing of God - is indeed what we ask for in the Name of Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death,
so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

According to the LORD's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the LORD, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the LORD himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And so we will be with the LORD forever.


Therefore encourage one another with these words.

“It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love.”

“God proved his love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’”

"The story does not end with the cross, for Easter points us beyond the tragedy of the cross to the empty tomb. It tells us that there is hope for eternal life, for Christ has conquered evil and death and hell. Yes, there is hope.”

“I've read the last page of the Bible, it's all going to turn out all right.”


We believe, we believe, we believe.

Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus our Christ. Amen.

Psalm 91:4 ~ His faithfulness is a shield and buckler

Psalm 91:4

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


When we trust the Lord, we are braver.


Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The Opportunities - taken - when Trusting the Lord.

2 KINGS 18:5
He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

We can put a good Bible Study guess who this is.

Psalm 22:8
Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.

Psalm 91:14
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain you

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.


This Trust parallels this:

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.


Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.



Who Trusted the Lord?

Exodus 14

3 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground."



Hebrews 11

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.


Father God,

Today we ask of You a Blessing and Receive.

We will place our Trust in You.

Jesus with the people we Love. Jesus with our cares and concerns. Jesus with the people You have given us. To You, Our Father, Who can do more than we ask or imagine.

Jesus is God and that is a Blessing.

Amen.

John 1 ~ After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me

John 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'")

16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

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

18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?"

He said, "I am not."

"Are you the Prophet?"

And he answered, "No."

22 So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." 32 And John bore witness: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."


35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?"

And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39 He said to them, "Come and you will see."

So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me."

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"

48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"

Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

John 8


57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?”

58“Truly, truly, I tell you, Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area

The Temple Jesus walks out of - hidden - is 36 acres.


Think of the Impossibility - Father God turns to fact.

1. Jesus is the incarnate Word of God.

2. All life of mankind comes from Jesus.

3. Jesus is the undefeatable Light of God.

4. We are born of the Will of God. The validation of all life is from God Himself.

5. We will all receive the Grace, Abundant Grace of God.

6. Jesus is taking all sins away. The Wrath of God is satisfied.

9. Son of God, Jesus is Lord.

10. We will see Jesus.

The Temple Jesus could freely walk from - was 36 acres.




Why would Jesus want to speak of Abraham? Certainly, the Jews loved to speak of the Abraham tradition.


What did Jesus see in Abraham?


Abraham went where God told him.

Abraham believed God and was held as righteous and as a Friend of God.

Abraham argued with the Lord God when Lives should be saved.


Genesis 14

1 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.

13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.


Lot had separated from Abraham for prosperity. Most would let Lot figure out how to save Lot. Abraham went up against 4 kings. Trouble could have been life-long.


And God reacted to these actions.

Genesis 15

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."


Abraham immediately felt he must assist God and falls.


And as Scripture becomes 3 millenniums later - with all the sins and flaws of Abraham - Jesus remembers Abraham.


Jesus is not just speaking of the Majesty of God and all of His Wonders, Jesus is noting mankind is still in need of salvation. Abraham impressed God. God saved Abraham. God continued to save Abraham all of his up and down life. Abraham was less confused before he was truly trying to impress God! And God still saw something in Abraham.

Abraham failed so many times - and in the days of Jesus  - Abrham sill living was still considered a friend of God.

Our Father, Abba,

You bless us continually.

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us.
There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust.

Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired. You tell us: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

For though the LORD is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar. O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You.

Giving thanks for allergies not afflicting to pain. For ears not ringing. For shoulders without pain. For walking pain free. Thanking for healing from cysts and tumors. Thanking for eyes that are healing. Thanking God for prayers the Life Giving Holy Spirit of God answers. For dreams we remember for decades inspiring us when we need to remember God.

Remembering all of our Father's mercies to Abraham. Jesus would remember a man of flawed humanity and give His Life and we might Live.

Our God is Good. Our God is God. Our God has given us the ability to be called Children of God. Our God has given us His Son and we will bring our Father and Jesus our Love. And Profound Thanks.

We will have every hope God would give those we Love surrounded by our God of wonders and mercy.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Alleluia and Amen.