Joshua 24:15 ~ As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

Jewish houses built on wings to add the grown children who were married. The houses continued to grow. The Bible reports Simon Peter and Andrew, brothers, lived with Peter's mother-in-law.

Joshua 24:15

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve,

whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

REPEAT FROM 6/23/2017

James 1 

James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James, the Book of the Bible, where the very Brother of Jesus, son of Mary and of Joseph, tells us about what he learned spending 33 years with Jesus Christ, Only Son of God.

Parallels.

Both James 1 and Mark 7 say, "watch what you say." Mark 7 says be heart with your words. Do not be lip service. Then both say do not say harmful things. Your life is your test if God sees worthy to save. Exactly as we claim the privilege to determine where we will spend time.

James 1 is absolutely astonishing advice from Jesus' brother.

This chapter is basically - astonishing, life-changing, in a word - wow. And if we adapt the first paragraph to conversation - it's not to poke at your faith with annoyance or questions. To grab hold of the handlebar and hang on. Because if we start pulling at the threads of a handlebar, we dismantle a perfectly sound handlebar. Better to get glue and put the loose thread to use. Use the 'yes, I believe' and not pick, pick, pick at this.

Rich or poor. Gone in the MIDST of pursuits. Whoooohooo I want that! Long life, exceedingly good health and Zap off to Heaven. GOOD NEWS. ALLELUIA.




We begin the chapter by addressing the dispersion - addressing us today - saying the view is to looking at as you have traveled further down the road, and life has variation and changing events. Importantly, Jesus says don't let life let you become bitter. See what new adventures life brings. Look at difficulties as a way of doing a test. All have worked on various tests. On -target- people like to see some 'action' for the possibilities of new life entering.

Being steadfast makes us able to go far. With Jesus and incredible reality - how far.  Recently, I read an article on the details of the Chronicles of Babylon which agree with the Second Exodus - the exile and slavery in Babylon. Even gives dates. March 7,  597 B.C. The second of three roundups of the people of Judah. The Babylonian Chronicles agree with Genesis. People before the atmosphere changed of the great waters covering the earth - where we all find fossils of sea creatures in odd places - and before the flood changing the atmosphere - people did live to be 800 years old.  The Chronicles of Babylon agree.

Noah says we can live now to be 120 years old. And in being steadfast, we bring more to ourselves, our spouse, our children, grandchildren and to the people unborn.

In this steadfastness of holding on to God, we become reliable. Doing what Father God asks us to do, makes us more at peace, more reliable as life - of course, changes. We hold on to our truth of what God tells us. God says we realize in doing what God wants us to do, we have begun to reach the place of Life. Creation waits for the unveiling of the Sons of Man. Jesus tells us He is Son of Man. This is an amazing place. God is Savior of mankind, we who will believe in Him. He invites us to be in the His Path of His Life. God tells us, really, if we lean upon God, the burden is Light. Love lifts the burdens of Life.

Happier people are trusting God. They say change will come. But God finds joy in the people who say, Today is God's Gift. Let us not change. God surely loves us as we have this gratitude. And if we spend our time saying God is always here for us, we will miss the old age downfall of Ecclesiastes House Solomon tells us will come. I have witnessed the removal of Ecclesiastes House - in generous hospitality.

Peace. More and more people are turning television off. This is a first since 1950. Clamor. Being taught alien values. Repetitively. What is good comes as a gift of God. If we focus on what is wrong and entertaining, we will find less peace. God tells us He is God of Encouragement. God wants to help us solve problems, see what is good, encouraging others. See the good. Believe God will help.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of Jesus' own Will he brought us forth, by the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James is able to see Jesus was a perfect gift. Light of the world. Jesus did not change. Did not vary. His words are truth.

And James has the unique position knowing - the family of Mary and Joseph James, Joses, Simon, and Jude, as well as the sisters, are the firstfruits of God's Creation. James had a unique Life to look forward to in Heaven.

The Law of Liberty. Has a few requirements.

So if any is religious, bridle the tongue. We start the Chapter by saying God give generously without reproach. Can we point to another Scripture for this?

James 4:12
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Jesus said not to judge. In understanding others, we are revealed. Citing mercy is needed.

Romans 2:1-3
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?


Visiting widows and orphans. Surely not on the fun, jazzy things to do list. Instead it is asking facing head on - there are problems out in the world - we hope not to share in. Discomfort. The lack of the ability to truly help one another. Time spent, care given. Strong enough to carry on with our lives. Trusting God, that as He gives life, He also gives us the ability to do the life He has given us. We have to believe this for ourselves and others to nourish others and nourish ourselves.



Abba,

We give Thanks for the delight You have had in Your creation. The delight Jesus found in mankind. For what Jesus has done, moving the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Telling us about You.

We will pray for Peace and my fever and sore throat and Edward's throat to be healed.

Thank You for helping us carry our burdens. For giving us Joy. For giving us people to Love. For the earnest desire for them. For finding You miracles and protections never cease. Being incredulous and grateful. For Your Plans, a Hope and a Future. More than we can imagine.

The Blessings of Jesus on those who pray. And for seeing the power in Prayer. Those prayers encompass our World asking the Mercy and Love on this Nation and the creation of God's without borders. We expect without doubting, the Greatness of God to be displayed in our prayers. Bringing more Heaven to earth.

 In the Name of Jesus Christ, we have seen You. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

John 14:27-31 ~ Rise let us go from here

John 14:27-31

7 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’

 If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. 

Rise, let us go from here.

Jesus was able to live His life with Joy. Jesus could have dinner with the people Jesus declared were his mother, brother & sisters doing God's will and let the New Covenant be a celebration. Surely, the disciples were confused, but Jesus knew exactly what He was saying about Peace, then telling Peter about desertion and the rooster crowing 3 times.

Imagine the joyful celebration of the new covenant. Jesus is telling them a supreme message of hope. He tells them... He will never leave them orphaned. Jesus would cry out to God in just hours that He felt forsaken. Peace isn't about the stiff upper lip, peace is being rescued by God even when it is faith - the substance of the unseen.

Abba, Holy Father,

Today I'm praying for peace. The changes in technology. The issues of life. Going through a very dangerous neighborhood in the 4th largest city in the USA and the navigation program on the phone goes out - and I'm alone in my car having dropped of Edward for a game. Being lost.

Going to a new city this weekend and the navigation system misdirects 3 times and I'm alone in the car. Calling for prescription renewal and the renewal will not take and merely repeats invalid number and the prescription tech says it's valid. Having the spelling to out on the 3 internet browsers goes out on all 3 browsers. Going to another city to have lunch with Edward 3 weeks ago and the navigation app goes out on the phone as the exit happens for the downtown area.

Edward's navigation app had the first problem in years and years as he is in a different city and trying to reach an A-Tier Tournament.

Not receiving emails. while protected with subscription malware and antiviral programs. New app downloads asking too much information.

This is dangersous. And we pray when old programs like Free Grammarly suddenly will not work and suddenly want all your contacts and a new email and your facebook account. This is also a different kind of dangerous. We pray for the people who use technology to interfere in harmful ways. It's plain scary and unhealthy.

Father God, we pray for health. For Edward who has had a cold for a month and fever this week. For me as the sore throat returns tonight. For the comfort of every day life , all thrive upon. The peace of life we have been so blessed with in the United States to broaden, deepen and continue.

We pray for more Heaven on earth. In technology. In communities. Sweeping to the Nation. For our Loved ones. For this Nation trusting in God. And all the nations and Children of God Trusting in the Lord God our Father.

To find a blessing in each day, to be assured of God's love. That the Helper might lift them and guide all of us.

We pray let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

In Jesus' Name and in His Mercy, Grace and Love. Amen.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Matthew 2:19-23 ~ Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled

Nazareth has unique characteristics. Sitting way up on a ridge overlooking a wide valley, Nazareth is much more safe giving time to prepare for incoming dangers. And Nazareth is going to catch the wind. It's called The Branch. And is to be fruitful. "Nazareth" is derived from one of the Hebrew words for 'branch', namely ne·ṣer, and alludes to the prophetic, messianic words in Book of Isaiah 11:1, 'from (Jesse's) roots a Branch (netzer) will bear fruit'.

Also unique to Nazareth, before Christians were called Christians, we were called Nazarenes. 

Not to be confused with Nazirites - The nazirite is called, "Holy unto the Lord" (Numbers 6:8) swearing not to have wine, not cut his hair and avoid impurity like corpses. Like Samson of The Book of Judges.

Jesus is instead of Nazareth. Isaiah 11:1 

Isaiah 11:1 
11 And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.

Samson is to make himself holy by a sacrifice, a vow and actions. Unlike Jesus Christ Who is the Holy One of God. Redeemer.

This is really a learning contrast. One Jesus Christ is born into.

Jesus Christ frees us from the Law. And by His free gift - brings us into God's Holiness by the salvation Jesus freely gives us.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law for us. Not by His Works but by being the Manifest Word of God His Father.

Nazareth today hosts a city rebuilt to be the City of Nazareth Jesus knew in the First Century A.D. This is part of a trail that is about 60 miles long where followers of Jesus can walk the Jesus Trail.

Some of the dwellings are large, to indicate this might be a 4 generations family living together. Each generation adds on to the house. Peter lived with Andrew in Capernaum and with his mother-in-law. God always wanted families to be Ephesians 3 - living on earth and in Heaven together.

Isaiah 7 tells us of the very industrious life led in this generation. One of hard work with lovely rewards. Not of the wealthy Romans, but with gracious life.

Matthew 2:19-23

19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod

Joseph was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene."




Like Psalm 139, God has planned the life of His Son. We, as believers are also Psalm 139 - God has planned our lives in His Book of Life and has so many thoughts of us, His Children, tha sand is too numerous to count our Father God's thoughts about us where our days are planned by our Father God.


Psalm 139: 1-18

O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising;
Thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou searchest out my path and my lying down,
And art acquainted with all my ways.'

4 For there is not a word in my tongue,
But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before,
And laid thy hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,
And thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me,
[c]And the light about me shall be night;
12 Even the darkness hideth not from thee,
But the night shineth as the day:
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou didst form my inward parts:
Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb.


14 I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
Wonderful are thy works;
And that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My frame was not hidden from thee,
When I was made in secret,
And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance;
And in thy book they were all written,
Even the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:
When I awake, I am still with thee.


The Beauty of the Little Town displays the hopes of God for us to find this life rewarding as we work for our families.

Isaiah 7

10 And Jehovah spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to weary men, that ye will weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knoweth to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings thou abhorrest shall be forsaken. 17 Jehovah will bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—even the king of Assyria.

18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the clefts of the rocks, and upon all thorn-hedges, and upon all pastures.

20 In that day will the Lord shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.

21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall keep alive a young cow, and two sheep; 22 and it shall come to pass, that because of the abundance of milk which they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the midst of the land.



To see the Beauty of the life with it's struggles, is to appreciated Jesus enjoying life. A reason to rejoice in God's Plan for the Joy of His Son walking with us as Grace and Truth. Knowing Jesus enjoyed life and our lives today. Jesus was given a party by Matthew and Lazarus. Jesus loved to speak of vineyards and was known to enjoy eating. Jesus is our Lovable Manifestation of God Himself. Our Father tells us of feasts in Heaven. Rejoice in the city of Jesus' childhood.



John 1

12 To them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: 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 beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.

16 For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Nazareth

Comforted and sustained, by Words of God - life and in Him Light, way, truth, Life was established.


Abba, Our Father,

We thank You for the Blessings in Life You have given Today. Being Grateful. Seeking Your Goodness and finding this.

We welcome Your Blessings. Your Willing Blessings.

And ask more Heaven on earth for ourselves, the ones we Love. This Nation. And all the world comforted by the prayers of God's creation in communion with His Beloved all over this earth.

In Jesus we Rejoice,

Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Hebrews 11 ~ all these

Hebrews 11

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 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. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 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.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

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,[a] 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.

Papyrus 46 has 104 Scriptures listed in the index this reader chose to keep. 300 INTACT CHAPTERS.  It's either two or three generations after Jesus died and is marvelously intact. These three photographs are Hebrews 10 to Hebrews 11 complete and intact - amazing. John the Beloved Disciple was alive on Patmos Island.

JUST SAY NO. The next time someone tells you the Scriptures were written in 400 A.D. and the Disciples were illiterate.

Now the portion that just bothers people for millenniums is "God is With Us." How can I say this?

Hebrews 11:39
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised

This is something  really bothering  people with terminal illness and looking for a very difficult answer to a difficult question. It bothers people with new faith thinking this is an excellent out for that prayer thing.

The Scriptures place deliberate words with deliberate intent. We have just read a summation of all of the Great Works of the Bible. If we parent young children by praising them walking and putting a coat away and sneezing well and closing a door well and saying please and putting on matching socks - eventually the praise is absolutely meaningless.

Life has Purpose. Jesus is healing people who have accomplished an action. They sought out Jesus. The people travelled far to find Jesus. The woman is reaching through the crowd of culture and tradition and rules and places of women and ill people to reach out past all the people who would trouble and possible condemnation to touch even the fringe of the Garment of God.

Jesus heals them all. There is a reason Jesus has 3 to 5 thousand followers since Ministry Day One. Jesus does the impossible with God. Jesus then asks the father of the son needing His Help to have faith. Why would Jesus as God need a boost of faith? He does not. He asks the blind men to ask Him their prayer. Why? Life has a Purpose.

Hebrews 11:39
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised

If we crumple up at this phrase...God is asking us to ask about this. To ask the questions we have.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.



God is unique. His mercy embraces us. The Plan of our God creator of Heaven and earth, He calls the Heavenly Host by name. God's Plan is to save the world. God looks into us all and determines to save mankind. God is not running talk radio to discuss the collapse of the culture. God is hearing, smelling, completely comprehending our prayers. And His Will will be accomplished.

George Carlin - used to mock God and say He can throw a boat over a hedge. This is Biblical but actually says,

Psalm 18:29
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.

When we think of armies marching against one another - we should realize Generals understand God works past men, troops and moves with His Purpose. Military History is astonishing. David knew this beyond what we would know and David moved his palace out of city walls to have a good view. God is in Charge.




And we could even pull in Janet Jackson and combine this with Abraham. Abraham was told God would Win and His Word would be Accomplished with the Impossible. Sarah and Abraham began to think and discuss how this would never be accomplished unless they did all of this themselves. For Sarah and Abraham they began to believe God's Word would only be accomplished in Heaven. God does operate life for our faith to be tested. God wants to know our heart and character in our deeds and in our words. Abraham and Sarah began to sing, "What have You done for us lately?"

Jesus and His Brothers were known to say a man with double minded faith will be at sea in his decisions and in his happiness and in his faith.


Verse 39 is well written to be pondered, considered and discussed.


The Bustle in a House
BY EMILY DICKINSON
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth –

The Sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until Eternity –



We can accept this or we can say Eternity is Today.

Abba, Father God,

As we consider our lives and our Blessings from You,
we think of our souls as being our feet carrying us to Heaven.
Our soul is our memory and our brain in Heaven.
Our soul is the essence of our being - You have created and called Good in the eyes of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

We invite You, Father God to know every thought
to be part of every cell in our body
and to have our soul be Your Home for the Holy Spirit.

And we remember the House Churches of The Acts of the Apostles of the Bible.
And see Church of Hosios David in Thessaloniki from 600 A.D.
1400 years later - reminding us today, Eternity is with us now.

We ask Your Willing Blessings upon us. We Believe You will fill us as Hebrews 11 is filled by You, Good Father.
Covering our Loved Ones, the generations to arrive. Blessing our purpose with Your Help.
We ask more Heaven on earth rising to fill our Nation Trusting in You.
Knowing the Nations in our Father God help the prayers for an increase of Heaven.

We have the Willing Blessings of our Father God.

In Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May God himself,

the God of peace,

sanctify you through and through.

May your whole spirit, soul and body

be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †

Psalm 103 ~ forget not all His benefits

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!




For each of us, we find a day we feel just plain inadequate.

There is quite a good reason to feel inadequate for us all. We are not God. The only place on earth I really see the Magnitude of God Himself is the Ocean. And for a good reason Heaven does not have an Ocean. Heaven is the Home of our Father God where He will live and move and have His Being with us.

Here on earth, we live and move and have our being with Father God only in faith. Heaven will have Shining Water and if we follow the water, we will arrive where God our Father has all of our prayers in His Heart. Jesus would say, "Fear Not." And we are invited with boldness and confidence to enter His 12 Open Gates and ask of Him all of our cares and prayers.



The Ocean is pure light in summer with families and newlyweds, the people who gaze and gaze and gaze at the unending water and sky and seek the sunrise and sunset. The Ocean. All is Bright. Glories steam from Heaven afar. Love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face With the dawn of redeeming grace, The Lord in Heaven on high decreed. The Ocean is a visual aid to the Size of God to be fully understood.



The Ocean can be extremely formidable. In Winter, what was warm is now an entirely different color. Waves Boom, Crash and Pound. The relentless force of the Ocean is captivating. How is this to be seen. With extreme joy to be indoors with a very nice warm drink. Hopefully a fire nearby. This is extremely peaceful.

John 3:8
The wind blows wherever it wills. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

And this is how we will face our inadequacies. With God's Grace. It is He who has made us and not we ourselves. To see the Ocean and understand the storms is to understand the mysteries around us God will not unfold. To our very Blessing.

We will never be able to do and serve and Love and Heal and forgive and nourish and lead and fill ourselves and others like the 3,000 pages God has Spoken in His Word. Jesus will save humanity and He will fill every dot and every iota. And this is our Comfort and Helper.



We will take stock of ourselves and we are told only God and our own heart truly know us. There will be days we howl with desire to do more, to be more, to fill more and shine brighter. On these days, we have to know God has known us and put our names in the Book of Life. Do we know and read and write in the Book of Life? Of course, we do not.

God does tell us this. His Glory falls on us.

We are meant to be made each day in the Image of God. When we see Jesus, we see what God sees from far away like the Prodigal Father willing to put down His Wisdom, His Work He does today, His Heart and His Legs run to us coming Home. In our Adoption into Jesus - our Wonderful Savior. God sees part of Himself coming Home. His own Words tell us, "Beloved."

Remember on your days of storm, the haven from the storm, Your Shelter.

Jesus spoke the Words we know 2,000 years later nourishing the millenniums of the Communion of Saints - Called to Jesus Christ - and as He walked by all were healed. And as He walked by, the mournful and needy felt such Love from Jesus - there was an invitation to Touch God. Reach out to Jesus Christ and be Healed. Jesus would call us by name and say, "Well Done, Good and Faithful." Jesus also said, "Rise."


And in what way will this touch our lives?

I have known a man of God for 40 years and he looked over his life and said, "Was this enough?" And known the True Answer is, "Yes." We do not know what Words we speak that will touch love and life forever. And really all of God's Story is placed all around us in His Goodness. It seems a little too little to mention the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." And yet, I want to tell you for 28 years my mother and my grandmother, Anita, preached, "Don't go out late alone without truly needing to. Don't let someone with a gun put you in the car. I mean this. Get under the car. Roll under. Get shot running zig zag in a parking lot. Don't roll your eyes at me, Promise!"

You grow up with this for 28 years and you glance over with boredness and agree and pick up the tv remote and change the channel. Until your brother John goes to Stephen F. Austin University and puts gasoline in his blue VW Bug in 1990, one quiet afternoon. And as he had $15 and put in just a top off, he got in his car to find the most afraid teenager telling him to drive him to Tyler, Texas. With a very, very shaky handgun pointed at John. This was someone not used to guns. Who profoundly apologized and said if my brother drove... Then all would be peaceful. My brother drove 100 feet and pulled over and said your choice is to shoot me here or as I get out and run. He told the teenager he wouldn't be reported but call the police for a ride if it was an emergency. And my brother jumped out of the car and made to safety.


What the point of this story is - the stories we tell our children - make a path. Make a Way. The way we help people - helps people. We are part of a LIFE . Part of a Way. Part of a story. Part of a Plan -where we walk by faith.



Feeling inadequate? Ok. We are. Our God given job is John 6:29 "The work of God gives us is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

We will take today. And Believe as Jesus has Loved us, we will provide nurture. We will provide help. We will provide Comfort. We will provide Love. We will provide Joy. And in doing this - we will love ourselves as God does.

Making Peace. Doing what we can to be peace to one another as a Work of God. Finding in our heart a place for those who dwell beside us peacefully. Showing Mercy. Our Neighbor. And, surely, we will leave in our footsteps, all the days of our lives, allowing God to help our lives, will and way that goodness and love will last in our footsteps even to the confidence of dwelling in the House of the Lord.

Where did we learn this? From Jesus. Tenderly forgiving each other and showing honor.

Abba Father,

We ask Your Blessings. Most especially on those working according to Your Purpose.

In the Power of Jesus.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †