Luke 1:67-79 ~ Mercy

Luke 1:67-79

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for he has visited and redeemed his people

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for usin the house of his servant David

70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us;

72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant,

73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham,

 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

might serve him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways

To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins

because of the tender mercy of our God

whereby the sunrise shall visit us [dawn upon us] from on high

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

An angel appears to Zechariah during his rotation of offering Incense at that Altar in the Temple of the Lord. In other words, Zechariah is not in the Temple every day. It is an important occasion and there are people praying for him in another part of the Temple.

Zechariah is filled with trouble and fear at the sight of Gabriel, but didn't grab the horns of the altar for refuge. Instead he asks for a sign. (Instead of believing his wife is expecting?!) Why is Zechariah able to prophesy after the birth of his son?

Zechariah is without fear. He is righteous, again, before God's eyes. Zechariah is living forgiveness in the tender mercy of God.

because of the tender mercy of our God,
the sunrise shall dawn upon us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace

Rick Warren's book "40 Days of Love" made a wonderful exploration of Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. The real life story about overcoming when forgiveness is part of life and grand gestures are not appreciated. God's Children - His people overcome and forgive

Jacob was named Israel for his great capacity to want to bless. Not all wanting to bless is sought or appreciated. We can't lavish all the time. Mercy isn't always appreciated.


The Prophetic Story of Jesus is marvelous because God Himself Lavishes on Jesus - the path for Lavish God.


And then we finally get the opportunity to have mercy and no one wants it. This might have happened to Jacob. We never see Jacob's sons living with Jacob. He passed on. And with his last will, Jacob blesses his sons. When studying the blessings, we find reality. And dreams. Flee is in the Scriptures 132 times. Jacob blessed them acknowledging who they really are.

Israel is named for a man wanting to Bless. When unbelievable circumstances have been there. Jacob does not white wash any tombs, he makes brass tacks and rock foundation work. Jacob even fought God to find a way to bless his sons, those he loved. Jacob is a Blessing taker, Blessing seeker, Blessing fighter and a Blessing to endure hard circumstance to be a Blessing Gifter. To us all.

The Scriptures are important in telling us to Love the Lord our God foremost. Utmost. And in second place is us. Jesus Christ died for you. And me.

We learn to treat others as we want to be treated. And yet we are not God.

We are not to:

Take Revenge.
Curse God.
Give into Sexual Sin. To be bonded with what we do not fully comprehend.
Worry about idols. Sometimes this would say worrying about other's motivations.
Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Seriously.

Flee.
God says leave Sexual Sin. Depart.
Wrath.
Sorcery.
Murder.

God wants to Save the World in Jesus Christ.

What He primarily asks us to do is walk with God. In Goodness and Mercy.
Knowing God is God and God asks us to treat others as we would be treated.


Flee 132 times. When did Jesus Flee.

He did not. Jesus did not Flee. Yet as Resurrected Jesus, He made priorities to be with 500 people. Jesus being God knew that He was making incredibly valuable time count. We know for a fact, Jesus forgave the Romans, the Centurions and even Herod and Pontius Pilate. And what Jesus gave the others than the 500 was time, their own time for what they would do with this Forgiveness.

We can see the complete and amazing Scope of Jesus Forgiveness in sending His Beloved into Rome itself. And in endurance, Caesarea is an astonishing Prophecy of Jesus. This is Indeed where Jesus Built His Church.

Rick Warren explained recovering from Divorce does not mean to move in with an ex-spouse. In fact, The Old Testament records signing up for this kind of suffering will insure decay and rot. We do not sign up for suffering. God took all the really outrageous things out by explaining about tremendous trouble in Leviticus and the other Pentateuch Books.

When Paul tells us to Rejoice in Suffering, he has, also, in the Holy Spirit said do not be surprised at the fiery burdens of life. The Scriptures never have Jesus showing us someone plucking out the eye or cutting off their arm. Nor did Jesus have dinner with Caiaphas.

We are to be here to reason. We are to be Wise as in Proverbs to Discern. The Purpose of Job is Discerning and Enduring with Hope. Job finally found real peace with God's Real Plan. Mercy. God Loved Job for expecting Mercy. Life bent Job up and down. God found Job worthy to set on the real foundation. Job was like the woman Jesus purposely encountered in Tyre - Job was not going to leave God - even if Job is the dog under the table with scraps. Job expected the Mercy of God. The Syrophoenician woman longed, longed for the Mercy of God to fall on her beloved child.

So then in human being terms, is Paul just whacked out of his mind as Governor Felix yelled at Paul? Does Paul want to suffer?

I'd love to know how Paul reacted to that. Did he laugh? Did he weep? Did he feel embarrassed (no). Did he just saintly perceiver? Jesus is the Word of God. Paul uses words and Paul took on more challenge than most of us would. (Hello.) Paul used what God used. Words. Jesus told us to Speak Up. With Mercy. With Love.

Paul is an overwhelming Study in loving people around you. Proverbs has said wisely place your heart. Evidently, Paul wisely placed His Heart.


The Life of the People of Scriptures is the reality of the harsh and bewildering ways Life can knock the stuffing out of you. Meeting the Mercy, Goodness, Strength and Encouragement of God. All their flaws. All their virtues, Shine only in God.


Consider Stained Glass. It is art, but it is harsh broken items held up to the Light. Mere sand, put through fire. Tested. Placed. Replaced. Part of a Plan.

Jesus Christ the Lord, we ask Father God
to Bless us and Keep us
and Make Your Face to Shine upon us.

To know our cares and compassions. To forgive our flaws and weakness.
We ask for Your Graciousness.

We want to be Blessing Seekers. To ask for Your Willing Blessings
on our infirmities and Heal us. We love to ask Your Blessings.
Help us to be a Blessing.

Thank You for Your Blessings. Our Hope and Future. Today, Yesterday and, also, Tomorrow.

Bless those we love with health, healing from cancer and from illness - upset stomach and headache requiring antibiotics.

Lift Your Face and Smile upon us.
Carry our Nation to Trust in You.
Bless Nations who seek You and Your Light.
Bless the Children of God asking You for more Heaven on earth.

Give us the Amazing Gift of Peace.
Peace so Magnificent this is Your own Peace.
The assurance of You. God's own Peace.

We ask with all our heart, mind and soul to be
Covered in the Name of Jesus.

And Your Blessing of more Heaven on earth.

In the Highest Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! † 

1 Samuel 16:1-13 ~ Surely the Lord

1 Samuel 15:34
Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul.

Ramah is where Samuel's parents lived.

1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”

2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.”

And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”

4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.”

 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel.

 And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 

9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 

10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. 

And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” 

And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” 

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 

12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. 


And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

The Lord God tells us He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Elijah went to Mt Horab





See the similarities:

1 Kings 19:11-21

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.”

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.

And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.

12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.



Abba, Father God,

In Your Comfort, we ask Your Willing Blessings.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable my Rock and Redeemer.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Psalm 118:16
The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!

Psalm 54:4
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

The Scriptures bring us the Merciful Love of God.

And the Living Scriptures have blessed us, our fathers and the generations. And will to generations know to God, arriving decades from now. We give You our cares, Father God.

We trust our Loved Ones to You. The Nation and the Nations to be upheld by Your Word.

Knowing Your Great Joy to have Heaven sought to be also on this earth with Your Good Will.

Blessing God with Gratitude. And holding up for His Love, our friend who went to the Hospital. And our friend doing so much better, we pray to heal completely, away from cancer.

Amen Jesus Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Psalm 16 ~ Path of Life

We are seeing unusual old fashioned rain in H Town and the area. The Pond is full and the Potato Vine is very happy.

Psalm 16

A Miktam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life; 

in your presence there is fullness of joy; 

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

In the morning in Texas July, we might see some scant relief but now we'll see a Southern Version of the Snow bound. Except, we are going to see the desire to be inside during the hot part of the summer.

When you talk to long time Texans, you find inside happens more than you think in Hot Summer. Trips to do things will happen in the morning or early evening. Best to reset the clock for earlier bed time and rise early to see the earth fresh in the morning. God grant me the ability when I have jet lag for Daylight Savings and 2 hour real Jet Lag.


Our quiet 3rd to 4th of July saw a grand family Birthday and gifted beautiful Hummingbird Birthday Cake. July 4th - I saw the cool of our bedroom as I had gastroenteritis from antibiotics leading to a diet. An all day nappish. The Birthday group went on to Fireworks and dinner, Edward brought home pie and soup. Fortunately, the local fireworks could be seen from our den and we watched for about 35 minutes. I love Fireworks and Thank God for the opportunity to have walloping stomach upset and, yet, see Fireworks!!!

The next few days, back on my feet, ran into old neighbors and saw the next generation having new grandchildren, new degrees and fine new families with good dreams. Stone bruised my foot pretty badly and a very, very wonderful neighbor found my phone and brought it back after adjusting a backpack, 2 poodle puppies, water bowls and a wounded foot requiring shoe adjustments every few yards to get home. Lord Jesus sincerely bless the neighbor's in-law. Thank God, Thank God.

Feeling supreme Peace for growing sons, having wonderful employment and finishing up his own dime law school. Feeling absolutely blessed by Father God.

Our dear friend had gastroenteritis, fell while out and went to the hospital - and we missed our monthly Communion Breakfast. Jesus bless us to heal. Really Rally. All. Amen.

Lucked into a car show after Church early Sunday morning with a good cup of coffee as Edward and I discussed the merits of baked goods. The Wind of the Spirit is good fun! Where the Spirit of God will take us - we will not know!!! Rejoice.

Found our youngest son had the float trip with all sorts of opportunities for never-want-this-experience again. New tire new blowout from construction. Hour late. "Almost" Missing just by the skin of teeth the High School newlywed friend who was gracious enough to wait with the group for my son and his girlfriend to arrive from the blowout. Then the tube hit a rock and down went
all cell phones, all car keys. If the very gracious, newlywed High School pal had not waited... what would happen??? Thank God for His Mercy. Mercy. Mercy.

Blessed to see new starter neighborhoods with new flower beds. 3 dogs as to make sure working days have plenty of Joy. A tribe of happy, happy dogs. A happy Peach Tree. Fruit. The Gifts of God to the loving and gracious newlyweds. The Blessing of Life to see time pass and see Joy. Thank You, Father God.

Our son had a trip to San Antonio to return the group without keys with his pal,  And my son called his parents to drive to Austin and then San Marcus. The Holy Spirit provides new experiences. :)

A good bracing Sunday 7 hour Texas car trip. The Wind of the Holy Spirit Is Fun. God is Good.

Our lovely across the street neighbors lost their twin dogs to age 17 and 18, they were so very kind to step in and Standard Poodle sit. We even had text photos of the dogs. I can't tell you how much a Blessing this was. Jesus Bless our neighbor with his warm advice and steadfast care of rambunctious Puppies.

Where we all sat in San Marcos, gaspingly grateful, to see the amazing arrival of hot summer and many, many tubes float by. Summer Heat Arrives. Waving at the floaters waving at us. One God, one Peace, one Love.

Leading us into July.

Do you have vacation and holiday let down? I do. Blah. I find disturbances like finding the tenants in common with our MS land - decided not to pay their 1/4. Most upsetting when told this would happen. Nothing like a good unhealthy wallop to the Visa. La Wry. Where, oh where, did my first cousin go?

The Lord bless the long standing cousins who have always pulled the Little Wagon On. Thank God and Jesus bless them.


We are coming to the Great Texas Summer.





Abba,

From Ghoulies and Ghosties and long legged escaping Scotsmen. Good Lord Deliver us.

From things going bump in the night toe neil. Good Lord Deliver us.

And in Your Gracious Mercy, Help us to find the real Peace and rest in Your Strength.

The Blessings You willingly give us each day - we Thank You and Thank You and Thank You, Father God.

For the coming Tropical Storm this weekend - we pray Your Help. And Your Safety upon us all. For California and their safety from earthquakes we put the Name of Jesus on Your Good Creation.

For the blessings of my son - his God Given Blessings - I am tremendously grateful. For his job. And for dinner his lovely girlfriend brought us. The Blessing of Fellowship.

For Neighbors who bring you your lost phone and are a Blessing Profound. For 19 year neighbors helping with big puppies with warm and gracious advice - Thank You.

For Social Media bring us High School friends far away - The Blessing of Jesus in our Lives in ways we never, never knew would be in His Plan. And to remember dear hearts.

For High School friends who wait for you and then drive you to San Antonio as a newlywed, Graciously Bless their decades ahead. Long life with all God's Blessings!

For our dear friend who so shockingly had cancer all over his body thinking he had rough housed with his children, is finding healing from his surgery and renewed energy going to Wake Forest. Pleasing his loving, loving wife to Jesus. Thank You.

Rally us all to Good Health, we ask in Jesus.

For travel and safety from our older son arriving from Michigan again.

For all the prayers we bring - as Jesus said, with Hope. We petition our Loving Father. Lifting our cares to capable Hands. Loving Hands.

So very high we know that our Nation Trusts God and we are blessed. The Nations seeking His Brightness - Blessed. The praying Children of God around the world, renewed, strengthened, enabled, guided and comforted by our Heavenly Father.

More Heaven on earth, we pray in Jesus. Amen!

Psalm 46 

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.a A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,

a very present  help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

6The nations rage, the kingdoms totter

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Psalm 112 ~ Blessed

Psalm 112

Praise the Lord!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

who greatly delights in his commandments!

2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in his house,

and his righteousness endures forever.

4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;

he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;

who conducts his affairs with justice.

6 For the righteous will never be moved;

he will be remembered forever.

7 He is not afraid of bad news;

his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

8 His heart is steady;  he will not be afraid,

until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever;

his horn is exalted in honor.

10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;

he gnashes his teeth and melts away;

the desire of the wicked will perish!

Choose this Day, Whom you will Serve!

The Jews prior to the birth, life, ministry and resurrection of Jesus - knew earthly blessings were the gauge in the depth of your salvation in God. The Disciples asked Jesus after He declared it was impossible for the rich to be saved and Jesus said, "All Things Are Possible with God."

Sometimes life is no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise.

The Beatitudes probably really puzzled the Disciples. And were answered. All Things are Possible with God.

Proverbs 30:5

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.





Matthew 4:4

Jesus replied, 
It has been written, 
Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, 

but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

There are religious denominations globally picking the wealthy from the laity to be Bishops - saying the wealth is an indication of piety and holiness. Jesus gave us the Beatitudes to include the people in affliction. 

A very worthwhile point of Psalm 112 is the self esteem in standing firm to please God in all circumstances! God is Love. Worthy.

Abba,

You have given us Jesus. We are blessed. Fed and nourished by Your Word of Life in Jesus and in our worship. We Live by Your Willing Blessings. We are Blessing seekers and Blessing finders.

For all of us who were baptized into Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ!
Blessed with Numbers 6, Blessed by the prayer given to Moses. We are clothed in the Name of Jesus.

In Jesus our Righteousness. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. And in Belonging to Jesus Christ, then we are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the Promise.

Jesus has healed them all. We attain to Jesus Christ. Hold firm in Faith.

Placing the Love God is in Jesus Christ upon us and our cares are lifted.

God is Love and we believe with firm conviction our Loved ones are held in Great Love to Jesus.
We specifically pray for the people we love by name and healing from our friend with cancer to be fully restored.

God is Merciful and we believe God holds our Nation and gives His Willing Blessings to a Nation Trusting in Him.

God is Encouragement to the Nations rising to His Brightness in Jesus Christ.

God sees His Creation as Good in His Joy the world over is praying for more Heaven on this earth and His Good Will. A Certain Blessing.

In Jesus we rest in our Living and our Working God. Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Mark 7:17-30 ~ home

Mark 7:17-30

17 After he had left the crowd 
and entered the house,

His disciples asked him about this parable. 18 “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? 19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)

20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Jesus with the sparrows is the coast of Tyre

24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.

 He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 

25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Using the Biblical Story Headings: Well, we all get on the freeway or the highway as needed. It's useful. Yet Jesus told us life in the fast lane is speeding past the slow, warm quality of relationship.

We can explain Mark 7:17-30 with this:

Matthew 22:23-32

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”

29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”


Jesus meant us to have a "Relationship" with Scriptures with our daily thoughts and reading. The Scriptures are alive and active. When we know the Scripture has Power and is living and active - when we see Living Water goes where Living Water wants to -  The God of the Living - is with the People of the Bible.  The Power God is giving us when we let Scripture live in our hearts.




1. Jesus tells us what comes out of us defines us. And He lists what to listen for to find difficulty. Things God hears every day in prayer and in His People.

Jesus is dealing with hostile people in Matthew 22. He is dealing with the far over that Heaven is a fable. And Jesus is making His Point. He is pointing out God is Living - why isn't this Possible? Jesus made this point with the unfortunate and the fortunate. Jesus is speaking with those far away and those close.

2. Jesus then says we are responsible for what comes out of us. Then He Immediately (Jesus loved Immediately, just as He reached down to save Peter) turns completely around to tell of His Journey leaving Israel (Judea) to find a child in terrible distress. Jesus is saying in combining the way Scripture is placed - Jesus is saying - Don't Just Apply the Labels. Judge with Right Judgement. Jesus triumphs over the 'rules' by using the two passages to show Jesus uses Mercy over all. Jesus is also saying Jesus is King and His Word upholds and is for our - yar - reverence.

In Matthew 22, Jesus is meeting the people who have a faith defined with death. Jesus is greeting them with the Power of God using the Scriptures they respect. Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus is expanding the existing reverence. We know He did.



3. Jesus records He entered two different 'houses', and, then, after Jesus has prayed and has entered the people, Jesus records the woman went 'home." The Love Jesus fills in us is warm. The difference would be the woman sought Jesus with all her needs and was diligent to remain with Jesus. She was going nowhere without the Power and Word of God. This woman knew Jesus to be God of the Living.


In Both.  Mark 7 - Jesus is the King. And in Matthew 22 - Jesus is the King.

What comes from Jesus is Love, Joy, Peace and Jesus is Amazingly Steadfast.

God was Amazingly Right - Israel today is a Land of Milk and Honey.

May the Lord God our Father

Bless us and Keep us,
May the Lord God our Father make His face to Shine upon us.
May the Lord God our Father  continue to be gracious to us.
Thank You, Father God.

We ask Your Blessing on this Nation on our Birthday weekend to find more unity of  "Home'. We pray for Israel to have Peace. We pray for the friends suffering cancer to be healed in the Strong Name of Jesus.

May the Lord God our Father, our Abba, Smile upon us and lift up His Face.
May the Lord God our Father give us Peace.
May the Lord God our Father give us the assurance of His own Peace.
We will wrap His Blessings to surround us and live the assurance of our Father God's Promises and Blessings.

May the Blessings of our Jesus surround us, enfold us, guide and lead us forever.

And in the Name of Jesus Christ, we will be forever blessed.

Amen and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! † 

Matthew 5: 1-18 ~ see God

Matthew 5: 1-18

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

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


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

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished


The Law is mankind living by every Word of God.



The Beatitudes. Suffering - Not what we are fond of. Of the Chapters in the Bible the Biblically Uncomfortable are going to be vocal about - we have arrived.


Pie in the Sky Bye oh Bye. It sounds like Ron Weasley in Divinations, "Harry. You are going to Suffer. But you are going to be Happy about that."

If we are going to start out honestly, and on a good foot - we  do have a good disregard for suffering. Bam. We have started out where a Good Father would want us to.


If we were so very fortunate to sit with Jesus, Wonderful Jesus. Wonderful Counselor. Almighty God. We would have seen Jesus speak this with probably puzzled Disciples. It's puzzling. And joyful the Disciples might be - finding the Purpose of God is to fulfill the Goodness and Hope of Future for God's Plans.

The Disciples are fully informed why Jesus delights in His Father's Good Will. Jesus Heals - Everyone. Jesus walks on water. Jesus fully is the exact nature of His Father. Because God shares His Goodness.

Why the poor in spirit, mourning, meek,  hungering and persecuted?  For the Exact Reason the Disciples were Puzzled. The Old Testament says if you do what God wants - then you are BLESSED.

Jesus is expanding the Light of Christ in ALL Directions.

Luke 13

1 At that time, some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 To this He replied, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate?"


Is God Himself saying take distress, heart break and sorrow lying down?

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?

Let Love be Genuine.

No longer sing, "Put on a Happy Face." Jesus is saying be who you are.







Merciful. Hungering for Righteousness. Blessed with Peacemaking. SHINE. You are a City on a Hill. Rejoice with those who are Rejoicing.

I've seen with my own eyes, good deeds not told. Not to be seen as a goofy do gooder. SHINE. We have so much sour news, why not tell when flowers go to the ill. Chicken Soup to a friend. Good deeds of money collected. Shine.





The poor in spirit, mourning, meek,  hungering and persecuted. No way this is going to turn around. Doomed.  God will accomplish His Purpose. If we are not told it turned around as life pushes and rolls past us. If we wanted a different outcome for someone else, we can be sure God is going to provide Good. God's Purpose is Good.  God tells us how He is working. Today.


The Strong Promises of God are this:

The Kingdom of Heaven.
Comfort.
Inherit God's Good Creation.
Satisfaction.
Mercy.
God Himself.
Being the Beloved Children of God.
The People of the Scriptures.


Even when we do not like our circumstances:

Romans 5:5
Endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Jesus picked up Peter in his distress. Jesus tells us when we look for God, we will find God.


There are so many Blessings in the Old Testament. What Blessings did Paul see and record? 2 Corinthians 9


Abba, Father,

You, our God - is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,
you may abound in every good work.

9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints
but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God


We ask for Your Willing Blessings Father God.

Praying with Hope all Your Willing Blessings of those we Love. Rejoicing in the Blessings we see and the Blessings we understand. Being Blessing hunters and seekers.

Coming in prayer for the portions in life - unrewarding. Worrying. Sad. Asking for others and ourselves to have Your Love, Joy and Peace.

Finding Blessings. In finding Blessings, we find more. Blessing You for our lives. Blessing those we pray for with healing. And new opportunities seeing the possibilities.

Privilege to be asking more Heaven on earth. Your own good will, covering us all, the Nation, the Nations of God, the People of God now and to be.

In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †