Reading Scripture helps us know God's Love. Every Bible verse is written for you. Jesus Christ is all mankind's Light. John 1!

Saturday, February 01, 2020

Psalm 91 ~ abide in the shadow of the Almighty

Dead Sea Scroll Plate 999.1 Psalm 91 first two columns, Psalm 101, Psalm 102

Psalm 91



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

2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”





3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

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

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.


7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.




9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—

the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.



11 For he will command his angels concerning you

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



14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

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



Scripture explains Scripture.


Abba,

You have told us since Genesis You are with us always. You, Father, hear all Prayer.

Daniel 9

"Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

Today, Father, You have saves us so many times throughout all times and seasons,
Your Might Works and Acts have taught us Your Mighty Hand.

Father God, You have made for Yourself a Name, Jesus Christ, to endure eternity.


Now this day, We pray in the Name of Jesus.


In Jesus' Name we ask Your Righteousness cover us and Your Mercy and Grace are given when we have sinned and done wrong.


Father God, in keeping with All Your Righteous Acts, turn from anger and wrath to those who call upon You in Jesus, Your people, Your Beloved, Your Book of Life.


Jesus covers our generations and our failures and faults. You are our Refuge.


Today, You are working. Please hear the prayers and petitions of Your Beloved Children.


For the sake of Jesus, look with favor when we are desolate within.


Give Your compassionate and merciful ear, Father God and hear us. Open our eyes to see the desolations have past and gone, we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ. We pray for those we Love to know Your Love and Holy Spirit to keep them in Jesus.


Thank You, Father God, You have listened ask you did for Nathanael, Help us to always Seek Your First. Seek Your Heaven and Your Will done on earth as in Heaven. To live in Love, Peace and Joy.


In the Name of Jesus, We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Thank You Father God, You listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! 


For Your Son, Jesus, my God, do not delay, because your people bear know Your Name Jesus Christ. 

Jesus, we ask Your Blessings to speak of Your Love as Life. Save those we Love. Help Love have all the opportunity to Love and thrive. In Jesus, Amen.





Tell of God's Love, Especially when asked!










Friday, January 31, 2020

2 Corinthians 4:1-15 ~ having this ministry by the Mercy of God



Luke 8

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.”

50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.

52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.”

53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”

55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.


Wilson Ong painted Jairus' daughter and family. Jairus is in shock. He can't believe he has lived this. Jesus says not to tell, Jairus is thinking this sounds like a Plan to him. His emotional life has not caught up to his daughter, - - in this painting.






Wouldn't you think the next Chapter of Luke's Gospel would be Palm Sunday? Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh The Crowd Goes Wild. The Girl is 12, she Will Live!!!! The Ruler of the Synagogue's Daughter!!!! Hhhhhhh!

2,000 years later, we talk about Lazarus.
 Not the widow of Nain's son - very much. The next thing Jesus did according to Luke was send the 12 Disciples away from Jesus to speak of the arrival of God's Kingdom. And the Disciples are told not to tell the child is Alive.

Let's imagine what this looks like to be ...
Thomas, Simon the Zealot, Philip, Simon Peter, Matthias, Matthew, Jude, Judas Iscariot, John, James, Son of Alpheus, James, Son of Zebedee, Bartholomew, and Andrew - heading out to not tell about Jairus' daughter being alive. Head on out to the villages and towns and proclaim the Good News. (Hop on one foot?) However Jesus has Spoken.


What would the Disciples say about this particular journey given to them by Jesus the Lord?

2 Corinthians 4:1-15


Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that 

as grace extends to more and more people
it may increase thanksgiving,
to the glory of God.


16 So we do not lose heart.




Jesus gave the Disciples a task and charge to obey about not telling. Possibly this was a burden. Why?  Jesus was known to say in the middle of God's Awe and Wonders - no sign will be given.


Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love
that issues from a pure heart
and a good conscience
and a sincere faith.



Why not tell??? Elijah did.

John 1:49-50
49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 

50 Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”








Jesus as God wanted time to be less Glorious to go further. There would come a time where no one could enter the house except by removing the ceiling. Jesus in the Tyre, Mark 7, would enter a home hoping no one would see Him. The goal was to bring His Light to the world. Not to lose one heart.


Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,

And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”





Jesus would go forth and heal the Widow of Nain's son. A great crowd was walking with Him, as Jesus 'just so happened' to be walking past the funeral bier. Luke 7. Maybe the funeral procession made a mistake. Maybe the Widow of Nain was fortunate not to leave her son in a tomb? What if Jairus' daughter was merely sleeping? What if Jesus healing all who touched Him was "The Screaming Beatles" of teenage girls?

Enter Lazarus with an aroma of death, waiting on Jesus for a few days. This is - the Real Deal. Jesus is carefully constructing the understanding of the Dead have Life. These Bones will rise Ezekiel.







The Gospel of Mark is the Hit Parade of Peter - 
asked about this from the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ.

  • Healing the mother of Peter's wife.
  • Healing the deaf mute of Decapolis.
  • Healing the blind at birth.
  • Healing the Paralytic at Bethesda.
  • The Blind Man of Bethsaida.
  • The Blind man Bartimaeus in Jericho.
  • Healing the Centurion's servant.
  • Christ healing an infirm woman.
  • Cursing of the fig tree
  • Jesus heals a man with a dreaded skin disease (Mark 1:40–45)
  • The man with the paralysed hand (Mark 3:1–6)
  • Jesus heals the haemorrhagic (Mark 5:25–34)
  • Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:21–42)
  • Jesus heals a deaf mute (Mark 7:31–37)





Why did this shake the world? How can we assume this is Real?

(You can skip this extensive List Showing How Important Jesus became to the Roman Empire and the Emperors. This is the Steadfast Love History Principal.)



The Bible in our hands is easily found today. 
We reap what many others fought and died to save. To have the Bible in our hands today.





Before the Coliseum, Claudius had an Imperial Palace on the site of the Coliseum. This is where the people of God found the Roman Empire would begin to destroy Scripture of the New Testament.




The Roman Colosseum was build by the gold from the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple of God in 81 A. D.



When Jesus died, Claudius was Emperor of Rome. It was Claudius who imprisoned Paul, the first time. In the remote, far away country of Judea, the name of Jesus Christ and His promises and His Word, created unease for Claudius. Imagine this could occur in the time there were no mass methods of communication. It is historical fact. 16 years after the death of Jesus. Claudius has gone from prominence to being an enigma in history.


Jesus Christ has gone forth.


Claudius – Imprisoned Christians. Reigned 25 -54 AD. Emperor during the death and resurrection of Jesus. Imprisoned Paul, for his first imprisonment, house arrest.


Nero – Tortured, burned and vilified Christians. Blamed them for burning Rome . 54- 68 AD


Galba – Put St. Paul and others to death. 69 AD


Otho & Vittelius– only 4 months as Emperor


Vespasian – Sent Titus to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD, it was the natural end time of Jesus’ life. It is said it is the prophecies Jesus spoke of, His forgiveness was given to the people of His generation. In that destruction, the Temple of the Jews has not been built in 2,000 years. (In 300 A.D, a third temple had the materials gathered, but earthquake, war and fire put an end to that.) Jewish Sacrifice has not been practiced for 2,000 years, it is forsaken. The Jews don’t even know why. God said Jesus was the sacrifice for you.


Titus – See Arch of Titus, still standing, in Rome today. The Temple Tools minus the Ark of the Covenant, is carved in the marble. The profit from the sack of Jerusalem is used for the Coliseum. The Coliseum was used to burn Christians until Constantine naively adopted Christianity thinking Christians would be model citizens. Still a triumph for the 1,100 Bishops, Priests, Christians proclaiming Jesus Christ for 300 years even if they would be burned alive for it.


Domitian – Hauled St. John from Ephesus and exiled him to Patmos. Continued to be fearful of Christians. Conducted one of the fiercest battles against Christians. Under Domitan, the Church split in half. Domitan Heresy - the Church is only for saints. Domitan tortured until Christians surrendered every fragment of the Gospels and New Testament he could find. 81-96. Because of Domitan – we have the word traitor . Part of the Church wanted to forever exile anyone who lied to get out of torture or gave up Scripture. Forgiveness is the business of the Church and Jesus Christ.


Because of Domitan, we only have 15 fragments of the Gospel before 96 AD. But these portions exist and date to 30 AD. Hebrews 9 tells us when Paul wrote Hebrews, the Second Temple is in operation.





+


The Love of Jesus Christ opening His arms to slaves, lepers, women, the poor, the wife of the steward of Herod’s household, Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin Council and Josephus. Ian Wilson records a letter from a Jewish rabbi, of Lyracanthra, saying it would be the end of Judaism because of the incredible miracles of healing, restoration, life transformation and complete hope. These are letters confirming the Gospels show the Rabbi to be extremely unhappy. Josephus, the Israeli General turned traitor, turned Historian says Jesus was the Christ and his brother James formed the later Christian Church until martyred in 62 AD.


Trajan (c. 53 - 117) Philosopher Pliny the Younger's letter to Trajan on the subject of the Christians and the response of Trajan to Pliny the Younger. On Early Christian Writings. How to torture Christians to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.


Hadrian (c. 76 - 138) Foxe's Book of Martyrs -- Persecution Under Trajan...... The forenamed authors, Antoninus and Equilius


Antoninus Pius (c. 86 - 161) Instead of stirring up persecution against the Christians, he extended to them the strong hand of his protection throughout the empire. Rather than give occasion to that oppression which he regarded as inseparable from an emperor's progress through his dominions, he was content to spend all the years of his reign in Rome, or its neighborhood. Under his patronage the science of jurisprudence was cultivated by men of high ability, and a number of humane and equitable enactments were passed in his name. 161 – 180 166 Christian persecution returned - The period was one of ever-increasing calamities. The earthquakes which had alarmed Asia under Antoninus were but the prelude to more serious convulsions. The Tiber rose to an unprecedented height and swept away the public granaries. This was followed by a famine, and that by a pestilence, which spread from Egypt and Ethiopia westward. Everywhere on the frontiers there were murmurs of insurrection or invasion. The year 166 was long known as the "annus calamitosus," and it was in that year that the persecution broke out and that Justin suffered. These calamities roused the superstition of the great mass of the people, and a wild fanaticism succeeded to an epicurean atheism. The gods were wrath, and what had roused their anger but the presence of those who denied them?


Marcus Aurelius (c. 121 - 180) The Thundering Legion incident (174)


During the war with the Quadi in 174 there took place the famous incident of the Thundering Legion (Legio Fulminatrix, Fulminea, Fulminata) which has been a cause of frequent controversy between Christian and non-Christian writers. The Roman army was surrounded by enemies with no chance of escape, when a storm burst. The rain poured down in refreshing showers on the Romans, while the enemy were scattered with lightning and hail. The parched and famishing Romans received the saving drops first on their faces and parched throats, and afterwards in their helmets and shields, to refresh their horses. Marcus obtained a glorious victory as a result of this extraordinary event, and his enemies were hopelessly overthrown.


That such an event did really happen is attested both by pagan and Christian writers. The former attribute the occurrence either to magic (Dion Cassius, LXXI, 8-10) or to the prayers of the emperor (Capitolinus, "Vita Marci", XXIV; Themistius, "Orat. XV ad Theod"; Claudian, "De Sext. Cons. Hon.", V, 340 sqq.; "Sibyl. Orac.", ed. Alezandre, XII, 196 sqq. Cf. Bellori, "La Colonne Antonine", and Eckhel, "Doctrina Nummorum", III, 64). The Christian writers attributed the fact to the prayers of the Christians who were in the army (Claudius Apollinaris in Eusebius, Church History V.5; Tertullian, "Apol.", v; ad Seap. c. iv), and soon there grew up a legend to the effect that in consequence of this miracle the emperor put a stop to the persecution of the Christians (cf. Euseb. and Tert. opp cit.).


It must be conceded that the testimony of Claudius is the most valuable of all that we possess, as he wrote within a few years of the event, and that all credit must be given to the prayers of the Christians given to Tertullian


Lucius Verus (co-emperor) (c. 130 - 169) with Marcus Aurelius

180 - 192

Commodus (c. 161 - 192) All these who failed to follow the decree were brought to the Senate and were tried. This decree was a forceful attempt to put down Christians completely. But the followers who believed in Jesus Christ refused to accept this and many were ready to face the trial. "The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs" written.


Persecution slows down -


Pertinax (193)


Didius Julianus (193) .


Septimius Severus (193-211) Edict makes it illegal to convert to Christianity; persecution especially in North Africa, ca. 203: Perpetua & Felicity martyred in Carthage (North Africa)


Caracalla (211-217)


Macrinus (217-218)


Elagabalus (218-222)


Severus Alexander (222-235)


Maximinus (235-238)


Gordian I and II (238)


Balbinus (238)


Pupienus (238)


Gordian III (238-244)


Philip the Arab (244-249) .


Trajanus Decius (249-251) 250: Major Empire-Wide Persecution; Christians required to participate in Emperor Worship. Bishop Fabian of Rome martyred; Bishop Cyprian of Carthage exiled; Origen of Alexandria tortured to death.


Trebonianus Gallus (251-253)


Aemilian (253) .

Valerian (253-260) ca. 258: Bishop Cyprian of Carthage martyred
Gallienus (253-268)
Claudius Gothicus (268-270) .
Aurelian (270-275) some persecutions
Tacitus (275-276)
Probus (276-282)
Carus (282-283)
Carinus (283-284)
Numerian (283-284) .

Diocletian (284-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders. Personally sends troops to Nazareth, the Bishop of Caesarea Eusibius records Diocletian offering clemency to the nephews carefully recording their ancestry to Jesus Christ. All refuse and are tortured and put to death. Diocletian sends troops to Turkey to place the Bishop Nicholas (also known as St. Nicholas or, in German, Santa Claus, in prison.


& Maximian (286-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian Churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders


Constantius Chlorus (305-306)

Maxentius (306-312) .
Galerius (305-311)
Licinius (311-323) 311: Edict of Galerius: toleration for Christians, allowing them to worship openly

Constantine was forced as a nephew to the Emperor to go to Nazareth and torture and kill the descendents of the Brothers of Jesus. All refused to decant Jesus. All perished. A week Constantine would have to change his life. Bishop Eusebius is eyewitness to Constantines arrival and departure for this purpose.


Constantine (307-337) 313: Edict of Constantine (Edict of Milan): toleration for all religions, including Christianity; ends persecutions


Constantine's position on the religions traditionally practiced in Rome evolved during his reign. At first he prohibited the construction of new temples and tolerated traditional sacrifices; by the end of his reign, he had begun to order the pillaging and tearing down of Roman temples. The day Christianity officially arrived in the Roman Empire was in 325 A.D. The First Council of Nicaea is regarded as the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church. Invited by Emperor Constantine, about 318 world-wide Bishops (including St. Nicholas), who had risked their lives and were condemned for serving Jesus, traveled across continents and oceans, continued to risk their lives in dangerous travel, to express the basis of the Church today and choose the Books of the Bible.


(* The above information was gathered from several sources and paraphrased.)


The triumph of Christianity is actually a very remarkable historical phenomenon


The Roman Colosseum was build by the gold from the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple of God in 81 A. D.



When Jesus died, Claudius was Emperor of Rome. It was Claudius who imprisoned Paul, the first time. In the remote, far away country of Judea, the name of Jesus Christ and His promises and His Word, created unease for Claudius. Imagine this could occur in the time there were no mass methods of communication. It is historical fact. 16 years after the death of Jesus. Claudius has gone from prominence to being an enigma in history.


Jesus Christ has gone forth.


Claudius – Imprisoned Christians. Reigned 25 -54 AD. Emperor during the death and resurrection of Jesus. Imprisoned Paul, for his first imprisonment, house arrest.


Nero – Tortured, burned and vilified Christians. Blamed them for burning Rome . 54- 68 AD


Galba – Put St. Paul and others to death. 69 AD


Otho & Vittelius– only 4 months as Emperor


Vespasian – Sent Titus to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD, it was the natural end time of Jesus’ life. It is said it is the prophecies Jesus spoke of, His forgiveness was given to the people of His generation. In that destruction, the Temple of the Jews has not been built in 2,000 years. (In 300 A.D, a third temple had the materials gathered, but earthquake, war and fire put an end to that.) Jewish Sacrifice has not been practiced for 2,000 years, it is forsaken. The Jews don’t even know why. God said Jesus was the sacrifice for you.


Titus – See Arch of Titus, still standing, in Rome today. The Temple Tools minus the Ark of the Covenant, is carved in the marble. The profit from the sack of Jerusalem is used for the Coliseum. The Coliseum was used to burn Christians until Constantine naively adopted Christianity thinking Christians would be model citizens. Still a triumph for the 1,100 Bishops, Priests, Christians proclaiming Jesus Christ for 300 years even if they would be burned alive for it.


Domitian – Hauled St. John from Ephesus and exiled him to Patmos. Continued to be fearful of Christians. Conducted one of the fiercest battles against Christians. Under Domitian, the Church split in half. Domitan Heresy - the Church is only for saints. Domitan tortured until Christians surrendered every fragment of the Gospels and New Testament he could find. 81-96. Because of Domitian – we have the word traitor . Part of the Church wanted to forever exile anyone who lied to get out of torture or gave up Scripture. Forgiveness is the business of the Church and Jesus Christ.


Because of Domitian, we only have 15 fragments of the Gospel before 96 AD. But these portions exist and date to 30 AD. Hebrews 9 tells us when Paul wrote Hebrews, the Second Temple is in operation.







The Love of Jesus Christ opening His arms

 to slaves, lepers, women, the poor, the wife of the steward of Herod’s household,

Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin Council and Josephus. Ian Wilson records a letter from a Jewish rabbi, of Lyracanthra, saying it would be the end of Judaism because of the incredible miracles of healing, restoration, life transformation and complete hope. These are letters confirming the Gospels show the Rabbi to be extremely unhappy. Josephus, the Israeli General turned traitor, turned Historian says Jesus was the Christ and his brother James formed the later Christian Church until martyred in 62 AD.


Trajan (c. 53 - 117) Philosopher Pliny the Younger's letter to Trajan on the subject of the Christians and the response of Trajan to Pliny the Younger. On Early Christian Writings. How to torture Christians to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.


Hadrian (c. 76 - 138) Foxe's Book of Martyrs -- Persecution Under Trajen...... The forenamed authors, Antoninus and Equilius


Antoninus Pius (c. 86 - 161) Instead of stirring up persecution against the Christians, he extended to them the strong hand of his protection throughout the empire. Rather than give occasion to that oppression which he regarded as inseparable from an emperor's progress through his dominions, he was content to spend all the years of his reign in Rome, or its neighborhood. Under his patronage the science of jurisprudence was cultivated by men of high ability, and a number of humane and equitable enactments were passed in his name. 161 – 180 166 Christian persecution returned - The period was one of ever-increasing calamities. The earthquakes which had alarmed Asia under Antoninus were but the prelude to more serious convulsions. The Tiber rose to an unprecedented height and swept away the public granaries. This was followed by a famine, and that by a pestilence, which spread from Egypt and Ethiopia westward. Everywhere on the frontiers there were murmurs of insurrection or invasion. The year 166 was long known as the "annus calamitosus," and it was in that year that the persecution broke out and that Justin suffered. These calamities roused the superstition of the great mass of the people, and a wild fanaticism succeeded to an epicurean atheism. The gods were wrath, and what had roused their anger but the presence of those who denied them?


Marcus Aurelius (c. 121 - 180) The Thundering Legion incident (174)


During the war with the Quadi in 174 there took place the famous incident of the Thundering Legion (Legio Fulminatrix, Fulminea, Fulminata) which has been a cause of frequent controversy between Christian and non-Christian writers. The Roman army was surrounded by enemies with no chance of escape, when a storm burst. The rain poured down in refreshing showers on the Romans, while the enemy were scattered with lightning and hail. The parched and famishing Romans received the saving drops first on their faces and parched throats, and afterwards in their helmets and shields, to refresh their horses. Marcus obtained a glorious victory as a result of this extraordinary event, and his enemies were hopelessly overthrown.


That such an event did really happen is attested both by pagan and Christian writers. The former attribute the occurrence either to magic (Dion Cassius, LXXI, 8-10) or to the prayers of the emperor (Capitolinus, "Vita Marci", XXIV; Themistius, "Orat. XV ad Theod"; Claudian, "De Sext. Cons. Hon.", V, 340 sqq.; "Sibyl. Orac.", ed. Alezandre, XII, 196 sqq. Cf. Bellori, "La Colonne Antonine", and Eckhel, "Doctrina Nummorum", III, 64). The Christian writers attributed the fact to the prayers of the Christians who were in the army (Claudius Apollinaris in Eusebius, Church History V.5; Tertullian, "Apol.", v; ad Seap. c. iv), and soon there grew up a legend to the effect that in consequence of this miracle the emperor put a stop to the persecution of the Christians (cf. Euseb. and Tert. opp cit.).


It must be conceded that the testimony of Claudius is the most valuable of all that we possess, as he wrote within a few years of the event, and that all credit must be given to the prayers of the Christians given to Tertullian


Lucius Verus (co-emperor) (c. 130 - 169) with Marcus Aurelius

180 - 192

Commodus (c. 161 - 192) All these who failed to follow the decree were brought to the Senate and were tried. This decree was a forceful attempt to put down Christians completely. But the followers who believed in Jesus Christ refused to accept this and many were ready to face the trial. "The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs" written.


Persecution slows down -


Pertinax (193)


Didius Julianus (193) .


Septimius Severus (193-211) Edict makes it illegal to convert to Christianity; persecution especially in North Africa, ca. 203: Perpetua & Felicity martyred in Carthage (North Africa)


Caracalla (211-217)


Macrinus (217-218)


Elagabalus (218-222)


Severus Alexander (222-235)


Maximinus (235-238)


Gordian I and II (238)


Balbinus (238)


Pupienus (238)


Gordian III (238-244)


Philip the Arab (244-249) .


Trajanus Decius (249-251) 250: Major Empire-Wide Persecution; Christians required to participate in Emperor Worship. Bishop Fabian of Rome martyred; Bishop Cyprian of Carthage exiled; Origen of Alexandria tortured to death.


Trebonianus Gallus (251-253)


Aemilian (253) .

Valerian (253-260) ca. 258: Bishop Cyprian of Carthage martyred
Gallienus (253-268)
Claudius Gothicus (268-270) .
Aurelian (270-275) some persecutions
Tacitus (275-276)
Probus (276-282)
Carus (282-283)
Carinus (283-284)
Numerian (283-284) .

Diocletian (284-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders. Personally sends troops to Nazareth, the Bishop of Caesarea Eusibius records Diocletian offering clemency to the nephews carefully recording their ancestry to Jesus Christ. All refuse and are tortured and put to death. Diocletian sends troops to Turkey to place the Bishop Nicholas (also known as St. Nicholas or, in German, Santa Claus, in prison.


& Maximian (286-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian Churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders


Constantius Chlorus (305-306)

Maxentius (306-312) .
Galerius (305-311)
Licinius (311-323) 311: Edict of Galerius: toleration for Christians, allowing them to worship openly

Constantine was forced as a nephew to the Emperor to go to Nazareth and torture and kill the descendents of the Brothers of Jesus. All refused to decant Jesus. All perished. A week Constantine would have to change his life. Bishop Eusebius is eyewitness to Constantines arrival and departure for this purpose.


Constantine (307-337) 313: Edict of Constantine (Edict of Milan): toleration for all religions, including Christianity; ends persecutions


Constantine's position on the religions traditionally practiced in Rome evolved during his reign. At first he prohibited the construction of new temples and tolerated traditional sacrifices; by the end of his reign, he had begun to order the pillaging and tearing down of Roman temples. The day Christianity officially arrived in the Roman Empire was in 325 A.D. The First Council of Nicaea is regarded as the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church. Invited by Emperor Constantine, about 318 world-wide Bishops (including St. Nicholas), who had risked their lives and were condemned for serving Jesus, traveled across continents and oceans, continued to risk their lives in dangerous travel, to express the basis of the Church today and choose the Books of the Bible.


(* The above information was gathered from several sources and paraphrased.)



The triumph of Christianity is actually a very remarkable historical phenomenon.











Truly, an amazing list, the lengths belief has taken us.


Miracles in the Book of Acts:

  • Peter heals a lame man Jerusalem 3:1-11
  • Ananias and Sapphira struck dead Jerusalem 5:1-10
  • Apostles perform many wonders Jerusalem 5:12-16
  • Peter and John communicate the Holy Spirit Samaria 8:14-17
  • Peter heals Eneas of a palsy Lydda 9:33, 34
  • Peter raises Tabitha, or Dorcas, to life Joppa 9:36-41
  • Peter delivered out of prison by an angel Jerusalem 12:7-17
  • God smites Herod, so that he dies Jerusalem 12:21-23
  • Elymas, the sorcerer, smitten with blindness Paphos 13:6-11
  • Paul converted Road to Damascus 9:1-9
  • Paul heals a cripple Lystra 14:8-10
  • Paul casts out a spirit of divination Philippi 16:16-18
  • Paul and Silas's prison doors opened by an earthquake Philippi 16:25, 26
  • Paul communicates the Holy Spirit Corinth 19:1-6
  • Paul heals multitudes Corinth 19:11, 12
  • Paul restores Eutychus to life Troas 20:9-12
  • Paul shakes off a viper Malta 28:3-6
  • Paul heals the father of Publius and others Malta 28:7-9

Jesus wasn't building a 'wall' with Living Stones. In fact, Jesus said we are the Temple of God. The History of belief is interesting, but what really was happening - the Miracles of Jesus were present during His Life and Continued in the Holy Spirit beyond The Book of Acts until this was present everywhere in the Roman Empire.

Just like today. When we find Believers have times they pray and something 'coincidental' happens.




Abba,

We give You Thanks for Renewing our Blessings Daily. Help us to Live and move and truly know the truth of our Blessings. To build upon what You have Willingly Given. To understand and to Please You as we live in these Blessings.

Jesus told His Disciples not to speak. The Kingdom of Heaven is said:


Matthew 13:45-44
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

When we pray for a way to explain our Faith. We Pray for the Wisdom of God. And the timing of God. You have placed Your Spirit within us who Believe and we sometimes know the time is not quite right. Like the ancient symbol of Ichthus. Like the woman who reached for the fringe of Jesus' robe.

Luke 6
17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.


The Holy Spirit of God is Abundant. Inclusive. Thank You Jesus. You seek to save the world in Jesus Christ. We can pray and we will have the opportunity. Jesus and His Holy Spirit will do this.

We love to have conversational prayer with You, Father, all the day in Jesus. We will be empowered to pray for others and to have His opportunities.

Thank You Father, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. When we clearly perceive in life we are told to be quiet, You have given us wisdom. You give us the way forward to Pray in Jesus and He will provide.

We pray to have the Joy in the Lord for finding the Kingdom of Heaven first. To live lives of Love, Peace and Joy.

Knowing You cover those we Love in Jesus. Bringing their hearts to You. Covering the people You have given us. Giving our Nation hope as we Trust in You. Covering Australia and China and all the Nations praying for Your Steadfast Love and Mercy.

Thanking You, Father God. Your Plans are our Hope and Future. We ask for all the Willing Blessings You would give and rely on Your Steadfast Love and Mercy.

The Righteousness of Jesus Christ - Your Gift to us. In Jesus, Amen.












Thursday, January 30, 2020

2 Peter 3:11b-18 ~ Righteousness dwells


Luke 8 tells us Jairus' daughter is saved after dying by Jesus Christ. And Jairus faced supreme grief to find Jesus was busy and had walked by too late to help his 12 year old daughter.

God Himself gave us Scripture to explain Scripture.


2 Peter 3:11b-18


What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 

13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 

15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

And let's not forget the Great and Good News of Luke 8. Jairus and his wife found Jesus caused their 12 year old daughter to Live.

2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 


10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.


2 Peter 3 The first paragraph Agrees with Jesus, trouble exists in this life. Remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles - have faith in all trials in life.

Scoffers scoff - when will 'that happen' ? God says this is part of problem solving and happens just about the time the problem is finished. Jesus Himself was patient with His own Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

We all want Father God to speak the Blessing of Jabez.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.


Jabez was pretty impudent to ask God. Beyond his circumstances labelled by life.

Jesus found Jairus to be this honorable. And we do not see Jairus flop like a fish, create a scene, jump up and down saying he was the ruler of the Synagogue. Except like the woman from Tyre, Jairus really placed Himself at the feet of Jesus. And like the woman from Tyre, Jesus seemed too busy.

The Blessing of Jabez was not to feel pain. Jairus certainly did not give Jesus any pain or harm. He knew Jesus was God. Exactly like the woman from Tyre. The anger of man does not produce the Righteousness of God. According to James, who grew up with Jesus. Self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit - especially when addressing God Himself. A Blessing of Jabez, going along with faith and trust in the Goodness of God.


Faith, Fear
and the Giant God Gong 
for being oddly a worrier or fearful or complaining
to God and asking Him about a lot of things that might Irritate the Almighty God of All


Jesus told the woman who reached out and touched the fringe of His Garment without asking - proved - The Spirit prays for us when we need God more than words say. And Jesus then recognized Power went out from ... "Him." We do not save ourselves, Salvation is a Gift of God.

Father God tells us to Him all hearts are open, no secrets are hidden. Father God tells us to pray impudently to a friend. To ask about everything. And give thanks. Sometimes this genuine thanks can take an hour. To find, now, what was good about that?

Jairus is a declaration of Faith as well.
Jairus asked God and then gave God permission to be God. Jairus did quite a few things right.
  1. Asking
  2. Being impudent to reach past the circumstances of life and ask. Jairus was a 'ruler' and all that, after all.
  3. Being humble to God, realizing Him as God. 
  4. Being Patient. Believing something good was coming from not flopping like a fish. Pushed to being Strong.
  5. Not throwing a jealous fit God would stop to talk to a mere woman.
  6. Not stopping God by saying, "Too Late."
  7. Like Jabez, Jairus swallowed his own pain to allow God the Majesty of Being God.


Father God,

We Thank You for Renewing Your Mercies Every Day. Help us to keep our truths. Help us to build our Blessings You've given to being the people You call as Your Beloved. Help us to Please You. We ask more of You for Willing Blessings.

When life is overwhelming. When our prayers grow in number and the times we are frantic, we ask Your Love and Your Name carry and strengthen us. I ask You for the Goodness of God for the People You call Beloved. I ask for our Seeking You First and the Kingdom of Heaven to give us lives of Love, Peace and Joy.

The Disciples You told us in John 6 were fearful. You never left them. In many different storms, You say immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Bless all our prayer concerns as we know as You found Nathanael - You hear our prayers. And we know Your Comfort.

To be with the saints in the Number when You march in. To have and find and dwell knowing more Heaven on earth. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.








The Radical Message of the Gospel of Jesus
changed the face of the world. 
16 years after Jesus died, the Emperors of Rome began
a 300 year world wide search to end the Gospels we readily have today.

The University of Michigan has 300 intact Chapters of the New Testament from the late first century or early 2nd Century called Papyrus 46, all the Chapters are called Papyrus 46. The Gospels changed lives to renew Love, increase Hope, save lives and change the world.


We will lift up the cares of God's Good Creation and put Jesus on the Throne of God and for His Glory we will Trust all the Nations to come to His Brightness.

We will join the Communion of the Saints asking Jesus for more Heaven on earth. Seeking God first. And find His Commandment to Love one another.

Beloved of God, Jesus live in us always. Amen.




♔ Lord Jesus Saves!   













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About scripture-for-today.blogspot.com/

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He has saved all who call upon His name and rely on Him for His Grace. The Scriptures are living & active and are for understanding the Lord Almighty. Biblical readings are chosen from the Ecumenical Christian Church and the Nicene Council, 325 A.D., approved Apocrypha. People remember not just from reading, but by sight and orally- an image has been added as well as audio readings. God tends to link the passages together with fascinates - this blogger, Anne-Laurel Gardere

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This blog is pretty simple, but for a reason. This blog isn't about agenda or me, it is for the joy and love to found by reading the Scriptures. Ultimately, it is you and the Lord.

The Scriptures are Father God's letter to you. He wanted you to know more, to know He loves you.

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Email registry at bottom.! “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Men “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit carried men along, moving and guiding them as they wrote in their own words what God wanted them to say. The Bible is unique; comprised of 80 separate books, & written over a period of thousands of years by more than 40 writers with one Author, spanning the centuries, different states of peace & war & different situations in life. The Bible answers the question: of who is God, who is man & what can their relationship can be. Although the Bible was written on perishable material and copied by hand for many centuries, its accuracy is not in doubt, proven by Dead Sea Scrolls and papyrus from 2,000 years. The Bible has survived persecution & criticism to be read with great interest in each generation. The Bible gives witness to the greatness of the Creator. A loving Father concerned for all of his creation. With each verse of the bible witnessing to God is love and the multitude & vastness of His attributes. The Bible was written for you. <><

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New Posts by Subject Matter

Overcoming



The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter

Our God of All





Posts by Subject Matter





Blessings, Anne-Laurel





Who Jesus Is
1 Timothy 1:1-11 ~ God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope
Matthew 16:13-20 ~ who do people say the Son of Man is?

Good News for us to remember and Think Upon
Animals are found in Heaven ~ 6 Prophets See Animals in Heaven

Anger, Jealousy=Trouble




The Bible explains the Bible, Prophetically

Bible - in your hand, today

Bible Accuracy



Blessing







Blessing our Father God

Blessing - unaware

Boundaries

Brothers
Christmas - His Word Upholds the Universe - December 25th


Psalm 135 ~ who is in your midst
John 1:1-14, 16, 29-51 ~ He was in the world

Details - Putting it all together and discovering it is about God

Psalm 108 ~ In triumph I will parcel out Shechem

Determine your own path, just love Him

Judges 16 ~ like any other man
John 4:43-54 ~ Doing what Jesus says


Earthquake

Every Day, Still Today
Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow


Exodus - History












Heavenly Hosts
His Messengers of Light












Elements of Nature Displaying HIS Glory
Exodus 40:16-38 ~ In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.

I Decide What is Right and Wrong - God noticed this in the Garden of Eden from Eve

Individualism and Groups

It's the End of the World as We Know it, And I Feel Fine. (One of our most read posts.)
Grandpa - The Bible is Really the Life Story of People and
their Abba









Gates of Heaven


Gifts of God, all of us


Giving - God certainly is





























Glory


God sees His Creation as Good!!!


Gravity






















Good Friday

Gossip

Gratitude

Greatest

Grief, Forgiveness, Homecoming


Hated Emotion - Fear




































History - Is There History Showing Jesus was Alive - VERY EXTENSIVE HISTORY

Holiness


Holy Spirit ~ Manifestations

Homeward Bound, still a sojourner

Honey, Do this

Invitation
John 3:31-36 ~ that God is true

Israel - Destroyed Completely and Rebuilt. A sign of Jesus. Existing today.

Jesus clearly put a Foundation for His Resurrection to be Believed by the Multitudes of all of Israel and the Nations

Jesus and His Childhood Privacy
Nazareth - What Jesus did See Growing Up

John the Beloved Disciple


The Journey of Joseph


























Live It
Psalm 117 ~ Praise the Lord
Psalm 82 ~ rescue the weak and the needy
2 Samuel 4:1-12 ~ David answered
Hebrews 12 ~ Thankful
Psalm 31:3-8,17-21 ~ Thou hast redeemed me
Isaiah 40:1-11 ~ His reward is with Him
Matthew 13:31-32 ~ the birds of the air come and perch in its branches
Matthew 6:25-34 ~ your heavenly Father knows that you need
Luke 11:29-32 ~ Rise up
Psalm 126 ~ shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves
Luke 14:15-24 ~ there is still room
Joshua 1:1-9 ~ I am giving
Acts 5 ~ speak in the name of Jesus
John 1 ~ the Light shines
John 3:5-8 ~ born again
~ they went on from there and passed through Galilee
Judges 20 ~ Israel

Losing a Loved One - Passing ON

Revelation 21:22-27 ~ those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life

Not Being Tossed Back and Forth with Emotion
Ephesians 4 ~ speaking the truth in Love

Marriage
Romans 7:1-12 ~ bear fruit for God
1 Corinthians 7 ~ For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband
Genesis 37:12-24 ~ when Reuben
Psalm 143 ~ Your steadfast love
Psalm 86 ~ For great is your steadfast love

Media... taking it down the path
1 Corinthians 10 ~ Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God





Mercy, an Inseparable Component of Truth
Matthew 23:23-26 ~ clean
1 Samuel 12 ~ serve the Lord with all your heart
Matthew 22:34-40 ~ The great and first commandment. And a second is like it

Miscellaneous
Job 38 ~ Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Psalm 19 ~ the heavens declare the glory of God
2 Kings 5:1-15 ~ a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper
1 Chronicles 13 ~ the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom










Peace




Pharisee ~ Religion
Luke 11:42-46 ~ Woe to you Pharisees!


Pictorial Images of the 12 Tribes of Israel








Picture It


















Overcoming, with God's help!


Positive Attitude in Trouble




Prophets - the Law and the Old Men in Robes or People who Love the Lord. Flaws and Virtues. What They Sought in the Lord and What Drew Them to Him.



Praise



























Prayer

Psalm 91 ~ Prayer is always heard, God has an open door policy



Prayer Needs




Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words

Promises

Prosperity Gospel











Repeat and Repeat







Rest

Restore

Revelation 8:2
Seven Angels who stand before God

Revisionist History - Moses and Jeremiah said
there would be days like this
Deuteronomy 8
Jeremiah 23


Rock


SALVATION! What is needed?

Science - Blinded me - No - He Who Opens the Eyes of the Blind - With Science!!!

Second (3rd or 4th) Rate Seventh Level of Heaven

Seventh Level of Heaven







Shepherd

Smile!



Time Management





Life and Travels of Paul

Shroud

Transfiguration



True
The World Changed Rapidly after the first Easter



Trust Him

Uncomfortable Scripture

Video Game Player

Visual







Who is like our God?

Willingly

Works and Grace
Mark 1:4-11 ~ You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased

Worry

Wrathful, Nasty Old God from the Old Testament

Yahweh




Years - Thousands of Them are Yesterday in His Sight


80 Books of the Bible
Holy Spirit Approved by the First Council Nicaea and St. Nicholas
Included by the Essenes in the Dead Sea Scrolls
Today included by the Catholic Church
God wants to save the world.
The Apocrypha has Purpose; other cultures blend here.





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