Acts 8:26-40 ~ he baptized

 

Gaza today

and 140 years ago

Bronze and tin Chariot, 79 AD

found in Pompeii intact

Painted a Bottle Green

 

Acts 8:26-40

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went.

And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 

“Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 

32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: Isaiah 53:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”


34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 

38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 

40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Azotus is 30 Miles 

75 miles to Caesarea, 7 day walk 

Azotus would be a 3 day walk.  Gaza looks fairly dry and coastal, while Azotus is fairly coastal and is much more green. John 6 is about the theory of Relativity and Jesus. The boat was 'immediately' at the other side.  Scripture isn't specific, if ... Philip was immediately 3 days away, or Philip is wandering, but not lost.

The times and tides of Scripture say the two people never met again. 

Acts 17 describes more the immediacy the Gospels include frequently.

10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

It's more remarkable Chapter of the Bible. Discusses a chance meeting, a noble search of Scripture and lives are changed ... by the side of the road.  A very today, Guideposts, type of thing. Something that might be in The Book of Ester, about Hadassah, the girl asked to move to a harem.

Of the four Gospels, Philip is prominently in the Gospel of John. 

Jesus tests Philip (John 6:6) when he asks him how to feed the 5,000 people. Later, Philip is the link to the Greek community. Philip is a Greek name, surely speaks Greek (the most common language at this time and Latin), and knew Greek pilgrims in Jerusalem. He tells Andrew Greek pilgrims wish to meet Jesus, and together they inform Jesus of this (John 12:21). During the Last Supper, Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, he provided Jesus the opportunity to teach His disciples about unity of the Father and the Son.

Philip is told to go to Gaza. 

Like Abraham, Philip goes. And with Philip's talent, knowing a worldwide Greek language, Philip is gifted to speak to a person reading the Scriptures with questions. A man, like the Church, began to like, those without a wife and divided interests with children, the man wants to know about the links to the future from the Old Testament Bible.  Philip is gifted, knowing the answer. 

And the man, in the chariot, moves on to the continent of Africa. Trading with other nations. 

With a very well remembered visit with a Disciple of Jesus Christ. Who was sent to meet someone. And in these talents God has given Philip, 

The Book of Isaiah: "I the LORD have called unto you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and submitted you as the people's covenant, as a light unto the nations" Isaiah 42:6.

John 8:12 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, 

He said, “I am the light of the world. 

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, 

but will have the light of life.”

  

  

1 Peter 2:9 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, 

a holy nation, 

a people for God’s own possession, 

so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him

 who has called you out of darkness 

into His 

marvelous light.  

  

  

  

  Matthew 5:14-16 

You are the light of the world. 

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 

Instead they put it on its stand, 

and it gives light to everyone in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

that they may see your good deeds 

and glorify your Father in heaven.

  

  

  Acts 26:16-18

But rise and stand upon your feet, 

for I have appeared to you for this purpose, 

to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things 

in which you have seen me and to those

in which I will appear to you, 

delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles

—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, 

so that they may turn from darkness to light 

and from the power of Satan to God, 

that they may receive forgiveness of sins 

and a place among those 

who are sanctified

 by faith in me.

I've always liked the immediacy of the wind, in this passage: John 3:8

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. 

And there is some of this here. Philip just goes. And goes. 

Yet there is comfort of the Holy Spirit: 

Of Abraham, going where told. Living his life, open heart, to be used by the Lord as life unfolds. 

Relying upon the gifts of God. Finding the talents we know we have to be used by the Lord. Faithful to hear the Lord and act. Then the cloud of unknowing of adventure and not just the same life each day.

This is a theme in Catholic Homilies (we pray we may all be one) and the sermons say, God will give us an opportunity to Bless the Lord. To speak.... and be a light to nations or mankind. We would want the willingness to speak of why the Lord is important in our lives and to our heart. 

Abba, Father,

You see all of us. All of us.

You know, no secrets are hid,

all desires known.

Bless us please

with gentle rain

and good weather,

we pray for Maui and Florida to recover

and to be safe from storm damaged land grabbers

and Florida to be safe.

Texas and the middle of the USA

and the Borders and Gulf

to have rain, gently, please.

Dwell in us.

Dwell in those we Love.

Bless our Families with Jesus Christ.

Help us to seek You first.

And in Jesus, we will finish well.

We pray for the healing of Families,

prayers Heard by our Father.

Thank You for the Blessings 

You have given us to count

this year. 

Thank You, You create a new path

with new hopes

and new expectations.

We are renewed in Our Love

You Place in Us.

In Jesus Christ,

We pray for Your Good Creation.

This Nation

and all Nations seeking Your Son.

Thank You, You Hear our Prayers.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Jesus perseverance 

Psalm 8 ~ Our Lord! How Majestic is Your Name in all the earth! †

 

 

Psalm 8

1 LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

above the heavens.

2 Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4 what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them?

5 You have made them a little lower than the heavenly

beings and crowned them with glory and honor.

6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their feet:

7 all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

8 the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Do you remember the angel craze of the 1980s? I was a newlywed & began collecting items for our first Christmas tree. Angels were plentiful. We have angels of every shape and size. There is a baseball angel, my sons adored playing baseball for over a decade. I figure somewhere in all the celestial host, there is an angel who really does like baseball. He is one of the few males made as angel decorations. My deepest chagrin, my angels are all women. Sure, I've added antique lace to them and gorgeous flowing mantles. 

I've bought more men Angels recently and added more angel decor costuming. Like the Mont-Saint-Michel statues.  The marvelous Archangel statues in France.  Regular Christmas tree angels are  from the '80s are pat you on the head, beautiful women. But this is not so Biblically:

Luke 1:11-13

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, 

standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 

When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 

But the angel said to him: 

"Do not be afraid, Zechariah;

 your prayer has been heard. 

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, 

and you are to call him John."

Raphael is "one of the seven who stand before the Lord."

 Revelation 8:2 also refers to the seven angels who stand before the Lord. The seven are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Raguel, Remiel, Saraqael, and Uriel, named in Enoch and Tobit (20:1-8), books found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and in the Bible defined by the first Christian Council - Nicaea. 

This Council of Nicaea included St. Nicholas, Bishop of Turkey, later called Père Noel, Father Christmas. These men risked a trap of the Roman Empire, Drowning, Robbery and sure death to attend. And even when St. Jerome assembled all the Books of the Bible and transferred them to Latin to be held together, 4th Century, all these Books were very definitely considered Worthy of Thee Holy Spirit. History should not undo this. The more exotic Books appeal to the religions today in Asia. And are very realistic to these cultures. And are True. Worthy in the eyes of the Holy Spirit is yesterday, tomorrow and forever.  

Mont-Saint-Michel statue with today's Shepherds!

Tobit 12:15

I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.

St Peter's Dome, 

with someone walking on the roof to the left

Revelation 8:2

Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, 

and they were given seven trumpets.

Luke 1:19

"I am Gabriel," the angel answered. 

"I stand in the presence of God, who sent me to speak to you and tell you this good news."

All of the angels, named by the Lord God Almighty, end in -el. Messengers of God. I am. Abba. Jehovah. Yahweh. King of Kings. The salvation message of Jesus Christ brought to us by the angels, is God's message. It is the same for us today, as it was for shepherds.

Luke 1:37

For no word from God will ever fail.

Abba, Father,

You alone are the LORD. 

You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, 

and 

all their starry hosts,

 the earth and all that is on it,

 the seas and all that is in them. 

You give life to everything, 

and the multitudes of Heaven worship you.

You are God of all grace, 

calling us to Your glory 

in Christ eternal,

with only small suffering,

You will,

 Yourself, restore us 

and make us strong, firm and steadfast.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, You are for us. 

Cover us, the ones we Love and You Love 

with the Strong Name of Jesus.

 Covering all of us, the world, You will save in Jesus Christ. 

Thank You, Father,

You have given us Jesus Christ

and

Dwell in us,

dwell in those we Love, God of Love.

God of Hope. 

God of Encouragement.

Help us to seek You

First

and 

we will finish well in Jesus Christ.

We know Your Love, Salvation, Promises

and Blessings. 

Thank You.

Knowing we are very Blessed in Jesus. Amen.

Felt so Blessed Yesterday with 3 answered prayers.

Then technical problems on this Post

took an hour of worship

and made horrible

nonsense of 3 hours.

God provide relief and peace.

Thank You, Abba.

Thank You, Jesus Christ.

Alleluia 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes, Jesus Christ, 
God, perseverance 

1 Chronicles 4:10 ~ God granted what he asked

 

1 Chronicles 2:55
The clans also of the scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.

1 Chronicles 4:9
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”

 

1 Chronicles 4:10

1 Chronicles 4:10
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.

We always hope and ask for new Blessings.  Jabez was not only named for pain, but he was named after his own hometown.  Pain.  

If we suddenly love rain, then this is because rain is missing. And we see clearly the necessity for water.

Hebrews 13:8

New International Version 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

 New Living Translation 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

 English Standard Version

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Psalm 102:27,28 

Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end…

Romans 8:28 

And we know that for those who love God 

all things

 work together for good, 

for those who are called according to His purpose

In the Scriptures, these few verses of Jabez both explain Psalm 139, teaching of God's Plans, written before we were born. And explains Romans 8:28.

Matthew 19:23-28 E

 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 2

5 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 

26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, 

but with God 

all things are possible.”

One of the characteristics of the Nature of God, He has a fondness for Surprise.  And enjoys the unlikely becoming the hope, the way and the Joy Jesus told us in John 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Jesus explains the Joy in His Life as He prepares to die. He moves past what the sadness is, past what is hard to bear, and wants His Life to be Joy. He strives upward in so many levels. Creating the Way, Truth and... Life. 

Jesus Christ is Joy.

Isaiah 45:8

You heavens above, 

rain down my righteousness; 

let the clouds shower it down. 

Let the earth open wide, 

let salvation spring up, 

let righteousness flourish with it; 

I, the LORD, have created it.

Abba, Father,

Your Son, Jesus, taught us He is the Lord of

the storm and the wind.

Yours is the Universe

 upheld by Your Word.

Yours is the Power.

Yours is the Glory.

Your Heavens above

Rain down upon us

in Jesus' Righteousness and Mercy,

we pray.

Let the clouds shower down upon

the dry and thirsty land.

Let the earth open wide

for gentle rain, and not the storm,

we pray.

Let Your Grace and Salvation

be abundant life to

the wildlife and forests,

the farmers

and the people.

Let Your Mercy and Goodness

help the righteous in Hope

and Faith

to flourish in Your Works.

Lord, You have Created

Your Good

Good

Good

Creation.

In Jesus, we ask

Dwell in us, Father

Send Your Holy Spirit as Helper

Dwell in those we love

and 

Help us to seek You first

And in Jesus,

we will finish well.

Thank you - healed in our Prayer request for Edward

who aspirated during his colonoscopy

and did heal well and sleep well.

And for decisions

we make, daily.

We ask for Your Favor, Father.

We ask for Your Favor

for Gracious

Weather

to 

ALL

of Your Children.

Especially the people of Maui.

Please, Lord Jesus Christ.

The drought across the borders

and the middle,

the drought circling Atlanta,

Mercy upon us, Lord Jesus.

In God, we will trust. 

Help us, Lord Jesus, and we shall be helped. 

Father, we Trust YOU

to move mountains.

In Your Good Will,

in the Hope and Future

You have planned,

we ask Your Goodness

We ask Your Mercy

on our Nation in Jesus

and Justice

and Liberty

and the world, Your Good Creation.

 And Jesus said to him, 

“‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 

 Immediately, we cry out and say, 

“I believe; help my unbelief!”

Your Good Will,

be fulfilled,

accomplished,

glorified,

treasure in our hearts,

warming our hearts on Your road

We ask 

in the 

Highest Name of Jesus.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

Happy Labor Day September 1, 2, 3, 4

 

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, 

for I am gentle and lowly 

in Heart, 

and 

you will find rest for your souls.

 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I hope your Labor Day Weekend was great. 

We went to Dallas to see my mother-in-law, before her 90th Birthday.  Worked on my mother's house and hired a Realtor, please pray for us! Feeling the expectation of God's Blessing.  Talked with my brother. Heard from an old friend, who survived her heart attack by driving to the hospital due to ambulance timing.  She does well.  Traveled to Houston to Church. Watched planes take off, had a great lunch. Edward went to a Ranch in Wielder, (Wilder) Texas to play Disc Golf. He is ranking in the top 60 or 70 in his age group, in the... world.  We have had a Texas, Gulf Coast drought and I spent the day in our backyard, rejoicing in cloudy skies, a cool breeze and two happy dogs. So a lot of going and had a very great dinner by Lake Woodlands.  Saw 25 drops of rain, praying for more.

Saw many relaxed and happy stay cation goers.  God is Good. 

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Jesus