1 John 3 ~ For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another

John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

In early September of this year, we heard from specialists our unborn daughter Isabelle (30 weeks, 7.5 months gestation) had multiple difficulties and would not survive. We were able to cope fairly normally in the weeks leading up to Isabelle's birth because the support given from our church family. The power of christian love, God's love being sent through our church family, provided us with love and encouragement to continue in a very difficult time. Tomorrow, Scripture for Today will include scripture supporting experiences our family had during Isabelle's illness and passing to live with the Lord.

Although it is very sad, the ultimate conclusion is a new child of God goes to live with her heavenly Father. Isabelle is alive and will be reunited with all of us one day. We are very grateful for the love given by God through his people during this time.

1 John 3

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, [Greek word adelphoi, both men and women - siblings brothers and sisters] that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

Mark 12:28-31

Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' "The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

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Matthew 13:1-9 ~ A sower went out to sow

Matthew 13:1-9 (Revised Standard Version)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.

And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
He who has ears, let him hear."

For two thousand years God, through his son Jesus Christ, has been altering lives all around the world. The real people, just like you, whose lives God has changed started GodSpeaks.com. In their own words and with their own voices, they present their stories to encourage people to know God’s love and read what He has to say. These stories/billboards are evidence that God not only exists but that He loves us and wants to be a part of our lives.

GodSpeaks.com - Doug explains why he discovered God's unconditional love. Listen and another Listen.

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Psalm 67 ~ Your ways known on earth

Psalm 67 (New International Version)

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.

4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah

5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.

6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.

7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.


Numbers 6

24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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1 John 5 ~ the testimony of God is greater

Sunlight on King Street. Toronto, Canada.

Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.


1 John 5

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God [1] will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Footnotes
(1) 5:16 Greek he

God is Love is the greatest message of the bible and is written in John’s first letter. John wants us to know that he has Personally seen Jesus with his eyes and has physically Touched Jesus. Our faith is comfort, not because John has seen God or we feel good about John’s witness, but because God has given us His testimony. In His word. Jesus gives us comfort. This chapter Assures us of victory in faith – we have been set free.

We have the witnesses today, people who have come back from near death experiences, God has given His ultimate gift to us.

Jesus is the Son of God.

Romans 8:14
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Romans 8: 26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Ephesians 5:25
Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Matthew 3: 11
I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 3: 21
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Matthew 26:28
This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Leviticus 17:11
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.

We have assurance of our salvation. For - ever. Today:

Luke 3: 44
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Galatians 5: 22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

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Titus 1:15-16 ~ put in order

Titus 1:5-16 (New Revised Standard Version)

I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said, "Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons."

That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Finding the right bus going the right direction...

Atheists in the U.K. have raised money and will begin advertising in a campaign called No God. The buses in London will say, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Many skeptics are exactly that, not worrying or thinking about the deeper meanings to life. The people who like this advertising said that they are tired of hearing scare tactics about hell and salvation. Hasn’t it been decades and decades since Christians opened Christian thought with hell speech? I don’t remember any anytime lately.

Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis was born in Northern Africa in a time where many men beat their wives. His Christian mother was a counselor at the local shelter and gave women advice to make their marriages peaceful. He was a disappointment to his mother; he lived with his girlfriend and had a son outside of marriage. He taught at good schools and knew the right people in Rome. Augustine became interested in a cult.

His mother didn’t decide to accept everything Augustine did in life as okay. But she didn’t cut him out of her life, she did what pleased God, she prayed a lot.

Augustine went on to become one of the greatest leaders in the Christian church in 2000 years. He had been a non-believer, debauched, rebellious and not blameless. He had not been prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He did not have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy. Augustine became a bishop in Algeria and his thinking on Christian matters is sought after 1700 years after his death. Why? He’d agree with Titus that this is the truth. No one ever gave Augustine confirmation that rowing his own boat, in his own way was the truth of Jesus Christ.

Augustine was a beloved bishop, not by thundering about hell, but the people in his part of the world - from many different cultures and races - could appreciate that he was a man who understood that he was a sinner. He was a sinner who put thought into his life, looked for the deeper meaning and began with the grace of God to read and act upon God’s love.

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Proverbs 8 ~ finds life

John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Jesus was with His Father when creation took place. Jesus gives us wisdom and fills us in on what it was like to be with God creating us and the world. God uses this Proverb to say where he wants us to use wisdom.

Proverbs 8

1 Does not wisdom call?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call,
and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

22 “The Lord fathered me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields,
or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there;
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.

32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.”

"There will be a Day" sung by Jeremy Camp - Listen

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Acts 14 ~ Perseverance

Lystra, in present day Turkey, was a bustling city in the ancient world. Lystra is unexcavated today and is now covered with thistles, grass and spotted with fragments of ancient buildings and occasional pieces of pottery. Encouraged to persevere by Father God, the Apostle Paul returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antitoch to convert many people and his message of salvation as God’s gift in Jesus Christ has spread through the millenniums.

Bishops from Lystra were were present at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, Constantinople in 381, Chalcedon 451, and Constantinople in 879. There is evidence the city survived until the 13th century.

Acts 14

Iconium-

1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.

Lystra–

8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 "Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

From Antioch and Iconium-

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.


They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch-

21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

John 3:16
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Lystra is one of the few cities mentioned in the Scriptures never having a synagogue. While the Christians worked tirelessly for others to see and witness God's Love. Lystra did not persevere in the most important part - the soul.

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2 Chronicles 13 ~ days of Abijah

2 Chronicles 13 - Listen

1 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah.* 2 He reigned for three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.

Now there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 3 Abijah went out to battle, having an army of valiant men of war, 400,000 chosen men. And Jeroboam drew up his line of battle against him with 800,000 chosen mighty warriors. 4 Then Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim that is in the hill country of Ephraim and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel! 5 Ought you not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingship over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt? 6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord, 7 and certain worthless scoundrels gathered about him and defied Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and irresolute and could not withstand them.

8 “And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made you for gods. 9 Have you not driven out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes for ordination with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of what are no gods. 10 But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the Lord who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service. 11 They offer to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but you have forsaken him. 12 Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.”

13 Jeroboam had sent an ambush around to come upon them from behind. Thus his troops were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. 14 And when Judah looked, behold, the battle was in front of and behind them. And they cried to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets. 15 Then the men of Judah raised the battle shout. And when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16 The men of Israel fled before Judah, and God gave them into their hand. 17 Abijah and his people struck them with great force, so there fell slain of Israel 500,000 chosen men. 18 Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers. 19 And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took cities from him, Bethel with its villages and Jeshanah with its villages and Ephron with its villages. 20 Jeroboam did not recover his power in the days of Abijah. And the Lord struck him down, and he died. 21 But Abijah grew mighty. And he took fourteen wives and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. 22 The rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.

* And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David, and Abijah his son reigned in his place. 2 Chronicles 12:16

David ruled the Kingdom of Israel. David's grandson Rehoboam was rejected by ten of the twelve Tribes of Israel during the disruption at Shechem, leaving only the Kingdom of Judah ruled by the Davidic line. Abijah, son of Rehoboam, grandson of Solomon, great-grandson of David lived c. 900 B.C. The Northern Kingdom (called Israel) fell to the Assyrian Empire c. 720 BC but the Kingdom of Judah survived until it was conquered in 586 BC by the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar.(2 Kings 25:8-21). This event coincided with the destruction of the First Temple of Jerusalem and with the Babylonian Captivity.

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Luke 10:16-21 ~ rejoice that your names are written in heaven

Luke 10:16-21 Listen

16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.


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Ephesians 1:11-23 ~ your faith in the Lord Jesus

“Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord” sung by Mercy Me

Ephesians 1:11-23

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that can be invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.


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Psalm 98 ~ Joy

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the LORD,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.


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Amos 9:5-15 ~ I have given them

Amos 9:5-15

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible


The Lord God of hosts,
he who touches the earth and it melts,
and all who dwell in it mourn,
and all of it rises like the Nile,
and sinks again, like the Nile of Egypt;
6 who builds his upper chambers in the heavens
and founds his vault upon the earth;
who calls for the waters of the sea
and pours them out upon the surface of the earth—
the Lord is his name.

7 “Are you not like the Cushites to me,
O people of Israel?” declares the Lord.
“Did I not bring up Israel from the land of Egypt,
and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Syrians from Kir?
8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom,
and I will destroy it from the surface of the ground,
except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,”
declares the Lord.

9 “For behold, I will command,
and shake the house of Israel among all the nations
as one shakes with a sieve,
but no pebble shall fall to the earth.
10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword,
who say, ‘Disaster shall not overtake or meet us.’

11 “In that day I will raise up
the booth of David that is fallen
and repair its breaches,
and raise up its ruins
and rebuild it as in the days of old,
12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,” [1]
declares the Lord who does this.

13 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when the plowman shall overtake the reaper
and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
and all the hills shall flow with it.
14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
15 I will plant them on their land,
and they shall never again be uprooted
out of the land that I have given them,”
says the Lord your God.

Footnotes
[1] 9:12 Hebrew; Septuagint (compare Acts 15:17) that the remnant of mankind and all the nations who are called by my name may seek the Lord.

I love Matthew Henry. Any day of the week, he is beautiful and eloquent - loving and tender as God. The English language has changed in the 250+ years he had his Bible Commentary and needs a little loving added to the words we seldom used. So here we go:

Matthew Henry’s commentary on Amos: GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Like the advice of Gamaliel - what comes from God should not be tampered with. God places His Holy Spirit in all who believe. Good news.

The restoration of the Jews and the gospel blessing.

Christ died to gather together the children of God who were scattered abroad- called by his name. The Lord said this (Who does this! Who can do it! Who has determined to do it!) the Power of Whose Grace is engaged for doing it! Verses 13 to 15- when are these days? - In the awakening of the Holy Spirit within us. Possible in each day.

Let us continue earnest in prayer for the fulfillment of these prophecies, in the peace, purity, and the beauty of the Church! God marvelously preserves his elect amidst the most fearful confusions and miseries. When all seems desperate, He wonderfully revives His Church, and blesses her with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. And great shall be the glory of that period, in which not one good thing promised shall remain unfulfilled.

Alleluia.

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Luke 8:16-25 ~ Who is this?

Christ in the Storm of Lake Galilee. Painted by Rembrant Van Rijn in 1633. Jesus is asleep in the bow of the boat while the disciples are in fear and fighting the storm until Jesus speaks to the storm. The gospels that point out human weakness while even being in the same boat with the Lord are comforting. It is a good thing the Lord is in the forgiveness and comfort business, we all need it.

Luke 8:16-25 (New International Version)

16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

19 Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."

21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

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Psalm 92 ~ It is good to give thanks to the Lord

Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world


Psalm 92 (New American Bible)

1
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High,
2
To proclaim your love in the morning, your faithfulness in the night,
3
With the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre.
4
For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds; at the works of your hands I shout for joy.
5
How great are your works, LORD! How profound your purpose!
6
A senseless person cannot know this; a fool cannot comprehend.
7
Though the wicked flourish like grass and all sinners thrive, They are destined for eternal destruction;
8
for you, LORD, are forever on high.
9
Indeed your enemies, LORD, indeed your enemies shall perish; all sinners shall be scattered.
10
You have given me the strength of a wild bull; you have poured rich oil upon me.
11
My eyes look with glee on my wicked enemies; my ears delight in the fall of my foes.
12
The just shall flourish like the palm tree, shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
13
2 Planted in the house of the LORD, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14
They shall bear fruit even in old age, always vigorous and sturdy,
15
As they proclaim: "The LORD is just; our rock, in whom there is no wrong."


Footnotes
1 [Psalm 92] A hymn of praise and thanks for God's faithful deeds (Psalm 92:2-5).

2 [14] Planted: the just are likened to trees growing in the sacred precincts of the temple, which is often seen as the source of life and fertility because of God's presence. Cf Psalm 36:9, 10; Ezekiel 47:1-12.


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Matthew 9:27-38 ~ spread his fame through all that district

Luke 11:10
10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 9:27-38

27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”


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1 Chronicles 24 ~ divided accordingly

Priests Blessing at Western Wall

A record number of Jews at the Western Wall (picture taken October 2006) for the traditional blessing of the priests during the festival of Sukkot (Sukkah – a booth or Tabernacle usually covered with tree branches). Police had to close the entrances into the prayer plaza because of the crowds.

Sukkot this year is October 13-20, 2008 or Jewish Year 5769.

The joyous festival of Sukkot celebrates the forty years the Jewish people wandered through the desert after leaving Egypt. During this time, they lived in temporary shelters, called "Sukkahs".

Scripture for Today has a picture from current day Sukkot and a blessing of the priests, a reading from the Old Testament about appointing the blessing of ministry work for the Lord and a reading from the New Testament about blessing a ministry.

1 Chronicles 24 (Today's New International Version)

The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as the priests. 3 With the help of Zadok a descendant of Eleazar and Ahimelek a descendant of Ithamar, David separated them into divisions for their appointed order of ministering. 4 A larger number of leaders were found among Eleazar's descendants than among Ithamar's, and they were divided accordingly: sixteen heads of families from Eleazar's descendants and eight heads of families from Ithamar's descendants. 5 They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

6 The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelek son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar.

7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib,
the second to Jedaiah,

8 the third to Harim,
the fourth to Seorim,

9 the fifth to Malkijah,
the sixth to Mijamin,

10 the seventh to Hakkoz,
the eighth to Abijah,

11 the ninth to Jeshua,
the tenth to Shekaniah,

12 the eleventh to Eliashib,
the twelfth to Jakim,

13 the thirteenth to Huppah,
the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

14 the fifteenth to Bilgah,
the sixteenth to Immer,

15 the seventeenth to Hezir,
the eighteenth to Happizzez,

16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah,
the twentieth to Jehezkel,

17 the twenty-first to Jakin,
the twenty-second to Gamul,

18 the twenty-third to Delaiah
and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

19 This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their ancestor Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

20 As for the rest of the descendants of Levi:
from the sons of Amram: Shubael;
from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah.
21 As for Rehabiah, from his sons:
Ishiah was the first.

22 From the Izharites: Shelomoth;
from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath.

23 The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third and Jekameam the fourth.

24 The son of Uzziel: Micah;
from the sons of Micah: Shamir.

25 The brother of Micah: Ishiah;
from the sons of Ishiah: Zechariah.

26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.
The son of Jaaziah: Beno.

27 The sons of Merari:
from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zakkur and Ibri.

28 From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons.

29 From Kish: the son of Kish:
Jerahmeel.

30 And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder and Jerimoth.

These were the Levites, according to their families. 31 They also cast lots, just as their relatives the descendants of Aaron did, in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelek, and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same as those of the youngest.


Luke 1:8-22

8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 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. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

19 The angel said to him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time."

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.


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Psalm 136 ~ His steadfast love endures forever

Psalm 136 reminds me of a beach vacation we took with our sons when they were small. On our vacation Sunday, we were not going to church and so we decided to read Psalm 136 with them responding "His steadfast love endures forever". Being very young, this just struck them as hysterical. They laughed all the way through and created an real moment of strong love for their youth, their innocence and because their joy was apparent. That emotion that wells up of overwhelming love is how much God our Father loves us.

We then had a discussion of the movie, “Prince of Egypt.” I recommend it for all ages seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. Prince of Egypt - There Can be Miracles When You Believe - listen You Tube.

Psalm 136 (Revised Standard Version)


[1] O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[2] O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[3] O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[4] to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[5] to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[6] to him who spread out the earth upon the waters,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[7] to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[8] the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[9] the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[10] to him who smote the first-born of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[11] and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[12] with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[13] to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[14] and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[15] but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[16] to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[17] to him who smote great kings,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[18] and slew famous kings,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[19] Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[20] and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[21] and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[22] a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[23] It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[24] and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures for ever;
[25] he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
[26] O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures for ever.


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John 20:19-31 ~ by believing you may have life in His name

John 20:19-31 (Today's New International Version)

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus [a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe [b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.



Footnotes:

John 20:24 Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean twin.
John 20:31 Or may continue to believe


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Matthew 6:19-21 ~ treasure in heaven

Funeral for Isabelle Claire

Beloved baby daughter & sister.

September 23, 2008

Loved, treasured and taken up in mercy by Jesus.

(Our worship leader and ladies sang this at Isabelle's funeral, it was beautiful. We also sang "Open the Eyes of Our Heart, Lord". )

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me on You Tube - listen


Isaiah 35

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;

4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool,
the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
In the haunts where jackals once lay,
grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

8 And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it.

9 No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,

10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.


Matthew 6:19-21

Treasures in Heaven

19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Jesus told us what heaven would be like in Matthew 13: 31

31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

What can be given to anyone that is a lasting gift? We want to fill the lives of our children and loved ones with gifts to remind them that they are special, precious and chosen. We live in a world where we do not stay for even more than a century. The Lord God Almighty, who created the heavens and the earth, says we are chosen, special and precious to Him. He calls to us to be the children of God. God reaches out to us in the love shown in Jesus and His words given to us in Scripture. He gives us the promise of His word that He wants us in heaven. He promises us heaven is open up to us in baptism in Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, September 23rd: Anne Laurel, Edward and Isabelle began a journey that would begin and end Isabelle’s life. Doctors had already told the family that Isabelle had chromosome disorders and Isabelle’s life could be filled with pain. Isabelle received so much love in so many prayers. The love shown to the family, they have told me, gives them the remembrance to the end of the last day on this earth, the love that God gives to us. It is a sample of heaven. Isabelle was part of the church family in a strong way. Isabelle and the her family were blessed to have many people come over to pray and visit for hours. Many Christians called to say that more Christians were concerned and many prayers were offered. Friends of friends called to the Lord to express love and hope. Isabelle and Anne Laurel were picked up and taken gently in large vehicles to meet people at church to have group prayer. The Lord gave words of comfort and love to last a lifetime.

When Isabelle was born, she received the one gift that IS lasting. Isabelle Claire was taken and sealed in Jesus Christ’s love forever. Psalm 111 says: Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

On that day - busy, fear filled, fast-paced, unannounced day, this great congregation, this loving church family showed up, stayed, wept and provided their youngest Christian with baptism. As Isabelle was being born, her church family gave Jesus Christ to her. It was a time of tears, Isabelle would not fill the lives of her family with her life and their love. It was a time of mercy, Isabelle was born with a beautiful face and was blessedly, blessedly asleep in the Lord. The youngest Christian of the church family was going to the Lord with a look of love, baby joy and contentment all over her face. Her parents will remember that peace for a lifetime. They will wait for patience for the day the Lord brings them home and know one of the first voices calling to them on that day will be Isabelle reunited with her family. It will be a great day to walk with Lord in love and a great family reunion.

God’s promises of eternal love and life with Jesus Christ given to us are read today from our church family who participated in Isabelle’s baptism:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Colossians 2
1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.


Colossians 2: 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.


Colossians 2: 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.


20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world.


Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them

Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.


Hear the words that Jesus speaks to us when we looked to him in faith:

Luke 23:43
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."


A further conversation on grieving, a two year later perspective. Scripture for Today. Blogspot. Com 9/2010


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Psalm 80 ~ Thou leadest Joseph

Our household is in mourning for our baby daughter Isabelle, she went to be with the Lord on September 23rd. This Psalm sooths me as I look to the Lord for comfort. Joseph had a difficult life, his brothers sold him into slavery & his life had times of real sorrow. As Joseph lived God’s plan for his life, God was Joseph’s father loving him more even than Jacob/Israel. The trouble of this life can be so very painful, but this life is temporary.

Psalm 80 is God telling us he did not forget the sorrow & the reunion of Israel and Joseph. God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, sits today with a living Israel, Joseph, Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. It must have seemed to Israel, as father, and Joseph, as son and slave, & Benjamin, as son and brother, that God had forgotten them and their love for each other. It must have seemed to them that God was angry or had forgotten to care for their prayers. But God had a plan for them that was God’s plan, higher than human wisdom.

To grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:16-21)

Psalm 80 (Revised Standard Version)

[1] Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
thou who leadest Joseph like a flock!
Thou who art enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
[2] before E'phraim and Benjamin and Manas'seh!
Stir up thy might,
and come to save us!
[3] Restore us, O God;
let thy face shine, that we may be saved!
[4] O LORD God of hosts,
how long wilt thou be angry with thy people's prayers?
[5] Thou hast fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
[6] Thou dost make us the scorn of our neighbors;
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
[7] Restore us, O God of hosts;
let thy face shine, that we may be saved!
[8] Thou didst bring a vine out of Egypt;
thou didst drive out the nations and plant it.
[9] Thou didst clear the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
[10] The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches;
[11] it sent out its branches to the sea,
and its shoots to the River.
[12] Why then hast thou broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
[13] The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
[14] Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
[15] the stock which thy right hand planted.
[16] They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down;
may they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance!
[17] But let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand,
the son of man whom thou hast made strong for thyself!
[18] Then we will never turn back from thee;
give us life, and we will call on thy name!
[19] Restore us, O LORD God of hosts!
let thy face shine, that we may be saved!

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