1 Corinthians 10 ~ Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God

1 Corinthians 10 (Today's New International Version)

1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

18 Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19 Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he?


23 "I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.


Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.

Have you seen the Superbowl commercial put on by Hulu?


The analogy or parable isn’t about aliens, but more the concept of what we do put in our lives. When was the last time popular media really thought about what’s good for us instead of what’s pleasing? Okay, that concept has been hashed out time and time again. Ad nauseum.

But here is an alien concept: why do we expect media to lead us in what’s right? Why don’t the 89% of praying and believing Americans let the media know, if you produce junk that isn’t good for us, we won’t see it or support it? Isn’t it an act of kindness to lead the entertainers in a good path?

It can happen and it does happen, but not as often as it could. Moviemakers were stunned, in the last months, when they produced a children’s film from a book, Golden Compass, that was savagely anti-christian and anti-catholic. Made with top famous, highly paid actors, directors and special effects people. Outspoken atheists were elated to “disengage children from the myth of Christianity”. Many sequels and games were planned from the movie, lots of advertising. The internet buzzed about how absolutely horrible the anti-christian agenda was hidden in the movie. It completely flopped.



Movie makers keep looking with some interest at the revenue from Christian themes and Christian values movies. But movie makers want to entertain and teach their values, Christians attend, without too much of a problem. Or we go and we are surprised with the current motive packed in as a side glitch. We don’t have to be surprised.

It’s kindness to encourage friends to see a movie coming out to support a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we don’t have a good way to bring up our faith, we can bring up the movies and books we enjoy and support. We don’t have to support or encourage entertainment to be less than good for us.

The Dove Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage the creation, production, distribution and consumption of family friendly values and entertainment. The website is: http://www.dove.org/

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The ashes are made from blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration from the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. Our foreheads are marked with ashes reminding us life passes away on earth. We remember and are told; "Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return." God is gracious and merciful to all who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance and we seek His mercy during Lent with reflection & prayer.

You are Invited to Attend Ash Wednesday with Us:

Hope Pointe Anglican Church

3333 South Panther Creek

on the Southeast Corner of Woodlands Parkway and South Panther Creek

Across the Street from McCullough Junior High School

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

7:00 P.M.

It seems almost comical to mention, but today when we think of a cloud hanging over us, we think of bad news and bad luck. I’ve said before, and will say again, we are so very fortunate to live in this present day, after Jesus gave us the new covenant. Today, I thought of all the people in the Old Testament who have seen the glory of God; how did they react and where are they today, I wondered.

This cloud, the fire of the Holy Spirit, led the children of Israel. It kept Pharaoh’s army from attacking until they could cross to freedom through the Red Sea. But after walking through the Red Sea, seeing Pharaoh and his army destroyed, the children of Israel still complained again and again.

Remember the story of Jesus and the 10 lepers:
Luke 17:11-19
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Remember Jesus told parables and the Pharisees were angry? Today, when we read the story of Jesus and the lepers, we are the lepers and Lent is the time to remember to say thanks. We call upon His Name to save us, believe in our hearts and our lives change to reflect His Grace and Mercy.

Numbers 9

The Passover

1 The LORD spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, 2 "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. 3 Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations."

4 So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, 5 and they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD commanded Moses.

6 But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day 7 and said to Moses, "We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the LORD's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?"

8 Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you."

9 Then the LORD said to Moses, 10 "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the LORD's Passover. 11 They are to celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations. 13 But if a man who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person must be cut off from his people because he did not present the LORD's offering at the appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin.

14 " 'An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.' "

15 On the day the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. 16 That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

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Genesis 32 ~ This is God's camp

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God – Psalm 146.

Recently, Scripture for Today looked at Jacob, who isn’t always what we’d hope our children will be. Jesus came to tell us more about His forgiving Father; in Genesis 32, this is the forgiving Father of Jacob. This is not the horrible rap we hear about the terrible and vengeful God of the Old Testament.

How fortunate Jacob was to have heard from the Lord directly. The Lord tells Jacob (in Genesis 31) it’s time to return home and He will be with him. As Jacob returns home & sees the angels of God, he realizes this is God’s camp. Just as Peter soothes us being the believing, but wayward disciple, Jacob immediately decides this is two camps. One side of the camp will be “I believe”, the other side will be “If-God-does-not-come-through-I’ll-have-a-backup-plan”.

Once we were sitting on my husband’s parents’ beach veranda, overlooking the small courtyard and the neighbor’s always completely deserted, wonderful, cool, blue pool. We could see all of that blue pool, perfectly, just over the fence. It was hot. The other nieces and nephews had been using the pool all summer, and our young sons decided, after discussion, we’d supervise their swimming in the neighbor’s deserted pool. We’d all agreed, the neighbors were never, ever there and the boys would be fine. But just in case of being caught, run the opposite way of the back gate and run down the street, come home through the front door. Great plan. Until the neighbor comes home, the 7 year old runs the diversion and runs off the opposite way to make a u-turn down the block & out of sight. Both the neighbor and the 5 year old boy are looking at each other in stunned surprise. The 5 year old turns, runs out the gate, heads the other way (as directed) – for a grand total of 18 feet, does a U-turn and returns home in front of the stunned neighbor. The foolish parents realize the 5 year old had more sense than they did, & collapse in laughter, embarrassment and hilarity. No harm was done, but the very nice neighbor called asking for no repeat performances. God is merciful, indeed.

Jacob hears from the Lord, sees angels, worries and runs home to “If-God-does-not-come-through-I’ll-have-a-backup-plan”. Jacob still isn’t in a relaxed “I believe” faith mode, but he prays and wrestles with God all night long. Just as Jesus did not let Peter drown in the Sea of Galilee, the Lord blesses Jacob/Israel and helps him prevail.

The Lord sees into our hearts, perhaps Jacob and Peter were helped, in spite of their lack of present and clear faith, because the Lord is overwhelming in mercy. Or perhaps it was because they never quit seeking the Lord even in the darkness of doubt. Father God fufills His word to Jacob/Israel to be with him. He promises us He will never leave or desert us, but will always be with us, too.

The scripture, when remembering Jacob, reminds us Jacob is alive and living in the presence of God and enjoying the company of Isaac, Joseph and Abraham.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.


Genesis 32

1,2 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God's camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. [1]

3-5 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’”

6-8 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”

9-12 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

13-21 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.” He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’” He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him, and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

22-32 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.

Footnotes
[1] 32:2 Mahanaim means two camps


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Mark 1:1-20 ~ Prepare the way of the Lord, make His path's straight

St. John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci. 1513 to 1516, believed to be da Vinci’s last painting. Musée du Louvre.

Prepare the way of the Lord, make His path’s straight.

Our lives can be so complex, we want something to happen or move forward, but the consequences stop us or the effort costs something in time, emotion or money. Eventually we even become more interested in the process than the goal. The first step in making our path straight is honesty. We come before the Lord honestly, knowing He knows us as well as we know ourselves.

Mark 1:1-20

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”

4-8 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9-11 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

12-13 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16-20 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.


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Genesis 6:5-10 ~ he walked with God

The Contention Leading Away, or Finding the Trees from the Forest:
Scholars of the Bible point out Genesis 6 is told in two voices: the Priestly writer emphasizes the progress humans made in understanding their relationship with God. The Yahwist writer describes God’s compassion in being grieved in His heart and closing the door for Noah getting into the ark. Then scholars start deciding which part was added in which century. Forgetting ancient Jewish scribes have long maintained that the first books of the Bible were actually one word from God that man has struggled to put into his own understanding, his own chapter and verse, and with punctuation.

The Argument:
Scholars then get all hung up on the details of the animals, how this is possibly true or untrue. Then the arguing really heats up to be about which society records a huge flood. And did the great flood actually occur. Contention, argument, words and fur all fly.

The Need:
Mankind has a great capacity to distract away from hurt, physical or emotional. Genesis 6, the great flood, is a story of suffering. Why do people have tragedy, illness and have suffering? How does God react to pain! Why isn’t it all good?

Just maybe this is a roadmap to living past the hurt: God saw life has wickedness, He didn’t live in denial. God acknowledges the wickedness is deep, hurtful and evil. This wickedness in our lives is sometimes forced upon us and sometimes it is us, we ourselves.

He had regret, sorrow and anger. God is seeking justice. God seeks justice, so when we afflict others, we should still want the balance of justice in order to put ourselves back on the right path of God. When we have injustice forced upon us, we should continue to pray, hope and work for justice.

God did not seek revenge. We shouldn’t either.

In the midst of God’s hurt - His plan unfurling - He finds a blessing and finds gratitude. God gives a blessing in the midst of His right to suffer, His right to be angry, to sulk, to take revenge and to inflict punishment. God gives a blessing and seeks a reason to find a blessing.

Genesis 6:5-10

5
* When the LORD saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how no desire that his heart conceived was ever anything but evil,
6
he regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was grieved.
7
So the LORD said: "I will wipe out from the earth the men whom I have created, and not only the men, but also the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air, for I am sorry that I made them."
8
But Noah found favor with the LORD.
9
These are the descendants of Noah. Noah, a good man and blameless in that age,
10
for he walked with God, begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.


* [6:5-8:22] The story of the great flood here recorded is a composite narrative based on two separate sources interwoven into an intricate patchwork. To the Yahwist source, with some later editorial additions, are usually assigned Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 7-10, 12, 16b, 17b, 22-23; 8:2b-3a, 6-12, 13b, 20-22. The other sections come from the "Priestly document." The combination of the two sources produced certain duplications (e.g., Genesis 6:13-22 of the Yahwist source, beside Genesis 7:1-5 of the Priestly source); also certain inconsistencies, such as the number of the various animals taken into the ark (Genesis 6:19-20; 7:14-15 of the Priestly source, beside Genesis 7:2-3 of the Yahwist source), and the timetable of the flood (Genesis 8:3-5, 13-14 of the Priestly source, beside Genesis 7:4, 10, 12, 17b; 8:6, 10, 12 of the Yahwist source). Both biblical sources go back ultimately to an ancient Mesopotamian story of a great flood, preserved in the eleventh tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic. The latter account, in some respects remarkably similar to the biblical account, is in others very different from it.



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Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

I had a conversation with a teenage boy, let’s call Zach, who was conquering his addictions & made a pretty big impression on me. In our small community, it was fairly noticeable he changed from a private school to a public school in the middle of the year; being gregarious and popular, people learned fairly quickly Zach had been discovered with drugs. Soft drugs, most people assume aren’t addictive, but Zach received counseling for 14 months because he found it very difficult to quit.

Some of the reasons, Zach told me, he’d worked hard to quit - being completely robbed twice during wilder parties by his new “friends”. Not being accepted anymore by old friends, people he respected, like my son. He said one of the things he wanted to do, was to convince teenagers drugs are a slippery slope. Zach said it was easier to quit using soft drugs than convince teenagers drugs weren’t the way to go. With his reputation, new druggies loved to come and tell Zach about their new highs, Zach tells them about the lying, the excuses, the spiral down drugs cause & they really didn’t want to hear. Zach said he hadn’t convinced one person and wanted to know how to reach people better.

On Sunday, someone new at church asked me to help them out of their job loss situation. This someone has a complicated life, more complicated than most people I know. I wrote to a few people and asked for help. I really feel pretty powerless to help.

Zach and I are in the same situation, it is just difficult to help people. It is too large a job. God is in control. Difficulty and trouble can help us see the light to Him. I read a Max Lucado article on prayer, he reminds, God hears all of our prayers. Max Lucado’s words saying, “Father, the one you love is …. ill, worried, in need, lonely or whatever the situation requires” and Abba hears us. This touched me because it is true. We should help others, when we can’t, we still can, we can pray and the One who loves us will hear.


Psalm 28

1 To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary. [1]

3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.

6 Blessed be the Lord!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.


Footnotes
[1] 28:2 Hebrew your innermost sanctuary


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1 Corinthians 2 ~ my message and my preaching were not wise and persuasive words

I grew up in a Christian denomination priding itself on being loving, but not literal. One of our family members was a pastor, with a master’s in theology from a fine university. We went to church at least twice a month, I went to a private Christian elementary school and attended chapel every morning. I attended a Christian camp and went to Vacation Bible School. In fact, my mother loved Vacation Bible School and I went to several every summer when my mother would pass a sign saying one of the local churches was having one.

I have to say, I wasn’t fond of Vacation Bible School, it interfered with my summer break. In the 70’s almost everyone was Christian. Just as it is polite to say “fine” when someone asks you how you are, it was polite to reply “yes” and tell your denomination when asked if you were a Christian. I think if I’d met someone in the 70’s who said they were atheist, I probably would have thought they were communist. Hey, I was a child in the part of the city that was a lot like the suburbs.

I prayed, I wondered, but mostly I felt like God wasn’t overly interested in me. One night, I was asked by a priest to really make a commitment in my belief, was I a believer in Jesus Christ or an agnostic? I realized I was a believer. It was a moment in my life, unforgettable moment, of great and overwhelming joy.

Many years after that night, I have been privileged to have seen, heard or taken part in amazing demonstrations of the Spirit’s power. I have had occasions in my life to discuss, matter–of-factly, some of the amazing things I’ve seen God do in my lifetime and watch the other person’s mouth drop open. As I write Scriptures for Today, or tell someone something of the Lord, I realize, we have to see the Lord and His deeds with faith. Because without faith, it is seems like a tall tale or myth. Are you a believer?

1 Corinthians 2

1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"

[b]— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.[c] 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?"

[d] But we have the mind of Christ.


Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Some manuscripts as I proclaimed to you God's mystery
b. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Isaiah 64:4
c. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Or Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to spiritual men
d. 1 Corinthians 2:16 Isaiah 40:13

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Mark 7:31-37 ~ taking him aside from the crowd privately

The Ark made by the Temple Institute

The Temple Institute, in Jerusalem, Israel, has an ultimate goal seeing Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments. They have rebuilt the temple tools and the Ark of the Covenant with gold to be used in the third temple. Using the expression "lost" ark is not an accurate description for the Jewish people’s point of view - because it's not lost, but "Hidden," and hidden quite well.

The deaf man’s miracle, given to him by Jesus, causes biblical scholars to have a lot of speculation. It seems to have hidden meanings. One scholar says, biblically, the Holy Spirit is God’s hand to accomplish His purpose, so Jesus used His hand. Another says Jesus changed His usual method of healing showing God’s purpose is not to be dictated by men; the healing occurred because of His mercy. Jesus might have withdrawn from this particular crowd because He perceived they were overwhelmingly looking for a sign, even just for entertainment. We know, certainly, Jesus was not trying to escape hypocritical judgement by the Pharisees.

The deaf man would not hear Jesus speak to him before the healing. Most of the recorded miracles Jesus did, for specific individuals, He asked them to have faith. Jesus says to us over and over, we are in a deep relationship of love with Him. The man, formerly deaf and mute, wasn’t publicly healed, but privately, with signs he could understand.

Father God, thank You for Your mercy. Help us to understand and walk the path You planned for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 7:31-37

31-37 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

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Psalm 146 ~ Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God

This heavenly painting is by Wolf Kahn

When claiming the help of the God of Jacob, we’re reaching out to the most forgiving of Fathers. I remember when my boys were babies and people would tell horrible teenager stories, and I’d think, “Not my boys.” Well, my boys are people too, and I’m so proud of them, even with the scrapes we all have happen.

Jacob connived and plotted against his brother from birth. Stole the blessing, ran out on his dying father and ran away from home, brought so many people and animals back home later, Esau had to move away. Just what every parent hopes for.

God loves Jacob. He named him Israel after fighting with him! Gave him 12 sons and named tribes after him. Brought back a son, whom Israel had given up for dead. Took Israel to royal accommodations in Egypt, elevated all of his 12 sons, giving them the best of Egypt, all while healing the family with forgiveness. And gave Israel grandsons to adopt, as an act of kindness to be included in his blessing.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God!


Psalm 146 - Listen

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!

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Hebrews 12:4-15 ~ the one He loves

Hebrews 12:4-15

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled


Romans 5: 2-5

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I have a great-aunt by marriage, Clarice. She lives in heaven now, but she was such a wonderful woman. Laughter, love and straight talk were a large part of Clarice’s life. My youngest great-uncle used to tease Clarice and say, “I have 12 brothers and sisters. 6 are Baptist and 6 are Christian.” Then, he’d look to Clarice, to her reaction. He enjoyed that old joke around her all the time.

Clarice wanted to have children, but her husband was chronically ill and they never conceived. He didn’t live to be old, but Clarice really did live to be old and she had a wonderful life filled with good choices. Clarice did not grow bitter, but blessed and busy. Clarice never lacked for children, she and Walton had a long hallway covered with photos of nieces and nephews. I believe Clarice was as close to a saint as I’ve ever met. She spoke her mind & her paths were straight. She was an irritant to the less well behaved cousins.

Clarice believed in disciple-ship as she took in a troubled nephew, so a young man who couldn’t obtain a high school diploma in the bigger city, could graduate from her small town with the help of the local principal and Clarice’s encouragement. He lived with her for a year. Many nieces and nephews went to college because they had an Aunt Clarice.

When one of the wealthy brother-in-laws became immersed in an East Texas shady charlatan using religion for money, the youngest brother-in-law went to get Clarice and get him out of there. Clarice, when asked, cried, “Why me?” She was assured she was the one to be relied upon to free the uncle. So, she and the youngest brother, went on a long car trip that very day and brought back the relieved uncle. :)

Because of Clarice, young women in the family had beautiful wedding receptions. Newlyweds were given new living room furniture. Sisters lived on the four corners of the same street and ran a dress shop together, owned and worked in by Clarice. As I go along in life, I am encouraged by her memory, her love for the Lord and the joy she gave and received.

I have one more favorite and precious memory of Aunt Clarice. She was ill and having hospice care for her. What was supposed to be weeks, turned into months as Aunt Clarice was in a coma. I sent her a letter for her next-door sisters to read to her - a thank you for the many kind things she'd done for my mother, uncle and family. I loved her. One night, no one had reported Aunt Clarice was any closer to dying, about 2 or 3 in the morning - I sat up in tears from sleep. I could feel Aunt Clarice's soul going to heaven - the joy she felt couldn't be compared to a wedding day or winning the lottery - the joy of discovering all of God's promises were true. Jesus Christ and His Kingdom were in front of her forever. The next morning, the call came Aunt Clarice had, in truth, passed on.

Blessed be You, Lord Jesus.

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Romans 13 ~ salvation is nearer now than when we first believed

Before I go for a walk, I like to read the scriptures – walking is a quiet time, usually my own thoughts for the day, but the scriptures help pull me out of my own thoughts, or routine, and focus on the Lord.

Romans 13 helps to begin the day: pushing aside anxious thoughts – this type of concern isn’t even a concern worth delving into, instead the kindness and love given to us - we should return in overflowing abundance. As we pray, we are clothed with the goodness of God, His love guides us and leads us in His path.


Romans 13

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.


8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.


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Luke 2:22-32 ~ blessed God

Simeon's Song of Praise, 1631, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn

Luke 2:22-32 (King James Version)

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."


Today is Candlemas in the church. This is the day when, traditionally, all the Church's candles for the year ahead are blessed. It’s a wonderful way for Simeon and us to remember recognizing the light of the world. As Simeon recognized Jesus, he took the baby into his arms and blessed God.

Two weeks ago, I received my first email from a Christian book store offering really spectacular savings on books. Because they were in the $1 range, I bought one written by Carole Lewis called ‘A Thankful Heart’. She lost her daughter and discovered that gratitude brings hope and healing into our lives. I thought it would help me, having lost a daughter at birth.

Today, my husband suggested I travel with him to Galveston as he saw a client. As I waited for him, I opened the book for the first time.

Amazing. As I opened the book In the first few pages of the book, I realized that the author lives in Galveston and I was reading the book in Galveston. One of the opening points of her book is from:

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Carole Lewis writes, “I promise you that an attitude of gratitude is not already part of who you are, God can change your heart. When we begin to thank God in the middle of our situations –no mater what we’re going through – our situations no longer appear hopeless, and we’ll begin to see change.

Our tribulations have a purpose, Scriptures says. God has an end product in mind for us, and God’s end product is like the finest oil or a nourishing drink. That’s what God wants for our lives. God has an amazing plan for us, and He uses the moments of our lives to fulfill His plan. God wants us to become like His Son, Jesus Christ.

God calls us to give thanks not only for our comforts but also for our afflictions. That means we’re to give thanks, even if our child died, even if we’ve been the victim of sexual molestation, or (as Corrie Ten Boom discovered in the concentration camp) if there are fleas in the barracks.

God is never a God of coldness or heartlessness. He doesn’t look at us when we’re going through troubling times and tell us simply to buck up or put on a smiley face on our most heartbreaking situations. Giving thanks always recognizes the greatness and compassion of a God who loves us so intently, so passionately, so wonderfully that words can barely express it. Giving thanks is part of God’s design: when we look closely at this design, we see something of the majesty of His Being and of His care and concern for us –even in the most trying times.”





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John 7:14-31 ~ we know where this Man comes from

The Essenes, discerning the corruption of the second temple, went into the desert, at Qumran, to preserve the scriptures, to write the Dead Sea Scrolls. They wrote what Jesus’ ministry would look like as God’s Son, 4Q521:

Seekers of the Lord, strengthen yourselves in His service!
All you hopeful in (your) heart, will you not find the Lord in this?
For the Lord will consider the pious (hasidim) and call the righteous by name.
Over the poor His spirit will hover and will renew the faithful with His power.
And He will glorify the pious on the throne of the eternal Kingdom.
He who liberates the captives, restores sight to the blind, straightens the b[ent]
And f[or] ever I will cleav[ve to the h]opeful and in His mercy . . .
And the fr[uit . . .] will not be delayed for anyone.
And the Lord will accomplish glorious things which have never been as [He . . .]
For He will heal the wounded, and revive the dead and bring good news
to the poor

Jesus had been in ministry for about 6 months. Jesus stayed away from Judea and was in the Galilee area avoiding the enmity of the religious leaders. Jesus’ brothers asked him to attend the feast of Tabernacles because they wanted his ministry to be publicly seen & approved of, also to clear up their own doubts. In the middle of the feast of Tabernacles, in September/October lasting 8 days, Jesus began to teach.

People who doubt Jesus and doubt the word of God, do it for the same reason the religious authorities doubted Jesus; they wanted to be disobedient to God. People who come to the Lord, after years of doubt, do not usually have more evidence than before, their hearts are changed.

John 7:14-31

14-24 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”


25-31 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”


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Mark 4:35-41 ~ they took Him with them

The Jesus Film Project is from Campus Crusade for Christ. 5 billion unchurched people have watched this 2 hour film telling the biblical story of Jesus. Billions more to go.

The photos below are from the film, showing the disciples:

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.

And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Christians are comfortable with statistics quoting the divorce rate of 50%, whether the person is christian or not. There is another statistic: 9% is the divorce rate when two people believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and their salvation was purchased at a price. Both these people, in the marriage, put God first in their lives. 50% is correct when people are comfortable saying their denomination and casually attending church, casually believing.

I am uncomfortable, other Christians are uncomfortable, and we don’t discuss frequently - their teenagers and young adult children's salvation. Having heard other Christians pray about this, I know it’s a parental christian concern of today. In my family, we have put God first in our lives (with a disclaimer saying we are far from perfect and wouldn’t have anyone sign us up as the model family). We can say with ease, our children see we love the Lord and seek His path. We are in the world, but not part of it. Being parents of teenagers, we hear them trying on extremely casual belief: believing Jesus saves, the bible is a suggestion written by men – not worthy of study & accepting other view points of salvation.

Once again, I am grateful to live in New Covenant times. The prophet Samuel accepted Israel’s viewpoint that his children did not walk in his ways, so did Eli. This passage is comforting to me because these disciples of Jesus were already in the Savior’s boat. Jesus didn’t turn to them and tell them to row their own boat in the storm. Jesus helped them. When the future is uncertain, I know that Jesus in charge. Salvation is from the Lord.

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1 John 2 ~ true light is shining

Here I am to Worship (Light of the World) by Tim Hughes

1 John 2 - Listen

1 -6 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

7 - 11 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

15 – 17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

18 - 25 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us —eternal life.

26 - 27 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

28 - 29 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

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Psalm 51 ~ You desire truth

Gregory Peck made a movie in 1951 called ‘David and Bathsheba’, a sweeping Hollywood romantic epic, but not biblical. While channel surfing one day, I saw a wonderful scene with King David, grabbing the Ark of the Covenant, crying out to God either David wanted to be forgiven for his sin or he wanted to die.

A wonderful and fantastic member of our family decided, in High School, to ride his motorcycle down the hallway. I asked him why he thought he could do it, he said, with a small smile, he thought if he went fast enough, no one would see his face.

David probably thought his sin was small before God, but the situation kept getting darker. David must have justified, if he moved swiftly enough, didn't sit and ponder the matter, he had enough brownie points with God. David: lived in a cave, gave up many years being chased incorrectly as an outlaw, did what God wanted, had the opportunity to kill King Saul, but didn’t kill Saul, was a national hero, had been told he was the apple of God’s eye and had been rewarded by God. If he didn’t get caught with a Bathsheba/Uriah scandal, God would probably look the other way. Especially, if David didn’t think on the matter too much himself.

The movie's fictitious earnestness, that David was willing to die for forgiveness, was interesting. God isn’t asking us to die. God really asks for genuine sorrow for wrongdoing. God is willing to forgive us. We just have to admit to ourselves, and God, what we thought might have been wrong was sin. Father God tells us no one is good but the Lord. And yet, we are adopted into his family by Jesus Christ. Jesus told sinners to go and sin no more. Jesus said in Luke 15:10

"there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Jesus wants us to remember he is the good shepherd, looking for the lost sheep.

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

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Psalm 42 ~ I will remember You

Several years ago, while going through the estate of a family member, we came across a beautiful, sealed little crystal bottle which once held water and, now, just remnants of sand with spots. This was a cherished souvenir of a trip to the holy land with Jordan River water.

Written in the Bronze Age (during the reign of David or Solomon), Psalm 42 describes a difficult time in life. Verse 6 remembers a trip seeing roaring water falls of the Jordan River. The Lord promises He is wisdom, He gives us common sense. Here, a suffering follower of God is seeking God and is renewed remembering God doesn’t abandon us. Emmanuel, God is with us.

Psalm 42

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

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Isaiah 18 ~ At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty

Ethiopian Processional Cross. Between 12" and 8". Once only carried by clergy, it’s meant to be carried in the hand or pocket and now called a walking cross. Ethiopian Walking Cross.


Isaiah 18

1 Woe to the land of whirring wings [a]
along the rivers of Cush, [b]
2 which sends envoys by sea
in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.

3 All you people of the world,
you who live on the earth,
when a banner is raised on the mountains,
you will see it,
and when a trumpet sounds,
you will hear it.

4 This is what the LORD says to me:
"I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."

5 For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone
and the flower becomes a ripening grape,
he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives,
and cut down and take away the spreading branches.

6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey
and to the wild animals;
the birds will feed on them all summer,
the wild animals all winter.

7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD Almighty.

Footnotes:
Isaiah 18:1 Or of locusts
Isaiah 18:1 That is, the upper Nile region

In Genesis 2, we are told the Gihon river begins the garden of Eden; it winds through the entire land of Cush. Biblically, Cush was the eldest son of Ham, brother of Canaan and the father of Nimrod, mentioned in the "Table of Nations" in the Hebrew Bible (Book of Genesis 10:6, I Chronicles 1:8).

Cush is considered to be Ethiopia. Ethiopia, archaeologically, is one of the oldest countries humanly populated on earth. Egypt was ruled by Ethiopia at one point and the territory was expanded, at one time, on Israel’s side of the Red Sea. Only oral history tells us that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia) had a son together. The Scriptures report the Queen of Sheba returned understanding God was greater than Solomon's wisdom. Her gifts, God given, would be for living her life in a renewed knowledge of God as the Almighty. Jesus records saying the Queen of Sheba will rise up in the end days as one walking in His paths, seeking His redemption and His Holiness. Ethiopian history, concurs, shows Semetic language during the bronze age.

Cush is told fighting against Israel - will be the country's destruction by Isaiah, Jeremiah.

Although Zephaniah may speak of the unique Ethiopian Orthodox Church. 3:10
From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.

Historically, reading between Isaiah chapter 17 -18, Isaiah is telling messengers from Cush, visiting in Judah, their homeland is involved in war since they left Cush.

Josephus, tells us historically, at the time of Jesus, the nation of Cush is considered to be the son of Ham and grandson of Noah: "For of the four sons of Ham, time has not at all hurt the name of Cush; for the Ethiopians, over whom he reigned, are even at this day, both by themselves and by all men in Asia, called Cushites." (Antiquities of the Jews 1.6).

Today, we can look at Isaiah 18 and see a time of trouble. The first verse is locusts to some biblical interpreters, the wings are war to others. This time is known and commented by the whole world. But God assures us, He is involved. He is the brightest light in good circumstance and He is the rest looked for when life is difficult. Even in adverse times, good things and good memories are made. God doesn’t ask us to curl up into a little ball. We are told in Isaiah, God asks us to use our gifts to His glory. Our country learned in the last century: when people give to each other, fear is conquered and hope returns.

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Isaiah 49 ~ know that I am the Lord your Savior, and your Redeemer

Several people have asked me today about Isabelle. And that is good with me. I’ve learned a lot about stillborn children from different websites on grief recovery, the christian sites are the most interesting to me. They have the answers I need about God, about grief and understanding my life is separated from Isabelle now, but not forever.

The best website I’ve found is by Dr. Elizabeth Best from the University of Florida. Dr. Best has specialized in stillborn baby grief recovery for 30 years and she is a very christian woman.
http://www.forgottengrief.com/index.html

Mothers of stillborn babies take about 2 years to have the grief considerably reduced. Fathers recover more quickly. I am past the intense sorrow, but I really believe what I read about not repressing and I give my tear glands a good use everyday. The rest of my day, I am pretty cheerful. I use the sad moments to picture resting my head on God’s mighty heart. I remember what it says in the Psalms 34:

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

After about 20 minutes, I am comforted. My hope returns.

Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.

But when I look in the Scriptures for comfort from missing Isabelle, I am comforted, because the Lord’s promises to my daughter are promised to me as well. Right after Isabelle died, my husband was so sad and asked what such a little baby would do in heaven. I asked him if he thought that his dad, whom he so loved, got really good use out of his brain or his own knees. None of us in heaven use any of the old parts, the only part that is left is the soul. As I said to my oldest son in college today, it makes good sense to feed the part of us that is eternal. A soul is a terrible thing to waste.


Isaiah 49 (Revised Standard Version)

[1] Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.

[2] He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away.

[3] And he said to me, "You are my servant,Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

[4] But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God."

[5] And now the LORD says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength –

[6] he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

7] Thus says the LORD,the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful,the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."



[8] Thus says the LORD:"In a time of favor I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages;

[9] saying to the prisoners, `Come forth,' to those who are in darkness, `Appear.' They shall feed along the ways, on all bare heights shall be their pasture;

[10] they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall smite them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.

[11] And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be raised up.

[12] Lo, these shall come from afar,and lo, these from the north and from the west,and these from the land of Syene."

[13] Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.

[14] But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me."

[15] "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

[16] Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

[17] Your builders outstrip your destroyers, and those who laid you waste go forth from you.

[18] Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather, they come to you. As I live, says the LORD,you shall put them all on as an ornament, you shall bind them on as a bride does.

[19] "Surely your waste and your desolate places and your devastated land --surely now you will be too narrow for your inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up will be far away.

[20] The children born in the time of your bereavement will yet say in your ears:`The place is too narrow for me; make room for me to dwell in.'

[21] Then you will say in your heart:`Who has borne me these? I was bereaved and barren, exiled and put away ,but who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; whence then have these come?'"

[22] Thus says the Lord GOD:"Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.

[23] Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers.With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you, and lick the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame."

[24] Can the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?

[25] Surely, thus says the LORD:" Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.

[26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Isaiah 49 is a balm! It strikes me right where I am today. Jesus is the light for the nations. Revelation says nations, not just a big city, but nations will live in His kingdom.

Little Isabelle, not forgotten or pushed aside in the Lord’s huge kingdom. Isabelle called by God the Father, from the womb, from the body of her mother He named our daugher. And now the LORD says, who formed her from the womb to be His servant, honored in the eyes of the LORD, and her God has become her strength –

Who will care for Isabelle in heaven? The Lord says she is saved from a desolate heritage with the covenant given to little Isabelle in Jesus Christ. Her parents, the scriptures says are bereaved, but God says, “I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples.” The Lord promises to save our children. He who has pity on them shall lead them. Isabelle has foster fathers and nursing mothers who hold her closely and carry her on their shoulders. Isabelle lives in the paradise Jesus has told us about. Those who wait on the Lord, are not put to shame.

One fine day, the Lord will gather us to Him and we will rejoice to live in His presence and to know Isabelle again.

Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord,who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. [Selah]


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Hebrews 7:25 -8:6 ~ seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven

Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6

[25] Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
[26] For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

[27] He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
[28] Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.


Hebrews 8

[1] Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

[2] a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
[3] For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.
[4] Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.
[5] They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary; for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain."
[6] But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Paraphrasing Matthew Henry & adding commentary myself:

The believer's safety and happiness: our everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. We should desire a spirituality and holiness beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs. Jesus Christ is for us!

When Moses acted as intercessor, he knew of the coming of Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15,16,19 . But Moses was before the new covenant of Jesus and couldn’t rely upon Jesus’ saving grace. Moses was an intercessor for himself and the children of Israel, but he could sin and incur wrath. Moses was a good man, but his time placed him in the old covenant.

7:26-28 Jesus Christ is free from all habits or sin, no sin in his nature. Ghandi said once, “I like your Christ, it is the Christians I do not.” Christians have a sin nature and require a savior. Jesus did no violence, nor had any deceit in his mouth. He is undefiled. It is hard to keep ourselves pure, so as not to partake the guilt of other men's sins. No one is dismayed who come to God in the name of his beloved Son. He will deliver them in the time of trial and suffering, in the time of prosperity, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.

We approach God in and through Christ, depending upon Jesus’ merits and mediation. We are accepted in the Beloved! In all obedience and worship, we keep close to God's word, which is the only perfect standard.

The children of Israel during the time of Moses, were not as blessed as we are today in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we have all spiritual blessings, eternal life, promises revealed in the gospel and old testament, and are made sure through Christ. Today, we are part of the new covenant, a blessing of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that we have a High Priest that suits our helpless human condition!

In 1982 in college, my phone rang and a dear christian, a believer in Jesus Christ - one who studied the word of God - sought the Lord & told me, "he had a word of the Lord for me." In my life, I've had few people tell me they have a word of the Lord for me. He told me the Lord would give me a handicapped child. Believe me, I was angry and upset, my friend and I had words later in person. But he wanted me to know the Lord planned this in my life.

After Isabelle's death, I have thought about this quite a bit. I believe that I am a sinner and Jesus Christ answers for my sins. This life isn't heaven and we have seasons of pain. The Lord decided to bring Isabelle into our lives and have her open her eyes in heaven; I trust Him that this is a good thing. We did not see the miracles I hoped to see in this lifetime for Isabelle, but I trust in Him all His promises are given even to our tiny, beloved baby. Isabelle lives in heaven, in the love of Jesus Christ, and eternity is now. In 2007, I did not have a daughter, but now I do. May Isabelle's life, and mine, bless Him for His goodness.


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