John 6:1-69 ~ “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Maciek Kozierski walks on water, Sea of Galilee

John 6:1-69

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.

11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”

13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.


16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat,
and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.


22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 

26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 

28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 

29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 

30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 

32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 

40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 

43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 

47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 

48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 

53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 

61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 

67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 

Jesus is the Holy One of God

Inspiring People today. Living Bread. Living Scripture.

To ‘walk on water‘ is a well-known saying, said Poland’s kite surfing pioneer Maciek Kozierski. As one of the world's best kite surfers, he long had a vision of himself walking on water. For Kozierski it was a matter of honor that he accomplish the feat without tricks or any technical assistance.

Together with a team that included six-time Israeli wakeboard champion Lior Eliyahu and photographers Predrag Vuckovic from Serbia and Joerg Mitter from Austria he spent four days on the Sea of Galilee on their project codenamed simply "Miracle".

We spent four full days on the water directly in front of the world-famous church at Capernaum. The plan: Kozierski would use his kite to acclerate to maximum speed, then step off the board and release the kite - and then walk on water. The difficulty: when the wind was strong the waves were too high and when the surface was calm there was not enough wind. The 26-year-old athlete from Warsaw crashed hard into the water at high speed more than 50 times and had to repeat the whole attempt time and time again.

The released kite was once damaged after flying halfway across the sea. On another attempt he missed the photographers in the water and on boats. On the last day he finally accomplished the feat and got the perfect “miracle“ shot: Maciek Kozierski walking on water and in the background is the historic church.

"And we did it without any tricks or smoke and mirrors," he said proudly.

John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Millenniums people have aspired to bring the Love Jesus has for us alive.
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

This generation has found more Biblical archaeology. 

More unique ways to Worship.

This generation is running a race to win.  Striving in new ways.

Father God, we pray this is to have more hearts to You. In Jesus the Lord God. Amen.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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Matthew 9:1-8, 35-37 ~ When He saw the crowds

Matthew 9:1-8, 35-37

Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.

2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”

4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.


35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on 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 workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

We have seen the Father. No one has seen the Father, yet we have seen Jesus. We have seen the Father.



Exodus 34

Then the LORD passed by in front of him and Proclaimed,

"THE LORD, THE LORD GOD, COMPASSIONATE AND GRACIOUS.

SLOW TO ANGER.

ABOUNDING IN LOVING KINDNESS AND TRUTH

WHO KEEPS LOVING KINDNESS FOR THOUSANDS,

WHO FORGIVES INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSIONS AND SIN.


Remember with me, when God Spoke - the People had never heard such a LOUD SOUND.

I would bet you, when the Lord asked, "WHO?" The Echo of God The Father Almighty - Answered, - "THE LORD, THE LORD GOD!"

No Word of God should be unfilled. 

Exodus 34 continues -
Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.

Jesus Our Advocate - Covering Us with His Love

1 John 1
What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  

These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

And the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us -

John 1
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory!

Glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.

For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God; the only God,who is at the Father’s side,
HE HAS MADE HIM KNOWN.



Jesus came and He healed many times by taking His Beloved aside. And sat to sit with His people. The Sea of Galilee, a wonder of His, has acoustics that carry softly. His Voice speaking to you - today.

“Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

Go Home.

Praised God, who had given such authority to man.

Jesus went through all

teaching

proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom

and healing every disease and sickness.

HE HAD COMPASSION ON THEM

harassed and helpless

~ a Shepherd

When Jesus prayed - He prayed with the Father. Not pulling from Him. A conversation with Him. Jesus prayed with His Father.

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;

my eyes are not raised too high;

I do not occupy myself with things

too great and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,

like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord

from this time forth and forevermore.

Jesus our advocate and Redeemer. Bringer of Salvation.

Jesus, please. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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Matthew 16 ~ understand

Matthew 16

16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”

8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.


13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

This is the Scripture where Peter recognizes Jesus as Lord. We overshadow the fact Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus saying John the Baptist has called Jesus the long awaited Messiah.

Peter and the other disciples have arrived with expectations.
They have seen signs and signs and signs like the Pharisees.

Jesus is telling them constantly - like Jonah - who brings salvation through God - He is leaving. God does that. He creates in Peter the awareness of relationship - a personal relationship and then the embodiment of that person of salvation will leave.

Jesus is saying HE has provided a tall ship with a Star of Bethlehem to sail towards.

The very permanent Roman Empire is gone.
The very prominent Caesarea is gone.
The Church Jesus Christ provides with Love - is here for these millenniums.

+ Jesus is also saying all through the passage that the signs are seen all the time, because the Bible is Living and Active, Jesus is saying we see signs of God.

God clearly is saying man jumbles up the holiness of God. Does this disgust and horrify God? Are we doomed to have a barrier with God because of sin and unworthiness - flaws and self-centeredness?

Life is a test. Not of how much bread we can hoard. Life is the person we are becoming today. Some self is required - we must love ourselves. Honor ourselves as someone God loves. After we place God's goodness first.

Peter sees the Glory of God and has relationship with Jesus his life reveals to be real.
Jesus knows this heart of Peter's. God's privilege is to live in our souls we comfortably call hearts.
Then Peter displays our desire to ask God to do the God thing and elevate us to comfortable.
God knows exactly what is going on.

We are the ones who are figuring this out. God wants us to go upward in His call.

Who had a call from God?
~ David was obedient to God's call. And loved God.

~ Samuel was obedient to God's call and loved Saul. Oddly. God had to remind Samuel God was in charge. And Samuel Heard.

~ Jeremiah was reminded to love the people of God or his finger of accusation would rest upon Jeremiah.

~ Mary immediately chose obedience and gasped and sang of the fact the Call of God would be eternal. Like Jesus despising the shame and realizing the present sufferings would be eclipsed by Glory of God.

~ Joseph. Joseph was not aware of all of this. He was in confusion. Joseph in his state of disappointment and hurt chose mercy. God poured His Spirit forth into the mercy.


Joseph was surely working on God's work - mercy. David was working to believe God when his family was kidnapped from the ditch they lived in as mercenaries. Mary was working on believing God's Plan of goodness as she was facing a tiny town as a young pregnant, unmarried woman. Samuel was working on believing God's plan for the seat of Religious power and still holding on the the joy of God's love and obedience during real political fear.

God's call was not comfortable or easy. God was building people to stand in difficult times.

John 6:29
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

All we have to do is believe in God. That He is who He says He is and His promises are true.

The task of Jesus and God is much harder in dealing with the aspects of His Creation. A God saved task to save the World in Jesus Christ - how is this working even today - this passage suggests we take goodness and add in the prevarications, the restlessness, the boredom, the variations, the demands of a selfish people -

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


Father God, the people who love you have a call from God the Almighty, adopting them as His Family. We pray God to have the wisdom, heart and joy with diligence to do all the Love, works and Words You would have us to speak and act upon.

Father God, we pray that all Your children will open their eyes to see Jesus and the Joy He brings forth to us each day when we see with gratitude. We pray for His Children.

We pray with Jesus, not pulling Your responses from You - instead knowing the Joy You have in us.

Amen in Jesus.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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Revelation 12 ~ Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them!

 

 

Revelation 12

12 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.


7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 

11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”


Sorrow looks back
Worry looks around.
Faith looks up.

What will we do with our blessings?
Matthew Henry writes this passage is so deep, it is almost without fathom. This Scripture is about the Church, about History, about our present, past and future.

Will we have our blessings
 so hoarded that they vanish, like the first paragraph?

Or will we pick at our blessings 
until they are like Chocolate Easter bunnies pick, pick, pick - horrid and gone.

We have the ability to un-bless our blessings.

Invest generously with your time, your mercy, in real treasure. 
 Give happily what God has given you. Because? We bless ourselves in eternity. God sees our gifts as building the Kingdom to Eternity. Making Life what you give.

Psalm 145:3-10
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your saints shall bless you!

Give thanks? 
The only thing we can Give to God - He has not given to us.  

1,474 Giving is used in the Bible in the English Standard Version. This is an attitude. Grow. Stretch. Expand.  New people, new ideas, new strengths. Where does strength come from? Overcoming.
 

2 Timothy 1

My beloved child!
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
a clear conscience
remember you constantly in my prayers night and day
long to see you, that I may be filled with joy
sincere faith
fan into flame the gift of God...

God gave us
a spirit not of fear but of power and Love and self-control.

not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord
the gospel by the power of God
saved us and called us
because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus
abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher
he is able to guard
in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus
the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.


Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


God is able to bless us. Able. In all times. Abundant blessings. How? God is in process with our earnest, sincerity of working things together. When we do not react in a Spirit of Fear. In all times - God is able to bless us. Are we called to His Purpose? I believe in the Lord's Prayer - we are called to do our best to be honest, sincere and bring Heaven to Earth.



Father God, In Jesus help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Your Love and Mercy. Called Salvation. Every day until the day of eternity.

Jesus our Lord, equip us, through Jesus Christ, bless us in every good thing to do Your will, working in us that which is pleasing in Your sight for Your glory forever and ever.

Father God, You are able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before the presence of Your glory with great joy. You are only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. 
Amen.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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Revelation 3 ~ you

In Remembrance of Me, by Walter Rane

Revelation 3

To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this: The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this:


"I know your works, that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful and strengthen what is left, which is going to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember then how you accepted and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you. However, you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy. The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and of his angels. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write this: The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who closes and no one shall open, says this:

"I know your works (behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close). You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the assembly of Satan who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying, behold I will make them come and fall prostrate at your feet, and they will realize that I love you. Because you have kept my message of endurance, I will keep you safe in the time of trial that is going to come to the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming quickly. 

Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown. 

The victor I will make into a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it again. 

On him I will inscribe the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, as well as my new name. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God's creation, says this:

"I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

 For you say, 'I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,' and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise.

 Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

God is grateful for endurance, we all learn about the people who will endure with us. One of the people I am so grateful for is my son, Alexander. We traveled through East Texas Saturday morning for a Disc Golf Tournament in Nacogdoches - this weekend. As I was texting my son to be safe today on Texas rivers, I got a text back. 

One of the most powerful points about the Scripture is God's Word being living and active. In this generation. We see that the man who saw people as trees walking was the way the brain recovers from brain operations. We see the cloud of the Temple is probably not regular mist, instead more probable the birth of a star we see in the Hubble Telescope photos. This generation is not only uncovering more archaeological Biblical evidence, we are seeing new truths for today - revealing God is not finished with us 2,000 years later. Alleluia.

When we listen with open hearts (a smart woman in my church says when we have a teachable heart), the Scripture will be different at different times when we hear the Bible.

Revelations 3 comes  and I "hear" about the white robes of heaven for the first time and begin to think about holiness, purity and beauty in the Kingdom of Heaven. It makes me think of the glories of heaven.

Revelations 3, really and not just as an example, makes me think about the study of happiness done by the evening news last night. The second component of happiness, according to the report last night, is not to compare ourselves to others. We just don't know how God plans others' lives and really what goes on. Perhaps we envy someone all their good fortune, but in reality their heart is "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." And if we guess it to be so, we still do not know what God has in store, within the next year that person could be given a revelation and refined by God's fire.

 And as we rode along the sun was coming up. And I got a text back from Alexander very early in the morning. A surprise and a heart is warmed!

Just as the disciples, before and after Jesus lived among them, had different aspects of their faith grow and fall back. (Remember Peter and Paul had the dispute over circumcision or early churches and the turmoil over eating kosher/idol sacrifices). Our lives have major circumstances and minor influences - all these move us in God's plan. We have the choice to invite God daily or work contraflow. Either way - God will accomplish His will. God at work for His good purpose.

 The sun rose out of the mist with a huge amount of brilliant orange! And I realized I didn't have to stick to a text, I could call one of my favorite people - my son Alexander!

It's important to read the Scripture several times, stop and think about what you remembered the best.... that is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. 

 As we hung up the phone, we crossed the Alexander Creek. In Leggett County (my Texas A & M dorm).  And I just rejoiced at the goodness of Father God bringing us people we love!

 Later in the day, we talked to people who had seen this incredible sunrise. And we all said it was the most remarkable sunrise out of the mist. Creating small mountains like the Blue Ridge Parkway. And all who had seen it gave God Glory Immediately!






Father God, we invite You into our lives to have Your Will and Your good pleasure.  You know not just our name but our essence, our soul. 

We ask Your Love and blessings for ourselves and the people You have given us.
We ask the blessing of John - John knew Jesus and would not leave Him. We ask to have our heart be loyal and have the blessings John knew from his love. John could not stop the Sacrifice we all needed, But You never forgot John. John endured with You.


 We know You are at Work today. Help us each day to remember one of Your many wonders and grab hold of Your renewed mercies each day to be inspired in faith, hope and Love anew. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

And Father God, glad to be home Sunday evening and have less technical, hotel difficulties to finish this post! Amen in the Lord.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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Mark 6:14-29 ~ When Herod heard

Herod Antipas was known as a builder. Tiberus, the city was built to let Caesar know - Herod was his man. Herod Antipas lived on a stage, where he liked to create images; fittingly this ruin survives the best of all he built.

This coin of Herod Antipas was carefully created without images to please a

Jewish Kingdom, who, biblically, did not like images.

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

~ And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

 Josephus heard of this as well. He wrote that Salome danced for Herod Antipas, who was the Emperor appointed King of most of the Holy Lands for most of Jesus' life. Josephus records the dance took place in the court yard of the Palace Machaerus. Macheerus rose above the Dead Sea and was part of a line of defense for smoke signals - Macheerus could be seen from Massada to Jerusalem. Josephus also records all of the significant details of Salome's life, her marriages and the names of her children and shows coins minted for Salome's children as well.

Thousands of the red tiles used in the roof are still in fairly intact status.

Herod was unwise. He had divorced his wife and married his brother's wife. He was worried Jesus was John's reincarnation and he hoped Jesus would perform for him - a miracle. Herod Antipas, was what is known as a "poser". A Jewish King, leading God's chosen people, while twisting or ignoring the rules to suit himself or Caesar.

Jesus called Herod a fox. Unlike "poser", Jesus meant fox as in the traditional cunning animal. A fox - typically live in small family groups, opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey. Jesus loved and forgave all of us. Herod the Great had killed his father-in-law's family in order to rule. Like a fox in a chicken house. Jesus could see into our hearts and Jesus sees straight into Herod. Unless a fox is killing your livestock, it's a great pleasure to see a fox. Splendid apparel with a shrewd face. Jesus loved Herod and could appreciate him, even for his flaws.

Herod is offering half his kingdom in exchange for the life of a man of God. He has posed so long as so many different roles - even to himself - he has forgotten...

Isaiah 7:9
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

Betrayal of Jesus's John the Baptist?

Herod Antipas did forfeit ....his whole kingdom; his small family group included Herodias' brother. Herodias' brother convinced Caesar, after 42 years, Herod Antipas was a failure. Herod Antipas and Herodias were cut off and exiled from Israel.

Father God, so many times we doubt others and ourselves. Sometimes fairly, sometimes in a learning capacity, sometimes in rude judgment. Herod's reaction upon hearing of the son of God - wondering if John the Baptist's ghost returned. His reaction was a glimmer of salvation about resurrection, joined with fear and Shame.

Our Loving Father, You do not call us to live in shame, or guilt. We heed the warning signs of these. And Look for Your Parenting and Your Loving Guidance, for ourselves, the ones we love and our nation. For Your Daily help in all areas of our lives. In Jesus, Amen.

Thank You, Jesus!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

 

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